TENSION HIGH IN NASARAWA: 100 Police, DSSofficers missing in Lafia

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61879

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Over-deregulation, recipe for disaster — DPR at OTC

**

•P.43

IMF recommends total removal of oil subsidy —P.10

TENSION HIGH IN NASARAWA:

AMNESTY: Don't waste tax payers' money •P.9

100 Police, DSS officers missing in Lafia —Oritsejafor

•17 Police officers returned out of 90 — CP •40 bodies recovered; search still on

BY EMEKA MAMAH, KINGSLEY OMONOBI, OKEY NDIRIBE, BEN AGANDE & ABEL DANIEL

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AFIA—THE Nasarawa State Police Command has said that only 17 out of the 90 Police officers, excluding Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS:

DONU KOGBARA The Amaechi drama (2) •P.17

ADISA ADELEYE Let truth be heard by many as being told by a few —P.48

Mr & Mrs

TEARS FOR SLAIN POLICEMEN—Ambulances bringing the remains of the slain Police officers to Dalhatu Specialist Hospital Morgue in Lafia, Nasarawa State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

2015: There 'll be Police smash baby in Imo no crisis if Jonathan factory ....Rescue 17 pregnant loses — Clark •P.12 teenagers, 11 minors•P.7 C M Y K

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POCKET CARTOON

AWARD—Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor on the floor and in tears (inset) as Northern Christian elders pray for him during award ceremony conferred on him

by Northern States Christian Elders Forum in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

100 Police, DSS officers missing in Nasarawa Continues from page 1 other security officers, who were on a mission to arrest the chief priest of Ombatse Shrine, located at Assakyo village, about 10 kilometres from Lafia,

the state capital, returned so far with various degrees of wounds.

Ombatse in Eggon language literally means “time has come”.

This came as President

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Those who don’t learn from history will definitely repeat history, and end up in the rubbish heap of history.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

What do you want to be? Be it, because you already are — Wayne Dyer

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OU choose the thought that you prefer, from the trillions of thoughts that continuously flow through your mind on that never-ending conveyor belt. You can pick one that suits you, put it back, and take another at any time. Your imagination is the repository of thoughts that you opt to keep.

You want to be able to be in a place where you are living from the end as if what you would like to manifest is already there. To make a future dream a present fact, you must assume the feeling of that wish is already being filled Wayne Dyers sums it aptly. You may have placed a picture in your imagination of who you’d like to be, but if you can’t assume the feeling of that wish fulfilled, you’ll find it impossible to make your future dream a present fact. Yet you do have this wondrous power to take a thought that is in your imagination, live from that place in your daily life, and then experience in your body exactly how that feels and stay with this feeling. Your feelings are where you live. If you have been able to assume the feeling within your heart and genuinely feel the love that this activity brings to you, you will, as Neville states, be in a place where your wish must be realized —such is the power of your feelings.

Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, cancelled his scheduled visit to Namibia to personally oversee efforts by security agencies to contain the new security challenge in Borno, Nasarawa and Benue states. Already, 40 dead bodies of the missing policemen had been recovered from the forests.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives, Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam have condemned the killing of the policemen and officials of the Department of State Security, DSS, saying the action was not only unacceptable but also "revolting."

Jonathan on a state visit to South Africa, was expected to proceed on a state visit to Namibia in continuation of his investment drive across Africa. A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati said: “In view of recent developments at home, Jonathan has cut short his visit to South Africa and aborted his state visit to Namibia which was due to start today” (yesterday).

He said on arrival, the president will meet with the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police and heads of national security services to review the security situation in the country.

Also, as a result of the latest development, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar declared, yesterday, that the killing with impunity of officers and other members of the rank and file of the force in parts of the country, had reached intolerable stage. He noted that the reign of terror would be brought to an end henceforth.

Abubakar spoke through the Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mbah in Abuja. He said: “We must put an end to this endless circle of impunity. Enough is enough.”

Policemen to wear black arm bands He ordered policemen throughout the country to wear black arm bands for a period of one week in honour of the their colleagues killed in recent days in Bayelsa, Borno and Nasarawa states or elsewhere. The Department of State Security, DSS, also said it had deployed a search and rescue team to determine the number of its officers involved.

The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam condemned Wednesday ’s ambush of the policemen. Suswam, specifically called for firm action against the perpetrators of the crime.

Earlier reports indicated that 23 of the officers were killed in an ambush by the Ombatse worshippers but the police confirmed, yesterday, that 30 corpses of the slain officers had been recovered. Governor Tanko Al Makura of Nassarawa State had said, Wednesday, that 20 policemen were killed during the incident by a militia group, known as “Ombatse” in the village located along the Akwanga-Lafia Road.

He said the policemen were murdered while on official duty to dislodge the militia group when they were ambushed and killed. The governor said that the group, which had besieged the state, was bent on destabilising

the State Government.

The new development caused tension in Lafia, as policemen and traffic wardens kept off the streets. There was chaos as most traffic lights were not functional, leading to traffic gridlock as motorists struggled to outsmart one another, trying to wriggle out of the situation.

Vanguard also noticed that the confusion was compounded in the nooks and crannies of Lafia and environs as the dead bodies of mobile policemen so far recovered were being moved to the Dalhatu Specialist Hospital Lafia, mortuary.

Crowds of sympathizers and relations of victims wept openly on the streets as the bodies of the slain officers were being conveyed in trucks to the mortuary.

17 injured police officers returned — CP The State Police Commissioner, Abayomi Akeremale, who commented on the incident confirmed that only 17 out of the 90 policemen excluding other DSS agents had so far returned with various injuries. The police spokesman in the state, DSP Michael Ada, later told Vanguard that 30 dead bodies of policemen had so far been recovered, adding that, “our rescue teams are still in the bush searching for other missing officers.” Altogether, it was said that 117 officers including policemen were involved.

Giving reasons for the ill-fated mission, Police C o m m i s s i o n e r Akeremale said: ”The militia group called Ombatse was going about in mosques and churches forcing all people of Eggon extraction in and out of Lafia to drink a particular concoction prepared from herbs

and anyone who failed to comply was beaten up and harassed. It was agreed at the state security meeting that the Ombatse Shrine priest be arrested to stop such activities.”

Other government sources further told Vanguard that Ombatse, was believed by the government to be behind most of the violence and killings being perpetrated in Nasarawa State in recent time.

Eight police patrol vans burnt It was learnt that out of the 11 police patrol vans used to convey the mobile policemen for the operation, eight were burnt beyond recognition by the militia group.

However, sources said that only one member of the group was reportedly killed during the operation which lasted for more than 24 hours in the Lakyo village where there was no telephone service.

ACF condemns killings Meanwhile, the ACF has condemned the reported killing of security personnel whose responsibility it was to secure the lives of other Nigerians across the country.

National Publicity Secretary of ACF, Mr Anthony Sani signed the statement which read: ‘’The reported ambush of police and DSS by the Ombatse worshippers in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State which resulted in the loss of 23 police officers and eight vehicles is revolting because, apart from the precious lives lost, those whose responsibility it is to secure the lives and property of Nigerians are becoming the targets of religious sects, however defined. This is unacceptable."

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Mob kills undergraduate over alleged phone theft

BY EMMANUEL UNA

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ALABAR— A SUSPECTED phone snatcher said to be an undergraduate of the University of Calabar, was killed by a mob at about 9 p.m, Wednesday, for allegedly snatching a phone and a lady’s handbag.

The undergraduate said to be operating with someone at large was alleged to have boarded a taxi at Marian Road to Calabar South and when they got to Goldie by Atu Street junction, they asked the taxi driver to stop and while stepping down from the taxi, one of them grabbed the lady's handbag who sat next to him while the other snatched her phone.

“When the lady raised alarm, some people chased the boys and one managed to escape while the other hid himself in the gutter in front of my house, " Dr Emmanuel Effiong Ene, a lecturer who witnessed the incident said.

According to the lecturer, when one of the thieves escaped, the mob came after the one who hid himself and descended on him with stones and cudgels. ”I heard someone scratch a machete on the ground and soon after the boy began to scream as he was being dealt machete blows,” he said.

Man charged with theft of internet lover’s N680, 000

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AGOS— A 26-YEAR-OLD man, Jolaoye Oyewole, yesterday, appeared before an Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged theft of his Indian girlfriend’s N680,000.

Oyewole, who resides at 3, Atobaje St., Agege, Lagos, is standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

According to the prosecution, the man stole Miss Sarah Warner’s MasterCard and used it to withdraw the sum from her bank account.

Cpl. Onaiwu Iyobosa told the court that Oyewole committed the offences between December 3, 2012 and January 12, in Ikeja.

“The accused invited the complainant (Warner) to Nigeria through the internet to formalise their relationship.

“On arrival, he lodged her in a hotel and they slept together for days.

“In the process, Oyewole stole Warner’s MasterCard which he used to withdraw N680, 000 from her account.

Police nab 3 over alleged kidnapping in Ondo

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — POLICE in Ondo State have arrested three persons in connection with the kidnapping of a 40-year-old wife of a popular politician, Mrs Yewande Olaiya, in the hilly town of Idanre, Ondo State.

The suspects, according to state Police command, include Akintayo Gboyega, Dickson Ossai, and Usang Usang.

They were arrested by police detectives, Wednesday evening, at their hideout in Akure.

Acting on tip-off, the police detectives rescued the victim who was held hostage inside a building in the metropolis.

Mrs Olaiya was abducted at her residence on Surulere Street, Odode Idanre, Monday, by three gun-wielding kidnappers.

She was driven to an unknown destination in an unregistered green colour Toyota car.

The kidnappers, according to investigation, contacted the fam-

ily, Tuesday, demanding a N5million ransom.

Speaking with Vanguard the State Police image maker, Wole Ogodo, said that luck ran out of the hoodlums when detectives traced them to a building in Akure and arrested them.

He said they were picked up by officers and men of the special Anti Robbery Squad.

Ogodo said that the suspects will be prosecuted if found culpable.

He appealed to members of the public to always assist the police with information that will help to curb the nefarious activities of the criminals.

The image maker however said that the command will make the state unbearable for criminally minded people that may want to affect the peace of the state.

Ogodo added that those arrested for kidnapping in the last one month would soon be arraigned in court after a thorough investigation by the Police

Some of the 1,500 motorcycles distributed by Taraba State governmen Photo: NAN.

Policemen go berserk over poor mortuary facilities for slain colleagues zShoot doctor, destroy hospital buildings

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI — A GROUP of aggrieved policemen who were assigned to convey the corpses of their colleagues killed by suspected terrorists in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, yesterday, shot a medical doctor in the leg and fired several gunshots to scare medical staff, destroying some buildings at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, when they realised that the mortuary was filled to capacity and there was nowhere to deposit the remains of their colleagues.

Vanguard gathered that the incident happened at about 10 a.m. when the policemen who went to the hospital discovered that the remains of the officers and men that were taken to the hospital since Wednesday were yet to be deposited at the morgue due to lack of space.

An eyewitness who did not want his name mentioned said: “The policemen came to the hospital and started shooting sporadically when they discovered that there was no place to deposit the remains of their slain officers and men, as the morgue was fully occupied. I believe the medical staff who was shot was as a result of stray bullets, and not targeted at him as insinuated.”

A staff at the UMTH who was not authorised to speak to press said: “I was attending to a pa-

tient, when I heard the sound of gunshots and immediately I saw people running and I had no option than to run too.

“Although, I cannot tell whether a medical staff was shot or injured, the whole institution was shut down for over two hours before normalcy returned.”

Efforts to speak with the Police Commissioner, Mr Yuguda Abdullahi and his Public Relations Officer, Mr Gideon Jubrin

proved abortive, but a top security officer who did not want his name in print confirmed the incident to newsmen.

He said: “Yes, there was a rampage at the UMTH. The Chief Medical Director, Professor Tahir Othman, called me over the development, but as I am talking to you, the situation is under control as normalcy has returned and the people are going about their normal businesses.”

Meantime, the Resident Medical Doctors of UMTH have embarked on an indefinite strike following the shooting of their colleague by policemen.

Chairman of Resident Doctors of the institution, Dr. Mohammed Yahaya said; “Our union has from today embarked on an indefinite strike following the attack on one of of our colleagues and others by policemen.”

Labour shuts down Imo civil service

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WERRI— THE Imo State civil service has been shut down because of the civil/ public service strike declared two days ago under the auspices of the ‘Joint Negotiating Council.’

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have stated that they were not in support of the strike while Governor Rochas Okorocha, on his part, said he had banned the said union.

Nonetheless, the Imo State secretariat has remained locked since Tuesday.

According to a top ranking member of the Imo State civil service, the situation appears too dicey and volatile to properly decipher what is going on.

“In fact, the situation here is very pitiable and dicey. Nobody is sure of the state of affairs,” said the source, adding that the sec-

The protesting Imo civil servants retariat may have been locked to avert a violent situation.

But a top official of the controversial joint negotiating council said his group was responsible for locking the gate – and that they would fight any attempt to unlock it.

Some workers who are afraid of being sacked if they fail to turn up for work were seen hanging around the entrance of the secretariat. Fully armed mobile police men were also seen stationed at the entrance.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—7

Imo Police rescue 17 pregnant teenagers, 11 minors from ‘baby factory’

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

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nt under the SURE-P youth empowerment scheme in Jalingo, yesterday.

LASU students clash with Lagos First Lady's security men

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AGOS — OFFICIALS of the Students Union Government of Lagos State University, LASU, yesterday, clashed with security officers attached to Lagos State Firstt Lady, Mrs Abimbola Fashola.

The clash took place shortly before the departure of the first lady, during the 5th memorial anniversary forum for late Prof Jadesola Olayinka at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos.

According to the Student Union president, Mr Ibrahim Olatunji, “at the event, we deemed it fit to give a procession to them. And the next thing we saw was that a security officer pushed me and

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MUAHIA — ABIA State Police Command said it had intensified the battle against child trafficking in the state.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr. Usman Tilli Abubakar, said his men had smashed many child trafficking syndicates operating in the state especially in Aba area.

Abubakar also said his men had also raided several ‘baby factories’ and made several arrests.

The CP mentioned specifically the case of one Nkemdirim Ebere, alleged to be an operator of a baby factory home at Adaelu Road, Osisioma Ngwa.

According to him, his wife, Adaeze Nkemdirim was arrested by the police when they raided the place while the man escaped.

How we burst the syndicate On how the command burst the syndicate, the commissioner said the illegal babies home was successfully raided by the “Ambush Squad” after a tip-off.

According to the CP, “the prime suspect is now at large. She was producing sachet water as a decoy to deceive unsuspecting members of the public about what was really going on in the premises.

“When the police invaded the tightly secured compound, 17 minors were seen holed up in different rooms in the large compound with some of their children playing around.”

The Imo police boss equally paraded the 55-year old security man, Mr. Uzoamaka Okoli, from Nempi, Oru West Local Government Area of the state, employed by the fleeing owner of the babies home.

The 23-year old Oyibo, who was equally paraded by the commissioner, has allegedly confessed to being responsible for all the pregnancies.

corked his gun.

“We would have expected the first lady to have called us to know what was happening, but she just got into her car and left.”

Dignitaries at the memorial anniversary forum included former DG of Nigerian Law School, Chief Kole Abayomi, SAN; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Adefulire; Archbishop Emeritus of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie; Lagos State Commissioner of Justice, Mrs Ayotunde Phillips and Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs Titi Tomori-Laoye, among others.

Our effort towards stemming child trafficking — Abia CP

BY ANAYO OKOLI

WERRI — THE Imo State Police Command has burst a child trafficking and baby factory syndicate in the state.

Disclosing this, yesterday, in Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, said the command had clamped down on illegal motherless babies homes and rescued 17 pregnant teenagers.

According to the CP, one of the illegal homes, Ahamefula Motherless Babies Home, located in Umuaka, Njaba local council area, is allegedly owned by a middleaged woman simply identified as “Madam One Thousand.”

Katsina said during the police raid, no fewer than 11 minors, who were possibly waiting to be sold to prospective buyers, were rescued.

The bizarre aspect of the police finding was that a 23-year-old man, simply identified as Oyibo, was fingered as being responsible for impregnating the expectant girls, whose ages ranged between 14 and 17.

Apart from being in varying stages of pregnancy, the girls who equally looked malnourished wept uncontrollably as they were pa-

raded by the police.

At the home, three young girls were said to have recently delivered babies at the home while the babies were sold.

Abubakar gave the names of the three young girls as Eberechi Achi, Onyedikachi Okere and Gift Ohuonu.

He also mentioned another home named Daughters of Zion Rehabilitation/Motherless Babies and Care Centre at Amaoji Ukwu, Obingwa.

At the centre, the CP said: “Nine pregnant teenagers were found.

Their names are Blessing Amadi, Amarachi Onwukwe, Amarachi Udoka, Chidinma Onukafor, Favour Dike and Precious Emmanuel. Others were Eziuche Michael, Chinasa Chukwuka, Chidera Ogbonna and Chinyere Agbakuru."

Some of the pregnant teenagers.

Lagos CP risks contempt for failure to produce kidnap suspects

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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AGOS — JUSTICE Yetunde Idowu of an Ikeja High Court will on June 6, 2013, determine whether or not to commit the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umar Manko and two others to prison for contempt over alleged failure to produce two suspected kidnappers before her.

Justice Idowu had on February 18, 2013 ordered the Police “to produce two suspected kidnappers, Philip Tomi and Joel Wolomo or their bodies” before the court while ruling on an exparte motion filed on their behalf by their counsel, Chief Seliwei Willy Baidi.

Those joined as co-defendants in the suit are the Officer-in charge of anti-robbery squad, Ikeja, Supol Terry and the Investigating Police Officer, Sergeant Eric.

The application filed pursuant to order IV Rule 1, 3 and 4 (a)(b) of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, was praying the court to compel the police to produce the suspect in court to settle the agitation on whether or not the suspects have been extrajudicially killed by the Police.

It was alleged that Tomi, Wolomo and others had kidnapped one Alhaji Alaka Abayomi, 46 years, in front of his office at Agbowa on August 24, 2012, following which they were arrested sometimes in September 2012 by the Police and detained at the state anti-robbery squad, Ikeja.

When the matter came up, yesterday, their lawyer informed the court that none of the respondents had appeared in court, in spite of the fact that they were served with court processes.

8—Vanguard , FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

BY HENRY UMORU

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BUJA—FEAR, yesterday, gripped the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, after members of the National Working Committee, NWC, were served with court orders to defend themselves against a court process to sack them from office.

The apprehension of the NWC members was further heightened by revelations that President Goodluck Jonathan had decided to distance himself from the embattled party officials.

The thrust of the legal action, aiming to sack the NWC members from office flowed from the report of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on the March, 2012, convention which produced the present set of national officers.

The INEC report which was produced last month asserted that the election of eight of the 12 members of the NWC was irregular and against the stipulations of the PDP election guidelines.

Some party stakeholders based upon the INEC report had recently approached an Abuja High Court to declare the election of the affected national officers illegal.

Those affected by the report were the deputy national chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja; National Organising Secretary; Abubakar Mustapha; National Youth Leader, Alhaji Garba Chiza; Deputy National Youth Leader, Dennis Alonge Niyi; Deputy National Auditor, Senator Umar Ibrahim; Deputy National Woman, Hannatu Ulam and National Woman Leader, Kema Chikwe.

Also affected were Deputy National Organising Secretary, Okechukwu Nnadozie; Deputy National Treasurer, Claudus Inengas; National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon; National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh and Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Binta Goje.

The affected officers according to Vanguard sources had for some time evaded court's summons but were caught off–guard, yesterday, when the court approved substituted service through the office of the National Chairman.

The substituted service order was granted by S.B. Belgore of Abuja High Court on May 2, 2013 and it came despite a restraining order against the INEC report granted the NWC members by Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court Justice Belgore in the substituted service ordered, “that leave is granted to the plaintiff/applicant to serve by substituted means of the originating summons, affidavit in support, preaction counselling and other processes in this suit on the 2nd to the 18th defendants through the office of the 1st defendant’s national chairman at the PDP national secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja”.

Justice Belgore said upon hearing motion notice dated

INEC report: Fear grips PDP leadership as NWC members get court papers zJonathan to affected NWC members: You are on your own April 30, 2013 and after hearing the affidavit in support of the application sworn to by Jovita Duru and also after hearing J.S. Okutepa, SAN, with Joni Ichika, granted the said substituted service. The suit was adjourned to May 20 2013.

A source told Vanguard that the PDP National Legal Adviser, Victor Kwon on getting the substituted service order, had no choice than to distribute the court order to the affected members of the PDP NWC. On getting the order, members of the NWC rushed into a meeting at the Presidential Campaign office, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja to ponder their options.

President Jonathan who aborted a state visit to South Africa and Namibia to deal with the security situation in the North East and Nasarawa State has, however, opted not to mediate in the unfolding action on the fact that the matter was before the courts.

Meanwhile, governors elected on the platform of the PDP, a source told Vanguard, yesterday, were pressurizing the president to push for a mini-convetion to regularize the election of the affected national officers of the party.

The PDP Governors Forum, had in a recent meeting, pushed for the implementation of the

MEETING—From left: Former President of Cape Verde, Mr Pedro Pires; President Boni Yayi of Benin Republic; and President Goodluck Jonathan, at a meeting on building with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in Cape Town, yesterday.

INEC report geared towards regularizing the membership of the NWC on the fact that it would lend credibility to the leadership. The governors, it was learnt, fear that the failure to regularize the election could open the party to future legal

landmines ahead of the 2015 primaries as the actions conducted by the present NWC could be challenged in the courts.

A governor who spoke on the development said, “When the foundation is faulty, it would produce a weak super structure. A

faulty NWC cannot produce acceptable candidates in the primary elections ahead of the 2015 elections. INEC has done its report and there is nothing else for the commission to do than wait and see what the PDP will do with the report. This is a time bomb”.

Boko Haram amnesty committee meets Kabiru Sokoto, other detained sect members at Kuje Prisons

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA—THE Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, yesterday, met with members of the Boko Haram sect, including the alleged mastermind of the Christmas day bombing in Madalla, Niger State, Kabiru Sokoto.

The meeting took place at the Kuje Minimum Security Prison, Abuja where many members of the sect are being held.

Chairman of the committee and Minister for Special Duties, Mr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, who led the 25 members of the committee to the meeting at Kuje, a satellite town in Abuja, told newsmen that the meeting was a confidence building measure between the committee and members of the sect.

The meeting which was held in camera had been preceded by the committee’s meeting with different security agencies, including the Department of State Security, Nigeria Police Force, as well as the office of the National Security Adviser.

In an interview with newsmen, the committee chairman said members of the committee had useful discussion with the detained members of the Boko Haram sect, promising that it will carry out its duties with all honesty and diligence.

The committee chairman said: “We have had cause in the past to speak to members of Jamatul Alhus Sunnah and in doing so, we told them that members of this committee are people of proven integrity, accomplished Nigerians that have been carefully selected by Mr. President to come and do this national assignment.

“We have had very useful dis-

cussions with some inmates that are being held here on the allegations of being either members of Jamatul Alhus Sunnah on accounts of terrorism or acts related to it. We want to assure Nigerians that this committee is poised to carry out this assignment with all sense of responsibility, honesty and with diligence”.

He emphasized that the committee’s brief was not to secure or grant amnesty to members of the sect but to encourage dialogue and attain cease fire and peace in the country.

“We do not have any grudges against anybody. We do not harbour any ill feeling or prejudices against anybody. We have pledged that in carrying out this assignment, we will do it with the fear of God, high sense of patriotism and nationalism. We shall be guided by sense of decency and the feeling of trying to ensure that at the end of the

day there is peace in Nigeria.

“We are still looking for ways of having dialogue; constructive, honest and frank dialogue with major stakeholders across board.

And so we will continue to solicit the support and cooperation of not only the people that are considered to be directly or indirectly involved in these issues but other Nigerians”.

He appealed to members of the press that in carrying out their reports on the activities of the committee, it should be done with all sense of patriotism. This committee will urge you to avoid reporting issues in a very inflammatory manner.

He said: "We seek your support and if for whatever reason any information comes your way or stumble on news item that has the potential of raising a lot of provocation, please if you need to refer to us please don’t hesitate. We will clear any doubt, ambiguities as much as we can".

Vanguard , FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—9

BY SAM EYOBOKA & CALEB AYANSINA BUJA—NATIONAL Presi dent of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday, warned President Goodluck Jonathan not to waste tax payers’ money on an amnesty programme for the Boko Haram sect, describing it as ‘a futile exercise’.

Pastor Oritsejafor who stated this after receiving the award of ‘A True Servant of God’ conferred on him by the Christian Elders Forum of Northern States, NOSCEF, in Abuja told President Jonathan not to waste any more time on the amnesty proposal because it would not work.

The CAN President who wept profusely while recalling what he described as religious cleansing/ genocide, asked rhetorically, “how do you explain this (targeting worshippers in the Church on Sundays), is it the Church that is now bringing the poverty they claimed was one of the reasons for the killing?”

Dedicating the award to the memory of victims of the sect, he admonished the President “to beware of some Northern Muslim leaders and their few Christian allies who always come to him to seek regional concessions with religious biases. People who do not see anything wrong in Boko Haram killing Christians, but want amnesty for murderous and bloodthirsty sect members”.

