Crashed plane not on test flight — NCAA

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 61989

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

NATIONAL CONFAB: Shell to sell four more Jonathan's best oil blocs, pipelines 9 decision ever — Clark 15

Crashed plane not on test flight — NCAA

BY SONI DANIEL

A

•We won't speculate on plane's crash — Minister •Says Adeyemi's views are respected, but...

OSHODI-APAPA EXPRESSWAY:

— Contractors

•P.29

COLUMNISTS: Is'haq Modibbo Kawu •P.17

OCHEREOME NNANNA•P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

•Jonathan, Mark, Tambuwal, PDP, Gemade, Adebanjo, Uduaghan, Uwazurike, others mourn him •He was disciplined, principled — David-West

C M Y K

Continues on page 52

Why work is slow •P.20

PDP's founding chairman, Solomon Lar dies at 80

•PGs.5&56

BUJA — Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, yesterday, faulted claims by Senator Smart Adeyemi that the Associated Airlines aircraft that crashed in Lagos on October 3 kill

Mr & Mrs

*Solomon Lar.

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POCKET CARTOON

CHECK-UP—President Goodluck Jonathan undergoing a personal medical check-up in the mobile clinic service rendered by the National Hospital, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

PDP's founding chairman, Solomon Lar dies @ 80

BY EMEKA MAMAH, TAYE OBATERU, BEN AGANDE, & MARIETHERESE NANLONG

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AGOS—THE Pla teau State government has announced the death of the former governor of old Plateau State and founding chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, at the age of 80.

Lar ’s death was announced by Governor

Jonah Jang at the Government Lodge, Jos following a call from a member of the family from the United States where he passed on at 3.30am, yesterday. ”I received a call from the US that Baba (Chief Solomon Lar has gone to be with The Lord. Baba died at 3.30 a.m. this morning”, he said in a solemn voice.

He said he felt duty bound to inform the people of the state following

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

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OMPASSION also brings us into the terri tory of mystery encouraging us not just to see beauty, but perhaps also to look for the face of God in the moment of challenges, in the face of a stranger, in the face of another being — Krista Tippett Krista Tippett also says that compassion can be synonymous with empathy. It can be joined with the harder work of forgiveness and reconciliation, but it can also express itself in the simple act of presence. It’s linked to practical virtues like generosity and hospitality and just being there, just showing up. I think that compassion also is often linked to beauty - and by that I mean a willingness to see beauty and goodness in others.

I’m not sure if I can show you what tolerance looks like, she says, but I can show you what compassion looks like - because it is visible. When we see it, we recognize it and it changes the way we think about what is doable, what is possible. It is so important when we’re communicating big ideas - but especially a big spiritual idea like compassion - to root it as we present it to others in space and time and matter.

Leo Buscaglia sums it beautifully: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.

the confirmation of the death.

Anxiety over the health of the elder statesman heightened on Monday after he reportedly passed out and had to be resuscitated and placed on life support.

Family sources disclosed that it became apparent that it was a matter of time as the doctors treating him doubted if he could make it.

It was learnt that they made it clear that he was not fit to travel when some family members suggested that he should be brought home following the hopeless picture painted by the medical team.

He had been undergoing treatment for prostrate related ailments for almost two years and had to visit his doctors abroad constantly in the last one year.

It was wild wailing and anguish yesterday evening at the Jos residence of the departed elder statesman where scores of supporters and sympathizers gathered following the news of his death.

Many broke down as they arrived the residence to confirm what they thought was another rumour.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has condoled with the family of the former chairman of the PDP and governor of old Plateau State, Chief Lar In a statement yesterday, Jonathan said Chief Lar “ will always be remembered for the exem-

plary humility, great vision, wisdom and maturity which he brought to bear on political leadership in Nigeria for over 50 years as a legislator, executive governor, party leader and highly revered elder statesman. ”President Jonathan received with immense sadness and a feeling of immense national loss, news of the passing away of the former governor of Plateau State and founding chairman of the PDP, Chief Lar. ”On behalf of himself and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends heartfelt condolences to the Lar family, Governor Jonah Jang, the people of Plateau State, the people of the Middle Belt and all others for whom Chief Lar was a much beloved, charismatic and inspirational political leader. ”The President joins them in mourning the passage of a true great leader whose eventful and highly successful political career predated Nigeria’s independence, having started with his election as a councillor in the Langtang Native Authority in January 1959 and continued with his election to the Federal Parliament in December, 1959. ”Jonathan urges them to take solace in the knowledge that Chief Lar lived a long and most fulfilled life; and that his immense contributions to communal, state and national development have assured him of a place among the eternal heroes of the Nigerian nation. ”The President believes that Chief Lar will always be remembered for the exemplary humility, great vision, wisdom and maturity which he brought to political leadership in Nigeria for over 50 years as a legislator, executive governor, party leader and highly revered elder statesman. ”He also trusts that present and future generations of Nigerians will always acknowledge and honour Chief Lar’s role as one of the founders and architects of the country’s current democratic dispensation which he helped to establish and stabilize. ”The President prays that God Alimghty who blessed the Nigerian nation with the gift of Chief Lar ’s acclaimed

leadership abilities for so many decades, will receive his soul, and grant him a well deserved rest from his earthly labours,” he said.

The Plateau State Government has also described the late elder statesman as pillar of democracy whose legacy would stand the test of time.

A statement last night signed by James Mannok, the Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Jang read, ”It’s with great sadness that the Government of Plateau state received the death of Chief Solomon Daushep Lar the first civilian Governor of the state and the first National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, who passed away in the United States of America. ”Gov Jonah Jang who was informed of the death by the family paid tribute to Chief Lar as a pillar of democracy, steadfast politician and a man of the people who is leaving a legacy that will stand the test of time. ”While calling on his family, the people of Plateau and indeed Nigerians to take this loss as an act of God, the governor recalled how the late elder statesman distinguished himself on the country’s political landscape thereby making the state proud.”

The former Chairman of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, NPP and PDP in Anambra State, Chief Guy Ikokwu and the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF also reacted to Lar ’s death.

Ikokwu said, ‘’As a co-founder of the PDP at the end of the last military rule ushering Nigeria into the era of civilian governance, I and my colleagues are thoroughly shocked by the sudden news of the

demise of an exuberant statesman and national leader and the first national Chairman of the PDP, Solomon Lar. ’’He was known as the liberator of his people in the middle belt and other down trodden Nigerians from the yoke of not only imperialism but also from domestic hegemony and feudalism. ’’He was one of the bridge builders in Nigeria relating to the North and South as equal partners in the domain of national transformation. He had a very genial personality and was loved by our people in the South East, South South, South West and other Nigerian zones.

The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Anthony Sani also said: "It is with heavy heart that ACF has received the news of the passing away of Chief Lar which sad event took place today, (yesterday).

Chief Lar was the spirit and face of his people and gave all his life to them.Many Nigerians would pass him for someone who struggled for the rights of his people with courage and in hope.

Considering what he stood and died for,one can imagine his body lying in both peace and pain:the peace associated with death and the pain of what he has left behind:a divided people in endless blame game and engagement of the past at the expense of how to move the nation forward. ’’Lar may not be any more with us because no one can fill the void he has left behind in the life of the nation and lives of loved ones, but in a way, he is very much around,considering he needs no monuments to remind us of his legacies.

MORE ON PAGE 56

6—Vanguard , THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Man remanded in prison for robbery, murder

BY ONOZURE DANIA

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AGOS—A 32-year-old man, Suleman Kabiru, was yesterday remanded in prison custody by an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, over alleged murder and armed robbery.

Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Prisons, pending the legal advice from

the Office of the State Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, and adjourned the case till November 5 for mention.

The defendant is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder and armed robbery, preferred against him by the police.

Police prosecutor, Eranus Nnamonu, told the court that the defendants and others at

large committed the alleged offence at 9p.m., on March 8 at Isolo area of Lagos.

He said that the defendant, armed with AK-47 rifle and other dangerous weapons, attempted to rob UBA Isolo Branch, shot and killed one Mr. Eze Okoro.

He said the offence is contrary to Section 228, Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Policeman for trial Nov 18 over ‘accidental' killings

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

T

HE trial of Corporal Abu Abolaji, 34, who allegedly killed three men with an accidental discharge of seven shots from his AK-47 rifle, was yesterday adjourned to November 18 for continuation of trial, due to witness’s absence.

Presiding judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo ruled: “The defendant was alleged to have discharged seven shots from his AK-47 rifle accidentally, which led to the death of three men in a car.

“I will give the prosecution every chance to prove their case.”

The victims’ names were

given as Ibrahim Olojede, Rotimi Philips and Friday Uti. At the resumed hearing, prosecution counsel, Mr. Olaitan Shoetan, urged the court to adjourn the case since the witness was not in court, but the defence counsel, Mr. Victor Okpala objected and asked the court to adjourn the case for defense.

Tension in Abia community over sale of ancestral land

BY TONY NWANKWO

P

EACE in Idima-Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State, is threatened by the illegal sales of ancestral living quarters at NdiOloko Compound, an action described by indigenes as a taboo.

Idima vigilante group has intervened.

Condemning the sales, Elder Oloko Ibe Kalu said the perpetrators were becoming a threat to peace by selling off even ancestral artifacts that existed before their forefathers in the area.

He said: “They sold my ancestral home to a complete stranger until I had to return to confront them.

“It seems that when they are broke, they resort to selling anything, even ancestral materials that belong to other families.

This must stop.”

ACROBATIC: Accident on Airport Road, Benin, yesterday. NAN

Wife, lover arrested over husband's death BYMARIE-THERESE NANLONG

J

OS—A 25-year-old woman, Yakbyen Nanbol, who allegedly conspired with her lover of the same age to murder her husband, has been nabbed by policemen in Jos. The woman, a mother of one child, which she had for the deceased husband, yesterday, said she did not ask her lover, who was her late husband’s friend, to kill him.

She said her lover (Samson) had approached her several times for love-making, which she always turned down.

She said: “I knew Samson through my husband. He has been coming to our house whenever my husband traveled. My husband did not stay home regularly.

“Samson will come to the house, requesting for lovemaking. I finally gave in and we have been meeting until he killed my husband.”

OBIOMA: Mobile tailors at Lugbe in Abuja, yesterday.

NAN PHOTO.

zI didn't ask him to kill my husband— Widow zShe fell for my impressive performance— Suspect However, the suspect claimed that he had been in love with the woman since July and had been having the affair since, whenever the husband, a labourer, was away.

‘Why I killed him’

Samson, a native of Langtang South, noted that because of his “impressive performance,” the woman advised him to kill the husband once he came back from PortHarcourt, where he went for a job, so that they would be free to get married.

He said: “I stay in Langtang South, but she is in Langtang North and I have been coming to meet her. One day she suggested we should be married. I rejected the idea instantly but later had a second thought and agreed to marry her.

“I promised to give her money to return the dowry but she said no, that I should kill

the husband and I agreed.

“The day her husband came back, she called me, told me her husband had come. I went there in the night and killed him with a gun.”

Parading the suspects at the State Police Headquarters alongside 14 others, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Chris Olakpe, lamented incidences of homicide, saying the command was battleready to combat any form of criminal activities in the state.

Another kills mother

Similarly paraded was a young man from Kaduna Vom in Jos South Local Government Area, who killed his mother on allegation of witchcraft and other suspects whose offences ranged from child trafficking, armed robbery to cow rustling.

Olakpe said the suspects were undergoing interrogation by the CID and that they

will be charged to court for prosecution as soon as the investigation was over.

He said the command had reduced crime rate in the state to the barest minimum through intelligence gathering and admonished the public to make good use of the emergency lines to give information to ensure improved policing in the state.

Oyo records 38 road

I

BADAN—THIRTY-EIGHT road accidents occurred in the month of September in Oyo State, claiming 29 lives and leaving 166 injured.

Mr. Godwin Ogagaoghene, Oyo State Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, stated this in a report made available in Ibadan, yesterday.

Ogagaoghene said the

Vanguard , THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—7

BOGUS NPA CONTRACT: 3 docked over N65.4m fraud

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

L

AGOS — THREE per sons were, yesterday, brought before a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere, by the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly defrauding one Miss Lora Marire of N65.4 million, by falsely stating that the money would be used for the registration of her company as contractor with Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA. According to the charge, the accused persons, Kachy Kennedy Okoye, Usong Ibor Matthew and Princewell Arinze Eze (A.K.A. Engr.

Chika Eze), also obtained the said sum by falsely representing that the money would aid Marire’s award of a contract to build 100 units of duplex at Lekki, Lagos.

The matter took a different dimension, yesterday, as the prosecutor, Oyedepo Rotimi, filed an amended information, which saw the name of the third defendant in the initial charge (Igberaese Lawry) removed and substituted with Princewill.

Ruling

N PHOTO.

In a ruling, the presiding

judge, Justice Christopher Balogun, discharged Lawry from prison custody and upheld the prosecution’s amended information, but did not take the plea of the defendants.

Justice Balogun held that the prosecution would have to write to the Chief Justice of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, in compliance to the new directive on refreshing a charge.

Adjourned

He ruled: “This matter has to be continued tomorrow (today). In the circumstance as given by the Lagos Chief Judge, this matter is moved to Justice Aishat Opesanwo for the plea of the defendants to be taken.

“This is fast track division and not a criminal division.

So this court cannot take the defendants’ fresh plea.”

In the amended information suit no ID/121C/2012, the defendants are to be rearraigned on a twelve-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences, an offence contrary to Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Cap. A6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Police bust 3-man kidnap gang, rescue 30-yr-old woman

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

L

AGOS — POLICE in Lagos State, yesterday, said they have arrested a three-man gang of kidnappers, who specialised in kidnapping young boys in Lagos and Ogun states.

This was as 37-year-old Idowu Ajibola has been arrested by policemen attached to the Area ‘E’ Police Command in Festac, Lagos, for allegedly abducting a 30-year-old woman, for three years.

Lagos Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Damasus Ozuani, who paraded the suspects before newsmen, said the three kidnappers were cur-

rently being detained by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. Ozuani, who identified the suspects as Olalekan Benjamin, Gbenga Sholaja and Samson Somorin, said they were arrested when the Divisional Police Officer at Igando Police Station, Ben Osuji, received an intelligence report on the gang’s activities and caught a member of the gang at 12, Olowojeunjeje Street, Egan, Igando, Lagos.

He said: “The DPO at Igando, apprehended Benjamin and later transferred him to SARS for further investigation. During interrogation at SARS, the suspect confessed and named some

d crashes, 29 fatalities crashes involved 25 private cars, 39 commercial vehicles and one government car.

The victims of these road crashes, he said, were mainly adults, with 10 children involved. 24 crashes were recorded in August.

He also said 2,247 motorists were apprehended for various road traffic offences, during the period under review, as

against 3,029 recorded in August.

Ogagaoghene advised motorists to be more careful on the road, especially as the festive period was approaching.

“We must all drive with a sense of responsibility towards other road users and work towards preventing unnecessary loss of lives on our roads,” he added.

of his gang members as Sholaja and Shomorin, based in Alagbado, Lagos and OwodeIjako, Ogun State, respectively.

