AS PROTESTS ESCALATE....Police take over Emir of Kano's palace

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62162

VANGUARD IN BRAZIL

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N150

TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Soldiers kill 50 Boko Haram members •Gunmen abduct 20 women near Chibok

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AS PROTESTS ESCALATE....

Police take over Emir of Kano's palace

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

K

•Sanusi gets appointment letter from Kwankwaso •Schools shut, security tightened at bank premises •How I escaped from Kano — Amaechi 8 •Spanish Embassy denies Nigerian journalists visa

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ANO—THE Police yesterday took over the Emir ’s Palace in Kano, following continuation of the protest that greeted the announcement of former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as successor to late Ado Bayero, who died last Friday.

The ruling party in the state, the All Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS: Lamido Sanusi: The wrong Emir of Kano

•P.17

Super Eagles, USA and Brazil 2014 2 .4 P •

Mr & Mrs

LETTER OF APPOINTMENT—Governor Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso of Kano State (right)formally presenting Letter of Appointment to the new Emir of Kano, His Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, yesterday in Kano.

NBA kicks as Edo Assembly boils as 9 House suspends Deputy clampdown on newspapers continues Speaker, three others 13 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Edo APC endorses Ikimi for National Chair

New Kano Emir: El-Rufai slams Presidency, PDP

BY SONI DANIEL, Northern Region Editor

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F

ORMER Federal Capital Territory Minister, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has condemned the Presidency and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for trying to stall the emergence of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, as the new Emir of Kano.

El-Rufai said that despite the presentation of the staff of office and a certificate of appointment by the Kano State Governor to the new Emir, it was still doubtful if the President and his party would give up the fight to stop his emergence.

In several tweets posted on his Facebook, ElRufai noted that the ‘’Jonathanians” had lost the battle to stop Sanusi's appointment as the new Emir of Kano.

In one of the tweets titled Next Jonathanian Steps, the former minister said: “Now that the Jonathanians have lost the war against my brother HRH SLS, will they give up graciously or try new tricks? They will not give up!

“They still have the Jonathanian SSS to manufacture fresh falsehood.

They have hundreds of hungry Wendell Simlins to tweet and post their drug-induced fabrications for villa cash handouts."

In the same vein, the Chairman, Buhari Vanguard, Comrade Jasper Azuatalam, said the minor riot in parts of Kano earlier on Sunday was instigated by a certain party to stop the presentation of Sanusi as the next Emir.

Jasper noted: ”While the king makers and traditional rulers in Kano were busy deliberating and observing all traditional rites to choose the next Emir of Kano, the PDP went ahead to congratulate one of the contenders, to the throne, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Ado Bayero and announced him as the next Emir of Kano."

EXPRESS TRAIN LAUNCH: From left: Board Chairman, Nigerian Railway Corporation,Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Orelope AdejokeAdefulire and Vice-President Namadi Sambo, during the official launch of six 68-seater air-conditioned coaches and two air-conditioned Diesel Multiple Units in Lagos, yesterday.

Jonathan commissions 68-seater coaches to boost rail service

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, commissioned two sets of Diesel Multiple Units, DMUs, and 68seater air-conditioned passenger coaches acquired by the Nigeria Railway Corporation to boost its passenger traffic.

Each set of the DMU is made up of three trailer cars, and one motor car at each end. Each of the trailer cars also has 72 seating capacity and provision for 108 standing passengers, making, a total of 540 passengers for the three cars.

The ceremony was graced by many dignitaries including, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire, who represented the Lagos state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, Minister of Defence (State), Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Minister for Police Affairs, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Jonathan, represented by the Vice President Namadi Sambo, said the acquisition of the modern coaches is an indication of the Federal Government’s commitment to provide a rail service of international standard.

He said: “My presence here today is an indication of the resolve of this administration to bring Nigeria at par with modern railway services available globally, by constantly upgrading and overhauling the system. It has been the top priority of this administration to continue to invest in infrastructure which will help the economic

life of this country.”

Also speaking, chairman of the Railway Board of Directors, and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Turkur, said: “The Federal Government’s huge investment in the rail transportation sub-sector and indeed the entire transport sector, is in realization of the fact that the survival and the extent of the development of any economy depends very significantly on the extent of development and efficiency of its transportation system.

“The Nigerian Railway board will continue to provide the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the desired policy directions to enable it continue to provide affordable, safe and value added rail transport services to the commuting and freighting public. Our intention is to continue to improve on the facilities and infrastructure of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to ensure that the system further increases its passenger and freight movement.”

Also speaking, the Managing Director, NRC, Engr.

Adeseyi Sijuade, said that the delivery of the new coaches was in fulfillment of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda for the railway sector. He disclosed that the corporation would take delivery of additional five air-conditioned coaches by August. He noted that the newly acquired railway vehicles were de-

signed and manufactured in China by CSR Nanjing Puzhen Company Limited, and Kintech Nigeria Limited, specifically for Nigeria Railway ’s narrow gauge railway system.

He further explained that in sustaining the railway drive, “The DMUs will be deployed for mass transit train services in densely populated cities starting with Lagos. With the introduction of these DMUs, the number of passengers moved by rail on a daily basis in Lagos is expected to rise from 16,000 to 22,000.

Furthermore, these DMUs, will free up a number of our heavy locomotives currently being used for passenger services, which can be redeployed to pull freight wagons, thereby enhancing our freight capacity.”

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN—THE leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Edo State has endorsed Chief Tom Ikimi as its candidate for the National Chairmanship of the party.

Chief Ikimi was endorsed at a stakeholders' meeting attended by all state officers, local government council APC Chairmen, council chairmen and some state leaders, presided over by the State Chairman, Mr. Anslem Ojezua.

Addressing the gathering earlier, Chief Ikimi recalled his pioneering role as National Chairman of the merger committee that midwifed the birth of APC and assured that he will not disappoint the party if elected National Chairman.

Leaders from the three senatorial districts of Edo State in turn commended the leadership qualities of Chief Ikimi and pledged their support for his aspiration, after which he was endorsed in a unanimous voice vote.

However, first civilain governor of the state, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, is also in the race for the National Chairmanship position.

Earlier at the meeting, the State Chairman of the party, Ojezua inaugurated the 18 Local Government Council Chairmen of the party with a mandate to them to liaise with their senatorial chairmen and inaugurated the ward chairmen.

Don’t plunge Nigeria into crisis over 2015 ambition, APC warns Jonathan

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HE All Progressives Congress, APC, has condemned the violence unleashed on peaceful members of the party at Ado Ekiti on Sunday by the Police, apparently acting out a script written by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to foment trouble in the South-west ahead of the 2015 general elections.

In a statement in Lagos on Monday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party put the blame for the

violence squarely on the shoulders of the Presidency and the PDP, wondering why the Police, who are paid by taxpayers to maintain law and order, would turn their weapons on the same defenceless citizens they are paid to protect.

It said but for the action of the Police, led by the head of Mopol in Ekiti, Gabriel Selekere, the peaceful procession by the APC members in Ekiti would not have degenerated into violence, during which a harmless citizen was apparently shot dead by the Police.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

SUBSIDY— From

left: SURE-P members, Mr Chike Churchill Okogwu; Mr. Adamu; Mrs Mariam Mattar; President Goodluck Jonathan, and Chairman of SURE-P, General Martin Luther Agwai, after the meeting on Subisdy Re-investment Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Police take over Emir of Kano's palace Continues from page 1 Progressives Congress, APC, however, accused the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of inciting violence in an attempt to destabilise the state.

The party urged the Kano State Attorney-General to prosecute all PDP officials allegedly involved in the act. The PDP, however, yesterday congratulated Sanusi as the new Kano emir.

The protests notwithstanding, the new Emir was, yesterday, presented with his appointment letter and staff of office by Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Irate youths opposed to the appointment of Sanusi as the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano by Governor

Kwankwaso took to the streets again, yesterday, forcing the closure of private and public schools.

The youths in their hundreds seized the Emir’s Palace Road, made bonfires at strategic points on the highway, while motorists were forced to divert to other roads. The protesting youths, clutching tree branches kept chanting “bamuayi”.

A contingent of anti-riot policemen was drafted to the palace to dislodge the protesters. The palace was then placed under security cover as only female visitors were allowed to enter into the centuriesold palace. This has now cut short the week-long mourning of the late Emir.

A security source in

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Have courage for the great sorrows of life, and patience for the small ones. And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake —Victor Hugo

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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HEN we lose something, even a loving re lationship that was special to us, the pain of our loss is not in the fact that the person, position, or possession is gone from our life... it’s not impossible to lose something we never owned — Guy Finley What we actually lose is an image, a carefully constructed mental picture of ourselves long-secured in place by someone or something that helps us to see ourselves - or feel good about ourselves - the way we imagine ourselves to be. And with that person, position, or possession no longer in place to sustain that image, our pain is in the loss of that imaginary self.

But, who you really ‘t lose anything because your True Nature is onewith the whole timeless goodness of life. And it’s not impossible to lose yourself!

When you know you can’t really lose anything or anyone, if you understand there is no real division between you and the one you love or, for that matter, between you and love itself, then the heartache of loss simply ceases to exist for you.

Kano told Vanguard that “the measure adopted by the Police was to ensure that the palace was not destroyed and also to keep the artefacts in the palace intact”. The source said: “Our presence here would certainly check protesters, who have used the palace as rallying point for two days running now”.

In the meantime, business activities continued unhindered at major centres like Kasuwan Kwari, Kasuwan Singer and Kurmi market, while roadside traders along the road leading to Government House returned to business following restoration of normalcy by the police.

A number of schools remained shut in the city, while adequate security was provided for banks to operate.

In Sabon Gari, a predominantly Christian quarters, business activities suffered hiccups as most shop owners chose to remain at home to avoid being victims of looters.

Commenting on the development, Police Public Relations Officer in Kano, ASP Magaji Musa Majia said: “Yes, we have some security challenges at hand but we have adopted counter measures to address the problem”.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and enjoined them to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of molestation.

APC accuses PDP of inciting violence in Kano

Meanwhile, APC has accused the PDP of inciting the violence that followed the announcement of Alhaji Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano.

In a statement issued in

Lagos, yesterday, by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the statement issued by PDP’s Publicity Secretary Olisa Metuh, congratulating one of the contenders long before the Kano State Government announced the new Emir was premeditated and calibrated to incite violence.

It wondered why a ruling party, which has access to Kano or any state government, would rush to the media to congratulate a contender who had not been selected, without even contacting the selecting authority to ensure the veracity of whatever news it may have heard.

"What is so urgent about congratulating the new Emir that could not have waited for a few hours for the appropriate authority to make an official announcement", APC queried.

The party said when the announcement was eventually made and the contender who had already been congratulated lost out, it was only natural that his supporters would feel shortchanged.

"It is therefore obvious that the PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary went out of their way to stoke the fire of violence in Kano.

"Since we live in a country which is being governed by the rule of law, the best option open to the Kano State government is for the State Attorney-General to immediately initiate criminal proceedings against PDP and its officials for incitement. Whatever explanations they have for their premeditated actions, they should reserve for their defence in court ," APC said.

Sanusi gets appointment letter, staff of office Kano State Government has, meantime, issued appointment letter and presented staff of office to the new emir.

The presentation which was held at the Government House, Kano was attended by top government officials, stalwarts of APC, opinion leaders, and business moguls in the city.

No members of the late Bayero’s family, however, attended the colourful ceremony, and no explanation was given for their absence.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Kwankwaso disclosed that the new emir’s wealth of experience and his deeprooted connection with the ruling house gave him an edge for the exalted seat.

Kwankwaso dismissed insinuations that the new emir’s appointment was influenced by political leaning , stressing that “the new emir was appointed on merit.”

He disclosed that the former CBN Governor made the shortlist of qualified contenders submitted to government for consideration, maintaining that he was never smuggled into the list contrary to insinuation in the social circle.

The governor said: “I must clarify that the six contenders to the throne are good friends and it remains a statement of fact that only one would emerge”.

Kwankwaso, therefore, enjoined the new emir to adopt the culture of inclusion to solidify the existing unity among the ruling class, as he disclosed that Government has built an estate for the family of late Bayero at Sharada area of the municipality.

He further revealed that Government would soon embark on the rehabilitation of the palace, preparatory to the resumption of the new emir.

In his acceptance speech, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi was full of praises to God for making him the 57th Emir of Kano and the 14th Fulani Emir of Kano emirate.

The highly elated emir revealed that he enjoyed the best support from members of the ruling House, stressing that there is no rift between him and other princes and princesses in the ruling House.

He said: “I was close to the late emir than I was to my late father. My first wife of 20 years is Bayero’s daughter. I grew up under his care and shared bed with Turakin Kano, Nasiru Ado Bayero for 10 years”.

He appealed to his subjects to remain calm and admonished them not to allow external forces to destroy their home for no reason.

All the four kingmakers who were present during the official presentation of staff of office and other traditional rulers bowed before the new emir in

his recognition and acceptance as the traditional leader of Kano emirate.

PDP congratulates Sanusi

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the new Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi on his inauguration, saying it will not play politics with the revered traditional institution.

The party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh said it expected the new emir to be non-partisan, noting that his status in society has changed.

The party in the statement issued late yesterday, said the party “has an unflinching reverence for the traditional institution and in that regard extends the same reverence it had for the late Emir to Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi.”

Buhari:

Also, General Muhammadu Buhari has urged the new emir to serve in the knowledge that he was elevated by God and not man.”You should cultivate all and exclude none,” Buhari said in a statement yesterday.

Oshiomhole congratulates Sanusi Meanwhile, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has congratulated Alhaji Sanusi.

In a letter, the Governor said: “It gives me great pleasure on behalf of the good people and Government of Edo State, to congratulate Your Royal Highness on your well-deserved appointment as the 57th Emir of Kano.

“Your Royal Highness, I have no doubt in my mind that your appointment to this esteemed position of Emir of Kano Emirate is ordained by Almighty Allah."

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Twin explosives again rock Rivers court

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

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ORT HARCOURT—EX PLOSIVES were again detonated at the premises of a high court in Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State in the early hours of yesterday.

Vanguard gathered that documents were among items destroyed in the incident.

It was the third time explosives were hurled by unknown persons into the court premises.

The state Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, who visited the court with the anti-bomb unit of the Police said no particle of explosives was recovered from the premises. He, however, confirmed an attack on the place.

According to him, there was sign of burnt at the spot when he got there.

“The Commissioner of Police, Tunde Ogunsakin and his team visited the scene with the Police Anti Bomb team which collected samples for analysis at the scene of the attack," the Police said.

Estate agent docked for duping accommodation seeker

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS — An estate agent, Adebayo Adio, who defrauded an accommodation seeker of N180,000, yesterday, appeared before a Tinubu magistrate’s court.

Adio, 50, of 24, Idita Street, Lagos Island, received the said sum under the pretence of giving the victim a mini flat.

The defendant, who is facing a two-count charge, is standing trial before Magistrate O. M. Ajayi.

The defendant had introduced one Raheed Shodele to Ramon as a solicitor and agent when he paid the said amount to Adio.

The prosecutor, Felicia Okere, told the court that the offence was committed on May 18, 2014 at 11:30 a.m at Apongbon bridge in Lagos Island area of the state.

Earlier, the defendant, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and Magistrate Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case till July 3.

FOILED ATTACK: Troops conducting anti-terrorism campaign in the North-East have averted an attempted raid on villages in Borno and Adamawa states during the weekend. The terrorists, on their way to attack selected communities were ambushed by troops along Biita, Borno State. According to a statement by Director of Defence Information, Major-General Chris Olukolade, more than 50 terrorists died in the fierce encounter that ensued, while 30 rifles, 36 hand grenades, seven machine guns and 11 rocket propelled grenade tubes were captured by the troops. Also recovered from the terrorists were more than 3,500 rounds of ammunition, six smoke grenade canisters and locally fabricated guns as well as four vehicles used by the terrorists in the foiled attack.

Pastor, evangelist, 2 others to die for robbery, 9 yrs after

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE — A HIGH court sit ting in Olokuta Prison, Akure, Ondo State capital has sentenced a pastor, Adeniyi Mathew; an evangelist, Akeem Benjamin and two others to death by hanging for robbing a commercial bank nine years ago.

The bank claimed that N26 million was carted away by the convicts during the robbery incident.

The two other convicts are Cosmos Obi, who is a business man from Delta State and Sherif Ogunleye, an apprentice radiator technician.

The trial Judge, Justice David Kolawole, while delivering judgment, found the convicts guilty of the charges against them based on sufficient evidence established by the prosecuting police witness, Abimbola Olayiwola.

At the commencement of the trial in 2013, eight suspects were docked but one of them, Johnson Olanrewaju, escaped during the 2011 jailbreak at Akure Prison.

Seven others stood trial for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and committing robbery by robbing NBM Bank, Akure now Sterling Bank, on July 2005.

During the trial, three of the suspects were discharged and acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.

When the charges were read to them they pleaded not guilty individually.

The prosecutor, during the trial, called one witness, Police Inspector Olayiwola, attached to the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Force CID Annex, Lagos while the suspects testified for themselves.

Police Inspector Olayiwola said the suspects on the night of June 2, 2005 robbed a branch of the NBM Bank, Akure and that the bank said N26 million was carted away during the robbery.

How they were nabbed

According to him, nemesis caught up with the evangelist when detectives in Ibadan arrested him for being in possession of over N825,000 in NBM Bank wrappers.

He added that upon the information, detectives went to Ibadan and took over the investigation which led to the arrest of five more suspects linked to the Akure robbery.

Some of the suspects were also picked up in Abeokuta by the Police detectives and a sum of N1million was said to have been found in the house of one of them, Obi Cosmos.

Olayiwola said that the suspects, on that day, robbed two banks, Union and NBM.

The judgment

Justice Kolawole in his judgment said: “At the end of the ex-

ercise, I found the defendants guilty.

“The corroborative evidence came mainly from the investigation conducted by the Police that include the recovery of money, vehicle and admissions contained in the video recording of the visit to the place of crime by the Police and the defendants.

He said the four defendants were convicted as charged.

“In view of this, Pastor Adeniyi

Matthew, Akeem Benjamin, Cosmos Obi and Sherif Ogunleye are each sentenced to death by hanging on the neck until they be dead," the court declared.

It would be recalled that after the robbery, the pastor and the evangelist went to establish a big church, bought a bus, a big generator and equipped the church from the bank robbery proceeds until the long arm of the law caught up with them.

19-yr-old remanded for raping blind octogenarian

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AGOS — A Yaba chief mag istrate's court in Lagos, yesterday, held that a teenager, Avoseh Satingo, has a case to answer in the alleged rape of an 80-year-old blind woman.

It, therefore, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Magistrate Yewande Aje-Afunwa made this known following advice by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

She said the DPP advised that a prima facie case had been established against 19-year-old Satingo.

The Police had on March 24 charged the teenager with raping an octogenarian on her bed.

The prosecutor, ASP Godwin

Anyanwu, told the court that the accused, who resides at the Cele Church Bus Stop, Bilewu Oshoffa area, Agbovipe village, Badagry, raped the grandmother in her room.

According to him, Satingo committed the offence on February 17 at 1p.m.

He said: “Satingo took advantage of the condition of the blind complainant and raped her on her bed.

“He was apprehended by members of the community who sighted him coming out of his victim’s room as she cried for help."

He said the offence contravened Sections 258 and 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The court had, in March, adjourned the case pending the DPP's advice.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—7

Two Covenant varsity students abducted in Abuja •As abductors demand N200m ransom

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

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BUJA — FIVE gunmen have kidnapped two female students of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State from their home in Karmo, Abuja on Sunday.

The girls, Ejura and Onekwu Opaluwah, were taken away in the booth of a blue Honda car with number plate, HR 152 ABC, in what started off as a robbery incident at 5.00 p.m.

Speaking to Vanguard, an uncle of the missing girls, Mr. Amadi Opaluwah, said: "It was about 5 p.m that evening when five armed men came into the house and went straight to the room of the girls' father, Mr Samson Opaluwah, an engi-

Ejura and Onekwu Opaluwah. neer. They robbed him of his valuables. As they were leaving, they took both girls and put them in the booth of the

car.

"The abductors then called yesterday asking us to pay N200 million ransom, which

they eventually reduced to N150 million."

Opaluwah, who declined to give more information for fear of the girls' safety, argued that the abduction was not politically motivated as the father of the girls, who is the procurement officer at the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is a civil servant and not a politician.

He said: "My brother is not a politician; he has no interest in politics, so I don't think there is any political undertone to this.

"We are pleading with the abductors to release the girls, they are innocent. Also, I want my nieces to have faith, be calm and patient. By God's grace, they will be home soon."

Three die in Lagos auto crashes, another in hotel room

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

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AGOS — THREE persons were reportedly killed in Lagos, weekend, in auto crashes that occurred in different parts of the state.

Vanguard also gathered that a middle-aged woman, identified simply as, Adaobi Okafor, was also found dead in a popular hotel at Ipaja area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer at the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, while confirming the reports, said two of the accidents victims were women, one of which she said was knocked off at Cele bus stop on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, by a Daewo Nubira saloon car, with number plate, KJA 971 CW, driven by one Anaeto Ikechukwu Samson, who resides at 20, Alahum Ozumba Street, Maza-Maza.

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WALE—GUNMEN, Sun day night, killed an Associate Professor at the Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, Professor Felix Okpilike at Isele-Ukwu junction, Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that Okpilike, who travelled to the village to see his sick mother in company of his wife, was caught in a crossfire between warring Isele-Ukwu and Ibabu communities while returning to Abraka.

DELSU Vice Chancellor, Prof Eric Arubayi, confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that Okpilike was in line for full professorship, adding that his family members informed him of the sad development.

K

ADUNA — THE Kaduna Environment Protection Authority (KEPA) said yesterday that it had arrested more than 1,000 stray animals.

General Manager of the agency, Alhaji Sani Aminu, said in Kaduna that the animals were arrested within the last 12 months.

Aminu said the animals comprising dogs, sheep, goats and pigs were arrested for disturbing traffic flow and causing accidents within the city.

He, however, said that about 400 of the animals were claimed by their owners after paying penalties to the agency.

Aminu said the recent increase in public complaints about the menace caused by such animals necessitated the arrest.

"We receive more than 20 complaints in a day on the menace of the animals," he said.

The general manager said that the animals also contributed to making the streets dirty, thereby causing environmental pollution, which threatened the health of the residents.

Ogun Police kill 2, arrest 3 robbery suspects

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

A scene of an accident on Moshood Abiola Way, Ebute Metta in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

The other female victim, whose identify is yet unknown was said to have fallen off a

moving commercial bus at Pako bus stop on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

Gunmen kill Delta varsity professor

BY EMMAAMAIZE

Kaduna agency arrests 1,000 stray animals

He described his death as a calamity, saying: "I am aware that he went to the village to see his sick mother. I saw him last Friday and we threw banters, not knowing he was going to die two days after. It is pathetic."

A source said: "Okpilike did not know that he was hit by bullets, as he drove his car even up to a place where the pellets lodged in his body were extracted, but he died thereafter while being taken to the hospital."

The Ndokwa Politcal Stakeholders Forum, NPSF, in a statement by the Secretary General, Mr. Oyibosochukwu Nwabueze, yesterday, condemned the brutal killing and called on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, Commissioner of Police and other security agen-

cies to unravel the killing and bring perpetrators to book.

"NPSF calls for immediate deployment of security personnel to Isele-Ukwu junction to protect innocent people plying Asaba-Ughelli highway from further attack by gunmen at these communities, who have been in a senseless war," the group said.

It also urged the chairmen of Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West Local Government Areas to "intervene and quickly resolve the protracted land dispute between Isele-Ukwu and Ibabu communities, which had led to the destruction of several lives and property on both sides and also paralyzed commercial activities in the ancient Isele-Ukwu market."

It was gathered that the driver of the Volkswagen bus, with number plate, AAA 860 XH, fled the scene after the incident.

Braide added that policemen from Gowon Estate Police Division were at the scene where they recovered the commercial bus, while the body of the victim was deposited at Mainland General Hospital mortuary, Yaba for autopsy.

On how the other victims lost their lives, Braide stated: “A Mack truck with number plate, APP 326 XB, driven by one Badmus Akeem of 35, Ilogbo Street, Okokomaiko hit a yetto-be identified male pedestrian along Murtala Mouhammed Way, Yaba bus stop.

"In a separate development, one Adaobi Okafor also known as Chichi was found dead in her hotel room at Onyebuchi Hotel,198, Ipaja Road, Lagos.

The corpse has been removed to LASUTH mortuary for autopsy. The case is under investigation at Elere Division.”

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BEOKUTA— THE Ogun State Police Command, yesterday, said it had killed two suspected robbers and injured three who were later arrested at their hideout in Epe area of Lagos State .

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said the Special Anti Robbery Squad of the state Police Command engaged the gang in a fierce gun battle.

According to Adejobi, one member of the gang, Ahmed Yusuff, was arrested on April 25, 2014 at Dalemo, Otta, Ogun State after snatching a Benz ML SUV from the owner and the said Ahmed, in the course of Police investigation, agreed to lead the SARS team to their hideout in Epe, Lagos State before the gun battle ensued.

“Those arrested with fatal bullet wounds included Adeyinka Olajuwon, Isiaka Salawu and Jumoke Odukoya. Some of the members, however, escaped with bullet wounds and efforts are in top gear to arrest them."

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Soldiers kill 50 Boko Haram members in Borno zGunmen abduct 20 women near Chibok

BY NDAHI MARAMA

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AIDUGURI—TROOPS of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, weekend, killed over 50 Boko Haram terrorists in Bita village of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State on their way to attack some villages in Borno and Adamawa states.

However, suspected Boko Haram gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 20 women from a nomadic settlement in the North-East near Chibok, where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted in April.

Alhaji Tar, a member of the vigilante group in the area, said the men arrived at noon, weekend, in the Garkin Fulani settlement and forced the women into their vehicles at gunpoint, adding that three young men that tried to stop the kidnapping were also abducted.

Meanwhile, residents of the ancient town of Dikwa, Borno State, ran into the bush when faulty solar street light batteries exploded in a store yesterday. The loud explosion was followed by sporadic gunshots by security forces.

DHQ’s statement

The Fence Headquarters, in a statement by the Director, Defense information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said: “Troops conducting antiterrorists campaign in NorthEastern Nigeria have successfully averted attempted massive raid on villages in Borno and Adamawa states, during the weekend.

“The terrorists, who were on their way to attack selected communities, were ambushed by troops along Bilta, Borno State, on receiving intelligence report of the terrorists’ intention.”

The statement said the attack was launched on the terrorists as they filed out of the forest to embark on their mission at about 10p.m. on Saturday.

“Over 50 terrorists died in the fierce encounter that ensued, while 30 rifles, 36 hand grenades, seven machine guns and 11 rocketpropelled grenade tubes were captured by the troops,” General Olukolade added.

Also recovered from the terrorists were over 3,500 rounds of ammunition, six smoke grenade canisters, locally fabricated guns and four vehicles.

The army stated that four soldiers were injured in the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment in the military medical facility.

Dikwa explosion

In Dikwa, there was confusion occasioned by mass exodus of people, including women and children, yesterday, after a thunderous

blast.

A senior security official in Maiduguri said: “There was no attack in Dikwa by the terror group. The locals were actually scared when

they heard a scaring bang, which was caused by some solar light batteries kept in a store.

“Soon after the ‘blast’ troops in Dikwa fired friendly shots into the air and the residents mistook the development and fled.

“Many people took to the

bushes because they thought our men were engaging the terrorists. I want to assure you that normalcy has returned.”

Vanguard also gathered that the Divisional Police Officer of Dikwa and his team visited the scene and discovered that the batteries exploded due to excessive heat.

AGM: From left— Dr. Okey Oramah, Executive Vice President, Afrexim Bank; Mr. Emeka Ugwu-Oju, President, SouthEast South-South Professionals of Nigeria; Marcellin Agaya, Deputy Minister of Economy, Gabon; Jean-Louis Ekra, President and Chairman of the Board, Afrexim Bank, at the reception for attendees of the 21st annual general meeting of the bank, held last weekend in Libreville, Gabon.

How I escaped from Kano— AMAECHI zNCAA, NAMA deny grounding of aircraft

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR & DANIEL ETEGHE

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OVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has narrated how he was detained and escaped from Kano after his plane made an air return due to bad weather at Abuja Airport.

Governor Amaechi visited Kano on Sunday on a condolence visit, following the death of the late emir, Ado Bayero.

His return to Kano, however, led to the grounding of the private jet in which he was travelling.

The governor said even when they came down from the aircraft, they were not allowed to leave the airport by the officials who claimed to be acting on orders from above.

But the regulatory agency, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, swiftly denied reports that it grounded the plane which took Amaechi to Kano.

A source close to the agency said: “NCAA is not connected to the grounding of the aircraft. I think the order could be from the presidency or did you see NCAA in your report.”

The Nigerian Airspace

Management Agency, NAMA, also denied issuing the order for the grounding of the aircraft.

A NAMA source, however, stressed that the aircraft in question was not the controversial aircraft earlier grounded by the aviation authorities last year that was only released a week ago, adding that the aircraft was currently parked in Port Harcourt.

However, Governor Amaechi told Vanguard yesterday that those with him had to break the exit gates, made a dash through the night for Abuja by road and arrived in the early hours of yesterday.

Governor Amaechi was with Senator Danjuma Goje, Senator Shaban Lafiagi and erstwhile national chairman of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, nPDP, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, when the incident happened on Sunday evening hours after Sanusi was named as 57th Emir of Kano.

Danjuma and Lafiagi, both serving senators, were former governors of Gombe and Kwara states, respectively.

The presence of Governor

Amaechi and other top chieftains of All Progressives Congress, APC, earlier in the day in Kano, it was reported, was to put pressure on the authorities in Kano to push for the emergence of Sanusi as emir.

Amaechi, however, denied the insinuations, saying he only came for a condolence visit. The reported lobby of the APC chieftains was in the face of alleged similar moves by sympathisers of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to stop Sanusi, who had lately emerged as a vicious critic of the Federal Government.

Amaechi’s story

Noting his experience in an interview with Vanguard, Governor Amaechi said: “We made contact with the tower to depart and they said we cannot leave, that the airport commandant said that no private jet can leave or enter Kano today.

“We thought it was a joke.

We then called the airport commandant and I again called the governor to intervene and the governor called the commandant who said that it was the order he got from Abuja.

“Then five minutes after,

they locked us inside the airport. They locked all the exits to the airport and we had to break the key to one of the exits and then we stepped out.

“We had to take a big decision. We called the governor who said he was sending cars to bring us to Government House and we said okay. But we made a decision that when the cars (from Government House) come, we would tell them to go back and not to tell the governor where we are.

“So we entered our car, got instruction to put off our phones and I drove from Kano to Abuja. We arrived Abuja 2a.m.

“We arrived after the announcement and we were impounded because they did not get what they wanted.

“The kingmakers selected Sanusi as number one, Ado Bayero as number two. Do I know any kingmaker? We all went for condolence visit.”

He also denied any role in the emergence of Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

“We are in a dictatorship and it is supposed to be a democracy and everybody has a right to disagree with the President,” Amaechi added.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—9

DANGOTE: From left—Mr. Andre Parker, Chairman, Tiger Brands; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/CEO, Dangote Group, and Mr. Peter Matlare, Africa Group CE, Tiger Brands, during a business visit to Dangote, yesterday.

NBA kicks as clampdown on newspapers' distribution continues zAsks Jonathan to institute enquiry z SERAP seeks UN sanction against FG

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI & WOLE MOSADOMI

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S the military clampdown on newspapers distribution in the country entered the fourth day yesterday, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to institute an inquiry into the development.

With the clampdown, which started last Friday, continuing in Minna yesterday, the Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, called on the United Nations, UN, to sanction the Federal Government.

Condemning the development, NBA, in a statement by its National President, Chief Okey Wali (SAN), described the action of the military as undemocratic.

Wali said: “Clampdown on newspapers distribution is not and cannot be a language in a democracy and we do not understand what the defence spokesman and the Presidency are saying. We expect a clarification from the government. This they must do as soon as possible.

“The Nigerian Bar Association hereby calls on President Jonathan to institute an inquiry into what actually happened on Friday and Saturday June 6 and 7, when it was alleged that there was a clampdown on newspapers distribution in Abuja and other parts of the country.

“Nigerians need to know why such military action must take place in a democracy. It is in the

interest of all that we get to the root of this matter. A free press is a cardinal point of any democracy.”

Clampdown continues in Minna

The clampdown on some newspapers by the Military continued in Minna, Niger State, yesterday, as some of national dailies were restricted from being circulated.

For the past four days, the Military check points along Abuja Suleja Minna road has been the seizure point of some of the dailies where drivers and distribution vans are arrested and delayed for hours until the titles being carried for sale become stale.

Some military men were also drafted to the distribution centres where parcels of newspapers were thoroughly searched and cleared before being displayed on the stands.

At the distribution centre, yesterday, the Military allowed Tribune, ThisDay, Union, Sun, The Guardian to sell after searching.

Vanguard, which was seized along with Leadership newspapers was later removed from the van conveying it and was distributed while the Nation and Trust were not allowed to be circulated. The Military later left the distribution centre around 12 noon.

The state chairman of the Vendors Association, Mr. Festus Elisha in an interview with Vanguard, appealed to the appropriate authorities to

wade into the ongoing confusion before it degenerates into bigger problems.

He said: “One way or the other, it is affecting the economy, especially vendors.

We do not have any other source of income than the sale of these papers and for the past four days, our income has been greatly affected and if allowed to linger on, we will find it difficult to feed.”

Besides the economic implication, “even the presence of fully armed Military in our midst for the past four days is scaring and their presence may even scare readers from stopping to pick their papers. We beg that government should intervene on the issue urgently.”

SERAP

Reacting to the development, SERAP asked the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Mr. Frank La Rue, to “issue urgent appeal and measures to stop the government of President Goodluck Jonathan from harassing and intimidating media houses and newspapers.”

SERAP, in a petition yesterday by its Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said: “Unless the Special Rapporteur takes action urgently, the effective enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression and media freedom will continue to be under grave threat.

“The seizure and censorship of major newspapers critical of government’s policies amounts to undue and impermissible external interference in the operations

of independent media houses.

“This apparently unlawful action has in turn negatively impacted on the citizens’ effective enjoyment of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.”

Specifically, SERAP urged the Special Rapporteur to issue urgent appeal and measures to stop the continuing harassment and intimidation against independent media houses; remind the government of its duty to take immediate remedial measures and actions to eliminate these unjustified restrictions on the right to freedom of expression and the media.

It also wants UN to ask the government to adopt measures necessary to guarantee the protection of journalists and media houses.