Oritsejafor further advised Jonathan to ignore some politicians who did not see anything when certain individuals from a section of the country vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable if “Jonathan becomes President in 2011”, but want him to arrest Asari-Dokubo “for repeating what they said earlier. Such hypocrisy should never be tolerated in a secular country like Nigeria”.

His words: “Today is historic, a day that the Lord has made and one of my best days. Indeed, this award of “A True Servant of God” will be a lasting memorial to me.

All I have done in my over 40 years in ministry is to make people to witness the birth of a spiritual dynamic that will revitalise long-dominant moral values; an age of tolerance, understanding and total cooperation that will ultimately lead to a single but inclusive country.

“But, today, I am one of the most misunderstood men in Nigeria on account of my struggles to ensure that Christians and the Church in Nigeria are given a fair deal in the project called Nigeria, particularly in the North. This is why I have described this award as a memorial to me. This is why; also, I thank members of the Christian Elders Forum of Northern state, NOSCEF, for honouring me with this award. I can never thank you enough. Thank you! Thank you!

Thank you!!!

“Perhaps, this award is the “tonic” I need to make me work, more than ever before, for Christ in spite of the criticisms to my person. I now feel relieved, assured and healthier to work for Our Lord and

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Amnesty: Don't waste tax payers' money, Oritsejafor tells Jonathan zSays Dokubo merely re-echoed Buhari's statement

MEETING—From left: Director, Solicitors Department, Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Olusola Moore; Minister of State for Finance, Dr Yerima Ngama; and Vice President Namadi Sambo at the National Council on Privatization, NCP, meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

Master, Jesus Christ.

“I dedicate this award to the memory of victims of the Islamic group commonly known as Boko Harm, those injured and are living, their widows, widowers, orphans and those whose businesses have been terminated because of the activities of the sect and, indeed, to all persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

“If we agree that poverty, injustice and inequality are the causes of the insurgency by Boko Haram, a largely Islamic group, the question would be: are Muslims the poorest people, the most deprived? What about

Christians? Can we say injustice and inequality, as they say, is limited to Muslims alone? Can the claim of poverty be justified if the weapons and arms being used by the Boko Haram sect are calculated in terms of naira and kobo?

Where is the justice when the Almajiris have special schools built for them and none for Christian children in the North and South?

“Where is the equality when in most government parastatals, the staffing is heavily skewed in favour of a particular religion? With amnesty to the bargain for the Boko Haram sect members, would the Christian youths whose fathers

have been killed benefit? Yet justice is an open wound, only truth can heal it.

“Here we are with an amnesty plan that would be futile in future and which aim is to divert the attention of reasonable Nigerians and the world from the cruelty of Boko Haram to Christians. From what is happening in this hall today, it is clear that the position of a few outspoken clergies remain unpopular among Christians in Nigeria. As the major victims of Boko Haram, we, the leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, cannot afford the luxury of be-

ing quiet. Those groups with huge debt of integrity and credibility to pay and whose members are the ones terrorising our members can afford that.

“For us, Christians in Nigeria, the terrorism that is going on now is in pursuit of jihad. Again, it becomes difficult to separate if we consider the statements of the Boko Haram spokesman, Abu Qaqa, on August 1, 2012.

“Hear him: “The fact that we are the warriors of the Almighty and even the security forces are finding it difficult to contain our activities. We want to stress that in our struggle, we only kill government functionaries, security agents, Christians and anyone who pretends to be a Muslim but who engages in assisting security agents to arrest us”.

“This was the same day that the Emir of Fika in Yobe State, was attacked. The Shehu of Borno, had been attacked a month earlier. So, we can understand that the Muslims being attacked are those singled out for killing because of their critical stance against the activities of the sect.

We utterly sympathize with the families of the clerics killed by the sect members because they stood for the truth. May the Almighty God grant them aljana fidausi. We also salute the courage of the traditional rulers who have been attacked at one time or the other and say that the truth in your mouths will continue to see you through".

Niger-Delta youths to Tambuwal: Leave Dokubo, Kuku alone or else...

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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BUJA—NIGER Delta youths, yesterday, stormed Abuja in a large number to warn the Speaker of the House of Representatives to forget the thought of investigating the duo of Asari Dokubo and Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, over their claims that there would be no peace in Nigeria if President Jonathan is voted out in 2015.

And, to ensure that Tambuwal does not take further steps toward punishing the two vociferous Niger Delta activists, the youths under the aegis of South-South Restoration Forum, asked President Jonathan and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party to call the Speaker to order so as not to pro-

voke their anger.

The leader of the SSRF, Mr. Selekaye Ben, told newsmen that Tambuwal was bias against the people of the South-South judging by his disposition to issues involving the region.

Ben, who was accompanied by the national secretary of SSRF, Mr. Ofana Paul Santon and others, queried the speaker for daring to invite and investigate Dokubo and Kuku over their inflammatory statements without seeing anything wrong with similar provocative statements by leading northern political actors and commentators.

Recalling several newspaper reports by prominent northerners, such as Gen Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, Lawal Kaita, Bello Kirfi and Abu Shalluwa, all threatening to cause trouble if Jonathan attempted to seek re-election in

2015, the SSRF wondered why Tambuwal had not deemed it necessary to question them or raise a motion to invite them for sanctions.

Ben warned that if the House of Representatives moves against the two Ijaw men, youths in the region would march into the premises with them so as to make it impossible for them to operate.

Ben pointed out that they would no longer take it kindly with any individual or groups of persons who continue to suppress or intimidate the people of the South-South, who he said, have been paying the supreme price of keeping the nation running with their oil resources over the years.

Ben said, “We call on the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the national leadership of the PDP and the President of the

Senate to call the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and his team to put an end to any form of intimidation of the people of the South-South zone of Nigeria on National issues.

“Every Nigerian irrespective of tribe, language, region or religion has equal right to freedom of expression as enshrined in our constitution, and no individual or group has the sole right to intimidate another group or region under the guise of carrying out his functions.

“Who told Tambuwal and his gang that one ethnic group or people are superior to others?

How come Tambuwal and Ali Sani Madaki never called for investigation or arrest of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida when he publicly called on Tambuwal to seek for a higher office in 2015 when he knew that there was no vacancy in the Aso Villa?

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Okorugbo proffers solution to Boko Haram crisis

FG, Access Bank, Mastercard partner on nat'l ID card

BY MICHAEL EBOH

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

A

A

MOTIVATIONAL speaker Mr. Peter Okorugbo, has said the current efforts at finding a solution to the Boko Haram insurgency will remain a mirage except the religious undertone of the crisis is addressed.

He said the solution to the crisis would be found in a recently published book titled CROSSROADS: The Paradox of The War Against Terrorism; A Legal War Against Legal (Seeming) Faiths.

Okorugbo, who spoke in Lagos, said: "We therefore urge the Nigerian Government and people to champion this divine prophetic initiative to the world for global peace and the overall development of our nation, Africa and the world."

"By so doing, Nigeria shall take her rightful place in the divine scheme and turning-point in the history of the world and be exporting the new set of ethics and values to other parts of the world. ‘’On the other hand, no owner of the civil mandate (government) will stand by and see their responsibility being eroded by lawlessness. Governments are driven to act appropriately."

Lagosians tasked on security

BY KUNLE KALAJAYE

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ISASTER Prevention and Assistant Initiatives, DPAI, a non-government organisation, has urged communities in Lagos, to be security-conscious and report suspicious activities.

The advice was given in an interactive seminar on Common Security Intelligent/Information Network and Community Policing for National Unity and Development, in Lagos.

The programme, which was based on intelligent information gathering and conflict resolution for infrastructural development and religious tolerance for peaceful coexistence, was organised for members of Ilupeju community.

HEALTH: From left— Dr. Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Public Health; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health and Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, former Minister of Health, during the flag off 2013 state council on health on the theme Creating Universal Acces to Healthcare in Lagos State in Lagos. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

IMF recommends total removal of petroleum subsidy I

NTERNATIONAL Monetary Fund, IMF, said that full removal of oil subsidy would help fiscal adjustment for economic growth in Nigeria.

Country Representative of IMF in Nigeria, Mr. Scott Rogers, said this when he briefed newsmen on Nigeria Staff Report for 2012 Article IV Consultation.

He said: “Macroeconomic performance and policies in 2012 were broadly positive. Fiscal targets for 2013 and medium term are consistent with macroeconomic stability, but additional measures are needed.

"Planned savings in recurrent spending will require public sector reforms and elimination of subsidy would help fiscal adjustment.”

He said the report recommended the need to mobilise non-oil revenues and strengthen oil price rule and oil savings mechanism.

He said there was a need to strengthen implementation capacity of public investment, adding that maintaining tight monetary policy till signs of durable reduction of inflationary pressures was imperative.

Rogers said that government must embark on urgent structural reforms to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.

He said: “Power reform is a quick win for growth and competitiveness. Petroleum Industry Bill will transform oil and gas sector to increase investment trade protection for infant industries.

"Export diversification is key to long-term growth and improved macroeconomic statistics, especially in national income accounts.”

On banking

On the banking sector, he said IMF commended the ef-

forts of Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, in buying off bad loans of banks.

He said AMCON should minimise fiscal risk and moral hazard and work toward winding down as the sector witnessed stability.

On Nigeria’s development outlook, he said strong growth would continue in non-oil sectors and tighter fiscal/monetary policy would help ease inflationary pressures Rogers said: “Government’s medium-term expenditure framework calls for substantial fiscal adjustment but success depends on use of Excess Crude Account and Sovereign Wealth Fund’s ability to contain recurrent expenditures.

"International reserves will continue to rise, buoyed by relatively high interest rates, at least in short-term.”

Fake drugs come from China— NAFDAC

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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ATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, yesterday, claimed that most fake, substandard and counterfeit drugs sold in the open drug market in Nigeria were smuggled into the country from China.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, who announced this at a briefing in Lagos, where a suspected importer of counterfeit drugs, Mr. Olisaemeka Osefoh, was paraded, said China had remained a problem to Nigeria in the fight against fake and substandard products.

Orhii explained that already Nigeria was collaborating with the Chinese Government to unravel the Chinese companies behind the fake production, and punish them accordingly.

He said: “India has tried to collaborate with Nigeria maximally on strategies to reduce the importation of counterfeit medicines to the country.

"But concerning China, we are still trying to work out how to collaborate with each other. For now, without fear of contradiction, I will say that China remains the highest exporter of these fake products and China is a problem to Nigeria.”

Announcing the arrest of Osefoh for importation of

counterfeit drugs worth N106, 210,000.00 from China, he said the suspect had already given NAFDAC investigators information on how the products where illegally cleared through Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.

Retreat

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HE VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, Ojodu-Ikeja, will end its three-day monthly retreat today.

The event, with the theme Fill Us Afresh, will feature Confession, Stations of the Cross, Adoration, Vigil and Holy Mass.

The retreat, hosted by the Vincentian fathers, has Rev. Fr. Jenfa Adedayo, as guest Minister.

CCESS Bank Plc has entered into a partnership with MasterCard and the Nigerian National Identity Management Commission, NNIMC, to roll-out 13 million National Identity Smart Cards, NISC, with electronic payment capability.

According to a statement by the bank, Access Bank will serve as the pilot issuer bank for the cards and Unified Payment Services Limited will serve as the payment processor, while other issuing banks will include United Bank for Africa, Union Bank, Zenith, Skye Bank, Unity Bank, Stanbic and First Bank.

The bank said the new National Identity Smart Card would incorporate the unique National Identification Numbers, NIN, of duly registered persons in the country, adding that the enrollment process involved the recording of an individual’s demographic data and biometric data used to authenticate the cardholder and eliminate fraud and embezzlement.

It added that the resultant National Identity Database will provide the platform for several other value propositions of the NIMC including identity authentication and verification.

Burial

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RS Catherine Ojemi of Ilabor quarters, Igbodo, Delta State, 79, is dead.

Burial ceremonies begins today with a service of songs at her residence, followed next day with funeral service at same venue at 10.00a.m., then interment.

May 12 is thanksgiving service at the Storm is Over Deliverance Ministry, Ilabor quarters.

Late Mrs Ojemi.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—11

Sylva regains freedom

BY SONI DANIEL, Regional Editor, North

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1ST SYNOD: From left— Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd.) and Rt. Revd. Dr. & Mrs Babatunde Ogunbanwo, Bishop of Ijebu South-West, during the third session of the First Synod of the Diocese of Ijebu South-West at St John's Anglican Church, Ososa-Ijebu, Ogun State. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

IG gets 7-day ultimatum over brutalised lawyer

BY OLA AJAYI

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BADAN—AN Oyo State High Court has given seven days to the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar; Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Sola Olanrewaju, and others at Kajorepo Police Station, to file their processes over a case of assault instituted against them by a lawyer, Mr. Olaniyan Demilade.

The lawyer was allegedly attacked at the police station following controversy that arose over a bill of landing for a consignment of goods.

Already, the lawyer has sued the police authorities for N500 million damages.

Other defendants in the suit are the Divisional Police officer, Crime Officer, Kajorepo Police station, Ibadan; ASP Stephen Owolabi; Etim Ebighe, Police Inspector; and Egunnusi Dominic, a police corporal.

At the sitting of the court yesterday, before adjourning the case to May 23, Justice Muktar Abimbola said he gave the defendants the time because their counsel said the processes were transferred to his office just on Wednesday.

Abimbola warned the defendants to ensure they file their processes within the time ordered by court.

Boko Haram gets sponsorship from Algeria, FG tells court

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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BUJA—FEDERAL Government, yesterday, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that investigations revealed that the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, received sponsor-ship from another terrorist organisation based in Algeria.

The Federal Government, which made the disclosure on a day the high court commenced trial of one of alleged kingpins of the sect, Kabiru Umar, a.k.a Kabiru Sokoto, who allegedly masterminded the Christmas day bomb blast that killed about 44 persons and wounded 75 others at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church at Madalla, Niger State, in 2011, gave the name of the Algerian terrorist group as Muslimiyama.

Witness' account

A masked witness, who was identified as Mr. XYZ in his testimony, further told the court that the sect not only received funds from the foreign terror network, but also robbed Christians whenever the need for money arose.

He added that the accused person, in a statement he made on January 14, 2012, confessed that it was in the process of sharing a particular fund that was received from Muslimiyama, that the Boko Haram sect became factionalised.

Narrating how Kabiru Sokoto was caught, the witness, who told the court that he was a terrorism expert, said the accused person had confessed that he was inducted into the sect by Hameel Abdulrazak in

2007, noting that prior to that time, the accused worked as a laboratory assistant at a Specialist Hospital in Sokoto State.

He told the court that before the accused person was apprehended at Borno State Government Lodge on January 13, 2012, after the police searched for him in so many northern states following his alleged complicity in sundry acts of terrorism, he had been an ardent follower of the late leader of the sect, Mohammed Yusufu, who was killed in 2009.

The witness said: “I had trailed the accused to Abaji where he has a house, I stayed there three days but he was nowhere to be found.

"However, I later got information that he was sighted at Borno State Governor ’s Lodge, so I immediately went there with my team. We searched the lodge and got to the boys quarters where he ran and hid at room two.

Given away by phone

“When we knocked for over 30 minutes and he didn’t open, I decided to break the door with my leg, but the accused pushed from the inside until I called my team and we overpowered him.

“Because we didn’t know him in person then, I asked him if he was Kabiru Sokoto and he denied. Then I searched him and found an LG phone on him which I used and dialed my own number only for Kabiru Sokoto’s number, which we have been using to trail him to appear.

"Then I asked him again, and he said he was not Kabiru Sokoto but Kabiru Umar.

"My Lord, he spoke in fluent

English and told me he lives at Abaji but hails from Sokoto State.”

The witness told the court that when he took the accused to the station, he informed the dismissed Commissioner of Police for the FCT, Mr. Zakari Biu, who he said arrived from Kano.

He said: “When I brought the accused from his cell, Zakari Biu was seated with CSP Augustine Pam, late Inspector Fatoni Larano, who died because of this case; exCorporal Francis Ameh who was also dismissed, Ibrahim Agu and two other policemen, I can’t recall their names.

"At that time, the CP ordered Inspector Agu to take the leading statement.

Confession, factions

“The accused voluntarily made his statement where he revealed his involvement with the Boko Haram. He told us that in the hierarchy of the sect he was the governor of Sokoto State and also told us their source of fund.

“He told us that there is a group in Algeria, Muslimiyama, which he said meant ‘the group from the sunset,’ that sends money to them and also told us how they spend the money.

"I am not sure of the exact amount he said they collected at the time he was caught. But he told us how the money is making the Boko Haram sect to split into two because of the way it was shared.”

Meanwhile, a second witness, identified as Mr. ABC, in his own testimony, narrated how the accused person empowered members of the sect that attacked and killed three policemen in Kano State

FTER spending a night with operatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Abuja, former Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Timipre Sylva, has been admitted to bail by the anti-graft agency.

Although the former governor was still being held as at 6pm yesterday, a competent source in the commission confirmed that he had been granted administrative bail and that the man was about to go home.

The source said: “From the look of things, the embattled politician has been granted bail and will soon go home.

“It is true he is going home today after making some useful statements to us. That is all I can tell you for now.”

EFCC arrested the former governor, Wednesday, following his refusal to honour invitations to answer charges over fresh allegations of fraud running into billions of Naira.

The offence was said to have been committed while he served as the governor of the state.

He was picked up from his 3, Niger Street, Maitama, Abuja home The operatives, who were armed with a search warrant signed by the court, claimed they discovered ‘very vital documents.’

Madam Ojo for burial

T

HE remains of Madam Mariam Ojo, 77, who died on March 10, will be buried today in her hometown, Akure, Ondo State, after a funeral service at the Apostolic Faith Church, Oba Adesida Road, Akure.

She is survived by six children: Prof. Olusegun Ojo, professor of anatomical pathology and consultant histopathologist, and Mr. Temitope Ojo. The others are Mr. Olufunso Ojo, Mr. Durodola Ojo, Ms Bosede Ojo and Ms Adebisi Ojo.

Late Madam Ojo.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Ewherido awards scholarships to Urhobo students

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S part of his efforts to promote the Urhobo language, Senator Pius Ewherido has awarded scholarships to three students studying Linguistics/Urhobo in the Department of Languages and Linguistics, Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka.

The VC, Prof. Eric Arubayi, described Senator Ewherido as a worthy son and a true representative of the Urhobo nation. He thanked Ewherido, not only for the scholarship but also for facilitating the establishment of a Tertiary Education Trust Fund/Information and Communications Technology, TETFUND/ICT, Centre in the university.

Edo govt lauds Edo College Class of '83

BY HANNAH ISIBOR

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DO State Ministry of Education has commended the Class of '83, Edo College, BeninCity, for supporting the efforts of the Adams Oshiomhole administration in uplifting the standard of education in the state.

The ministry made the commendation in a letter to the Edo College Class of '83 following donations made by the class to their alma mater as part of the 30th anniversary of the graduation of the set.

Among the donations presented to the school were 31 magnetic whiteboards, 10 fans, among others.

2015: There'll be no crisis if Jonathan loses—Clark zCondemns Kuku, Dokubo’s statements

BY EMMA AMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, EMMA ARUBI & AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

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ARRI—SOUTHSOUTH leader, Chief Edwin Clark, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan will win the presidential election in 2015 if he decides to contest based on his achievements, but noted that there would be no crises if he was defeated at the poll.

He also declared that former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), former Minister of Finance, Mallam Adamu Ciroma and other Northerners, should be investigated for their provocative and inflammatory statements, and not just singling out Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Kingsley Kuku and former militant leader, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo-Asari.

Clark, in an open letter to the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, said: “I repeat, there will be no crises, if President Jonathan is defeated at the presidential election in 2015, but he has a right to contest the election if he so wishes.

“For him to win, he has to implement some of the democratic dividends he promised Nigerians and he has gone far in accomplishing same in some areas, such as stepping up power output to 10,000 MW by 2014, rebuilding external reserves to $45 billion, increased crude oil and gas revenue, massive rehabilitation of roads and general improvement in education, among others.

“With these achievements, President Jonathan is quali-

fied to contest, and if he does, he is sure to win again. He has been able to achieve all these despite the promises by his political detractors to make the country ungovernable for him.”

Nonetheless, Clark joined the House of Representatives in condemning the statements credited to Kuku and DokuboAsari, noting that he was happy that both men had denied the insinuations attributed to them.

He was aghast that the House of Representatives appeared to

be “one-sided and discriminatory because the House had not condemned similar provocative, seditious and more inflammatory statements made by some Nigerian leaders, especially Northerners, more so, when the incitement arising from such statements are causing serious security problems in Nigeria today.

“We need peace in Nigeria and must support only a democratically elected government. You all know the

stand of President Jonathan.

For the first time in the history of Nigeria, presidential, National Assembly and gubernatorial elections were conducted in a free and fair atmosphere. President Jonathan said that no one should be killed for him in the name of elections. He believes in one man, one vote and Nigerians, reacting to his genuineness, sincerity and honesty of purpose, turned out massively to vote for him in 2011."

BRIEFING: From left: Dr. Brown Adasen, Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Delta State PDP Chairman, during a press briefing in Warri, yesterday. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Court adjourns hearing in suit asking Police in the suit. to vacate Obio/Akpor council joined Counsel to the suspended

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—HEARING in a suit by the Caretaker Committee of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, before a Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, praying the court to order the Police to vacate Obio/Akpor council secretariat, will continue today.

It will be recalled that the Police had, last week, sealed off the council secretariat on the ground that there were plans by some hoodlums to storm the place.

The Caretaker Committee of the council is praying the court to order the Police to allow them access to the secretariat.

Trial judge, Justice H.A. Ngajiwa, at the hearing of the matter, yesterday, adjourned till today, for hearing in the matter, following an application by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; the elected Chairman of the council, his Vice and the 17 Councillors, who were suspended by the House of Assembly, seeking to be

Chairman, Vice and 17 Councillors, Mr. Dike Udenna, told the court that it was necessary for his clients to be joined in the suit because they were democratically elected to run the affairs of the council, adding that any dispute on who should run the council must necessarily involve them.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the court session, Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, Mr Chikordi Dike, said they were making progress in court.

OTC: FG to review foreign trade policy

BY GODFREY BIVBERE & IFEYINWA OBI

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HE Federal Government is set to change its trade policy, the current Free on Board, FOB, to Cost, Insurance and Freight, CIF, which most countries across the world use, because of its economic benefits, before the end of the year.

The FOB makes it mandatory for the buyer to determine who ships his goods, the insurance and

the port of destination, while the CIF ensures that the seller determines who ships and who insures the goods bought from him.

Presently, goods bought from Nigeria are on FOB basis while Nigeria's trade with other nations is on CIF basis.

Disclosing the position of the Federal Government to Vanguard in Houston, Texas, USA, at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, Special Adviser to President Goodluck

Jonathan, Mr. Leke Oyewole, said work had been completed on the document for the change in policy, so as to help indigenous operators.

Oyewole explained that a document to that effect had been completed and inputs from the Ministries of Finance, Trade and Investment, Petroleum and others, had been made after it went to the President.

According to him, all that was left now, was for the Economic Management Team, EMT, to take

a final look at it before it returns to the President for assent into law.

He said: “The EMT always has a long list of issues to attend to. They were to have met last month but it was not possible because of some reasons. But I can tell you that within this month, most likely, it will be discussed and when discussed and agreed upon at that level, it will be left to the President to just sign. Once that happens, it becomes an order.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—15

State of the Nation Address Bill: Sign it quickly into law, Senate tells Jonathan year.

The Bill makes it mandatory for the President to address a joint session of the National Assembly not less than six months from the date of enactment of the Appropriation Act by the National Assembly.

Speaking after the Senate adopted the harmonised versions of the bill, Senate President, David Mark, who urged President Jonathan to expedite action on the Bill, said “2013 is the first State of the Nation Address by Mr. President and

I hope that he will assent to it as quickly as possible.”

Mark’s appeal came on the heels of harmonisation of differences in the versions of the bill by the Senate and House of Representatives which had affected its passage earlier on March 13, 2013.

Presenting the bill earlier for adoption, Chairman of Conference Committee on the State of the Nation Address Bill, Senator Dahiru Awaisu Kuta, PDP, Niger East, explained that the bill “seeks to

make the President accountable to Nigerian people as represented by the National Assembly and to render account of his stewardship to the naBUJA — THE Senate tion and allow for input from yesterday passed the members of the National AsState of the Nation Address sembly towards the good govBill, urging President Goodernance of the nation.” luck Jonathan to urgently sign According to him, the Senit into law. ate had earlier considered and If assented to, the President passed the bill on March 13, would then be mandated to 2013, after the House of Repdeliver to a joint sitting of the resentatives did a similar National Assembly on the first thing on December 20, 2011, legislative day of July every and forwarded it for concurrence by the Senate.

He added that the Bill was reintroduced by the 7th Senate for consideration and passage, having been denied assent by the President after passage by the 6th Senate.