“The officer in charge of SARS, Abba Kyari, arrested the two suspects from their various hideouts. They confessed to have kidnapped three children, one from Omole Phase 1, another from Alagbado area, while the third, was from OwodeIjako, Ogun State and collected various amounts as ransom from their parents.

“We also discovered during interrogation that Benjamin is a jailbird, who was imprisoned for a similar case in 2009”

Kidnap

Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that Modupe Brown was a 400 level student of Business Administration at Lagos State university, LASU, when she was abducted by Mr. Idowu Ajibola and kept in captivity for three years.

It was further gathered that on September 9, operatives from the Area ‘E’ Command, following an intelligence report, stormed Sagamu, Ogun State, and rescued the victim.

They arrested one Ebun Idowu, the alleged abductor’s

mother, who watched over the victim, while the abductor was arrested at Idumota area of Lagos.

Ozuani, who also paraded the suspects, said: “The suspect cunningly camped the victim at three different locations during the period of incarceration: Osogbo in Ogun State, for six months; Bariga in Lagos, for another six months, while they spent over two years in Sagamu, Ogun State.

“The suspect, who hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State, is a primary school drop-out.

“He forcefully impregnated the victim, who had a baby girl with deformities because of the abductor’s refusal to have the baby immunised against polio virus.”

‘She’s my lover’

When Vanguard interviewed Ajibola, he described Brown as his lover and that they had been cohabiting for three years.

He said: “She told me she wanted to run away with me because her parents do not want her to get married to a man of her choice. I told her that I don’t have money but she said I shouldn’t worry, that she will look for a way out.

“Some few days later she paid N200,000 into my account and we travelled to Osun State. Because of the nature of my job, we were moving from one place to the other. I am surprised that the police came to my house and arrested me.”

‘He hypnotised me’

However, Brown insisted that she was hypnotised and abducted by Ajibola in 2010. She said that before her abduction, she has never met Ajibola.

She further added that Ajibola accosted her when she was about to pay her schools fees.

Brown said: “I lost consciousness the moment he touched me and he asked me to go back to my house and bring all my belongings to his house.

“That was how we started living as husband and wife. Any time I make attempts to go, something will tell me not to go and in the process he impregnated me.

“He moved me from place to place and prevented me from immunising my child. I regained consciousness recently and I picked up a phone and called my mother, who brought in the police.”

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Plateau Assembly speaker resigns; deputy impeached

BY MARIE-THERESE NANLONG

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OS—THE Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, John Clark Dabwan, has resigned his position, prompting the House to adopt the member representing Bokkos Constituency, Titus Alams as the new Speaker.

The House also impeached the Deputy Speaker, John Bull Shekarau and replaced him with the member representing Langtang South Constituency, Joyce Radnap.

In a letter signed by 16 out of 24 members of the House and read on the floor by the Minority Leader, Wokdung Abbas representing Dengi constituency, Shekarau was said to have been impeached due to what the members described as his arrogance.

Dabwan read his resignation letter yesterday on the floor of the Assembly, saying that although it was painful, he took the action to avoid another round of crisis in the state.

The former Speaker, however, added that he did his best not to disappoint his colleagues during his tenure.

He said: “Plateau State has witnessed so many crises and we cannot continue to inflame it. That is the basis on which I am resigning. I held the House (position) with integrity, honesty and fear of God. I painfully took this decision in the interest of peace and I wish all of us well.

"I have done my best for the people of Plateau, played my part with the wonderful support and cooperation from the House.

We shall continue to work as a family.”

He urged members of the House to give maximum support to his successor.

Alams pledged to give quality leadership to the House, saying that "with the issues of constitutional review, national dialogue and insecurity our government deserves good legislation.”

G7 govs 're not rebels but reformers — GOV ALIYU

BY WOLE MOSADONI

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INNA—NIGER State governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has described the seven governors on the platform of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, opposed to the national leadership of the party led

by Alhaji Bamanga Tukur as reformers and not rebels.

Aliyu also said that he would remain committed to the course of championing reformation in the party with the aim of taking it away from the apron strings of undemocratic elements within the party.

He spoke when members of the executive committee of the party in the North Central zone, led by its Chairman, Yusuf Ayetogu paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Minna yesterday.

He also said the G7 governors in the party should not be seen as rebels but as reformers who were out to put the PDP on the right part.

Governor Aliyu said: “What we are saying is that there is room for reform.

The principle of democracy is that you cannot have it good at the top while the bottom is rotten.

“The fact that we have been in government for the past 14 years does not mean that we must be there perpetually. We are there because people have trust and confidence and believe that the party can help Nigerians to live peacefully but in a situation where autocracy is the order of the day... then some people must

intervene and this is what some of us are doing.”

Governor Aliyu who made a veiled reference to the agreement some governors purportedly signed with President Goodluck Jonathan to serve for one term of four years only in office before the 2011 general elections, however, said that the issue

should be for Nigerians to decide at the appropriate time, as according to him, it was only God that gives power.

He said: “Whether you agree that there is a promise or no promise; agreement or no agreement, it is okay. That is left for the people to decide."

On the 2015 presidency, he added, “nobody can remove the

President today unless God says so because he did not bring himself to power. The future is in the hands of God.’’ Responding, the Zonal Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Yusuf Ayetogu said his team was in the state to persuade the governor on the need for him to sheathe his sword and move the party towards the path of unity.

SIGNING—From Left: Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Bank Limited, Mrs. Bola Adesola; Chairman, MainOne Company Limited, Mr. Fola Adeola; and Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms. Funke Opeke, at the signing of $100 million facility to MainOne by a consortium of banks in Lagos yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

ASUU strike not politically motivated, NLC tells Jonathan

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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IGERIA Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to discountenance the impression that ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, was a political action against his government as nothing could be farther from the truth. It then advised the President to tackle the crises in the education sector and prevent a shut-down of the sector.

NLC in a statement by its President, Abdulwaheed Omar, told President Jonathan that those telling him that the strike was politically motivated were the President's enemies who rather than tell him the truth preferred to indulge in sycophancy, hypocrisy and boot-licking.

The statement titled “Do Not Allow Education Sector to Shut-Down”, reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress calls on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to tackle the crises in the education sector and prevent shutdown of the sector. We urge Mr. President to muster the necessary will and skill to confront the issues that threaten this vital sector.

"As President of the country, he has the onerous task of restoring normalcy

to the sector whether the issues are political as he has made the nation to believe or whether they are purely industrial. The

threat of a total shut-down is muster. The developments in the present and immediate and Education sector are symptomatic deserves all the urgency and of greater ills in the polity." mobilization Mr President could

Electricity workers threaten power sector shutdown

BY TONY EDIKE

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NUGU—THE National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, yesterday, gave the Federal Government seven days to resolve the strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, or face a total shut down of electricity facilities in the country.

The union said that it could no longer sit back and watch those in positions of authority destroy the future of young Nigerians who have remained at home for weeks on account of the Federal Government’s refusal to meet the legitimate demands by ASUU. General Secretary of NUEE,

Mr Joe Ajaero, who spoke at a training workshop for labour leaders in the power sector in Enugu, said that electricity workers across the country would be directed to join other progressive labour unions “to shut down the country” as a way of expressing anger over the lingering face-off between the Federal Government and the academic staff.

He said: “We can no longer sit back and watch this disturbing drama going on between the Federal government and ASUU. If the strike is not addressed within the next one week, NUEE and other progressive unions, will shut down the country.

“It is unfortunate that those in

power are not bothered about the closure of the universities. They are less concerned because none of their children are studying in Nigerian universities.

"Their children are overseas just as they travel overseas for medical attention because they have allowed our hospitals to die.

Whether our children are out of school or not they are not bothered but we are going to join our children to stay at home from next week.”

Ajaero called on the National Assembly to make a legislation banning public office holders from sending their children to study abroad just as overseas medical trips by public officers should be outlawed to enable government address the numerous problems weighing the nation down.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2013—9

JTF, DSS raid bomb factory in Kano, discover high calibre weapons K

ANO—THE Joint Security Task Force, JTF, said yesterday, that it discovered a high calibre bomb factory at Gunduwawa village in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state.

The Commander, 3 Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Kano, Brig.Gen. Iliyasu Abba, made the disclosure when he briefed newsmen in Kano, yesterday.

Abba said the discovery was made on Tuesday around 2 a.m., during an operation by a combined team of JTF troops and the Department of State Services, DSS, operatives.

“At about 2 am on Oct. 8, a combined team of the JTF troops and Department of State Services raided two Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts at Gunduwawa village in Gezawa Local Government Area.

“The raid, which was conducted following a lead on intelligence reports, made no arrests as the terrorists fled the village on the approach of JTF troops and DSS personnel,” he said.

He however, said one person who was believed to be the son of the owner of the house was killed during the operation.

According to him, the deceased is said to have rented the house to the fleeing terrorists.

He said the team was also able to recover weapons, working tools

and materials used for making improvised explosive devices, IEDs. He added that they recovered one assault rifle, two AK-58 rifle magazines with 193 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and one AK47 rifle magazine with 107 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and bows and arrows.

Others are three primed cylinders of IEDs, one primed explosive

suicide back pack, 18 empty IED cylinders, 24 detonators, and small bag of fertiliser and IED timers.

The rest are cortex wires and three remote control devices, five Motorola hand held radios, four communicators, six alarm clocks, two cartons of 9-volt batteries, a scale, one external hard drive and one heavy duty charger/battery.

“These weapons, ammunitions and other dangerous materials were meant to wreak havoc on Kano during the Eid-el-Kabir and other festivities before the end of the year.”

He urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with the JTF operatives in its effort to curb activities of terrorists in the state.

CAMPAIGN—All Progressives Congress, APC, Gubernatorial Candidate in the November 2013 elections and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige (middle) with party supporters during the party’s gubernatorial campaign rally at Ladipo Market, Oshodi, Lagos, yesterday.

Jega wants establishment of election offences tribunal before 2015 polls

C

HAIRMAN of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, has renewed calls for the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal before the 2015 general elections.

Jega made the call during a debate on ethics and elections organised by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on Tuesday in Abuja.

The chairman said the tribunal would help restore sanity to the country’s electoral process and deter people from committing electoral offences.

Jega said: “I was privileged to serve in the Justice Muhammad Lawal Uwais-led Committee and I know we made a recommendation for the establishment of a tribunal to deal with the impunity in the way electoral offences are being committed in Nigeria.

“We need to do something unique and that is to establish an electoral offences tribunal which will be saddled with the responsibility of arrest, investigation and prosecution of

offenders.”

Jega said that in the 2011 general elections, the commission detected 870,000 cases of multiple registrations out of the 73.5 million voters registered.

He, however, expressed regrets that only 270 offenders had been prosecuted by the body till date.

The chairman blamed poor funding and inadequate staff for the commission’s low performance in the prosecution of electoral offenders.

He said: “In INEC we have a very small legal department and for us to effectively have legal representation in cases of election petitions, we have to employ legal practitioners outside of that.

“We simply do not have the resources to prosecute; we have done our best but what we have done is just a drop in the ocean.”

On the November gubernatorial election in Anambra, Mr. Jega said the commission had set out modalities for continuous voter registration, adding that the prosecution of those caught in multiple registration had begun.

He promised that the modalities

put in place by the commission would serve as a deterrent to people with the intention of

indulging in multiple voter registration.

Neuroscience student named 'UK's top black student'

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N Oxford DPhil student has been named the UK's top black student in a ceremony at the House of Commons.

Melvin Mezue of St Hugh's College, who is studying neuroscience, won the 2013 Rare Rising Stars award for his achievements in academia and business.

Now in its fifth year, Rare Rising Stars showcases the achievements of the best black students in the UK. The judging panel included David Lammy MP, Trevor Phillips OBE, Jean Tomlin OBE, Tom Chigbo, Sam Gyimah MP, and Adrian Joseph, Director of Search Advertising at Google for Northern and Central Europe.

Mr Mezue is one of four Oxford students in the top 10.

Named in fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively were Ify Aniebo, an MSc in Public Health at St Catherine’s College; Uchechukwu Ukachi, a Master ’s student in Engineering, Economics and Management at St John’s College; and Ré Phillips, an MPhil in International Development at St Anthony's College.

Olympic taekwondo bronze medallist Lutalo Muhammad also made the top ten.

Mr Mezue investigates the way that the brain processes pain, with the aim of developing new treatments for chronic pain syndromes. Some of his research has been exhibited at the Science Museum and featured on BBC's The One Show.

Shell to sell 4 more oil blocks, pipelines

BY MICHAEL EBOH, WITH AGENCY REPORT

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HELL Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, has announced plans to sell off its 97-kilometer, 150,000 barrels of oil per day Nembe Creek Trunk Line in the Niger Delta region.

The company, along with its joint venture partner, is also planning to sell off four more oil blocks — Oil licenses 18, 24, 25 and 29.

This was even as the company, yesterday, shut the Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, following reports of new leaks, barely 10 days after the line was repaired from crude oil theft incidents, deferring about 150,000 barrels of oil per day.

The company said the latest leaks were reported at B-Dere, Nonwa–Tai, and Bodo West all in Ogoni land, adding that it shut the line as a precautionary measure after receiving reports of the incidents and has also mobilised a spill response team.

It added that a joint investigation visit be conducted as soon as possible to determine the cause and impact of the spills.

The Nembe Creek Trunk Line, a key oil transport channel, which Shell has repeatedly shut this year after attacks by oil thieves and the four oil blocks feed the Bonny terminal, Nigeria’s oldest export facility, commissioned by Shell in 1961.

Sources close to the company, said the joint venture, which also includes Total and Eni, has sent out offer documents for the oil blocks.

When contacted, spokesperson for Shell Nigeria, Mr. Precious Okolobo, said, “Nigeria remains an important part of Shell’s portfolio, where we will continue to have a significant onshore presence in oil and gas, and which has clear growth potential, particularly in deepwater and onshore gas.

“Shell has a history of over 50 years in Nigeria and remains committed to the country and to supporting the Government of Nigeria in their plans for the oil and gas sector."

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 , 2013

Lagos Badagry expressway for closure Sunday Lagos State Government yesterday, announced planned closure of Badagry bound carriageway on the Lagos Badagry expressway, to traffic between 7am and 12 noon next Sunday to allow for construction of a pedestrian bridge along the axis.

Commissioner for Transportation, comrade Kayode Opeifa, who disclosed this, said the move was part of efforts to deliver the first phase of the Blue Line Rail P r o j e c t .

According to Opeifa, the contractor, Messrs China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, would be installing pre-cast beams for the pedestrian bridge to take commuters into the rail station at Mile 2 and across the road.

“We appeal for caution and cooperation from all road users to obey all traffic regulations and ensure traffic flow during the period of closure.

“We are working with relevant Lagos State agencies to ensure free flow of traffic. The Lagos State Government sincerely regrets any inconveniences,” he said.

Fayemi commissions Olayinka diagnostic centre

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OVERNOR K A Y O D E Fayemi of Ekiti State, yesterday, commissioned the Funmi Olayinka Diagnostic and Wellness Centre and flag-off of the state’s National Health Insurance Scheme - MDG Maternal and Child health programme as part of efforts at actualising the vision for a qualitative health care service delivery in the state.

Commissioning the diagnostic centre which is named after the late Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, who died in April after battling with cancer, Governor Fayemi said the administration deemed it fit to provide the ultra-modern, state-of-the-art diagnostic centre to forestal other losses to the dreaded disease.