Mumuni said SERAP “continues to receive information about continuing threats against, and harassment of, independent media houses solely for exercising their right to freedom of expression and the media.

… demands compensation

“SERAP is seriously concerned about these violations and infringements of the right to freedom of expression and the media.

Rather than thoroughly investigating the violations bringing suspected perpetrators to justice, apologising and paying adequate compensation to the media houses concerned, the government has justified them on the flimsy ground that newspaper distribution channels may have

been infiltrated by some persons to transport “materials with grave security implications.

“By this action the government is exerting pressure on the media houses.

This demonstrates the government’s increasing intolerance for the peaceful exercise of the rights to expression, opinion, information, association and assembly by the citizens.

“This action also contradicts the fundamental principles of pluralism, tolerance and broad-mindedness, without which there can be no democratic society.

“SERAP believes that there can be no freedom unless thought is free and unrestricted; not free thought for those who agree but freedom for the thought others or we dislike.

“It is only from the clash of ideas that truth can emerge, for the best test of truth is the power of thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market of ideas.

“The right to freedom of opinion and expression is a core right of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights both of which Nigeria has ratified.

Of rights, duties

“This right is important not only for protecting the citizens against undue infringements of the State but also guaranteeing effective participation of individuals and media houses in political life. As such, the right to freedom of expression can be described as an essential test right, the enjoyment of which illustrates the degree of enjoyment of other human rights.

“The respect for this right reflects a country’s standard of fair play, justice and honesty.

Freedom of expression is applicable not only to information and ideas that are favourably received or regarded as inoffensive or as a matter of indifference, but also to those that offend, shock or disturb the State or any sector of the population.”

The organisation recalled that “the Security Council resolution 1738 (2006) has condemned deliberate attacks against journalists, media houses, professio-nals and associated personnel even in situations of armed conflict” and called upon all parties to put an end to such practices.

According to this resolution, “all States including Nigeria are to respect the independence of media houses and to comply with the relevant obligations under international law to end impunity and to prosecute those responsible for serious violations of the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.”

10—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

APC group protests in Lagos over alleged imposition ...We don't know them — STATE CHAIRMAN

BY INNOCENT ANABA

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, GBENGA OKE & MONSUR OLOOOPEJO

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L

AGOS—AHEAD of the 2015 gubernatorialelection in Lagos, some aggrieved members of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Lagos chapter, yesterday, stormed Alausa Secretariat, seat of Lagos State government to protest alleged “zoning of gubernatorial ticket and imposition of candidates" by the leadership of the party.

The protesting members of APC under the auspices of New Lagos Movement, NLM, specifically targeted the Governor’s Office and State House of Assembly, accusing the leadership of the party in the state of lack of internal democracy.

The group which claimed to have come from the 21 local governments in Lagos state chanted several songs to express their grievances.

Clad in red T-shirts and displaying placards with various inscriptions such as: “Power is not served a la carte. Leaders are not rulers.

There must be internal democracy. We say no to Autocracy.”

The protest which kicked off from the party secretariat on ACME Road, Ikeja, caused heavy traffic along the road, down to Alausa in Ikeja.

Addressing newsmen at the Lagos House, leader of the group, Mr Niyi Akinsiju, said the group had tolerated sufficiently the unenviable and anti-democratic culture of imposition of party lead-

INSPECTION: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (right); Special Adviser, New Towns Development Authority, NTDA, Mrs. Felicia Awofisayo (middle) and the Executive Secretary, Lagos Home Ownership and Mortgage Scheme, Lagos HOMS Board, Mr. Akinola Kojo Sagoe during Governor Fashola’s inspection visit with members of the State Executive Council to the on-going Lagos HOMS project, at Olu-Aina Street, Mushin on Sunday. ers and political leaders on the people of Lagos State.

Responding to the protesters, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola who was represented

by Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello commended the peaceful protest embarked upon by the group and gave assurances on behalf of the governor that there will be enthronement of internal democracy in the party.

The Commissioner said: ‘’I can give you assurances on behalf of the governor that primaries will be conducted and there will be enthronement of democracy in all our party ac-

tivities in Lagos State’’.

I don’t know them – APC Chairman Reacting, APC chairman in the state, Chief Henry Ajomale, speaking to newsmen at the party secretariat, Ikeja, said; “I don’t know them. They are not members of the party, and if they said that they are New Lagos Movement, they are on their own and not on the side of the party.

“Please ask them if they are registered members of the party. The party constitution does not allow creation of any group within the party. If anyone has

any grievances against the party, they can make their complaint known to us at the secretariat.

“No bona fide party member would go on the street to protest against what the party is yet to decide. The party is yet to ask anyone to indicate their intention.

At the moment, more than 10 people are going around but none of them has come to me that they want to contest election. Everyone should wait until the national leadership of the party decides.

There cannot be any imposition because we follow the directive of the party leadership. If anyone endorses any candidate, it does not mean that the candidate will win at the primaries.”

Nurses, other staff join doctors' strike at LUTH

BY CHIOMA OBINNA & GABRIELOLAWALE

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AGOS—Healthcare delivery services at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, yesterday worsened as other workers joined the striking members of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, to declare total strike.

The development completely grounded the skeletal services

put in place to cushion effects of the prevailing industrial unrest in the hospital.

Workers, who joined the striking resident doctors, are nurses and midwives under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives; the Senior Staff Association of Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associatied Instituitions, SSAUTHRIAI; the Non Aca-

demic Staff Union Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria. For eight days, the hospital has been overwhelmed by industrial action.

Day after day, hopes that a speedy resolution of the crisis would be achieved have been dashed. The current situation at the hospital was so bad that our reporter who monitored the

Funsho Williams: Court fixes date for ‘no case' submission

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—JUSTICE Eben ezer Adebajo of a Lagos High Court, yesterday fixed June 30, 2014 for the ruling on a ‘no-case submission’ raised by suspected killers of late Engr. Funsho Williams, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State in the 2003 general election.

Police demolition: Court orders status quo

The judge gave the date after listening to both the prosecuting and the defence counsels. The accused are, Bulama Kolo, Musa Maina, David Cassidy, Tunani Sonani, Mustapha Kayode and Okponwasa Imariabie, all male.

The prosecution had on May 16 closed its case during the trial and the court adjourned the matter for the defendants to open their defence.

But, at the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, the defence counsel, Mr Agbara Okezie made a ‘no-case submission’ before the court, contending that the accused have no case to answer.

In his application dated May 20, 2014, Okezie argued that from the totality of the prosecution’s case, it failed to establish a prima facie case against any of the defendants.

strike in the hospital did not encounter any of the nurses .

At the various clinics visited, no nurse was sighted except in the wards. Although, there were hospital staff on ground, services were not rendered.

Many of the staff were seen in groups discussing the situation.

A young man who brought his aged father to the hospital could not but pour his anger and disappointment at both the hospital and the striking workers.

The young man who identified himself as Godwin, wondered why the parties were playing politics with Nigerian lives.

When Vanguard approached him, he said: “They are not at work. I brought my dad but not even nurses are around to attend to us. Last week was better than today. The consultants were seeing patients but it seems all of them have joined. I excused myself from work to bring my father only to be told they are not at work. It is frustrating.”

AGOS—A Lagos State High sitting in Badagry, has restrained the Police, its privies, agents and all defendants in a land suit, from engaging in further activities on the Atinporomeh community land in Badagry, Lagos.

Trial judge, Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the order following an application brought by Mr. Sunday Onuya, on behalf of the claimants, (members of the community), seeking an order for maintenance of status quo, until the substantive suit was determined.

The judge ordered maintenance of status quo, directed accelerated hearing of the suit and adjourned further hearing till July 10.

The judge also reserved ruling in an objection by the Police, challenging jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit.

The plaintiffs are claiming the sum of N100 billion against the respondents, for alleged wrongful demolition of their houses.

CUSPA holds customer service debate

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AGOS—CUSTOM ER Service Practitioners Association, CUSPA, an independent assessment organisation has kicked off its yearly agenda with a debate.

CUSPA is dedicated to the development of customer management practices, excellent customer service delivery, and come out with the best ways to improve, manage, and maximise how organisations relate with their customers.

President of CUSPA, Mrs. Uloma Umeano, in a press briefing in Lagos, said this year ’s debate is part of CUSPA’s annual activity, which takes place in the second quarter of every year.

According to her, the purpose of the debate is to get possible solutions to the issues surrounding the customer’s experience with companies.

"This year’s debate is strategically planned to address the lack of service accountability by service providers,'' she said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY JUNE 10, 2014—11

Amosun preaches peace at inauguration of APC factional exco

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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B E O K U TA — G OV E R NOR Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday, appealed to aggrieved members and leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to work together for the success of the party in the coming elections.

Amosun spoke after inauguration of the state executive of the party loyal to him at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta.

The inauguration was however almost marred following a stampede that occurred within the premises of the Cultural centre which caused no fewer than 20 loyalists of the governor to slump and were quickly rushed to the state hospital.

At the inauguration, loyalists of the governor from the 20 local government areas of the state thronged the venue where the executive committee members were inaugurated.

It would be recalled that two parallel executive committees emerged from the parallel state congresses recently held in the state.

While a factional group loyal to Governor Amosun elected its leaders at its congresses, another group loyal to a former governor of the state, Chief Segun Osoba also elected another set of leaders at different congresses held in the state on the same day.

The national body of the party however, endorsed the congresses of the Amosun group and inaugurated its factional chairman, Roqeeb Adeniji.

Addressing his loyalists, Amosun urged party members to be united and extended hands of fellowship to aggrieved members of the party, saying “Let us find a way of uniting everybody who is aggrieved in one way or the other. Everybody is a winner and we must remain united if we must retain power in this state.

Kindly go to the nooks and crannies of the state and propagate the transformation that the APCled administration has effected in Ogun and draw them into our fold.”

The crowd of loyalists and party faithful that thronged the Hu-

bert Ogunde Hall almost choked some of the loyalists.

Most of them were said to have travelled from various local government areas and because they could not get access to the hall, the commotion led to a stampede.

Reacting to the situation, the governor said “I have asked them to open all the doors after I was told that there were no fewer than 20 people that have been rushed to the hospital because of the crowd outside. So, my apologies, next time we would not do such a thing here again.

MEETING: PDP Board of Trustees chairman, Chief Tony Anenih; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Chairman of Ado Ekiti Hausa community, Alhaji Musa Ahmed and Mai girma–Sarki, Ado Ekiti, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu during a meeting of Hausa community in Ado Ekiti with the vice president during the grand finale of Ekiti PDP gubernatoral candidate’s rally on Saturday.

Ondo LP, PDP disagree over defection

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE—THE ruling La bour Party in Ondo State and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP yesterday sang discordant tunes over defection of party members to PDP in the state.

Chairman of PDP in the state Ebenezer Alabi had claimed 2,000 members of the LP and All Progressive Congress, APC, defected to the party last weekend in Ile-Oluji and Oke-Igbo Local government areas of the state.

‘’We will go to the stadium, please don’t be annoyed with me. Our people outside are really suffocating and they have been taken to the hospital, but I have the belief that it will be well with them. ‘’Next time we want to do a thing like this, we would ensure that we make use of a spacious place that can accommodate this kind of a crowd.”

New state chairman, Mr Roqeeb Adeniji, who conducted the inauguration, said his committee would commence a reconciliation process aimed at uniting all aggrieved members to ensure the party’s victory in the 2015 general elections in the state.

He equally claimed over 2,000 had signed the party’s register, accepting to defect to it.

But state chairman of LP, Chief Dele Akinyele debunked the defection claim.

Akinyele described as the height of deceit and self delusion the claim of the PDP that members of the Labour Party defected into its fold in Ile-Oluji and Oke-Igbo Local Government areas at the weekend.

He said at no time did any of the ruling party’s members in the said local government are-

as defect to the PDP. According to him, the number of members of the Labour Party in the areas had rather increased considerably in recent times.

Akinyele said “it has become old fashioned for out-of-favour political parties to dish out lies just to be heard.”

He noted that the game of politics has “become so robust now that if you are not relevant, you are just not relevant, no matter the level of lies and propaganda you adopt to stay visible.”

He however said that “visibility does not translate to relevance. The PDP, by the claim is only taking the people for fools when by brandishing bogus figures as people it claimed have defected to the party without any physical proof of same.”

Berating the state PDP for what he described as its penchant for cheap publicity, Akinyele said “to the glory of God, the high rate at which members of the opposition party have been defecting to the LP because of what have been alluded to be the encouraging performance of the Governor Mimiko’s government are verifiable”

LASU crisis: Govt receives committee report, may reduce fee by 40%

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI & MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

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AGOS—INDICATION yesterday emerged that Lagos state government might today announce between 30 and 40 percent reduction in the controversial tuition fee of the Lagos State University, LASU that has pitched the students against the government.

This came as the government confirmed the receipt of the report of the Executive committee set up by governor Babatunde Fashola to look into all issues surrounding the tuition fee.

The committee it was learnt submitted its findings to the state Executive Council which subsequently, had over fivehour deliberation on it.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Lateef Ibirogba, who spoke with Vanguard at the end of the weekly Monday Executive Council meeting last night, confirmed that the state government received the committee’s report and deliberated on it before adjourning to today..

According to Ibirogba, “The Exco meeting on the decision of the recommendations made by

the committee on LASU has been adjourned till tomorrow (today).

Today (yesterday) after the committee submitted its report, we had a five hours deliberation on it and during the deliberation, and all the issues raised were looked into. Our government is a government that has solid structure and we feel that everything must be thoroughly checked based on its merit.

NAFDAC decries Nigerian poor representation in global market

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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AGOS—THE Na tional Agency for Food administration and Control, NAFDAC, has decried the poor representation of locally manufactured products in the global markets.

Director-General of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, who spoke in Lagos blamed the low representation on the failure of manufacturers to tap into the provisions in the African Growth and Opportunity Act, AGOA, established over a decade ago by the United States Government to assist economies of subSaharan Africa.

He said: “Nigeria is one country that is over dependent on oil export and yet Nigeria is one country that has comparative advantage over other countries with a lot of lands that are very fertile. We have human resources and yet we have concentrated solely on export oil products. I was very ashamed when I attended their meeting in Washington DC, three years ago; there was no single Nigeria agricultural products. The only one that was from Africa was from Ghana.”

‘Abiola ushered in enduring democracy'

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KURE—A former lawmaker, Mr Kele Bolodeoku, yesterday described the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, as the vehicle that brought enduring democracy to the country.

Bolodeoku, a former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, stated this in Akure.

The former lawmaker called on the Federal Government to ensure that Abiola was celebrated by all, adding that the elite who were responsible for Abiola’s travails had refused to accord him deserved recognition.

Bolodeoku, who said Abiola’s contribution to the nation’s political growth had remained enduring, called for true and genuine reconciliation.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

PIB: Passage critical to Nigeria’s economy —Peterside

UYC hails Jonathan over Oru’s ministerial nomination

BY FESTUS AHON

BY GBENGA OKE

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GHELLI—THE leadership of Urhobo Youth Council, UYC, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for nominating Dr Steve Oru as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, describing his nomination as a welcome development.

UYC, in a statement by its national president, Mr. Henry Baro, said: “The leadership and members of UYC wish to express our profound gratitude to the President for the nomination of an illustrious son of Urhobo nation, Dr. Oru for a ministerial appointment.

“We saw the absence of an Urhobo indigene being the 5th largest ethnic group in the country in the FEC as an aberration, hence we embarked on the agitation, which today has yielded the desired result."

EPZ: We won't tolerate blackmail by Gbaramatu chiefs —IPA

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ARRI—AN Itsekiri socio-cultural group, Itsekiri Patriotic Alliance, IPA, has condemned a publication by the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs on the naming of the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, after Ogidigben, describing the publication as “selfishly driven, fraught with lies, cheap blackmail and a calculated attempt to incite crisis in Warri.”

IPA, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Erefoluwa Keka, said that the onepage advertorial by seven signatories, including Chief S.A. Etoromi is “provocative, unnecessary and one that takes the mind of progressive Itsekiri and Ijaws to the dark days of the Warri crisis.”

According to IPA, the Gbaramatu Traditional Council of Chiefs in an attempt to make President Goodluck Jonathan fall for cheap ethnic sentiment deceived the general public by claiming that major part of the land billed for the legacy EPZ project are part of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

C

VISIT: Governor Sullivan Chime (right) and his Delta State counterpart, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, when the later paid him a courtesy call at the Governor's Lodge, Enugu, yesterday.

Why we dumped APC for PDP —Edo lawmaker

BY GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—ONE of the four lawmakers in the Edo State House of Assembly who recently defected from All Progressives Congress, APC, to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Friday Ogieriakhi, has explained why they dumped APC for PDP, just as he dismissed the impeachment alarm raised by Governor Adams Oshiohmole.

Ogieriakhi, who spoke with journalists in Benin, said they could no longer remain in APC due to what he referred to as

high level of deception and increasing level of despotism by the state government.

The lawmaker, who represents Orhiomwon South constituency in Edo State House of Assembly, said their dissatisfaction with Edo APC started with the nomination of candidates to represent the party in the local government elections last year, adding that the party's registration and congresses were the last straw that broke the carmel’s back.

He also alleged that the executive arm of govern-

ment had collapsed the three arms of government into one, saying that the governor now “represents the executive, judiciary and legislative arms.

“This is a man who will not tolerate any adverse judicial decision. Have you not heard of the several court judgments that he has flouted? The teachers’ case is a living example,” he said.

He said the state House of Assembly had almost turned rubber stamp of the executive arm and that executive bills were being passed without due process.

LG polls: Delta PDP chair warns against fielding unpopular candidates

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BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

SABA—DELTA State Chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, has warned that on no account should the party allow any form of imposition of candidates in the coming local government elections and the 2015 polls.

Nwaoboshi, at Umutu, while flagging off the empowerment programme of the member representing Ukwuani constituency in the state House of Assembly, Dr. Alphonsus Ojo, made it clear that fielding unpopular candidates might jeopardise the chances of the party, “so as not to allow the opposition parties pass through the back door to power.”

He ordered party faithful to withdraw any litigation against fellow party members within seven days as a sign of loyalty to the party to pave way for unity

in pursing a common goal.

State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, Chief Frank Igwebike, had told Vanguard that candidates of his party would emerge through consensus arrangements to avoid rancour.

According to him, “PDP with over 25 guber aspirants in Delta State must end in crisis because when two elephants fight it is the grass

that suffers and the hunter that grains. In this instance, the PDM will gain, because in PDP, a particular zone feels that it is its turn to produce the governor for 2015.

“What happens if that zone does not get the PDP ticket?

PDP and All Progressives Congress APC are currently factionalised over guber aspirants while PDM is united.

The result? Your guess is as good as mine.”

HAIRMAN, House Committee on Petroleum Resources, (Downstream), Mr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, was critical to the development of Nigeria’s economy, which is dependent on oil and gas resources.

He assured that the leadership of the House would ensure that the bill was passed into law this year.

Speaking at an interactive forum by labour leaders in conjunction with Unite Consult Limited in Abuja, Peterside noted that the PIB bill by its provisions, will create jobs, optimize gas supplies for power generation, promote transparency and openness in the administration of petroleum resources, which will bring more money into the national coffers and stem corruption.

He said: “PIB, when passed, will generate confidence in the investment climate and create new regulatory institutions, unbundle and make viable the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and establish a progressive fiscal regime that will encourage investment in small oil and gas fields.”

Also speaking, Mr. Ledum Mittee, former president, Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, and chairman, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, said that the current proposal on petroleum Host Communities Fund was not the best for oil bearing communities.

He suggested that the National Assembly should review same extensively to address the noticeable gaps.

Medical Women Association to rehabilitate Chibok girls

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—THE Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, has said that it will rehabilitate the 276 girls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, as soon as they

were freed.

National President of MWAN, Dr. Valerie Obot, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, said the rehabilitation programme will be implemented by the Borno State chapter of the association.

The association urged the Federal Government to con-

sider all options, including dialogue, to free the abducted girls unhurt.

Obot noted that with the abduction of the girls, the girl child was fast becoming an endangered specie, adding that they have been traumatised and deprived of their right to receive education.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—13

Edo Assembly boils as House suspends Deputy Speaker, three others

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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ENIN—EDO State House of Assembly was in turmoil, yesterday, following the suspension of four lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Festus Ebea, for alleged misconduct and plot to impeach the Speaker, Mr. Uyi Igbe and state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole.

Other lawmakers suspended include Mr. Friday Ogieriakhi, Orhionmwon South constituency; Mr. Jude IseIdehen, Ikpoba Okhai and Mr. Patrick Osayinmen, Oredo East.

Ten members of the 24-member Assembly were present when the lawmakers were suspended for breaching Section 38, Rule 3 of the House.

They were also accused of taking the House to court over an alleged plan to declare their seats vacant.

The lawmakers, however, described their suspension as illegal and undemocratic, adding that they were not given fair hearing before the suspension, stressing that the action will not stand the test of time.

There was tension at Ring Road and the Assembly premises prior to the suspension, when over 5,000 youths stormed the premises, demanding the recall of the four lawmakers, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the All Progressives Congress, APC. While the protest was on, the House convened and under matters of urgent public importance, Mr. Paul Ohombamu moved a motion for the suspension of the four lawmakers after he alleged that the Deputy Speaker was running a parallel leadership in the House and was allegedly plotting to impeach the Speaker and the state governor.

His motion was seconded by the Majority Leader, Mr. Phillip Shaibu. Speaker of the House, Mr. Igbe, said: “Consequent upon the motion by Ohonbamu and the Majority Leader, the lawmakers are hereby suspended as determined by the House.”

Justifying their action, the House Committee Chairman on Information, Youths and Sports, Mr. Kabiru Adjoto, alleged that “the Deputy Speaker has become so arrogant and dictatorial that he no longer sees the office of Mr. Speaker as one. He has created a parallel leadership and that leadership is aimed at destabilising the state Assembly by im-

peaching Mr. Speaker and the governor and that to a large extent, amounts to misconduct and that was partly why we had to suspend the deputy speaker and others.”

Reacting to their suspension, Mr. Ebea, who was with the other suspended members, described their suspension as laughable, saying that it was carried out in violation of the extant rules of the House.

He said: “The suspension is just a mere speculation as we have not seen the votes and proceedings of the House. The Speaker is fully aware that the rules were not followed and he knows the rules. You cannot suspend four lawmakers at a time. It is only one member that can be suspended at a time. You cannot suspend the Deputy Speaker and we must be heard before we can be suspended. In this case, we were not given the

opportunity to be heard.

“Our problem is that we were offered money and a guarantee ticket to come back in 2015. That was what was offered to the members to remain in the APC.” Ebea said that several attempts made in the last six months to impeach him for daring to speak his mind on some vexatious issues affecting members of the House, including his allegation that his constituency had nothing to show in the six years of the administration was his only offence.

Meanwhile, Governor Oshiomhole, who received some protesting youths in his office, accused the defected lawmakers and others of receiving N70 million to defect to the PDP. PDP, reacting to the suspension and allegation that

the members were lobbying others to defect to the party by offering them watery sums of money, in a statement by its chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, said that the allegations were baseless and diversionary.

“Governor Oshiomhole's allegations are baseless and diversionary. He should stop this blackmail and propaganda and face the legion of problems confronting the state. There is no doubt that his party is fast losing support and he is frustrated. ”There is no iota of truth in the allegation and we are not spendthrift like the Edo State Government. What reason has the PDP to bribe lawmakers, whose tenure expires in 11 months? We don’t have N50 or N70 million to bribe politicians the way the government does."

MEETING: Governor SeriakeDickson of Bayelsa State (left) and Lord Marland, Chairman of the Commonwealth Business Council, after the governor’s meeting with the Commonwealth Business Council at the House of Parliament, Westminster, London.

APC leaders pass vote of confidence in Oshiomhole

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EADERS of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Esan South- East Local Government Area of Edo State, have passed a vote of confidence in Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The leaders made their position known during a stakeholders' meeting in Ewohimi.

Speaking after the meeting which was attended by leaders from the 10 wards of the council, Mr. Victor Eboigbe, Edo Central senatorial district leader of the party, explained that the confidence vote on the governor became imperative in order to let the world know that the people of the council were still mindful of the development on ground and the governor ’s commitment to further development of the area.

He said: “We have seen what

the governor has done all over the place. In our council, his performance is evident. He has established a legacy of performance that will outlive him and as we speak, there are more works in progress. It is not in our character to abandon some-

one who has performed.

That is why we must commend him.”

The leaders also denied rumours from the opposition that the recent defection saga may have caused disaffection among members of the party in the council.

N-Delta states urged to key into Delta Beyond Oil initiative

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former councillor in Uk wuani, Delta State, has called on all states in Niger Delta to key into the Delta Beyond Oil initiative of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State.

Mr Tasil Ishiekwene, who made the call in Asaba, commended Governor Uduaghan for initiating laudable

programmes in the state.

He said that the call became necessary because there was need to diversify the region’s economy, noting that keying into such a programme would lead to the establishment of industries which would ensure employment opportunities in the Niger Delta region.

Youths give oil firms 48hrs to remit funds to NDDC

BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

P

ORT HARCOURT— MULTINATIONAL oil companies doing business in the Nigeria Delta region have been handed a 48- hour ultimatum to remit their three percent contribution to the funding of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC or vacate the region.

Handing down the ultimatum, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Stakeholders Forum, the group threatened to disrupt their operations in the region if they failed to comply with the directive.

National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Edisemi Yiki and the Secretary, Mr. Dakpos Damijo, said that multinational oil firms in the region had continued to disregard Section 14(2) of the NDDC Act, ordering them to contribute three percent of their total annual budget to the NDDC to tackle problems of under development in the region.

2015: Urhobo politicians urged to sink differences

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RHOBO National Movement, UNM, has called on political stakeholders in Urhoboland to sink their individual differences ahead of the 2015 general elections.

President of UNM, a pan Urhobo organisation, Alhaji MumakaiUnagha, at a meeting with youth leaders in the area, said the Urhobo must speak with one voice and harness resources at their disposal for a better and peaceful Urhobo nation.

He decried the level of political differences amongst politicians in the area, which he said if not checked could send wrong signals and give room to external penetration.

Mumakai-Unagha noted that the Urhobos were passing through economic, social and political strangulation.

14— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Community debunks reconciliation with Oko Poly rector

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KO—OKO, a community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has dissociated itself from a purported reconciliation between it and rector of Federal Polytechnic, Professor Godwin Onu, as claimed by the latter.

The community, in a statement issued yesterday by the Igwe, Prof. Laz Ekwueme, National President of Oko Progressive Union, OPU, Mr. Ike Nwammuo, and two others, said the intention of the purported reconciliation published in a paid advertisement in two national dailies (not Vanguard) by the rector, was to deceive the Presidency and Supervising Minister of Education over a longdrawn crisis between both parties that all was well.

The rector had in the advertorial published on June 4, 2014, given the impression that the crisis between him and the host community had been resolved by a socio-cultural group, Orumba Forum.

The statement noted that from the general assembly of the community which reviewed the outcome of meeting of Orumba Forum, which the Igwe personally attended, it was obvious that the publication and utterances of the rector did not tally with deliberations and outcome of the mediatory meeting.

Consequently, the community stated: “Oko community wishes to repudiate and dissociate itself from the intentions and purport of these publications and whatever sinister motive intended by the sponsors."

Fears as Fulani herdsmen invade Enugu communities z2 killed, women allegedly raped zFormer Ohanaeze President raises alarm over insecurity

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BY TONYEDIKE

NUGU—THE people of over forty communities in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State are currently panicking, following the invasion of their areas by Fulani herdsmen allegedly armed with AK 47 rifles.

The herdsmen, who invaded the council area with their cattle two weeks ago, had allegedly destroyed crops in the farms and were reported to have raped some women in the village who were working in their farmland.

Economic activities paralysed

Agricultural and economic activities in those communities have been brought to a halt on account of the violent activities of the herdsmen, while the local vigilante group in the area had become helpless due to the superior arms carried by the invading herdsmen.

Vanguard learnt that a retired police man in the area had confronted two of them who strayed into his compound and the confrontation that ensued led to the death of a herdsman.

come in and settle down as if it is their home, nobody is doing anything to stop them.

Shooting

“In my own place, my brother who retired as a police officer, came out in the night and asked them what they were doing with guns they were carrying. At some point, he had to bring out his gun and shot two of them.”

He, however, expressed fears that with the incident, the town was apprehensive of a reprisal attack by the herdsmen.

Ozobu further lamented that should the state government fail to take action over what was happening, the tension might develop into breakdown of law and order.

Also speaking shortly after a

meeting of the Ezeagu general assembly in Enugu, the President General, Dr. Obiora Ozobu, said they had a resolution to make an official complaint to Enugu State Government, after speaking with the local government chairman and the state House of Assembly.

He said: “This is a very serious issue in Ezeagu and we shall make official entry with the police and also speak with the council chairman and elected political office holders and we shall also find out the position of the state House of Assembly in order to figure out how we are to go about it.

“At a neighbouring town, a farmer was shot dead by these Fulani people and we have had

three reported cases of rape of village women that went to their farm.

AK 47 rifles

“The most frightening aspect of this problem is how and where they got those AK 47 rifles that they brandish openly. That means there is more to the cattle rearing that meets the ordinary eye.

“It is not that we cannot defend ourselves or that we do not have what it takes to defend ourselves, but we are only trying to do this within the ambit of the law so that our actions do not worsen the already bad situation.

“In Ezeagu, we do not sleep at night because they can come at anytime and begin to slaughter people.”

Justice Ozobu speaks

Speaking on the development, former Ohanaeze President General, Justice Eze Ozobu, who is now the Traditional ruler of Imeziowa Community of Ezeagu local government area, said the situation had got out of control, adding that his people were on the fringe of death and anarchy.

He said: “I do not know what government has done or any action taken by security operatives to checkmate the insurgency by the Fulani herdsmen. These people who we thought carry only sticks and machetes now carry AK47 rifles openly and we wonder where they got those guns from.

“People no longer go to farm anymore and every one now lives in fear of these people. They

AWARD: From left: Professor David Adewumi, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Racheal Oniga, actress, Dr. Adeleke Ipaye, representing Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Dr. Monisoye Afolabi, chairman of the occasion, Mr. Lanre Ajayi, President, Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, and Mrs. Maggy Peters, MD, Alpha Tech Ltd, at the 9th edition of Titans of Tech award in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Igbo leaders condemn attack on Enugu broadcasting house

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE

leaders, ENUGU—IGBO yesterday,

NUGU—IGBO leaders, yesterday, condemned last week’s attack on broadcasting condemned week’s houses in Enugulast by some Igbo attempted attack on youths, who wanted to announce broadcasting a new republic. houses in federala Enugu by some “The infantile actIgbo of seizing broadcasting house in order to E

announce a new Republic is not the proper way to express anger and frustration with Nigeria,” the leaders on the banner of Igbo Leaders of Thought, ILT, said.

In a statement by their Deputy Secretary, Evangelist Elliot Uko, the leaders warned the youths: “Don’t over heat the polity,” saying that “such actions, if anything, only result to overheating the polity, which is the last thing any well meaning Nigerian would pray for at this time.”

They continued: “We appeal to all those who feel aggrieved over the Nigerian condition to channel their grievances through proper and legal routes which include the ongoing National Conference. Actions

that are capable of leading to breakdown of law and order must be discouraged as it not only paints us in bad light but will also not solve the problems at hand.

“We warn Igbo youths who are said to be preparing for or planning whatever demonstrations, to shelve the idea as such ill-advised actions would only be encouraging our already misguided folks, who erroneously believe that secession or disintegration would help the situation.

"We advice those indoctrinating them along those lines to retrace their steps as a stitch in time saves nine. We reiterate that Ndigbo believe in one united Nigeria where equity and justice reign, where no man is oppressed and a restructured federal Nigeria where every section is treated fairly.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY,JUNE 10, 2014 — 15

Nigeria loses N81bn in April to pipeline vandalism —CBN

BY BABAJIDE KOMO-

LAFE

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BUJA—THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said that total revenue from crude fell by N81 billion in April due to impact of pipeline vandalism on production.

Meanwhile the Federal Government overspent by N89.42 billion in April despite revenue growing by 42.8 per cent. This was contained in the apex bank’s monthly economic report for April released yesterday.

From N704 billion in March, gross revenue from oil fell to N622.9 billion in April, representing 9.6 per cent decline. The report stated, “The decline in oil receipts relative to the preceding month was attributed to the shortfall in receipts from exports due to pipeline vandalism, resulting in drop in production.”

Cumulatively, the country has earned N2.431 trillion from crude oil from January to April this year.

In April, “estimated gross federally- collected revenue rose by 5.3 per cent to N922.08 billion.

This, according to the report was due to growth in estimated federally-collected revenue (gross) and was attributed to increase in non-oil revenue.

“Gross non-oil receipts, at N299.18 billion or 32.4 per cent of the total, exceeded the receipts in the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2013 by 60.6 and 72.4 per cent, respectively. The increase in non-oil revenue relative to the preceding month was due to the increase in receipts from the Independent Revenue of the Federal Government and corporate tax” The CBN report disclosed that the Federal government overspent by N89.42 billion in April despite 42 percent increase in revenue.

The report stated, “At N403.84 billion, the estimated Federal Government retained revenue for April 2014 exceeded the receipts in the preceding month and the corresponding period of 2013 by 42.8 and 18.1 per cent, respectively.

C M Y K

SUMMIT: From left: President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Femi Adesina, a founding member, Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Financial Institutions, ACAMB, Mr. Oge Egboigbe and another founding member, Mr. Kunle Jenrola, at the association’s inaugural summit, in Lagos.

CLIMATE CHANGE: 32m people in N/Delta may be displaced —FG A

BY FUNMIOLASUPO

BUJA—STUDIES have projected that with an accelerated sea level rise of 0.5 meters, 35 per cent of Niger Delta region would be lost and that with accelerated sea level rise of 1.0 meters, 75 per cent of the Niger Delta will be gone under water.

Given the scenario, the Minister of Environment, Mrs. Lawrencia Mallam, said the implication of this projection was that nearly 32 million people, representing 22.6 per

cent of the nation’s population who live along the coastal zones of the Niger Delta, were at risk of becoming environmental refugees.

The minister, who stated this during the World Environment Day, WED, celebration in Abuja, based her prediction on growing climate change worldwide.

She said such forced movement could result in social frictions arising from demands of land resources for economic activities by the

refugees.

The theme of this year's WED is ‘Raise your voice, not the sea level.’ The minister said the theme was targeted at addressing climate change and the impact of sea level rise on the environment.