If assented, the President shall address the joint sitting of the National Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, Chief of Staff, Government House, Enugu, addressing participants at a workshop Assembly on isorganised by Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Nigeria, with the theme, sues ranging 'Governance, Peace and Security; Women Pushing the Agenda Forward.' With her, from right: Ms. Loretta from national Aniagolu, Chioma Okwuagu of Oxfam Nigeria, and Prof. Ifeoma Enemuo, Deputy Vice Chancellor, security, the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and left: Rtn. Ogugua Nwankwu, former Governor of Rotary Club, economy, foreign policy to District 9140. social Justice.

By HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

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Nigerian Air Force copter crashes in PH

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ORT HARCOURT — A Nigerian Air Force Parade helicopter crashed on the runway of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday.

The incident came barely 72 hours after a Nigerian Airforce Alpha jet participating in AFISMA operations in Niamey, Niger Republic, crashed, killing the two pilots on board.

But a statement signed

by Airforce Deputy Director, Public Relations, Group Capt. Dele Jerry Alonge, said the Mi-24B helicopter was on a training exercise when it made an emergency landing at Nigerian Air Force Base, Port-Harcourt, at about 10:00a.m.

“There was no casualty as all the crew members came out unhurt.

“The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Sabundu Badeh, on receipt of the report, has immediately constituted a team of experts to unravel the circumstances that led to the accident.

Rift between NASS and executive deepens over 2013 budget

BY HENRY UMORU/OKEY NDIRIBE

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BUJA — STRONG indi cations emerged, yesterday, that the rift between the National Assembly and executive is yet to be nipped in the bud as the Senate suspended debate on 2013 budget, stalling to authorisation of N4.987 trillion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

This came on a day indications also emerged that the House of Representatives was set for a show-down with the executive arm of government over the budget, as House spokesman briefed journalists on the contentious issue.

At the Senate, it was a dramatic U-turn by the senators, against the backdrop that the Bill, which was listed on the Notice Paper of the Senate on Tuesday,May 7, that it would be discussed yesterday and also repeated in the Order Paper as the number one Bill slated for C M Y K

consideration, to be presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, PDP, Cross River Central, never came up for discussion by the senators.

Of the N4.9 trillion, N388 billion is for statutory transfer, while N591.7 billion is for debt services.

A further breakdown of the budget, which will be discussed as second reading tomorrow, showed that N2.418 trillion is for recurrent (non-debt), expenditure, while the balance of N1,588 trillion is for contribution to the Development Fund for capital expenditure for the year ending December 31, 2013.

The move of the Senate to stand down the much expected budget came barely 24 hours after the Chairman, Board of Trustees, BoT of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Tony Anenih, stormed the National Assembly to plead with Senate President, David Mark, and others to key into President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation

agenda by starting with the passage of the budget.

Prior to its stoppage, Senate leader, Ndoma-Egba, had explained that the item should be stood down because the lead debate was not ready.

Senators, who were prepared to discuss the budget, having had it slated in the Order Paper for two days, were, however, shocked when it was no longer deliberated on.

It was also gathered that the move was to avert raising tempers that would have occurred from opposition senators and the zero allocation for Security and Exchange Commission, SEC. It will be recalled that in the amendment proposal presented to both arms of the National Assembly in March, Jonathan retained the N4.987 trillion passed by the National Assembly last December, but proposed N2.4 trillion as recurrent expenditure as against the N2.3 trillion passed on December 20, 2012.

The President also sought the approval of N1.588 trillion as capital expenditure,

against the N1.6 trillion approved by the parliament last year.

Of the total N4.987 trillion budget in the new proposal, N388 billion is earmarked for statutory transfers, while N591.7 billion is for debt service.

Jonathan had last September proposed N4.92 trillion as budget for 2013 fiscal year, but upon its passage, the National Assembly increased the figure to N4.987 trillion.

With the amendment proposal, Jonathan asked the National Assembly to restore various budget sub-heads as he presented them, in contrast to various tinkering with the figures done by the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, spokesman of the House of Representatives, Zakari Mohammed said yesterday that the House might not effect any amendment on the 2013 budget as was requested by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mohammed gave this insight while responding to a question demanding

explanation for the skipping of the proposal for 2013 budget amendment, which was listed on the order paper for consideration yesterday.

Mohammed had replied that the fiscal document might not be touched, adding that the Presidency had against the expectation of members, returned the entire document in three volumes as was passed by the National Assembly.

Said he: “Debate on the 2013 Budget Amendment could not hold today(yesterdayay because many members of the House were not present. For instance, some of the members have left to attend their party’s convention.

“Some other members are currently on tour of projects across the country as part of their oversight functions.

And the budget is for everybody because it concerns the entire nation. It is better the debate on the budget is slated for a day when most members would be present.

That would be next Tuesday.”

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 17

The Amaechi drama (Part Two)

AST week, I wrote about conflicts (legal and otherwise) between my Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, and his opponents in Rivers State and the Presidency (the former insist that they are operating independently and are not being backed by the latter.

But many onlookers are finding it hard to take this denial seriously).

Anyway, in last week’s column, I quoted Uche Igwe, a UK-based Nigerian academic who blamed Dr Goodluck Jonathan for most of the above shenanigans and thinks that he should avoid shadow-chasing political intrigues and concentrate on dynamically developing the country he was elected to lead.

I’ve subsequently discovered that most of the Vanguard readers who have sent me texts or emails in the past few days - and most of the people I’ve encountered in various social or professional settings – share Mr Igwe’s views.

Widespread belief Interestingly, the individuals who have recently communicated with me have not, as a general rule, even bothered to mention Amaechi’s fights with his disgruntled Rivers brethren.

Most have firmly focussed on the widespread belief that the Abuja crowd is determined to destroy Amaechi at all costs.

Sure, there are folks who regard Amaechi as the Devil incarnate and folks who regard Jonathan as a saint.

But these uncompromising Amaechi critics and die-hard Jonathan fans are not typical. And the Bottom Line is as follows: Whether they are Northerners or Southerners, Niger Deltan or otherwise, C M Y K

Mr President’s problems at the moment!

When voters from every corner of Nigeria decided, in 2011, that Jonathan was a likeable fellow and good news generally, they never imagined that he would rapidly become so disappointing and unpopular.

shocked and distressed by the speed with which he has lost his emotional hold over so many people who once held him in high esteem. I desperately want him to be the best leader we’ve ever had and I’m very sad and angry about the status quo.

Niger Deltans who aren’t

open mind, tell myself a few painful home truths and go out of my way to re-capture the goodwill and credibility that have gone down the drain.

Whatever sceptics may say, Jonathan does not lack capacity. He has a lot of potential; and it is not too late for him to salvage his tarnished image and persuade Nigerians to forgive his mistakes and vote for him again in 2015.

And, by the way, the Ijaw activists who are threatening to return to the creeks with their Kalashnikovs - and to unleash mayhem on the nation if Jonathan doesn’t win the next election - are not doing their man any favours.

Hotheaded advocates

President Jonathan

Governor, Amaechi

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male or female, rich or average or poor, 90 per cent of the folks who have discussed this issue with me - verbally, in writing, on the phone or face-to-face sympathise with Amaechi and have nothing good to say about Mr President.

Amaechi has also managed

Niger Deltans who aren’t Ijaws started off regarding Jonathan as a Big Brother; but most nonIjaws have wound up feeling used, dumped and utterly frustrated

,

to attract substantial media support and the endorsement of a global literary icon (Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Prize winner).

But Amaechi is the least of

Map of Rivers State As one who vigorously campaigned for him to become our Head of State – and assured doubtful foreigners that he could perform well - I myself I’m

Ijaws started off regarding Jonathan as a Big Brother who would fairly represent all of the minority groups in their region. But most non-Ijaws have wound up feeling used, dumped and utterly frustrated.

If Jonathan cannot even retain the affections of amicable neighbours and cousins who enthusiastically rooted for him when he needed us most, only God knows how he can hang onto hearts and minds in other parts of the Federation.

If I were in Mr President’s shoes, I would scrutinize the writing on the wall with humility and an

In a fragile, multi-ethnic society like this one, all this inflammatory tribalistic talk is downright dangerous; and Jonathan really needs to publicly reprimand his more hot-headed advocates if he wants to be seen as a serious statesman and revert to being universally loved.

In the meantime, I urge Dame Patience Jonathan to help us heal the bitter rifts on her home turf in a mature and motherly way. She comes from Rivers State and most Rivers natives were so proud when our Sister became First Lady.

I for one will be absolutely delighted if she can be seen to be trying to reconcile warring factions and make peace between her husband and her Governor.

Life is too short for all this wahala!

Amaechi and Jonathan should be working together.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY,MAY 10, 2013 IN the ingenuity of the politician, the future of Nigeria is tied to elections. When politicians, who call themselves leaders, engage in phased discussions of Nigeria, they are not contemplating legacy projects that would enhance the development of Nigeria.

Their entire concerns are elections, the struggle for power, the decisions about who becomes what, and those marked for nothingness. The reduction of the country to this contracted vision is the biggest failure of civil rule since 1999. Every administration, from the local governments, through the States to the centre, sees election to office as the platform to perpetrate either itself or its interests in power. When it leaves, the damage endures.

It appears the most important ambition of the politician is to grab power, stay in office as long as he can, produce a successor that would do his bid, and retire to continue manipulating the system.

Disruptive as this attitude is, it is heightening, to the extent that most administration do nothing, other than

The oy With Our Theyy TTo Future engaging in schemes to hold power which for them is an end in itself. Power is everything and everything politician wants.

He gets it first, before thinking of what he would do with it.

Rarely do we hear politicians espousing their ideas about the future of Nigeria and expending their energies in ensuring that their dream Nigeria is realised. It is not surprising that most of those who gain access to any notch of power in these circumstances, abuse them.

The abuses stem from ignorance, sometimes. In some instances, outright greed and an obnoxious contention for narrow interests. The evidences include

governors who have no agenda for their States or the federal, where there are no reflections of national aspirations in projects that are being executed, if any.

Do politicians realise that each year they spend in their quest for frivolities wastes opportunities for the country’s progress?

What do they intend for Nigeria in 2015, 2019, 2023? What is their vision of Nigeria by those years? What do they see?

Nigeria is a country. It should be built to last hundreds of years. The future of its institutions, for the benefit of its peoples, should be the primary concern of its leaders.

The well being of its peoples should be at the centre of these policies.

Our future is not about elections; in the sense politicians see them. Elections are useful as part of the quest for democratic governance. Democratic importance of elections is over-emphasised where the people play minimal roles in them. What is important – always – is what people want to make of their country, elections cannot change our people, not the way politicians use them.

OPINION

BY I.DUKE

A

S things stand, one is free to quote the great Shakespeare: “Doubtful it stood like two spent swimmers…”. That is what the nation state has come to. The social contract between the governors and the governed is on tenterhooks. Is it not scandalous that barely over two years into the administration of President Goodluck Ebelewane Jonathan that the nation has come to a near grinding halt! Workers have been threatening (and are still threatening) to go on strike; mainly as a result of the governors reneging on their agreement of the N18,000 minimum wage. The workers threat was a wake-up call and out of the blues the governors decided to swim to the safety of “strike avoidance” by agreeing to pay the minimum wage. Translation= the minimum wage for a Nigerian worker equates to just over a $100 a month and shamelessly this was a topic for discussion and disagreement by state governors who receive billions of naira per month in security votes alone. To add insult upon injury most of them brazenly proceed to loot the treasury. The emphasis is on “most”, because we must exonerate the few good ones that have the fear of God as their mantra.

Having made that point, you are obviously still assiduously wondering how on Earth Senator David Mark will unseat President Jonathan: Easy!

Firstly, the Legislature is in the firm grip of the Senate President, David Mark. Due to his inability to test the political C M Y K

How David Mark will take over from Jonathan temperature, it is on record that not one of President Jonathan’s candidates for any legislative position scaled through. A school of thought posits that this is a political embarrassment for the executive arm of government. For instance, the day the Speaker of the House of Representatives was being elected, President Jonathan was away in America! (Whatever the official assignment, couldn’t the choice have been between a rock and a hard place? Perhaps a slight delay of the Presidential jet for a few more hours would have changed the course of Nigeria’s political history. After all, it is not as if His Excellency had to take the route of lesser mortals; buy his tickets, queue up, take off his shoes, get thoroughly searched, suffer flight delays and then miss his flight! ) No. President Jonathan has his own fleet of presidential jets. It would, therefore, not have amounted to rocket science for the advisers to have garnered the wisdom in his waiting a few more hours to have an inkling as to the sort of legislature that would emerge.

That, however, was not the case.

Unfortunately, his candidates were left directionless like foot soldiers without a General. Or more aptly, like soldiers without shoes.

As it turned out, President Jonathan lost grip of the House of Representatives. Was this a

conspiracy? The senatorial scenario had earlier played out in such a manner that the self-made candidates were elected “unopposed”. The question is, Who’s in control?

As a political scientist, I know about the doctrine of separation of powers and all its appurtances; however, it resonates as a political fiction. Ask Harold Laswell.

Indeed, it is a Freudian fragmentation.

As democratic as America seemingly is, President Barack Obama still has his preferred candidates and deploys all available democratic ploys, including moral persuasion, to ensure that his candidates scale through. This inspires confidence and loyalty in those who are for you and inspires fear in those who are against you.

D

id not Niccolo Machiavelli state that for every great leader, “it is better to be feared than to be loved…?”

Secondly, the selection of Ministers and Special Advisers was influenced and determined mainly by one man- Senate President David Mark. Even his campaign Director-General was asked to “take a bow and go immediately" to become a Minister (of Interior). Nigerians were thereby denied the opportunity of listening to the eloquence and incredible political sagacity of the man

who led the Senate President to victory.

Before our very eyes, he, like so many others, was asked to “take a bow and go” because come to think of it Nigerians are wallowing in an unfathomable mesmerisation by senatorial pronouncements and senatorial debacles, but that is one of the concentric circles surrounding the subject matter of this topic. The only ministerial nominee that President Jonathan stood by was stood down by the Senate. Nigerians will not be in a hurry to forget “those in favour say aye…against say nay”.

In the case of President Jonathan’s Nominee, the “nays” were so resounding that it was crystal clear who was in control. Gentleman Jonathan, he knew when to put the sword back in the scabbard and scamper. To put it mildly, it was a slap on the face of the executive by the legislature.

The Senate in Rome does not err and when it errs does not want to be seen as having erred. After all vox populi Supreme lei and vox populi vox Dei. Lets leave the Judiciary out, for the simple reason that we have to believe in the independence of the Judiciary even if jurisprudence must be as long as the “Chancellor’s foot”! The Judiciary itself may become overwhelmed by the manifest belief of the entire National Assembly in the leadership of one man – their beloved Senate President David Mark.

Continues on Mondayviewpoints *Prof. Duke, an expert in international conflict resolution, wrote from The Vatican.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 19

S

UCCESS according to Ralph Walter Emerson means “to laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people, and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better than you met it, and to know that even one person’s life has breathed easier because you have lived”.

In a nutshell, this is the summation of the story of the life and times of Chief Pini Jason Onyegbaduo, the amiable veteran journalist, publisher, writer, columnist and author who like a colossus bestrode the pen profession for 40 years before joining his creator on Saturday May 4, 2013. He was a maternal uncle and brother I loved so much.

During his life time, he distinguished himself as a reputable, dependable, responsible and patriotic servant of his fatherland and mediator in turbulent national issues. His hard work, articulation of issues, sagacity and oration were of tremendous assistance to the nation in periods of difficult issues, including those that almost tore the nation apart and brought social and economic activities to

standstill. Pini until death remained a formidable patriotic voice on all issues of national importance and had the rare privilege of serving in several capacities, including the Imo State government where he was the Special Adviser (Special Duties) from 2007 to 2011.

Pini Jason Onyegbaduo (better known as Pini Jason) was born in 1948 to the family of Onyegbaduo of Umuawam Umuosisi Obizi Autonomous Community, in Ezinihite Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State. A former Customs officer, he left the job for full time journalism, writing mostly for foreign-based publications such as African Now magazine before writing for local publications. He was with The Week, Nduka Obiagbena’s defunct

,

news magazine that debuted in 1986 before joining Sam Amuka’s Vanguard Newspapers as a columnist. He later established his own newspaper called The Examiner in 1998 at Jibowu Lagos.

The paper did not last long before it went the way of others. His weekly column in Vanguard would be what most people would remember him for. But he was also an author, communications consultant and orator.

I

The late Onyegbaduo

Pini

Jason

n all his writings, he handled issues with a candour that challenged positions and often left an impression on whoever read him. He was fearless but humane, dogged, could be ruthless with his pen when he wishes, but above all, showed respect to human dignity.

He valued and defended his friends and never compromised on any issue he believed in. Even with

The Oshiomhole debacle

BY SUFUYAN OJEIFO

E

VERYONE, including the least perceptive being, knows the complexion of tragedy: it is cleanly and colourlessly tragic. It does not change like the chameleon. It is constant and that is why it is tragedy. Rationalised further, it could not have been anything else, given its character and texture. Tragedy is not a respecter of persons, places and things. It strikes at will, regardless of time and space, causing total damage, leaving nothing to cheer.

It overturns everything bright and beautiful. Its expression always shocks humanity with its grimness. It assails the sensibility of mankind. Tragedy is a rapacious visitor. Whoever plays host to it will appreciate the joy of not knowing it.

Although he may appear outwardly to have overcome the tension of the moment, this is the real disposition of the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who has been buffeted by allegation of perjury on account of lying under oath before a High Court in Benin that he was born on April 4, 1952.

Whereas, all official records indicate that he was born on April 4, 1953 and on which basis he celebrated his 60th birthday anniversary on April 4, this year; celebrated his 59th birthday last year and 58th birthday two years ago. On November 14, 2011, when he received the national honour of Commander of the Order of Niger, CON, from President Goodluck Jonathan, his citation indicated that he was born on April 4, 1953.

But confusion set in when, on May 4, 2012, the morning of the day his Principal Private Secretary, Mr Olaitan Oyerinde was murdered, he deposed to an affidavit at a Benin High Court that he was born on April 4, 1952. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, armed with this document, reacted smartly when it placed a newspaper advertisement on April 5, 2013 in Vanguard and Tribune congratulating Oshiomhole on

his 61st birthday.

That was how the opposition got at Oshiomhole; or, was it that he naively played into its hands? The opposition PDP has continued to harangue him on account of the alleged perjury. In the build-up to the July 14, 2012, governorship election in the State, the opposition had adverted public attention to alleged forgery by Oshiomhole of his primary school certificate.

Oshiomhole’s response to the allegation as the antics of a party that ruled the state for nine years without anything to show for it worked pretty well with the people who also ignored reports that the Governor was possibly diverting billions of naira of public funds to build some mansions in his expansive estate at his Iyamho village. He had gone ahead to do what he had to do in order to win the governorship election.

Between then and now, so many things have changed, including the public perception of the Governor. This is not even talking about the intrigues and the one-man dictatorship within the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the state prelude to the emergence of the party’s flag-bearer for 2016 governorship election.

But after the ballyhoo of electioneering during which barbs were freely bandied and the razzmatazz of the July 14, 2012 poll had subsided, the opposition PDP, at the threshold of the recent local government election held on April 20, 24 and 25, 2013, had raised the alarm that a perjuror is in the saddle as governor of Edo State. The perjury complained of by the opposition was a selfinflicted tragedy by Oshiomhole. He was apparently rattled by the opposition’s allegation of primary school certificate forgery that he had explicably moved to make up his details to reasonably align with his claims.

This was the reason he allegedly lied under oath that he was born on April 4, 1952-to raise the year he enrolled in primary school to four years eight months, having enrolled in 1957 going by his official records. He

the most vitriolic criticism of his romance with the former Ohakim government of Imo State, Pini defended and continued to defend that administration until his death.

He was a man whose life was a hallmark of sterling qualities, excellent record of service, credibility and patriotism to both humanity and nation. Indeed, in good and difficult times, in youth and age, he remained a patriot.

His life was a source of inspiration to many people, including the youths many of whom benefited from his milk of human kindness by way of educational scholarship, provision of basic amenities, donations to innumerable orphanages, medical support and other selfless services. To his associates, family and relations, Pini meant so many things – reliable friend, business partner, charming and handsome youngman, caring brother, guardian and counselor, grassroot mobilizer, community leader and above all honest man.

A devout Christian and community leader, he held various key posts both in the church and the community. As a Christian father, he had the reputation of molding his children in the Christian way of life. He abhorred wickedness, inhuman treatment, fetish sacrifices, ostentatious lifestyle and criminality in all ramifications. Pini was able to do all these because he had a supportive wife who provided him care, advice, comfort and solace in times of difficulty. To the children, Daddy was a moralist, teacher, adviser and sometimes chief whip- often whipping them to order with one hand when they

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BY OBINNA F. NWACHUKWU

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PINI JASON: One death hard to believe

In good and difficult times, in youth and age, he remained a patriot; his life was a source of inspiration to many people, including the youths many of whom benefited from his milk of human kindness

It is tragic that a wacky drama is unfolding about the duality of his date of birth, thus exposing, as it were, the underbelly of his acclaimed morality to collateral damage

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had probably calculated that it would be impossible to convince all reasonable persons that he enrolled in primary school in 1957 at the age of three years and eight months if he had stuck with the April 4, 1953 date, given that school calendar year then began in January. In case, I have got the facts wrong, I would like to be corrected.

A

nyhow, both ages would still have been questionable in the context of the historically documentary fact and evidence that the Western Region Gazette then put the primary school age at six years. Besides, height was of the essence then. Every prospective pupil should be able to stretch his or her right hand over his or her head to touch his or her left ear. I doubt if Oshiomhole, given his height (and I know he was not an aje bota- born with silver spoon in his mouth and thus over grown or over sized), was able to do that. I passed that test in 1972 at the age of six when I enrolled in primary one.

The confusion over his age is the macabre dance in which Oshiomhole has been tragically involved. It is tragic that a wacky drama is unfolding about the duality of his date of birth, thus exposing, as it were, the underbelly of his acclaimed morality to collateral damage. And laughably, the defence and/or explanation that has come from the State House in Benin was that the 60th birthday indicated on the programme

derail and at the same time ready to cuddle them with the other hand. He encouraged his children to imbibe the tenets of Christian living, and never supported immorality, corruption and indecent dressing. His children described him as nice, kind, loving and jovial.

At any point in time his esteemed presence graced a public arena, Pini did not hesitate to disseminate, with unusual candour and simplicity, his invaluable tutorials for grassroots leadership, moral living and community development. As a panacea for positive transformation of self and society, he insisted on the need for well-rounded development that comprised the following: total education, the maximal use of one’s intellectual capabilities and physical endowment, volunteerism, self-employment as well as the cultivation of a personal resolve to solve problems.

As this Mbaise man departs this earth, the legacy he so faithfully espoused and lived by ought to be a lesson for many Nigerians of means. His lesson was this: in the face of corruption and underdevelopment, genuine leadership emerges when one steps out of the anonymity and apathy of one’s closet to advance the cause of his immediate environment through uncommon sacrifice.

Adieu great brother. Adieu my maternal uncle. Adieu Pini Jason Onyegbaduo.

*Mr. Nwachukwu, a former staff of Vanguard is now Group Executive Editor, Nigerian Pilot Newspapers, Abuja.

of event on April 4, this year, was a printer’s devil, ala his Special Adviser (Media), Kassim Afegbua.

Was it also a printer’s devil on November 14, 2011 when the same birth date of April 4, 1953 was indicated in the citation of his, read on the occasion of the award of CON to him by President Jonathan? Perhaps, realising that the public would find it difficult to believe, Oshiomhole had, on receiving information from some of his informants in a newspaper house to which the Edo State PDP had sent, for publication on April 5, its message congratulating him on his 61st birthday, announced at the tail of the lavish 60th birthday ceremony in Benin that he wanted to shock the world.

How? That he was actually born on April 4, 1952!

This inconsistency by Oshiomhole on a simple issue of birth date is a manifestation of a much deeper malaise in his administration of Edo State. A governor who could lie about his age for political selfpreservation would do anything to stay afloat in the face of combustible politics.

Would he not deploy everything within his powers to manipulate election into local government offices more so when the management of the electoral body that is saddled with the responsibility of conducting the polls is at his beck and call?

The opposition PDP, from all indications, is not ready to allow this alleged perjury to go without the appropriate recompense. It has already petitioned the Inspector General of Police to investigate the offence with a view to initiating his (Oshiomhole’s) prosecution at the threshold of the terminus of his second term in office in 2016. This is the expected legal “recompense”.

As for the appropriate political retribution, the Edo State PDP has called on President Jonathan to withdraw the national honour given to Oshiomhole as, according to the party, “he does not deserve it on account of lying under oath that he was born on April 4, 1952 whereas he was born on April 4, 1953.”

*Mr. Ojeifo, publisher, Congress watch Magazine, wrote from Abuja.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 21

Innovation Prize for Africa winners use flies, waste to make animal feed

BY OMOH GABRIEL

A

TEAM of researchers who used flies and waste to make animal feeds have won the 2013 Innovation Prize for Africa (IPA). Prize identifies breakthroughs that exemplify Africa’s innovation and investment potential Making the announcement in Cape Town South Africa, the African Innovation Foundation and the IPA said “With global population expected to grow to 9 billion by 2050 and more than 900 million people living in hunger, the demand for nutritious food is rapidly increasing.