BRIEFING: Lay President of Conference, Sir Jimmy Coker; outgoing Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde; new Prelate, Dr. Samuel Uche, and the Secretary of Conference, Rev. Chibuzo Opoko, at a media briefing, organised by the church.

FEC okays N1.46bn contract for ports’ buoys, land reclamation

BY BEN AGANDE

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BUJA — THE Federal Executive Council, FEC, yesterday approved $3.5 million (N560 million) contract for the for construction of 100 pieces of channel marking buoys for Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar ports and another contract worth N900 million for land reclamation Minister of Transport, Senator Umar Idris who disclosed this while briefing State House cor-

respondents at the end of the weekly meeting of FEC. Umar explained: “Today I brought a memo to council, seeking approval on contract and council approved a contract for the construction, delivery and commissioning of 100 number R class, MDPE channel marking buoys for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in favour of Messrs Marina Energy Limited in the sum of $3.5 million inclusive of all taxes with a completion period

of 25 months” According to the minister, flanked by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, Ministers of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke, Trade & Investment, Olusegun Aganga, Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama, and Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, “The scope of work in the contract shall include the construction of 100 buoys, their deliv-

Bad governance, Nigeria’s problem, says Oby Ezekwesili

BY EMMANUEL JOSHUA

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ORMER Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, has said that the problem of Nigeria is neither in multi-ethnicity nor multireligious and ideological affiliations of Nigerians, but bad governance.

Dr. Ezekwesili said this during her presentation at the just concluded programme, ‘The Platform,’ an initiative of Covenant Christian Centre.

In her presentation entitled, ‘I see a new Nigeria,’ she said, “the government cannot lift its citizens out of poverty, but the citizens will lift themselves out through the quality of economic growth as well as efficient and effective governance, that is responsive to the citizens.”

Ezekwesili argued that the New Nigeria which she sees “is one where accountability will be a social pact between the citizens and those who govern them; where the government will have the understanding that collaborative partnership is the new way of solving problem and where the

public servant will understand that service is not for wealth but for sacrifice.

“She submitted that the 16 years of democracy in Nigeria, has not been 16 years of democratic rule but that of civil rule.”

She therefore recommended that the citizens should become knowledgeable about public policies while govern-

ment must understand that collaborative partnership is the new way of solving problems.

She also contended that government and everyone should invest in capacity development for adaptive leadership and the public servant and office holders should understand that the service is not for wealth but for sacrifice.

Ogun trains 20 LG consultants

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GUN STATE Government has organised a three-day training workshop for the 20 consultants on local government matters for effective feed-back aimed at promoting good governance at the grassroots.

Declaring the workshop tagged ‘Deepening the Mission to Rebuild Local Government as Pivot,’ opened at Otta, area of the state, Governor Amosun was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo.

According to him, the motive behind the training was

to shape the communication skills on effective feed-back strategy of the consultants to the appropriate quarters in order to add value to the socioeconomic development at the grassroots.

He added the consultants were inaugurated into office on July 2013 and that seasoned facilitators were invited from across the state to enlighten and re-orientate them basically on their assigned roles at their different localities.

He gave as part of their duties gathering information and reporting activities at their localities.

ery and commissioning at Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt and Calabar ports’ access channels.

Upon completion, the buoys will help delineate channels leading to the ports and also enhance safe navigation in and out of the ports I have listed earlier on.”

On the contract for land reclamation, the Transport Minister said the contract had to do with land reclamation at Obang-Iju-Ibiro-Oba-OjinbaOkujagu-Ama water front and bank swarms.

“Council had earlier last year, approved this contract for a sum of N7.9 billion. However, because of compelling needs and of course, the need to enhance the work, added to the recommendation by the consultants for additional work and the need to reclaim additional hectares and in some areas to put in more reinforcement on the project, the council approved augmentation in the sum of N900 million” he said.

Also speaking, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the International Finance Corporation, IFC, had agreed to support Nigeria’s gas pipeline infrastructure, saying that once paper works are attended to in the next six months, mobilisation and implementation of the financial support as well as project advertorial and project management support will start.

“The IFC made a great point of commending Mr. President highly for his power privatisation programme. As the chief executive officer said, it has been one of the most successful that they have seen in the world. And being the world’s super national infrastructure financing organisation, we took this commendation very seriously,” she said.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—11

ALLOCATION:

PDP guber aspirant challenges Ekiti

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DIALOGUE: From left, Alhaji Yusuf Tuggar, Director, Librod; Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, Chairman, Access Bank; Mrs. Asha Oyebode, CEO, Murtala Mouhammed Foundation; Mr. Odein Ajumogobia, SAN, and Mr. Akinyemi Julius, during Murtala Muhammed Foundation 2013 Public Policy Dialogue, at Victoria Island, Lagos Photo: Shola Oyelese

We know nothing about hiring crashed plane, Agagu family insists

BY DAYO JOHNSON

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KURE – THE family of the late former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, yesterday, insisted that the choice and hiring of the illfated plane from Associated Airline was not that of the family.

In what is gradually turning into a media war between the Agagu family and the Ondo State Government, the family through the late former governor’s brother, Femi Agagu said the family had no interaction with the airline.

This is as Governor Olusegun Mimiko, yesterday, visited Chief Olu Falae, the father of the late Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Deji Falae,

who also died in the plane crash.

Deji would have turned 43, yesterday.

According to Agagu family: “Playing politics with facts and the memories of the departed souls as well as the sensibilities of the bereaved families is totally and absolutely unnecessary."

Femi Agagu, in a statement in Akure, said that “we would like to stress again and again that the choice and hiring of the ill-fated plane from Associated Airline was not that of the family.

“Indeed the family had no interraction whatsoever with Associated Airlines.

The family said that “the choice of MIC undertakers was a collective decision of both the government and Agagu family in view of MIC’s status as one of the best

undertakers in the country.

“The contracts for the purchase of the casket, the hiring of the hearse, arrangement for the flying of the corpse from Lagos to Akure, the planning of the lying-instate as well as the transportation to Iju Odo were strictly between Ondo State Government and MIC. According to the statement: “The family had no business or direct interaction with MIC. As a matter of fact, the letter from MIC inviting us to come and pick the casket was routed through the Ondo State government.

“As had been said severally, the only role performed by the family was to, on the invita-

tion of the government to point at the casket we wanted.

“How much it cost and how much was paid as well as how the money was paid remains between the state government and MIC caskets.

“Sincerely, there ought not to be any controversy over this matter as Associated Airline knew and has the records of who contracted them for the chattered flight.

....I made Deji commissioner on merit — Mimiko

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OVERNOR Mimiko, yesterday, said that he appointed late Deji Falae as commissioner purely on merit and not because of his father’s connection or position.

Late Deji Falae, who would

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE and Strategy, Mr. Kunle said the government of Rauf have clocked 43, yesterday, Oyatomi said the Aregbesola would through the SOGBO — THE main was the Commissioner for Aregbesola’s government schools' merger cause confusion opposition party in Osun would not be detracted from Culture and Tourism in the and crisis among the school chilState, the Peoples Democratic its set programmes to put the state and the son of former dren and communities in the Party, PDP, has condemned the Secretary to Federal state on a sound footing. state. merger of schools by the state Government and former Olaoluwa said the recent But the All Progressives Congovernment under the schools merging of schools by the Finance Minister, Chief Olu gress, APC, described the PDP reclassification programme, destate government was an open Falae. condemnation as lacking in scribing it as an attempt to Governor Mimiko while invitation to anarchy, adding merit, saying that Aregbesola was barstardise the state educational speaking during his second that the government policy only clearing the rot created dursystem. would do no good to any of visit to Chief Olu Falae, yesing PDP seven and a half years The party in a statement by its the stakeholdesr in the edu- terday, in Akure, since the inrule had brought to the state. chairman, Alhaji Ganiyu cation sector, especially the cident, said the late commisThe APC Director of Publicity Olaoluwa on Osogbo, yesterday, sioner beat the imagination of students and parents.

He alleged that the present members of the cabinet administration in the state through his excellent PUBLIC NOTICE had brought untold hardship performance.

Mimiko who was in comQUEEN PRECIOUS INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION to the school children and NOTICE is hereby given to the general public that the above named also caused crisis in most pany of his wife, Olukemi and Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the National Chairman of Laparts of the state. registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act bour Party, Chief Dan 1990.

Nwanyanwu durThe Trustees Are: ing the visit said: 1. Ms. Okon Precious Uduak 2. Mr. Effiong Peter Okon 3. Mr. Samuel Akpan 4. Mr. Akpotohwo Christian “For us in govern5. Mrs. Thessy Whyte 6. Dr. Joseph Jack Idem ment, he was a star This is to inform the general public that the title 7. Ms. Okon Comfort Michael 8. Mr. Ime Okon Jimmy in every considerdocuments belonging to Chief Fidelis Overo on 9. Mr. Solomon David Akpan able dimension Aims And Objectives 1. House 13, Close 13, Satellite Town, Lagos 1. To promote the general well-being of the African child. that you look at it.

2. Shibiri Property 2. To be the mouthpiece of every African child, especially the less “Deji did not privileged.

3. Ejigbo Property become commis3. To provide educational support to the African Child.

4. Flat 9, Block 1, 311 Road, Festac sioner because he Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar 5. BDPA Allocation of a Plot Delta State, are was Olu Falae’s General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of its publication.

Missing. son; he earned the Signed: position based on The Solicitor - 0803 356 5570 DE ULTIMATE SOLICITORS merit.

PDP, APC bicker over Osun schools merger

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LOSS OF DOCUMENT

FENIFERE CHIEF TAIN and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Prince Dayo Adeyeye has described as false, claim by the state government that it had not received more than N2.5 billion as monthly subvention from the Federation Account since the Kayode Fayemi-led government came on board.

Adeyeye, who said in 2012 alone, Ekiti State received N50,303,046,508 from the Federation Account, wondered how N50,303,046,508 in 12 months would have amounted to less than N2.5 billion per month.

While speaking during a press conference to mark the third anniversary of the Governor Kayode Fayemi-led administration in the state, Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation in Ekiti State, Tayo Ekundayo, had said that paucity of funds was a major challenge to achieving developmental agenda of the state government.

Ex-students manufacture, launch rocket in Imo B CHIDI NKWOPARA

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WERRI — TWO former students of Federal Government College, Okigwe, Abia State, have through sheer ingenuity, developed and launched a rocket.

News of the rocket manufacturing base within Okigwe urban city, reached the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Mohammed Katsina, who immediately led the bomb disposal unit of the command to the place.

Vanguard gathered that the bomb disposal unit applied necessary caution in digging out the rocket, which was buried about five metres into the ground.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Mohammed, said that after thorough investigation, it was discovered that the launching of the miniature rocket had no criminal intentions.

“Police gathered that the boys simply put into practice what they learnt in school. They probably used a wrong area to test their work. We have equally been told that the contraption does not have any radioactive or toxic materials in it,” Mohammed said.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

By-election: Aguariavwodo assures on adequate representation

BY FESTUS AHON

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GHELLI—CANDIDATE of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Saturday’s Delta Central senatorial by-election, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, yesterday, rounded off his campaign tour with an assurance to position the Urhobo nation in its pride of place if elected to the Senate.

Endorsing Aguariavwodo in Ughelli and Otu-Jeremi, the state deputy governor, Professor Amos Utuama, SAN; South-South chairman of PDP, Dr. Steve Oru; former Secretary to the State Government, Obarisi Ovie Omo-Agege; Olorogun John Oguma; Chief Fred Majemite and Olorogun Taleb Tebite, said: “PDP is the answer to the political problems of the Urhobo nation.”

Speaking in Otu-Jeremi, Utuama urged the people to come out en-masse and vote PDP in Saturday’s senatorial by-election, noting that Aguariavwodo has the capacity to address the needs of the Urhobo people at the national level.

Oru, who spoke at the rally in Ughelli, said: “Aguariavwodo is a man that is experienced in legislative business and does not need to learn the ropes when he gets to the Senate.”

Omo-Agege said it was the business of the Urhobo to decide who their senator should be, adding that Governors Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, who were on the campaign train of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor, would not be around to attract development to Urhoboland. He assured that Ughelli North would be delivered to the PDP. Olorogun Oguma, on his part, described the choice of Aguariavwodo as a square peg in a square hole, appealing to the people of Ughelli South and the entire Urhobo nation to turn out in their numbers to vote PDP. Also speaking, Chief Majemite and Olorogun Tebite, noted that this was the time for the Urhobo to right the wrongs of the past. Mean-

while, Chief Aguariavwodo, who spoke in Ughelli and Otu-Jeremi, said that his mission to the Senate was to attract development to Urhoboland.

Noting that he would see to

the building of the Okwagbe port and reopening of the Sapele port, Aguariavwodo added that he would initiate legislation that would promote youth employment and empowerment in the area.

Chairman of the campaign council, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, stressed the need for the Urhobo to come out of opposition by voting for PDP in the forthcoming senatorial byelection.

CAMPAIGN: From left: Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State; Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, APC Delta Central senatorial candidate and National Vice Chairman, APC, Chief Tom Ikimi, at the flag-off campaign for the by-election, in Warri.

....As UPU tasks INEC on one man, one vote to all the political par- candidate will always be

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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ARRI—PRESIDENT-GENERAL of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Major-General Patrick Aziza (rtd.), has, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to stick firmly to the mantra of one man, one vote, in the October 12 byelection in Delta Central senatorial district.

Aziza said that by adhering strictly to the rules, the people’s votes would count and same would ensure a peaceful, free and credible election in Urhoboland.

Aziza, who addressed the Urhobo nation on the by-election, also appealed to the candidates of the various political parties contesting the election to restrain their supporters from breaking the rules.

He said: “We must not do anything that is capable of breaking the peace or causing rancour and acrimony amongst our people because the Urhobo people cannot afford to lose sight of the bigger picture for 2015.

“I wish also to appeal

ties to ensure fair play during the election, particularly when contestants are Urhobo versus Urhobo. Let us give opportunity to our people to make their best choice of candidate to represent them.

“We have observed and experienced in the past two years that whenever people are allowed to make their best choice of candidate, the

more committed and answerable to his people and aspire to improve their living standards.

“The real umpires of this contest are the Urhobo people themselves, guided by INEC, and let all of us prove to other Nigerians and to the entire world that the Urhobo people love themselves, are civilised democrats and are peace loving people.”

DPP receives APC decampees in Udu

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EW days to the October 12, Delta Central senatorial byelection, Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, in Udu Local Government Area, yesterday, received decampees from All Progressives Congress, APC. Leading the decampees to DPP, former Chairman of APC Ward 10 (Aladja), Evang. Alfred Kapela, said that he and those with him from the 10 wards in Udu council took the decision “because we have discovered that APC is a grand deception and all about noisemaking.”

Receiving the decampees, Chairman of DPP in Udu council, Mr. Peter Diaka, said that the party was big enough to accommodate the progressives, adding that party faithful should work hard to bring in more people into the DPP fold.

He said: “We shall shock APC and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in this election. Our calm disposition in the face of provocation has been deliberate. We chose not to make noise about some of the provocative statements in the media by other parties.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—13

Why we decided to sell Edo House, by Oshiomhole

Kokori women protest continued of schools, health centre

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

BY EMMA AMAIZE & FESTUS AHON

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ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, described as mischievous and petty, the criticism by the state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, over plans by the state government to sell the Edo House in Lagos.