Her words: “With an accelerated sea level rise of 0.5 meters, 35 per cent of the Niger Delta landmass would be lost and with accelerated sea level rise of 1.0 meters, 75 per cent of Niger Delta will be gone under water.

‘’Given this scenerio, it implies that nealy 32 million people, representing 22.6 per cent of the national population who live along the coastal zone, are at risk of becoming environmental refugees. ‘’Moreover, many fishing grounds will be adversely affected, thus threatening the major livelihood of the rural dwellers along the Nigerian coast. ‘’This is because the mangrove swamps provide breeding grounds and refuge for many fish species and the instruction of saline water due to sea level rise will have an undesirable consequence on fresh water resources of the affected areas.’’

Africa, which accounts for the majority of least developed countries, LDCs, in the world, is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability, according to the minister.

No Senate probe report 'll be swept under carpet —Enang

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAK-

WURU BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang, has said that no report of any probe or investigative panel set up by the senate would be swept under the carpet.

Senator Enang’s assurance came on the heels of allegations that the senate had concluded plans to either ‘kill’ the report of the committee set up to probe the recent scandal that rocked immigration recruitment, which led to the death of about 20 applicants or water down the report.

Briefing journalists on the activities of the senate in the just concluded third session of the senate, Enang assured members of the public that all critical and sensitive reports submitted so far by its various committees would be debated upon and passed accordingly on resumption of its fourth session.

Senator Enang, who represents Akwa Ibom North East, debunked the rumour making the rounds that the senate had dropped some of the probe reports, such as that of the immigration scandal because of its

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implication for some influential officials.

He said that as at the close of legislative business in plenary last Thursday, June 5, 2014, a total of 187 Bills were introduced from June 2013, out of which 178 were member Bills.

He also said 14 pending bills had been read for the second time and referred to relevant commit-

tees, while 12 had been passed by the senate.

“These include Bills either passed, withdrawn; negative, read a second time, committed to either standing committee or committee of the whole, consolidated, published but yet to be read and all Bills howsoever but published in the journal of the senate,” he stated.

According to him, the senate will give priority to every major matter still pending before it on resumption, especially the Petroleum Industry Bill, the ministerial nominees, the Federal Capital Territory 2014 fiscal year and bills that relate to electoral matters.

Attempt to ease out APC caucus leaders laughable —Gbajabiamila

BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA—MINORITY Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described as laughable moves by PDP, APGA, LP and Accord Party members to ease out some All Progressives Congress House leaders.

Gbajabiamila, who is APC caucus leader and head of minority

parties in the House, also said such move was a twisted logic aimed at undermining existing House rules.

But sources close to the PDP caucus in the House described Gbajabiamila’s comment as a huge joke and the outbursts of a drowning man.

One of the sources said: “On resumption, we shall all meet on

the floor of the House and know precisely how he would escape our sledge hammer.”

In a statement released yesterday by his aide, Wasiu Olanrewaju-Smart, Gbajabiamila rejected the request made by some PDP, APGA, LP, and AP members to alter minority leadership of the House, describing it as wishful thinking.

Abuja varsity VC slams ASUU over strike

BY LAIDE AKINBOADE

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BUJA—THE University of Abuja Vice Chancellor, Professor James Adelabu, yesterday, accused the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, UniAbuja branch, of trying to

destroy the institution.

Professor Adelabu said there was no basis for the strike by the lecturers, stressing that the university did not owe any of the unions in the school check-up dues as ASUU claimed.

Other heads of unions within

the university in separate chats with our correspondent also dismissed the motive behind the strike by the lecturers.

They said the striking lecturers’ had an ulterior plan to use the union to settle personal scores with the Vice Chancellor.

16—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

FG slashes Kwankwaso security

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (5th right); Chairman, Aregbesola Reelection Campaign Committee/Member National Assembly, representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Senator Sola Adeyeye (4th left); Secretary of the Committee, Professor John Ayoade (2nd left); Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (4th right); Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun Chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi (3rd left); Members of the Committee are- Senator Bayo Salami (3rd right); Alhaji Sule Alao (2nd right) Mr. Bosun Oyintiloye (left) and others, during the inauguration of Governor Aregbesola’s 20-Member Campaign Committee for his re-election at Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, weekend

KANO—THE Federal Government, yesterday, reduced the security personnel attached to Government House, Kano following the installation of the ex CBN governor, Malam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as the Emir of Kano.

Vanguard investigation revealed that close to 70 percent of anti-riot of policemen hitherto attached to the seat of government located at Nassarawa GRA has been withdrawn.

The investigation revealed that armed soldiers have equally been withdrawn, as well as the number of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, personnel at the House thereby exposing the occupants to several security risks.

Government House sources told Van-

guard, “the gradual process of withdrawal of armed policemen began last Sunday, and as I talk to you, no one has informed the Governor officially over the uncomplimentary action.”

A top aide to the governor who does not want his name in print revealed that “it's unfortunate that the Federal Government is taking this kind of step at a time it has demonstrated lack of capacity to fight terrorism in Nigeria. The House for now is exposed to all manner of risks, and we suspect deliberate attempt by Abuja to cause security breach and throw the state into anarchy.”

The reduction of Kwankwaso's security personnel has thrown up local militias who are seen armed with clubs and dangerous weapons complementing what was left of the few security in the House.

When contacted, the Police Public Relation Officer in Kano declined comment, adding that “I am not competent to comment on your request”.

Local investors’ participation on NSE drops to 32.33%

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE level of local in vestors’ participation on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has continued to shrink since the beginning of the year with the figure declining to 24.75 percent at the end of April 2014 compared to 35.52 percent participation in the same period in 2013.

The domestic transaction had declined from 50.72 percent in January to 31.41 percent in February and further down to 21.75 percent on March, 2014.

The institutional composition of the domestic market which was about 46.80 percent at the end of January increased to 59.38 percent at the end of April, while the retail composition decreased from 53.20 percent to 40.62 percent in the same period.

According to trading figures from major custodians and market operators on their foreign portfolio investments (FPI) polled by the NSE for the month of April, total domestic transactions decreased by 50.55 percent from January to April 2014.

The data obtained from the NSE’s website indicated that foreign investment inflow into the Exchange through Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) grew to N138.78 billion (about $0.89 billion) in April 2014, up 54.8 percent from January 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 17

O

F all the cities in Northern Nigeria, Kano is perhaps the most important.

Although it used to be subject to the Sokoto Caliphate, in many respects it has since become a far more important city in Nigeria than Sokoto.

Kano was the administrative capital of the entire Northern Nigeria under British colonial rule. Today, it is by far the biggest metropolis in Northern Nigeria. It is not only the vibrant commercial capital of the region; it is a leading epicenter of economic activity in sub-Saharan Africa.

True progressives Kano is also in many respects the most truly progressive state in Nigeria.

It has never been a follow-theleader city. The people of Kano have a mind of their own. They specialise in bucking the national trend.

Kano is the city of trail-blazing Mallam Aminu Kano and the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), which later became the formidable People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

It is also the city of Maitama Sule, another one of Nigeria’s former luminaries and perhaps the most distinguished orator ever in the history of Nigerian politics.

For these reasons and more, the politics of Kano have farreaching regional and

Lamido Sanusi: The wrong emir of Kano which he might have to answer in the court of law, should be appointed to such an important post. This is how Nigerian leaders show they have little or no understanding of the ethics of public office and good governance. Lamido Sanusi has just been fired as CBN governor on allegations of corrupt practices. How then can such a man be rewarded with the appointment of Emir of Kano before his innocence is established?

This is the Nigerian way and it is the way of ignoble and corrupt practices. Sanusi’s appointment to such an important post could not have taken place in countries concerned about probity and transparency in public office.

His appointment confirms the allegations of our gaggle of Western traducers that Nigeria is a citadel of

,

His Royal Highness, the new Emir of Kano, might end up with the same fate that befell him as CBN Governor

national implications. It also goes without saying that the Emir of Kano is inevitably a very influential man, not only in Kano and the North, but in Nigeria as a whole. By virtue of his office, a lot of people look up to him. His views go a long way to shape public opinion in the Northern part of the country and even beyond. This makes the choice of the Emir of Kano more than a local affair. It is a choice that must be made soberly and with great circumspection as befitting such a local office of national significance.

Lack of probity This makes the choice of Lamido Sanusi, the disgraced former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, as the new Emir of Kano most inappropriate. It is a choice that, wittingly or unwittingly, will bring the office of the Emir into disrepute. It is improper that a man who still has allegations of financial improprieties hanging over his head at the national level, to C M Y K

,

corruption. It tells the world that Nigeria deserves to be one of the lowest-ranked countries on the corruption index of Transparency International; a global civil society organization that engages in comparative analysis of the levels of corruption in the countries in the world.

Case against Sanusi Sanusi is accused by the federal government of running the accounts of the CBN like a bull in a china shop. It is only in Nigeria that you can have a Central Bank governor spend government money as outrageously and as whimsically as Sanusi is alleged to have done. The government reveals that Sanusi gave away nothing less than N163 billion in 63 unauthorised “intervention projects” in different parts of the country.

This largesse is more than the entire annual budget of a state like Edo. He is also accused of being guilty of a number of grave financial improprieties.

Will he now get away with these corrupt practices simply because he has been appointed as Emir, or will he be prosecuted to the full extent of the law? Your guess is as good as mine. If the charges against him are dropped simply because of his appointment, it will be another example of Nigeria’s tendency to condone corruption. Even the former prime minister of Israel was tried and sentenced to jail for corruption, which is what happens in those countries with zero tolerance for the improprieties of public officials.

The question now is whether the Emir of Kano is beyond the law. Another question is whether Nigeria a real republic or no more than a banana republic?

The Emir of Kano does not have any constitutional immunity from criminal prosecution. If Sanusi is prosecuted in spite of his appointment and found guilty, it would undoubtedly be demeaning to the office of the Emir of Kano when and if he is ignominiously sent to jail.

Indeed, he would be the first Emir to be granted such distinction in Nigeria. While every Nigerian must be deemed innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of law, commonsense dictates that you do not appoint a man with criminal allegations hanging over his head into high office until he has cleared himself of those allegations in the court of law.

APC treachery This makes the appointment of Sanusi as Emir by Governor Kwankwaso of Kano an act of deliberate mischief. The Nigerian Senate recently declared Sanusi a liar and mischief-maker for making false allegations that a whopping 49 billion was missing from the federal accounts. A liar and mischiefmaker is not suitable for the politically-sensitive post of Emir of Kano. Governor Kwankwaso himself was accused of being a fraudster by no less a person than Goodluck Jonathan, the President of Nigeria. What we now have is that an alleged fraudster has appointed another

alleged fraudster into high office, undermining the reputation and integrity of the important city of Kano.

Are there no protocols concerning the appointment of Emirs and Obas in Nigeria?

Certainly there must be. Even if there is none, should propriety not tell Kwankwaso that a man facing corruption charges is not eligible for political appointment? Only in Nigeria does this kind of disregard for ethics and good governance hold sway. Since this is coming from one of the new kingpins of the APC, who is even being touted by some as presidential- candidate material, what does it tell us about “fresh air” that the APC claims it will bring to Nigerian politics? It tells us that the APC is one big charade.

Make no mistake about it: this is a political appointment.

Even more pointedly, it is an APC appointment. Governor Kwankwaso who made this appointment is a rebel PDP Governor who recently defected to the APC. He would not have made the appointment as a PDP governor. This appointment was made to spite the government of Goodluck Jonathan. But what smallminded people like Kwankwaso don’t seem to understand is that when they undermine the government of the Goodluck Jonathan, they are undermining the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Unworthy governor One of the allegations against Sanusi by the federal government is that he is suspected to be one of the financiers of Boko Haram. The fact that the man is now appointed as Emir, without these allegations being ironed out, is further evidence that some Northerners are not ready to confront the issue of terrorism in the North. If they were, a man facing terrorism-related charges by the federal government would not be the preferred choice as Emir of Kano, a city that has been attacked severally by the Boko Haram.

By this act, Kwankwaso has

made himself an unworthy governor of Kano. Only an unworthy governor would turn such a revered institution as the emirate of Kano into political football. Kwankwaso has made the people of Kano into a laughing-stock. Revered institutions like that of the Emir of Kano should be beyond the shenanigans of this type of political manipulation. I have said it before and I say it again: there is nothing progressive about the APC. This appointment of Sanusi as the new Emir of Kano is further proof. What the APC bring to Nigeria is the same tired oldtime corrupt politics that has been the bane of the country for the longest time. The APC is one big con.

Unfortunately for Kwankwaso, he chose the wrong state to do this prank. Kano is a highly volatile city. The people are not going to take this appointment lightly. Already, there have been a number of violent skirmishes since the appointment. Kwankwaso has lighted a bush-fire whose consequences may be more than he bargained for. You can never tell how far Kano citizens who have been brazenly disrespected by the governor will go in registering their protest.

In any case, Kwankwaso’s act is sure to backfire against the APC in Kano. This means we have not yet heard the last of Kwankwaso’s treachery.

Questionable future If Lamido Sanusi were wise, he should spend some time reading the tea-leaves. Some people are already concluding that Sanusi is the new Emir by divine providence. However, appointments as Emir or even as Sultan are no longer sacrosanct. Mustapha Jokolo was removed as the Emir of Gwandu in 1995 and replaced

by Mohammed Jega. Ibrahim Dasuki was removed as the Sultan of Sokoto in 1996 and replaced by Muhammadu Maccido.

Therefore, this is a piece of advice for the new Emir of Kano. Don’t bother to move your belongings into the Emir ’s palace just yet. Don’t even bother to change the curtains or the carpets for now.

You may not be on your throne for long.

Thanks to Kwankwaso, the Kano Emirate has been politicised to all effects and purposes. Today, it is clearly in the APC camp.

But if the APC lose the governorship election in Kano in February next year, it is not improbable that the Emirate will immediately be declared as a PDP terrain.

In that case, His Royal Highness, the new Emir of Kano, might end up with the same fate that befell him as CBN Governor. He might be summarily dismissed.

18— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 WOULD Nigerians be able to watch the World Cup at viewing centres? The recent bomb attacks at viewing centres in Mubi and Jos, during football matches, are warnings to the dangers the FIFA World Cup in Brazil could harbour for Nigerian fans.

Poor electricity supply has made these centres, which started as information centres for rural people, especially farmers, more popular. The conviviality they breed creates a pool of football fans who watch their matches there, because of the near-live atmosphere.

Their popularity has spread to urban centres. They are like minicinemas with some having attendances of hundreds of people.

Insurgents used the killings to remind us that any regular gathering of a large number of people is a potential target. It is a warning the security agencies should not ignore.

Safety During World Cup Football, at its highest and most sublime levels, would wrap the world for the next four weeks.

When our national teams participate in major international tournaments, Nigerians temporarily forget their divisions to trumpet their commitment to the success of our team. Nigeria’s test starts on Monday, 15 June when the Super Eagles play against Iran in their Group “F” first game at the Arena da Baixada, Curitiba.

We call special attention to special security needs for the period. Security agencies should not abandon their work for football. Our enemies are waiting

for moments of low vigilance to strike. Nigerians should feel safe to watch the matches and support the Super Eagles to victory, at home or in public places.

Everybody needs to be vigilant and security conscious. It is time we closed ranks with the security agencies and share credible and useful information that would prevent attacks. The security agencies should improve their intelligence. The involvement of the people in security activities could yield more results; it is ultimately important if the security agencies are to gain the confidence of the populace.

People would cooperate with

security agencies when they know they are working for their benefit instead of harassing them.

The World Cup could be used to measure the effectiveness of a new relationship should work for security beyond the competition.

We should, working with the security agencies, ensure our collective security.

It is imperative to provide adequate security at viewing centres. The easiest option in managing the situation would be to shut down the centres. We consider that option extreme and a concession of territories to terror. What else would we shut down?

Our security agencies should make the point that they are dealing with the terrorists by increasing the confidence of our people about the capacities of our governments to save them.

The World Cup should be a safe and delightful experience.

OPINION Boko Haram, muslims and Northerners

BY YUSHAU SHUAIB

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FTER the Chief Imam ended the prayer in the mosque, his deputy collected the microphone and delivered strong worded condemnation on insurgents for the killing of innocent people in the name of Islam. The deputy ended by saying “terrorists will roast in hell-fire!”

Surprisingly, the Chief Imam retrieved the microphone from his deputy and declared to the bewildered congregation: “Salam Alaikum. I am the Chief Imam of the mosque. The man who just condemned Boko Haram ‘citizens’ is the deputy Imam and his house is the one painted in white and blue behind the Emir’s palace by the right-hand corner...”.

Sometimes the silence of Northerners and Muslims over monumental atrocities being committed in some parts of the North, is being viewed either as a sign of complicity or endorsement of atrocities being perpetrated by insurgents. The reality however, is that most of the victims of the attacks are actually Northerners and many are even notable traditional rulers and Islamic clerics who dared to condemn such activities just like the killing of Emir of Gwoza.

On the contrary, challenges against complacency should rather be directed at the political class who have the resources and network to address the insecurity even during its infancy. It C M Y K

became clearly evident that there was trouble earlier on when there was proliferation of some groups that are now challenging our corporate existence.

In a widely publicised article penned by this writer in March 2006 during President Obasanjo’s era titled, “Killing in the Name of the Devil”, which coincidentally was in response to an ethno-religious crisis in Maiduguri, Borno State following a controversial Danish cartoon, I pointed out that: “Probably out of fear and to sustain loyalty of followers, some leaders adopt subtle approach to comment on the mayhem instead of condemning it in the strongest possible terms. The holy scriptures have several verses that denounce those horrendous anomalies.

Even our cherished cultures are rich in expressions that could be deployed at this moment of tribulation and vengeance.”

Few years later, precisely in June 2011, in an article entitled, “Asari Dokubo: Another View on Boko Haram”, this writer joined the maverick Niger Delta militant in total condemnation of the extra-judicial killing of Mohammed Yusuf, his father-in-law and a former Commissioner for Water Resources in Borno, Buji Fai, who were murdered in cold-blood while in Police custody.

There is no doubt that leaders from the North have failed to tame excesses and recklessness of religious bigots and extremists, which have led to insecurity in the region. Rather than wake up from

their slumbers and tackle the poverty, ignorance and insecurity in the region, some Northern political class and elites, deliberately cover their failures by spinning conspiracy theories that some groups and individual outside of the region are instigating the atrocities. It will be difficult for an outsider to manipulate a household whose members are disciplined and in the right frame of mind.

There are various conspiracy theories being parroted about the crises being engineered by outsiders against the North and Northerners. This is a cheap argument that someone will use Northerners to fight Northerners in the North where ringleaders and arrested suspects are mostly Northerners without a trace of the so-called outsiders or Southern collaborators. It is also doubtful if top Northern security officers at the national level and commanders on the battlefields will be willing tools in the plan to destroy their own region. Could the socalled Northern conspirators intend to relocate to the South after the total destruction of the North? Some conspiracy theories don’t just make sense.

As Northerners, we should be wary of those playing politics with the lives of our people and face the real challenges of good governance. We should realise that only very few states in Nigeria can survive without revenue from the Federal Government in the name of the Federation Account. We should question

our leaders about what they have done with all the resources which are meant to address the stark backwardness of the Northern region. We should also urge them that rather than merely expecting monthly revenue from cheap oil money, they should diversify and invest in the productive sector that could improve the economic bases of their respective states and make our people self-reliant and independent from revenue from the central government.

Our leaders should also stop flaunting ill-gotten wealth through accumulations of mansions and ostentatious marriage ceremonies to the envy of the uneducated and poor in the society which to some extent also provoke militancy.

We should de-emphasise debate on imaginary conspiracy theories by being constructive in our engagements as well as work on practical actions to tame widespread insecurity presently threatening to completely destroy our region. Our leaders should not exhibit traits that portray them as overly ambitious and selfish. We can’t continue to remain silent when these crises are raging and may consume everyone.

As a Muslim, I believe Islamic leaders need to do more to promote and protect the faith from activities of some followers that give a contrary image to the Religion of Peace. Common sense dictates that Daawah or preaching for good conduct and morality should start within by advocating religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence so that our great nation will not disintegrate by 2015. *Mr. Shuaib, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—19

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HEN people that know say " poverty is a choice", the uninformed will be criticising them. Ignorance is indeed a disease. The Holy Book says that the people suffer because they lack knowledge. Pericles of the ancient greek history noted on poverty: " The admission of poverty is no disgrace to man: not to forge one's way out of it is the real disgrace". So, those of us celebrating poverty are doing so out of ignorance. If you are poor or from a poor family and you maintain the status-quo, it is because you have chosen to remain so.

The same logic is extended to nations. A nation is poor because its people through ignorance, have chosen to go the poverty way. If we all, collectively insist on what is expected of us, Nigeria has no reason to be counted among the poor nations of the earth, but through our flamboyant and wasteful lifestyles and total apathy towards the recklessness of the leadership class, we have, on our own, allowed a giant nation to be sleeping.

We have become the comic poster nation for the whole world to ridicule. A nation heavily blessed with natural and human resources, coupled with a climate and vegetation that is human friendly and centred at the most strategic location of the whole universe, is grappling to find its

feet. It is a sure paradox for researchers to decipher.

For me, I do not need to look anywhere for the reasons we have collectively allowed ourselves to be enslaved by those we have placed in position to manage our common entity. Like sheep, we have allowed this class to lead us to the slaughter grounds. Daily, we are being impoverished, dehumanised, raped, tossed like tennis balls and eliminated. We, the collective, sat and watched.

They have succeeded in penetrating the consciousness and injected us with the hate ideologies making us to battle and kill one another, while they meet at the top or wherever, to clink glasses and exchange banters. They have used ethnicity, religion and other mundane excuses, to keep the people totally distracted from the main cause of their plights, while they smile to the bank.

How long shall we, the collective, sit down and watch.

Our country is poor and comatose because the few men we have elected to rule over us have decided to loot our common wealth, releasing only stipends that will only be enough for the street boys to fight over. When will the people realise that the problem is not in our differences in religion and ethnic backgrounds but in our thieving leaders and politicians. Until we collectively wake up to the realisation of this fact, our grumblings, murmuring and

The problem is not in our differences in religion and ethnic backgrounds but in our thieving leaders and politicians; until we wake up to this fact, our suffering will continue

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suffering will continue.

The other day, the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly endorsed a bill of N100 million per year for the medical expenses of the retiring governor. When we add others like the mansions to be built in Abuja and anywhere of his choice in Akwa Ibom State, fleet of vehicles to be replaced every four years, stewards, guards and many others, if cummulatively added, will exceed N1 billion. This is for somebody who has already made his mark as a lawyer, served as commissioner in the state and retiring as a two-term governor, who also has aspiration to go to the Senate. Meanwhile, he will tell us that he is there to serve. According to Patience Jonathan: "There is God oo!"

T

he Akwa Ibom State assembly, that is to protect the people's interest, rubber-stamped this bizarre

Jonamisogyny in Tambuwal’s House

BY IKEOGU OKE

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NEW word is eager to come into existence and enrich our political lexicon. The word is “jonamisogyny”. It is coined from Jona (often used in social media as a diminutive for Jonathan, the surname of our President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan), and the English word “misogyny”, defined by my Wordweb dictionary as “hatred for women”.

The prefix Jona puts misogyny in a special category as “hatred for women associated with Jonathan” – an approximate definition of the new word. For the actual definition of “jonamisogyny”, as deducible from the exposition that is to follow, is “hatred for women serving in Jonathan’s government”.

Like the recently coined word “sanusisation” (from Sanusi, the first and last names of the suspended Governor of our Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi), which means “engaging in unabashed self-contradiction” or “unabashedly making self-contradictory claims about the same matter” – as Mr. Sanusi did by giving $49.8 billion, $12 billion and $20 billion as the amount he alleged was missing from our nation’s coffers under the Jonathan administration – I think “jonamisogyny” would be a good word to add to the English dictionary for general use.

That’s besides its local identification with an era in our political evolution, in which undermining the incumbent President either directly or by demoralising his appointees has become a major index of political “astuteness” for those who engage in such conduct and their supporters, a trend that sparked national outrage with the directive of the opposition party to its federal legislators to block the 2014 budget, signalling the subjection of national interest to petty partisan politics.

The new word has arisen from the attitude of the House of Representatives which

Aminu Tambuwal heads as Speaker to three distinguished female appointees of President Jonathan, namely: Ms. Arunma Otteh, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke.

First, Otteh: As Director General of Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, she openly accused Herman Hembe, a member of the House of Representatives, of dealing corruptly with SEC. Without negating the allegation, the House recommended Otteh’s sack at the end of its seemingly distractive “investigation” of her that followed; the “investigation” had to do with allegations of mismanagement and corruption against her.

And after President Jonathan refused to remove her from office as recommended by the House, the House withdrew SEC’s allocation from the 2013 budget apparently to starve the organisation of funds and frustrate her out of office.

Curiously, Tambuwal later alleged that President Jonathan’s body language condones corruption, while seeming oblivious that his ignoring the House’s sanction on Otteh after she accused one of his colleagues of corruption can be interpreted as a sign of his encouraging corruption by his own body language.

And here’s what a former National Youth Service Corps member with SEC, writing in Nairaland Forum, said of Otteh in response to the allegation of corruption against her: “…That lady is one fine anti-corruption Amazon. They want to frustrate her out of office so it will return to business as usual”. (Source: http://www.nairaland.com/994380/why-fgreinstated-arunma-oteh) Enter Okonjo-Iweala: The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives, chaired by Abdul-Mumini Jibrin, invited her for a presentation and having arrived she pleaded with the committee for another date to make the presentation, citing ill-health.

But rather than grant that simple request, even on compassionate grounds, Mr. Jibrin responded to her with a brusqueness that

request. Is Godswill Akpabio telling us that he has no house(s) in Abuja and Akwa Ibom State? Where was he living before he became the state governor? Is he telling us that he, including his cronies/ relatives, has not benefitted from his two terms as governor? Did he not realise from the onset that the job of a governor is a temporary appointment and not a career appointment that you do until retirement?

It is indeed baffling. Where did our politicians copy their ideas from? You beg to serve, they vote you into office; you convert the government and everything on it to your own property and God help anyone amongst the lot that will have the audacity to confront you.

And we, the collective are sitting and watching.

It did not begin from Akpabio.

Bukola Saraki did it in Kwara State; the people sat and watched. Maybe, that is why Akpabio is embolden ed.

Very soon, other states will join the bandwagon. And you are asking why Nigeria is a poor nation.

Bukola Saraki is now in the Senate, enjoying the perks of office as a senator, with all of the jumbo senatorial allowances.

The question I want answered is this? Having successfully armtwisted the Kwara government to build an Abuja mansion for him, with all the accompanying retirement benefits, does Saraki still collect housing allowance from the Senate? It will be interesting to know.

Our politicians are greedy.

First, they come as messengers of the masses and true progressives, but if you remove the veil, it is a different thing that you will see. Our people are

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BY SUNNY IKHIOYA

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Greedy and reckless politicians

Institutions of state should not be reduced to avenues for promoting bias, or that the temple of justice, at whatever level, should not be allowed to be desecrated by the chauvinism of those who seek to administer justice in whatever form

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included these words: “Listen, you can decide what will happen only in the Ministry of Finance but not in the Committee of Finance.”

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ho can read Mr. Jibrin’s remark closely and his disposition as he uttered it and not notice the male chauvinism behind it; of a man who believes in promoting male domination rather than merit in public service, who feels his ego threatened in the proximity of an accomplished woman, and so betrays impulsive animosity towards her as a symbol of the empowerment of her gender as “rivals” to men like him who would rather return us to the pre-affirmative action era when unprogressive men would deny a woman the opportunity to occupy an important office even if she was the most qualified person to do so?

Yet, we have a sign of the worsening of the antagonism of the House (under Tambuwal) to women in Jonathan’s government in its recent directive to its Committee on Public Accounts to investigate the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke, for “the alleged squandering of N10

consumed by the messianic syndrome, having been made to bite from the crumbs.

Take Lagos State for instance. It has been rumoured that a former governor of the state is behind Alfa Beta Consulting, a firm said to collect 10percent of revenue generated in the State. Lagos State is relatively comfortable in terms of revenue generation. Assuming the state gets N20 billion revenue in one month, that amounts to N2 billion monthly for Alfa Beta as consultants. And we, the collective, sit down and watch.

Ali Modu Sheriff was once governor of Borno State. While in office, he admitted to the press that he had a fleet of 70 SUVs. This is a state with the highest number of almajiris in Nigeria. Today, Borno is the headquarters of the misguided Boko Haram sect where hundreds have been slaughtered.

The people sat and watched, and that is why when the implosion occurred in Borno, there was no sane one amongst them to moderate the violence that followed.

Our politicians are too greedy, they should spare a thought for the people. Our education, the military and other sectors, are all crying for resources to keep them alive and vibrant. Let these funds be channelled into these institutions to keep the nation alive and at peace, instead of investing in violence.

Our negligible few, thieving politicians and leaders, are the direct cause of the nation's backwardness. We, the people, must not sit down and watch.

*Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

billion over a two-year period on the arbitrary charter and maintenance of a Challenger 850 aircraft for unofficial use”, following a motion

by Samuel Babatunde Adejare (APC, Lagos), as reported in This Day of March 21, 2014.

The ThisDay report further states that “the House also mandated its Committee on Natural Gas to scrutinise the nonremittance of funds accruing from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company, NLNG, to the Federation Account from 2004 to date,” as Adejare further alleged against Mrs. Allison-Madueke, and that the House was “acting on what it termed reliable evidence.”

Indeed, nothing may be said against an arm of government acting as if it seeks to extract probity from a public servant, even as Mr. Hembe’s case suggests that it would rather not point its searchlight for probity on its own members. But when that acting reveals prejudice against a potential or current subject of an investigation, it becomes deserving of the critical attention of people like this writer, who believes that institutions of state should not be reduced to avenues for promoting bias, or that the temple of justice, at whatever level, should not be allowed to be desecrated by the chauvinism of those who seek to administer justice in whatever form.

The prejudicial and therefore defective nature of the House’s case against Mrs. Allison-Madueke is apparent from its reference to her alleged charter of the aircraft as “arbitrary” and the supposed evidence against her as “reliable”.

Two seemingly plain words but heavily laden with significance, especially when one considers their implication that the House has ruled on the culpability of the accused even before investigating the allegations against her. As a mark of neutrality, which is necessary for fair hearing, the House should have waited to arrive at the conclusion as to whether the charter was “arbitrary” or not, and the “evidence” reliable or otherwise, after an investigation at which she makes her full defence.

Not before, as in the present case. *Mr. Oke, a current affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Mubi: Adamawa commercial city cripped by insurgency laxation base.

The blast was UBI was for years the said to have commercial nerve cen- claimed the tre of Adamawa State. The fact lives of no fewthat it shares borders with the er than 40 perwhile Republic of Cameroun ensures sons, that it enjoys business boom all scores of others the year round. Apart from its sustained seristrategic commercial impor- ous injuries. tance, the ancient city of Mubi Some of the surhave equally boasts of no fewer than vivors been four higher institutions, thus since making it also a centre of learn- thanking God for their narrow ing. *Members of the AUN/API delegation addressing the internally displaced persons. and However, Mubi has in recent escape time become a centre of insur- speaking of too escaped death by the whis- ally ascertain the type of vehi- settling. gency attacks, with bombs ex- their scary experience.

For instance, while recount- kers. Shagari, whose tea spot cle the explosives were hidden ploding every now and then.

In the meantime, the hospiThis unfortunate development ing his experience during a is directly opposite the Oscar in, as hundreds of vehicles tals treating the injured have has expectedly crippled busi- chat with Vanguard Metro, joint, claimed that some of the and tricycle were parked remained no go areas as stern ness activities in the area, leav- VM, Mr. Oscar Ibeh, a hote- victims who were hit by the there. Shagari stated that the looking soldiers man their ing it a shadow of its former self. lier, who owns the ‘Oscar blast died in his tea room. He gory sight of dismembered gates to prevent intruders.

Due to the increasing securi- Joint’ that housed the football claimed that he could not actu- human beings was quite unty challenge and fear of falling viewing centre and club bar victim to the next bomb attack, said it was God’s intervention businessmen from Cameroun that saved his life. According no longer patronise the inter- to him, suffering a headache, national markets in the town. he had strolled out of the preParents also no longer allow mises to buy an analgesic from Obiekwu reiterated his conviction that

BY VERA ANYAGAFU &PRISCA their children to attend the a chemist nearby, but unSAM-DURU collectively, the nation would overcome its higher institutions in area, even known to him the tricycles he GAINST the backdrop of the Boko security challenge, stressing that unless our with available admission let- passed on the way were ladHaram-sponsored insurgency ravaging leaders set aside their personal interests and en with explosives. The two ters. the North Eastern part of Nigeria, the Dynamic put the interest of the nation first, the country Indeed, Mubi, for now, has tricycles had for long been Youth Organisation of Nigeria, DYON, plans may not combat terrorism. “Our leaders must be to stage a peace summit to sensitise youths ready to set aside their individual interests and He claimed that some of the victims who were against being used by terrorists and to support put that of the nation first; only then we can the Jonathan administration’s quest to end the combat terrorism”. hit by the blast died in his tea room; the gory The group urged Nigerians to be vigilant and spate of insurgency in the country. The group sight of dismembered human beings was quite report any strange object or suspicious movesaid it is worried by reports the notorious sect ment of people or persons within their is massively recruiting desperate youths for unsettling neigbourhood to the security agencies as its acts of terror, especially through suicide bombings. In a communiqué signed by its Na- security is everybody’s business now.

On its preparation towards achieving a been declared a no-go-area, a parked in front of the hotel tional President, Chief Elvis Obiekwe after an successful summit, DYON promised to embark danger zone to visitors due to while the owners mingled emergency National Executive Committee, on awareness drive to sensitise, educate and insurgency attacks which have with the crowd watching footNEC, meeting in Lagos, the organisation increased in frequency and fe- ball or relaxing in the club. condemned the abduction of Chibok schoolgirls enlighten youths on the danger of engaging in rocity since the Boko Haram

by Boko Haram. The group also joined other acts that are capable of destabilising the nation, “I never knew it was the trilaunched its full blown attack cycles that were carrying the well-meaning Nigerians to call on the sect to hence information brings transformation. The group called on Nigerians to set aside political in 2007. Mubi and its environs explosives. This is because release the girls. have been under high security not quite a few minutes after DYON decried serial bombings in the North, sentiment and religious differences and align watch because of the high rate crossing the road to enter the especially the North East, noting that it would with the Federal Government to fight this of insurgency attacks recorded chemist opposite my hotel, I not fold its arms and watch the sect recruit common enemy, terrorism. It commended in the area coupled with the heard a loud bang, doooooom. unsuspecting youths to unleash mayhem on President Jonathan for engaging international proximity of the area to Borno innocent Nigerians. Obiekwe described the collaboration towards combating Boko Haram.