Acknowledging this need and the impact of hunger in Africa, the Innovation Prize for Africa has named the AgriProtein team as its 2013 winner ”. The team of researchers and entrepreneurs will receive $100 000 for its innovative approach to nutrient recycling – a method that uses waste and fly larvae to produce natural animal feed.

According to the Foundation winners were “Selected from more than 900 applications from 45 countries. The AgriProtein team was recognized at the 2013 Innovation Prize for Africa Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner in Cape Town, South Africa. The AgriProtein solution collects biodegradable waste, feeds it to flies that in turn produce larvae that are ground into protein to provide a more ecologically friendly, naturally occurring type of animal feed. “This approach improves the nutritional value of meat and lowers the cost of animal feed for African processors and farmers. The IPA 2013 Gala also recognized two runners up for their contributions to African innovation.

1.7

144.0

+11.00

2,395.00 17.45

-0.19

104.38 96.49 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.75 240.0482 203.2951 164.7153 1.5639 0.2902 232.8143 25.1978 41.2634 27.2721 233.6106

155.25 240.8238 203.9519 165.2475 1.569 0.3002 233.5666 25.2796 41.3967 27.3602 234.3654

-0.027 +0.87 SELLING 155.75 241.5994 204.6088 165.7797 1.574 0.3102 234.3188 25.3615 41.53 27.4483 235.1202

CBN Exchange rate as at 09/05/2013

From right: Adeola Idowu, Director, Legal Services, Etisalat Nigeria; Mrs Iyabode Oshifeso, Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 6 and Bisi Awoyomi, Director, Lagos Empowerment and Resource Network, LEARN, at the Etisalat Career Counselling Session, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

NLNG, NIMASA face-off: TUC

seeks Jonathan’s intervention STORIES BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

T

RADE Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has implored President Goodluck Jonathan to caution Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd, NLNG, over its alleged refusal to pay the statutory levies of 3 percent gross freight on international inbound and outbound cargoes carried by NLNG vessels engaged in cabotage

trade to Nigerian Maritime and Administration Safety Agency’s (NIMASA).

In a statement by its President and Secretary General, Peter Esele and Musa Lawal, TUC said: “The congress frowns at this act of ingratitude by NLNG, taking

NUPENG laments drop in nation’s crude production N

IGERIA Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has expressed concern over the drop in crude oil production in the country since the first quarter of the year 2013 It said it is alarming that the daily crude production fluctuates between 1.86 and 2.1 million barrels as against the estimated 2.48 million in the first quarter of the year.

In a statement by its President, Igwe Aches, NUPENG lamented that the drop, a result of incessant crude oil theft and vandalismn of pipelines, should not be left to get out of hand or else the revenue accruing to the federal government would also drop drastically. It advised government to change tactics and strategies in the fight against crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism and called

for introduction of new technology like monitoring sensors and alarm systems that could trigger off whenever any pipeline was being tampered with.

“The union believes this will go a long way to check crude oil theft from the pipelines and through effective surveillance with the help of the host communities where these pipelines traverse. The union notes with dismay that the drop in the last quarter rose to about 1.23 billion (about 191 billion naira) that should have accrued to the federation account. The drop in revenue will affect the transformational agenda of Mr. President, which involves provision of power supply, which is yet to be realised, good road networks, which are still in deplorable conditions.

into cognizance the fact that at the inception of the LNG project in 1988/1989, the Federal Government did not only recognize the company’s pioneer status within the provisions of the Industrial Development (Income Tax Relief) Act 1971, but also magnanimously granted it a package of investment incentives including a tenyear tax holiday under the Nigeria LNG (Fiscal Incentives Guarantees and Assurances) Act Cap. N87 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (NLNG Act) on certain conditions.

“In 1997, the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces had by a letter dated 20th August 1997 conveyed through the Federal Ministry of Transport directed that NLNG should comply with the extant law at the time, being the National Shipping Policy Act of 1987 which mandated it to pay the then 2 per cent statutory levy on international inbound and outbound cargo as well as submit to routine inspection by the relevant government agencies including the then National Maritime Authority.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 201 3

•Aganga, Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment.

One of the highlights of these initiatives is the 24 hours business registration introduced by the Corporate Affairs Corporation, CAC, which is one of the parastatals under the Ministry.

According to a recent report titled “Statistics For New Registration Services For Abuja and Lagos Offices”, which was released by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, in Abuja, recently, the total number of new companies registered within 24 hours since the commencement of its 24-hour start-to finish business registration initiative, has hit 10,723.

In its efforts to expand the 24 hour business registration to its other offices across the country, and ensure achievement of its objectives, The Chairman of CAC, Funsho Lawal led the new board to the NSE recently. During the visit, he said the CAC is forging new relations with NSE with the aim of facilitating access to companies and registration of new ones.

Hopefully for capital market operators, these efforts to liberate the business climate in the country have started yielding result. For example, Nigeria emerged has one of the top four investment destination in a recent survey by KPMG, one of the world’s foremost audit, financial and tax advisory firms. According to KPMG, Nigeria’s newfound status followed the disappointing returns recorded by the BRICS, with the exception of China. KPMG noted that the poor regulatory environment, slower than expected growth prospects and disappointment returns on investment recorded by the BRICS, with the exception of China, has worked in the favour of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey which have been termed the MINTs, as well as the ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) region, now considered the new destinations for global capital and investors.

Similarly a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development show that that Nigeria is Africa’s biggest destination for Foreign Direct Investment in 2011, with total Foreign Direct Investment inflows of $8.92 billion. The World Investment Report 2012, subtitled “Towards a New Generation of Investment Policies”, stated that Nigeria received $8.92 billion in FDI, thereby placing it as first in Africa, while South Africa was ranked next with total FDI inflows of $5.81 billion.

The above are indications of bright prospect for future growth of the stock exchange. Hopefully, the inflow of foreign investment occasioned by the efforts of the ministry would complement the on-going reforms to attract more firms into the market, especially multinational oil and telecommunication firms, to further enhance the performances of listed companies and improved returns for shareholders.

Investment Climate Reforms and NSE market capitalisation I

N spite of the challenge of a difficult operating environment, major companies listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange have continued to post improved financial performances. In response to these performances, market capitalisation rose further to reach a post crisis peak of N35.225 trillion last Friday.

But the market is still far below its potential level. Much of its potential is held captive by the difficult operating environment of listed companies, which constrain their performance and profitability.

Realising this connection, the Nigeria Stock Exchange commenced moves to partner with1 the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, to ensure that the on-going efforts of the ministry to attract foreign investment into the country through the various initiatives to liberate the business environment enhance the capitalisation of the Exchange.

In this regard, the NSE hosted the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga at the NSE CEO Dinner held for the Industrial Sector recently. The Minister said that the Ministry is aware of the influence of the operating environment on the stock market, and it is addressing this through efforts to make the country both conducive for businesses and attractive for foreign investment.

According to Aganga, various policies of government would make the operating environment conduce for companies to do well and list on the NSE, while listed ones would declare better results and pay better dividends.

He said these efforts are packaged under its Investment Climate Reforms Programme, which is aimed at attracting and sustaining local and foreign direct investments and also improving the country ’s business environment.

He said “one of our strategies is to C M Y K

,

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

But the market is still far below its potential level.

Much of its potential is held captive by the difficult operating environment of listed companies, which constrain their performance and profitability

,

create the right enabling environment for businesses to thrive while the second strategy is sharing the good news across the world thus making it easier for investments to flow into the country.

“In terms of creating the right environment, we have commenced an Investment Climate Reform Programme which we are working close with the World Bank and DFID. We have the policy framework for investment which covers seven policy areas. We are working with the OECD on that. Also, we have reviewed all the relevant laws governing investments in the country and the process of amending them.

“In addition to these, we have set up a National Competitiveness Council which is driven by the private sector. The idea is for the private sector to drive the competitiveness of the country. Today, I must tell you that the Nigerian story is a beautiful story to tell: to tell the rest of the world that Nigeria has been growing at an average of about 7.4 per cent for the past 10 to 14 years; to tell the world that the debt to GDP ratio of Nigeria is less than 20 per cent when you compare that average to Europe which is more than 80 per cent.”

Fidelity Bank’s Eurobond gets Fitch’s ‘B’/ ’RR4' ’RR4'rating

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

ITCH Ratings has as signed Fidelity Bank Plc’s senior unsecured fiveyear USD300million (an equivalent of N47.7 billion) notes a Long-term foreign currency rating of ‘B’ and a Recovery Rating of ‘RR4’.

Fidelity Bank had on Wednesday announced that it had raised USD300 million Eurobond from international market to support the critical sector of the economy.

The Eurobond, which has five-year tenure and a coupon rate of 6.875 percent, was jointly managed by two leading international banks, Deutsche Bank and Citibank.

According to the Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, the proceeds of the Eurobond will further enhance the capacity of the bank to support the critical sectors of the economy and meet the growing foreign currency needs of her clientele in Oil & Gas, Power, Infrastructure and Manufacturing.

F

itch had assigned ex pected ratings to the issue on 26 April, while final rating was assigned following the successfully completion of the offer on 2nd May 2013.

According to the rating agency, the issue’s longterm rating of ‘B’ was directly driven by Fidelity’s Longterm Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of ‘B’/Stable, while the Recovery Rating of ‘RR4’ reflected average recovery prospects for bondholders in case of default.

“The recovery rating for the issue is in accordance with Fitch’s soft cap for Nigeria.

Fidelity ’s IDRs, National Ratings, Support Rating, and Support Rating Floor are driven by potential support from the Nigerian authorities, if needed, based on the bank’s systemic importance.

The ratings also take into consideration the ability of the Nigerian authorities to provide such support, which remains limited, as indicated by the sovereign’s ‘BB-’ Long-term IDR,” Fitch said in a statement.

It will be recalled that last year, Fidelity Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the international oil giant, Shell, for financing support to their local contractors.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —23

S/Africa, Nigeria sign agreements on various sectors

STORIES

BY DANIEL GUMM

R

EGIONAl minis- ters of fi nance in Praia, Cape Verde endorsed a new region wide tariff regime for West Africa in another important milestone on the road to a customs union of the 15 ECOWAS member states.

The five band tariff regime, subject of 10 years of internal negotiations driven by the technical committee of the Commissions of the ECOWAS and the eight member West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), was modelled on the UEMOA tariff regime following the 2006 decision of heads of state and government of the region.

Some 5,899 tariff lines are covered under the new tariff regime with tariff ranging between zero and 35 per cent for the 130 tariff lines that fall into the category of specific goods that contribute to the promotion of the regions economic development.

Under the new regime, five per cent duty is applicable for 2,146 tariff lines under the basic raw materials and capital goods category, 10 per cent for the 1,373 tariff lines that qualify as intermediate products category while 20 per cent duty is reserved for the 2,165 tariff lines that fall into the category of final consumer products.

The ministers agreed that the concerns expressed by some member states such as the treatment of raw sugar, and the request for special treatment for Cape Verde because of its location and vulnerabilities should be addressed within the framework of trade defence measures.

They also agreed on the creation of a 1.5 per cent Community Integration Levy, whose scope and operationalisation would be the subject of

N

FINANCING — From left: Mr. Charles Polet (AIMS Ltd), A. B. Mohammed, Mr. Judson Welsh (AIMS Ltd), Ayeka Olarotimi (NCAN), Mrs. Adaeze Ebegbulem (Snr. Mgr. NEXIM Bank), Mr. Sotonye Anga (Chairman, Local Organising Committee NEXIM & NCAN Cashew Finance Forum 2013), Rev. Ifeanyi C. Nwade (representing the MD, NEXIM Bank), Mr. Tola Faseru (President, NCAN), Mr. Olowo Sunkanmi (Ecobank), Mr. Abel Ajala (Ecobank), Mr. Saliu Alasa (Vice President, NCAN), and Mr. John Olota (Vice President, NCAN) at the one-day finance forum in Lagos.

ECOWAS adopt regional CET further regional reflection as part of the mechanisms to enable the region cope with the challenges of implementation of the new tariff regime.

The levy will replace the two existing community levy regimes in the region comprising the ECOWAS Community levy and the counterpart Community Solidarity levy for the UEMOA. The replacement will help ensure uniformity in port

HE Plantation Owners Forum of Nigeria (POFON), converged at Obaretin Estate of Preco Plc in Edo State, to discuss the rising trade in crude palm oil, which according to the group is giving it cause for concern..

POFON discussed the rising importation of crude palm oil (CPO) into the country by some manufacturers who would import CPO and engage in trading rather than using it in their manufacturing business. It also reviewed the effects of this on their operations and prospects for the oil palm industry.

According to Fatai A. Afolabi Executive, Secretary, POFON: “The rising importation and trading in cheap but low C M Y K

ing a balance between the need to stimulate local production capacity and ensure the availability of drugs to meet the health needs of the region's citizens.

The ministers of finance meeting was preceded by the one-day 51st session of the ECOWAS technical committee on trade, customs and free movement, whose recommendations were considered by the ministers.

NEXIM Bank, Canadian export agency seek partnership to boost aviation sector

T

HE Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM, and the Export Development Canada, EDC, are exploring the prospects of a partnership to provide short term financing to Nigeria's aviation sector.

Rising trade in imported crude palm oil worries POFON

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charges in compliance with the requirements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

In order to ensure effective implementation of the new CET, the ministers urged the ECOWAS Commission to expedite the finalisation of the trade defence and other support measures.

The Commission was also directed to expedite the finalisation of the taxation of pharmaceutical products by strik-

quality CPO has led to the recent collapse of the domestic CPO market. Local producers have been forced to lower their prices to ridiculously low levels and their operations are now threatened. Some plantation owners are already considering shutting down their operations and cutting back on new investments. A large number of smallholders have already put up their oil palm farms for sale.

“We have protested and cautioned government in the past on the looming disaster inherent in policies that will turn the country into a dumping ground for foreign subsidized CPO. It is unfortunate that government has not taken our warnings seriously.”

This was one of several discussions between the Nigerian delegation led by Vice President, Namadi Sambo, and some Canadian investment promotion agencies at the CanadaNigeria Investment Conference, CNIC, 2013, held in Toronto between May 2 and 4 on the theme: 'Canada-Nigeria Synergy Vision 20:2020'.

The Conference, organised by the Nigerian High Commission in partnership with the Canadian Council on Africa and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada, was designed in line with the Vision 20:2020 Economic Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government.

More than 400 participants drawn from public and private sectors, including government officials of the two countries, attended the conference; which provided Nigeria the platform to showcase new opportunities for Canadian businesses to invest in a wide range of key sectors such as telecommunication, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, aeronautics, engineering, oil and Gas, education, ICT, health,

agriculture, solid minerals, security and tourism.

Nigeria is Canada's largest economic partner in subSaharan Africa, with both countries enjoying an ongoing bilateral trade relationship worth more than $3 billion in 2011.

NEXIM Bank, one of the key sponsors of the conference, seized the opportunity to further explore joint collaboration opportunities it initiated with EDC, the Canadian export credit agency, when the Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for Asia-Pacific Gateway, Ed Fast, led an investment exploration mission to Nigeria last January.

The NEXIM Bank Managing Director, Roberts Orya, in a meeting with the EDC team highlighted the mandate of the export-import bank to include the promotion of the diversification of the Nigerian economy and deepening the external sector, particularly the non-oil, through the provision of credit facilities in both local and foreign currencies; risk-bearing facilities through export credit guarantee and export credit insurance; business development and financial advisory services.

IGERIA and South African governments have signed nine Memorandum of Understanding, MoUs and agreements to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two countries signed the agreements Tuesday, in Cape Town as part of activities marking President Goodluck Jonathan's state visit to South Africa.

The agreements were in the areas of defence cooperation, waver of visas on diplomatic and official passports, cooperation in legal field, oil and gas, geology, mining and mineral processing, and metallurgy.

Others are on women and child development, power sector development, cooperation in the field environment, and information and communication technology.

President Jonathan said that cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa is key to Africa's economic and political development.

"South Africa and Nigeria are critical countries in Africa and must work together so that Africa can move forward in the drive to boost the standard of living of our people.

"The world expects so much from us, we must cooperate and work together, so that we will not fail the world about these expectations," President Jonathan said.

He said that the signing of the MoU and agreements will help in strengthening relationship between the two countries.

"Today's ceremony is unique given the number of document signed. It will stimulate relationship between the two countries," President Jonathan said.

He said businesses between the two countries are performing well.

"South Africa and Nigeria businesses are doing well and there is cooperation in various fields, but there is need for a stronger people to people relationship.”

24 — Vanguard Vanguard,,

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —25

C M Y K

26— Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 27

I N S I D E: Paternity controversy: Paul of P-Square speaks!

It’s all lies

I

BY FLORENCE AMAGIYA

T has been very long since we last heard from you, what is happening to

7 mega events to headline COSON week Your phone as shopping mall with Mobile app C M Y K

Orits Wiliki is a self-acclaimed Koleman revolutionaire who needs no introduction. He stormed the industry in the mid-80s with his album titled; Tribulation. He has gone on and on with amazing reggae sound tracks and his unique style of playing the talking drum with his songs.The veteran reggae artiste embarked on self-imposed sabbatical spanning twenty years. He came back stronger as an artiste, a song writer, producer and performer 11 years ago and featured hip-hop artiste, Idris Abdulkareem on his ‘the Good, The Bad and The Ugly album. In this interview, he explains why his music stands the test of time among other issues raised by our reporter.

you?

It has been all right, but things are not the way they were in those days. These days, live concert has been restricted to those who can afford it. We want to be respected and paid what we ought to be getting before we can perform at ‘live concert.’

While we were doing what we did those days was because the industry was booming. Then, indigenous music promoters could tour the country with an artiste for six months and more.

It was possible for a local promoter to tell you that he wants to take you through fifteen cities in six months and pay you your first four months before the journey begins. But the case is different today because it is very expensive to take artistes on a musical tour.

Have you ever featured young artistes in any of your songs?

I have featured some artistes

in my songs. In 2002, I featured Idris Abdulkareem in‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly album’. I have also featured other artistes and I will definitely feature more of them in future.

Reggae is all about preaching “Truth and Equal Justice.”Do you think that consciousness is going out of fashion?

Reggae music is not going into extinction. Popular stars and artistes like Snopp Doggy from the United States is changing to the

face of reggae music. In Nigeria, 2face is a reggae artiste, Faze is also a reggae artiste. Omawumi’s recent album has reggae flavour. Yes, some of our young artistes are influenced by hip-hop genre, but if you listen to their music, you would notice that they are truly playing reggae music. And we know that hip hop is an off-shoot of reggae.

Continues on page 28

f e i h C C H F s n o i t i t MCSN pe e s a c f o r e f s n a Judge over tr NT

By INNOCE

ANABA

has petitioned eria, MCSN, im Auta, alig N of ty ie oc stice Ibrah Copyright S HE Musical e Federal High Court, Ju al Copyright Commisth y Nation the Chief of d against it ersecution b p s it ed ges to be file ll ar ca ch it l at ra h w ve g se sed legin os. hich had cau acsion, NCC, w Federal High Court, Lag ki in the petition, also li e il th W to at ts ri dge do (MCSN) and singer, O ping for favourable ju an rm ai ch op N MC S rs of sh n page 28 and its lawye Continues o cused NCC . g their biddin

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28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

‘My music is highly inspirational’ Continues from page 27 Listening to your songs in those days, one wonders what was passing through your mind when you wrote the songs?

A lot of things are usually on my mind when I write my songs. I am a product of the environment I live in. So, I am affected by what I see, what I feel and what I hear. If the environment is shity shity then, I’m compelled to write songs condemning it. It is like a wind that comes to you; and you put it down. And when inspirations come like this; all I do is to write like the vessel that I am, I write down what the spirit tells me to write. And that is the reason my music is highly inspirational. It is not just about creating bits and that’s why my music has stood the test of time. I have written songs about 20 to 25 years ago and I am still collecting royalties from them.

Did I hear you say your songs are inspirational and that you are led by the spirit?

I am talking about the spirit of God; it is a mystic thing you cannot understand. Music is a spirit business. It takes the spirit of God for you to write good songs that would touch lives.

Yes we have bad spirits, but I am talking about the good spirit which is the spirit of God. My songs influence people positively.

How would you describe a negative song written by a reggae artiste?

Reggae music is about

justice, truth and equality. And when a reggae artiste writes a song without the right message and not containing the qualities of a reggae music then, it would be called Slack lyrics. Bob Marley’s songs are good examples of solid reggae music.

You are ageless. What’s the magic?

It is the grace of God. I try not to eat late and even if I have to eat late it has to be fruits or vegetables. Again, I am filled with positive vibrations that also reflect on my outlook.

Aside music, what else do you do for a living?

I am a content provider. I am a TV producer. What I meant by being a TV producer is that I do a lot of stuff on TV these days. I have become a movie producer. I produced the popular soap titled ‘Alero.’ Alero has 52 episodes in it. I have a reggae malady where reggae artistes come to feature and many more things.

What’s your dress sense like?

I love dressing very casual and wearing comfortable outfits. At other times my wife advice me on what to wear and it works well with me.

You talked about a wife; how long have you been married?

I have been married to my wife for eighteen years and is still counting How long have you carried your dreadlocks?

My dreadlock is real and I have carried it for fifteen years.

MCSN petitions FHC Chief Judge over transfer of case Continues from page 27 Williki in the petition said “We are parties in civil suit and criminal charges.

All the cases are before Justice M. Yunusa of the Ikoyi, Lagos Division of the Federal High Court. Judgment was entered in favour of our organisation and officials in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1163/ 12 between MCSN & 7 Ors vs. NCC & 4 Ors on March 18, 2013.

“The other three cases are criminal matters. Rulings were reserved for May 6, 2013 on two applications brought by us, the accused persons, in charge No. FHC/L/CS/351C/2012 and Charge No. FHC/L/352C/2012 seeking to quash the charges on the basis that the charges were incompetent and do not exist in the statutes of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or that they have been declared unconstitutional, null and void. A similar application was filed by our organisation and other accused persons in charge No. FHC/L/353C/2012, which was adjourned for hearing last Monday.

“However, since the judgment in the civil suit No. FHC/L/CS/1163/12 of March 18, 2013, Justice Yunusa has had cause to complain in the open court of series of pressures being mounted upon him with respect to cases pending before him involving our organisation and the Nigerian Copyright Commission, C M Y K

NCC. Specifically, on April 19, 2013 or thereabout, when our counsel appeared before him seeking for an order for substituted service in an application bothering on contempt of the court against certain officials of NCC. “We were surprised that as at May 6, 2013, when we got to the court for the fulings reserved for the day in charge No. FHC/L/CS/351C/12; FHC/L/CS/ 352C/12 and FHC/L/CS/353C/12, that the cases were not listed on the court’s cause list and all the files involving our company and the NCC before Justice Yunusa had been sent to Justice Okeke at his (Justice Okeke’s) demand.

“The reason for this strange development was not given to us; and there was no time when any party in any of the cases complained against the handling of the cases by Justice Yunusa. We want to put on record before Your Lordship that NCC has since 1999 engaged in relentless persecution of our organisation and its officials and “forum shopping,” by bringing the same charge in different suits, now totaling 10 before different judges of the Federal High Court, with the hope to get a judge to convict us for doing the same business, which we have been doing legally since 1984; several years before the NCC was established in 1989, simply because the NCC wanted to hijack the business solely for a surrogate private company established by certain officials of the NCC.

BOX OFFICE Journey to Self Synopsis

‘Journey to Self ’ is an intense story of friendship, sacrifice, empowerment and self-respect. Four childhood friends, Regina, Nse, Rume and Alex, receive news that another long time friend of theirs, Uche, has died. Uche was the magnet that pulled her friends together and over the years had become their shoulder to cry on, so much so in fact that she never felt she could tell them about her own problems. The movie stars the likes of Chris Attoh,Femi Brainard ,Dakore Egbuson among others.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK OBLIVION G.I JOE WEEKEND GETAWAY LION OF JUDAH THE GODS ARE STILL NOT TO BLAME EXHIBITION SCHEDULE FOR 10TH- 16TH MAY 2013 SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Host :1:35pm,4:05pm,6:30pm Journey to self :1:35pm,8:30pm Oblivion: 11:20am,6:00pm,8:55pm.

GI Joe: 11:30am, 4:00pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA The Host:11:25am,1:50pm,6:40pm Journey to self :4:20pm,8:40pm Gods are still not to blame: 13:05pm Weekend Getaway: 10:45am SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA The Host:13:20pm,3:50pm,6:30pm,9:00pm Journey to self :11:50pm,2:10pm Lion of Judah :12:30pm,2:20pm,4:10pm Weekend Getaway:2:25pm.

Identity Thief: 3:45pm,8:10pm, Oblivion: 12:00pm,2:30pm,7:00pm,9:30pm.

G.i Joe: 4:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Journey to self:12;00pm,4:30pm Gods are still not to blame: 4;25pm.