Oshiomhole, at Government House, Benin City, insisted that government had perfected plans to sell the house so as to use the proceeds to build a five-star hotel and also develop the proposed Benin City business district, adding that the previous PDP governments in the state abandoned the house which, according to him, led to its current dilapidated state.

He said that contrary to PDP insinuation, the sale of the house would be transparent.

He said: “For us, we decided to even advertise the sale but if it had been the PDP, they would not have even advertised it. The PDP government sold all kinds of property in Benin GRA. We don’t have any guest house because those property were sold. And none of them was advertised. One of the PDP senators acquired a land there for less than one million naira.”

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NSE CONFERENCE: From left: Lecturer,Metallurgical and Materials, University of Nigeria Nsukka,Prof. Daniel Obikwelu; National Programme Coordinator, Metallurgical,Mining and Materials Division, Nigerian Society Of Engineers, Engr. Ishaq Aremu, and National Chairman, Metallurgical, Mining and Materials Division, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Prof. Esezobor, at the 2013 Annual National Conference of Nigerian Society of Engineers, in Port Harcourt, yesterday. Photo. Nwankpa Chijioke.

Generator fumes kill two in Bayelsa

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

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ENAGOA—GENERATOR fumes have reportedly killed two friends in the Swali suburb of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

The victims, both female, identified as Patience Augustine and Esther were found dead in their room.

Miss Augustine, aged 20, identified as the daughter of a serving police officer at the state police command, was until her death a student of Community Secondary School, Swali, in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayel-

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ENAGOA—GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has constituted of the Bayelsa State Tourism Development Board.

Dickson, in a statement, yesterday, in Yenagoa by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, announced the former Managing Direc-

tor of Niger Delta Development Commission and Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Timi Alaibe, as chairman of the board.

Other members of the board include business mogul, Chief Ephraim Folloughi, Fred Nyananyo, Air Vice Marshall Atti Samuel (rtd), Fyneman Wilson, Claudius Enegesi, Solomon Apreala and Miss Bini Ayafa.

Esther was not feeling fine and had asked her friend, Patience to come over and pass the night with her when tragedy struck.

Other residents, it was learnt, became suspicious when the two friends did not come out in the morning.

The door to the room was reportedly forced open by their curious neighbours only to see their lifeless bodies on the bed.

Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the incident.

Amnesty programmes: INYC urges Itsekiri youths to remain calm kin recently invaded our comBY DANIEL GUMM

Timi Alaibe heads Bayelsa tourism board

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

sa State.

She hailed from Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The other victim, Esther, aged 35, an indigene of Ondewari, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was until her demise, a trader who dealt in kerosene and sachet water at Swali market.

The duo reportedly left a generator running in the corridor of their home and fell asleep while watching television.

It was gathered that the late

G H E L L I — ABOUT 1,000 Kokori women in Delta State stormed the Ethiope-East Local Government Area secretariat at Isiokolo, yesterday, to protest the continued shut down of schools, health centre and market in the community because of the ongoing internal security operation by soldiers.

The women, led by the oldest Kokori woman, trekked from Kokori to Isiokolo, drumming, dancing and raining curses on the monarch of the area and other leaders.

The protesting women demanded the release of the arrested chief priest of the community’s Igban shrine, Mr. Michael Omonigho, saying that he was not a native doctor, as claimed by those who apprehended him.

They told the Head of Personnel Management, Mr. William Egbukuage, who received them in the absence of the chairman of council, that Kokori was indeed marginalised as stated by arrested kidnap kingpin, Kelvin Oniarah.

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ARRI—ITSEKIRI youths have been urged to remain peaceful in the face of real or perceived provocation from any quarter.

Addressing hundreds of youths of Itsekiri descent in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, who are beneficiaries of the current Federal Government Amnesty Programmes, who had thronged the office of the Itsekiri National Youths Council, INYC, from different Itsekiri communities, alleging

discrimination by some officials of the Amnesty Office in Abuja, National Secretary of INYC, Mr. Isaac Dorsu, appealed to the youths to remain peaceful and be patient.

He said that the Itsekiri youth organisation “remains equally worried and apprehensive over the non-committal attitude with which issues relating to the Itsekiri beneficiaries are currently being handled by some of the bureaucrats in Abuja.”

He added: “Our position is that those, whose kiths and

munities in Warri North Local Government Area with all the invaders immune from arrest and prosecution solely by virtue of their ethnic origin, have further moved their wholesale war of attrition against the Itsekiri to Amnesty Office, Abuja, where their kinsmen superintend.”

He told the youths that contrary to speculations, no official of INYC would ever connive with any government official to the point of mortgaging the interests of beneficiaries of Itsekiri extraction.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 —15

National confab: Best decision ever taken by Jonathan —E.K. Clark

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH BUJA—IJAW leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday, described the move by the Federal Government to set up a National Conference as the best decision so far taken by President Goodluck Jonathan since coming to power.

Clark, who spoke in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja, said that Mr. President had shamed his critics, who had dismissed him as someone without the political will to confront the nation’s woes.

The Ijaw leader, who is finalising the establishment of a Technology University in his Kiagbodo hometown in Delta State, told Vanguard that the National Dialogue would change everything in Nigeria and launch Nigeria into a new lease of life.

Clark said: “It (National Dialogue) will certainly change everything in Nigeria. I think that this the greatest thing Mr. President

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has done in Nigeria. People had been looking at him as one who does not have the courage to do certain things but today he has proved his critics wrong.

“Many heads of states, including military leaders, did not have the courage to establish a national conference. Some believed it would take away their powers, others thought it was a challenge to their administrations and therefore shied away from taking any action on national conference The Ijaw leader challenged those opposed to the national conference to advance genuine reasons why they were against it and stop accusing Jonathan of hatching a hidden agenda.

While describing the antagonists of the dialogue as unpatriotic, the elder statesman wondered what they hope to achieve by shying away from a golden opportunity

to discuss the issues affecting Nigeria and its people.

According to him, all right-thinking Nigerians were behind Jonathan on the account of his decision to provide a common platform for them do discuss the future of the country and bring about unity and development.

His words: “The people of Nigeria are solidly be-

hind President Jonathan and if there is anything that has soared his rating, it is his announcement of a national conference. So, we support it. Let us sit down and discuss the basis of our existence as a country.

“We believe in one Nigeria but nobody was ever consulted when the amalgamation was done in 1914. So many things have hap-

pened and some of the people think that they are more superior to others while others feel inferior to others in their own country.

“We must therefore be bold enough to sit down and talk about revenue allocation and resource control. If I am not around others will bring them up. A situation where you have

disparity in allocation of local governments and disparity in representation in the parliament not based on any known parameter, is quite unfair."

Clark also scored Nigeria high on its 53 years as an independent nation, asserting that no African nation had fared better than the country.

Telecoms: Nigeria has opened our eyes, has opened my eyes Commonwealth ministers declare Nigeria to some of the things we

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

A

BUJA—AFTER touring the facilities at the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, particularly, the Museum centre, yesterday, majority of the Commonwealth ministers declared that Nigeria has enriched their knowldege on how to store information for posterity.

The tour was part of the programmes designed to end the three-day Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisations,

CTO, forum which began on Monday, in Abuja.

The ministers who were taken on the tour by a group of NCC officials led by the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, of the commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah and the Chairman, Mr. Peter Igoh marveled at how the commission had gathered and preserved living materials of every bit of Nigeria’ telecommunications history from the 50s and 60s till date.

Three of the ministers, Rebecca Joshua Okwaci of

the Republic of South Sudan, Joseph Ole Musuni of Republic of Kenya and Beata Mukangabo of Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority, RURA, who spoke to Vanguard exclusively, revealed that it remained only for them to get home before replicating some of lessons they have learnt from Nigeria.

Okwaci said: “As you may know, my country only came into existence in 2011, so we are the Baby country of Africa. But attending this conference in

need to do quickly to join, if not surpass older fellow African countries.

"The visit to the NCC museum has sparked, in me, the desire to begin now to pick the pieces of our telecommunications history together so that our future generation would know where we are coming from and where we are going to. I know that to do this could be expensive but the NCC has challenged all African countries and I want to leave this kind of legacy after my time as Minister in my newly created South Sudan”

16—Vanguard , THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

CONTEST: From left: British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, past President, Eagle Toastmasters Club, Mr. Amaechi Okobi and Charter President and founder, Toastmaster Nigeria, Ambassador Vincent S. Okobi, at the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Nasarawa suspends LG poll over insecurity L

BY ABEL DANIEL

AFIA—THE Nasarawa State Government has announced the suspension of the local government election scheduled for December 14, due to insecurity.

Chairman of the state Independent Electoral Commission, NASIEC, Dr. Abdullahi Modibo who made this known Lafia, the state capital said the suspension was till further notice.

Modibo who regretted the development said the poor security situation in

the state compelled the commission to put a hold on the election in the state.

Modibo said: “We followed our time table religiously after we agreed to conduct the council polls last month, but after series of consultations coupled with expert recommendations on the insecurity in the state, we came to a conclusion that holding election now is not visible.”

He also said that the political parties were consulted before the decision to cancel the council poll was agreed upon.

According to him, NASIEC was unhappy that candidates of the various political parties had embarked on campaigns and other political processes but appealed for them to be patient with the commission as all efforts were being made by the government to restore peace in the state.

“We cannot pretend that things are normal, things are not normal in the state right now. As soon as normalcy returns to the various communities where there are crises and the state at large, a new date shall be announced,”he added.

Kwara gov worries over 10.5 million out-of-school children

I

LORIN—GOVER NOR Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, yesterday, in Ilorin expressed concern over the 10.5 million Nigerian children said to be out-of-school.

Ahmed expressed the concern while declaring open the 32nd annual national Conference of the Nigerian Association of Educational Administration and Planning.

The governor said: “The staggering 10.5 million children that is said to be out-of-school in Nigeria should be of great concern to education planners and administrators.”

Ahmed, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Peter Kisira, noted that the incessant strike by lecturers of tertiary institutions had distorted academic calendars in higher institutions.

“The conference, I believe, will provide answers and the way forward to some of the issues hampering educational development in Nigeria,” he said.

He said that the theme C M Y K

of the conference, “Management of Education for National Security,” was apt as no nation could develop without its citizens receiving properly educated.

He noted that effective management of education will curtail the problems of truancy, cases of dropout, cultism and other social vices in the sector.

Kaduna Ag CJ seeks monarchs’ support

K

ADUNA—JUSTICE Tanimu Zailani, the newly appointed Acting Chief Judge of Kaduna State, yesterday, solicited for support from traditional rulers to enable him to succeed.

Zailani described the support of the traditional institution as “necessary catalyst” to success in all spheres of life.

He made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to Alhaji Shehu Idris, the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the state’s traditional council in Zaria.

His words: Traditional rulers command special respect from the public,

as custodians of culture.”

He promised to collaborate with the council to improve on justice delivery and pledged to use his wealth of experience to bring about positive development in the state.

The acting chief judge thanked the emir for playing a fatherly role in promoting peace, unity, understanding and brotherhood among the people of the state.

Responding, Idris thanked the new chief judge for the visit and promised to give the necessary support for Zailani to succeed.

EXPECTEDLY, Dr. Femi Okurounmu, chairman of the 13-person Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue, was especially effusive about the committee’s assignment. In response to President Goodluck Jonathan’s speech, the Afenifere chieftain commended Jonathan for not establishing ‘no go’ areas for his committee.

He then assured that the exercise to be embarked upon was not going to be “another case of failed expectations”.

When Jonathan inaugurated the committee he had also explained his conversion from skeptic to promoter of what he described as a national conversation. At least that way, from the onset, GEJ established a grundnorm that should not be lost on all Nigerians, especially those who for a very long time had built a cult following, especially in Southern Nigeria, with a persistent agitation for a Sovereign National Conference, SNC. He dodged SNC but opened the avenue for a veritable shouting match between different tendencies of Nigeria’s eternally fractious elite.

Ideological coup I read Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah’s interview with SUNDAY TRUST, and his view that those who always underrated Jonathan must now eat their own hearts out, because as the Bishop puts it: “ He has snookered the opposition.

Jonathan has just successfully staged a bloodless ideological coup against the agitators and his enemies”. And frankly, I cannot agree any less with the Bishop. Soon after the announcement of the committee, some of the members, such as coup plotter, Tony Nyiam, were already grandstanding about latitudes they were allegedly given by the President. It is still early days, but clearly there is a groundswell of hope and

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013— 17

Hope, delusion and Jonathan’s National Conversation called Jonathan’s proposed conversation “illegal” and without constitutional backing.

There is a long list of individuals and an assortment of hired guns rooting for Jonathan, who must be enjoying his moment under the African sun. But between the two camps is a long list of national issues which might still lead to the logjam that often dog these conferences; they tend to end up an avenue of grandstanding and shouting matches, where dividends do not necessarily match the invested emotions and hope. But we must still find the mean to keep hope alive that somehow, some serious attempts will be made to look ourselves in the face to tell each other some home truths. I think that we have profiled ourselves into unacceptable corners all over the country to the extent that reality of our situations has escaped most of our compatriots.

One of the most incredible omissions was the constituency of the young, who make up the overwhelming majority of Nigerians today. I think it is unacceptable. Never mind that in many instances, especially since 1999, far too many young people were trusted with responsibility who turned out to be no better than armed robbers. Or the fact that, as Sanusi Abubakar wrote for

,

One of the most incredible omissions was the constituency of the young, who make up the overwhelming majority of Nigerians today; I think it is unacceptable

delusions all riding on the basis of President Jonathan’s masterstroke. But it is also significant that Jonathan’s “national conversation” has tripped on the wires of politics when some of the natural agitators for SNC, like Bola Tinubu, who Femi Okurounmu described as “one of the financiers of the agitations for national conference”, now came out to denounce the effort: “I see diversion here.

I see deception here. I see lack of honesty and integrity here.

Nigerians are being deceived”.

Tinubu added that Jonathan had merely presented the nation a “Greek Gift”!

Significantly, located at a different political remove from Tinubu, Sule Lamido also C M Y K

,

DAILY TRUST a few weeks ago, we suffer the crisis of a young population which has grown on a diet of Premiership football, ethnic insularity, spewing hatred on the internet and so ignorant of the history of the country!

But there are questions that I have turned round severally in my mind in the past few days.

Do the proponents of SNC truly believe their time has finally arrived? Or will they make the effort to face down others to get their way?

What exactly do we think a conference (or conversation) can realistically achieve? What will trump in the long run, the hope or the delusion? I honestly hope that Femi Okurounmu’s effusiveness will not evaporate

as fast as it built up when confronted with the hard realities of the complexity of Nigeria.

We must wait with bated breath to see how things will pan out. In the final analysis, President Jonathan has delivered a political masterstroke with his national conversation.

So let’s start talking!