“The force of the loud bang State, the seeming traditional sent me straight into the gutBoko Haram as a group of uninformed Obiekwe also unfolded plans for the proposed home of the Boko Haram. individuals who had no value for human lives peace summit which he said became necessary ter where I laid unconsciousbecause terrorists and their sponsors find youths but derives joy in bloodletting. ly for over 20 minutes. I only Bomb blast: For survivors, regained consciousness when He advised security agencies to fish out as willing tools to carry out their dastardly act it’s escape from hell sponsors of terror in the country. According to due to mass unemployment. “Terrorists find people started crying and him, terror thrives when there is sponsorship. youths a willing tool to carry out their dastardly wailing for help. When I LAST Sunday’s bomb explo- raised up my head from the The group advised President Jonathan to acts because majority of us are not gainfully sion in Mubi, Adamawa State, gutter, I saw human parts litsummon a meeting of ex- leaders which include employed,” Obiekwe noted. According to him, was the latest and most dev- terring the frontage of the hoformer presidents and their vice, former heads the peace rally will be staged in the six geoastating to hit the town in re- tel and the road,” the hotel of state and their deputies, former and present political zones with the grand finale in Eagle cent time. The blast was de- owner recounted. service chiefs and former security advisers to Square, Abuja.

DYON resolved to partner other youth scribed as particularly deadly bring their experiences to bear so that together, Another survivor, a local tea organisations and groups towards enlightening because it was targeted at a seller, who simply identified we can conquer the monster called Boko younger people on the need to embrace peace. football viewing centre and re- himself as Shagari, said he Haram.

BY UMAR YUSUF, YOLA

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Insecurity: Dynamic Youths set for peace rally

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 21

Brent oil rises above $109 on strong global growth Brent crude oil rose above 109 dollars a barrel as US jobs figures pointed to healthy economic growth, coupled with higher oil demand from China. Expectations of increased fuel demand added support to an oil market already bolstered by the loss of crude exports from Libya.

In Libya, violence and civil turmoil have cut oil output by more than one million barrels per day (bpd) from pre-war levels. The Ukraine crisis is also a worry for markets in the West that rely heavily on oil and gas exports from Russia.

Brent was up 50 cents at 109.11 dollars, after settling down 18 cents and declining 0.7 per cent last week.

U.S. oil rose 50 cents to 103.16 dollars, extending gains after ending 18 cents up on Friday. “Good overall economic data and healthy US data are supp o r t i n g o i l , ” s a i d Te t s u Emori, a commodity fund manager at Astmax Investment.

“And we have had geopolitical worries that have kept oil supported.”

From left: David Chukwubuike, one of MTN-sponsored pilgrims; Tosin Agbelusi, Manager, Mass Market, MTN; and two other sponsored customers, Blessing O. Amadi and Tunde Akinnoye, during the arrival of 21 customers from Jerusalem, for this year’s pilgrimage, sponsored by MTN, in Lagos.

China’s exports gained steam in May and beat forecasts on firmer global demand, rising seven per cent from a year earlier and quickening from April’s increase of 0.9 per cent.

The strong gains overshadowed an unexpected

fall in imports that could signal weaker domestic demand. The Chinese data followed US figures showing employment returning to its pre-recession peak, confirming steady improvement in the world’s top economy.

May marked a fourth straight month of U.S. job gains above 200,000, a stretch last seen in January 2000. The US data helped bolster Asian shares to their highest levels in nearly three years, a follow-up to Friday ’s record close on

FG targets increased job creation through free trade zones

BY GODWIN ORITSE

T

HE Federal government has emphasised its continued support for operations of Free Trade Zones in the country to maximize their job creation potentials, facilitate trade and attract foreign direct investments (FDI).

Minister of Industries, Trade and Investments, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, disclosed this to newsmen in Lagos during a facility tour of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL) in Apapa.

He said that it was in the overall interest of the nation’s economy to support, promote and nurture such enterprises.

Aganga pointed out that the operators are so far satisfied with the level of patronage offered by government. He however noted that what the Free Zones promoters were clamouring for was for government to stick to the implementation of the laws

guiding their operations.

Operations of Free Zones in Nigeria are guided by the NEPZA Act as well as the Nigerian Content Act 2010.

According to Aganga, “NEPZA Act setting them up has already guaranteed them all the necessary government encouragement to make them operate optimally. The whole idea is to be able to attract investors to these one-stop-shops and create jobs.

“So what we need to do as government is to make sure that all those things in paper are fully implemented and not that we as government are not doing enough to support,” he added.

Speaking earlier, Managing Director of LADOL, Dr. Amy Jadesimi, commended the government for creating the enabling environment for eterprises like LADOL to thrive. He called for the continued encouragement and offer of support by government in sus-

Wall Street.

China, imported 26.08 million tonnes, or 6.14 million bpd of crude oil in May, bringing total shipments in the first five months of this year to 128.7 million tonnes.

China is the world’s largest consumer of energy.

Some of China’s oil appears to have been going into storage. China’s slackening economy, set to grow at its slowest pace in 23 years, has blunted its oil demand.

It’s oil demand dropped to a seven-month low in April, as refineries scaled back production for maintenance and exported surplus fuel.

“Imports so far were more affected by state stockpiling, as China brings new strategic petroleum reserves sites online,” Sijin Cheng, an analyst at Barclays, said in a note.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets in Vienna this week and is likely to keep an output target of 30 million bpd.

Members of the cartel, which pumps a third of the world’s oil, are happy with oil prices and producing enough to cover most of their budget needs. “We expect no change to the joint 30 million bpd output with a muted market reaction,” VTB Capital oil and commodities strategist Andrey Kryuchenkov said.

taining the free trade zones.

According to her, government’s positive steps in promoting such enterprises have been made manifest through -1.75 169.4 Industrial Revival Plans embarked upon by government.

3,083.00 +13.00 “We thank the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment, 17.03 -0.16 Dr. Olusegun Aganga, for the enabling environment he has created so far and the encouragement provided for indigenous Nigerians through the 108.41 -0.41 Industrial Revival Plan.

“We at LADOL have pledged to 102.63 -0.03 continue to do our part to help make that plan a reality, through our CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING continued investment in building critical and strategically important RIYAL 41.2536 41.3869 41.5202 KRONA 28.1302 28.2211 28.312 infrastructure” she said.

238.2533 239.0232 239.7931 According to her, the infrastructure SDR DOLLAR 154.73 155.23 155.73 development at LADOL had resulted STERLING 259.1882 260.0258 260.8633 in “job multiplier of 10x to 15x, EURO 209.9531 210.6316 211.31 172.0943 172.6504 173.2065 through the development of related FRANC 1.5081 1.513 1.5178 industries such as steel manufacturing YEN CFA 0.3025 0.3125 0.3225 and engineering”.

WAUA 237.4929 238.2604 239.0278 RENMINBI 24.7211

24.8014

24.8818

CBN Exchange rate as at 09/06/2014

22— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

INVESTORS Top 10 performing stocks

INDEX MOVE

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

O

N the top 10 performing stocks last week were shares of Ashaka Cement plc, Forte Oil Plc, Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc, Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc, University Press plc and Airline Services and Logistics Plc. Others were Cutix Plc, Oando Plc, Conoil Plc and Chemical and Allied Products, CAP. Plc Ashaka Cement Plc rose from the third position on the top 10 perform-

ers the previous week to lead the pack. The share price rose by 21.76 percent or N4.89 to close at N27.36 from N22.47 it started the week at.

The company is in the process of making an additional N100 billion investments in pursuit of its expansion plans. The amount, according to the company, would help to increase the plant production capacity to 2.5 million metric tons.

The company has been at the fore front of campaigning against planned ban of 32.5 cement grade in the country. The company held that rather than ban the 32.5 cement grade, it should be produced alongside the 42.5 cement grades on the ground that it will provide consumers the freedom of choice, and also assist in securing jobs that had already been created through the production of the 32.5 cement grade.

Available financial of the company for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 showed 7.74 percent growth in revenue to N6.51 billion from N6.04 billion in corresponding period in 2013. The profit after tax for the period grew by 69.45 percent to N1.92 billion as against N1.13 billion posted the previous year, while the earning per share rose to 86kobo from 51kobo within the same period.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, shareholders of the company will be going home with 42kobo dividend.

Forte Oil, which has been inves-

tors ‘toast in the last couple of months came second with 16.89 percent or N36.13 price appreciation to close C M Y K

at N250.01 from N213.88 per share. It had set itself apart for being the first company to release its 2013 annual reports and accounts two months ahead of the filing due date.

It also recorded yet another positive with its inclusion in Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Frontier Market Index. MSCI is a leading provider of investment decision support tools to over 6,000 clients worldwide. Listed on petroleum and petroleum products distributors sector, Forte Oil is the most highly priced stock in the sector. It grew revenue by 41 percent to N128 billion in 2013 compared to N91 billion in 2012.

The profit before tax increased by 467 percent to N6.52 billion compared to N1.15 billion recorded in 2012, while profit after income tax increased by 397 percent to N5.00 billion compared to N1.01 billion.

It recommenced dividend payment of N4.31 billion, translating to N4 per share in 2013.

Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) placed third with 12.56 percent or N0.49 increase, rising to N4.39 from N3.90 per share. Just last month, it signed a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for the development of its oil block OPL 281. Transcorp won the block in the 2007 bid round and paid signature bonus of USD30million to the federal government.

With the signing of the PSC, Transcorp

will now proceed with its drilling plans for this prolific block with over 104 million barrels of proven P1 and 2P reserves of oil and an additional 335 million barrels of probable reserves and approximately four trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves.

The company said with the agreement in place, it will begin production of enough gas to run its Ughelli plant to its current installed capacity of 1,000 MW and expand this to over 3,000MW in the near future. It recorded huge 152 percent growth in gross earnings in its first quarter ended March 31, 2014 to N11.15 billion from N4.42 billion in the same period in 2013.

Group profit tax for the period of N3.77 billion represents 187 percent increase over N1.31 billion achieved in Q1 2013, while the Group profit after tax grew by 278 percent from N834 million in Q1 2013 to N3.15 billion for period under review.

Neimeth recorded 12.15 percent or N0.13 price increase to close at N1.20 from N1.07; University Press followed with 10.89 percent or N0.44 increase to close at N4.48 from N4.04; ASL advanced by 10.53 percent or N0.22 to close at N2.31 from N2.09; Cutix went up by 9.89 percent or N0.18 to close at N2.00 from N1.82; Oando added 9.72 percent or N1.77 to close at N19.98 from N18.21; Conoil appreciated by 7.42 percent or N3.59 to close at N52.00 from N48.41, while CAP advanced by 6.64 percent or N2.49 to close at N40.00 from N37.51 per share.

The ideal National Investors

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) being promoted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) excludes shareholders of listed companies, investors in mutual Funds, and clients of dealing members of Securities Exchanges and Capital Trade Points.

Upon reading this in the last edition, a stakeholder asked, “Then who is the Fund meant for?

The thinking behind this massive exclusivity is that, these categories of investors should be protected by Investors Protection Fund (IPF) of Securities Exchanges and Capital Trade Points.

The weakness of this thinking is that, presently, there is only one of such IPF, which is the one established by the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE). Secondly, this promotes multiplicity of Investors Protection Fund in the capital market, each with its own rules, procedures and requirements. The third weakness is that this rationale places the most vulnerable category of

investors at the mercy of Investors Protection Fund indirectly established and governed by operators, who usually have little or no regard for retail investors.

This is tantamount to asking banks to establish Deposit Insurance Schemes, to provide insurance for depositors’ money. In other words, instead of having just one Deposit Insurance Scheme (DIS) as we currently have through the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), we would have multiple DIS. The commercial banks would establish one for their customers; Merchant banks would set up another one and so on. While it can be argued that the capital market is different, that the stock exchange and Capital Trade Points are regulators, the principle and objective is the same.

Meanwhile, the NSE is owned by the stockbroking community. The summary is that SEC’s investors’ protection frame-

WS MARKET NE

Dangote Flour Mills divests 99% equity stake in DASL

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

D

ANGOTE Flour Mills Plc has announced divestment of its 99 percent equity stake in one of its subsidiaries – Dangote Agrosacks Limited, DASL. The transaction, according to the company, was executed through a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement, SSPA, of the company’s 84.15 million ordinary shares of N1.00 each in DASL, to Dangote Industrial Limited.

This, according to the company, is in line with a strategic review of its business

portfolio, aimed at aligning its core business areas with that of its core shareholder -Tiger Brands Limited.

The divestment will also enable the company to focus on its food related businesses.

In a statement notifying the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, of the development, the company said the move became imperative to allow it attain its projections.

The statement added that the divestment is in furtherance of DFM’s group-wide business optimisation initiative, aimed at

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 23

S FORUM INVESTORS SPEAK

MENT

What most shareholders do not know about stock trading

Protection Fund work promotes confusion, and makes retail investors more vulnerable.

The ideal framework is what obtains in the banking industry. The banking industry has one Deposit Insurance (Protection) Scheme. The capital market should also have one Investors Protection Fund, which would cover all categories of investors.

One of the success factors of the NDIC is that its management and operations is far beyond the influence of banks and bankers. Hence, the Corporation is highly revered in the industry. That is what is needed in the capital market, one Investors Protection Fund, which management and operations are insulated from the influence of capital market operators.

Hence, the National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) being promoted by SEC should be the only Investors Protection Fund in the capital market, and it should cover all investors in the market. As a result, all Investors Protection Fund, existing or in the pipeline, should be suspended or absolved by the NIPF. (To be continued next week. Please send comments to vanguardinvestorsforum@gmail.com)

ensuring that the company is efficiently structured to maximise shareholders’ value and sustain its market leadership position in the Nigerian food and beverages sector.

According to the company, the execution of the SSPA followed the receipt of approvals from the Board and shareholders of DFM, as well as requisite regulatory approval from the Securities & Exchange Commission.

Dangote Agrosacks Limited, DASL was incorporated as private limited liability company on 25th August, 1998 and commenced business in May, 1999. DASL is involved in the manufacture and sale of polypropylene sacks, majorly for the companies within the Dangote Group, as well as other users.

DASL’s products include cement bags, flour bags, sugar bags, salt bags and market bags production lines and six regular lines across three plant locations in Nigeria.

Investors in the capital market like every other area of business are always particular about the return they derive from their investment. This, often times, is the motivation for investing.

To shareholders in the equity market, these returns come in form of dividend and sometimes, bonuses which help them to solidify their investment base either by reinvesting on the same stock or looking out for other companies where they hope to get more reward.

Even when some shareholders, who have been clamouring for a more robust market, understand the benefits of trading on their shares for the market, they Boniface Okezie. still prefer to hold on to their shares awaiting the dividend no matter how small it may be.

Some minority shareholders, who spoke with Vanguard Investors Forum, explained why shareholders prefer to hold on to their shares.

Excerpts:

BY WILLIAM JIMOH

B

ONIFACE Okezie, Chairman, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria: For me, the shareholders who are not trading on their shares are not helping themselves because if you are not trading and the price tumbles, you will lose out. That was what happened to some shareholders of the nationalised banks. If they had sold the shares when the prices were up, it would have resulted to gain on their part.

But some shareholders who have small units cannot be blamed for maintaining this status, because what they are particular about, which is dividend and attending meetings, they often get it.

If you have a good volume of shares of around two hundred in a company and the price is moving up, take advantage of the upward movement and exit.

You can wait again until the price comes down to buy again. But if you buy and hold on to it,, and you don’t move out, you don’t go in, it is a problem.

Monitoring your investment closely involves buying and selling depending on the market condition. Don’t hang on to dividend payment alone because the dividend may be disappointing. What you may eventually get as dividend may not match your expectation at the first instance. So it is better for an investor to sell when the price goes up and buy at a lower price again and that is why we are saying easy entry and exit.

Many shareholders are not

seizing the opportunity probably because they are not used to moving to other companies. If for instance a shareholder has GTB shares, he/she may decide to continue to hold on to the shares because the bank pays regular dividend or he/she may be thinking that if he/she sells such shares, he might not be able to re-enter if the price eventually goes up.

This class of shareholders may be investing just for retirement.

You must have something in mind; it is either the dividend is what is motivating you to invest or capital appreciation.

Some have the mindset that when they remain loyal to a company by holding the shares for long, they will be given bonus for them to grow their smaller unit.

Basically, it is the smaller holders that are having this problem because if you have big volume, you can afford to use it to play the market which also gives you the opportunity to reap some benefits from the market.

The multinationals cannot afford to sell; it is the Nigerian investors that sell. This is because they are the owners of the companies and it is in declaring dividend that they make profit. But for the minority shareholders, when they trade, they make money from the market.

Sunday Olutayo — an independent shareholder We are the ones patronising the stock market, because those foreigners will take their share certificates to their countries, making it impossible for them to sell.

The only thing that they always look forward to is the opportunity to buy more while many of them, if

Sunday Olutayo it possible, will want to own it all.

When they call for right issue, it is sometimes at a price which minority shareholders cannot subscribe to. In the process, you find out that the foreigners and institutional investors are still the ones that finally raise the fund and reap all the benefit.

Contrary to what we have during the indigenisation programme whereby the minority shareholders were given 60 percent of companies’ shares while the multinationals had 40 percent, today, the reverse is the case.

This is what I think is responsible for Nigerian minority shareholders holding on to their shares.

Except in a situation where the multinationals are having financial challenges, they will not think of selling their shares. They seem to be satisfied with the dividend they receive. Again, in a situation where the company is not paying dividend, they still prefer to hold their shares with the hope that one day the price will appreciate.

Trading on ones share is a game of number. Take Nestle Nig. Plc for example, many people that bought the shares long ago while the price was very low sell today because of the capital gain. In order words, whenever the price of any share is rising, people like to offload to make some capital gain.

Today, because not many of the listed companies are doing well, the shareholders may not be encouraged to trade because if they do, it is either they do not gain much or they record losses.

Even though the banks are the ones declaring dividend now, yet one cannot say that the market is very good for them. Many of them that were involved in merger arrangement following banking sector reform in 2009 are still trying to stabilise after the exercise. Even First Bank does not pay dividend as it used do before now, but as shareholders, we still hold on to most of the stocks hoping that one day, they will appreciate.

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Banks invest N116bn in 36 power projects

BY MICHAEL EBOH

B

ANKS in Nigeria have invested about N115.73 billion in the funding of 36 power projects across the country in the last four years, under the Power and Airline Intervention Fund, PAIF. According to the report of activities of the Development Finance Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, out of the total sum of N300 billion approved for the financing of power and airline projects, N233.16 billion was released to the Bank of Industry, BoI, and disbursed through banks with the 36 power projects getting N115.73 billion.

The report compiled by the Board and Publication office of the Development Finance Department, explained that PAIF was designed as part of the quantitative easing measure to address the paucity of long-term credit and acute power shortage in the country.

Giving a breakdown of the amount, the report noted that total net amount released stood at N233.161 billion; total amount disbursed to banks stood at N233.161 billion; amount approved for release to the BoI — N237.23 billion, while the balance of unutilised PAIF fund stood at N62.77 billion.

The report further disclosed that total repayment stood at N32.363 billion, noting, however, that no repayment was remitted by the BoI to CBN under the PAIF in the month of May, 2014.

For the first quarter of 2014, the CBN said a total of N508.00 million was disbursed under PAIF from January to March, 2014.

The CBN stated that total repayments from 10 power projects stood at N3.199 billion as at the first quarter of 2014.

In the revised guidelines for the N300 billion Intervention Fund, the CBN said the objective of the fund is to fasttrack the development of electric power projects, especially in the identified industrial clusters in the country.

It further stated that the fund is aimed at serving as a credit enhancement instrument to improve the financial position of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).

Continuing, it said, “Other objectives are to improve

From left: Vice-President/ Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC), Mr. Jin-Yong Cai; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke and Group Executive Director, Gas & Power, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. David Ige at a workshop in London by the World Bank/IFC on gas supply and infrastructure financing. power supply, generate employment, and enhance the living standard of the citizens through consistent power supply and also provide leverage for additional private sector investments in the power and aviation sectors.”

The Bank of Industry is the managing agent of the fund and is responsible for the day to day administration of the fund, while the Africa Finance

Corporation, AFC is the Technical Adviser to the fund.

For power projects to qualify, the CBN said the fund is for “any corporate entity, duly registered in Nigeria, involved in electricity power supply value chain that includes power generation, transmission, distribution, gas-to-power projects and associated services.

“Eligible projects can be pro-

moted by private or public sector sponsors (or a combination of both) but must be

Investors urged to take advantage of power sector reform

F

OREIGN investors have been advised to take advantage of the ongoing reforms in

Insecurity: Honeywell plans mobile refineries in Nigeria

BY EDIRI EJOH with Agency Report

H

ONEYWELL International Incor porated has announced plans to build mobile refineries that can be deployed to volatile places in Nigeria and in regions across the world.

Rajeev Gautam, President of Honeywell’s oil and gas service unit, who disclosed this, noted that the daily production capacity of the mobile refineries will be about 10 percent of a big refinery that would have to be built on location.

Bloomberg reported that assembling the equipment off-site may help energy companies solve the critical challenge of keeping large construction crews out of harm’s way while erecting infrastructure to tap oil fields in dangerous locales.

Gautam noted that, “There are certain geographies in Nigeria that are witnessing security challenges and the mobile refineries are going to make sense.

“But despite the security challenges

structured either as profit-oriented business or a public service, provided that contracted cash-flows or financing support exist to ensure repayment of principal and interest, as well as long term viability.

“The project company may also offer appropriate credit enhancement options to support its financial obligations.

“The project could be already existing and in operation, in design/development, under construction, or existing but operationally inactive.

“The refinancing of existing loans for captive power projects for corporate entities that are not power companies will only be eligible if the investments are not older than two years from the date of the a p p l i c a t i o n .

“For the avoidance of doubt, this restriction will not be applicable to captive power projects implemented and managed by power companies “Gas-to-Power promoters must tender verifiable evidence of off-taker purchase agreements for their projects to be eligible.”

in the country, Nigeria is a potential sales destination in the world.”

He however said the mobile refineries will be built in Iraq. “The first of these small portable units will be built in a factory sent by sea to Iraq, trucked inland and plunked down on a prepared foundation.”

He maintained that, the assembling of the mobile refinery equipment offsite may help energy companies to solve the critical challenge they face protecting their workers from harm while erecting infrastructure in dangerous oil fields.

“The modular building of oil and gas equipment will help reduce cost overruns and construction time and it is also a way for Honeywell to boost sales of its energy technology. ” He added that the UOP already has experience building modular equipment for natural gas processing and is expanding that technology to crude oil refineries.

the power sector to manufacture transformers in the country, as there is no local company producing electricity transformers and other related products.

This was the advice of the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Benjamin Ezra Dikki, when he welcomed a delegation from Shanghai Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Engineering Company Limited, SPTDE, led by Kenneth Awara of Beresford Electric Power Limited, in Abuja.

According to him, “the reforms in the power sector had opened up a vast market in the electricity sector and the BPE is willing to assist genuine investors to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the sector.”

He added that, “liberalisation of the power sector and others have given confidence to investors in the Nigerian economy, and if Shanghai should decide to establish an electricity transformers company in Nigeria, the Bureau will assist the company to link up with the relevant government institutions that will grant approvals and licences.”

Despite the privatisation of the power sector, an estimated 11,000 megawatts, mw, have since been installed out of the 40,000MW power requirement expected, which means 29, 000MW are yet to be actualised.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 25

Oil & People •CHIJIOKE NWAOZUZU cnwaozuzu@gmail.com

Marginal fields licensing round 2013: Prospects, delays (1) I

Power supply: Nigeria electricity tariff, lowest in Africa

BY MICHAEL EBOH

D

ESPITE the recent increase in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, economic analysts insist that Nigeria still has one of the lowest electricity tariffs in Africa.

In an email response to Vanguard on the recent hike in tariff, Mr. Oludare Oduale, an analyst with Nextier Capital Limited, maintained that countries like Liberia, Bukina Faso, Senegal, Mali, among others, have higher electricity tariffs than Nigeria.

He said the anger over the hike stems from a lack of understanding of the way electricity tariffs are calc u l a t e d .

According to him, the public frustration that has followed the announcement of the new tariff is driven more by the fact that there is shortage of electricity supply rather than the quantum of the increase in tariff.

He said, “Most Nigerians understand that there could be tariff increases in the early stages of the privatised industry and that the prices will correct downwards as the sector increases its capacity.

“The frustration seems to have been exacerbated by the botched communication around the power sector privatisation that made it seem as if there will be instant increase in power availability as soon as the new owners of the privatised power companies signed the dotted lines of the sales agreement.”

Oduale further argued that stable power supply cannot be separated from tariff review, noting that without a viable electricity industry, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to attract the quantum of required investment.

He explained that a cost-reflective tariff is what is pivotal to the viability of the industry, adding that tariff reviews are conducted to ensure customers do not pay more than they should and that the industry remains viable and attractive for investments.

Continuing, he said, “The increase in electricity tariff, that took effect

from June 1, 2014, is infuriating to the consumers, media commentators, and labour unions in Nigeria. The fact is that NERC is statutorily expected to review the fundamental variables that drive the electricity tariff calculations twice a year (June 01 and December 01) and any significant change in the variables should be reflected in the new tariffs.

“The tariff reviews are conducted to ensure customers do not pay more than they should and that the industry remains viable and attractive for investments. The tariff reviews are driven by economic variables including inflation rate, exchange rate, gas price, and available generation capacity. As is obvious, these variables are not static. Any plus or minus five per cent change in the aggregate variables is a trigger for a tariff review.”

Also speaking, Mr. Okwy Okeke, Managing Director, Continental Alarms, said the 8.3 per cent increase is not much, considering the rate of inflation and the fact that it has been long since such review was carried out.

He said, “The new rate may not even factor into the near constant N30,000 per month I pay for my office at Dolphin. My power bill in the United States fluctuates between $40 and $180 per month, depending on the season.

“Note that rates are not fixed as they are in Nigeria. Power rate in the early morning rush period is not same by late morning, among others.Maybe that is something we can throw into the conversation to help load management/shedding.

“Tariff increase will not be as high as individual power generation, as is presently the case. Then few, if any, will be happy to pay more for same.

“The 8.3 per cent increase? What is inflation rate this year, and when was the last rate review? It is important we bring up the quality of our public conversation beyond the mundane.

“The struggle is how to make a people raised under a pseudo-socialist country come to terms that we are now a capitalist temple.”

rels of oil per day and 35 million standard cubic feet per day of gas. Others may be in various stages of development. Calgary-based Mart Resources and Nigerian-based Oando Energy Resources are presently significant players in marginal field investments in Nigeria. A report obtained by Leadership Newspapers on the marginal field operations shows that 17 marginal fields are redundant after almost 11 years after they were awarded. The report indicated that the owners of the redundant fields were afraid that the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) might withdraw their ownership of the blocks and re-award them in the 2013 bid round.

However, on the balance, the introduction of bid rounds for marginal fields has been a welcome development.Marginal fields licensing rounds is also an opportunity for small/medium scale FOCs to enhance their investment portfolio in Nigeria by partnering with successful bidders.

The attractive risk/reward profile of investing in Nigeria include: the country’s numerous proven/undeveloped

T is already a well-known fact that Nigeria has the largest oil and gas reserves in Africa, with an estimated 37 billion barrels of oil reserve base and about 187 trillion standard cubic feet of gas. Presently, over a thousand oil fields have been discovered since the mid 1950’s with only 35% in production.

To increase the country’s production capacity, increase petroleum reserves, diversify petroleum production sources, and prevent waste, the Nigerian Government has since 2001 promoted the acquisition and licensing of marginal fields. Marginal fields licensing rounds in Nigeria evolved from the Petroleum Amendment Act of 1996, which introduced paragraph 16A into the First Schedule to the Petroleum Act. The amendment provided that the holder of an oil mining lease (OML) can farm- out any marginal field which lies within the OML. Under the amendment, the President of Nigeria has the right to farm-out a marginal field, which has not been produced for a period of not less than 10years from the first date of discovery of the field.

The Norton Rose Fulbright reWhat constitutes a marginal field? ports suggest that the totality of The 2013 Guidethese marginal fields may hold lines for marginal an estimated two billion barrels fields bid round reof oil reserves. tained the definition of a marginal field as contained in the Pefield opportunities; high quality of troleum Act 1969 (as amended). Some sweet crude oil produced; established of the characteristics of a marginal infrastructure for transportation and field include: fields not considered for export of oil; and incentive-based fisdevelopment based on unfavorable cal regime (including lower slidingfiscal and market conditions; fields in scale royalties and substantially rewhich only one exploratory well has duced petroleum profit tax, PPT). been drilled due to high gas and low The government in awarding these oil reserves ratio; and fields that have marginal fields to indigenous operabeen abandoned by the leaseholders tors in 2003 hoped to increase oil profor more than three (3) years for opduction by about 1 billion barrels. It is erational or economic reasons. clear that some progress has been Marginal fields are generally fields made in marginal fields’ development discovered by the foreign oil compaas 8 out of the 24 operators have taknies (FOCs)/national oil companies en their fields to first oil. However, (NOCs) and which, owing to priorimore still needs to be done, and six tized investment options, were either factors have constrained the activities not developed or relinquished. These of marginal field operators. The main fields which hold relatively lesser profactors relate to the lack of funding duction potentials for the oil majors and the marginality of the fields. Othrepresent promising investment oper factors are: inadequate technical portunity for smaller local oil compaexpertise, board/partnership wrannies with streamlined operations. gling in some cases and in other casThe Norton Rose Fulbright reports es the presence of significant anti-ensuggest that the totality of these martrepreneurial mentality among the ginal fields may hold an estimated two operators. billion barrels of oil reserves. For exFunding constraints is the main reaample, 24 fields were awarded in the son cited by the marginal fields’ opfirst licensing round for marginal erators for inability to progress on fields in 2001, which exercise was projects, as well as the necessity to completed in 2003. Since then, over invite foreign technical partners.

100 million barrels have been produced from these fields. Currently, Dr. Chijioke Nwaozuzu, a petroeight (8) are still producing from these leum policy expert wrote from the Emerald Energy Institute, Universifields and averaging an aggregate gross production of around 27,200 barty of Port Harcourt.

,

Power facility

BY CHIJIOKENWAOZUZU

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26 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Nigeria to achieve 3bscf/d of gas in 2020 — PTFP … Corruption, poor management bane of the sector

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

G

AS shortage, which has been at the centre of poor power supply in the country, may be a thing of the past if the federal government makes good its promise to achieve three billion standard cubic feet of gas daily in 2020.

This is just as corruption and poor management have been identified as the bane of infrastructural development in the country.

Giving the assurance of the expected gas supply improvement, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, dialogue on power last week, Mr. Beks Dagogo-Jack, Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, stated that government is determined to provide adequate electricity supply to the citizenry.

“Government is mobilising funding where necessary on the gas side as well as on the transmission side. A lot is happening; the idea is to close the misalignment gap and get a certain level of volume credibility in the grid.

Down the stretch, say by 2020, the NNPC strategic gas plan will give us 3 billion standard cubic feet, SCF, per day,” he said.

He also explained that the independent power project developers are projecting gas-fired capacities close to 18,000 megawatts,MW, but based on the current NNPC

strategic gas plan, there is only enough gas for 10,500MW. According to him, “unless the gaps can be closed and capacity increased at a faster rate in the gas and transmission value-chains, these will become the limiting factor in the quantity of power that can be supplied to end consumers.”

Dagogo-Jack, who identified insufficient energy and technical performance as one of the challenges of the power sector reform, also said that

current power assumptions in the tariff may not be achieved given the current project timelines in critical gas and transmission projects.

“If this occurs, it will result in a market unable to adequately generate the funds to cover its fixed and variable costs. This inability will present itself by shortfalls in energy sold and subsequently in market payments,” he said.

He therefore identified the remedies to include; tariff re-

calculation, acceleration of ongoing projects and execution of new projects.

The PTFP Chairman further said that the recent problems associated with vandalism and attacks on crude and gas pipelines have shown a significant risk point of the reform in this regard.

“Given this fact, it is imperative that solution diversity is sought to increase the energy mix, promote energy security and maintain system robustness to fuel supply vol-

Australia's gas exports face tougher competition

C From left: Comrade Isaac Aberare, National Secretary General, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG; Comrade Aghese Igwe, President and Comrade Asuquo Okon, Deputy President II during the inauguration of executives of Marine Equipment &Oil Suppliers branch of NUPENG, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Kaztec’s multi-million dollar project moves to phase two

BY SEBASTINE OBASI

K

AZTEC Engineering, a Chrome Group subsidiary has completed phase one of its multi-million dollar integrated oil and gas project on Snake Island in Lagos and plans to begin phase two next month.

The project which will have fabrication yard, oil and gas training, pipe mill, pipe coating, and a dry-dock base, as well as a power plant, is expected to create a lot of jobs and expertise for Nigerians, it was learnt.Chrome Group’s Head Communications and Business Development, Edwin Ndukwe, and Consultant to Chrome Group, Njideka Kelley, spoke to journalists at the Kaztec Engineering pavilion at the concluded Offshore Technology Conference in Houston,

ume and price shocks.

Options that need to be considered from a policy and regulatory view point are: Hydropower solutions (especially small to medium hydro in Northern Nigeria); solar-power solutions (especially in North-Eastern Nigeria); wind-power solutions (especially in North-Western Nigeria); Coal-fired power solutions (especially in the coal regions of Eastern and Central Nigeria); and biomass power solutions,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr.Remi Bello, President of LCCI, said, “The management of our utilities should be insulated from the bureaucracy and political interference. The problem with most of the utilities is not so much the lack of resources but the appalling quality of management and scandalous corruption.

Texas.

Speaking on the activities of the company, Ndukwe said: “We are a 100 per cent indigenous engineering, procurement, construction, installation, commission and Management (EPCICM) Company, servicing all onshore, offshore oil and gas services in the country and cross sub-Sahara Africa“We have three contracts ongoing. The Snake Island project is being done with Addax Petroleum. We are doing another with Shell.

We have extensive experience in the oil gas industry and with the Nigeria Content Law, which is critical to the development of indigenous capacity and capability.

We are positioned to create value for Nigerians and the economy,” he said.