Looper : 20:30pm Weekend Getaway: 2:20pm,6:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Journey to Self :11:40am,2:00pm,4:20pm,6:40pm Weekend Getaway :12:30pm,2:40pm,4:50pm,7:00pm Hotel Transylvania : 12:25pm, 2:15pm,4:05pm Django: 6:05pm.

The Gods are still not to blame: 2;20pm, 6:40pm Silverlining: 11:45am, 2:10pm,4:30pm,6:50pm.

Looper: 11:50am, 2:05pm, 4:25pm,6:45pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS The Host :1:20pm,3:50pm,6:20pm Identity Thief: 8:45pm Oblivion : 10:00am, 5:20pm G.i joe: 2:30pm,9;00pm.

Weekend Getaway: 12:25pm.

FILM HOUSE LAGOS The Host : 11:00am, 3:50pm,6:15pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 29

Paternity controversy: Paul of P-Square speaks! It’s all lies T

By CHARLES MGBOLU & OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

she never slept with any man except Paul Okoye, adding that she lost her virginity to him when she was 17 years, ”writes Sahara Reporters.

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OLLOWING a controversy trailing one of PSquare twins, Paul Okoye as Sahara Reporters claimed in a recent story that he (Paul Okoye) abandoned a 19-year old Miss Elshama Benson Igbanoi and a newly born child said to be Paul’s baby in a London hospital, the dreadlocks carrying music star has refuted the report, saying that it was laced with lies.

Speaking through his publicist, Bayo Adetu, Paul Okoye described the report as being “funny” adding that “it’s all lies.”

“We also read the story the same way you did and we are not aware of any such incident,”he further stated.

According to Sahara Reporters, Paul Okoye is denying fathering the child and, is insisting on paternity tests to prove his innocence. Sahara Reporters claimed they have spoken to the ex-beauty queen’s father, Benson Igbanoi, in Abuja who they said revealed that he had sent several emails to P-Square concerning his daughter’s pregnancy for him, but had received no response.

“Ms. Elshama insists that

While the paternity controversy continues, Sahara Reporters, say the London hospital where Elshama gave birth has not received any payments for bills now over £5,000.

19-year old Elshama Benson Igbanoi was a contestant in the MBGN 2012 beauty pageant.

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HE Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) said, it has completed plans to unravel seven mega events with a national day of prayer and innovation to God featuring most captivating gospel singers across Nigeria as part of activities lined-up to mark 2013 week of the society.

According to Chief Tony Okoroji, COSON Chairman, the event which flags off from May 19, will be beamed live to the world from the Household of God Church where stars of all colours, business icons and political leaders from every spectrum will be in attendance.

Addressing the press ahead of the event during the week, the COSON boss named Panam Percy Paul, Asu Ikiye, Rosemary Chukwu, Buchi, Eva, Princess Annie Inyang, Bouqui and Sammie Okposo as among singers that will be performing during the event.

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‘I’m grateful to God’

HIS could be described as a double blessing for the sensational singer, Waje who was recently unvieled as one of the new Glo ambassadors, a mouth-watering deal that came up few days after she launched her much talked about album.

Still basking in the euphoria of the excitement, the singer said, she is so grateful to God for the deal, adding that it is an indication that more blessings are coming her way before the end of this year.

“I am so grateful to God for this deal. It shows that more blessings are still coming my way. As for what I will do with the money, it is strictly my personal busi-

ness,” she said.

The telecommunication giant, Globacom last week unveiled its new brand ambassadors, putting an end to all speculations about which entertainers would be signed on or not. While Omawumi, Waje, Lynxxx and Flavour have already been showcased in Glo’s number Portability campaign, other entertainers like Bez and Tiwa Savage are being expected to follow suit.

Our sources revealed that the telecommunication company may be resting their deals with Nollywood actors and switching over to pop stars.

Glo, according to an i n s i d e r believes,music stars are more influential amongst the youth than their Nollywood counterparts.

Denrele Edun, ShyShy Shyllon lead stars to Nigerian broadcasters’ nite

A

7 mega events to headline COSON week

By WILLIAM JIMOH

Waje on Glo ambassador deal:

He added that both Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and Dizzy K. FaIola will also grace the stage.

“Several consultations and meetings have been held between our operatives and those of Household of God Church to ensure that every detail is taken care of and that the event is famed, broadcasters and actors, Patrick and Ireti Doyle will anchor the event,” Okoroji, said.

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ontinuing, he said, “I want to specifically thank Evangelist Ebenezer Obey and Pastor Chris Okotie for their tireless work in making COSON in the Church the grand event that it has become.”

He added that, on May 20 there will be a lecture at the National Theatre in Lagos where Professor Helge Ronning of the Department of Communications, University of Oslo, is also Chairman of

the Norwegian Copyright Development Association (NORCODE) will be speaking on the “Intellectual Property, Communications, International Co-operation & National Development.”

Speaking further, he said Professor Bankole Sodipo, Nigeria’s intellectual property guru and President, Intellectual Property Law Association of Nigeria (IPLAN); Professor Adebambo Adewopo, Professor of Intellectual Property Law at Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and Professor Emevwo Biakolo, Dean, School of Media & Communication, Pan Africa University are among the high powered panel of discussants that will analyze the issues around the lecture.

“Tuesday, May 21 will be a big party day in Lagos, as the musicians of Nigeria offer their fans an unprecedented free street party as the much anticipated CaSON in the Streets becomes reality.

mobile celebrity hangout, situated along Sheraton - Opebi link Road in Ikeja, as Denrele Edun is next to be celebrated at the Nigerian Broadcaster’s Nite.

The Nigerian Broadcaster’s Nite is designed to hold every last Thursday of the month when one of the winners of the yearly Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) gets selected and is hosted at one of the biggest lounges/clubs in the state.

Beyond the extensive celebration of the winner with loads of music and comedy, there would be a presentation of certificate to the winner to commemorate the NBMA plaque earlier won.

Interestingly, aside Denrele who emerged Most Popular TV Personality during the second edition of Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) that was held in 2011, one of Nigeria’s most respected Disk Jockey, DJ Shy Shy Shyllon will be the event’s Special Guest.

Popularly known as Sweet Shy Shy, Shyllon started djaying way back in 1985.

He worked with OGBC and Raypower before leaving for England a couple of years ago.

Denrele

FTER the unforeseen circumstances that forced The Reality Entertainment, the organisers of the monthly Nigerian Broadcasters’ Nite( NBN) to reschedule the highly-hyped edition of the famous red carpet host, Denrele Edun, all is now set to host the eccentric TV personality at the second edition of NBN. It would be recalled that Top 90.9 FM’s popular presenter, Tosyn Bucknor replaced Denrele at the maiden edition of the Nigerian Broadcaster’s Nite that was held on Thursday, March 28.

However, come Thursday, May 30, all roads will lead to ‘Club Vegas;’ the upwardly

DJ Shy Shy Shyllon

30 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

Your phone as shopping mall with Mobile app

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s everything goes mobile, life seems to be shifting towards mobility. It’s now possible to do all shopping, no matter what the products are, on the mobile phone. And with latest developments those on the android smart Phones and Blackberry devices, would only need a tap on the phone to reveal where the latest restaurant, bar and the latest social joints are, in town.

Yet, for those who find it difficult getting choice products, same phones could also be of help. All it takes is downloading the right app and perhaps clicking on the right menu.

Now, search engine specialists Vconnect has made it even easier with an app tagged Vconnect mobile app. The new app is a chip off the web app which has seen about 600,000 businesses including the Small and Medium Entreprises, SMEs listed online.

The online portal says it decided to have mobile app which will run on Android and Blackberry phones, considering that everything is going mobile.

Vconnect’s Hiren Parikh, explained that although bringing over 600 000 businesses online could be a feat, the size of Nigeria also makes it possible for many people to consistently look for information on some of the things that are even closer to them.

“So we believe that even though 600,000 companies is huge, it will also be more

convenient if people can get prompts on their mobile phones about new developments and offerings.

The special feature which differentiates it from that of normal web listing is that the app is connected to a GPS map which takes a user from point to point until he or she locates a choice destination. The app is said to be designed light, 1-1 Mb for the android mobiles and a 2.2 Mb for Blackberry in order not to cause freezing Already, Vconnect says it has started of campaigns both at eCentre in Yaba and City Mall Ikeja to get users to download the mobile app and at the moment, the app has recorded over one million visitors on the phone.

*Vconnect app2

Features of the app Near Me – On clicking Near Me, if the GPS is activated for the user, it shows a list of categories which display businesses within the LGA where the user is present.

The user also has an option to view these businesses on Map by clicking the Map button in the business listing page.

Best In Town – In this, a list of categories are present, and the user ’s location is fetched. Currently Best in Town is present in Lagos, Abuja and PortHarcourt. Each category displays the best businesses for the category in that location.

Get Supplier – there is also the Get Supplier menu which asks the user the details of the product/service they wish to get suppliers for.

When the user enters his or her details like name,

address and phone numbers, after backend checks, the user gets suppliers calling him or her with their bids and offers.

Add Business – In this feature, the user is given an opportunity to add new businesses in his or her area or locality so that others who may need their services may benefit. But several verifications would be made on the authenticity of businesses.

Companion tab renews tech hope for students

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

W

hen you look back on your life as a student, weren’t there times you wished that you could have all your books in one place; that you could access lecture notes taught in class and libraries half way across the world simply by the click of a button; that you could watch videos of presentations and classes right from the comfort of your own bedroom? It is every student’s dream to have such a Companion, that’s why the new Campus Companion Tablet is a dream come true.

Brought into Nigeria by the UK based Learning Nuggets Company, the device is slightly larger than the average mobile phone, and is integrated into a flat touch screen and primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard. It’s like having your iPad, kindle, and your entire school library in the palm of your hand.

It often uses an onscreen virtual keyboard, C M Y K

a passive stylus pen, or a digital pen. This device integrates a virtual learning management system, cloud-based multimedia content management application and solutions from Safari Books online and Google applications to provide a comprehensive portfolio of learning sources.

There are many generic applications available in the Campus Companion such as Google Books, Aldiko, OneNote, pdf, reader/ creator, voice recorder, Skype etc.

Campus Companion provides a rich media

*Qlink

Anti-radiation becomes bangle in Q-Link technology

A

*glamtec h review Picture

n anti-radiation device, programmed with over 100 natural frequencies known to support the human body defence is now in the Nigerian market.

The proprietary technology which powers it is called Sympathetic Resonance Technology. The name may not be unconnected to the fact that when the body interacts with it, there is a sympathetically resonating response, just like a properly tuned instrument responds in harmony to the vibrations of a tuning fork.

The products are available in form of pendants, bracelets, stickers and USB dongle.

Just attach the Q-Link products to a device where it will come closest to your body or wear it on your body against radiation.

Q-Link wearers consistently report gradual reduction to total elimination of many of the symptoms often associated with exposure to EMF radiation.

Those regularly exposed or in close proximity to electromagnetic fields emitting equipments such as personal computers, mobile phones, electrical power sub-stations and communications towers need it.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 31 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

As Galaxy S4 debuts today!

The features that’ll wow Nigerian users S

amsung Galaxy S4 makes a gallantry debut in the Nigerian market today and the device maker has extended invite to Glamtech to witness the launch. Tagged the life companion, the new Samsung smartphone has been touted as a rare innovation to make life easy for humans.

Although full package of the phone is yet to be fully rip open to the potential Nigerian users, we have managed to get insights to those features that would surely wow the Nigeria users.

Camera The Samsung Galaxy S4 is tipped to feature a 13-megapixel camera that you can expect to take stunning photos and record videos in full highdefinition at a silky smooth frame rate that would give even digital SLRs a run for their money.

It will also spot a two-megapixel front-facing camera for video calls and self-portraits in HD. A user would be able to take 360-degree panoramic shots of surroundings with himself in the background and share them instantly on Facebook. The usual thing is that the photographer tells other peoples stories with no one telling his own Now with this feature, no more would a photographer miss in action as is always the case.

Wireless charging You just can’t believe the embarrassment of carrying chargers with long cord about and looking for where to plug them in public functions when your mobile phone battery is down. This is why the new Galaxy S4 may be a hit in Nigeria. Glamtech discovers the new device will be capable of wireless charging, making fiddly charger cables truly a thing of the past.

Although wireless charging is not new to smartphones, the S4 comes with a more advanced method enabled by resonant magnetic coupling technology that would allow the Galaxy S4 to be charged from up to two metres away.

Magic cover Almost every application in the new Galaxy S4 has a touch of magic but the cover is the first contact to the magic of S4. A specially designed covered which comes with some models of the new device closes to put the device to sleep and opens to bring it to life.

*Samsung S4 Although this is not new also, it also has a special appeal in the sense that when it closes and puts the phone to sleep, it however leaves a portion of the phone open for the user to check time and prompts like calls, text messages etc, Intuitive touch free gesture tech The S4 brings with it, intuitive touch-free gestures and eye-tracking technology to enable you control

the handset with minimum physical contact and possibly even pause videos and scroll pages using your eye movements alone.

This means that you can use your phone even when eating. Just wave a hand across the face of the phone and the device comes to life, displaying contents and information. Some functionalities gives the user the opportunity to make call just by SAYING it. Could this be why it is tagged, The Life Companion?

Some secre ts yyou ou ne secrets nevver disco discovver in iPhone D id you know you could turn your iPhone’s camera flash into a blinking alert light, or that you can shake your iPhone to “undo” a typo?

Ofcourse no! Many of us underutilise the mobile phones, particularly the latest smartphones which seem to think ahead of us. The iPhone just like many other smartphones think ahead of your daily activities and all it takes is for you to know the right button to press and your difficult tasks become so easy.

For instance, you can: Turn the camera flash into a blinking alert light.

Assuming you are taking a nap and never want the disturbing roar of your phone, instead of switching off the phone and miss

*iPhone C M Y K

calls or silence it and never know when important calls come in, with a little help from the iPhone’s camera flash, you can see your calls without getting disturbed.

In just a few taps, you can set the LED flash for the iPhone’s rearfacing camera to blink anytime a call comes in, whenever a text pops into your message inbox, or for any other iPhone event that would normally set off an alert tone or vibration.

It’s a handy feature for iPhone, particularly for hard-of-hearing users who can’t rely on audio alerts.

To do that, go to the iPhone home screen, then tap Settings, General, Accessibility. Scroll down until you

see the LED Flash for Alerts setting, then flick the switch on, the deal is done. When your calls come, the back camera light on you phone begins to flicker on instead of the phone ringing.

Shake to undo secret For many iphone users, particularly those in the media, the phone is the note and due to the rush to meet deadline a lot of mistakes could occur when typing lengthy text message or notes on the iPhone or iPad. To correct such mistakes, there are always options like tapping the backspace key a few dozen times, or selecting the text with a fingertip and tap on the Cut option.

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY ,MAY 10, 2013

M

ost of us will spend our entire lives getting in and out of diet and workout plans. We will fluctuate in weight, and the fluctuations will vary with different times of our lives. The balance to be maintained will always be an issue. Your goals, your age, your activity levels, your size, and your health status all impact how much protein you need.

And although individual protein requirements ultimately depend on dozens of variables that we can’t really know, there are some baseline intakes that can serve as a foundation for different groups.

The Sedentary

The RDA (Required Daily Amount) of 0.8 g protein/kg bodyweight or 0.36 g protein/ lb bodyweight assumes you are sedentary, uninterested in gaining muscle, and free of health issues that might compromise your lean mass. If that describes you, the RDA is a good baseline from which to experiment. Just don’t go below the baseline.

The Active

Athletes need more protein than the average person, but perhaps not as much as most fitness enthusiasts think (or consume). Though figures vary according to different dietary scientific studies, a significant-enough portion of the strength training community swears by 1-2 g protein/lb bodyweight that it couldn’t hurt to try if lower amounts aren’t working for you.

Dieters

Weight loss involves a caloric deficit. Unfortunately, caloric deficits rarely discriminate between lean mass and body fat, while most people are interested in losing fat, not muscle/bone/tendon/ sinew/organ. Numerous studies show that increasing your protein intake during weight loss will partially offset the lean mass loss that tends to occur. In obese and preobese women, a 750 calorie diet with 30% of calories from protein (about 56 grams) preserved more lean mass during weight loss than an 18% protein diet. Another study in women showed that a 1.6 g protein/kg bodyweight (or 0.7 g protein/lb bodyweight) diet led to more weight loss, more fat loss, and less lean mass loss than a 0.8 g protein/kg bodyweight diet. Among dieting athletes, 2.3 g protein/ kg bodyweight (or a little over 1g protein/ lb body C M Y K

How much protein should you eat? weight) was far superior to 1.0 g protein/kg bodyweight in preserving lean mass.

The Injured

Healing wounds increases protein requirements as you’re literally rebuilding lost or damaged tissue, the very definition of an anabolic state.

One review recommends around 1.5 g protein/kg bodyweight or close to 0.7 g protein/lb bodyweight for injured patients.

The Elderly

The protein RDA may not suffice for older people, who lose thigh muscle mass and exhibit lower urinary nitrogen excretion when given the standard 0.8 g protein/kg bodyweight. What’s good for the goose may not be good for the elderly, frail gander. More recent studies indicate that a baseline intake of 1.0-1.3 g protein/kg bodyweight or 0.50.6 g protein/lb bodyweight is more suitable for the healthy

and frail elderly to ensure nitrogen balance. As always, active seniors will probably do better with slightly more, and evidence suggests that increasing protein can both improve physical

performance without necessarily increasing muscle mass and increase muscle mass when paired with extended resistance training in the elderly.

Your protein intake should be fairly intuitive.

The following questions should be considered: •Losing strength/muscle during weight loss?

•Increase the protein.

•Your favourite cut of meat suddenly disgusts you?

•Try reducing the protein.

•Not recovering from workouts?

•Increase the protein.

REPORTAGE:

Fresh facts on domestic violence Old facts

D

omestic violence is one of the biggest threats to women’s health and well-being. Globally, approximately 1 in 3 women will experience violence during her lifetime, often at the hands of an intimate partner. The cost of this violence on women, on communities and on the development of nations— especially those recovering from conflict—is too high to accept.

Across conflict ridden West African countries of Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone, years after the official end of these countries’ brutal wars, women are being intimidated, threatened and beaten with shocking frequency. And even though the focus of the humanitarian community has often been on armed

groups, the primary threat to women in West Africa is not a man with a gun or a stranger.

It is their husbands.

Too often, women’s subordinate status allows violence to occur in silence and prevents women from seizing opportunities.

If women are to contribute their vast potential to rebuilding more peaceful, stable communities they must be safe both inside and outside their own homes.

Global studies confirm that all forms of violence against women are significantly underreported by survivors— and domestic violence is no exception. Those who do disclose incidents tend to tell a closeknit circle of immediate family members and friends.

Even fewer report incidents to a health clinic, doctor, nurse or the police. Stigma, shame and fear are the most frequently cited barriers that prevent women from speaking

out about violence they suffer.

The stigma associated with living in an abusive partnership causes women to isolate themselves even from friends and family—in effect barring themselves from their first and often only line of support. And in places like West Africa where basic services are frequently lacking, survivors see few reasons to report incidents, since no assistance is available.

The pervasive environment of silence surrounding domestic violence has two important implications. First, it can be assumed that domestic violence is occurring at high frequency but is not being reported at all. Second, organizations seeking to end domestic violence must look deep within communities—to the friends and family members of survivors—as the first line of defense in keeping women safe and connecting

them to the resources that can save them from further violence.

Fresh Facts

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newly released study by The International Rescue Committee (IRC), “Let Me Not Die Before My Time”, describes domestic violence as a pervasive problem that endangers, isolates, and disenfranchises countless women in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Ivory Coast.

Domestic Violence prevalence around the world.

JAPA N 15% USA 36% BRAZIL 37% BANGLADESH 53% ETHIOPIA 73% 63% Portion of reported incidents perpetrated by intimate partner

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 33

•Metallic makeup

Metallic Fashion T

here is a hot new wave sweeping into the wardrobe of fashionistas around the world- it’s hot, it’s stunning, it’s metallic.

Gone are the shier, more conservative days of fashion when metallic colours were the preserve of the night club and the occasional evening do. Today’s metallics are showing up in the day time- even for work.

Mirror foils, statement metal prints, sparkling materials and holographic finishes made a big splash at the Spring Summer 2013 fashion catwalks. Being spotted in nearly each show of the Fashion Week Fall 2013, the metallics offer a fresh way to bring a luxurious touch to your looks replacing the traditional colorful neon and pastel trends.

Make-up, headgear and jewellery are also absorbing the metallic look, bringing in even more drama Tips of the Trend:

Ballet Pumps or heels

Although coloured metallics are all the rage right now, the classic metallic colour of pumps,

37% Portion of reported incidents perpetrated by ‘others’ 45% Of intimate partner abuse take the form of physical assault 42% Take the form of Denial of Resources, Opportunities or Services 11% Take the form of Psychological or Emotional Abuse 69% Domestic Violence survivors reporting more than one incidence by the same perpetrator 8.3billion dollars The cost of Domestic violence per year in the USA 36billion dollars The cost of domestic violence in the UK per year.

There is no standard way of calculating the price societies pay for domestic violence. Estimates from the U.S. have looked solely at medical expenditures and lost work days, while in the U.K. studies have taken a more expansive view of human and emotional costs. Even the most conservative estimate shows the cost to be significant. Figures for West Africa are unavailable.

A scan of the state of the justice systems across Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone offers a glimpse into what

heels or clutch is something that will always be stylish and could easily be paired with jeans or trousers during the day and your favourite little black dress for the evening. Surprisingly, they go with a lot of outfits and definitely crave attention.

Whatever your interpretation of the trend is, make sure to do it subtly.

women face when undertaking the decision to report partner abuse.

While all three countries have differing legal frameworks related to domestic violence, they share weak police forces, a judicial infrastructure with limited reach outside of the main cities, and hefty legal fees. For example, women may legally file a report of domestic violence only if they can produce a medical certificate verifying injuries—the cost of which can be prohibitive for many women.

Programs to address violence against women and girls are generally underfunded and ad hoc.

Few donors have comprehensive strategies to shape their global response to violence against women and fewer still make domestic violence a priority. It remains a neglected issue within an under-resourced gender-based violence program sector. Donors must significantly step up funding for programs that address all forms of violence against women and girls so that organizations can establish robust, comprehensive initiatives that address violence occurring both within and outside the home.

Embellishments/ Accessories

The eye catching texture of metallic accents do well for the woman who does not wish to be loud: sparkly sequin toppers, coated denim, toneon-tone metallic prints and brocade.

Brocade is such a beautiful way to wear the trend without feeling over the top. Gilded gold florals anchored with classic black make it an elegant yet versatile style for work or play and add confidence to your look. For a chic going out look, pair with textured leggings, black and gold jewellery, basic black pumps, an over-sized yellow clutch and bold red lips.

Do day metallics

Shiny, sequined and metallic materials have commonly been reserved for evening or cocktail looks but this season’s coloured metallic trend is bringing metallics into the daylight.

The key to making your metallics more day friendly is mixing textures and combining them with more casual items. Take a metallic bottom and pair it with a simple T-Shirt, sweater, leather jacket or all three depending on the weather.

Apply a glittery nail polish to finish off the look. Bring your metallics out and let them shine!

Do other colours

Don’t limit your metallics to gold and silver! Roses, primary colours, and even neons come in metallic sheens. Go crazy if you must.

34 — Vanguard Vanguard,,

FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 YOUR LUCK TODAY

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

VIRGO: A particular affair may come to the head now; and you will either enjoy the excitement or overreact and complicate things. Don’t allow friends to control your life. Separate friendship & money LIBRA: Expect challenges both at home and along your business line. Protection of your image should top your priority list today. Be less aggressive.

SCORPION: Moon in Cancer does not favour your being careless with legal-related issues. And if need be, you may tarry a while before putting your hands on agreement papers. Think of the future.

SAGITTARIUS: Moon in Cancer highlights your finances. Money, movable possessions and other interconnections may bring you under tension temporarily.

Be wise with money.

By Richard Eromosele

A

GREAT thinker, Senera once said: “it is not because things are difficult that we do not try, it is because we do not try that things are difficult” Did you get that?

Let me illustrate: A

Why are things difficult? child said he is late home, rather than go home straight, he still stays halfway because he is afraid his father will punish him, is he not aggravating the

issue? That is the case with those who do not try? They worsen an already bad situation.

If you do not sow can you reap? If you

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

don’t plant can you harvest? If you do not knock will you be opened for?

Do something today. No matter how difficult your situation seems now, the solution to it, is doing something no matter how small.

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN: Moon in Cancer star sign will bring you to the limelight and if care is not taken, you would be at the center of controversy. Be less aggressive.

AQUARIUS: WHAT you were able to sweep under the carpet yesterday at work may come up unexpectedly now. And it’ll take exhibition of maturity on your part to avoid trouble. Don’t allow healthrelated issues to degenerate. Think future &legality.

PISCES: UNLIKE yesterday when friends were willing to make sacrifices, their mood may be a bit difficult to understand. This is not the right time to take hard decisions about your love life.

ARIES: TODAY’S Moon placement will bring you under the fire of enthusiasm along your business line but you must guard against avoidable mistakes.

Try to be more family minded.