JIGAWA TELEVISION: From technical committee to implementation Last Friday in Dutse, President Goodluck Jonathan Jigawa State, the Technical Committee on the both the radio and television establishment of the Jigawa stations are under construction State Television, submitted its and it is an architectural report to Governor Sule Lamido. masterpiece. Staff were sent to So happy was the governor with the BBC training institute as the work that our committee had well as the TV College in Jos, done that he announced that and the government smartly the team was to be retained as went for some of the best, statethe Implementation Committee of-the-art equipment. Lucky to actualise the television Omoluwa’s Pinnacle station. In the past seven Communications delivered on months, since the Technical the contract in record time and Committee was put together in for all intents and purposes, March, 2013, we had travelled Jigawa should be the very proud back and forth to Dutse to carry owner of a television service that out the assignment, which will make a mark in Nigeria; allowed me to work with some poignantly, it will come on the of the most professionally eve of the transition to digital competent broadcast personnel, broadcasting and that was academic and administrators, envisaged in the contract drawn from all over Nigeria. between the Jigawa In the seven months of work, government and Pinnacles we examined the law which Communications Limited. established the Jigawa Broadcasting Corporation; Professional explored the history of platform broadcasting in Nigeria in general and television, in So our work is cut out; we will particular; took a look at the have to implement the problems and opportunities that recommendations we presented such a television service, as as a Technical Committee which envisaged, was going to took all of seven months to confront in the setting of Jigawa. reach. I think its such a privilege The government has a very to work on this very professional ambitious perspective about the platform, to assist in midwifing possibilities for television a new television service for broadcasting in the state in the Jigawa State. When I look context of the developments in around me, and see Alhaji the world of the 21Century.

Muhammed Ibrahim, former For Gov Lamido, only the very DG NTA and Radio Nigeria; best professional and technical Tonnie Iredia, former DG NTA; basis must be set for the Timawus Mathias, celebrated television service and if I had TV broadcaster; Adamu Aliyu not participated actively in the Kiyawa, former BBC work done these past couple of broadcaster; Ahmed Aminu, months, I would probably have former MD of CTV in Kano; also been slightly ill at ease with Professor Umaru Pate, Northern the prospects being drummed Nigeria’s first mass up for Jigawa State television. communication professor and And believe me when I say that Sabo Guri, MD of Jigawa those ambitions are as high as Broadcasting, I think about how they are lofty! dedicated they all were to get Already, the building to house

to the point we arrived. Look out for Jigawa television very soon because it should offer an interesting perspective to television broadcasting in Nigeria!

GENERAL VO NGUYEN GIAP: Anti-imperialist war hero Last Friday, the famous Vietnamese General, Vo Nguyen Giap died in a military hospital, in Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, at the age of 102 years. Most people reading my piece today might not even know who the man was.

But he was one of the greatest military leaders of the 20th Century who lead the Vietnamese people to defeat two imperialist powers: French Imperialism at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954 and American Imperialism in the 1970s, leading to the reunification of Vietnam. General Giap was among the great survivors of the communist revolutionaries who defeated colonialism in Indochina.

Giap was a teacher and journalist who earned a degree in law and political economy in 1937. He was to become a Marxist and with no formal military training but in joining the Communist Insurgency led

by Ho Chi Minh, he built the army into a highly disciplined force able to achieve remarkable military victories.

Military victcories The Vietnamese people’s struggle against colonialism and the American occupation cost the country over three million dead, but the heroism of that struggle defined the lives of activists for most of the 1960s and ’70s, with Vietnamese solidarity movements being built all over the world. General Giap had spoken of the Vietnamese war in 2005, that “no other wars for national liberation were as fierce or caused as many losses as this war”.

Vietnam’s heroism inspired the revolutionary struggle in many parts of the Third World, including those in Africa, but especially in Algeria, Guinea Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.

It is part of our neo-colonial baggage today, that the military teachings of General Giap might probably not be taught or even known in our military academies, given the subservience to the colonial powers, but General Giap taught the poor people of the world how to struggle for their independence and dignity.

I am on the eve of my first visit to Vietnam and it is a journey that I am looking forward to with great anticipation. It will be good to learn from the Vietnamese at first hand, how they found the will power to fight and defeat two imperialist powers and when peace returned they also began to fight the more difficult battle against underdevelopment.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

T

HE attack on the Nigerian Embassy by ex-Niger Delta militants studying at the People’s Friendship University, Moscow is another such incident of unruliness. The students were said to have been irked by the non-remittance of their September allowances, as well as tardiness of officials in attending to their health needs.

After the attack that resulted in the cancellation trade talks between Abuja and Moscow, the Amnesty Office announced the withdrawal of six students from the scholarship programme. They were the alleged ring leaders.

The measure was taken, the Amnesty Office said, because the students committed a gross misconduct contrary to their signed undertakings before they proceeded on the course. It was also meant as a deterrent to other beneficiaries of the programme.

Ex-militants have been involved in some infractions, including the clash last year at Igbinedion University, Okada, in which two students died.

Often, complaints of the ex-militants are ignored. Last year, 67 of them were withdrawn from a programme in a Turkish school — it was not their fault. Mid-way

Ex-militants in Moscow attack through their programme, the Amnesty Office discovered the school’s programmes were not accredited.

How were the students in Moscow expected to survive without their allowances? How were they to cater for their sick colleagues?

That the educational opportunities extended to them are meant to convert them to skilled citizens, who would contribute to the greatness of society cannot excuse the weak management of the programme.

We do not support lawlessness. The students portrayed the nation in bad light in the eyes of the world but so did those, who failed to cater for them.

The ex-militants should appreciate magnanimity Nigeria extended to them through the

amnesty programme. They should start conditioning themselves to living within the law, and using legitimate processes in resolving their concerns.

We call on the many non-governmental organisations and activists that canvassed the amnesty package, including the educational re-orientation, to play their roles in getting the beneficiaries of the post-amnesty programme to adjust themselves to a life of personal endeavour, as government will not continue to run the programme indefinitely.

However, the Amnesty Office has to lift the cloak of secrecy that pervades its operations; it is one of the ways of getting assistance and aligning its operations with national expectations of openness founded on the law.

The authorities, particularly the National Assembly, should look more closely at the amnesty programme to forestall further ugly incidents. It is possible the operations require more resources; it is also possible that the challenge is management of available resources. Whatever it is, the conduct of some ex-militants under rehabilitation raises questions about the implementation of the amnesty programme. The concerns are not totally new.

OPINION

BY PAUL BASSEY

A

LMOST every Nigerian feels a sense of loss and grief over the latest plane crash in the country last week, which resulted in the loss of many lives. Howbeit, this grief at the loss of many innocent Nigerian lives soon gives way to anger and frustration that question whether we, as a nation, were so powerless as to prevent this latest unfortunate air crash involving an Associated Airlines aircraft.

As has become the attitude and character of Nigerians, some people are ‘the culprits’ to be singled out for blame for this latest tragedy that claimed about 16 Nigerians.

The critics, in righteous anger, are pointing accusing fingers in all directions. Some have called for the head of the Minister of Aviation. Some have blamed the President. Some have blamed the airline. Some have even blamed the remains of the departed Dr Agagu. The arguments behind the blames have ranged from the serious, the dogmatic, to the biased, the ignorant, the spiritual, to the sentimental. Such is the nature of the Nigerian psyche.

To give an example, after the tragic Dana Air crash of 2012, the government was persuaded,howbeit reluctantly, to retire the then Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren and appointed a new DG ,Captain Fola Akinkoutu. Did that prevent another air crash? Obviously,no. Then, should we also sack Captain Akinkoutu who is only few months in office?

So, the question is: How many Aviation ministers are we going to have in how many years? And how many director generals of NCAA are we going to sack and hire in the same number of years?

Indeed, there are many “gods’ of aviation in Nigeria.

They know which aircraft is bad and which is good. The same way they know which Aviation Minister or Aviation official is bad and who is good.

The many gods of aviation in Nigeria Are we in a country of voodoo management where mannequins tell the professionals what to do? Is it that these mannequins are better trained than the professionals in Aviation? Some even suggest that the dead wanted to take along some living in some kind of sacrifice.

The unkindest cut of all came from a former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.One would think that this eminent personality who has been privileged to be head of Aviation in this country would know better. It would appear that politics got the better of him in his criticism of the current Aviation Minister and the Aviation authorities, since he has crossed over to the opposition party known as the APC. Without doubt, Princess Stella Oduah is as devastated by the fatal airplane crash as the families of the deceased. Nigerian aviation is under her watch and anything that affects this part of our national life negatively, also affects the Minister negatively.

Chief Fani-Kayode wrote in his article:“How many more people have to be killed in air crashes before our President realises that he needs a new Minister of Aviation?”

He howbeit answers his own question when he provides data on the number of air crashes that occurred during the tenure of his predecessor in office as Aviation minister,Professor Babalola Borishade:”The year before I became Minister of Aviation there were five plane crashes and 453 people perished from our skies. The airlines that crashed were Bellview (2005), Sosoliso (2006), a Nigerian military plane carrying a large number of senior army officers (2006), ADC (2006) and a private light aircraft in Kano which had on board the adopted son of the PDP National Chairman Ahmadu Ali and a pilot (2006). At the time that all these crashes took place Prof Babalola Borisade was the Minister of Aviation.”

Fani-Kayode now goes into self-glorification:”Suffice it to say that there were no air crashes under my watch and not one drop of blood was spilt from the air whilst I was Minister of Aviation, whether it be passenger plane, private jet, helicopter or light aircraft. I thank God for that because if it had happened I would not have been able to sleep at night. I am the only Minister of Aviation in Nigeria between 2002 to date that can lay claim to that. I put it down to hard work, prayer and the grace of God and nothing else. Unlike some others I was literally paranoid when it came to air safety and security because it was obvious to me that there was more to the whole thing than meets the eye.”

Unfortunately, Chief Fani-Kayode did not give us details of what was the ”hardwork” he did so that we can benefit from his knowledge and happily prevent further air crashes in the country. But he soon enough provides a clearer picture of the truth when he says:”It was obvious to me that there was more to the whole thing(air crash) than meet(s) the eye.” The only conclusion we are left with is that Chief Fani-Kayode himself cannot provide any ready explanations or reasons for the string of air crashes. Are these spiritual? Are these what?

But unlike Fani-Kayode,the current Aviation Minister would not shift blames and would not engage in namecalling or looking for scapegoats.The right thing is to do a proper investigation—one that can be verified by empirical evidence and get to the root cause of the accident.And this is what has been put in place by the Minister,Princess Oduah and is already ongoing.

Bassey, a senior communication officer with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, wrote from Lagos

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013— 19

, AM a strong advocate of a national conference to redefine the foundation of Nigeria.

That much is evident through my humble efforts on these pages. So, how come I am being skeptical when President Goodluck Jonathan grants an opportunity for a conference?

It is a psychological problem, perhaps. How would you react when you clamour for something and the person who is keeping it says he will not give you? You reason, plead, threaten, cajole, heckle, boo, weep, laugh and stomp and he gives you a million reasons not to give it to you. Just when you are about to look elsewhere for solution; just when you have given up hope of getting it from this man, he suddenly turns around and dumps it in your laps.

What would you do? Won’t you be suspicious? Won’t you want to know what his motives are? Won’t you want to find out the factors behind his sudden change of mind before you accept the gift?

Do not blame any Nigerian for being leery of President Jonath-

an’s offer of a national conference(which he dresses in such iffy terms such as “National Dialogue” and “National Conversation”). We are used to being deceived by our presidents and governors, so we protect ourselves by being distrustful of their words. We saw what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did to us. We asked him for a national conference to right the wrongs of the polity. He told us to go to hell, saying that the presidential constitutional order he imported from America in 1979 as amended in 1999, was good enough. He even sounded like he would beat us up if we did not shut up about a conference.

Then, suddenly, from the proverbial blue, Obasanjo decided to call what he dubbed “National Political Reform Conference, NPRC", in 2005. He had only two years to end his eight-year tenure. It was obvious that Obasanjo was just beginning to enjoy being president after six years in his second coming to the presidency. It turned out that his sud-

,

den enthusiasm for a conference was to negotiate a third term (or removal of tenure restrictions) for himself. Nigerians decided to dump the Constitutional Amendment Bill, product of the NPRC, on May 16, 2006 on the floor of the Senate. All the efforts and money spent making it went down the drain.

And when Jonathan became president, we started another clamour for a conference that would make Nigeria work. Just like Obasanjo and the pro-Establishmentarians, GEJ told us to forget it. He said the call for a Sovereign National Conference showed we were not serious, since the National Assembly, which he said, was the custodian of the sovereignty of the Nigerian people, was in session.

T

HE Assembly believed him.

They started yet another round of wholesale amendments of the 1999 Constitution. To help them, the President empanelled

Charity does not begin in Russia E

VEN before the Nigerian civil war, my father had always advised that if anyone offended us, we should resist the temptation to invite a soldier to fight for us, maintaining that if we invited a soldier to fight for us, he would beat up all those we wanted beaten up but when there were no more people to beat, he would pounce on us.

In the beginning, some people might have applauded the Niger Delta militants when they were dealing with the expatriates of the major oil companies. Such people changed gear when foreigners were no longer readily available for abduction and anyone in sight became prey.

It soon became clear that habits once formed could hardly be unlearned. No amount of bleaching can turn the pig’s nose white anymore; thus re-emphasizing the strong belief that even when the taxi driver becomes a state governor, when he is passing by the motor park, he still beeps the horn several times as if to suggest that passengers should be gathered for him.

Our eyes are gradually opening up to the fact that whoever sows violence will reap violence and anyone who thinks he can escape violence by merely wishing it away is wasting time. Violence will be waiting for him at the point of arrival. You cannot be granting amnesty for lawlessness and violence and think you have solved a problem permanently. The problem will resurface where you least expect it.

Today ’s piece takes us to faraway Moscow, Russia, where on the eve of Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, some 16 Niger Delta students went on rampage at the Nigerian Embassy to protest the non-remittance of their allowances. Nigeria still had the effrontery to complain that the students were creating image problems for her, when in the first

place, protests have become a way of life back home in Nigeria and moreso, the socalled students were products of, and beneficiaries from, crude protests.

You can trust the Russian police. The students were quickly picked up for breach of the peace. On its part, the Presidency is reported to have withdrawn the sponsorship of six students at the Peoples Friendship University for what it terms an unruly behaviour, which the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta hopes will serve as deterrent to others under its sponsorship in other parts of the globe. The students were part of the 24 Niger Delta youths being sponsored by the Amnesty Office at the Peoples Friendship University.

This column has maintained, perhaps with monotonous regularity, that the moment an individual has deliberately and consciously violated the criminal law, he should be removed from the academic community, which is not equipped to deal with the argument of force, and left to the larger society, which has both the aptitude and determination for the task. A crime is no less a crime simply because it is committed by a student.

By the time the Russian authorities are done with those students, they will have enough stories to tell that, indeed, “Khaki no be leather”. In due season, this will be yet another case of innocent at home, guilty abroad. That protest for which the students were picked up in Russia would have, ironically, been celebrated had it taken place in Nigeria.

By accepting unbridled protest as a way of life, we have tacitly agreed that the great issues of our time are best decided by posturing and shouting matches on our streets in the process of which government property provided at enormous costs to the

tax payer get destroyed with r e c k l e s s a b a n d o n .

Nigeria today is fast drifting toward Plato’s c l a s s i c definition of a degenerating society, a society that permits the voice of the mob to dominate the affairs of state.