He also said that the Group intends to increase its work-

force as a result of the projects at hand. “We have a lot of young people from Nigeria working in the field. Currently we have 75 engineers, 500 skilled labour on Snake Island project in Lagos and we are looking at 20,000 jobs by 2016. “The project is massive, located on 524 hectares of land and we have developed 68 hectares currently, laid foundation for training institute, fabrication yard, pipe mill, pipe coating, a dry dock base.

We are working towards equipping Nigerians, bringing people back into the workforce, developing and keeping the economy moving forward. We have just completed phase one of the entire process and about to begin phase two. Phase two will involve setting up the facility for pipe mill and pipe coating.

“We are developing skill

sets within the Nigerian content which is tied to the programme of the Federal Government’s local content. We are equipping welders, riggers, scaffolders, painters and people who work in electrical and electronics segments. We bring this team of people especially those that don’t have the skill sets, equip and employ them, a development that is critical in the dynamics of Nigerian economy today,” he added. Also speaking, Kelley, said: “Kaztec and the Chrome Group under the leadership of our Chairman, Sir EmekaOffor, have exhibited ingenuity in the oil and gas industry. As a 100 per cent indigenous company with the local content, what we are doing is to ensure that we meet a hundred per cent of what that law entails.

OMPETITION for the next round of gas export projects in Australia is becoming more intense, with Russia likely to join the US in supplying additional gas into the key Japan market.

The shutdown of Japan's nuclear power stations in the wake of the Fukushima meltdown has pushed up Japan's imports of gas, as it looked to alternative fuels to keep the lights on and industry running. In turn, that has plunged the country's external account into the red, prompting the Japanese government to pressure importers to squeeze gas import prices.

As a result, its power utilities have begun to assess investing in some of the new round of gas projects being promoted in the US and Canada, which promise to supply gas with a price linked to the domestic US gas price, the socalled Henry Hub spot price, which is used as the basis for NYMEX gas futures contracts.

The shale gas boom in the US has pushed gas prices in North America back towards long-term lows, which is encouraging some groups to look to export markets in both Europe and northern Asia.

And, on the back of Russia's recent deal to build a gas pipeline to supply gas directly to China, Japan is again looking at lifting purchases of Russian gas, this time reviving a plan to pipe gas directly from Sakhalin Island, north of Japan, to a point north of Tokyo.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 27

The third Outsourcing Expo oraginsed by the Association of Outsourcing Practitioners of Nigeria, AOPN is coming up June 18, 2014. President of the Association, Dr. Austin Nweze, spoke to Princewill Ekwujuru on the need for legislation to help control and regulate the industry; how Outsourcing will benefit the country amongst other challenges. Excerpts: Introduction: utsourcing as a management practice is the transfer of job responsibility from an organisation, or from a part of the industry to outside of the business. Outsourcing is practiced in various industries worldwide. Major part of Outsourcing is found in the Information Technology, IT industry. Outsourcing basically from what a lot of people do not understand, is a different management concept from contracting. Outsourcing is deeper than contracting. When a part of a business is outsourced, it is not time-bound. For example, if I am doing a business for you today and you need to move me away from that business, I can move the resources I have invested in that business to somewhere else and continue the same business.

O

Policy framework: Outsourcing is one avenue that the government can look into to create jobs they have been longing for, because if you look at the case of India, it was outsourcing that helped its transition from poverty to wealth. The company we are in now, employs a whole lot of people, close to 20,000 which government and most multinationals cannot do. Even the oil industry as a whole doesn’t employ more than 20,000 as an industry, but one company is employing more than 20,000 through outsourcing. That is what outsourcing does for you.

You will find out again that some companies that have embraced outsourcing, for instance, Nokia, has its marketing outsourced, Glaxosmithkline, also does.

Outsourcing enables you to focus on your core areas so that you can leave other things in the hands of professionals who can also better handle it than you can so that you can apply your resources and energy in the area you have core competence. So that is the thing that we are looking at, and have been discussing with government. Last week I was with the Director-General of the Nigeria Technology Development Agency, NITDA , and incidentally, he was the one that wrote the outsourcing policy which is with the to recruit across the country like National Assembly which we that, there are standards and are bringing up again for there are ways, rules and discussion. So we are procedures of handling such fortunate to have a man that recruitment. The company that is familiar with outsourcing at handled that is not a member the helm of NITDA. NITDA has of AOPN, that is why we had a mandate to regulate that stampede that resulted in Outsourcing in Nigeria. deaths. If we had such It’s important that AOPN is legislation in place nonin the forefront of pushing member companies will not be outsourcing as a tool for job dealing with the Ministry. If creation, as a way of doing you are not a member of the business and as a way of association, or certified to bringing standard to the practise outsourcing in profession. So this is the Nigeria, then you wouldn’t be reason for the expo so that given such mandate where companies, users, suppliers, people will be dying because providers and advisors, and of your lack of those who are interested in professionalism. doing it as a profession can In addition, as a result of come and showcase what they this, the Nigerian Export have and also hear what other Promotion Council, NEPC, for experts have to say. This is our instance, is taking some contribution to national women entrepreneurs to growth.

Rwanda in September, and the only people they allowed to Challenges: apply are members of AOPN What I am trying to explain or others that are involved in is that currently, there is no outsourcing, that is why it is legislation that controls the important the government outsourcing profession in recognises the need. If you Nigeria. Once you don’t have want to practise outsourcing a legislation, you begin to have and you want government to briefcase companies that call recognise you, you have to join themselves outsourcing AOPN or any other companies. Example is the Association that is recognised stampede that happened at the by government. In fact, it was National Stadium during the the government that set up Immigration recruitment AOPN indirectly. exercise. An outsourcing So we would be working company that is under AOPN with government to make sure would never do such. If you are that all the legislations are a corporate member of AOPN, made so that we can have and you are getting a mandate standards. We regulate

•Dr. Austin Nweze

No legislation controlling outsourcing in Nigeria — OAPN President

Current Realities:

Like we have been saying, it depends on the outsourcing company that the client is dealing with, that belief that they pay lower is not our belief, the kind of services we provide, the kind of staffing we provide must meet with the standard and current realities on ground. Outsourcing does not have to come cheap. What you are getting is professionalism in doing what

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ourselves as a profession, but again, we need the backing of government to give it the legal framework of which we are working on so that if any of our members misbehaves, the association will sanction the company, and again with the legal backing from the government, it will be more effective to regulate and control members.

The challenge we have in Nigeria is that the country on its own doesn’t have a legislation that controls outsourcing business in Nigeria currently. A lot of that is being worked on, so the members of OAPN have to try and sensitise the market, the people, on what outsourcing is, by organising an expo once every year. This year's edition is the third in the series, where we will bring in users, providers and advisors of the Outsourcing profession to come together and brainstorm, share ideas, look at what they have done, how people should do things right, how not to do things, the theme for this year ’s event is Transition to Outsourcing and Managing that transition, a lot of people don’t even think about it.

Should I outsource this part of business or should I not? Even when they think about it and state it, how do I manage it while I am already outsourcing?

The challenge we have in Nigeria is that the country on its own doesn’t have a legislation that controls Outsourcing business in Nigeria currently

,

you cannot do well, that is not you line of business. I can get you people that earn as anybody in the industry. When you outsource, you don’t outsource your core business, that is core to you.

If marketing and sales are

core to you, you don’t outsource them. What usually happens is that you have a sales director or a marketing director that is a full staff of the company but the people that work under him are outsourced. Some companies see it as a way of cutting cost and getting better quality.

People are companies' problem so in order to get rid of that headache of having to manage people, you can outsource.

May be the company does not have competent staff required to achieve what they want, employing competent staff may cost them more, they may say since you have the competent staff, you can bring them to assist; it is cheaper for you as the required competence or knowledge is transferred. The outsourced staff is transferring knowledge even to the company, so that way, it's a symbiotic relationship. It is like having a department of your company in another company outside your organisation; that is the beauty of outsourcing.

Different countries like Philipines, Croatia and Netherland have done well in outsourcing.

Even Nigerian programmers are among the best in the world. US companies are outsourcing programming jobs to Nigerians.

Nigerian Economy: Outsourcing creates jobs.

You will see companies that have worked with contract labour for decades, these people are not taxable, not pensionable, they work in companies without letters of employment. The government has seen that and that is why the Ministry of Labour said that all companies that have casual labourers should employ them but these companies don’t want to bring them into their pay roll, which is where outsourcing comes in handy, so we have taken on thousands of people like who are now pensionable and contribute tax to the government. Outsourcing has also brought about professionalism in doing those things very well. You will deal with people that have the basic knowledge of that part of your business, not the entirety of the business.

In addition, it contributes to the economy by bringing about foreign direct investment as some of the jobs are outsourced to Nigerian firms from the US, India and Philipines, and you may be wondering why India.

India started out as a model, the model they have is what Nigeria is doing now, but the domestic market in India has grown.

India is now outsourcing part of their jobs to Nigeria and some other countries.

Outsourcing helps in growing the Gross Domestic Product through foreign exchange importation which is good for the economy. It also brings knowledge. We cannot transfer knowledge, but through outsourcing, you can share knowledge.

28—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2013

Subscribers get July date to move into Port-Harcourt golf estate

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE first set of subscribers to RIVTAF Golf Estate located in the highbrow Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt, Rivers state, will take possession of their new homes next month. This is sequel to the completion of the first phase of the expansive residential housing estate.

Work on the construction of the first phase of the project was flagged of in January, 2013.

Initially billed to cost N12.1 billion, the value of the estate will increase to N24 billion in June 2015 when the third phase of the scheme comprising 128 luxury flats on the Golf Course, would be fully completed.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the project which comprises Villa and Town Houses is billed for completion this December, which is also the date for the commencement of the third and last phase of the luxury estate.

Sited on 40 hectares of land provided by the government of Rivers State as its equity contribution, the RIVTAF Golf Estate is a joint venture between Rivers State Government and TAF Nigeria Homes Limited.

third phase was half way completed when Vanguard Homes & Property visited the site penultimate weekend. Njie assured that the sand filling would be completed in the next two months.

On funding, Mr. Njie said the project is self financed.

According to him, the project has so far, gulped about N10 billion. “The project is dependent on a revolving

capital which comes from subscribers,” he said adding that TAF also took a facility of N1 billion from Access Bank for the importation of building materials.

The TAF CEO who said the company is investing in local contractors, disclosed that as part of efforts to improve their standards which will translate into the quality of work they do, his company sent contractors

handling various aspects of construction works at the site to the Gambia for further training on modern trends in construction. So far, the contractors have delivered to his expectation, judging by quality of work at the site and people’s commendation.

Flaunting the credentials of the estate, Njie said; “all our houses are fitted with items such as porcelain floor and

wall tiles, external security, external doors, wooden internal doors, POP decorative ceiling, aluminum windows and patio doors. Others are decorative roofing tiles, fitted kitchen cabinets and wardrobes as well as ceramic sanitary wares”.

“Facilities such as retail and shopping mall, recreational centres and nine-hole Golf Course are available in the estate. The estate will also have 24-hour electricity and water supply round the clock. There is also security gated community, garbage collection and maintenance of streets and public areas.

Villas and luxury flats The mixed development estate which targets to house 720 families, consists of two, three, four and five bedroom units known as Apartments, Town houses, Villas and Luxury flats.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO of TAF Nigeria Homes Limited, Mr. Mustapha Njie who disclosed these facts at the company’s open day with subscribers, further informed them of a 30 percent capital appreciation on the houses. Accordingly, a three-bedroom unit sold for N18 million at the beginning of the project, has appreciated to N24 million. This, according to Njie, is the cost those who bought the houses earlier, are now selling to prospective buyers.

The TAF boss who noted that all the 200 units of twobedroom and 408 units of three-bedroom built in the first phase have been sold, explained that subscribers are expected to move into their houses in July, 2014.

Sand filling of the site for the C M Y K

Phase Two of Golf Estate, Port Harcourt ... to be ready in December, 2014

Shelter Afrique backs Nigeria’s housing programme

BY JUDE NJOKU

S

HELTER Afrique, the con tinental housing finance institution, has pledged to support Nigeria’s proposed housing programme which involves the development of 10,000 housing units. This was disclosed by the Minister by the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi and the immediate past Managing Director of Shelter Afrique, Mr. Alassane Ba at the end of the 33rd annual general meeting, AGM of Shelter Afrique in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Ba in a written address at the AGM, confirmed the institution’s commitment to Nigeria’s housing programme.

At a follow -up meeting which

Mrs Eyakenyi and the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, REDAN led by its President, Mr. Emmanuel Olabode had with top officials of Shelter Afrique, the parties agreed to the principles of a memorandum of understanding, MOU which would be signed within the next two weeks. The MOU sets out the terms of the partnership which will include advisory services and financing for the programme.

Speaking earlier on the theme of the symposium which was Alternate Building Technologies and Construction Methods – Potential for Accelerating the Supply of New Housing in Africa, the Minister explained that the last decade has seen the introduction of various forms

of alternative building technologies, ABT’s in the market with the aim of improving speed of construction and eventually reducing the overall cost of construction. She added that these technologies ranges from dry construction, use of indigenous materials, use of green or recycled materials and use of composite structural materials among others.

Environmental benefits Despite the economic and environmental benefits of these new technologies, many Africans are still resisting the innovations flooding the market.

The resistance is due to the fact that most buyers associate

ABT’s with the poor and believe that the end product is of inferior quality. This and other factors such as structural problems, local manufacturing capacity of the material have also led to developers shying away from these innovations. Some countries, she said, have made great strides in adopting ABT’s for their mass housing projects.

“It can comfortably be said that ABT’s have been used selectively in various markets in Africa. However, given the extreme supply demand imbalance; the high demand at the lower end of the market, the high cost of conventional construction techniques and materials; and the reluctance of financiers to engage in low-cost housing, innovative building Continues on Page 29

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—29

Cement standardisation: Lafarge drags SON to court

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

T

HE recent pronouncement by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, that the 32.5 grade of cement should be used for plastering works only while the 42.5 grade is for all uses, has drawn the ire of one of the big players in the cement industry.

Messrs Lafarge Cement Nigeria Plc, the second largeest cement manufacturer in the country, last week joined issues with SON, insisting that the law does not permit the regulatory organization to enforce the use of 42.5 cement grade. Lafarge is insisting that the 32.5 cement grade is ideal for general uses in construction projects.

Vanguard Homes & Property recalls that amidst the raging controversy over cement standards between Dangote Cement Plc and other cement manufacturers, SON recently informed them (cement manufacturers) through a public notice published in some national dailies, that is plans to implement the new Mandatory Industrial Standard Order for cement manufacturing, distribution

and usage. The order restricted the application of 32.5 cement grade to only plastering while the 42.5 grade is for general purpose, Lafarge’s General Manager, Industrial Performance, Mr. Lanre Opakunle who stated the company’s position during an interactive session with newsmen at the Ewekoro plant of the company in Ogun State, informed Lafarge has taken SON to court over the restriction of 32.5 grade and enforcement of 42.5 grade.

Mr. Opakunle who noted that the new mission of the company is to build better cities through its innovative products and sustainable programmes, pointed out that Lafarge which operates in 62 countries, currently manufactures both 32.5 and 42.5 cement grades in Nigeria.

Explaining that people now build lighter houses that are environmentally friendly with lighter building materials, he said this is why 32.5 cement grade is more suitable for lighter buildings that are environmentally friendly.

He noted that 32.5 cement grade is not the issue. What matters is its application and

mix ratio with other materials, he said. Cement, according to Opakunle, does not work in isolation but with other materials. “The 32.5 grade works very well with concrete.

If the mix is right, there will be no problem.

It becomes an issue if the mix is wrong”, he said.

He maintained that 32.5 is the best in terms of heat of hydration, adding that it takes time to set and becomes stronger which explains why it is ideal for construction of bridges if the mix is right.

The company’s Manager, Brands Sustainability, Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun said Lafarge provides innovative and environmentally friendly solutions to housing and infrastructure. She pointed out

that a major priority of the cement company is its involvement in affordable housing for Nigerians. “We have committed N1.3 billion to ensure that low income earners around the country have affordable housing. 650 people have already benefited from our affordable housing scheme.

Plans are in the pipeline to ensure that 30,000 Nigerians eventually derive benefits from it. We are working to ensure that Nigerians get affordable housing. You know there is housing deficit in the country, so Lafarge is working to provide as much assistance as possible”, Mrs. Oguntokun said.

Mr Femi Yusuf, an engineer, and Lafarge Cement WAPCO’s

Product Development Manager insisted that at 32.5, the strength of cement is suitable for any construction work.”The debate should not be about 32.5 cement grade, but what the product does. The interlocking paving stones used in the entire Lekki Free Trade Zone were done with 32.5 cement grade. The issue of water in mixing materials is a major problem in construction. If you use 42.5 grade in place of 32.5 grade, there will be issues. 32.5 cement is the preferred cement for individual home building applications. The replacement of 32.5 by 42.5 in IHB applications may lead to buildings integrity risk”, Yusuf explained.

Shelter Afrique backs Nigeria’s housing programme Continues from page 28 technologies that drive down costs should be explored to reducing the housing deficit in Nigeria,” she said.

In a related development, the Minister has been elected as the 2nd Vice President of the

33rd General Assembly.

The election to the Assembly was adopted by 44 member countries of the African Union with a one year duration period.

The Minister of Construction, Housing, Sanitation and Town

Planning, Cote D’Iviore, Mr. Mamadou Sanogo emerged as the President while the Minister of Water Resources Works and Housing of Ghana, Mr Sampson Ahi became the 1st Vice President.

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Panic as FCDA begins demolition of 260 Sahara Homes estate •Earmarks site for golf resort

BY CALEB AYANSINA

O

CCUPANTS of ‘Saraha Homes Estate, Life camp Extension in Kafe District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, were last week, thrown into panic as the Federal Capital Development Administration, FCDA began the demolition of the 260 -unit housing estate for allegedly encroaching on the green area.

The demolition came in spite of a court order restraining FCTA from carrying out the demolition.

The order was secured by the Incorporated Trustees of Saraha Homes Landlords Association Life camp Extension Abuja from an FCT High court.

Vanguard Homes and Property gathered that the demolition began at about 10 am last Tuesday, when the occupants of the estate had all left home for work and school.

Narrating the genesis of the controversy, the residents explained that somebody approached them sometime in June last year to lay claim to a part of the estate, which was referred to it as plot 140.

This compelled them to approach FCDA to clear the air.

They were shocked when the FCDA told them that Plot 140 was allocated to Cityfest Development Co. Ltd in June 2012, to develop a golf course.

The residents complained that the same FCDA allocated Plot 55, Cadastral Zone Co5, in Kafe District, Abuja (about 20 hectares) to Saraha Homes Nigeria Limited as part of mass housing project

during El-rufai's administration.

On 24 July 2013, FCDA first marked some parts of the estate on the ground that they had encroached on a green area and threatened to demolish the houses built therein.

With the final demolition notice on 13 December 2013, the residents discovered that the issue could not be resolved through dialogue, hence they approached the FCT High to resolve the matter.

Consequently, the court in its December 30, 2013 ruling, ordered the parties involved to maintain the ‘status quo’, pending the hearing and determination of the matter.

Justice Y. Halilu after hearing the motion exparte brought by Chris Uche, (SAN), counsel to the

association, granted an interim injunction “restraining the defendants, (FCT Minister, FCDA, FCTA and Cityfest Development Co. Ltd), their officials, servants, agents and privies from demolishing, attempting to demolish any of the Plaintiff’s estate.”

Speaking to newsmen during the demolition, the Chairman of the Association,Mr Fred Ohwahwa said it is abnormal for FCDA to re-allocate an estate where people have been living in since 2010, to another person in 2012, for the development of a golf course.

“We came into this place as far back as 2009/2010 through the mass housing scheme initiated

by El-rufai. It was sometime in June last year that somebody came to lay claim to some part of

the land. We met with the FCDA and they claimed that theyreallocated the place to somebody in June 2012 to develop golf course.

We asked them how they can allocate a place that had already been developed and people living in to somebody else. When they were threatening demolition, we went to court and by 30 December, 2013, we got an injunction restraining them from carrying out the demolition. They and their lawyers were there,” he said Describing the demolition as evil, Ohwahwa maintained that the action of the FCT Authority negates the principle of continuity in government policy, adding that public interest was not considered in the process.

“They are not doing it (demolition) because of national or public interests, but because it is allocated to somebody,” he said.

Also, the counsel to the associ-

ation, Chris Uche (SAN), told newsmen that the demolition was carried out against the court order, insisting that there was nothing like green area when the allocation was given to his client.

“The demolition ought not to have happened because FCDA approved and allocated the whole land to Saraha Homes for development of an estate. Years later they came up to say that a portion of that land had been designated as green area, this was after people have developed their properties from foundation to roofing level and have in fact moved in.

“We told them (FCDA), the paper you gave us is very clear, there was nothing like green area when you gave us paper. And we went to court; the court gave an injunction restraining all parties to maintain the status quo.

What is happening here today is flagrant disobedience to that order, despite the court order,” he said.

Relics of the demolished houses

WED: Fashola seeks global partnership to mitigate effects of climate change

By KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

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AGOS State joined the global community to mark this year ’s World Environment Day, WED, with Governor Babatunde Fashola warning of the grave consequences of rising sea level on coastal areas. The Governor who noted that climate change is threatening the continuous existence of mankind, said Lagos is in danger of being affected by seal level rise. The theme of this year’s Environment Day was Small Island, Developing States and Climate Change.

Represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Wale Ahmed, Fashola noted that no nation in the world is completely free from the negative effects of climate change.

“The reality before us is that no nation, however large or small, developed or underdeveloped, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline.

More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. Drought and crop failures deepen hunger and conflict in places where hunger and conflict already thrive. This in turn affects productivity of the population and thus economic recession,” he said.

The Governor noted that although the problems may seem daunting, they are not insurmountable.

“The choice is ours: to form a global partnership to

care for earth and one another or risk the destruction of ourselves and diversity of life. The current reality of unsustainable pattern of development is largely threatening human existence and this has become a major source of worry to discerning minds around the world,” he stated.

He called for fundamental changes in the people’s value system, institutions and ways of living to mitigate the negative effects of global warming. Fashola said his administration is not leaving anything to chance in view of the peculiarities of Lagos as a coastal state and its vulnerability to flooding.

“Lagos State is a clear case of resilience and innovation in tackling the challenges confronting our development as a coastal megacity,” he said, adding that Lagos has institutionalised the tree planting campaign. So far, over five million trees have been planted. .

The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello said the focus of the 2014 World Environmental Day is the vulnerability of small island developing states to environmental challenges, especially climate change. According to him, Lagos state had before now, given priority to the environment through rigorous application of both adaptive and mitigation measures like tree planting, climate change advocacy, drainage construction and dredging as well as zero-tolerance for environmental nuisances.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—31

Contending with Cultural clash in China

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU & NJOKU JERRY (Beijing)

AS the presence of Nigerian immigrants continue to grow in the People’s Republic of China, many Nigerians have begun to demonstrate utmost displeasure towards the country’s public display of cultural barriers.

Their major concern has been that the cultural barriers have in many diverse ways, contributed in dampening business relations between them and the Chinese.

Speaking at the just concluded Business and Investment Seminar in Guangzhou, the Commercial

city of China, Secretary General of Nigerian business owners in China, Mr. Chuka Jude Onwualu, expressed dissatisfaction over the consistent ill-treatment both China-based and visiting Nigerian businessmen and women receive on a daily basis while transacting businesses across cities in China.

He told Vanguard Consular Advisory, (VCA) that the group, which gathered under the auspices of Association of Nigerian Representative Offices China (ANROC), comprises active participants in The People’s Republic of China

economy and as such, deserves a most cordial relationship with citizens of the host country while pursuing their various business interest in the country.

Onwualu said, “ANROC is an Association of Nigeria Companies and its registered representative offices based in China and we are active participants in the Chinese Economy. This meeting has become necessary to promote and improve the relationship between Nigeria and China by creating a formal platform to enlighten the growing number of Nigerian immigrants who continues to swell the business population of

Guangzhou on the rules of doing business in China as recognized by existing rules guiding such businesses transactions.

“There are companies in this Association which are the lifelines of some Chinese factories; the factories depend solely on orders from some of our members. This close relationship has afforded us the opportunity to participate in the production process whereby we have gained first hand knowledge, which is farther impressive and productive than theoretical analysis of factors and situations.”

He added that doing business in China was losing weight based

on the country’s present security situations, and the consistent cultural barriers displayed towards Nigerian businessmen and women appear too discriminating. All these he said happen despite the fact that over 80 per cent of Nigerians who suffer this unwarranted cultural clash, have made indelible marks, business-wise in the South China’s commercial hotspot.

Responding to the reason ANROC came up with strategy to tackle the issue at hand, ANROC President, Mr. Markson Onwukwe told VCA that the major challenge they faced was gaining recognition from the authorities. He said, “It took quite a while for the Nigerian embassy in Beijing to formally accept the association.

Although, the local security bureau did not have much problem with us, the embassy appeared evasive.

"Besides we had other challenges like building trust and confidence among members and partnering companies.

When I introduced the idea of an association like this to my partners, Mr. Jude Chuka, Mr. Richard Enyiobi and Mr. John Chimezie, whom are all here with their registered offices in China, we found out that some of us had once fallen victim of cases that could have been easily avoided had we known what is required in China and the law guiding such business concerns.”

US announces Drop Box renewal programme

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

T

HE United States Mission to Nigeria has announced the expanded DHL Drop Box Visa Renewal Programme with effect from June 2, 2014. The programme according to a statement from the US Consulate, Lagos, allows certain visa applicants who have previously been issued U.S. visas to renew their visas without attending an interview.

It said, “The expanded DHL Drop Box Visa Renewal Programme now covers B1/B2 visas that have expired no more than two years prior to reissuance and F, L and H visas that have expired no more than one year prior to reissuance.”

It was, however, noted that participation in the programme does not guarantee visa issuance.

Also, the consulate may request applicants to attend a visa interview in certain cases. Concerned individuals are directed to visit the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria website’s Drop Box page.

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32 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—33

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34 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—35

From left Mr. Anthony Idigbe (SAN), principal partner, Panuka Attorneys & Solicitors, Basil Udotai Esq., managing partner, Technology Advisors ICT Lawyers & Consultants, Mr. James Agada, managing director, ExpertEdge, Mr. Olayinka Oni, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft Nigeria and Mr. Inye Kemabonta, director, Standards, NITDA at the just concluded Current Issues in ICT Conference in Lagos

L-R: Keynote Speaker, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee on 2014 National Conference, Dr. Femi Okurounmu; chairman of the occasion, former Oyo State Governor, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo and chairman, Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), Lagos Branch, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN), during the 2014 Annual Luncheon, Lecture and Merit Awards of GCIOBA in Lagos

SURE-P spends N280bn on intervention projects —Ohuabunwa

BY BEN AGANDE, Abuja

A

MEMBER of the board of the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Mazi Sam Ohunabuwa, has revealed that since its creation in 2012, the programme has so far spent N280bn on intervention

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projects nationwide.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, the board member said the money was spent on road and railway constructions among others.

He said while the sum of N360bn was allocated to the programme last year, N80bn

was rolled over from last year’s allocation.

According to him, “it is important to know that in two years of our existence, we have spent less than N300bn. Out of the N360bn that was allocated to us, we rolled over N80bn; so we spent about N280bn. That’s what we used

to get the East-West Road to where it is, the rail line running from Kano to Lagos, and all the works that have been done.

“So you can imagine if the over N1tr that was spent on subsidy is released for this kind of work, Nigeria will get the best of services.”

It would be recalled that SURE-P was set up as a fall out of the violent nationwide protest that trailed the removal of fuel subsidy in 2012 to utilise the fund saved from the partial removal of fuel subsidy on developmental projects.

36— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

LASU FEES HIKE:

Enrolment dwindles as students, govt disagree

LASU students laying siege to Gov. Fashola’s office.

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

I

NDEED, it has been three years of unending crises at the Lagos State University, LASU, Ojo, since October 2011, when Governor Babatunde Fashola, sent a White Paper to the University ’s Governing Council, announcing the implementation of a new fees regime, which saw tuition fees increased steeply from N25, 000 to as much as N348, 750.

Since the 2011/2012 academic session, Vanguard has gathered that there have been a downturn in the population of candidates, choosing the institution during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by the apex exam body, the Joint Matriculation Examination Board, JAMB. To restore relative peace to the 30-year-old institution, the students have said that until the governor accedes to their proposal of N65, 500 for

freshmen and N46, 500 for old students, there will be no end in sight to the crisis rocking the institution.

However, having set-up an executive committee led by Transport Commissioner, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, whose report was submitted yesterday, many have begin to ask if the government will budge and accept the students' proposal?

Admission profile: 2009

Two academic sessions before the introduction of the new fees regime, available statistics shows that in the 2009/2010 academic session 5, 917 students were matriculated.

2010

In the 2010/2011 academic session, 4, 311 students matriculated. Breakdown: Faculty of Arts (471), Faculty of Management (1008), Faculty of Social Sciences (275), Faculty of Education (496), Faculty of Sciences (387), Faculty of Law (143),

LASU gate

School of Communication (185), College of Medicine (55), Faculty of Engineering (76) and School of Transport (31).

2011

When the new fees regime was introduced in the 2011/ 2012 academic session, of the 4, 903 students admitted, just 1, 951 students, representing 39.8 per cent were matriculated. Breakdown:

Faculty of Arts: 322; Management Sciences: 349; Social Sciences: 24; Science: 391; Education: 477; Law: 31; and Engineering: 41; School of Communication, Transport and College of Medicine matriculated 231, 68 and 17 students respectively.

Reacting to the low turnout witnessed from this session, the student union President, Mr, Nurudeen Yusuf said: “The first victims of the hike accepted their admission without any prior knowledge of a 985% increase in fees.

They had applied for admission based on the old fee regime of N25,000. The fee hike drastically reduced the intakes for 2011/2012 academic session. Of the 4, 903 admitted, just a paltry 1,951 students representing 39.8 per cent were matriculated. This act alone marked the era of injustice to students and Lagosians at large.”

2012

Similarly, of the 2, 784 students offered admission in the 2012/2013 academic

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

— 37

OJO BRIDGE: Too early to fail

Source: LASU Matriculation website NB: The 2009/2010 set of students have been cleared for graduation by the university Senate recently.

•The 2010/2011 set of students are not affected by the new fees regime, as they still pay the old tuition of N25, 000.

,

Unfortunately, following students protests and rampages occasioned by the fees hike, the school had within three academic sessions (2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/ 2014), been shutdown twice for several weeks, aside the six months nationwide ASUU strike between July and December 2013

,

session, 2,008 were cleared for matriculation.

2013 During the last matriculation for the 2013/2014 set of students, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. John Obafunwa said “a total of 1,582 candidates were offered admission but only 1,119 candidates were cleared for matriculation.”

This implies that 463 candidates representing 29 per cent were unable to raise the first installment of 70 per cent across the various faculties.

Unfortunate statistics

For the 2013/2014 academic session which has been stalled by staff union strikes, and recess, Vanguard gathered that the university was not able to fill its National Universities Commission, NUC stipulated carrying capacity of 4, 000.

This situation however set in since 2011 when the new fees regime was introduced.

According to data available to Vanguard, in this disrupted 2013/2014 academic session, the 55 departments of the institution have been marred by low students population.

Accounting Education (17), Arabic (2), Banking and Finance (46), Biochemistry (65), Biology Education (4), Botany (7), Business Administration (117), Business Education (1),

Chemical and Polymer Engineering (16), Chemistry (22), Chemistry Education (3), Common and Islamic Law (6) and Computer Science (59).

Others are Dentistry (35), Economics (92), English (77), Law (94), Mass Communication (43), Medicine and Surgery (63), Micro Biology (70), Political Science (78), Sociology (44), Zoology (1), Fisheries and Aquatic Biology (2), French (1), Physics (1) among others.

Shutdown twice in 3 years

Unfortunately, following students protests and rampages occasioned by the fees hike, the school had within three academic sessions (2011/2012, 2012/2013, 2013/2014), been shut-down twice for several weeks, aside the six months nationwide ASUU strike between July and December 2013.

After the six-months ASUU strike, towards the end of the second semester of the 2012/2013 academic session, the school was shut-down on January 23, 2014, following students' rampage over the closure of the registration portal against 1,292 of its students who had not yet registered for the second semester examinations. The school, however re-opened on February 24, 2014, for their exams.

Again, following the ongoing strike

by ASUU-LASU and SSANU-LASU on May 20 and 22, respectively, the university authorities on June 2, ordered the students to go on an immediate recess for fear of uncertainty.

Since then, the irate students have always taken to the streets, to seek reversal in their tuition fees, claiming that it has been the root cause of the unending crises rocking the institution.

* As residents question project durability

BY MONSURU OLOWOOPEJO

R

ESIDENTS of Ojo Local Government Area have expressed concern over the durability of the Ariyo (Mile 10)-Ira-Muwo bridge, an alternative road for the 10 lane LagosBadagry Expressway, following a failed portion of the yet to be commissioned bridge.

The residents lamented that the failed portion clearly shows that the bridge which was yet to put into use must have been poorly constructed by the builders, Messrs Moreno Marinas Lagoon Plc. They argued that the pier- a vertical structural support between two spans of a bridge -was already losing balance, thus, forcing a section of the bridge to tilt at the junction where the Ojo lagoon flows into the Mile 10 lagoon.

The state government had last year reawarded the construction of the phase 1 of the project to Lopek Engineering and Construction Ltd at an estimated cost of N1.2 billion, six months after revoking the contract due to the slow pace of construction work and inability of the contractor- Messrs Moreno Marinas Lagoon Plc, to meet its contractual obligation.

As a result of the development, the residents of the mostly affected communities-Ira, Muwo, Tedi, Ariyo and Abule-Oshun, demanded that the state governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola direct Lopek, to embark on extensive check on the entire bridge to detect other cracks that may not be visible at the moment.

The citiizens explained that they were not concerned about the delivery dateMarch 2nd, 2014, as stipulated by the contract anymore, because it had already elapsed three months ago.

They emphasized that their main

Fees

Recall that since the 2011/ 2012 academic session new students have been paying: Arts/Education (N193,750); Social & Management Sciences (N223,750); Law (N248,750); Communication/ Transport (N238,750); Science (N258,750); Engineering (N298,750) and College of Medicine (N348,750).

However, old students, whose last set are now in 400 level still pay the old fees ranging between N25, 000 and N46, 000. Also, extra-year students are to retroactively pay the old fees.

Faulty section of the bridge.

concern is to have a good road project that could serve them and the unborn generations of the community.

The road when completed will serve as an alternative road for motorist when the ongoing expansion works on the ever busy Lagos-Badagry express road reach AbuleOshun axis of the road.