TAURUS: WHAT started yesterday may climax today. It is wrong to arrive at a decision in haste today. Unnecessary argument can’t help.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI: BOTH astrological aspects and Moon in Cancer are warning you to be very careful with money. And your new ideas concerning financial issues are not sound enough.

CANCER: The Moon in your star sign at hard angle to Mars may give you wrong ideas and induce you to take actions capable of prompting others to resent you.

LEO: Moon’s aspect may today induce others to work against your interest but the whole thing’ll not stand the test of time. Do away with secretive deal at work and take good care of your health.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

My Dear readers, CHARACTERISTICS OF GEMINI Gemini’s element is air while it’s quality is mutable, belonging to positive group of the zodiac.

It is ruled by Mercury. The air element means you have characteristics of the Zodiac sign known for high quality of intelligence. The air element, also makes you a humorous person who knows how to cool off pressure through ribs cracking jokes, especially when with those you can consider intimate allies.

Mutable connection indicates innate ability to experiment with new and bright ideas that often times lead to change. In fact, Gemini born people strongly believe in the popular saying that “variety (and/or change) is the spice of life.” Mutable is equally related to education, travelling, communication and commercial activities. Thus, you’re a person with many personalities.

And if you are not annoyed, everybody loves your charismatic approach. But once you lose your patience, tongues go wagging unnecessarily and some people would wrongly accuse you of unreliability.

Mutable aspect influences you to have special interest in education and soundness of the mind.

Geminians in general are not as crafty as many think, although you can become an adept at the game of deception.

Literary Gemini gives you ability to write and express yourself whichever way you want.

Influence of Gemini makes . Influence of Gemini makes you a person with dual (double) personality.

In fact, it is possible for you to exhibit different faces of your inner personalities at different places.

VIRGINIA

Commen3

dadadekola@yahoo.com

by Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013— 35

Prof Oloyede as NSCIA Secretary

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Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Women: Equal yet different FURTHER to the last two edition on treatment of women written by my Guest, Abu Muhammed, on this column, I wish to add some specifics which I consider a recurring decimal on the issue of gender equality. But for space and time, it will only dwell on the Islamic perspective as it affects the family.

Almighty Allah created men and women to be different, with unique roles, skills and responsibilities. These differences are not viewed as evidences of superiority or inferiority, but of specialisation. In Islam, the family is of central importance. The man is responsible for the financial well being of the family while the woman contributes to the family’s physical, educational and emotional well being. This encourages cooperation rather than competition. By fulfilling their mutual responsibilities, strong families are created and hence strong societies. Also, emotionally, neither men nor women live a happy life without one another. Allah describes this beautifully by saying: “They are clothing for you and

you are clothing for them.”Q2:187.

Clothing provides comfort, warmth and security as well as making one look good - this is how the relationship between the husband and wife is defined in Islam. But even with these differences, both man and woman have equal right to accountability on the day of judgement. They have equal right to reward on every deed they put forward here on earth; equal right to choose who they want to marry and live the rest of their lives with; equal right to knowledge. It should be noted that we have great females scholars of both Islamic jurisprudence and other areas of life with male scholars as their students.

Both men and women are encouraged to seek knowledge. The Prophet (s.a.w) said, “Education is compulsory for every Muslim.”

So, it is disheartening when we hear that some people who claim to be Muslims say they are oppose to education.

Yet, inspite of these equal rights as a general principle, the specific rights and responsibilities granted to them are not identical;

they are only complementary.

Needless to go into the anatomical differences such as voice, strength, temperament among others, it would be foolish to treat both genders the same and to ignore their differences. Islam teaches that men and women have complementary, yet different, roles as suited to their nature. The Qur’an says says: “And the male is not like the female.”Q3:36.

Before Islam, women were considered shameful, female children were buried alive, prostitution was rampant, divorce was only in the hands of the husband, inheritance was only for the strong, and oppression was widespread. Islam came and abolished these practices. Check out what is happening in developed countries, women are not granted respect, dignity and honour. Islam, however, regards women as precious and valuable, not to be disrespected or disgraced. The mistreatment of women in some parts of the world or Muslim families is due to cultural factors that some Muslims wrongly follow, not because of Islam.

HE Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) a few days ago appointed Prof Ishaq Oloyede as its Secretary General.

Oloyede who will be 59 in October replaces Late Lateef Adegbite.

The appointment was ratified during the council’s National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna Tuesday.

Prior to his appointment, Oloyede was Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin from October 2007 to July 2012.

Currently, Oloyede is the Executive Secretary of National Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) and also the President of Association of African Universities (AAU).

Prof. Is-haq Olarewaju hails from Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He was appointed Deputy Vice - Chancellor (Academic) on June 19, 2003 and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) on July 6, 2005.

His tertiary education began in the University of Ilorin in 1978 where he studied Arabic and was awarded a B.A. Arabic (First Class Hons) in 1981. In July 1982 he was appointed as Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Religions of the University.

In 1991, he had his Doctorate degree in Islamic Studies also from the University of Ilorin.

Prof. Oloyede earned several scholarships and prizes during

•Prof Ishaq Oloyede his student days, notable among which were the Arab League prize for the best final year Certificate student in Arabic and Islamic Studies in 1977 at the University of Ibadan; Federal Government undergraduate merit award from 1979 to 1981; Department of Religions Award, University of Ilorin, 1981 and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Award, Unilorin also in 1981.

He is a fellow of the Islamic Academy of Cambridge, United Kingdom; Fellow, Academy of Entrepreneurship; Member, Nigerian Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS); Member, Editorial Board, Centre for Islamic Legal Studies, ABU, Zaria, among, several others.

Prof. Oloyede was elevated to professorial rank in 1995.

He has authored and coauthored several articles in reputable local and international journals. Prof. Oloyede is married with 4 children and one grandchild.

Eti-Osa Council of Imams set to build Islamic Centre Concluded

L-R: Prince Tajudeen Olusi, President of Zumuratul-Islamiyya; Commisioner for Home affairs and Culture, Hon Oyinlomo Danmole; HRM, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran, Alhaji Abdul-Yekeen Bakare, Baba Adini of Eti-Osa Muslim Community and Balogun of Ajiran land; Alhaji Folami, Baba Adini of Ojomu Muslim Community and Chief Rilwan Aleshinloye, Chairman of the occasion.

L-R: Chief Imam S. O Lawal, Chairman Council of Imams and Ulammau, Lagos Division; Imam T.O Gbajabiamila, Vice Chairman and Representative of Chief Imam of Lagos State; and Imam Saadalah Bello, Secretary of the Council Lagos Division.

T

HE activities marking the 15th an niversary of Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas climaxed last Sunday with the launching of a multi-million naira Islamic Centre and conferment of awrads on prominent muslims in the area. The chairman of the council, Imam Abdul Bari Yoosuph Afini disclosed that the proposed Islamic centre will have modern Islamic library, orphanage home, multi-purpose hall.

Speaking at the event held recently, the Commisioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Hon Oyinlomo Danmole urged Muslims in the state and beyond to pray fervently for the country in view of the crisis rocking some parts of the country.

He hinted that the state government will engage clerics of all religions to offer special prayers for the state and the nation.

Also addressing the gathering, the

President of Zumuratul-Islamiyya, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi urged Muslims to exercise a lot of patience as the current situation in the country had misrepresented Islam and Muslims.

Some of those honoured at the event included Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hon Hazeez Babajide Akinloye, House of Representaives member representing Eti-Osa constituency, Hon Muftau Adewale Egberongbe, Memeber, Lagos State House of Assembly representing Apapa Constituency.

The occasion which was held at Elesan, Eti-Osa, Lagos drew a lot of dignitaries inluding HRM, Oba Tijani Adetunji Akinloye, the Ojomu of Ajiran, Alhaji Abdul-Yekeen Bakare, Baba Adini of Eti-Osa Muslim Community and Balogun of Ajiran land among others.

L-R: Imam Moshood Mudathir Alamorieda of Alaguntan Central Mosque and first chairman, Eti-Osa Council of Imams and Alfas who is also one of the Awardees, Imam Bari Yoosuph Afini, Chairman of the Council and Imam Abdul-Lateef Ahmad Balogun, General Secretary of the Council.

36—Vanguard , FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Oshiomhole too busy to mind Metuh— Aide

NBA c'ttee holds confab on Rule of Law

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

S

ENIOR Special Assistant to Governor Adams Oshiomhole on Media, Mr. John Mayaki, yesterday, said that the governor was too busy addressing the needs of the good people of Edo State and delivering on his electoral promises and, therefore, has no time to reply Chief Olisah Metuh, National Publicity Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Responding to a statement credited to Metuh, challenging the governor to reply his allegation that he begged to join Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and was rejected, Mayaki said PDP had no such credible personalities as the governor in its fold.

He said: “Oshiomhole is too busy to join issues with a jobless Metuh. The challenges in the state are enormous. The needs of the people of Edo State are of so much importance to the governor, than replying Metuh.

“This recent plot against Edo State and the governor, if anything, shows that PDP

R

ULE of Law Action Group, one of the standing committees of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, will hold a two-day conference in Lagos, May 13 and 14.

The conference, themed The Rule of Law: The Bedrock for Sustainable Democracy and Development in Nigeria, according to the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), will have Justice C. C. Nweze of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division, deliver the keynote address.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Muktar; Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN); Justice W. S. N. Onnogen of the Supreme Court, who will speak on Speedy and Effective Dispensation of Justice, The Role of the Bench and the Bar; Mr. Joseph Daudu (SAN), among others, will be in attendance.

Justice Amina Augie of the Court of Appeal; Chief Judges of Lagos, FCT, Rivers and Justice O. A. Onum of Benue State; Chief T. Okpoko (SAN); Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Dr. Konyinsola Ajayi (SAN); Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN); Fola Arthur-Worrey; George Etomi and Mrs. Nnella Rabana (SAN) will also speak, while Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) will moderate the first session.

has run out of tactics in nailing political opponents. I

fear that this party may eventually ruin this country,

N/Delta groups fault calls for Dokubo, Kuku arrest Aloba and Prince Afoke "Also the former Vice PresiBY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—FRONT for Ijaw Survival and Hope, FISH, and the Niger Delta Intellectuals Council for Good Governance, NDICGG, have dismissed the calls for the arrest of the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP, Mr. Kingsley Kuku, and former militant leader, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, over their comments on 2015 Presidency as “political hypocrisy.”

In a statement by Solomon

Okporua for FISH and NDICGG, respectively, the groups urged Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Arewa Youth Forum and the House of Representatives, which reportedly called for the arrests, to support the transformation agenda of the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency.

They said: “We say it is political hypocrisy because during the Yar ’Adua's administration, Datti Ahmed, the head of Islamic Council threatened Nigeria’s peace and unity.

HAIRMAN of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South-South region, Archbishop God-dowell Avwomakpa, in Warri, Delta State, has called on all Christians and politicians in the region, irrespective of affiliation or denomination, to rally round and support President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Avwomakpa noted that elite politicians and church leaders have strong bonds that transcend religion and tribe. He noted that whatever political class and religious leaders say concerning Jonathan’s administration will go a long way in

BY GODWIN OGHRE

S

APELE—TO prevent a repeat of the 2012 flood disaster in the state, with current increase in rainfall, Delta State Commissioner for Environ-

ment, Chief Frank Omare, yesterday, ordered staff of the ministry and members of the sanitation department of Sapele Local Government Area to extend their working days to Sundays.

The workers were also or-

promoting or tarnishing it.

The cleric, who also said there were attempts by some political class from the region to frustrate Jonathan’s government, urged them to desist from being a “black-sheep” in the region.

He said: “Let us join hands to support Jonathan’s administration. He is God-ordained for present day Nigeria and anyone who tries to join hand with those opposed to his leadership will see the wrath of God.”

dered to conduct and attend their forthcoming Sunday church service at the site of one of the ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Sapele council.

The commissioner gave the order at Sapele council Chairman’s office, where he told the council chairman to prevail on his staff to cooperate fully with the demolition exercise.

He said they should go round the community with town-criers to sensitise the people to evacuate all refuse dumps and illegal structures before the bulldozers arrive their domains.

Host communities assured on NPDC's commitment

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EADERS of the various host communities to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in Delta State, have been advised to be patient as the company has better plans for them.

Mr. Chris Eriyamremu, a

youth leader in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, gave the advice during a meeting with some leaders of host communities OML30, at Ofuoma.

He said NPDC will do better if the host communities create

the enabling environment since NPDC prefers to relate directly with her host communities through duly elected community executive.

He commended Managing Director of NPDC, Mr. Victor Briggs, for effective managment.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

dent, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar called for violent change and Muhammadu Buhari talked of the monkey and baboons been soaked in blood if 2015 election is unfavourable to him and no one called for their arrest.”

Warning they would resist attempts to intimidate Jonathan out of office, the Niger Delta groups said beyond poverty and underdevelopment in the North, the Boko Haram violence was “a political mechanism by some northern political interests to re-negotiate way back to the number one political position in the country."

Delta commissioner goes spiritual over flood

CAN rallies support for Jonathan

C

if it succeeds with its hatched plans towards 2015.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On mobile number portability(3)

P

ORTING is a good idea. I just have not seen anyone using it yet. It will save the stress of carrying more than one phone. It saves money, and it is difficult to lose one phone, unlike when you have to carry many phones about.— Miss Fasasi Omolola, Journalist.

I

T is actually cool because it will make switching from one network to another stress-free. But I still think that information on this porting scheme is sketchy. Nigerians need more enlightenment on how it works.— Miss Temitope Akintobi, Student.

I

do not really subscribe to porting. I think it will be stressful. Of course, the initiative is a good one. However, concentration should be on improving services and not on porting. If a service provider is efficient, why port?— Miss Eniola Akinwunmi, Student.

T

O tell you the truth, all we are doing is just talking and talking about porting.

How many people are actually doing it? If it is true that they have introduced porting, then I wonder what is keeping it from circulating?— Mr. Kazeem Aremu, Worker.

A

S far as porting is concerned, I do not know much, so I cannot say much. I have heard of it on radio and people talk about it.

However, I think it will be a good thing for consumers to be able to easily switch networks.— Mr. Agboola Babatunde, Student.

G

ENERALLY, it is a good idea because it will provide consumers the opportunity to move from one network service provider to another one. So it is a good thing. But the fact is that I am yet to see it work.— Miss Oluwatosin Morunfoyo, Student.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—37

Julius Berger boosts A-Ibom Gospel Village with N1m

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—FOR Nigeria to grow its indigenous capacity to drive the infrastructural construction, ICT, and other relevant sectors, it must focus on the education of its youths today and urgently consider partnership with stakeholders.

Mr. Clement Iloba, representative of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, stated this while presenting a chegue of N1 million to support the students of the Gospel Village in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to its host communities.

According to Iloba, Public Affairs Advisor to Julius Berger, “This second donation of N1 million, to add to the one of last year, was borne out of the need for Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to fill the gap in the company’s awareness creation, career counselling, youth empowerment, and charity in its area of operation, and in support of the free and compulsory education policy of Akwa Ibom State Government."

Three charged in Delta over alleged theft of mosquito nets

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THREE persons, including a staff of Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, have been charged to court over their alleged involvement in the theft and illegal sale of insecticide mosquito nets meant for the just concluded Roll Back Malaria, RBM, programme in the state.

The accused persons, according to the chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Transition Committee, Chief Friday Akpoyibo, were charged before a Magistrate CourtI sitting in Ughelli.

He said; “Five hundred of the nets earmarked for distribution free of charge to the people were stolen and supplied to a trader at the Ughelli main market at N175,000 by a council staff at N450 each."

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Ogume killings: Delta govt assures on peace

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State Government, yesterday, assuaged the fears expressed by the people of Ogume community over the recent killing of their farmers and destruction of farmlands by herdsmen, saying that measures had been taken to ensure that herdsmen were confined to designated grazing areas.

State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah, in a statement in Asaba, said: “The Government of Delta State has waded into the issue and held meetings with leaders of Ogume clan and the herdsmen, with a view to restoring order and harmony. Again, as rightly noted, the Ogume Clan Development Association had lived harmoniously with the Fulani herdsmen, as a piece of land was allocated to the herdsmen.

“The state government has been liaising with all stakeholders and security agencies over the matter and

wishes to reassure the people of Ogume that measures had been taken to resolve the matter and give succour to the farmers, whose crops were damaged as well as

those affected by the violent attacks by some renegade herdsmen. The state government hereby assures the Ogume Clan and, indeed, every other community that

VISIT: From left: Mrs. Roseline Okohobo, National President, Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria; Mrs. Elizabeth Nyamali, State Chairman; Governor Adams Oshiomhole and Rev Fr. Francis Ochonogor, during a courtesy visit by executive members of Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria to the governor in Benin City, yesterday.

Delta govt vs Okere community: Judge warns Ijaw litigants

BY EMMA ARUBI

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ARRI—THE Administrative Judge of Delta State High Court, Warri Judicial Division, Justice Marshall Mukoro, has warned the Ijaw litigants in the case between the state government and Okere community, seeking to be joined in the matter, not to come to him again trying to influence him over their intention to be joined in the case.

He said he should be allowed to handle the case within the ambit of the law, adding that they should go and prepare their case with proofs supported by the law. He said that as a Christian, he did not wish to get entangled in any-

thing that would tarnish his name.

The visibly angry Justice Mukoro, who asked the Ogbe-Ijoh litigants to stand up in open court, said that an old man of over 80 years came to him, trying to influence him on how the matter should go, pointing out that but for his respect for the man's age, he would have sent him to prison. He warned that he would not tolerate such acts again.

The Okere community, led

by Chief Rita Lori-Ogbebor and the Ogieboro of Okere, Chief Felix Esisi and other elders, had dragged the state government to court over alleged forceful acquisition of their land, on which a new

model school was being built.

At the last sitting, some Ijaws from Ogbe-Ijoh, led by one Clarkson Aribogha, came to court, seeking to be joined in the matter as owners of the same land, to which the Okere Itsekiri people did not object, before the matter was adjourned to Monday.

At the resumed hearing, Director of Civil Litigation in the state Ministry of Justice, Mr. S.O. Monye, objected to the Ijaw application for joinder through their counsel, T.C. William, after which counsel for the state government and the Ijaw adopted their written addresses.

The court adjourned till June 11, 2013 to rule on the joinder application.

Edo youths in war of words over gov's attack on Igbinedion

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—EDO State youths, yesterday, engaged themselves in a war of words, following the demand by the South-South Youth Alliance, SSYA, that Governor Adams Oshiomhole should apologise to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, over what they described as the abusive words used recently by the governor against the Benin chief.

provides grazing grounds for Fulani herdsmen that measures had been taken to ensure that the herdsmen are confined to the designated grazing areas.”

The SSYA, led by its president, Mr. Bruce Nosa-Uwaifo, had, while briefing newsmen, accused Governor Oshiomhole of not respecting elders in the state, describing the recent altercation between the governor and Chief Igbinedion as unacceptable.

Ironically, the youths, who were gathered for the briefing, turned against the organisers, saying that Oshiomhole’s reaction was germane, and, therefore, he should not apologise, saying: “We thought we came here to talk about the development of

youths. Were we invited here to insult the governor who has changed the lives of our people?”

Tension heightened when one of the youths, who identified himself as Anthony Bello-Osagie, informed the organisers that “we were in this state when the Esama you are talking about fought our father, the Oba of Benin.

We are also aware that the Esama’s voting unit was in GRA, but on the day of the local government elections, he chose to go to Okada with policemen."

$10m not missing from Rivers account —Govt

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government has denied the purported disappearance of $10 million from the state coffers in connection with the alleged inflated cost of acquiring its Bombardier Jet-BD-700 Global Express.

The state Ministry of Information quoted the state Finance Commissioner, Mr Chamberlain Peterside, in a statement, as having clarified that no fund disappeared, while putting the cost of the aircraft acquired in 2012 at $45 million, excluding other charges and fees.

This sum, Peterside explained, was duly approved

by Governor Chibuike Amaechi and the mandate released accordingly after prior authorization by Rivers State House of Assembly.

The Commissioner noted that suggestions that the transaction was inflated to misappropriate state funds were simply to discredit the performance of the current administration.

"The reports on missing funds are mere false allegations spurred by the current media frenzy,” he said.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

South African slams N500m suit on NAHCO, others over seized passport

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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From right: Chief Vita Abba, Chairman, PDP Enugu State; Governor Sullivan Chime, Barr.

Eugene Odo, Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, and Mr. Okey Ani, Commissioner for Local Government, Enugu State, during the inauguration of 57 local government administrators of Enugu State, by Governor Sullivan Chime. Photo: Hill Ezeugwu

Chime swears in 57 Dev Centre Chairmen

E

NUGU—Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has inaugurated administrators for the 57 development centres in the state, saying it was part of the efforts of the state government to bring democracy and governance to the doorsteps of the masses.

At the colourful ceremony held at the Michael Okpara Square, Enugu, the governor also in an unprecedented move, presented brand new Kia Rio cars to the administrators, explaining that the gesture was intended to enhance the performance of the beneficiaries in their different locations.

APGA urges Rochas Okorocha to re-think plans to join APC

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AGOS — THE All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has advised Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State to re-think his decision to join the yet-to-be registered All Progressive Congress, APC.

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WERRI — AGGRIEVED Imo workers, yesterday, at the State Secretariat, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, booed the state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Dr. Reginald Anyadike, and Head of Service, HoS, Mrs. Nkechi Onumajulu.

The duo had gone to the secretariat complex to address and dissuade the workers from continuing with the industrial action called by labour’s Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, which has equally entered its third day.

Deafening shouts of “Holy Ghost Fire” intermittently rent the air each time Anyadike C M Y K

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okorocha at a rally in Owerri as part of activities to mark his government’s two years in office, formally declared for the APC. In a statement, Mr. Francis

Anambra Assembly gives state auditor general 14 days ultimatun to submit LG audited accounts

BY ENYIM ENYIM

O

NITSHA — ANAMBRA State House of Assembly has given the state auditor-general for local governments14 days ultimatum to furnish it with the audited accounts for 2011 and 2012.

The ultimatum followed a motion moved by Mr. Gabriel Onyenwife, representing Ayamelum State Constituency and seconded by Mr. Val-

Imo striking workers boo state NLC chairman, HoS

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

AGOS — A N500 million suit has been instituted against the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, NAHCO Aviance, and three others as general damages for an alleged unlawful seizure and holding of the international

and Onumajul tried to speak to the striking workers.

When calm was eventually restored, Anyadike told the aggrieved workers that the current industrial action had pre-empted the scheduled holistic strike, which ought to have started May 15, 2013.

He said “the present industrial action will not work, especially as it is being carried out by only eight of 31 industrial unions operating in the state.”

He appealed to the striking workers to return to their offices and wait for May 15 when the trade dispute filed by labour would either mature or Governor Rochas Okorocha would have redressed the issues raised.

entine Anyika.

Onyenwife in the motion, stated that it was a breach of section 28(2-5) of the local government law 1999 for the auditor general to have failed to submit the audited accounts for 2011 and 2012 to the House of Assembly in 2013. ”It is an obvious fact that the auditor-general for local governments in Anambra State is yet to submit the 2011 and 2012 audited accounts of the 21 local government areas of Anambra State to this House of Assembly. ”The auditor-general for local governments is hereby urged to submit the audited accounts of the 21 local government areas of the state for 2011 and 2012 to this House of Assembly without delay.”.

Edeh, Senior Media Assistant to APGA National Chairman, Chief Maxi Okwu, said Okorocha needed a re-think on joining APC. He said: “Since Okorocha was elected on the platform of APGA in April, 2011, the party wishes to advise him to have a re-think on his decision to join APC. “APC is a political association that has not been registered as a political party by INEC and the acronym is being contested by another political association.

“APGA gives this timely advice to the governor to save him from becoming a political orphan wandering in political wilderness in Nigeria’s political horizon.”

Edeh said since June 2002 when APGA was registered by INEC, the party had been growing from strength to strength and was currently being repositioned, restructured and reengineered to be the third leg in Nigeria’s political tripod.

“We are confident that the party’s electoral fortune will increase in the 2015 general election just as APGA is the party to beat in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election.

passport belonging to a South African, Mr. Carl De Beer, owing to alleged contractual breach.

In a fundamental rights enforcement procedure filed against the company and some of its officials, the plaintiff, De beer, asked the court to declare that the alleged seizure of his passport by the respondents without any justification was illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of his rights to freedom of movement and rights to own property.

Joined as defendants in the suit are Mr. Kayode T. Oluwasegun-Ojo, Mr. Nobert Bieldermann and Mr. Bimbo Oladele.

Parts of the relief sought by the applicant are that the court should declare the seizure of his international passport by the defendants, which has made it difficult for him to get to work and feed his family, as a violation of his right to life.

Subsequently, the applicant asked the court to grant an order directing the defendants to release his forcefully seized international passport, and ask them to tender an unreserved apology to him in four national newspapers for depression, psychological torture, degrading, inhuman treatment, hunger, deprivation of right to secure any job and suffering undergone in the hands of security operatives, who have arrested him severally for being an illegal immigrant due to the seizure of his passport.

He also prayed the court to order the payment of N500million to him as general damages arising out of the alleged unlawful act and breach of his right to the dignity of human person.