This is sad.

We are not opposed to constitutional

,

Doesn’t this ‘conversation' stink?

I

The conference we seek is one that will remove inequities, sectional domination and feelings of marginalisation from our polity

the Justice Alfa Belgore Panel to look into all the constitutional efforts Nigeria has ever had and crunch all their reports and send recommendations to the National Assembly to improve the 1999 Constitution. Belgore’s Panel on the Review of Outstanding Constitutional Issues submitted its report on Mach 6, 2012, recommending 52 alterations to the 1999 Constitution! This proved our point that the 1999 Constitution is seriously flawed, quite apart from the fact that the foundational principles of our political system are simply unviable for the purpose of nation-building. After jetting out and splashing all over the place, the urine has come back to its source.

Suspicion is being raised on GEJ’s motive for calling for this “national conversation”. It is being made to sound like a timebuying device: “Let them talk while I recover from the internal crises of my Peoples Democratic Party, PDP”. A newspaper report a fortnight ago had warned that the President was under pressure by close advisers to call this conference and use it as a culvert to climb over the fissures created by his party’s internal rebellions. If that is the case, then, it is no different from Obasanjo’s NPRC, which was created for the selfish purpose of pilfering an extra political term of office for himself.

The conference we are asking for is a national project to save this country from a violent, bloody end and help us design a viable nation with rosy prospects for ourselves and future generations.

GEJ’s “conversation” is also coming 18 months to the next general election in April 2015.

The Obasanjo NPRC was inau-

By accepting unbridled protest as a way of life, we have tacitly agreed that the great issues of our time are best decided by posturing and shouting matches on our streets

,

dissent. We believe in legal protest within the constitutional limits of free speech, including peaceful assembly and the right of petition but when protests degenerate to the point of wanton destruction, they are criminal and contemptible and must be treated as such.

The People’s Friendship University was founded in 1960. The university was organised at the behest of Soviet trade unions and various committees for cultural exchange. Peoples Friendship University serves primarily students from developing countries. That is also one university where all courses are for six years, the first year being preparatory, during which the students are taught Russian, the language

gurated on February 21, 2005.

The Constitution Amendment Bill based on its recommendations was checkmated on the floor of the Senate on May 16, 2006. The process took 15 months, and this did not include the period for the pre-conference work and the fact that the envisaged constitution had a long way before it would become a reality.

The “national conversation” must end in a new constitution to correct the wrong of the 1999 Constitution. Otherwise, it is a waste of time and will not mollify those of us calling for it.

Nothing has also been said of what will be the fate of this administration within the purview of the “conversation”. Clearly, this regime (President, National Assembly, state governors and state assemblies) cannot benefit from any provisions of a constitution that emanates from the “conversation”. Or can they? I do not think they should. It would be immoral to write a constitution and become its beneficiary as an incumbent. It will encourage the regime to have a self-serving constitution written for them.

Let me re-emphasise it: The conference we seek is one that will remove inequities, sectional domination and feelings of marginalisation from our polity. It is a constitution that encourages good governance and opens up opportunities for Nigeria to actualise its arrested potentials. It is a constitution that will enhance nation-building and make Nigerians proud to belong to one united, progressive family, putting behind the past 100 years of ethnic rivalry, religious bigotry and runaway corruption.

of instruction.

What image issue can Nigeria be raising at this point? Many decent Nigerians have passed through that institution without blemish and without creating any image problem and they returned home to make meaningful impact to the development of Nigeria. The Russians are aware of this.

Those were real students who went there for the genuine purpose of acquiring real knowledge.

Nigeria must now engage herself in explaining to the world that the present stock comes via appeasement. When peace comes through appeasement and capitulation to the likes of those militants, Boko Haram and other similar groups, by trading away sound security principles, the peace thus purchased cannot be worth the price. That sellout is intellectual treason.

Better a confrontation than a cave-in! As the Binis would say, this is where a man was killed is better than this was where he ran into the bush.

Nigeria, too, cannot escape from her share of this problem. The students claim that they are being owed their allowance for six months. The Federal Government says they are being owed for September only.

Well, it is a matter of degree. Whoever knows how his behind is should be a better judge of how to bend down. Knowing the type of people we are dealing with, shouldn’t we even pay them upfront to avoid their embarrassment? At a point in life, we all face a choice between getting something off our chest and getting something done. And that is the choice that determines maturity.

20— Vanguard ,

THURSDAY THURSDAY,, OCTOBER 10, 2013

experienced by motorists are just unavoidable. He stated that the alleged slow pace of work is to avoid doing a shoddy work at the end of the day. Iloba who heads the Corporate Affairs Unit of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, said they are working with a time frame although he refused to disclose what it is nor the actual cost of the project. But he insisted that the company will deliver the road on schedule and in line with the set standard for its projects.

“The pace of work on the road is in order. We are working with a time line. If you say the work should be done at night to allow for free flow traffic during the day, it means our workers will be idle during the day.

Motorists and commuters

*Traffic congestion on the Berger axis of Oshodi-Apapa expressway due to reconstruction of the road

OSHODI-APAPA ROAD RECONSTRUCTION:

Why work is slow, by contractors BY JUDE NJOKU, KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE & AZEEZ SANUSI

‘I

HAVE been in this traffic snarl for several hours. Although Julius Berger is doing a good job on the reconstruction of the Oshodi-Apapa expressway, but the speed at which the construction is going on, is not what I expected. The traffic signs that should inform motorists about diversions are not clearly spelt out and if you are not familiar

going reconstruction works on the ever- busy dual carriageway.

The Federal Government had after one its Executive Council meetings in August, announced the award of the contract for the reconstruction of Section Two, Phase Two of the expressway to Messrs Julius Berger Plc. Works Minister, Mike Onolememen, an architect, explained that the reconstruction which was awarded at a cost of N15 billion, would be completed in 15 months ( a year and three months).

“The Apapa-Oshodi Expressway is the gateway to Apapa and

,

Motorists and commuters spend several man-hours in the gridlock at various locations on both sides of the expressway, thereby paralysing commercial activities

with the terrain, your will miss your way. I had to be directed by a uniformed Julius Berger staff before I could veer off the road.

The Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC staff were there and I even thought they would arrest me for contravening the traffic regulation of plying one-way, but they did not,” a motorist who identified himself as Mr. Siaka Mahmoud told Vanguard Metro yesterday.

The chaotic traffic jam on both sides of the ever-busy Oshodi Apapa expressway, worsened on Tuesday, mainly due to the on-

,

Tincan Island ports and parts of Trans West African Coastal Highway. It is, therefore, of immense economic importance to the country and the sub-region. The road had virtually collapsed due to age and the damaging effects of heavy axle load vehicles carrying goods to and from the ports,” he said.

Although commuters welcomed the development, they are grieved that the contractor appears to be unconcerned about the numerous man-hours lost in the gridlock. “ They either cut or block the roads without giving motorists a viable

alternative,” one of the commuters lamented. According to him, the situation has led motorists and commuters to spend several man- hours in the gridlock at various locations on both sides of the expressway, thereby paralysing commercial activities for businesses operating in the Apapa axis of Lagos.

In fact, some staff of Vanguard Media Limited and other com-

panies in the area who managed to get to their offices earlier in the day, found it difficult driving out at close of work as there was virtually no road. Some of them had to trek long distances in search of commercial transportation or slept in their offices.

Spokesman for the contractors, Mr. Clement Iloba told Vanguard Metro that the inconveniences presently being

In any case, we are working both day and night. The problem that is being experienced is because of the peculiar nature of Lagos. Even if a short portion of the road is being done, motorists and commuters on the road must face this problem of traffic jams because of the busy nature of Lagos, particularly the OshodiApapa Expressway, “ he said.

“This complaint has often come up whenever construction work is ongoing along the OshodiApapa Expressway. But what I usually tell people is that they should understand the situation and be patient; when the job is completed, the hardship of the motorists and commuters on the road will become a thing of the past,” Iloba noted.

About N21.2b is being spent by the Federal Government on the rehabilitation of the Section I Phase I and Section I Phase II of the Oshodi/Apapa Expressway covering about 16. 5km

Monarch marks 20 years on the throne ••Empowers 2,322 subjects

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

T

HE Ojomu of Ajiran Land, Oba Tijani Akinloye will be marking his 20 years on the throne in two weeks time. To make the occasion count and relevant in the lives of his people, the monarch has taken steps to empower 2,322 youths in his domain on various skills acquisition.

Akinloye, who ascended the throne of Ajiran Land in Eti-Osa area of Lagos State on October 23, 1993, said when he was installed, 300,000 people were living in the area but presently the population had grown to over one million following rapid development brought to the area through his intervention.

Speaking at a news conference

to highlight the various activities lined up for his 20th anniversary on the throne, held in his palace on Monday, Akinloye stated that he facilitated the construction of Ajiran-Agunji, Osapa and Idado roads to ease movement of the people and improve the socioeconomic activities in the area.

He explained: “More investors have moved in from the hospitality business. There was no electricity when I ascended the throne, but by the grace of God and through the collective effort of my people, electricity project was commissioned in Ajiran in year 2000”.

According to him, his reign led to the establishment of Millennium Village Vocational Centre at Ologbo under the Organisation for the Research of

World Peace, a non-governmental organisation, NGO, in which he is the Vice President.

He disclosed that over 2,000 students had been trained and graduated in various vocations by the NGO, while another 322 trainees would be graduating from the scheme in two weeks time.

The traditional ruler said the students were trained in fashion designing, building technology, catering, general agriculture, beauty therapy, information technology and hairdressing, saying that this project had led many youths to be selfemployed.

Akinloye, however, said events lined up for the anniversary include commissioning of praying ground for Eid Kabir and

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 21

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HE Bank of Industry (BoI) is to provide funding support for artisans from Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and Vocational Skills training centers under the Federal Government’s National Industrial Skills Development Programme, NISDP, said Professor Longman Sambo Wapmuk, Director General of ITF. Based on this, Wapmuk has charged graduates from its training schools form themselves into cooperatives and register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) and Business Member Organisations so that they can access BoI’s loans not as individuals, but cooperatives in order to their own businesses.

Earlier, Ms. Evelyn Optutu, Managing Director, BoI, said for the bank to give out loan to cooperative society, prospective borrowers need to present and convince the bank on the viability of their proposals with assurance to pay back their loans as at when due. The bank also insists on 10 percent committee fee of the total amount of the loan wanted from the bank by cooperative society.

Wapmuk explained that after trainees have acquired skills from the Fund, they are further retrained by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) and are referred to the Bank of Industry for funding.

He projected that by the end of this year, the Fund would have trained over 37,000 Nigerians, adding that in the past one year alone, atotal of 10,000 youths (1,000 each) from the selected states and the FCT, were trained in the first phase of the programme which commenced on December 3,

From Left: Mr Haresh Aswani, Chairman, Dufil Prima Foods Plc; Dame Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State and Mr Deepak Singhal, CEO, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, at the Indomie Independence Day Awards, in Lagos.

BoI to finance ITF artisans under NISDP scheme

By FRANKLIN ALLI 2012 and ended in March, 2013.

“The second phase of the programme commenced on June 3, 2013 with the following states: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Edo, Enugu, Gombe and Kogi States. Others include Kwara, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Ogun, Ondo and Sokoto states.

“The remaining states of the federation are being covered in

the third phase of the programme. This means that before the year runs out; all the 36 states and FCT will be covered. In order to sustain the training and to succeed as entrepreneurs, graduates of the NISDP will require funding.

“It is our belief that the NISDP will positively impact the current fight against unemployment as majority of graduates of the programme will start-up their own

businesses, while some will be employed in various sectors of the economy, thus readily becoming potential members of various (BMOs),” he said.

On collaboration with local and international stakeholders, he disclosed: “ITF is currently partnering with SENAI, Brazil; ITEES, Singapore; Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI), Israel; Crown Agents, UK; and Productivity Standard Board (PSP),

Singapore. Locally, , in conjunction with the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), set up a Technical Skills Development Programme (TSDP) that runs in five facilities of NECA member companies including the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria, Kaduna; Niger Dock, Lagos; OCO Industries, Port Harcourt; Nigerian Breweries Plc, Ibadan and the Fund’s ISTCs in Ikeja and Kano. to high demand of

‘Adherence to standards, solution to Nigeria’s aviation crisis’

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

S

TRICT adherence to set standards and adequate development of aviation infrastructure have been identified as the solution to Nigerian’s aviation woes.

Managing Director of Lufthansa German Airlines, West and Central Africa, Mr. Claus Becker, made the remark in an interactive forum with journalists in Lagos. He said the authorities must ensure that standards are not compromised while practitioners and other stakeholders operating in the industry should be adequately monitored. Becker added that training and enhancing of the aviation personnel should be made a priority, stressing that doing that would save the country from major air mishaps, while passengers would feel

more confident to fly.

“Lufthansa is very cautious about the safety of its passengers and aircraft because it is a matter of paramount importance to Lufthansa to see to the safety of its passengers across the globe. For us, we will not risk flying into countries where we are not sure of the safety of our customers,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Finance Officer of Lufthansa, Mrs. Simone Menne, said that there has been great improvement over the past years in the Nigerian aviation industry. Even though she said the market has been quite challenging, she nonetheless said that competition has been good for Lufthansa.

According to her, Lufthansa has the largest market share in the region, while Nigeria has always been a

great market for the airline.

She explained that the airline increased its passenger traffic by 10 percent in 2012, saying that 18 percent of the first class and business class seats generate the highest revenue for the airline, which is complemented by the economy class seats. Meanwhile, aircrafts in Lufthansa Group have been better utilised, the capacity steering attuned to demand in first-half of 2013 ensures fuller aircraft in passenger and freight traffic.

“The aircrafts of all airlines in the Lufthansa Group - Lufthansa German Airlines (including German wings and Lufthansa Regional), SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo –were better utilised in the first half of 2013.”

114.95

0.45

2,725.00

+26.00

18.63

0.04

110.06 +0.38 103.53 +0.50 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYA KRONA SDR

154.73 248.6821 209.9686 166.4336 1.5971 0.3017 237.1949 25.2694 41.2558 28.144 237.8974

155.23 249.4857 210.6471 166.9714 1.6023 0.3117 237.9614 25.3515 41.3891 28.2349 238.6661

SELLING 155.73 250.2893 211.3256 167.5091 1.6075 0.3217 238.7279 25.4336 41.5225 28.3259 239.4349

CBN Exchange rate as at 09/10/2013

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

BRIEFS US foreign creditors show concern on default risk

C

From left, Managing Director, Vision and Talent, Mr. Peter Uduk, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Central Securities and Clearing System Plc, Mr. Kyari Bukar and Head, Human Resources, Central Securities and Clearing System Plc, Mr. Cletus Igah during Staff Training programmes organized by CSCS for its Staffs in conjunction with Vision and Talent held in Lagos.

Standard Chartered facilitates $100m facility for MainOne Cable

By PETER EGWUATU tandard Chartered Bank has arranged a US100million facility for MainOne Cable Ltd for the purpose of refinancing MainOne Cable’s existing debt and financing its ongoing capital expenditure for the company’s network expansion and ancillary services MainOne Cable is the first private submarine cable operator in West Africa and is pursuing further expansion in terrestrial fibre networks and data centres.