Chairman of the Muwo Community Development Association, CDA, Mr. Isiaka Mutairu lamented that the previous contractor, is yet to pay the seven-months wages of the community youth engaged for the construction works.

Mr. Matthew Onifade, another resident said that there is the need for the new contractor to carry out complete check on the entire work done by the previous contractor, saying; “Doing that, will help reveal if there was any, cracks or portion that require reinforcement.”

Another resident who identified himself as Baba Abibat complained that the bridge is yet to be put to use but it was already tilting.

He however appealed to the state government to direct the contractor to also expedite action on the construction of the drainage channels because the rainy season had just started, adding; “Our children cannot have easy access to their respective schools.”

Govt react

C

ommissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said that the government has seen the faulty portion and the correction has started.

Hamzat explained that the process of correcting the portion is technical.

According to him, “In order to correct the failed portion, Lopek, the new contractor, has begun to realign the piers. And will construct the abutments.”

38 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 39

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Abia 2015:

Ochendo's vision and his playmakers A

S 2015 elections approach, political gladiators who wish to replace Governor Theodore Orji in Abia State have started traversing the entire state, consulting with stakeholders and power brokers to seek their approval and support.

BY ANAYO OKOLI

P

ERHAPS, due to the promise of Governor Orji to cede the seat to Ukwa/Ngwa political bloc, it is not surprising that most of the aspirants now in the race are from the area.

Stating his resolve to cede power to Ukwa/Ngwa during a recent reception organized in his honour by Abia South people, Orji told them: "I have given a sense of belonging to the Ukwa/ Ngwa people to assert themselves."

"In every century, God brings out a person that comes to lay a foundation. It is my belief that once you lay a good foundation on how power will rotate as far as governorship is concerned, it is going to be in the interest of Abia State."

"No section will be marginalized in Abia. Ukwa/ Ngwa have never been governor, what is wrong in allowing them produce a governor? A lot of people from other zones have come to me to say, 'I want to be governor' and I will tell them straight away, this is my stand."

"Equity demands that the right thing should be done.

They may hate me but within me, I am convinced that I am doing the right thing."

state yet to govern the state.

Though Governor Orji made his promise of power shift apparently on the basis of that fact that Abia South has yet to govern the state, it has not stopped some Ukwa Ngwa aspirants from Abia Central from showing interest.

Also, some people from the other zones, especially those from Isiukwuato are still angling to give the Ukwa/ Ngwa people a run for their money as they argue that power is not given but taken. Again, they argue that in all the past contests, people from Ukwa/ Ngwa contested for the governorship position, hence their insistence on contesting in 2015 alongside Ukwa/Ngwa people.

With the governor's assurance, all manner of aspirants from Ukwa/Ngwa have indicated interest, some seriously, while others are apparently out for political spoil.

Below is peep into the profiles of the contenders and pretenders to the throne.

Enyinnaya Abaribe Senator Abaribe an economist, was at one time regarded as the undisputed political leader of Abia South with ability to make and unmake. He has lately been

With the governor's assurance, all manner of aspirants from Ukwa/ Ngwa have indicated interest, some serious while others are apparently out for political spoil

,

"Our party, PDP believes in power rotation and sharing according to political blocs.

After convincing people on this I will not like to have any problem in this zone. What we know is Ukwa/ Ngwa. It is open for you; go and contest."

"Any person who emerges as the guber candidate of our party from this zone, we are going to support that person."

"People should not be afraid because this is something that involves contest; you have to put in your best, your finances and everything you have. We have made a statement and it is in the best interest of the state."

Controversy has, however, trailed that promise given that most of the Ukwa Ngwa people live in Abia South Senatorial district, the only region of the

•Orji: Race to succeed him hots up

,

rivalled by a number of others who he helped to build. He has one of the most extensive political structures on ground in Abia South and his name is synonymous with the Otu-Onu [one term] slogan, which was a great struggle to stop Kalu from having second term in 2003. He looms large in the political consciousness of Ngwa people because of his many battles against former Governor Kalu.

Friday Nwosu A lawyer by training, Friday Nwosu, fiercely battled former Governor Orji Kalu during the Otu-Onustruggle in opposing a second term for the former governor of the state which endeared him to the people of Abia South.

Wogu: Will he take the bait?

•Nwaogu: Only woman

•Abaribe: Strong on ground

Emeka Wogu Wogu, a lawyer, is the Labour and Productivity minister with extensive goodwill at the grassroots flowing from his time serving as a local government chairman in the nineties and subsequently, though a reputation as a goal getter at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFAC and now as as a minister.

Wogu is fiercely loyal to President Goodluck Jonathan and also to Governor Theodore Orji. He served under Orji as as political adviser to Governor Kalu while the governor was Chief of Staff. He has not mae his intentions known as he is still at his duty post in Abuja.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. She is a great mobiliser who can pull surprises in any political contest as in 2007 when she shocked many by defeating two more experienced politicians, Senator Chris Adighije and Senator Bob Nwanunu for the Abia Central seat.

Though her ambition has been receiving knocks from some people, she has not relented as she has continued to consult widely including traditional rulers.

has scaled down his pursuit of the plum seat.

Nkechi Nwaogu A banker, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu is for now the only female aspirant for the position.

In fact she is also for now, the only person who has openly declared her ambition to the leadership of her party, the

Uzo Aubuike A lawyer and presently a member of the House of Representatives, Azubuike's name was among the first touted to succeed Governor Orji. At a time, it was rumoured that he had been endorsed by the governor and he almost went about with that impression until the governor openly denied endorsing anybody. Since then Azubuike

Okezie Ikpeazu Okezie Ikpeazu is the deputy general manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA).

He is in-charge of cleaning up Aba and environs. Ikpeazu's name recently came into the governorship race like a thunderbolt following rumours that he had been endorsed by the Abia first family to succeed Governor Orji. It took an open denial from the government for the man to go back and concentrate on his assigned duty of cleaning up Aba. That rumour may work against him.

Eric Acho Nwakama Acho Nwakanma, a biochemist who rose through the state House of Assembly to become deputy speaker of the House, and subsequently

Continues on page 41

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—41

Ajimobi is doing the unthinkable in Oyo

Akala years, you are having interface with Ajimobi.

You don’t have to see him.

Have many of us have ever seen Goodluck Jonathan before? No, but Nigerians can write a thousand pages of papers on who he is and they won’t be wrong.

— Adedayo

D

R. Festus Adedayo, a former journalist, was Special Adviser to Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State and following that a hiatus of four years before he got his present appointment as Special Adviser to the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. In this interview, he reviews developments in Oyo State and speaks on how the present administration is breaking taboos in politics, infrastructure development among others. Excerpts:

BY OLA AJAYI

H

OW would you assess the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi since he assumed office in 2011?

The best way to assess the government is to cast one’s mind back to what was before May 2011. Oyo state was one big violent theatre where chaos and disorder reigned.

Gangsters literally took over the whole state. You will recall the murder of one Eleweomo where the former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, was fingered before he was released.

The pedigree of the governor as a hater of violence and one who would deal with any fomenter of brigandage has also helped to stem the tide of violence. This has helped a lot as several investors, whose investments were not guaranteed under the violent governments, are in the state now.

Night life is returning to the state as witnessed by the multiplicity in the number of night clubs in the state capital.

Talking generally about infrastructure, we are all living witnesses to the transformation ongoing in the state. We had never seen this before. It is such that we get unsolicited commendations from across the world.

The general consensus is that, it’s either the past governments had been grossly inept or that this government has a midastouch that is uncommon. So overall, I will say that the state is witnessing a government that is unique.

A PDP stalwart, said no governor has served the state twice meaning Governor Ajimobi will not be given a second chance.

Some of these so-called elders are actually selfish and selfcentred. When this same man had his daughter in Ajimobi’s cabinet, did he ever say this?

Now that the governor said he could no longer continue the burden, he (Adeojo) suddenly resorted to that wonky logic of Ibadan doesn’t serve a governor twice.

Ask yourself, are we saying

Ibadan people are so in love with retrogression that if they see a governor that is developing their land and serving their interest, they will elect not to continue this spiral of development?

No, Ibadan people love development and whoever gives it to them would be their darling. The truth of the matter is that the elite are like fundamentalists who impose their enemies on God; that their enemies must be the enemies of God. The ordinary people of the state love development but the elite always like to renew their insatiable patronage and patrimony.

What caused the cold war between the governor and two APC senators- Olufemi Lanlehin and Ayo Adeseun which led to the defection of Lanlehin?

With due respect to politicians, with the exception of a very few, they share symbiotic relationship with prostitutes. For money and power, they will sacrifice even a son. The allegory they use to explain their placement in

•Adedayo political parties is that of food and the table.

Many people don’t even know that many of those highly placed politicians we revere don’t have any regard or respect for the moral principles that underscore human relationships.

As a journalist of many years and a political scientist, you will be amazed at the raw data of treachery and human capacity for mischief that I gather in government on a daily basis.

On a personal basis, I am saddened.

When I was in Enugu and saw similar treacherous inclinations from our brothers in the East, I used to run into

my ethnic shield to say that Yoruba people harbor traitors, political or social; that it won’t happen here. The quantum of treachery I see in the system here is alarming and worse.

Observers say the governor is too far away from the people.

Let us jointly define that ‘far away.’ Is the governor expected to be going to their doorsteps on a day-to-day basis?

From my own understanding of the concept, the moment you ply a well-paved road constructed by Ajimobi, switch on your tap and water runs, government protects you from the violence of the Ladoja/

What endeared you to Governor Ajimobi that made you accept the offer to work with him, money or fame?

No. Let’s begin from what endeared me to him. I am a beneficiary of his firmness. At the beginning of this government when he nominated me, a top leader of the party said that Ajimobi would pick me only over his dead body because I used to attack him with my pen while I was at the Tribune.

But the governor told him that he had surveyed the landscape and he found me to be suitable for the office.

So he over-ruled the leader and chose me. But to the glory of God, and at the risk of sounding immodest, I have acquitted myself very well since then. Without being immodest, I was more famous as a reporter/journalist and columnist than I am at the moment.

So, fame couldn’t have been the excitement. I am, however, interested in navigating from the theory of journalism to practice. It is my kind that can practice journalism better now as I have seen the nooks and crannies of power.

I know the weight of the pen better now. Some of those things we sit in the confines of our newsrooms to write can set a whole state ablaze and make many to lose their jobs.

Ochendo's vision and his playmakers Continues from page 40 deputy governor to Governor Orji, he remains a close confidant of the governor.

It is said that were it in the hands of the governor to give out, he would without hesitation bequeath the office to his friend. One major drawback for him is that he is said to be extremely too gentle to handle a state like Abia.

Alex Oti Dr. Alex Oti, the group managing director of Diamond Bank, is being mentioned as one of Orji's possible successors. A close pal of the governor, Oti, who hails from Arochukwu in Abia North, is said to be an Ngwa man from origin, precisely a native of Umuoru, Umuehim in Ehi Na Uguru autonomous

community, in Nvosi area, Isiala Ngwa South Local Council of the state.

In fact, his Ngwa kinsmen have started wooing him to join the race. Already, some traditional rulers from Ngwa land, who claim to know his roots, are mobilizing for a reception to welcome him home to Ngwa land. And true to expectation, Oti is currently erecting an edifice in his native village.

According to his traditional ruler, Eze Edward Emenelu Eluwa, Alex is a freeborn of Ngwa Land. "His father, Lazarus Oti by name, attended the same school with me at College Practice School, Ihe. He was born and bred in Umuoru, Umuehim in Ehi Na Uguru," the monarch said.

Marc Wabara Marc Wabara hails from

Ohambele in Ukwa East Local Council. His name has been remotely mentioned as an aspirant though not much has been heard from him on this project.

With the influence of his elder brother and former Senate President Adophus, his connection as a foremost banker and glut of aspirants in core Ngwa land, luck may smile on him as he is from Ukwa area.

He is not entirely a novice in the game as he also indicated interest in 2007 but later withdrew.

Chris Nkwonta Chris Nkwonta is an established businessman and believed to have deep pockets.

He is also said to be known for a lot of philanthropic activities.

A native of Akwete in Ukwa East Local Council, Nkwonta's name was one of the early

names linked to the governorship seat but of recent it has not been featuring strongly. He is rather being linked more with the race for Abaribe's Abia South Senatorial seat. But one of his supporters said he has not closed that chapter because in politics, anything can happen.

Incidentally, all the aspirants mentioned above are of Ukwa/ Ngwa bloc and members of PDP. Aspirants from other axes and political parties are expected to join the race.

Already, names of immediate Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika and Oil magnate, Chief Uche Ogar of Masters Energy, all from Isiukwuato area are being touted as having interest in Governor Orji'fs seat. Also from APC, Chief Ikechi Emenike, also a non-Ngwa is said to be interested.

42—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Super Eagles, U.S.A. and Brazil 2014

Akunyili and the Nigerian death rumour syndrome

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ENULTIMATE week, fiery former NAFDAC boss Dora Akunyili joined the list of notable Nigerians whose deaths were announced before they actually happened. Former dictator Sani Abacha was declared dead long before his actual demise in June 1998. The mood of the nation had mostly been one of unfortunate relief for obvious reasons. A most convoluted political knot had been untied, or might have been had the passing of the late MKO Abiola not come so closely at its heels. When Abiola, the man who was to have reclaimed the mandate given to him to preside over their affairs by the president on June 12 1993 was reported dead barely a month afterwards, the nation itself faced another impending crisis. The hands behind the scene were to throw the spanner in the works and come up with a formula that would have another Yoruba man take Abiola’s place.

The people of the South-west of Nigeria had not shown so much enthusiasm at the ‘picking’ of General Obasanjo, a convict of treason in Abacha’s kangaroo court and himself an Abeokuta man. This disaffection was to alter most suddenly and most dramatically with rumours of Obasanjo’s death after having been declared winner of the 1999 presidential elections. The Yorubas had taken to the streets en-masse, protesting perceived foul play until the rumours had been dispelled. Obasanjo was himself to take on the unenviable role of dispelling rumours of the demise of the man who would be his successor. No sooner had the PDP presidential candidate in the 2007 elections been confirmed than the rumour mill went to work about the state of the would-be president’s health.

Actual decease The gentleman in question, then Governor Umaru Yaradua, had on his part kept mum. At a rally days after his annointing, the outgoing President Olusegun Obasanjo called the man he had personally picked to succeed him in his hospital room and, holding the microphone to the telephone, bellowed: “The papers say you are dead. Umaru! Are you dead?” The words have been written in marble.

The irony had not been lost on anyone on that occasion, but president Yaradua’s demise was to have been rumoured so many times that his actual demise, when it had come, had inspired such intrigue that there were some who believed it would break the country apart. It was one of the dark periods of our nation’s chequered history and thankfully, it has all been laid to rest and we’ve all got back to getting along.

After him, the Biafran warlord who sought to be president of the country he once attempted to secede from, had been flown abroad for medical attention. In August, 2011, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu was reported dead, only for the Special Adviser on Media to then Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Mr Valentine Obienyem, to dispel the rumours. Other prominent Nigerians who read their own obituaries include former GtBank Managing Director Tayo Aderinokun, who was first rumoured to have died months before he

•Late Prof. Dora Akunyili actually did in 2011; as well as international Nigerian pop sensation, D’Banj. The singer was falsely declared dead, after it was reported that he was shot on Sunday June 3, 2012, when he was returning from a visit to his G.O.O.D Music label boss, Kanye West, at his Atlanta house in Georgia.

In our country, mental and physical illnesses are phenomena about which sufferers and their relatives are ashamed. It appears of no consequence that the illness is no fault of the sufferers. This unfortunate tendency not only deprives sufferers of required support and empathy, it also prevents the sharing of information of medical advances and new treatments that might otherwise be life saving. Also worrisome is the tendency to pounce gleefully on bad news, particularly when it has to do with the demise of public figures and politicians- offering our sympathies and playing to the gallery with our jamboree-style obsequies.

Previous statements Equally bothersome is that in this great age of communication, our country still does not have structures in place to sift information and confirm stories of national importance; the populace is completely dependent on the whims and agenda of the individuals putting out the information. The same PR machinery which had originally denied the existence of ill health in the first instance is now issuing out statements to deny demise. Questions necessarily arise as to the credibility of the information being put out if previous statements had been found to be false. But by far most disturbing, when our public figures are in poor health, is the tendency to fly them to other countries for treatment; and these days not necessarily First World countries. It bears emphasizing that this trend not only enriches those other countries materially, but scientifically, enabling them to usurp roles for which our teaching hospitals were established and are funded.

Unfortunately, if statistics are any way to judge, the rumour that usually goes the way of rumour, with the outstanding exception of Olusegun Obasanjo, who waxes strong by all indication more than 16 years after the rumour of his demise.

There is no doubt whatsoever that Dora Akunyili is beloved of every good Nigerian; and even the bad ones must pretend to be keen on her in order to be politically correct.

It is definitely not in the interest of any group, individual or nation at large for the professor to leave us sooner than she ought to.

Hopefully, we will not be reading her real obituary for a long time.

This piece was written before the eventual demise of Prof. Dora Akunyili, weekend.— Editor

WATCHED the Super Eagles take a 2-1 beating in the hands of Jurgen Klinsman’s U.S.A. team,in the company of some Kenyans and a young Nigerian friend on a visit from Columbus, Ohio.

Watching the Super Eagles with Kenyans is almost as good as watching the match in Lagos or Abuja. Kenyans always amaze me with their knowledge of Nigerian star footballers, from the golden days of Rashid Yekini down to the modern era. Should you travel to Kenya where I was a resident for a number of years, don’t be surprised to find some public transport vehicles bearing the names of former Nigerian soccer idols. I have seen some of them with the names “Jay Jay Okocha” and “Taribo West” boldly written on their side frame.

When the Super Eagles players stepped onto the field in Jacksonville, Florida, to take on their U.S. hosts in the pre-world cup friendly, my group was full of optimism that the U.S. team was in for a few tutorials on the intricacies of modern soccer. But, barely ten minutes into the game, our pre-match optimism evaporated.

It wasn’t because we thought the U.S. was the superior team. Neither did we conclude that the Eagles were intimidated and could not control the soccer ball. Rather, our deflated expectation arose from their lackadaisical approach to the game.

Lackadaisical approach It was as if the players were being forced to play and they demonstrated their indignation by taking those decidedly confident, but slow and cavalier kick-the-ball-tome-I-kick-it-back-to-you attitude.

In the end, the U.S. team won not so much because they were the better team, but because they were more business like and hungry to get the goals.

Nonetheless, I believe it would be a miscalculation and error to judge the preparedness of the Eagles for Brazil 2014 on the basis of their loss to the U.S. Yes, lessons should be learned from the team’s match against the U.S., but it is imperative to allow Coach Stephen Keshi to remain firmly on the driver’s seat. There is the ever-present temptation for everyone to be a pseudo coach of the Super Eagles.

The fact, however, remains that the Super Eagles have only one coach, Keshi, and he should be given the leeway to do his job.

Even as the World Cup is barely hours away, the avalanche of criticisms over Keshi’s choice of players will not abate. At this late hour, me thinks that there are still people who religiously believe thatKeshi ought to have been ditched for a foreign coach! Those distrac-

tions are not needed at this point.

The coach should be left alone to tackle the huge task ahead.

Here, the example of the same U.S. team that beat the Eagles should be instructive. Last week, Jurgen Klinsmann stirred the hornet in U.S. soccer circle. Against popular expectations, he dropped Landon Donovan from the team to Brazil. Donovan is the undisputed face of American soccer. But to Klinsmann Donovan did not fit into his strategy for Brazil.

Sports analysts and writers could not imagine such audacity, the rough equivalent of dropping Sunday Oliseh from the Super Eagles in the old days of soccer glory in Nigeria.

Klinsmann did not budge. It has since emerged that he practically acted alone in his decision to drop Donovan and make Clint Dempsey his captain, yet another surprise.

He later explained that his idea of a soccer team’s captain was someone to hold the team together in good and bad times, not necessarily the person with the skills of Pele.

For now, Klinsmann has been left alone to do the job. But, I suspect there will be a harsh post mortem after Brazil 2014.

Our soccer bosses, fans and the like should accord Keshi the same dignity and respect as the U.S. soccer managers have accorded Klinsmann. Everyone agrees that now is not the time to expect the U.S. to win the soccer world cup. The expectation is that Klinsmann should take the U.S. soccer team to a new level that demonstrates some great stride from where the team was prior to his arrival in 2011. To his credit, Klinsmann has since revamped the team, bringing in talented players with U.S. parentage from wherever he could find them. The best example perhaps is teenager Julian Green who was snatched away by Klinsmann from the German national team that has already earmarked him for a future call-up to play for Germany.

What expectation does Nigeria have for Keshi and the Super Eagles team? I’m pretty sure that I’ll spoil some people’s football appetite on the eve of the world’s greatest football fiesta by saying that Nigeria is not about to win the 2014 soccer world cup. So, we cannot judge Keshi on that score as it would be unrealistic to do so. The question is, now that his team will be tested against the very best the world has to offer, what grade will the team earn at the end of the day?

If Keshi takes the Super Eagles to the quarter final stage, something Nigeria is yet to achieve in its soccer history, I’ll give him an ‘A’ grade because that will objectively inform everyone that Keshi has taken the team to a new level.

If not, I’ll still shake his hands and let the managers of Nigeria’s football take it from there.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—43

Majority of 253.5m migrant workers worldwide are African youths— OATUU

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

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ENEVA—SECRETARY General of Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, OATUU, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, has said that by International Labour Organisation, ILO’s records, “there are about 253.5 million migrants all over the world and many are African youths.”

He said ILO is trying to ensure that migrant workers and domestic workers have their rights respected, and are entitled to decent work.

Lakemfa said studies revealed that “migrant workers are over taxed, they work a lot

and can hardly save.”

With the growing rate of violence against migrant workers, OATUU also called on African governments to take more interest in the welfare of their citizens working in other countries.

It wants African states to ensure that labour and fundamental rights are respected.

Nigeria has a significant number of its citizens working outside the country just as it has migrants mainly in the petroleum sector of the economy.

It also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress,

NLC; Trade Union Congress, TUC, and other trade union centres in Africa to be more active in the, ILO’s activities to prevent the marginalisation of Africa.

On the job summit entitled Ougadougou Plus 10, scheduled to hold in September, Lakemfa said, OATUU observed that the 2004 summit lacked follow-up and implementation monitoring plans.

He said, therefore, OATUU has decided that “we as trade unions should be more interested. What we can do is to ensure that governments implement decisions taken in Ougadougou.”

He said OATUU is concerned about insecurity in African countries as “over a third of African countries are in conflict situations,” adding that without addressing the issue of insecurity, it would be difficult to create job opportunities.

On Africa’s representation at the ILO, Mr. Lakemfa said organisations like the NLC can use its significant representation at the conference to influence issues at the ILO. Africa has three slots of the 14 titular membership of the Governing Body of ILO and there are attempts to reduce to slot of Africa.

SOUTH-EAST GOVS MEET: From left— Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State; Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr. Eze Madumere; Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State and Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke, addressing pressmen after South-East governors meeting in Enugu, yesterday.

Anambra gets aviation college

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new aviation college is set to be established in Anambra State. This brings Federal Government-owned aviation colleges to two.

The college, to be established at Ogbaru in Ogbaru Local Government Area, will be affiliated to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, of the same state.

The foundation laying ceremony was performed by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETF, Dr. Musa Babayo.

According to Babayo, the college, when completed will provide the critical facilities needed for training of first class aviation profe-ssionals that will be used by the aviation industry in Nigeria West Africa.

He said: “This is the idea of President Goodluck Jonathan in his desire to comprehensively transform aviation, rehabilitate, consolidate and reconstruct educational infrastructure in all tertiary education institutions in the country.”

ACF, Northern govs tasked on Boko Haram

Ohanaeze, Obaze, others mourn Akunyili

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA— TRIBUTES have continued to flow, following the death of Professor Dora Akunyili, former Minister of Information and Communications, who was a delegate to the ongoing national conference.

Anambra State chairman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Chris Eluemunoh, who is also a member of the national conference, said in Awka yesterday that the news of Akunyili’s death was shocking.

He described Akunyili as one of the front campaigners for good governance in the country, adding that he had hoped that the former National Agency for Food Administration and Control, NAFDAC, boss would survive the sickness that kept her out of the national conference.

According to him, Akunyili is among those that have

expressed serious concern over the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls and the level of insecurity and other challenges facing the country.

In his tribute, the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, SSG, Mr. Oseloka Obaze, described Akunyili as a spirited,

courageous and untiring woman with the uncanny guts to speak her mind.

Obaze said: “She was an invaluable asset to Nigeria and a role model to many aspiring public servants. I had known her for several years, but got to know her better when she served as a member of the Peter Obi Administration

Handover Committee, which I chaired.”

Also paying tribute to Akunyili, the Anambra State leader of People’s Progressives Alliance, PPA, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, said that the news of her death came as a shock as it was believed she was responding to treatment in an Indian hospital.

AVIATION: Senate vows to monitor $500m loan

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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BUJA— THE Senate has promised to ensure adequate utilisation of the $500 million Chinese loan the Federal Government collected to complete the ongoing projects in the nation’s airports and vowed to resist any attempt to undermine the revolution in the aviation sector.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who stated this when his committee met with the Ministry of Aviation and relevant stakeholders in the aviation sector yesterday, explained that the loan was made available to the ministry for proper execution and completion of airport terminals.

Senator Uzodimma disclosed that the counterpart

funding of $100 million from the Federal Government had been made available, so the $500 million loan would be effective for project execution.

According to him, the ministry has a seven-year pay back plan for the loan and is expected to generate the money once the airports become functional. He added that the payment plan would start next month.

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

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WKA— THE former President-General of Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, Chief Pius OzohAnaekwe, has urged the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and the Northern Governors Forum to shun personal interests and focus attention on how to end the incessant killings and kidnappings in the North by Boko Haram insurgents.

Speaking in Onitsha, Ozo-Anaekwe advised sympathisers of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls to take their protests to Borno State if they were sincere about the release of the girls, instead of going to Abuja ‘to seek for notice in the name of protesting for the release of the girls.’

44—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Urhobo Orators mourn Mama Teshoma

NECA sets job creation agenda for FG

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BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE ENEVA—THE Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, NECA, has called on Federal Government to improve on the security situation and infrastructure in the country to boost job opportunities.

It was also suggested that government should focus on skills development to make youths employable.

The Director-General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Osinowo gave this condition while speaking with Vanguard in Geneva, Switzerland.

Speaking on the potentials of African countries to tackle unemployment, Mr. Osinowo said: “Africa has the potential, but it will depend on a number of factors.

“First, the imperative for peace is important, because no matter how potentially rich you are, if you cannot guarantee the security and safety of your investment, then your potential amounts to nothing.

“Secondly, infrastructure is key but we have huge deficit of infrastructure in Africa “Thirdly, is the stability of our government in terms of consistent implementation of economic and fiscal policies in the countries. These are the factors that must be put into consideration to make the realisation of the potentials in the continent a reality.”

Making specific reference to transportation and infrastructure in Nigeria, Mr. Osinowo said: “If we take our road infrastructure as an example, it is a huge challenge moving products on our roads in Nigeria.”

On privatisation and availability of power in

R. Godspower Efiawhare, Grand Orator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GOFR, has condoled with Uncle Sam Amuka, Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, on the death of his mother, Mama Teshoma Amuka-Pemu.

Efiawhare, in a statement in Lagos, yesterday, said: “On behalf of members of National Association of Urhobo Orators Nationwide, we commiserate with Uncle Sam Amuka of Vanguard newspapers on the passing on to eternal glory of his mother, Mama Teshoma AmukaPemu, at the age of109 years.

“We also commiserate with other members of Amuka family, Godfrey, Israel Amuka and Ochuko Aminaghan.”

Seminar

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ENATOR Anthony Adefuye and Professor Pat Utomi are expected as guest speakers at the seminar organised

by Political Science Students Association, POSSA, of St. Augustine College of Education, holding tomorrow at the college's premises.

Former Lagos State gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Jimmy Agbaje, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa and Chairman, Ebute MettaYaba LCDA, Olajide Jimoh, will be honoured at the event.

Nigeria, the NECA Director General said despite privatisation, government must retain its interest in that sector.

He said: “Privatisation will not guarantee stable electricity supply and you cannot expect the private sector operators, given the enormity of the deficit in the sector, to handle the deficit

in a short time.

“It is a medium and long term project and government cannot simply wash its hands off the power sector because it has been privatised. Government still has a role to play”.

On calls for the removal of petroleum subsidy, he advised government to take steps to

NASS tasked on gender quota

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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EMBERS of the National Assembly have been admonished to ensure the inclusion of gender quota system in the country ’s constitution to encourage women participation in politics.

This was part of resolutions reached at the second series of the Women in Government and Politics Conference, Africa Edition 2014, with the theme A

Model for Change: Gender Quotas and Expanding Female Participation in Politics, held in Lagos.

The conference, organised by the Winihin Jemide Series and chaired by the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Joseph Habineza, also called for a compliance mechanism to be put in place to ensure strict compliance with the law.

Participants also called on advocacy groups to improve the

quality of advocacy on gender emergence and female participation in politics, while urging women groups to offer more support to women aspiring to hold public office.

A statement at the end of the conference read in part: “The conference agreed that African governments must re-commit themselves to the education of women and provide the opportunities to empower women with necessary life skills.”

Seek legal solution to crisis, NBA urges IPMAN

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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HE President, Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called on Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigerian, IPMAN, to seek legal solution to its leadership crisis, rather than call for Federal Government’s intervention in a matter already in court.

The NBA President, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), in a letter addressed to IPMAN President, said: “Our attention has been drawn to a report in the media, wherein you were reported to have handed down a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to intervene in what your union termed the abuse of judicial process in the protracted leadership crisis within IPMAN, failing which you will mobilise members for nationwide strike.

“Without prejudice to the inalienable rights of your union to issue ultimatum to the Federal Government and your right to a protest, we should however, inform you that NBA is averse to any form of intervention by the Federal Government in a judicial process, being mindful of the doctrine of separation of powers and our determined efforts to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the Bar. “We perfectly understand your frustration about the protracted crisis, and litigation that has ensued, but we believe that your statement was over the board, with regards to the denigrating attacks on the judiciary and the invitation of the Federal Government to intervene in a judicial process.

“If you perceive any

misconduct by any judicial officer or legal practitioner in the process, please feel very free to send your complaint to the CJN and Chairman, National Judicial Council, Justice Aloma Mukhtar, and for the legal practitioners, to my office, and I give you our assurances that it will be expeditiously dealt with.

“The capacity of the CJN to adequately deal with such situations promptly has been acknowledged by all and sundry and same for the NBA. You also have the option of going to the Court of Appeal, unless of course, if you complain of misconduct.

“This said we trust that you will take the appropriate steps in ventilating the grievances you have against the judgment of Justice Valentine Ashi of the High Court, Abuja.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

refine products locally as part of efforts to generate employment.

He said it was not a question of removing subsidy from petroleum and putting it on electricity as suggested by a trade union, but to take a holistic look at what was best for Nigeria and Nigerians.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On negotiation over Chibok girls

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HE US, whom we are relying on to save the Chibok girls, just exchanged prisoners with the Taliban. Israel, another country that came to our aid, swapped hundreds of Hamas fighters for one soldier.

So let us wake up!— Mrs Morenike Iyoke, Businesswoman.

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OES it mean that Nigeria does not have what it takes to fight these terrorist?

Why can’t they just equip the soldiers and give them all it takes to fight the Boko Haram Islamist sect? God will save those girls in Jesus name.— Mr. Destiny Udochukwu, Footballer.

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OKO Haram sponsors should ask them to release the girls unconditionally.

I consider this part of the negotiation protocol.

Though it is not enough, but it is some first step in the right direction. Let the negotiation continue.— Mr. Udobia Etukudo, Businessman.

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OKO Haram is running out of steam not knowing what to do with the girls. The propaganda war starts with the private video for the President. The longer it takes to negotiate with Shekau, the more rapidly he falls apart at the seams.— Mr. Kingsley Ejike, Worker.

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HIS thing is dragging for too long because the President and his wife never believed from the beginning that those girls were truly abducted. I didn’t imagine that these girls would have to suffer like this. This is the height of insensitivity.— Mr. Usman Adamu, Worker.

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wonder when Boko Haram will video the girls begging the President Jonathan to come to their rescue and then give it to him to watch. Hundreds of girls left to their fate. To me, it all sounds unreal.

Well, this is just my opinion about it.— Ms. Tina Mba, Student.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—45

UPC accepts Omo-Agege's resignation as National Chair

NBC denies ceding Cross River villages to Cameroon

BY FESTUS AHON

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

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BUJA—THE National Boundary Commission, NBC, yesterday, denied the allegation that it had ceded some communities in Cross River State to Cameroon in the on-going pillar reconstruction exercise along the Cameroon Boundary.

Head, Media and Publicity of NBC, Toyin Baker, in a statement, said neither the current nor the previous exercises undertaken by the CameroonNigeria Mixed Commission had the effect of ceding any Nigerian community or territory to Cameroon.

Baker explained that the current exercise is to “clearly demarcate the legally known and accepted boundary between Nigeria and Cameroon in Cross River, Benue and Taraba States."

Christians kick against proposal to impose taxes on churches

BY AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

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ARRI— THE Chairman, Delta State Chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Pius Odioko, has kicked against the proposal by the National Conference Committee to impose taxes on churches, saying it will attract the wrath of God on the country.

Odioko, who spoke yesterday in Warri, Delta State, on behalf of PFN, wondered when the confab delegates became lawmakers.

According to the Presiding Bishop of Jesus Dominion Church, the confab delegates should concentrate on issues that will restore Nigeria’s dwindling image and the terrorism challenges facing the country.

“I am shocked and amazed that with the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria, it is the Church that the delegates decide to tax, instead of focusing their energy on important and serious matters."

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FUNERAL MASS: From left: Chief Mike Itemuagbor (son), Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Inspector-General of Police, at the funeral mass for late Chief Pius Itemuagbor at the Mary Mother of God Catholic Church, Okpekpe-Auchi, last weekend.

CCECC workers protest firm's refusal to recognise union

BY CHIOMA ONUEGBU

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YO—CONSTRUCTION work on the Eket-Ibeno and Eket Etinan dualised roads in Akwa Ibom State came to a halt, Sunday, as workers of China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC, embarked on strike protesting the management’s alleged refusal to allow them to hold union election.

Hundreds of the aggrieved workers were seen at the company’s site it Ikot Ekpan in Nsit Ubium and Ibeno Local Government Areas of the state, where they barricaded all the entrances to the company and displayed placards with the inscription ‘No Union, No Work.’