IMSG doles out N1.7b for payment of workers

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI — IMO State government has approved the release of N1.7 billion for the payment of the backlog of unpaid salaries, allowances and gratuity of workers of Imo Palm Plantation, Ohaji and Imo Concorde Hotel, Owerri.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, who announced this after a meeting with the affected workers of the two government

establishments, also expressed hope that the lifeline would help in alleviating their suffering.

Scores of aggrieved workers who thronged the Ahiajoku Convention Centre, New Owerri, were told in clear terms that the state government was not in a hurry to pay them off, especially the professionals among them.

“The professionals among Imo Palm Plantation workers would be posted to the

Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where a palm plantation department would be established for them to help the state grow more palms,” Okorocha promised.

Okorocha dampened the workers' spirit when he informed the hapless, hungry workers that the N900 million owed staff off Imo Palm Plantation and N700 million owed Concorde Hotel staff would be spread over 24 months.

Vanguard , FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—39

BRIEFING—From left: Perm Sec, Mrs Nike Animashaun; Commissioner for Science and Technology, Fatai Mabadeje; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Aderemi Ibirogba; and Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Ronke AGM—From left: Jasper Hamaker, Finance Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc; Nicolaas Osho during a briefing by the Lagos State Ministry of Science Verveide, MD/CEO; and Victor Famuyibo, Human Resources Director at the NB pre-annual and Technology in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos. general meeting investors’ forum/media briefing in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

ADDRESS—Governor Theodore Orji Of Abia State addressing Abians on his return from Canada, flanked by his wife Chief Mrs. Mercy Orji (right); and Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, SSG (left).

AUTOGRAPH—From left: Tomi Odunsi (Salewa); Mr. Victor Olaotan (Fre Ade Williams) and Mrs. Toyin Gbagi during the autograph signing sessions by the Tinsel cast to mark the 1,000 episode of Tinsel Soap Opera at Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island Lagos.

THANKSGIVING—From left: Member, representing Boripe/Ifelodun Federal Constituency, Yinka Ajayi; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi LaoyeTomori and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sunday Akere at the St. Joseph's Feast Day Thanksgiving and Launching of 2013 Family Harvest.

EVENT—From left: Mr Demola Aladekomo, Managing Director, Chams Plc; Mr Tomi Davies, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Technovision Communication; and Mrs Funke Opeke, Chief Executive Officer, Main One Cable Limited, during the inaugural pitch event organised by Technovision Communication Limited, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

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VISIT—Senator Gbenga Ashafa (middle) with the Students' Union Government of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, during a courtesy visit to the Senator at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

INSPECTION— From left: Chairman, House Committee on Works, Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi; Nosakhare Osahon; Ali Wudil and Fort Dike inspecting the Kotonkarfi - Lokoja Highway Section 4 road project in Kogi State.

EVENT— From left: Manager, Data Marketing, Etisalat Nigeria, Bankole Alao; Senior Director, Business Development West Africa, Qualcomm, Alex Dadson; and Specialist, Blackberry & VAS, Etisalat Nigeria, Doubrapade Koroye, at the Etisalatsponsored Mobile Web West Africa event, at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Emir of Gummi, Aliyu Abara, dies at 75

46 branches of RCCG burnt in post-election violence — Adeboye

BY TAYE OBATERU & HOPE OFOBIKE

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J

OS—THE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has said that over 46 branches of the church were burnt down during the 2011 post-election violence in the Northern part of the country.

He made this known in Jos, while dedicating the the Maranatha Covenant Church International headquarters, noting that Christians in the North were being persecuted innocently.

He commended Christians for remaining steadfast in face of persecution, urging them to draw closer to God and be prayerful.

Senior Pastor of Maranatha Covenant Church, Bishop Jonas Katung who was also consecrated, extolled the virtues of Pastor Adeboye whom he said God was using in various ways because of his humility.

PDP holds stakeholders' meeting in S-West

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AGOS—THE Peo ples Democratic Party (PDP) in the SouthWest is set to hold a stakeholders’ meeting with some selected party members and leaders in the zone.

According to the Zonal Organising Secretary, Engr. Adedeji Doherty, the meeting is in furtherance of the South-West Zonal Caretaker Committee’s re-conciliatory efforts and in fulfillment of the National Working Committee’s (NWC’s) directive on reconciliation within the party.

“Towards this end, the Reconciliation Committee Chairmen and Secretaries for each of the states have been directed to liaise with the State Chairmen to pick on merit, 30 stakeholders per state to attend the meeting,” Doherty said.

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VISIT—From left: Dr. Nelson Uwaga, Deputy President, Nigerian Institute of Management; Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman of Council, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, during a courtesy visit to Atiku in Yola.

Serve well to avoid mass revolt, Shettima warns public office holders

BY NDAHI MARAMA

M

AIDUGURI—GOV ERNOR Kashim Shettima of Borno State has asked political office holders to provide the needs of the people to avoid imminent revolt from the masses.

Shettima spoke when the 32member Joint Senate Committee on Baga killings visited him in Maiduguri, the state capital.

He lamented that the only issue agitating the minds of the political class was how to amass wealth and perpetuate themselves in power.

Shetima further said: “I want to use this opportunity to tell you; the Senate Joint Committee that poverty and destitution had remained the primary factors propelling the current insurgence. I am worried that if concrete measures are not taken so that leaders will amend their ways for proper planning for the future of our youths and those yet unborn, the country would likely dive into a more complex situation”.

He, however, said he had trust and confidence in the Senate as an independent and impartial arbiter, and emphasised his conviction that the committee’s report would finally erase the controversy surrounding the incident in Baga.

Earlier, the Chairman of the committee, Senator George Sekibo, had told Shettima that they were in the state to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the problem,

adding that necessary recommendations would be made after the investigations to forestall a recurrence.

The joint committee is made

up of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, that of National Security and Intelligence, as well as Police Affairs.

Textile workers lament non-payment of entitlements

BY EMEKA MAMAH

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AGOS—THE National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, has lamented the non-payment of entitlements of former workers of the Kaduna Textiles Limited, KTL, saying that the root causes of current insecurity problems in the country were economic and social.

The KTL workers were being owed their entitlements since 2002. The General Secretary of the union and Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Issa Aremu made called on the 19 Northern Governors who are the owners of KTL to pay the entitlements.

In an open letter to the Chairman of the Northern Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NNGF, Dr Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, Aremau said: "The union is disturbed by the continuous closure of KTL since 2002.

Even more worrisome is the

continuous delay in settlement of the entitlements of KTL workers by its owners the 19 Northern States. KTL workers are suffering untold hardship due to non-payment of their benefits since the unilateral closure of the factory in 2002.

"The union obtained a court judgment for settlement of the entitlements amounting to N687,073,346 since September 2005. Unfortunately, the 19 Northern States have remained insensitive to the plight of these workers in spite of repeated appeals, prayers, rallies and protests by the union.

"In March 2013, the NGF set up a Committee of five governors headed by the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed with governors of Zamfara, Kano, Bauchi and Borno States as members. The Committee was mandated to look at KTL and proffer recommendations on the way forward.

The report of the committee is yet to see the light of the day."

USAU—THE Emir of Gummi in Zamfara State, Alhaji Aliyu Abara, has died at the age of 75.

A statement by the Secretary to Zamfara Government, Alhaji Hassan Atto, said Abara died on Wednesday evening at Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, after a brief illness.

The statement, which was made available to the News agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Gusau yesterday, however did not give details of the late Emir’s ailment.

It said the late monarch would be buried on Thursday morning (yesterday) at his Gummi Palace by 10.00 a.m. according to Islamic rites.

NAN recalls that Abara was appointed the Emir of Gummi on October 20, 2011 after the death of his predecessor, Alhaji Aliyu Isa. Left to mourn him are four wives and 42 children.

Bauchi, Rivers, Ekiti sign MOU with US on potable water

BY SUZAN EDEH

B

AUCHI—THREE states including Bauchi, Rivers and Ekiti have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, with the United States to provide potable water in the areas at the cost of $30 million.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Water Resources, Alhaji Sani Bura made this known, yesterday when members of Journalists Action for Sanitation and Water, JASAW, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

He said that 65 per cent of water borne diseases in the country were caused by lack of potable water.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —41

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42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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Vanguard , FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—43

NEWS FROM OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE (OTC) 2013

Over-regulation is recipe for disaster — DPR tional delays due to strings of approvals.”

STORIES BY CLARA NWACHUKWU & SEBASTINE OBASI

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NE of the issues that could frustrate the success of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, is over-regulation of the industry, Mr. Osten Olorunsola, Director, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has said, describing it as “a recipe for disaster.”

Olorunsola, who spoke with Vanguard on the sideline of the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, 2013, said the Nigerian government was aware of the concerns on over-regulation.

He, however, gave the assurance that government was looking into the issue and that the National Assembly, which is currently tweaking proposals in the bill, will streamline functions for effective operations in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Niger Delta Petroleum Corporation, NDPC, Mr. Layi Fatona, in his assessment of the prospects and opportunities of post-PIB, observed that rather than reducing the number of regulations, the PIB instead increased the number of regulatory agencies.

He said the development will not only lead to increase in costs, but also prolong the cycle of approvals, which may affect projects delivery in the industry.

Acknowledging the development, Olorunsola said: “It is true.

It is an area that still has to be looked at, not from the point of what can be resolved in Nigeria alone, but actually looking at the benchmarks across the whole world.

"Apart from fiscals, one thing international investors look at is the robustness, simplicity and transparency of your regulation.

“National Assembly is aware of that. I think they will look at it very well. However, in looking at it, we also have to take our local environment into consideration. The mere fact that there is only one regulator does not mean that we cannot have another two or three.

"The only thing is that it has to work. It does not have to become a bureaucracy to the industry.

That is really the point.

“Any institution that has too many regulations is recipe for disaster. I think the National Assembly will look at that angle.”

Already, industry operators have accused some of the regulatory agencies of taking advantage of the situation, noting that “almost every government institution is finding a way to be linked to oil and gas because they feel that is where the money is and want to have a share.

"The result is unprecedented costs and unnecessary operaC M Y K

DPR’s role

Asked if DPR was not concerned that its role would be gradually whittled down on account of these new industry regulators, Olorunsola argued that the issue was being addressed in the new bill.

He said: “Even some of the extant regulators that have been around have been somehow addressed in the PIB. "However, we have to wait until it becomes an act. If it does not become an act, all of them may still continue to parade themselves as regulators.

“We have made our views known very well. In any case, we were part of the team that put the bill together as an executive arm. We have to wait and see the wisdom of the outcome from the National As-

sembly.”

On divergent views

Olorunsola maintained that there were a lot of opportunities in the new PIB, adding that even the divergent views would help in strengthening the eventual outcome of the bill.

He said: “My view is that you cannot take away the importance of dialogue. The more we discuss and the more we share, the more the chances that we will get to a common ground at some point.

"In my view, I am quite happy with what has happened this morning. It shows there is still a lot of interest. Two, the mere fact that people are speaking their minds is even the important thing.

"If people keep quiet over their views, it does not help. It is nice that people came up with their views. And the key

areas or gaps are narrowing down.”

With regard to the ability of PIB to uphold national interest in the face of divergent views and interests, he argued that there were more areas of convergence than divergence in the bill.

... more convergence

Olorunshola said: “The bill has several hundreds of pages.

The areas of divergence you are talking of are less than 10 pages.

People have been repeatedly talking about these 10 pages, completely undermining the 200 pages that are areas of convergence.

"We should focus more around where we have actually agreed.

People can choose to look at a cup half empty. I like to look at a cup as half full. Let us give attention to the 200 pages that we have convergence."

PPETAN DINNER: From right— Mr. Andrew Yakubu, GMD, NNPC; Mr. Emeka Ukwu-Oji, President South-South South-East Professional; Mr. Emeka Ene, PETAN Chairman; and Mr. Ejikeme, Manager, Public Affiars, NNPC, during PETAN's dinner and award night at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, 2013, in Houston, Texas, USA.

Orjiakor assures on PIB

D

R. ABC Orjiako has af firmed that the passing of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, has the capacity to change Nigeria's oil and gas landscape if it captures balanced needs of key stakeholders.

Orjiako, Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company, made the assertion at the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, in Houston, USA. He was speaking as a member of the panel that deliberated on Post PIB Regime: Challenges, Prospects and Opportunities for Investment in the Nigerian Oil & Gas Industry.

Orjiako noted that the PIB will most likely be passed this year. He based his postulations and optimism on the fact that “the PIB has passed the second reading stage, while the public hearing has commenced.”

He noted that the playing field of the Nigerian oil and gas industry will change post-PIB, while stressing the need for a winwin situation for all stakeholders, which he said was also the “major challenge.”

Speaking on why the PIB was such an important topic for industry players and potential investors, Orjiako averred that “new outcomes from the interplay of units of complex systems usually entail the deconstruction, reconstruction and re-ordering of some elements of the interplaying units to synergistically meet their collective preferences.”

Crude theft in N/Delta reducing— Shell N

IGERIAN unit of AngloDutch oil giant, Shell, has admitted that the spate of crude oil theft from its facilities in the Niger Delta was reducing, a development he attributed to the surveillance of the Joint Task Force, JTF, set up by the Nigerian Government to check the menace.

Shell had constantly complained about the high incidence of pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, resulting in revenue losses estimated at over $10 billion annually.

The company had, in fact, recently threatened to shut down its operations if nothing was done to urgently contain it.

The firm had declared more force majeure, since the year began, than any other oil major operating in Nigeria, a legal clause that absolves it from con-

tractual obligations for failure to meet supply agreements.

"I see improvement"

However, speaking on the sideline of the Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, 2013, in Houston Texas, USA, the Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu said: “Certainly, it was on the increase a few months ago.

"But I can also tell you, I have seen increased attention by the government security agencies, JTF, Navy, really moving in to stem the tide. So I wouldn’t say I am happy, but I can see improvement in the responsiveness of the government security agencies.”

The Shell boss refused to quantify, as he regularly did in the past, how much oil had been

saved since JTF swung into action.

He said: “I will be in a position to tell you when our Nembe Creek trunk line is back up. But right now, that line is down. Like I said, we are removing the bunkering points from that line.

"Once all those bunkering points are removed and the line is up and running, we will then be in a position to judge how much oil we are still losing. But right now, whatever figure I give you is really going to be artificial.”

For him, what is most important is the fact that JTF is getting more and more effective.

Lauds Armed Forces

“We are having almost a daily discussion with them and they do give us good reports on their efforts so far. I have been in dis-

cussion personally with the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Army Staff and they have all given their commitments to work with oil companies to stem the tide.

“We are seeing progress. But like I told you, this is a very big operation. So I am not expecting solution over night.

"But what I am expecting is that government security agencies will really keep at what they are doing now. If they keep at it for a while, I am sure we will begin to see a significant reduction.

“Almost on a daily basis, they are foiling attempt, arresting vessels and destroying illegal refineries. In a place like Bodo, a week or two ago, they foiled over 30 different attempts by crude oil thieves wanting to attach additional tapping point to our line."

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Syria war threatens Lebanon, Jordan

T

HE economic devastation of Syria’s war could drive the economies of neighboring Lebanon and Jordan into reverse, Syria’s former deputy prime minister said yesterday.

Pointing to the sharp slowdown in Lebanon’s economic growth since the start of Syria’s conflict in 2011, from 7 percent to barely 2 percent, Abdallah al-Dardari said there was a direct link to the everdeepening economic collapse in Syria.

Jordan’s economic growth had remained steadier, between 2 and 3 percent, but was still affected by the Syrian turmoil and was below the

level needed to provide enough jobs for its fastgrowing population, he said.

The Syrian conflict “has a very destabilizing effect,” said Dardari, now chief economist for the regional United Nations body ESCWA. “It is in the interest of the whole region for Syria to regain peace and quiet, and start rebuilding.”

Dardari said Syria’s economy had already shrunk between 35 to 40 percent and would fall 60 percent from its level at the start of the uprising if the fighting continued.

Every one percentage point of economic slowdown in Syria

produced a 0.2 percentage point slowdown in Lebanon, he said.

With Syria’s economy still collapsing “we can speak about negative growth in Lebanon and Jordan if the situation in Syria continues as it is today for the next two years,” he told Reuters in an interview at the U.N.’s central Beirut offices.

The former deputy prime minister for economic affairs was dismissed by President Bashar al-Assad in a cabinet reshuffle shortly after the uprising erupted. He has since been working at the U.N. on plans for Syria’s postconflict reconstruction.

NIIA boss calls for Publication of diplomatic memoirs

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

T

HE Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Professor Bola Akinterinwa, has urged Senior diplomats to document accounts of their

contributions to the nation’s diplomatic service and development of the country’s foreign policy.

Prof. Akinterinwa whose Institute published Lest I Forget: Memoirs of A Nigerian Career Diplomat,written by Ambassador Dapo

Kerry says Israel, Palestinians ready for peace

T

HE Israelis and Palestinians were serious about pursuing peace, United States Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday.

Kerry is due to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on

May 21 or 22 to try to revive long-stalled Middle East peace talks.

The talks collapsed in late 2010 in a dispute over continued Israeli building of Jewish settlements on West Bank land that the Palestinians want for a state.

Dead Boston bombing suspect buried

B

OSTON Marathon bombing suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev has been buried in an undisclosed location outside the city of Worcester, police said yesterday after a frustrating weeklong search for a community willing to take the body.

“As a result of our public appeal for help, a courageous and compassionate individual came forward to provide the assistance needed to properly bury the deceased,” Worcester police said in a statement.

Sgt. Kerry Hazelhurst said the body was no longer in Worcester and is now entombed. Police did not specify where the body was taken.

C M Y K

Tsarnaev’s body had been at the Graham Putnam & Mahoney Funeral Parlors. Director Peter Stefan had said he could not find a community willing to take the body, including Cambridge, where the family had lived for a decade. Tsarnaev ’s uncle, Ruslan Tsarni, had custody of the body.

M e a n w h i l e , Tsarnaev ’s widow continues to face questions from federal authorities and has hired a criminal lawyer with experience defending terrorism cases.

Katherine Russell added New York lawyer Joshua Dratel to her legal team, her attorney Amato DeLuca said Wednesday.

Fafowora, made this remark at the public presentation yesterday in Lagos.

Prof. Akinterinwa said the publication of Dr Fafowora’s memoir was a challenge to top diplomats and former Ambassadors to document their experiences to enrich the nation’s literature of foreign relations and diplomatic practice.

Prof Adebayo Williams who was prematurely retired from diplomatic service by the Murtala Obasanjo regime was a victim of ethno-religious interplay.

According to the ebullient scholar, the retirement of Ambassador Fafowora who was in Nigeria’s mission in Uganda when the regime of Gen. Gowon was toppled by Gen. Mohammed became a victim of a vicious politics where the hard working and honest workers were punished while mediocre and charlatans in the corridors of power were rewarded.

The book presentation which attracted eminent dignitaries were chaired by the doyen of accounting profession in Nigeria, Pa Akintola Williams, who represented former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.

Notable among the dignitaries were His Royal Majesty, Kabiyesi Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Owa Obokun of Ijesha Land, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran111, Chief Philip Asiodu the Izoma of Asaba, and Prof. Adebayo Williams, who reviewed the book.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —45

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46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Show me one project Aregbesola has completed — Olasunkanmi ERSTWHILE senator and minister, Abdulrasheed Akinlabi Olasunkanmi is one of a handful of aspirants for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP ticket in the 2014 gubernatorial election. In a session with newsmen, Olasunkanmi gives reasons why Osun State should get a change in leadership and why he is the best person to lead that change. Excerpts:

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

State because he doesn’t really, really know what he wants. He doesn’t know what our priorities are because he had never lived among the Osun people.

Are you saying Aregbesola has done nothing and where do you get your confidence of winning the election?

It is a well known fact that come November this year Aregbesola will be three years in office as governor of Osun State.

In almost three years of Aregbesola’s administration, have you heard any project, have you heard of any project that he has commissioned?

Have you read in the papers or seen it on television, or heard it on radio that he commissioned even one single project. This is going to three years in office. That is number one.

W

HY are you in the race?

I am in the race because of the problems, because of the issues, because of the challenges that our people in Osun State are facing since the emergence of Governor Aregbesola after his judicial victory.

Yes, it was a judicial victory.

He never won the election, it was the judiciary that awarded him the victory. You see after this judicial victory, we thought that as he had always been propagating, we thought he was going to make a difference in the governance of Osun State but, no.

And it is a thing that really, really bothers me, it is a thing that saddens me that since Aregbesola has been in the saddle in the government of the state from November 2010, he has been putting Osun State in the news for wrong reasons.

Government performance

Confronting the judiciary If he is not confronting the Federal Government, he does it with the judiciary. If he is not confronting the judiciary, it is the citizens of the state that he is confronting.

Look at what is happening in Osun State, the lecturers of tertiary institutions have been on strike, they have been on strike going for two months now, same with the civil servants, same with the

•Olasunkanmi: Chides Aregbesola livelihood, people’s property without compensation. That is not why he was put there as

,

So we are not surprised that since he has been in government, he has become an alien unto the people of Osun State because he doesn’t really, really know what he wants

students.

And even the citizenry, if you see what is happening in the state now, he has been busy demolishing people’s means of

,

governor. He is supposed to protect the interest of the people.

I make bold to say Osun State

is a rural state. You cannot compare Osun State with Lagos, anybody who has chosen to govern Osun will have to evolve the local developmental policies of the people, you cannot import wholesale, the programmes and policies of Lagos State government.

I am not surprised really because before he became the governor, Aregbesola had actually not been living among and with the people of Osun State.

So we are not surprised that since he has been in government, he has become an alien unto the people of Osun

The only thing he has done when he came in terms of youth employment was to employ or selected 20,000 youths that he was giving less than N10,000 every month graduates that he appointed them and he is using them to cut grasses and clean sewages. My brother, I don’t believe that is the kind of job creation that the people of Osun are clamouring for.

We are talking of real youth empowerment programme, Aregbesola has failed woefully because he said he employed 20,000 people, anybody that lives in Osun will know that what we see ….in the streets everyday are not even up to 5,000. He employed these people and sewed uniform for them, that is the only thing you can see.

In terms of infrastructural development, have you seen any road that has been commissioned by Aregbesola in the last three years?

In terms of healthcare facilities, have you seen rural health centers not to talk of hospitals that have been commissioned by Aregbesola?

In term of education, he told

us that he will be building mega schools, that he wants to build mega schools, what we saw is the destruction, demolition of 3,000 existing structures put in place by previous administrations.

Are you saying he has not commissioned any project since he came to power?

He has not completed any. If you know tell me now. No, if you know any road that Aregbesola has completed, please tell me.

No, he has done a lot of roads.

I hope you are not going to talk about federal roads. If you know any road Aregbesola has completed tell me now. I am from Osun, I live there with the people. We have not seen a single one, but if you have seen any please tell us here.

So, in other words, what I am saying is that Aregbesola has failed woefully in terms of performance in Osun because he has nothing to show for the three years he has been in the saddle.

Clinching PDP ticket Do you still want to controvert it that not one mega school has been completed of the lot he said he would build? He has not completed one school out of the ones he demolished. So, of course you know in Osun, Aregbesola has failed woefully and our people in Osun cannot be hoodwinked.

Now to the second leg of the question, you say I am very confident that I am going to clinch then PDP ticket in Osun.

As for that, I believe that out of the lot that have come out to show interest in the governorship of Osun State, I believe that I am the most qualified.

I have read out my pedigree, I served this country in the highest lawmaking body, that is the Senate of the Federal Republic and also in terms of executive experience, I have served this country as a honourable minister between 2007 and 2011.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —47

C M Y K

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

T

HERE is a salient fact on which many have agreed without any dissent. It is the apparent poverty of Nigerians in spite of abundant human and naturally endowed mineral resources.

As the country is blessed with abundant oil (black gold) and gas, so its citizens are valuable professionals abroad.

Since Independence in 1960, every government – whether civilian or military – has promised prosperity through eradication of poverty. So far, all had failed to provide macro-economic stability with rising employment and falling inflation. It has always been promises upon promises, followed by one excuse or the other for failure to perform.

According to a religious commentator, “when people say with a sigh, promises, promises, it is often when they’ve been disappointed by someone who failed to keep a commitment, the more it happens, the greater the sadness and the deeper the sigh.” It is rather unfortunate that the failures of the past are presently being laid at the door-steps of the current Nigerian Leader, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Unfortunately, his noble efforts through his Transformation Agenda has little impact on the general welfare of the people. This might be rightly or wrongly attributed to poor communication, ineffectiveness of proffered solutions or both.

The greatest aspect of ‘disconnect’ between the celebrated rulers and the unbelievers was touched seriously in the May Day Speech. The President was reported to have said, ‘I agree totally that until we create jobs, until Nigerians can find food to eat, until Nigerians who are sick can walk to the hospital and get treatment, the economic indices are meaningless to them’. The President’s speech remains a clear, but serious indictment on the country’s economic and health policies.

Recently, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala presented a rosy picture of the national economy, embellished with elegant figures. The economy is healthy with a growth rate of 6.8 per cent with inflation rate down to 8.5 per cent, current foreign exchange reserves of about $50 billion; stable exchange rate; strong banking sector and enviable human and natural resources.