According to information from the Bank, “Standard Chartered Bank worked closely with Nigerian lenders in arranging the financing. The other lenders in the deal are First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Skye Bank Plc and First City Monument Bank Plc.” Commenting on the financing, Funke Opeke, CEO Main One Cable Company Limited said ‘This agreement will enable MainOne expand its services across Nigeria and West Africa’.

She stated that key to MainOne’s growth strategy and vision is to ensure that it continues to deploy infrastructure required to make its services available and affordable to institutional customers across its markets. Specifically, the company is building a Tier 3 data centre and is also deploying an extensive fibreoptic network around Lagos.

She added that access to affordable broadband services will enable Nigeria and other countries in West Africa

S

C M Y K

continue to grow their economies at a faster pace”.

Bola Adesola, the Managing Director/ CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited stated that “We are proud to invest in MainOne Cable Nigeria Ltd as the company is one of the largest telecom operations in West Africa. We believe this is a turning point for

domestic growth and development in our local economy. Our established footprint in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, along with our long history of supporting trade flows to and from these regions, position us well to provide vital funding to growing companies in growing economies.”

Remi Oni, the Head of Client Coverage at Standard

Chartered Nigeria also commented “Standard Chartered is very pleased about the opportunity to arrange this financing in conjunction with other banks. Main one has built a strong brand ubiquitous with reliable, high quality and professional service.

The financing is a testament of our commitment to be here for good.”

Bank of Ghana rates UBA Ghana high on strong risk management

By PETER EGWUATU

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HE Governor, Bank of Ghana, the country’s apex financial regulatory institution, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah, has commended UBA Ghana, for instituting a robust risk management system which has led to zero infractions on regulatory provisions.

Dr. Wampah said this while receiving the Group Managing Director, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, in his office in Accra.

According to a statement from the Bank, Wampah commended the pivotal role played by UBA in deepening financial inclusion and providing funds to critical sectors of the Ghanaian economy, especially the bank’s immense contribution to the country’s foreign exchange stability. He said that the

bank’s provision of foreign exchange support to the economy has largely contributed to macroeconomic stability in the country.

The governor called on UBA to organise seminars and workshop on risk management for indigenous financial institutions in the country to help build a strong risk management culture in Ghanaian financial institutions. He also called on UBA to support government’s policy on import substitution, aimed at growing the economy by growing the volume of exports, through encouraging the production of locally made goods.

He announced that the Bank of Ghana will soon introduce a new foreign exchange platform while expressing his appreciation to UBA Ghana for the support the bank has been giving to

Ghana ’s economy despite the global economic challenges and its attendant constraint in financial landscape.

While thanking the Governor for the regulatory institution’s recognition of the Bank’s robust risk management policies, Phillip Oduoza, the Group Managing Director of UBA Plc said, “UBA being a global bank and the only African bank operating in United States, a geography noted for its strict control system, means that it has to institute a best in class risk management practices across its pan-African banking operations.” He assured the Governor of UBA’s readiness to continue its support for Ghana ’s foreign exchange operations by making available needed foreign exchange when needed.

HINA and Japan, which together hold more than $2.4 trillion in the U.S. Treasury, raised pressure on the U.S. to resolve a political impasse on its debt ceiling that threatens to destabilize global financial markets.

Japan must consider the impact of any default on its bond holdings, even as the U.S. will probably avoid a fiscal crisis, Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said on Tuesday in Tokyo. Chinese Deputy Finance Minister Zhu Guangyao said that the U.S. should prevent a default.

Any failure by the U.S. to honour its debt obligations would damage the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency. A shift in asset allocation by China, Japan or other major holders of Treasuries could push up U.S. interest rates and cause swings in global currency markets.

Skye Bank delights customers, marks customer service week

A

S a way of celebrating its customers and rededicating itself to excellent customer service, Skye Bank Plc is commemorating its ‘Customer service week’ by drawing up a series of events geared towards customer appreciation between October 7 and 11, 2013. During the customer appreciation week, the bank will reconnect in an intimate manner with its customers across the federation and get feedback from them to help it design appropriate measures to meet and surpass the expectations of the customers.

A statement issued by the bank said members of the Executive Management would visit branches during the period where they will attend to enquiries presented by the customers just as such visits would also serve as avenue for bonding with the employees.

The bank further explained that the week would be used to build customer advocacy and build brand loyalty such that the customers would continually choose the bank above the others.

To boost employee morale and reinforce commitment to customer service, the statement said various categories of the bank employees would be rewarded with various prizes.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—23

Ripples in ports over RSOs charges

By GODWIN ORITSE

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HE appointment of the Recognised Security Organisations (RSO) by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to prepare Port Security Plans and Assessment is currently causing ripples in the maritime industry over service charge.

Terminal operators were particularly irked at the N3 million per Port Facility Security Plan (PFSA) and Port Facility Security Assessment (PFSA) being charged by the RSOs. It was said that the RSOs had initially sent bills ranging from N3 million to N11 million to the terminal operators as their charges to prepare these documents.

It was further gathered that in the course of protesting the charges, the management of the TinCan Island Container Terminal (TICT) initiated a meeting with the Designated Authority being NIMASA to streamline the issue of RSOs charges.

The meeting which was attended by other terminal operators urged the Designated Authority to call RSOs to order

with a view to harmonizing the charges.

At the meeting, which was also attended by the Senior Special Adviser to the President Mr. Leke Oyewole, it was agreed that the RSOs should peg their charges at N3million so as standardize the process.

At the last Port Facility Security Ofiicers (PFSO) Forum meeting, the issue of RSOs charges became a heated argument amongst members of the group.

At the meeting, it disclosed that NIMASA never asked that RSOs to charges for the prepara-

T

he ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdulahi, has stated that the Service will do more of scanning and risk management in cargo clearance at the nation’s ports.

Abdullahi, who disclosed this at the commissioning ceremony of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Secretariat, Onne Chapter, Rivers State, last weekend, said that emphasis is now being shifted from physical examination to scanning of containers to facilitate exiting of cargoes at the ports.

Represented by the Assistant Comptroller-General, Customs Headquarters, Mr.Tahir Musa,

Lagos, cautioned the Federal Government to improve on its ports security system within a stipulated period of time or face the stoppage of sail of vessels to Nigeria.

CADETS' SENDFORTH L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo; Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi; and Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, at the sendforth of cadets by NIMASA under its Nigerian Seafarers' Development Programme (NSDP) in Lagos.

Security screening for NIMASA’s cabotage fund Financing Fund (NISA) Issac Jolapamo several complaints from applicants Vessel (CVFF) are currently un- said that his group is stakeholders.The CVFF

BY GODWIN ORITSE

A

PPLICANTS to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Cabotage

der going security screening following the submission of their applications to the Presidency.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard, Chairman of the Nigerian Ship-owners Association

Customs focuses on scanning in Abdulahi advised concargo clearance stant maintenance of the

By Ifeyinwa Obi

tion of PFSA and PFSP. They were of the opinion that the PFSO is an appendage of the Designated Authority and as such should be carried along in the entire process.It will be recalled that the United States Government, through its Embassy in

Abdulahi reaffirmed that the Service will continue to train agents, especially on goods classification and valuation methods, even as he charged the agents to be more complaints and give honest declarations in their Customs documentations.

While commending the ANLCA leadership for its sustained partnership with the Service, the Customs chief assured that members of the association will be carried along at every stage of the modernisation project of the NCS. The Customs boss said that the commissioning of the ANLCA Onne Chapter Secretariat symbolises the numerous achievements of the association, even as he urged other associations to ANLCA.

secretariat in order to grow its relevance.

Also speaking, the ANLCA National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, commended the efforts of the Onne Chapter executives in actualising in two years the building, which foundation, he said, he laid in 2011. Shittu recommended similar project to other chapter chairmen, noting that such will show a structural evidence of prudent management of the resources and dues collected from members.

Earlier, Chairman of the ANLCA Onne Chapter, Prestige Ossy, said that the edifice cost N54 million to complete.

He solicited the assistance of Customs in furnishing the secretariat.

tired of the waiting game as the entire disbursement process is taking too long a time.

Jolapamo also said that there was no need for the applications to be taken to the Presidency to get the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) He suggested that fund should reside with the Minister of Transport, who will strictly monitor the disbursement to whoever is found to be qualified adding that all due diligence on such applicants must have been done by both the Nigerian Maritime administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs).

He explained that indigenous shipping firms want the fund to be a revolving one that should be disbursed once or two times a year to qualified applicants.

It was also said that the group has decried the long gestation period of disbursement which according to him takes between three to five years.

All an Ad hoc Committee has concluded plans to probe the following

now estimated at N40 billion, was reportedly said that politicians at some point wanted to hijack the process.

NIMASA’s DirectorGeneral Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi said that no politician under whatever disguise will access the fund no matter the pressure.

CVFF, established under the Coastal and Inland Shipping Act 2003, is derived from the two percent deductions from all contracts awarded under the Cabotage regime designed to enable indigenous shipping companies acquire adequate tonnage to be able to participate in coastal and inland trade currently dominated by foreigners, who also dominate deep sea shipping.

NIMASA, which is statutorily mandated to disburse the fund, has since 2008 appointed four banks: Skye, Diamond, Fidelity, and Sterling, as Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) for the CVFF. A PLI is a financial institution that meets the requirement of NIMASA to participate in on-lending, monitoring and management of loans under the CVFF scheme.

Customs WMC destroys seized poultry products

BY IFEYINWA OBI

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HE Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has said that it intercepted and destroyed a total of 170 cartons of seized contraband imported poultry products with duty paid value (DPV) of N1,105,000.

Deputy Comptroller in charge of Administration, Mr. Benjamin Binga, said that the poultry products were allegedly seized based on a tip-off last weekend at Idiroko, Ogun State.

Binga said that no arrest was made, as, according to him, the smugglers allegedly jumped inside the water on sighting the WMC operatives.

He maintained that while smugglers are adamant in bringing in prohibited items, the WMC will also not relent in clamping down on their nefarious activities.

Lagos Ports Witness Drop In Imported Vehicles In September

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HE Lagos Ports, namely, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port, recorded a drop on the importation of vehicles as a total of 9,454 units of both used and new vehicles arrived in the month of September as against 13,777 units in August.

A total of 24 vessels also made it to the seaports in September even as it was also discovered that the volume of vessels coming in to the ports with vehicles also dropped as only 31 vessels loaded with vehicles made it to the ports in August 2013.

Documents received from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) revealed that Five Star Logistics terminal at the Tin Can Island port recorded the highest number of vehicles with 4,603 units as against the 9,207 units of vehicles recorded in August.

The terminal also handled 10 vessels of vehicles as against 14 ships that were recorded in the month of August.

According to the statistics sent to Auto Port Weekly a total of 12 vessels made to the Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), which also recorded a total 3921 units of unclassified vehicles imported in September as against the 3,248 units recorded in August 2013.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

High demand for Nigerian charcoal in EU countries Stories by FRANKLIN ALLI

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ENDE Export-Import Limited, a subsidiary of Slok Group, says Nigerian charcoal is in high demand among EU countries because they are of good quality, easy to light and can burn for a long time. Benjamin Kalu, MD/ CEO, Bende Export Limited, who disclosed this during a round table discussion organised by the company for exporters in the country, said EU countries like Belgium, Spain, Poland, United Kingdom, etc are biggest buyers of Nigerian charcoal.

According to him, his company has been exporting on average 200-300 containers of hardwood charcoal per month to buyers in EU, adding, “EU customers want charcoal that is compliant with quality control in terms of size and moisture content. Exporter must comply or lose money.”

He lamented that there are not as many Nigerians in the export business as importers and most of exporters do not last more than one or two years in the business and they fizzle out. In order to address this problem, he said his company has kicked off a campaign aimed at grooming one million new generation of genuine exporters over the next three years. “My focus is to groom a new generation of exporters; men and women of integrity who can make money for themselves and the country through foreign exchange.

“We are working hard to achieve this target in the next three years and the strategy we want to apply is training the trainers. We want to do this programme in the 36 states of the federation including Abuja, the federal capital territory. It

is going to be moving from place tom place and it will be quarterly,” he said He said that the move was his company ’s response to drive by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, to boost the country ’s exporters base, noting: “Nigeria is the least

when it comes to non-oil export according to the ranking by the World Trade Organisation, WTO. Kalu, a lawyer turned exporter, said: “That spurred me into action and I said: we have to do something about that for non-oil export because Nigeria has been a mono economy depending on oil.

INTERACTIVE SESSION: From left: Mrs. Emily Peters, Area Mgr, Apapa; DG, Prof Longmas Sambo Wapmuk and Mr. Hassan Umaru, Training Mgr Industrial Skills Training Centre, Ikeja; all of Industrial Training Centre, ITF, during an interactive session with Commerce and Industry Correspondents, in Lagos.

Nigeria set for global products standardisation — Odumodu

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TANDARDS Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said its soon- to - be - completed new ultra modern laboratory at Ogba industrial area in Lagos is unique, as it will put the country on the global map of products standardisation.

“This lab would be like any other labs in the world and by the time we get accredited , any product test carried out by this lab will be acceptable anywhere in the world without further certification,” said Dr.

Jospeh Odumodu SON director general. “Although the agency has three other testing laboratories in Lagos, Kaduna and Enugu, yet this one is unique because it will put Nigeria on the global map of products standardisation,” said Odumodu.

He said that the new lab will provide services to manufacturers of foods, foams, paints, lubricants and fetiliser, pesticide and insecticide as well as electrical and electronics

Dufil Prima Foods rewards IIDA winners with N2.25m

By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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UFIL Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie noodles, has rewarded the three lucky winners of this year’s edition of Indomie Independence Day Awards (IIDA) with N2.25 million cash prizes.

The winners, Divine Toruemi, Mohammed Kenubu and David Adekunle were placed first, second and third respectively.

Explaining the rationale behind the yearly event, Mr. Haresh Aswani, the company’s Chairman, said it was targeted at identifying and rewarding children whose heroic acts touched lives but were often ignored due to their age.

“We are looking forward to partnering with the Central Bank of Nigeria, Ministry of Agric, and the NEPC as one of the training organization; not only training but also finding exporters contracts, support and mentor them and see that we break the gap between the suppliers and the importers,” he said.

On a daily basis, our beloved Nigerian children perform thousands of heroic acts at great personal risk to themselves. In 2008, we decided to take up the challenge by not only recognising these young heroes, but also providing them scholarship opportunities since their actions have touched lives in their immediate communities and beyond,” he noted.

Aswani, said that the IIDA initiative had encouraged children to aspire to greater heights over the past five years, adding that the winners deserved celebration for scaling the strict standards of a panel of judges to emerge the Indomie Independence Day Heroes for 2013.

Guests were treated to comic

sessions and live performances, as well as a documentary tagged ‘IIDA: The Journey So Far ’ presented by the Dufil Prima CEO, Mr Deepak Singhal, who assured that the company would always celebrate children who serve as change agents in their respective communities. “I would like to commend Dufil Prima Foods Plc for rekindling the hope of the Nigerian child with this enviable initiative which rewards unique acts of bravery and heroism in our children, thereby inspiring them to aspire to greater heights,” said human rights activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin, in her keynote address tagged ‘Children as Agents of National Transformation.

appliances.