Vanguard gathered that the face-off between the workers and the CCECC management started when the authorities of the company cancelled the workers’ union election which was scheduled to hold on Friday.

Investigations revealed that the

election which was to be jointly supervised by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers, NUCECFWW, was however, cancelled after the workers had waited in the rain for hours for the election.

When contacted, the NLC state chairman, Mr. Unyime Usoro, who boycotted the botched Friday election, said that he stayed away because of his suspicion that the CCECC management was trying to manipulate the exercise.

The angry workers, who turned up at the company’s site both on Saturday and Sunday refused to do any work despite threats of sack by the company, insisting that they would stay off work until the management allowed them to establish a union that will protect their interests.

Some of the workers inter-

viewed separately accused the company of working against the workers’ union in the company, even as they had operated in the state for over 10 years without a workers' union.

They lamented that the absence of a workers’ union in the company had brought them untold hardship as management had consistently treated them with ignominy and high-handedness as evidenced in poor working conditions, poor remuneration and lack of implementation of the National Joint Industrial Council, NJIC, condition of service for workers in the country.

A driver with the company, who spoke on the ground of anonymity lamented: “We are treated like slaves by our masters. You need to see how soldiers guarding the Chinese beat us up during work.

They order the soldiers to flog us if we say or do anything they don’t like.”

We'll employ 2,000 youths into Neighbourhood Watch —Oshiomhole

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that over 2,000 youths of the state will be employed under the yet to be re-constituted Neighbourhood Watch.

The Neighbourhood Watch was disbanded last year by the governor after the recruitment of the members was hijacked by

politicians.

Oshiomhole, who addressed youths from Edo Central senatorial district under the aegis of the Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration, led by Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, said the recruitment must be transparent.

Oshiomhole alleged that some politicians who defect-

ed recently to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP were the reason why the outfit was dissolved.

He said: “I discovered that a lot of our political leaders, thank God they have left, when they were told to bring people, they only brought their sons and daughter and even now that they have left, they left their children in government."

G H E L L I — URHOBO Political Congress, UPC, has accepted the voluntary resignation of Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege as its National Chairman. The resignation is sequel to his decision to join the 2015 gubernatorial race in Delta State.

UPC in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, said: “At the joint meeting of Elders Council and National Executive Council of UPC, the leadership of UPC considered and accepted the voluntary resignation of Omo-Agege as its National Chairman in pursuit of his gubernatorial aspiration.

“It commended his statesmanship for the voluntary resignation which is fundamental in keeping the integrity of the organisation intact. The leadership thanked OmoAgege for providing the desired leadership for the short time he was there as the National Chairman."

Delta pharmacists seek equal opportunities for healthcare providers

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ELTA State Chairman of Nigeria Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists, NAHAP, Dr. Kingsley Amibor, has said that the panacea for a more stable and strike action free healthcare delivery service in the state, was the just and equal recognition of health and medical professionals.

Amibor who led other members of NAHAP to the state Commissioner of Health, Dr. Josehp Otumara, urged him to use his position as a member of the National Council of Health to prevail on the state government and other stakeholders to evolve a policy that will ensure equality of all professionals in the health sectors.

46—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Minister pledges to tackle desertification in Zamfara

Bauchi APC inaugurates exco

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday inaugurated its state executive to run the affairs of the party in the next four years.

The APC state Legal Adviser, Mr Lawal Ibrahim who inaugurated the committee in Bauchi, said the election which brought the members into their various offices was free and fair. ’’The inauguration of the state executives is in line with the constitution of the party whose sole responsibility is to run the affairs of the party.

Responding, the new Chairman, Alhaji Uba Nana described the mandate given to the state executive as a litmus test of their ability to move the party forward ahead of 2015 e l e c t i o n s .

Other members are; Mr Buhari Disina, secretary; Alhaji Auwalu Aliyu, Publicity Secretary; Sa’adatu Mamud, Woman Leader and Muktari Ubandoma as the Financial Secretary.

Agency arrests 1,000 stray animals in Kaduna

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ADUNA—THE Kaduna Environment Protection Authority, KEPA, said on Monday that it had arrested more than 1,000 stray animals.

The General Manager of the Agency, Alhaji Sani Aminu, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Kaduna that the animals were arrested within the last 12 months.

Aminu said the animals comprising dogs, sheep, goats and pigs were arrested for disturbing traffic flow and causing accidents within the city.

He, however, said about 400 of the animals were claimed by their owners after paying penalties to the a g e n c y .

Aminu said the recent increase in public complaints about the menace caused by such animals necessitated the arrest.

“We receive more than 20 complaints in a day on the menace of the animals.”

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SYMPOSIUM: The Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah (left) exchanging pleasantries with the Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, Dr. Hamadoun Toure at the Global Symposium for Regulators in Bahrain to solicit support for Nigeria's candidature to the ITU Council, as well as the candidature of Nigeria’s Engr. Shola Taylor for the position of Deputy Secretary General of ITU.

NIS deports 200 illegal foreigners in Jigawa BYALIYUDANGIDA

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UTSE—THE Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has deported about 200 illegal immigrants in Jigawa S t a t e .

The service said foreigners were illegally finding their ways into the state daily, adding that there was the need to get rid of t h e m .

The Commandant of the NIS

in the state, Isa Idris Jere made this known at Dutse, the state capi t a l while parading some of the illegal immigrants to newsmen before their deportation to their c o u n t r i e s .

Jere said sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country, the NIS in the state had embarked on the arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants on regular basis, adding that, all those arrested were Nigeriens, who entred the country without following the ECOWAS protocol.

His words: “As part of our efforts to rid the state of illegal immigrants, the command apprehended 77 illegal immigrants in Gumel zone and 58 from the Hadejia zone and we have, in the last two months repatriated over 350 illegal immigrants to their countries and virtually all of them were from Niger Republ i c . ” Jere advised anyone who want to stay in the state to obtain proper ECOWAS travel documents and come back through the recognised entry points, for

Insecurity: Adamawa Peacemakers hold peace conference

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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DAMAWA Peacemakers Initiative, API, has concluded plans to hold a peace conference in order to chart new paths that would increase access to education, better security, and youth employment in the troubled Northern Eastern part of Nigeria.

A statement by the API said the event, which is scheduled to hold in Yola, would be held in conjunction with the American University of Nigeria, AUN. The statement reads: ‘’The 1st AU-API International Peace & Development Conference is being promoted by the Adamawa Peacemakers Initiative, API. This is an organisation of community, religious, and business leaders partnering with AUN in peace building and educational development in the conflicted region.

The conference will be drawing over 100 participants from civil society groups, security organizations, academia, and other key stakeholder groups. ‘’Discussants at the threeday conference, which will take place at the University’s ultra-modern Dr. Robert A.

Pastor Library and e-Resource Center, are expected to offer new strategies and solutions for security programs that can guarantee peace and security, especially in the North East. ''The conference will be considering what support or reforms are needed in Nigeria, the role of religious leaders in conflict resolution and promoting understanding and toler-

ance, and how education and gender equity can promote peace and development. ‘’Several highlights of the conference will be the presentation of certificates to 260 young women and men who recently graduated from the University ’s free Information and Communications Technology, ICT training program for at-risk youth in Adamawa State.’’

USAU—THE Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam has pledged to tackle desertification in Zamfara through the implementation of the Great Green Wall, GGW Project.

Mallam gave the assurance when she paid a courtesy call on the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Kabir Danbaba yesterday.

She said her team was in the state on an advocacy visit to create awareness on the project which is aimed at combating desertification. ”We are in the state to see how far the Federal Ministry of Environment has gone with the fight against desertificat i o n . ”Federal Government knows about the negative effects of desertification and is working hard to address it. ”The government has set aside a substantial amount of money to fight desertification in the state and the frontline states affected by the chall e n g e .

“Other frontline states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Yobe.”

The minister, however, said the project could not be achieved without peace and u n i t y .

She urged the state government to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Responding, Danbaba told his guests that desertification had been a threat to the people of the state.

The emir commended the Federal Government for its timely intervention in addressing the p r o b l e m . ”We are happy that the ministry is concerned about the plight of our people and we will cooperate with you to sustain the project,” he said.

New Horizons, PECB sign pact on ISMS certification

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EADING Information Technology, IT, training company, New Horizons, has signed a partnership agreement with Professional Evaluation and Certification Board, PECB, to bring Information Security Management System, ISMS, certification and training courses considered an investment on high quality education for both individuals and various sectors in the country.

The partnership agreement will establish requirements for the periodic renewal of certification and determine compliance requirements.

PECB is a certification body which offers personnel certifi-

cations globally through its network of partners for internal auditors, auditors wanting to perform and lead ISMS certification audits Others are project managers or consultants wanting to master the ISMS audit process, chief executives and senior managers responsible for the IT governance of an enterprise/ risk management.

Members of an information security team, expert advisors in IT, technical experts preparing for information security audit function are also among the list of PECB benefactors.

Mr. Eric Lachapelle, CEO of PECB, said “We are pleased

and excited about this new partnership with New Horizons, Our objective in this collaboration with this outstanding team of professionals is to focus on quality education and invest joint efforts on offering valuable services to customers in Nigeria.”

Mr. Tim Akano, MD, New Horizons Nigeria said the company is proud of the partnership with PECB. “We are delighted to cooperate with such a leading organization in our field of operation, and we believe that this is going to be an important development for our company. We look forward to many other upcoming successes from this step undertaken.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 47

4060 firms registered to participate in mineral exploration —FG

Kogi LG disburses N107.7m SURE-P funds for 20 rural devt projects

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BUJA — THE Federal Government said, Sunday, that 60 foreign and 4,000 local companies were participating in the country’s mineral exploration.

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr Musa Sada, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Abuja that the firms had been registered to explore and exploit the minerals.

Sada said the investors were attracted to the sector because of the country’s rich mineral resources.

He said the companies were carrying out exploration on various minerals, including gold, iron ore, lead, zinc ore, coal, gypsum, barytes, kaolin, tin, cassiterite, clay, manganese and gemstones.

The minister said the companies had acquired mining titles and were at various sites doing exploration and reconnaissance activities.

He added that some of them had extracted samples and sent them to their countries of origin or relevant laboratories for analysis.

Sada said the participation of the companies in the sector would generate employment, create wealth and improve capacity utilisation of manufacturing companies, while increasing the revenue base and promoting import substitution.

However, the minister explained that exploration had no returns on investment, adding that it was just about data gathering to enable investors take plausible mining decisions.

He said there was the need for the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to educate foreign investors on the exploration and mining aspects to enable them to understand the sector better.

From left: Mr Ladi Balogun, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, First City Monument Bank Limited; Dr Jonathan Long, Chairman, FCMB Group; Mrs Funmi Adedibu, Company Secretary, FCMB Group; Otunba Michael Subomi Balogun, Founder and Mr Peter Obaseki, Managing Director, FCMB Group at the first Annual General Meeting of FCMB Group, in Lagos. PHOTO: AKEEM SALAU.

Seven die as farmers, herdsmen clash in Taraba J

ALINGO — THE Taraba Police Command, Sunday, confirmed that seven persons lost their lives in fresh clashes between farmers and cattle grazers in Ananom, Donga Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP

Joseph Kwaji, told journalists, weekend, in Jalingo that several people also sustained injuries in the clashes.

He said the Police mobilised to the area in a bid to maintain law and order, adding that normalcy had been restored to the communities.

Security challenges: Sultan asks Nigerians to turn to God

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OKOTO — THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged Nigerians to turn to God in finding solutions to some of the recurring problems in the country.

The Sultan made the call in Sokoto, yesterday, at a one-day seminar on “The Position of Islam on Begging.”

The seminar was organised by the Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Committee, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Abubakar said “we must turn to God and pray fervently for God to intervene in the affairs of Nigeria. Turning to God and living our lives according to religious injunctions are the only ways out of the current quagmire in the nation. We should also have a sense of pity toward our less privileged brothers and sisters.”

The Sultan also stressed the need for social justice, equity and fairness in the affairs of the coun-

try.

He advised clerics to shun materialism, bigotry and ceaseless power seeking, adding that “clerics should also shun all forms of provocative preaching and guide their followers aright.”

He commended Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State for putting emphasis on the growth and development of Islam.

AGOS — FLOUR Mills of Nigeria Plc has formally introduced a new product – Golden Bites Chinchin into the Nigerian snacks market The product was presented to the public during a facility tour organised for its customers at the company’s ultramodern factory at Agbara, Ogun State.

The company’s marketing C M Y K

group head, Mr. Martin Anyanwu, said they introduced Golden Bites Chinchin to provide quality and hygienically prepared ready-to-eat snacks for the mobile consumer.

According to the company’s Product Manager (Staples & Snacks), Mr. Deji Alonge, the Golden Bites Chin-chin comes in an attractive, more distinc-

He added: “Gov. Aliyu Wamakko has also ensured that good governance and efficient service delivery are the main thrust of his seven-year-old administration.

“This has happily made the state to remain peaceful, united and home to all, irrespective of our diverse religious, political and ethnic differences.”

Aviation professionals condemn House attack on agencies

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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BUJA — THE Aviation Pro fessionals Square Table has condemned the attack on the aviation agencies by the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, describing it as a ploy to blackmail the chief executives of the agencies for monetary gains.

Nigeria’s snacks market worth N250bn — Flour Mills

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Kwaji appealed to the warring parties to lay down their arms and embrace peace for meaningful development in their area.

He appealed to the people to always report suspicious persons to law enforcement agents for immediate action.

OKOJA— THE KabbaBunu Local Government Council of Kogi State has disbursed N107.7 million Subsidy Re-investment Programme, SURE-P, intervention funds for the execution of 20 rural development projects in the area.

The Chairman of the council, Mr Emmanuel Funsho, made the disclosure weekend while addressing members of the state council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, who were on assessment tour of SURE-P projects in the area.

Represented by Mr Sam Obanibi, Vice Chairman of the council, Funsho, said the 20 projects were in education, water, transport and health sectors, adding that the council had been transparent in the use of SURE-P funds intervention.

He commended the NUJ team for the concern over utilisation of public funds and delivery of democracy dividends to the people.

He said: “If there are no checks and balances, many local government councils might decide not to account for the funds allocated to them.”

Earlier, the NUJ Chairman, Mr Ali Atabor, who led the team, had urged council chairmen in the country to ensure transparency, honesty and fear of God in utilising public funds.

tive gorgeous pack and assured distributors of a large market and huge opportunity with the growth in Nigerian snacking market currently estimated at N250 billion.

In their response, the customers commended the quality of Golden Bites Chinchin and pledged their support to make the product a success.

Spokesman of the group, Engr Sule Idris, who stated this in Lagos, said: “It is purely hypocritical for Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha to say there has been no development in aviation when she attended the commissioning of remodelled terminals in Lagos, Benin and Enugu where she praised progress in the sector.”

On the loan agreement with China for the aviation sector, Idris said: They also said that Hon Onyeajioka, who flew first class along with members of her family to China to be part of the signing of the loan, will now turn around to deny its existence.

It’s a case of self denial, with a clear intention to confuse the unsuspecting public.

“For the purpose of emphasis, the loan agreement was signed by the Ministry of Finance on

behalf of Nigeria and not Ministry of Aviation, as is statutory.”

It would be recalled that while on an oversight visit to the aviation agencies in Lagos last Wednesday, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nkiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, told the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Saleh Donuma: “You are just sitting here and your money goes somewhere else, so I don’t know how you will balance that. If we say Meavis is a bad business, FirstBank should be the worse business.

"They don’t have any business collecting our revenue. I know that you should have somebody that should be collecting revenue and paying to the bank. And that person is answerable to you since you don’t have direct relationship with Avitech. It means that things are wrong.

48— Vanguard , TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

CERTIFICATION: From left: Director, Administrative and Human Capital Development, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, Mr. Samson Adegun, Director, PMO and Operational Strategy, Etisalat BIRTHDAY: From left: Rev. Ben Eragbai, founder and President, Divine Nigeria, Ms. Ndidi Okpaluba, and acting CEO, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Appointment Ministry International, celebrant, Dr. Felix Omobude, National Matthew Willsher, at the Etisalat ISO 9001:2008 certification ceremony President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Mrs. Ima Eragbai, wife of the celebrant, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Archbishop John Osa-Oni and Apostle Lawrence Achudume, during the 50th birthday of Rev Ben Eragbai in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele.

UNVEILING: From left: Ghallywood actor, Mr. Adjetey Anang, Ghallywood actress, Ms. Leonara Okine, Sales and Market Development Director, Kasapreko Company Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Richard Nwaobie, Nollywood/ Ghallywood actor, Mr. John Dumelo, Model, Ms Fola Ade, and Nollywood actor, Mr Seun Akindele, during the unveiling of Alomo Bitters TV Commercial and brand ambassadors, in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Tope Asiwaju, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods, Mr. Manpreet Singh, Head, Marketing, and Disha Agarval, Brand Manager, during the briefing on the Indomie Independent Day Award in Lagos.

Photo: Shola Oyelese.

From left: Head, Business Devt, Premium Health, Mrs. Becky Adeleye, President General, Association of Market Women and Men of Nigeria, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, and ED, Premium Health Ltd, Mrs. Folashade Okuboyejo, during the presentation of Insecticide Treated Nets, ITNs, to the association in Lagos.

PROTEST: Akwa Ibom State community, AKISOM, Ojo chapter, Lagos led by its chairman, Chief Usukuma Antia (middle) leading a protest on Bring Back Our Girls in Lagos.

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From left: Samuel Ajimati, Student of Oriwu Model College, Ikorodu, Lagos, Mrs. Ronke Matuluko, Desk Officer, Debate Education District ll, Maryland, Mrs. Margaret Solarin, Tutor General/PS, Education District ll, Maryland, Lagos, Mrs Abiodun Ogunniyi, Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, Ikorodu, and Tope Ejide, Student, during the handover of a Toyota Hiace bus to the Principal, Oriwu Senior Model College, winner of Reachout Nigeria/ Focus Initiative Secondary Schools debate 2013 in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

MTN Project Fame West Africa season 1 winner, Iyanya Mbuk, performing during the reality show’s All-Star concert, at Emporium, Benin City.

RALLY: From left: Mrs. Funlayo Garrick, Mrs. Marie Fatayi-Williams, Justice Wonu Folami, and others, during the Speak-Out- Saturday for Bring Back our Girls rally by Women for Peace and Justice Coalition in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—49

A peaceful protest by New Lagos Movement, an elite body of within All Progressives Congress, APC, on the whimsical declaration of zoning offices, and demanding the constitutional and democratic rights in the party protested from Party secretariat ACME Road to Governor office Alausa Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

L-r: Dr Taofeek Folami, Special Adviser to Lagos State Government on the Environment, Dr. Wale Ahmed, Commissioner for Special Duties Lagos State, representing Lagos State Governor, Mr Tunji Bello, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, and Mr Ola Oresanya, Managing Director, LAWMA, during the 2014 World Environment Day with the theme Small Island Development State and Climate Change organised by Lagos State Government, at Ikeja, Lagos.

NLC, TUC mourn Akunyili

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

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IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, have described the death of former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, NAFDAC, Professor Dora Nkem Akunyili, as unfortunate, saying she was a perfect example of the type of public servant Nigeria urgently needs to raise the standard of a society sliding in all morals, discipline and selfless service.

NLC and TUC in separate statements in Abuja, said Akunyili, was a trailblazer and a good example of a true Nigerian who, despite her ill health, was ready to offer her fountain of knowledge at the ongoing National Conference.

NLC in a statement by its President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, read in part “The unfortunate death of Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control, NAFDAC, who was also Minister of Information in the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and a delegate to the ongoing National Conference is shocking and a major loss to our country.

Mrs. Akunyili as Director General of NAFDAC demonstrated quality leadership and commitment to public service driven by public interest with such an uncommon courage and determination to promote good health and safe living by ensuring all substandard pharmaceutical items are shut out of Nigeria.

50 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 51

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52 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—53

conclusion because I have spoken to the relevant people in authority and I believe appropriate steps will be taken.”

On the behaviour of the MOPOL Commander, he said “in the case of the O.C Mopol, who was there yesterday, directing his men to tear-gas my convoy, I believe the police authority will take action on that because I don’t want to dwell on individuals.”

He said “if their plan was to ensure that our people are intimidated and make sure they stay at home on the day of election, then it has failed because our campaign will go on.”

•Gov.Fayemi addressing the press

Tear gas attack: It was an assassination attempt on my life — Gov Fayemi

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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OVERNOR Kayode Fayemi was on his way to Abuja yesterday to lodge a formal complaint with President Goodluck Jonathan over last Sunday’s clash which he has described as an assassination attempt on his life.

Governor Fayemi, the APC candidate was tear-gassed as he made an attempt to intervene after members of his party clashed with PDP supporters in the heart of Ado-Ekiti.

Besides President Jonathan, Fayemi equally vowed to formally lodge a complaint to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar over his ordeal.

A middle aged man identified as Taiwo Akinola was killed on Sunday during a clash between supporters of the APC and the PDP during a sweeping exercise embarked by APC supporters to remove the footprints of President Jonathan and his delegation to last Saturday’s rally of the PDP. Addressing a press conference in Ado-Ekiti before departing for Abuja, Fayemi expressed dismay over what he described as the over zealous attitude of the security operatives even as he said that the killing of Mr. Akinola was avoidable.

He alleged that the unguarded behaviour of the Mobile Police Commander of MOPOL in the state, was an assault on the government of Ekiti State.

He said “My immediate interpretation to what happened yesterday (Sunday) is that there was an assault on the government and the people of Ekiti State. And if one were to be extreme in one’s interpretation,

we could go on and say, it is assassination attempt against the governor of Ekiti State and that is why I am going to Abuja this morning to see Mr. President and the Inspector General of police.”

“I won’t like to jump into

NASS members kick The Ekiti State delegation to the National Assembly has also flayed the attack on the governor and his entourage by the police.

Registering their anger over the clash at a press conference yesterday, the legislators said the Police acted unprofessionally in their conduct before during and after the clash.

Senator Ojudu, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, described the attack on the governor as an insult on the people of the State.

He maintained that Supol Serenkele’s actions was unprofessional and openly partisan.

Ojudu said “It is so sad that we are dealing with people who are not ready for democracy, those who are not ready for free, fair and credible election. But we want to sound a warning that the APC is ready to accept the verdict

••Afenifere flays Police over attack on Fayemi

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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FENIFERE Renewal Group has flayed the Ekiti State Police Command over the alleged attack on Governor Kayode Fayemi.

In a statement by its publicity secretary, Mr Kunle Famoriyo, ARG expressed concern and worry, over the “flagrant and open attack on the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, by the Mobile Police Commander in Ekiti State, at the 8th June 2014 campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ado Ekiti. The Commander is said to hail from Bayelsa State, Dr. Jonathan’s state of origin and was alleged to have boasted that “he was carrying out orders from above”.

The group stated that “we had warned previously that the President has a duty to all Nigerians to ensure that the elections in Ekiti State and indeed in all the Nigerian states are free and fair. Our doubts regarding his capacity for fairness however deepened when Alhaji Namadi Sambo, the

Vice President, stated that his Party, the Peoples Democratic Party was going to war in the Ekiti gubernatorial election.”

The statement read: “The Vice President’s assertion has been borne out by the appalling events in Ekiti State.

The Yoruba people, at home and in Diaspora are working towards a peaceful, free and fair election in Ekiti State. Yoruba people

would however not allow anyone, including the suppressive and oppressive central government, whose recent attack on the media nationwide, signals the return of the worst days of the Abacha military dictatorship, to subvert their will. We stood in collaboration with other well meaning Nigerians to see to the end of military rule in Nigeria."

Bamidele is a better choice

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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GROUP of Elders under the umbrella of Labour Party in Ekiti State, has put all the leading candidates in June 21 gubernatorial election in weight, saying Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele is the best among them.

The elders, equally blamed the state governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi on the spate of violence being witnessed in the state, saying the violence could have been avoided if their efforts were not frustrated by the Governor.

Speaking with newsmen in Ado

— Elders' Forum

Ekiti yesterday, the Chairman of the group, Prof Tunde Oluwasanmi, said a group under the aegis of Ekiti State Elders Forum, that had planned to convey a meeting of all political actors and make them sign the famous Ido Declaration to compel them to conduct their activities in peaceful manner, was frustrated by the governor.

The Ido Declaration, he said, was arrived at following the 1983 governorship election violence that erupted in the then old Ondo State in which Ekiti State was a part.

of a free and fair poll, but for anyone to impose his will on us, we will not accept that.”

Also, he said “we are aware of their plans, but an attempt to intimidate us will be resisted not only in the Southwest but across Nigeria.

We are sending a petition to Mr President, Senate President, Senator David Mark , Speaker, House of Reps, Hon Aminu Tambuwal and the Inspector General of Police on the plan to humiliate our Governor and the people of the State”.

Vowing not be perturbed, he said “we shall not be intimated by this. It is the mandate of the people. National Assembly members who attended the press conference include: Senator Babafemi Ojudu(Ekiti Central), Senator Olubunmi Adetumbi (North), Senator Tony Adeniyi(South), Reps Oyetunde Ojo(Ekiti Central 2), Ife Arowosoge(Ekiti South 1), Bamidele Faparusi(Ekiti South 2), Bimbo Daramola(Ekiti North 1).”

Fayose presents 6 motorcycles to victims

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

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HE PDP candidate, Mr. Ayo Fayose yesterday moved to calm the stress of six motor-cyclists who lost their motorcycles during the clash.

Six motorcycles were burnt during the clash between the APC and the PDP last Sunday.

Fayose who is flying the PDP ticket in the forthcoming election is alleged to be deeply entrenched with motorcyclists who normally follow him about during his campaign.

Yesterday, Mr. Fayose gave out six motorcycles to commercial riders whose motorcycles were bunt.

Presenting the motorcycles on behalf of Fayose,the Director- General of the Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation (AFCO),Chief Dipo Anisulowo said the PDP candidate expressed concern over the plight of the Sunday victims of the attack and deemed it necessary to come to their rescue.

He said the gesture was continuous as Mr Fayose was committed to make little bit comfortable and was ready to pay personal visit to the families of the deceased and others who had lost their properties.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Liasu Sadiku thanked Fayose for his kind gesture,stating that if not because of him that his life would have never be the same.

54—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Chibok: Apprehension mounts over failure to rescue abducted girls •Security experts decry blank cheque to fly into and scan Nigeria

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ORE than three weeks af ter troops from US, UK, France, Israel, and Canada among others landed on the shores of Nigeria to help rescue the more than 200 school girls abducted in Borno State by Boko Haram members, security experts have wondered why the girls have still not been rescued.

Security experts and military observers have, therefore, queried the true intention of the foreign troops concerning the abduction, wondering what they have achieved in Nigeria all this while, with all the technology they mustered into the country.

Vanguard gathered that a sizeable number of these foreign troops who are housed in several military facilities in the Federal Capital Territory and close to the North East, came into the country with specialized tracking equipment, satellite interceptors as well as drones communicating systems.

Aside the high technology equipment put in place by the foreign troops, a top military source told Vanguard that because of the interest of the President to ensure the rescue of the girls, a blank clearance was giv-

en to any aircraft that America, Britain, France or Israel wished to send to help them do their work irrespective of the security implications to Nigeria.

“So why have these troops with their sophistication and international acclaim, not achieved anything up till now. It will also interest you to know that they have not come out with anything to build on as I speak to you”, a top security source said.

Acceding to the accusation that the Nigerian military was illequipped in many areas like the non availability of mines demobilizing armoured tanks, night vision armoured tanks and high calibre rifles that could counter the ones used by Boko Haram terrorists as well as sound proof aircraft and night vision aircraft for the air force, an officer said “those that have them, let them fast-track the rescue of the girls. That is what we want.”

Contacted on the development, a retired Director of the State Service, Barr. Mike Ejiofor said, “First of all, I believe we need more patience. Nothing has come out from them because they are still working. But I want to say that aside the technical equip-

ment and satellite imagery technology that they are employing, there is nothing they can do that our military and security forces have not done.

“That is why when people talk or criticize our military about the fact that nothing is being done, out of either misinformation or ignorance, it becomes worrisome.

For your information, the size of Sambisa forest alone is 60 square kilometres in size. So it is not something you just walk into and come out of. That is why I believe that if they (Americans, British and others) have drones capable of flying over the forest and capturing images of the girls and how they are distributed and any other equipment that should assist our military, they should give it to us because we have the capacity to follow up and solve the problem.

“Another thing I will say is that we should not be oblivious of the security implications of the blanket cheque we have given them.

This is a price we will have to contend with”.

On his part, a security consultant, Max Gbanitie defended the idea of the Bring Back Our Girls Crusade noting that since Nige-

ria is a member of the UN Security Council, and signatory to every world treaty including ICC and since the United States designated Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization in 2013, it became necessary that there must be international partnership involving ECOWAS, African Union and International Community.

On the inability of foreign forces to resolve the impasse of Chibok girls, Gbanitie said, “With Nigerian forces on ground, the United States, France, Britain, China are supposed to give us assistance where they have modern day advantage and that is ISR (Intelligence surveillance real time).

Intelligence surveillance But in spite in this, no one has seen these girls or where they are.

What really pains my heart as a Nigerian is that the same international communities that allege that our military are incompetent have not demonstrated their own competence either.

“You cannot tell Nigerians that your satellites, the drones you have deployed have not at any point in time observed the killing of Emir of Gwoza; have not at any point in time observed the re-emergence of Boko Haram in Gwoza and the surrounding towns which Boko Haram has attacked except those attacks are phantom attacks. But in this case, the media have reported that it was a real attack

and not phantom. Another thing that disturbs me is the manner by which the media bandies figures and throws it in the air without being very sure of the number of casualties. Those things are part of Boko Haram strategic communication pattern.

“Boko Haram is a very formidable enemy, it is a terrorist organization. They have a serious communication infrastructure keyed into Al- Qaeda international and Al-Shabaab to the extent that even when their leader Abubakar Shekau sends a video, he also signals with his arms to his various cells on the next movement. Therefore, it is imperative that electronic media find a way to freeze the body movement of his video while allowing whatever he is saying verbally to be heard.

You help Nigeria by not allowing the man to communicate further on the next attack.

“You will notice that when the Nigerian military shutdown telecommunication in those areas, it was difficult for Boko Haram to communicate with themselves in other parts of the country. There were reduced attacks and bomb blasts, until leaders of the North east started to complain and pressurize government to unban the communication facilities. Now that the phone lines have been restored, it is easier for Boko Haram to communicate; it is easier to lay ambush against Emirs and kill and kidnap them; it is easier to call somebody in Jos to detonate a bomb; it is easier to call somebody in Abuja to detonate a bomb.”

Disclosing that all the bombs that were detonated in Abuja and Jos were locally made, Gbanitie said “The terrorists did not come directly from Maiduguri or Sambisa forest but were communicated to. This again calls for a rethink on the way to handle this matter. So from my personal observation, it seems that the international coalitions are not really being very sincere to Nigerian people”.

PAC embarks on nation-wide seminar on security

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OLICE Assistance Committee, PAC, and its affiliate Association of tradesmen/women and artisans, ATA, are commencing a nation-wide seminar/ workshop on security to generate awareness among the general public on how to gather information/intelligence for on-ward transmission to security agencies to prevent and combat crime in the country.

The nation-wide seminar/ workshop which has taken off, will hold in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja, and will have in attendance representatives of security agencies, executive members of PAC/ATA comprising chairmen, secretaries and PROs

of trade associations/artisans, market men/women, student bodies and all other stakeholders including members of the public.

In a statement in Lagos Director-General of PAC/ ATA, Prof. Martins Oni said the nation-wide seminar/workshop which topic is “Information/Intelligence gathering to assist security agencies in the country” is designed to generate awareness amongst the general public on how to intensify efforts in gathering information/intelligence for dissemination to our security agencies in view of the escalation of security challenges prevalent in the country.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014—55

Immortalise Akunyili, delegates urge FG

BY HENRY UMORU, JOSEPH ERUNKE & LEVINUS NWABUGHIOGU

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ELEGATES yesterday urged the Federal Government to immortalise former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and later Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, who died on Saturday.

Until her death, Akunyili, a delegate to the National Conference on the platform of Anambra State, had a seat on the front roll, sitting in front of Chief Gbadegesin Adedeji and second to former Minister of State, Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada.

She was a member of Iyom Josephine Anenih-led Committee on Social Sector.

In mournful mood, yesterday, delegates also paid tributes to the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

The request for Akunyili’s immortalization was sequel to a motion by Abubakar Jijiwa, the director general, Voice of Nigeria (VON) and delegate to the conference representing

•Professor Dora Akunyili and Professor Jubril Aminu during one of her last appearances at the national conference Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria.

Describing Akunyili as a “very uncompromising” woman who equally had passion for service to her country, Jijiwa recommended that a formal letter of condolence be written to her

family, government and people of Anambra State and delivered by a delegation of the conference.

Contributing to the motion, another delegate from Ebonyi State representing the SouthEast, Professor Nnenna Oti, whose tribute evoked emotions,

said the late Akunyili “was so many things to many people, adding that “she was a comet and an epitome of a complete woman”.

Aisha Ismail, a Kano State delegate, while recalling the deceased’s days at NAFDAC

described Akunyili as a great Nigerian, saying anything done to immortalize her would be worthwhile. “I am sad and miserable for losing that woman.

She proved to everybody that if given the opportunity, women could do more. She will be remembered for all times. Other women should strive to be like Dora. Anything done in her name will be worthwhile.”

Mrs. Felicia Sani, representing the market association said that Dora ”did quite a lot for this country. She fought doggedly and stuck her neck. A lot of women and children will be encouraged by her attitude.”

Others who spoke were Mrs. Amana Lawan Ali, a retired civil servant from Borno state who described Akunyili as a sister and boss having served under Akunyili as a permanent secretary; Chief Mike Ozekhome, a federal government delegate who also described Akunyili as a woman of an impeccable character and Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu, a Labour Party delegate who said that late Akunyili was a “straight, sincere and honest woman who hated injustice”.

My boys behind illegal refineries — Daukoru •Delegates oppose illegal refineries in oil-producing areas

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HE National Conference was yesterday stunned when a delegate on the platform of National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, His Royal Highness, Dr. Edmund Daukoru said that his boys were responsible for the proliferation of illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

He spoke on a day that delegates threw out a recommendation for official recognition of illegal crude oil refineries in the country and also unanimously rejected the idea of government setting up a development Programme for crude technology.

These were part of the resolutions reached yesterday at the plenary during discussions on report and recommendations of the committee on Science and Technology.

The committee had recommended that Nigeria should harness illegal refineries for better performance.