Nigeria, to our economic goddess, is one of the most attractive investment destinations in the world.

07059197616

Let truth be heard by many as being told by a few However, the absolute truth is what Dr. David MacRae of the European Union observed on Nigeria. He said, ‘what this country needs are jobs, jobs for the people, especially young people. If young people had jobs they won’t be unnecessarily agitated and getting involved in misdeeds. But without work, without just income, and no social safety net in Nigeria, the people will continue to face poverty. Half of the population in the country are below the poverty line’.

As suggested by notable economists and recommended in this column several times, when there is mass unemployment and idle capacity, an excess of government expenditure over receipts is by far the most reliable way of expanding economic activities. Under such situation, a budget deficit is needed. This is necessary to induce high output and capacity expansion which are necessary for further investments.

By antecedents, Ministers of Finance and Governors of the Central Bank are averse to the policy of budget deficit because of their mortal fear of inflation. It must be recognized that any policy of budget deficit which places emphasis on additional expenditure on conspicuous and wasteful consumption is bad.

The correct method is to inject additional funds into the economy to stimulate effective demand and increase incentive to invest more in men, equipment and plant capacity.

On economic growth policy, Keynes

advised that in times of depression and unemployment, it is desirable to encourage huge spending. The right action is to “let as much money as possible fructify in the pockets of the citizens, rather than to fritter it away on government activities not absolutely necessary”. It is a terrible situation when capable hands are kept idle when they should be producing economic goods.

Transformation Agenda The Federal Government has indicated under President Jonathan’s Transformation Agenda to ensure rapid agricultural expansion by helping the farmers to produce more and profitably, too. A true agricultural revolution would embrace the states and local governments working hand-in-hand.

Agriculture in Nigeria is largely peasant in nature depending on old hoes and cutlasses. Farmers should be encouraged through agricultural extension programs to cultivate the use of modern implements, either at a cheap cost or free. Also, for continuous expansion, there should be ready markets, suitable storage facilities and immediate payments for cash crops supplied; cash for crop is the magical solution that had helped in the past.

A new emphasis on construction industry is a worthwhile agreeable policy that will tend to stimulate demand for labor, cement, iron, blocks, sand and other

necessary items used in the building industry.

However, government initiative would be needed in positive mortgage interest arrangements. The Housing Booms of 1970s and 1980s, resulting in many private and public estates, were a product of low lending interest rates (between 3 and 9 per cent) and cheap building materials.

A question on the lips of many Nigerians is, why the deepening poverty in the country in the face of plenty? Perhaps, an answer could be found partially in the economic policies and the attitude of those directing the policies.

First, the attitudes of past Central Bank Governors and the present one are too conservative for modern economic growth with rising employment. Their perception that any increase in government expenditure would cause inflation has been steadfast, and hence, the adoption of tightened monetary policy which is regressive and, anti-employment generation.

Their keen eyes have always been focused on increase in foreign direct investment as a result of high interest rates in the country. This type of investment does not seem reliable.

There is no doubt about the competence of the Finance Minister, Dr.(Mrs.) Okonjo-Iweala and her talented team. The Coordinating Minister for the Economy during her ‘NEEDS’ (national economic empowerment and development strategy) days under former President Obasanjo believed in planned fiscal reforms which would affect the size and expenditure of government, not immediately, but over a long period(presumably, about ten years).

Reducting govt expenditure The emphasis is on reduction in government expenditure and increase in savings for the rainy day. But as noted by the spokesman of European Union, Nigeria, ‘as the largest black population on earth, with the economy which is growing fast, relatively speaking, but regrettably, poverty is not diminishing in the country, and jobs are not being created’.

What should now be the way forward for the government of President Jonathan in view of the fact that the present economic policy is ineffective in promoting mass employment?

Akpabio and Etok: Loyalty gone awry

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

I

T would have been shocking if political opportunists had totally overlooked the schism that recently developed between Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and his one time political ally, Senator Alloysius Etok.

However, few would have expected anyone to lay his life on the line with a claim to involvement in an assassination attempt against one of the two men in contention for the Akwa Ibom Northeast senatorial seat in 2015.

Governor Akpabio in the tradition of many second term governors had reportedly given notice of his intention to proceed to the Senate at the end of his second term in

•Akpabio: Cleared 2015. The notice given during a Senate retreat last year had reportedly unnerved Senator Etok who

•Etok: Target of phantom plot subsequently claimed that his seat was not available.

His strong denounciation of Akpabio’s aspiration was to

further create animosity between him and a number of senior officials of the Akwa Ibom administration and party

loyalists who denounced the senator for what they claimed as his poor performance as a senator.

Given the bad blood between the senator and the governor, it was as expected as is obtainable in this clime for political opportunist who take occasion of disputes between politicians to aim for the kill. While many have already come in, the entry of Mr. Adeola Tamuotoye Olaore took a surprising twist.

Olaore was paraded by the Department of State Services, otherwise known as the State Security Service, SSS of feeding Senator Etok of a phantom assassination attempt allegedly hatched by Akpabio to the purpose of milking the senator.

According to the Deputy

Continues on page 49

Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013—49

I have not lost any election — Ogboru

BY KUNLE ADEKOYA

CHIEF Great Ovedje Ogboru has resonated as a political factor as a result of his bid to govern his home state of Delta since 2003. In this interview, Chief Ogboru who was emphatic that he had not lost any election speaks of the status of the legal battles for the governorship of Delta, attempts to ruin his businesses, amnesty a la militancy and Boko Haram, and President Goodluck Jonathan. Excerpts:

L

ESS of you is being heard in your party, Democratic Peoples Party (DPP). Are you quitting?

That assertion is not correct.

The Democratic Peoples Party, DPP is fully on ground and has its fair share of the news space.

There is this assumption that you appear to be winning at the polls and losing in the court?

This, unfortunately, is a topical issue of what we have come to know as the Nigerian factor, where things that are seemingly equal today are tomorrow not equal, or where one plus one in a particular situation becomes less or more than two in another situation even when the circumstances are exactly the same.

In trying to make a few people scapegoats by applying standards that are

were never heard. We went to the Supreme Court three times and this is the fourth time we are going there yet the merit of our case has not been heard.

Will you still run as a gubernatorial candidate in Delta State in 2015 or are you moving on?

We have not even gotten to that bridge yet. We still believe that we won the election in 2011 and the Supreme Court in its wisdom will reverse itself, and will give the proper order and declare me the governor. When or if that happens, the issue of 2015 becomes very irrelevant.

Will they not say that it has been overtaken by events?

That is not the law of our country.

How true is it that you gone bankrupt?

Let me explain. Sometime in

,

We have not even gotten to that bridge yet, we still believe that we won the election in 2011 and the Supreme Court in its wisdom will reverse itself, and will give the proper order and declare me the governor

unholy, unethical and, of course, illegal and unlawful, you create a standard where the entire society suffers. That is what has been our experience in Delta State.

That is why we won at the polls all the time but when we got to the courts our cases

,

2005, we took a facility of $3 million from a bank and gave them security in excess of $3 million on a revolving Letter of Credit (LoC) finance basis.

But we got there one day to operate our account and we could no longer operate the account!

W

•Agbaso: New twist The facility had been unilaterally terminated by the bank without even a verbal communication. No tangible reason was given and every attempt to make them to see reason and change their mind failed.

Almost thereafter, we discovered that some exgovernors had bought shares worth N5 billion each in that bank. So we suspected that somebody was pulling the strings behind the scene to make sure that our business is scuttled.

We took that matter to court because we felt injured by the unilateral, oppressive and draconian action of the bank to destroy our investment and create a state of indebtedness on us.

That matter was in court for four years. We finished our case in 2008. The bank could not establish its case against us for three years. At the point the judge was to give judgment, the lawyer

Akpabio and Etok: Loyalty gone awry Continues from page 48 Director of Public Relations of the Service, Ms Marilyn Ogar, the Service swung into action following a letter titled: “Report of planned assassination by a man who calls himself General Africa (an ex-militant) by Senator Etok to the Service.

Olaore is alleged to have made contact with Etok claiming that he had been recruited by Akpabio and his aides to assassinate him, a

revelation that obviously made the senator to cry out to the whole world that Akpabio was after him. Besides crying out, Etok was alleged to have also contacted the DSS who now told him to play along with Olaore.

Ogar also revealed that the suspect confessed that he had never met the Commissioner for Environment and the Chairman of Etinan Local Government, Kenneth Okon, alias Wayas, all loyalists of Akpabio, who had been mentioned as those who sent

between us, the Managing Director of that bank, the executive Directors Operations, Finance, Legal and head of their risk management and recovery.

After about four to five months, (in the heat of AMCON emergence) the bank came back to us that the board did not approve the negotiation to which an agreement of settlement of N100 million was reached. e said in that case, we have to go to court to determine how much interest is actually due, because they are charging us interest on amount not borrowed. The amount we borrowed from the bank is N33 million outstanding and you are charging us interest of N270 or N280 million.

Who is going to pay that?

The amount, which they are charging us as interest is ten times the amount we borrowed. So they created a debt trap. Let us go to the court and let the court decide.

In any case, the value of our collaterals held with the banks is far in excess of what we owe N33million to N450million.

him (Olaore) to kill Etok.

Giving the service’s conclusion on the issue, Ms Ogar said: “From the forgoing, Olaore hatched the phantom assassination plot to fraudulently extort money from Senator Aloysius Etok by exploiting the perceived rift between him and Governor Akpabio.”

How he allowed himself to be tempted into profiting from a fight that is not his own is what Mr. Olaore would have to ponder in the custody of the security agencies.

representing the bank accused the judge of bias and the judge had to disqualify himself from the case and so judgment was not given. The dispute then was about N200 million.

That is to say, if the counter claim of the bank succeeded against our claim, the bank would have received a maximum amount of about N200 million. However, the bank fraudulently handed this over to AMCON as a debt of N3.5 billion.

Interest calculation AMCON is now telling us that for a debt dispute of N200 million, there is an interest of N3.3 billion. Of course you know that is untenable anywhere and there is no such arithmetic or mathematics or interest calculation that could result in such debt, which is to say that the debt is being cloned on you or you are being punished by creating a state of indebted status on your person and your business.

Our names were wrongly published in the newspapers, and we took the matter to court again for libel and that matter is still in court. Yet there was this other case with another bank where the outstanding principal amount was only N33 million by their own acknowledgement.

We reached an agreement with that bank that interest inclusive, we should settle for N100 million.

We asked them to transfer our property title documents worth about N450 million at that time to Oceanic Bank in order to be paid the sum of N100 million, as agreed

Security requirements Those are the debts that AMCON said it procured. And when they brought us a letter, we told them you are saying that we are owing you billions but we are not. 95 per cent of the so-called debt is illegal interest charged by these banks while these matters are in court. Curiously, one of the banks gave AMCON a document obtained by fraud.

The security requirements, in all our transactions, were legal mortgages or cash collaterals. But in an attempt to undo us because there is a grand plan to do some of these things by political enemies, they went and changed the legal mortgage title to a debenture. That debenture authorizes them to go against the properties of the company anywhere.

The legal mortgage is restricted to the specific security, which you offered to the bank. They were not satisfied with the security we offered to them because their agenda was not business.

They were not looking to recover their monies in any way. They were looking to ensure that they foist on me the status of a bankrupt politician or businessman.

That will make it impossible for me to contest elections again, but they now started by proceeding with a forged document. That is to say, it will only take time. The truth will come out and it will become crystal clear that they are standing on quick sand.

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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IDONI—We, formerly known and addressed as Idoni Family ( of No. 4 Peekey Egbo Road, Gana, Sapele, Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State): Mr. Patrick Omhoegbeleghan Idoni, Mrs. Roseline Aiterebhe Idoni, Miss Aituaje Idoni, Miss Aizighode Idoni, Miss Ononlunonse Idoni, Mr. Emmanuel Eromosele Idoni and Miss Osekhonlemen Idoni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Patrick Omhoegbeleghan Ejele, Mrs. Roseline Aiterebhe Ejele, Miss Aituaje Ejele, Miss Aizighode Ejele, Miss Ononlunonse Ejele, Mr. Emmanuel Eromosele Ejele and Miss Osekhonlemen Ejele. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

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Confirmation of Name My correct name is Perekemesughe Abraham Wosley, but it was written on my WAEC result 1990 as Sughe Abraham Wosley, NECO result as Abraham Wosley and NYSC Exemption Letter as Perekeme Sughe W. I hereby confirm that these names refer to one and same person. All former documents remain valid.

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Akinyanju seeks capacity building in sickle cell management

C

HAIRMAN, Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Prof. Olu Akinyanju, has advocated capacity building in the management and control of sickle cell disorder in the country.

Akinyanju who was speaking at the 15 th training course on genetic counselling on sickle cell disorder in Lagos described the bane of sickle cell management and control as the paucity of funds appropriated by federal and state governments for sickle cell disorder or for the health sector in general.

He said: “Money is needed for research, for capacity building, for equipment, for programmes and for support of the less well endowed affected citizens. We applaud the partnership with us of the International Inner wheel to provide hip replacement to adult sickle cell patients who need this treatment but are unable to afford it.

Sickle cell patients “More groups and individuals should continually donate to credible SCD organisations in all states. You can certainly make a difference and show that Africans can successfully address their own problems.”

Akinyanju who also commended the partnership with MTN Foundation said that officials from the federal and Lagos state ministries of health also sponsored participants to the course.

He said that research in America has with the timely use of of prophylactic interventions, improved the quality and duration of lives of people with sickle cell anaemia, adding “our own published findings have shown that when affected persons are followed up in dedicated sickle cell clinics and provided with free access to genetic counselling and required treatment, illness and death rates can be greatly reduced.”

Akinyanju noted that now that more affected persons were attaining middle and even old age, the hope in expert circles is that with more research, sickle cell can be converted from a deadly childhood disorder into one that will be compatible with a normal quality and duration of life.’

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 — 53

S

A

THREE day National Sports Medicine Course will be held at the National Institute of Sports Auditorium, National Stadium, Abuja between 14 and 16 May, 2013.

This was disclosed by Dr Abdulkadir Mu’azu,

C M Y K

The star I dream of the spor ts minis sports ministter and appears gutted in it.

A colleague called after reading the piece and said that from the tone he sensed I had given up on government to revive our sports. I said yes. He disagreed with me on that point but totally agrees with the points that parents and communities could

From all indications, Bolaji has shown that he means well for Nigerian sports. But he has made more news settling disputes than developing sports.

,

begin to organise sports and set such standards that student athletes may no longer be running barefooted like Porbeni observed in a national championship. asked my colleague if he knew of any programme the sports ministry has started to implement some of the recommendations from the retreat the Federal Government held shortly after the failure at the 2012 London Olympics. He said no. I asked if he knew of any other plan matched with action on real sports development or even a work plan for the Rio games.

He said no. I told my friend that Rio may be like London and that it was the inaction of the federal government that influenced my plea to parents, schools and local communities to change things not particularly for Rio Games but for our common good. In Europe, USA and other places with good sports history, parents play a big role in the development of their children. In fact, the moment a schools spots a talent in any child the parents are immediately engaged in the training of the child. That is what I want for Nigeria. And I know that when we get it right, when some kind of sports revolution begins in schools and local communities

I

the sports ministry and in deed the federal government will key in.

After agreeing that the sports ministry has failed my colleague still insisted that I should not give up on them, his reason being that federal government has bestowed on them the responsibility to grow sports. ’’It is their job and they are allocated money to do this job,’’ he argued. I asked, ‘’And if there’s no sign that they will change, should I still rely on them?’’

My colleague said ‘’yes, just continue reminding them of their failure and if everybody in the industry does so they will rise to their responsibility. They are given money to develop sports. If we all keep quiet they will continue to misappropriate sports allocation. It is our money. We must not give up on government because it is their duty to govern well.’’ n a way I agreed with my colleague - that we should not give up on government - but I maintain that we must begin to do some little things that inspire huge changes in our sports. The states are even worse.

They are not developing sports. Only Delta, Cross River and now Lagos under Fashola are developing sports. But they can do more. Let communities insist on having play grounds instead raising building everywhere. Let ministry of Education insist on schools having play grounds before they can be registered. Let Local Governments organise sports in their localities. Let the private sectors begin to establish sports clubs and develop teams that will compete locally and internationally. We have seen this in other countries. Let school Principals begin to set standards in the organisation of sports in their schools. Let our universities begin sports programmes and begin to award sports scholarships to deserving student athletes. Let’s develop a sports culture that could transform sports into a huge industry that could help our economy and earn for our children part of the billions of money sports stakes every year.

If I were the sports minister, I will begin the campaigns that could lead to a befitting sports culture for Nigeria, a campaign that could ignite action in schools and local communities. And to prove that I mean business I will engage coaches and sports instructors and send them to the six zones in Nigeria.

Their job will be to start sports programmes in schools in their zones. I can do this with the budget for sports development which they are not putting into appropriate use now.

While I maintain that parents, schools and the local communities can help tremendously, I plead with the sports minister to wake up to his duties and match his words with action. Abdullahi means well. He should do well. He has done well in settling disputes and emerging the star at the end of every crisis. It will delight us to see him emerge a star in sports development. He can do it. Let’s support him in this regard.

I

Sports medicine seminar underway head of Sports Medicine Department, National Sports Commission.

According to the organisers, the objective of the course is to

Roone ooneyy Continues from BP announced his resignation as United boss yesterday, the focus today switched to Rooney.

His future has been in doubt for months and reports have suggested he has told the club he wants to leave this summer.

And while United are insisting the England striker is not for sale, rumours are rife that he will quit.

Everton boss David Moyes is the hot favourite to replace Ferguson and Rooney’s

08053068728

,

HORTLY after his appointment as sports minister last year Bolaji Abdullahi was on his way to Zurich, the FIFA headquarters.

His mission was to broker peace among the warring factions in Nigerian football. He succeeded.

This gulped some reasonable time that should have been spent preparing for the London Olympics. Our football teams did not even qualify to be in London.

And for the sports that qualified, it was already late for any result to be achieved in London. It was not Bolaji’s fault for he was appointed few months before the Olympics and had not mastered the terrain. And he was not well advised on the little time he had. His predecessors did nothing to reshape our sports and we went to London and failed.

Then came the Nations Cup in South Africa early this year. We won but the bickering between the football federation and head coach Stephen Keshi almost attracted more media coverage than the events in South Africa. The minister was again called to duty in brokering peace between Keshi and his employers. It was another time for him to shine. He did.

From all indications, Bolaji has shown that he means well for Nigerian sports. But he has made more news settling disputes than developing sports.

We appreciate the fact that it will be difficult to make progress without peace. But we also appreciate the fact that progress can be made while treading on the path of peace.

Last week, I pleaded with Nigerians not to rely on the sports ministry and in deed the government to change the face of sports. I had suggested a few things that we could do on our own to build a good foundation for sports. Seigha Porbeni’s experience at the secondary school games in Rivers had inspired the piece. Porbeni lamented over the poor standard of the games. Student athletes were running barefooted. Porbeni recalled that, as a student, more than 40 years ago, he wore Puma spike shoes to compete. He could not imagine the rot now. My observation was that standards have fallen in all aspects of our life and that those whose responsibility it is to grow and manage sports have failed and that there was no sign that they would change.

I therefore pleaded with Nigerians to forget the sports ministry and indeed the federal government and begin to do some little things that may help our sports. I suggested that parents and schools could help by organising sports in their local communities, reminding them that sports stakes billions of money every year to be carted away by winners and that our children must not be denied a share of this. I wanted Inter House Sports to be held every term and I pleaded with Principals to launch sports programmes in their schools. With a little sports levy every school can engage coaches and begin programmes that may lay a solid foundation for athlete development. I told parents to discuss sports in their PTA meetings and begin to lead the way since government has failed us

relationship with the Scot has been strained in the past.

Despite giving him his debut aged 16, Moyes even sued Rooney ’s publisher in 2008 over a story in the striker ’s book ‘My Story So Far ’.

Rooney personally apologised to Moyes after the out-of-court settlement but it is unclear whether they are back on good terms.

Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have been linked with making bids for Rooney.

BY UCHE UDEH provide a basic sports medicine training in form of lectures in the areas of diagnosis and management of sports injury, sports injury prevention, assessing athletes fitness through conduction of precompetition medical

assessment (PCMA), issues relating to exercise in heat and fluid replacement, doping in sports and need for further training for good practice in line with international best practices.

It will also provide a

Jossy Continues from BP Ladipo family in Ibadan revealed that Jossy Lad had been going from home to receive treatment at the hospital even as efforts were being made raise funds for him to ne flown abroad for better medical services.

His condition however deteriorated and he had to be taken back to UCH. Jossy Lad who captained top Nigeria

club, 3SC (then IICC Shooting Stars) and played for the Senior National Team joins the list of women football coaches who have given up the ghost.

The National Women Football League body recently lost Mr Nwaeri who was part of the coaching crew that took the Nigeria U20 Women team to Japan for the FIFA Women World Cup.

forum for interaction between the Sports Medicine Department of NSC and States

Medical Personnel with the view of finding out the latter‘s challenges especially medicare during Sports Festival and way forward.

Keshi Continues from BP not the most important thing in his agenda as he continues his rebuilding process with the national.

“If Nigerians are happy with the rise in the rankings, then I am also happy with that too but to be perfectly honest with you, that’s not what I am most concerned about.

“I am concerned about providing things that Nigerians will be happy about,” Keshi said on Wednesday.

The gaffer revealed that he has trained his sights on getting “decent results” in the

upcoming 2014 FIFA world cup qualifiers away to Kenya and Namibia in June as well as the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

“Right now, I am focused on the upcoming friendly against Mexico and more importantly, the games against Namibia and Kenya next month.

“Also, the big one in Brazil; (the FIFA Confederations Cup) where we will meet some of the best teams in the world.

Victories in the matches we will play in the coming days will make Nigerians happier.

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013 —55

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2013

Jossy Lad is dead F

FIFA RANKINGS:

Eagles move up T

HE Super Eagles have moved three places up in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, May 9, by the world football governing body, FIFA. The Eagles, who were out of the top 30 in the world in April are now ranked 28th in global football. The Stephen Keshi led side maintained their fourth place in Africa behind Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mali.

However, there are no

changes in the top ten positions.

Spain continue to top the table ahead of Germany and Argentina, followed by Croatia and Portugal. The only movers within the top 20 are Switzerland (14th, up 1) and Belgium (15th, up 1), who have both climbed one place, overtaking Mexico (16th, down 2).

Belgium have achieved their highest-ever ranking, as have Albania, who have moved up five places to 43rd.

•Late Jossy Lad

ORMER Super Falcons Coach, Joseph Ladipo, popularly known as Jossy Lad futaa.com has learnt is dead.

The former Shooting Stars Chairman who has been in a long battle with illness passed on Thursday afternoon.

Before his death Jossy Lad was previously been placed on life support machine at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan but was later discharged.

A close source to the

Continues on Page 53

Is R oone Roone ooneyy on his way out?

W AYNE ROONEY has sparked more speculation about his future — by removing the phrase ‘Manchester United player’ from his Twitter page.

After Alex Ferguson

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Keshi dismisses ne w rating new H C M Y K

RISING HIGH: Super Eagles players in jubilant mood.

•Keshi

PUZZLE

rankings released on Wednesday after climbing up three places.

While Keshi admits that it’s good news, he however revealed that a rise in the rankings is Continues on Page 53

•Rooney

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

EAD coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi says he’s not moved by Super Eagles’ latest rise in the monthly FIFA rankings.

Nigeria moved up three places in the latest

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Express (5) 7 Proportion (5) 8 Factory (5) 10 Teacher (5) 12 Be indebted (3) 13 Guide (5) 15 Reading-desk (7) 17 Sore (6) 19 Bed (3) 20 Deciphered (7) 23 Required (4) 25 Beat (4) 26Free(7) 30 Offer (3) 31 Withdraw (6) 34 Abraded (7) 37 Waterway (5) 38 Groove (3) 39 Satan (5) 40 Bet (5) 41 Subject (5) 42 Verdant (5)

DOWN 1 Squander (5) 2 Located (5) 3 Visited (6) 4 Implement (4) 5 Planned (7) 6 Inactive (5) 9 Wonder (3) 11 Regain (7) 13 Endure (5) 14 Finished (5) 16 Fish (3) 18 Lived (7) 21 Sewer (5) 22 Drive (5) 24 Discussed (7) 27 Edge (3) 28 Relate (6) 29 Fragment (5) 32 Claw (5) 33 Swift (5) 35 Mat (3) 36 Expensive (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Extra 7, Stag 8, Gossip 9, Grope 11, Car 13, Did 15, Omen 16, Wad 18, Gear 19, Manager 20, True 22, Miss 23, Inverse 25, Card 27, Ray 28, Mere 30, Tie 31, Dud 33, Adapt 36, Reeled 37, Ache 38, Demon.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Steam 2, Egg 3, Too 4, Age 5, Ask 6, Tibia 10, Plan 11, Contact 12, Require 13, Derided 14, Dressed 16, Water 17, Daisy 18, Gem 21, End 24, Raid 26, Aided 29, Ruche 32, Sly 33, Add 34, Aim 35, Tan.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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