Delegates accepted a recommendation for the establishment of a National Trust Fund for Science and Technology (NSTIF) to be funded through a mandatory contribution of between two and five percent of

gross earnings of local and multinational companies. It added that disbursement of the NSTIF be based on projects proposed/ recommended by relevant professional bodies.

The fund was recommended to be managed by a Presidential Council on Science and National academies, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

According to delegates, it became imperative for the recommendation to be rejected because existing funds should be used for the purpose of

developing science as further contributions into such fund would amount to double taxation with current contributions to the Education Tax Fund.

In a post-vote comment on the harnessing of illegal refineries for better performance, Daukoru, who is the Amanayanabo of Nembe, hailed delegates for voting against constitutional recognition for illegal refineries.

Dr. Daukoru disclosed that he voted against the recommendation because it would not be healthy for the country “even though they are

my boys,” he said the nays voted correctly because technology being used by these local refineries is too crude.

His contradictory remarks however elicited reactions from delegates who were not certain on where the revered king stands.

King Daukoru who noted that the rejection was beyond personal consideration as national interest should supersede sectional or personal interests, stressed that besides, many of his ‘boys’ were in the business of illegal refining of crude oil, yet he had to vote against the Committee’s

recommendation, adding, “The nays is not a matter of sentiment as I see that the matter is being reduced to sentiments. “We have been considering mini-refineries for a very long time and now we are talking of micro-refineries."

The reason why the policy is not being implemented is because without the cracking capacity, you recover just about a third of crude oil stock being put in. Also, what is being put out, in terms of quality is not very friendly with the kind of usage it is being put to, whether into generating sets or sophisticated automatic engines, they actually destroy your engines."

We’ve 5 wks to go — Kutigi reminds delegates •Delegates complain over amended proceedings

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HAIRMAN of the National Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, yesterday, urged delegates to hasten discussions on reports of the committees because they have only five weeks to conclude their assignment.

Kutigi, who proposed an amendment to the proceedings of the conference, said to meet the deadline certain adjustments had to be made,

including new ways of discussing the reports.

According to Kutigi, rather than have a list of over 100 delegates register to speak on reports which he said was killing time, delegates who have amendments to reports will only submit their names a day to the presentation of the report.

Kutigi said: “Beginning from today, we only have five weeks

to conclude the Conference and submit our recommendations to the government. We are proposing an amendment to the proceedings of the Conference.

We are suggesting that when we call chairmen to present their reports, instead of calling on delegates to speak one after the other, we will skip that hurdle. Those who have

amendments will be called to submit them to the secretariat.

That will strengthen our efforts to do this thing properly.”

Though his suggestions were unanimously adopted by delegates, there were some dissenting voices who said it was a way of making delegates not to comment on reports that would be considered volatile as the leadership may use the new process to ‘doctor’ the reports.

56 — 56—

Vanguard, TUESD AY, JUNE 10, 2014 TUESDA

• Prompt and regular screening for cancer increases chances of detection, treatment and full recovery.

Cancer: Go for screening if you have enlarged abdomen

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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ITH emerging evidence that ovarian cancer may now be commoner in developing countries like Nigeria than developed countries, a cancer specialist, Dr. Abia Nzelu, has urged women who are not pregnant but have an enlarged or protruding abdomen to get screened for cancer of the ovary and other cancers of the reproductive organs.

Nzelu, who is also Executive Secretary, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in Nigeria, CECP-Nigeria, said unexplained big stomach, with or without pain, in an otherwise healthy woman, gives high suspicion for ill health including cancer.

Speaking in Lagos, she argued that the alarming death rate among women with cancer in Nigeria could be reduced through prompt screening, which increases chances of detection, treatment and full recovery.

Cardinal signs Warning that ovarian cancer is not easily detectable, she pointed out three cardinal symptoms every woman should know and go hospital once she has any or all of them.

“If you are getting fuller in the lower part of the stomach, if the lower part of your tummy is getting bigger, there should be high suspicion for ovarian cancer. Also if there is persistent pain in the lower part of the tummy, if the pain lasts two months or more, you should be worried.

“If you are a woman, and you are getting easily filled up after eating a little meal, you need to be investigated. A woman with

these symptoms should suspect ovarian cancer. Go to the hospital as soon as possible,” she stated.

Nzelu asserted that one Nigerian woman dies of cancer every hour. “In Nigeria, the problem of cancer is not just the absolute number of people it affects, but the number that is killed. Out of every five persons with cancer, only one survives. Four will die, unlike in places like the US for instance, the indices is better because of efforts in prevention of

cancer. So we can do better.

2nd most common disorder: “Cancer of the reproductive organs are commoner in women and ovarian cancer kills four Nigerian women everyday. It is the second most deadly cancer in women and one of the most difficult to detect and diagnose.

If women are aware of these symptoms, and seek treatment early they can survive it. Early detection is key to surviving cancer especially in our environment where there are no facilities for early

treatment,” she noted. Explaining that the ovary is part of the female reproductive organ where the eggs are formed throughout life, Nzelu warned that cancer in this part of the body is survivable if detected early and appropriately treated.

Awareness:“Ironically, this week is the National Cancer Week. It is a global effort and the focus is to ensure that the survival of cancer increases. Prevention takes effect from awareness to screening. If you are not aware you won't know what to do. You also need access to screening and treatment. You need to know the risk factors and what to do with them,” she admonished.

Data from the Afrimetric Journal reveals that ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. It is also the commonest cause of death among all gynaecological cancers.

Doctors note that the very high case fatality rate for ovarian cancer is partly because it presents with vague nonspecific symptoms usually in advanced stages of the disease. A recent estimate indicated that of 240,476 cases of ovarian cancer worldwide in 2009, 155,835 (64.8 percent) occurred in developing countries compared to 84,641 in developed countries.

Ovarian cancer cases: A retrospective study to describe the incidence, pattern and management of 81 cases of ovarian cancer seen at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin over a 20-year period, showed it was the second most common gynaecological cancer. In the study, published in the Nigerian Quarterly Journal of Hospital Medicine, the peak age of incidence was 50-59 while an unclassified case was seen in an 85-year old woman.

While majority of the patients had multiple symptoms, which included abdominal pain and menstrual irregularities, more than half presented six months or more after the onset of symptoms.

In a related incident, a three- year review of gynaecological malignancies in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Continues on Page 36

Offor joins Carter Center in fight against river blindness

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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FFOR Foundation in partnership with the Carter Center, weekend strengthened ties to eradicate onchocerciasis (river blindness) disease in Nigeria.

Presently, the Nigerian incidence of the disease accounts for 40 per cent of the global disease burden.

In a statement issued by the Business Development & Head Communications, Chrome Group, Dr. Edwin Ndukwe, the Executive Vice-Chair of Chrome Group, Sir Emeka Offor, met for the first time with former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn in London recently to discuss partnership by their organizations to eliminate onchocerciasis, which they both agreed is an often neglected disease that causes immense suffering in Nigeria.

The teams explored ways to strengthen their combined efforts to stop the needless suffering caused by the preventable Continues on Page 36

AGAINST RIVER BLINDNESS: Former US President, Mr. Jimmy Carter and Chief Emeka Offor, founder of Chrome Oil at a meeting in London recently to strengthen ties in the fight against river blindness in Nigeria.

Vanguard, TUESD AY, JUNE10, 2014— 57 TUESDA

Dentists decry poor oral health management in Nigeria

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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ENTISTS have decried poor oral health management and organisation of dental practice as well as inadequate distribution of available oral health facilities across the country.

The dentists, under the auspices of Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, urged Nigerians to embrace “brush day and night campaign” with a view to keeping at bay most diseases associated with poor oral healthcare including Non Communicable Diseases, NCDs, like cancer and heart diseases.

Speaking in Lagos, President of the NDA, Dr. Olojede Olurotimi who called for greater attention to dental practice in terms of organisation and management noted that misconceptions about oral health among Nigerians and absence of coordinated system for collecting oral health data in the country remain a big challenge.

“Many Nigerians have low or no

oral health awareness unfortunately there is a huge need for oral healthcare among the populace. The situation is aggravated with the fact that there are cute shortages of manpower to meet the oral health needs of the people as only 3,500 dentists are serving 170 million Nigerians.

“Lamenting the inequitable distribution of available oral health facilities across the country, he said most State Governors do not have good dental clinics. We have been able to partner with some of these states and we hope that the partnership will yield good results,” he stated.

Briefing the press on the forthcoming NDA Biennial General Conference with the theme; “Nigeria at 100 years: The Dentistry Perspective”, he said dentistry is the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of oral cavity, especially the teeth and related conditions in the maxillofacial area.

Olurotimi further advised

BRIEFING: From left, National Treasurer ACPN, Pharm Christy Ediomo-Abasi,National Chairman Pharm Olufemi Ismail, Chairman CPC, Pharm Edith Nwachukwu, and National Assistant Secretary Pharm Gbolagade Iyiola briefing the press in Lagos on the Association’s forthcoming 33rd Annual National Conference.

Nigerians to embrace the ‘brush day and night campaign’ stressed the need for individuals to visit their dentists twice every year and avoid patronising quacks, or unqualified dentists.

“You need to see a dentist twice a year. Some people have the habit of using table knife to remove things from their teeth, some are using “Touch & Go” and petrol. It only causes more damage. Get a

dentist before you use any medicine,” Unilever Brand Manager, Pepsodent, Mr. George Umoh advocated proactive and preventive maintenance rather than to wait until the teeth becomes bad. “This is why Unilever came up with oral health campaign to avoid people getting to the point they will be needing dental treatment.

Offor, Carter Foundation Continues on Page 56

FUNFAIR DRIVE: From left, ex-Eagles winger, Mutiu Adepoju; Doctor Safeguard, Dr. Nkechi Olalere; Brand Communications Manager of Procter &Gamble, Ayotomiwa Ajewole and ex-Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai during a Family Fun Fair drive by Safeguard Soap in Lagos.

Dame Fashola visits Martlife Detox Clinic

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IFE of the Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola has urged Nigerians to embrace healthy habits and promote the culture of good health and wellbeing being offered by healthfocused clinics and facilities.

Fashola, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Martlife Detox clinic, the first Modern Mayr medicine center in Africa, reiterated the benefits of patronising such well- equipped health and anti-stress organisations for preventive and promotive care.

The event was part of her visitation to the MART group of health services. She was met on arrival by the Group Chief Medical Director, Prof Oladapo Ashiru

and the Managing Director, Mrs. Idowu Ashiru and staff of the detox clinic.

Fashola toured the detox facilities including, the Asyra testing, colon irrigation, massage rooms, sea oxygenation, hypoxicator, physiotherm cabin and VIP suites, among others The detox clinic, opened two years ago, makes use of the modern Mayr medicine which started about 100 years ago by an Austrian Physician to promote health, reduce illness, enhance physiological balance, aids fertility and prevent premature aging and death, through individualised diagnosis, detoxification and general system cleansing.

NDA President-Elect, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe who spoke extensively on implantation, explained that poor oral health is also associated with dental scaries, oral cancers, and cancer of the gum.

On her part, NDA Treasurer, Dr. Evelyn Echikena, urged against use of wooden tooth pick, calling for use of dental floss to clean in between the teeth and tooth brushing.

parasitic disease.

"Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, causes intense itching, and diminished vision which can lead to total blindness.

According to statement, "Together, the Offor Foundation, The Carter Center, the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health and State Ministries of Health are working to wipe out this disease from seven states in Southeast and South South Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, and Imo states)."

Offor had in 2013 donated $250,000 to The Carter Center. Earlier in the year, a team of field scientists from the Carter Foundation paid a courtesy visit to Offor’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, where he made known his intentions to support the efforts of the Center towards their health programme in Nigeria.

Responding, Carter said, “His donation has made it possible for us to start considering completely eliminating River Blindness from the country. And if it hadn’t been for his generosity, that would not have

been good as a culmination of a dream.

Because of his contribution, and interest in the disease and his vision, and so we said we have to try to do this and the Minister of Health and the state have to agree. When that happens, we will make n announce that we are about to get rid of the disease from the country within the next seven years.”

On scaling up the treatment modality he said, “In the past, in Nigeria, we have only given treatment once a year, and that prevents you from going blind, and you still have itching, you still have adult worms in the body, you still have discoloured skin.

But that’s very valuable to the people so you won’t have to go blind. But by giving two to four doses per year, then we can get rid of it forever".

Carter stressed Federal government was still deciding on a policy about possibly giving twice or more doses per year. “We have to get the government to agree. But I think because of his (Offor's) generosity that makes it possible for the state and for us to both decide that we will do it."

Go for cancer screening Continues on Page 56 AKTH, between October 2008 and September 2011, also revealed that from a total of 2,339 seen during the study period, 249 were found to have gynecological malignancies, 48.6 percent had cervical cancer, followed by ovarian cancer (30.5 percent), endometrial cancer (11.25 percent) and choriocarcinoma (9.24 percent).

“Cancer of the reproductive organs are commoner in women and ovarian cancer kills four Nigerian women everyday. It is the second most deadly cancer in women and one of the most difficult to detect and diagnose. If women are aware of these

symptoms, and seek treatment early they can survive it. Early detection is key to surviving cancer especially in our environment where there are no facilities for early treatment,” she noted.

A survivor of ovarian cancer, Mrs Chioma Onyiuke, a lawyer and business woman recalled her experience. “When I started having the symptoms of ovarian cancer .I went to the UK for evaluation and treatment. The UK specialist said that if I had delayed for another two weeks in Nigeria I wouldn't have survived. I was successfully treated and I am cancer free.

I have had two lovely children since I don't have to come again for check up.”

58—Vanguard, TUESD AY, JUNE10, 2014 TUESDA

Global Fund grants:

NUJ tasks govt on counterpart funding

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

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•Destruction of fake products

NAFDAC destroys N120m fake products

BY GABRIEL OLAWALE

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HE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC has destroyed a catchment of counterfeit, fake and unwholesome products valued at N120 million.

The destruction which took place at the Sagamu dump site in Ogun state last week, Director General of the Agency, Dr Paul Orhii said it was destruction in line with the directive of President Goodluck Jonathan on zero tolerance for fake, counterfeit and unwholesome regulated products in Nigeria.

Represented by the Director, Investigation and Enforcement,

Pharm. Garba MacDonald, Orhii said: “The products being destroyed today are made up of fake and counterfeit drugs; substandard or expired food products, assorted cosmetic products and other regulated products seized from manufacturers, importers and distributors. Also being destroyed are damaged or expired NAFDAC regulated products voluntarily handed over by compliant companies as well as fake drugs seized from hawkers of medicines on the treets of Lagos.”

Orhii said NAFDAC is confronted with daunting challenges as the violators continuously adopt new strategies.

However, the DG said with public support, the Agency will continue to live up to her mandate of safeguarding the health of the nation by ensuring that only safe medicines that meet unified standards of quality, safety and efficacy are sold in the country.

He later attributed the success recorded by the agency to the collaboration of various stakeholders. Adding that they will continued to organise capacity building workshops and training for the regulated industries in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical sectors to keep them updated with current regulatory requirements.

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on government at all levels to pay its counterpart funding to all Global Fund grants for HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, programmes, so as to enable the nation obtain additional US$ 1.13 billion funding.

Disclosing this in a communiqué issued at its National Executive Council, NEC, held at Bauchi recently, the Union is urging all Federal, state and local governments to ensure provision of the 20 per cent counterpart funding with which to draw the Global Fund grant.

NUJ National Secretary, Shuaibu Usman Leman, who signed the document, called for an increase of government contribution to the Global Fund-supported disease programmes and the health systems with a view to procure, store and deliver quality health commodities to the citizenry.

The NUJ also wants the Country Coordinating Mechanism, CCM-Nigeria to be more transparent and accountable by ensuring engagement of ownership at the local level to guarantee sustainability.

Under the Abuja Declaration

of April 2001, African leaders pledged to increase funding for health to at least 15 percent, while donor countries would scale up support.

To date, Nigeria has accessed over US$ 1.1 billion of the US$ 1.5 billion grants from the Global Fund while contributing US$ 89 million counterpart funding. A US$30 million pledge is outstanding.

In the document, the NUJ recalled that at inception, counterpart funding was not a requirement but had become necessary to establish basis for future sustainability of national disease programmes even as the Global Fund has incorporated mandatory counterpart financing tagged “willingnessto-pay”as a qualitative factor for adjusting the indicative funding.

The indicative funding amount shared with the country will include a 15 percent allocation for willingness-to-pay that can be availed by applicant countries based on additional government commitments for the next phase.

Already the CCM-Nigeria is pooling stakeholders with the Federal Ministry of Health taking the lead in developing a concept note for US$1.13 billion, for which it must pay US$ 170 million counterpart funding to obtain.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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60 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, TUESDAY, JUNE 10 , 2014

Egyptian police arrest seven men for sexual assault E

GYPTIAN police have arrested seven men accused of sexually assaulting and stripping a woman during celebrations in Cairo’s Tahrir Square on Sunday marking the inauguration of the president.

Police were also investigating 27 complaints of sexual harassment against women in Tahrir, where tens of thousands celebrated Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s inauguration, Egyptian officials said.

The seven men were arrested in connection to an attack on a 19-year-old student, said the officials.

They did not elaborate on her condition. The Interior Ministry said the suspects were between the ages of 15 and 49.

The arrests came after a video was posted on social media showing a woman being dragged naked through a large crowd at night towards an ambulance. the ministry did not specify whether they

were involved in the assault seen in the video.

Last week, authorities issued a decree declaring sexual harassment a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.

The arrests were made under the new law, the Reuters news agency reported.

Egytian men harassing women on the street.

Authorities investigating other reports of sexual nature of harassment, They said many of the assaults were examining with groups of young harassers used knives to a dozen videos from se- men consistently luring threaten victims and curity cameras and mobile potential victims away those coming to their resphones, the officials said. from densely crowded cue.

They said the footage spots before encircling suggested an organised and assaulting them.

Global Editors summit: Spanish Embassy denies Nigerian journalists visa in no small measure unBY EMEKA AGINAM

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HE Spanish Consu late in Lagos has denied no fewer than five Nigerians including Online Editor from one of the national dailies and representatives from School of Media and Communication (SMC), the Pan-Atlantic Univer-

S/Sudan leader, rebel chief meet for peace talks

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OUTH Sudan Presi dent Salva Kiir and rebel chief Riek Machar are set to meet today in a fresh push to end nearly six months of civil war, sources said Monday.

A source close to the talks in the Ethiopian capital said the rivals are set to meet “in the afternoon” on Tuesday, along with regional leaders from the East African bloc IGAD. A face-to-face meeting between the foes “would be very good” for the

peace process, the source told AFP. The summit would be the first time leaders of the warring parties have met since signing a ceasefire on May 9, the second since January.

But the ceasefire has been repeatedly broken with fighting continuing in the young nation, deepening a crisis which has already killed thousands and forced over 1.3 million from their homes.

Assad declares amnesty for prisoners — if any — prisoners

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YRIAN President Bashar Assad declared a general amnesty yesterday for prisoners in the country, state media reported, less than a week after he was reelected to another sevenyear term amid a bloody civil war.

It was not clear how many

C M Y K

would be freed by the presidential decree. The government has issued several limited pardons for various offenses since the uprising against Assad began in March 2011 that have largely been seen as an effort to create the image of a compassionate leadership.

sity entry visa to participate in the World Cup of Newsroom Innovation termed Hackathon. Holding in Spain this week.

With this development, 16 teams will participate in the global event but Nigeria’s Hackdays winners will not be attending as they have been denied entry visa.

Despite interventions and referral from the Global Editors Network, Ministry of Communication of Spain, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, effort to appeal to the Spanish Embassy to issue entry visa that will enable Nigerian representatives to participate in the capacity building failed as the Consular Officer, Carolina dc Manueles Alvarez, refused to entertain their entreaties This development, according to industry watchers apart from denying them the opportunity to interact with their colleagues at international level and developing their profession will

der develop the Nigerian media landscape in the knowledge economy.

The participants were drawn from winners of the hackdays competition jointly organized by the Global Editors Network and Vanguard media, Lagos in April, 2014.

The Global Editors Network (GEN) which has more than 1000 Editorsin-Chief and media professionals from all platforms, is committed to sustainable development of journalism, empowering newsrooms and media innovators through a variety of programmes designed to inspire, connect and share.

Among those denied visa were the Online Editor Vanguard Newspaper, Mr. John Abayomi who was the project manager of the Editors Lab Hackdays; Tope Falade; Head, Design and New Media Department, School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, among others.

A cross section of participants at the Global Editors N etwork meeting in Lagos.

BRIEF UK hosts World Summit on Sexual Violence BY: VICTORIA OJEME

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IGERIA and its West African neighbours are to attend a World Summit on Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict., taking place in London next week where the abduction of over 200 female students of Government Girls Secondary Schools in Chibok will take the centre stage.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Aminu Wali, is expected to attend meeting in London on June 12. which will bring together its neighbours Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger with the UK, US, France, Canada and the EU to continue the coordination necessary to defeat Boko Haram. It follows the Paris summit on Boko Haram on 17 May.In a statement made available to press yesterday, The Foreign Secretary said,“Since the appalling abductions of over 200 school girls in Chibok by Boko Haram, the international community has worked together closely to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

Sisi sacks cabinet

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GYPT’S new president, President Abdel-Fat tah el-Sissi asked the prime minister to form a new Cabinet yesterday, moving ahead with the transition as a court sentenced more than 100 supporters of the ousted Islamist president to a year in prison in the country’s latest mass trial.

The interim prime minister, Ibrahim Mahlab, submitted his and his government’s resignation, a ceremonial step after the inauguration of a new president. State TV said el-Sissi asked him to return to the post and form a new government.

Hezbollah’s military strength worries Israel

I

SRAEL’S top military officer warned yester day that Hezbollah’s capabilities have grown substantially since the 2006 war, putting much of Israel within the reach of the Lebanese Shiite militant organization. Israel’s top military officer warned today that Hezbollah is more powerful than most of the world’s armies and that a confrontation between Israel and the Lebanese Shiite militant organization was a near certainty.While the threat posed by conventional Arab armies has diminished in recent years, Israel now faces highly mobile enemies like Hezbollah, skilled in asymmetric warfare and equipped with advanced weapons systems, Gen. Benny Gantz said.

Clintons left White House broke

H

ILLARY Rodham Clinton’s family was “dead broke” and saddled with legal bills when she and her husband left the White House, the former first lady said in an interview that aired yesterday.

Republicans immediately seized on the comment and said it demonstrated that Clinton, the Democratic Party’s strongest contender for its 2016 presidential nomination, was out of touch.

“We came out of the White House not only dead broke, but in debt,” Clinton told ABC News. “We had no money when we got there, and we struggled to, you know, piece together the resources for mortgages, for houses, for Chelsea’s education. You know, it was not easy.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 61

World Cup: 2 days to go

World Cup: 2 days to go

Keshi invokes 1994 spirit on Eagles

•Keshi

C

OACH Stephen Keshi in this interview with africanfootball.com, invokes the spirit of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup team on the current set bidding for glory in Brazil.

How was the spirit in the Super Eagles in 1994?

In 1994, the team reminds me of my days at New Nigerian Bank (of Benin) because we lived like brothers, moved together as one big family.

We did everything as one.

We just wanted to help one another, play for one another, if it meant to yell at one another for us to succeed, we did.

We had a good atmos-

•Emmenike

phere with a lot of respect for one another. We were just a very good family on and off the field.

The 1994 squad was a beautiful squad. It is my dream to have that squad in this present squad.

To have the unity, the oneness, the commitment, the togetherness, that would be great.

What has kept Stephen Keshi going as Eagles coach?

First, the passion. The passion for my job. It’s something I love to do and I am enjoying doing it.

And also the people around me. And by God’s grace I have the belief that I can put smiles on Nigerians faces.

And whenever I am working that is what I want to do and it’s one of the things that keep me and my coaches going.

What role has your family played in your success story?

I think my family role is far greater than what I am doing out here because if not for their understanding mostly my wife who plays the role of husband, taking care of the kids and all that stuff, taking care of me, making sure that all is well when I am not around and still tries to motivate me and keep me focused on my job. So the love that they have shown me is something that I cannot quantify.

When I look at them, it keeps me going because I know that my family is down there and they are praying for me to make everybody happy.

Did the Eagles know they were on to something big in 1994?

We made up our mind before the Nations Cup right from Holland. You know we assembled at Holland training camp and agreed that this year must be our year, we have to win the t r o p h y .

And we were all together and whoever was not ready to go into the field, we were ready to take the

•Mikel

player out. All we needed was victory.

But we also wanted to make ourselves proud by qualifying Nigeria to the World Cup for the first time.

We wanted history to remember us as the generation of players who first qualified Nigeria for the World Cup. But we had no idea what awaited us in the United States.

We were lucky that our set was the first set to qualify Nigeria for the World Cup. What got the team going in 1994?

The thing was just that we decided that we were going to win the Nations Cup. And that was because we had come so close to winning it in the past but lost.

And we had a great manager in Clemens Westerhof, who managed people well, . He was just trying to psyche everyone up all the time, telling us that we can do it. Always telling us that we all had what it takes to win the cup. For him he had the best players in Africa and the best team in Africa. So he gave us the belief that we could

win it.

What and how was your relationship with Westerhof?

Our relationship was like coach and player. It was like brothers, our relationship was like father and son. He had a lot of respect for me, just like I had for him. He would consult me on what was going on in

the team and I would give him my sincere opinion, but he decided what to do.

But Westerhof was more of a father than a coach and you know every child would do everything to make his father proud.

And that is what we did in 1994.

Do they feel a sense of unfinished business going to the 2014 World Cup? Not at all! We are going into Brazil with a fresh challenge and that is to make Nigerians and Africans proud.

I have my personal target, which I am not ready to share with anyone yet, but let’s just see how it goes.

How does your current team compare to the team of ‘94?

I do not want to compare them with the ‘94 squad because the ‘94 squad were different.

What I would say is that I am working to ensure that the present team has similar character, team spirit like that of the ‘94 squad.

Does any player from your current team remind you of any of your teammates in 1994? If so, who and why?

No comments.

How far can they now go in Brazil?

When we get there, we would find out.

•Moses

62— Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Mikel, Emenike in Eagles feud •Keshi wades in

H

EAD Coach of the Super Eagles Stephen Keshi reportedly had to play the role of a father in settling a dispute between Super Eagles senior players John Obi Mikel and Emmanuel Emenike.

The duo,who had been at loggerheads since the 0-0 draw against Greece on Wednesday shook hands and hugged after a lengthy meeting initiated and chaired by Stephen Keshi.

“Keshi had a family chat with the boys yesterday and in the meeting he made it known to Mikel and Emenike that their rift is unsettling the team,” a source said.

“After a heated exchange both players poured out their minds after which Keshi settled them but not without getting involved in a shouting game with one of them.”

“At the end both players shook hands,hugged and even ended up in each other’s room chatting before

going to bed, it’s over thanks to Keshi spotting it early.”

It was gathered that all 23 players who were present at the meeting were asked to speak out their grievances so all issues could be ironed out before their flight to Brazil today.

Newcastle forward Shola Amoebi, the oldest and most experienced among the players, advised his team mates on the strength of being united as a team with no ill feelings towards one another.

The team trained once yesterday ahead of their departure to Brazil for the World Cup with their first game scheduled for 15th of June against Iran.

BY JACOB AJOM

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Executive Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke has challenged corporate bodies in Nigeria to forward their terms, for partnership with government in the development of sports in the country.

Speaking at a forum with corporate Nigeria yesterday in Lagos, the Governor, whose state is hosting the 19 th National Sports Festival, Calabar 2014, running from November 23 rd through December 7, Imoke said, “I am not asking for donations.

What we are asking for is partnership and investments. Invest in the Games and we will give you value for your

Mikel backs Emenike in a recent outing.

HE

Eagles arrive Brazil today T

HE team had its last training session on Monday evening in the United States and will depart this morning for Miami, Florida, from where they will

connect and American Airways airliner to Samba land Brazil. The flight from Miami to Sao Paulo is scheduled to be eight hours, according to Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor.

Sports minister arrives Brazil, receives Eagles, FG delegation Senate president, David

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Centenary Games: Calabar 2014 to gulp N8b – Imoke

HE Honourable Minister of Sports/ Chairman, National Sports Commission, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has arrived Brazil ahead of the Super Eagles who are expected to touch down in Sao Paolo later this evening, according to the General Secretary of the Nigeria

Football Federation, NFF, Barrister Musa Amadu.

The minister, who left Abuja Sunday morning through London, arrived Sao Paolo yesterday and is expected to receive the Eagles as well as the presidential delegation to the World Cup led by

Continues from BP shape than in 2010,” he said. “We want to go all the way.

“With the team spirit and the calibre of the players we have, I think we can.

We want to get to the final.

“You never know in football. We’re going into every game to win but have to take it one game at a time.

“I think that is the mentality we have in this team.

“The young players are coming up and they’re learning from the older players. We’re mixing it up

Mikel

– the group is looking strong.”

Nigeria picked up a solitary point during their 2010 World Cup campaign, losing to Argentina and Greece before drawing with South Korea in their final game.

And Mikel believes that the mixture of youth and experience in the squad means that it is stronger.

“I think the guys are a bit more hungry,” he explained. “Four years ago, we had an aging team but there are a lot of young players in the team

Mark.

While the Eagles who played their last friendly match against the United States last Saturday are expected to depart from Miami, the presidential delegation will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. and they’re all hungry.

“I think that’s the mentality we have.

Hopefully we’ll have a good tournament.”

Nigeria emerged as Africa Cup of Nations champions in 2013 and the Chelsea midfielder admitted that it has led to an increase in confidence in the Super Eagles camp.

“It gives us extra confidence. We have to make sure that we know we’re representing Africa as the whole continent, the same as the other African countries."

Already, the NFF and FIFA have perfected plans to give the team a grand welcome at the airport, including a media press conference and reception by the city authorities in Sao Paulo, before the team will retire to its camp base in Brazil’s bustling commercial capital.

Meanwhile, ex-national team skipper and one of the pillars of the 1980

Nations Cup winning side, Mathematical Segun Odegbami (MON), visited the team’s hotel and later joined the team at its training ground.

Looking trim and boyish in his jeans top and trousers, Odegbami said he was motivated to come and join the team’s training because of the caliber of players and coaching crew that the team parades.

money.

“We have invested significantly in the festival, already in the region of N8 billion to make it a first class festival. We will make sure feeding, accommodation, accreditation of athletes, media coverage and everything that will make the festival a first class games.”

Imoke used the forum to perform the investiture of three patrons of the festival, namely Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, Senator Edem Bassey, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission and Tunde Folawiyo of the Folawiyo Group.

The event also featured a brilliant presentation by former Africa Queen of the tracks, Mary Onyeali-Omagbemi who spoke on the role of corporate bodies in the development of sports.

•Imoke

Police

Continues from BP

Musa Continues from BP good for the team as they have already been written off even before they have set foot in Brazil.

Argentina and Bosnia-Herzegovina are the favourites to emerge from Group F of the World Cup with Nigeria and Iran making up the numbers.

He said the players are up to the task of representing Nigeria

and the continent of Africa well in Brazil as the underdog tag will take pressure off the team.

“I am happy that people are not talking about us as favourites in our group, it is a good omen for the team,” he said.

“But we are professionals who know what it means and takes to play in the World Cup.

by Sao Paulo metro workers who are striking in support of a 12.2% salary increase.

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has said she would not allow violent demonstrations to mar the World Cup. Sao Paulo metro workers have been on strike since Thursday, creating traffic chaos in one of the world’s most congested cities.

Altino Prazeres, the president of the union organising the strike, said that ruining the World Cup was not the strikers’ intention.

“I love soccer! I support our national team. The point is not to stop the Cup,’’ he told the AP news agency.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 — 63

C M Y K

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014

Mikel: Eagles can win World Cup 2 days to go STRETCHED: Super Eagles skipper, Yobo Joseph attempts to block USA striker Jozy Altidore as he scores his second goal

M

IKEL has not been impressive for the Super Eagles lately.

He lacked creativity in the last friendlies Eagles played against Scotland and Greece, drawing the two games and losing to the USA. It was the same story for the entire team with Victor Moses and Osaze Odemwingie not doing better. With all the lacklustre runs, Mikel Obi says Nigeria can win the World Cup. Hear him: “I think we’re in better

Continues on Page 62

Sao Paulo police tear gas protesters •As metro workers continue strike

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RAZILIAN riot police have used tear gas against protesters in Sao Paulo, three days before the World Cup opening game in the city’s main stadium.

The BBC’s Katy Watson at the scene said about 300 demonstrators were there and helicopters circled overhead.

The protest was called

Continues on Page 62

You will see real Eagles in Brazil —-Musa

S

UPER Eagles forward Ahmed Musa has declared that the underdog status the team assumed after their three pre-World Cup friendly matches was

Continues on Page 62

Keshi invokes 1994 spirit on Eagles — Pg61

•Musa

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Diminish (5) 7 Lariat (5) 8 Hurl (5) 10 Weary (5) 12 Tear (3) 13 Courteous (5) 15 Tuneful (7) 17 Bellowed (6) 19 Ocean (3) 20 Stray (7) 23 Servant (4) 25 Annum (4) 26 Discussed (7) 30 Speak (3) 31 Pollute (6) 34 Ebbed (7) 37 Slumber (5) 38 Hill (3) 39 Hang (5) 40 Bisect (5) 41 Willow (5) 42 Metal-worker (5)

DOWN 1 Wireless (5) 2 Moving (5) 3 Seethed (6) 4 Pour (4) 5 Hoarse (7) 6 Subject (5) 9 Free (3) 11 Wished (7) 13 Felony (5) 14 Sound (5) 16 Meadow (3) 18 Postponed (7) 21 Weird (5) 22 Crawl (5) 24 Earn (7) 27 Wicked (3) 28 Tyrant (6) 29 Leaf (5) 32 Meat (5) 33 Bar (5) 35 Pass (3) 36 Tot (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Sever 7, Halo 8, Orator 9, Tense 11, Lad 13, Rod 15, Ewer 16, Say 18, Gear 19, Reproof 20, Surf 22, Dump 23, Eagerly 25, Rued 27, Nil 28, Here 30, End 31, Did 33, Sewer 36, Devote 37, Opal 38, Threw.

DOWN: 1, Macaw 2, Sot 3, Van 4, Roe 5, Mat 6, Cocoa 10, Slap 11, Leisure 12, Decreed 13, Refused 14, Dripped 16, Seven 17, Grill 18, God 21, Fad 24, Rise 26, Under 29, Rival 32, Coy 33, Set 34, War 35, Row.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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