He explained that the facility would house 14 standard laboratories comprising testing rooms, training rooms with different administrative functions; a research faculty for research organisations; conference rooms and support staff facilities.

He recalled unpalatable instances when the agency had to take the samples of imported goods to Ghana, and South Africa for testing; this, he said would stop when the ongoing project is completed.

Strike not good for human capital devt — LCCI

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HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, (LCCI)has warned that the prolong ASUU strike and the commencement of another round of strike by the Association of Resident Doctors have negative implications for the development of Human Capital which will invariably take its toll on the Nigerian economy.

Its President, Mr Goodie Ibru, said: “LCCI has reviewed the industrial relations issues in the educational sector and the health sector.

“LCCI, therefore, implores government to improve its management and communication processes in order to avert the current trend of recurring strike actions. Council appeals to all stakeholders in this issue to embrace the spirit of dialogue and compromise in the interest of the citizens and the Nigerian economy,” said Ibru.

He said that the Chamber has commended the Federal Government for the progress made so far on the privatisation of the power sector, particularly, the recent handover of the Distribution Companies and Generating Companies to private sector investors.

“It is hoped that with the milestone achieved, the country will begin to witness an improvement in the power supply,” he said.

On security situation, he said, “ LCCI is deeply worried over the recent killings of students in the North Eastern State of Yobe and notes that persistent attacks and threats to security of lives and properties calls for a review of current strategies to protect law abiding citizens.

“We appreciate the efforts of the government so far in dealing with the security issues but request that the strategies be consistently reviewed to reflect the dynamics of the situation.

Malta Guinness partners Rapid Blue on ‘Nigeria’s Got Talent’

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ALTA Guinness Nigeria has gone into partnership with Rapid Blue Format Limited to sponsor this year’s edition of the Nigeria’s Got Talent show.

The company said it decided to go into the partnership to help Nigeria youths harness their talents and provide them with the opportunity to exhibit their creativity.

Speaking to newsmen at a press conference to kick off this year’s season two of the show in Lagos, Malt Guinness’s Brand Manager, Wale Adedeji

said the sponsorship is because the show represents the passion and energy that the energy drink equally stands for.

“We are committed to driving our brand passion; recognizing, celebrating and fueling the incredible talent and energy in the Nigerian Spirit,” he said.

“We believe in the superiority of Nigerian talents and our brand is extremely passionate about unleashing these talents at the global stage. This sponsorship once again demonstrates the brand’s commitment to its target consumers; their dreams, their potentials & their talents,” he added.

Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 25

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26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

NLC calls for review of the economy

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HE Nigeria Labour Con gress, NLC, has called for a review of the economy.

In its message on Nigeria’s 53rd anniversary, the NLC leadership stated,” Congress argued that time had come for the "state to re-examine the total surrender of the economy to neo-liberalism as this has not yielded the desired results.

It has instead created massive unemployment, bloody conflicts, unprecedented crime waves and other unpleasant consequences. The private sector which is expected to drive the process of economic development/growth is weak, choosy, rabidly profit-oriented and cannot guarantee shared prosperity among Nigerians.”

The message by NLC president, Abdulwaheed Omar and Acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot, the NLC expressed concern that since independence, "little has changed, some of the changes have been traumatic indeed.

Sectarian-cum communal crises across the country have led to unacceptable blood-letting as well as caused massive displacements with potential for food shortages and disunity.”

NASU threatens strike on NEEDS assessment report

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ON-ACADEMIC of Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU has warned that members will down tools immediately if any of them is retrenched as a result of NEEDS Assessment Report submitted to the Federal Government.

Leader of the union at their National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, reiterated opposition to sack, retrenchment or victimization NASU members in the Universities under the guise of implementing the report.

In a communiqué by President and General Secretary, Ilya Liadi and Prince Peters Adeyemi, at the end of the meeting said “NEC-in-Session frowns at the NEEDS Assessment Report submitted to the Federal Government and reaffirms the Union’s opposition against any attempt to sack, retrench or victimize NASU members in the Universities under the guise of implementing the said report. NECin-Session therefore directs that any attempt by the Federal Government to sack or retrench any staff as a result of the recommendation on this report would attract immediate total strike action.”

Minimum Wage must remain on the exclusive list — ENEMIGIN The Human Capital Providers Association ( HuCaPan), an affiliate of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association ( NECA), held its annual general meeting in Lagos. Labour Vanguard took up the president of the Association, Mr. Neye Enemigin, on some current labour issues. Excerpts:

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE

A

N incident happened re cently in one of our banks. Hundreds of millions of Naira were stolen from a bank, and one of the employees involved was somebody engaged on contract basis. Do you know anything about it? Was the out sourcing done through one of your members?

No. Generally what is your attitude to the banking sector and how it handles out sourcing especially for tellers?

Well, I think everything in banking should be core, and even tellers should be people who are in direct employment of the bank, because they are involved with a lot of cash and when you get this out-sourcing people and you pay them peanuts and you give them that kind of responsibility, more often than not there is no satisfaction. Therefore, they can look elsewhere for money.

Security of tenure If banks will out-source tellers, they must pay them well and give them security of tenure, that’s my opinion.

Do members of your association; Human Capital Providers Association of Nigeria (HuCaPan) engage in capacitiy training for people that are out sourced for your clients?

We do. In fact one of the requirements from the minister of labour is that the people should be trained. One of the requirements for the recruiters licence and its renewal is that they want to see your training policy and they want to see that the people are trained regularly. A lot of people who are in this business at the moment are not under our umbrella, but if you belong to our association, we keep emphasizing the need for training and re-training because that’s the only way you can do the job better and be proficient in the job.

It has been observed that some of your members engage in counseling for peo-

Mr. Neye Enemigin, pic Funmi Komolafe ple who are laid off, people who are retired. Why do you think this is necessary since your HuCaPan is not an organization for retirees?

If people are declared redundant or retired our members have a duty to counsel them. This is because sudden loss of job is something that can be traumatic. Therefore we train our people to be able to counsel people so that they know that losing a job is not the end of life.

You can come out from that if you take it positively. I know people who have left some jobs and got something else, they have excelled and they have done extremely well.

As an expert in human resource management, do you think the national minimum wage should be on the exclusive legislative list or on the concurrent list?

For me it should remain on the exclusive list. The reason is that labour in over 90 percent of the countries of the world is on exclusive list.

Two, minimum wage standards should actually be set at the central level. Talking about minimum and the way it is structured in Nigeria all the sectors are involved. If you take the last one, the Federal Government was represented, all the states were

represented, the organized private sector, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association ( NECA), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Manufacturers Association of

,

BITS Bits

people, you don’t have to pay minimum wage. It must be a national minimum below which no one must pay. It’s the same thing in US; it’s the same thing in UK. In fact in the UK they have national minimum which is even based on age, if you are aged 18 there is a minimum you get.

If you are 21 there is a minimum. If you are 31 and above an adult there is a minimum, but it’s a national issue. I don’t think that it is something that should be removed from the exclusive to the concurrent. For instance if you say states should be able to determine the minimum wage, what about companies, private sector?

If you have a company like Nestle, I worked in Nestle for so many years and you have workers everywhere, all over the country. Are you going to have different minimum wage for them? Maybe the one in Lagos according to the Lagos law, the one in Kano according to the Kano law, there will be confusion. So I support Labour on this issue that the minimum wage should remain on the exclusive list Your members engage in outsourcing, do you ensure that the clients pay the national minimum wage, because it’s a law?

Yes! In fact that is one reason why we have the code of conduct. When you are making any proposal to a company, insist that people who work for you will not get anything below the National min-

I don’t think that it is something that should be removed from the exclusive to the concurrent. For instance if you say states should be able to determine the minimum wage, what about companies, private sector

Nigeria ( MAN), small and medium scale enterprises they were all represented to arrive at that minimum wage.

Labour initially demanded for N52,000 per month, but stakeholders they came up with different proposition and the state governments were able to say this is what we can pay.

I have the data, some said they wanted to pay N30,000, N20,000 if not more. At the end of the day it’s like a basket. What do we do so that even small scale businesses don’t die because they have to pay minimum wage. That’s one reason why you have to have a minimum of 10 people. So, if you are a barber you don’t employ up to 10

,

imum wage. Within this year I’ve been offered three to four contracts, I didn’t take the contracts. People approached me in my company, we made presentations. They wanted to give us the job (Indian companies), and they said this is what we are paying, one N12,000 another one N16, 000. I told them that my company will not pay anything below N18,000 because that is the law. I said if you are not willing to pay N18,000 forget it and I don’t mind.

I know some quacks have gone to pick this job to pay N12,000 to pay N15,000 but I won’t do. I am a professional”.

Vanguard,THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—27

PenCom rues slow implementation of CPS in South-west ••opens zonal office in Lagos

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

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F all the six states in the South-West, only Lagos State has fully implemented the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS while Oyo and Ondo states are yet to commence at all.

The commission implored states in the zone yet to complete necessary processes for full implementation of the CPS to renew their commitment and fast track action on all outstanding issues to avail their employees of its many benefits Acting Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, who spoke at the opening of South-west zonal office of the commission in Lagos, told the gathering that states in the SouthWest Zone have made reasonable progress in the adoption and implementation of the CPS. According to her, “the choice of Lagos State to host our South-West Zonal office stemmed not only from its pre-eminent position as the economic nerve centre of the country but was also justified by its record of being one of the pioneers in implementation of the CPS, having enacted its law in 2007. The state had fully implemented the CPS with a total of 45,730 employees registered and pension contributions remittance of N46.50billion as at July, 2013.

Furthermore, the state has issued retirement benefit bonds of N18.9billion to its retirees and

these bonds have been fully redeemed and proceeds paid into the employees’ individual Retirement Saving Accounts, RSAs; while 2,242 employees from the state have retired under the scheme as at August, 2013.”

“In the case of Osun State, it adopted the CPS and enacted its law in 2009. It had also made significant progress in its implementation of the CPS, having so far registered 45,106 employees under the scheme. It had also remitted N4.15billion as pension contributions, while the sum of N1.90billion had been remitted into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account. However, the State is yet to renew the group life insurance policy for its employees in 2013 and had also not carried out an actuarial valuation to determine accrued pension rights of employees. With regards to Ogun State, it adopted the CPS and enacted its law in 2007. It had also made significant progress in its implementation of the CPS having so far registered 24,902 employees under the scheme and remitted N10.90billion as pension contributions, while the sum of N3billion had been remitted into the Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account held at the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“However, the state is yet to put in place a group life insurance policy for its employees. In the case of Ekiti State, it enacted its law on the CPS in January, 2011

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (middle), his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (left), Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Pensions, Senator Aloysius Akpan Etok (2nd left), Acting Director General, National Pension Commission, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (2nd right) and the Deputy House of Representative Chairman Committee on Establishment, Pension and Training , Hon Abdullahi Khalid (right) during the Opening of the South-West Zonal Office of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) in Lagos

and has also 37,676 employees registered under the Scheme.

Ekiti has conducted an actuarial valuation to determine pension liabilities under the old scheme and put in place a Group Life Insurance Policy for its employees.

However, the state is yet to commence remittance of pension contributions into employees RSAs with PFAs. Oyo State, has enacted its law on the CPS in January, 2010. However, it is yet to commence the full implementation of the CPS.

Necessary processes “Ondo State has only drafted a Bill on the CPS, a copy of which had been reviewed by the Commission and comments duly forwarded to the State. I therefore wish to use this occasion to passionately appeal to the States in the Zone that have not completed necessary processes for full implementation of the CPS to renew their commitment and fast track action on all outstanding issues in order to avail their employees of its many benefits. The

NPA retirees protest unpaid benefits

BY GODWIN ORITSE & IFEYINWA OBI

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GGRIEVED retirees of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, in Warri and Lagos have protested non-payment of their 2006/2007 retirement benefits .

The protest which took place recently, crippled ports operations in Lagos and Warri, where the retirees barricaded the gates to the ports, lamenting that they had been suffering since retirement in 2006.

They claimed that series of petitions to the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA had not yielded results.

The National Chairman of the 2006\2007 retired staff of the agency, Mr Charles Ayo Binitie, who who spoke on the plight of the retirees in Lagos, explained

that the protests would until the management of NPA addresses their request.

He said the pensioners would form a human barricade along the ports access road in a bid to stop evacuation of cargo from the port.

Mr Binitie , said the same action would be replicated in Onne port, Warri Port and Calabar port, declaring that that they were denied benefits by the NPA through the presidential task force.

“For the purpose of prosperity, what shall we tell our children and those to come that we worked in NPA for 10 to 35 years and by the decision of a Presidential Task Force denied us our pension’’ he lamented.

The pensioners said they were entitled to pension for life because they fell in the old pension

scheme, especially the Federal Government circular of 3rd, August, 2009, stressing ‘We are demanding the 10 per cent gratuity and pension as compensation for premature retirement. We are also demanding for one year salary as compensation for those disengaged employees who did not complete the minimum qualifying period for gratuity and pension’’, the pensioners declared They also said the NPA management should pay them repatriation allowance as was done in the case of 2008 disengaged employees.”

Meanwhile the management of NPA has assured the retirees of payment of their benefits noting that the welfare of its employees both retired and serving would not be compromised.

Commission’s Zonal Office is positioned to facilitate the States’ full compliance with the CPS and provide necessary guidance.”

Why we open zonal offices: Explaining why the commission set up zonal offices, the Acting Director-General said c the ommission embarked on the establishment of Zonal Offices in all the six geo-political zones of the country in a bid to decentralize its activities and bring it closer to the contributors and retirees. She said “With our presence in the South-West Zone now, we expect all stakeholders to avail themselves of our services by visiting our office to make enquiries, lodge complaints, and seek enlightenment on the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Due to our renewed focus on efficient service delivery, we seek to reduce the need for contributors and retirees to travel from various parts of the country to Abuja for the singular reason of accessing our services. In addition, our presence would facilitate closer interaction with the States’ Pension offices by assisting them to comply with the CPS. The South-West Zonal Office has a mandate to effectively extend our services to all the six states in the zone, namely; Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo.”

Total pension assets Mrs. Anohu-Amazu said the commission had remained steadfast in the implementation of the CPS such that within these few years of existence some modest achievements have been realized, saying “Foremost among such achievements is the consistent payment of retirement benefits to all employees who retired under the scheme since 2007 without the characteristic bottlenecks experienced in the past.

There is also the generation of a large pool of investible funds of over N3.50 trillion invested in various financial instruments, which marks a phenomenal growth when compared with huge estimated pension liabilities

in the public sector prior to the reform in 2004. Also, 5.61million contributors have been registered into the CPS since inception. Furthermore, the process of a major amendment to the PRA 2004 is currently at the final stages of consideration by the National Assembly.

“In addition, the Commission recently organized an Interactive Workshop in order to acquaint Judges of the Superior Courts with the basic understanding of the CPS to enable them adjudicate on pension matters effectively. The Commission has also established a Call Centre which would be open to the public in October, 2013, in order to enhance its service delivery through an efficient complaints resolution process.

Significant achievements Perhaps one of the significant achievements recorded by the Commission is the reason for our gathering here today, which is the establishment of Zonal Offices in all the six geo-political zones of the country.

“As part of ongoing efforts at enhancing contributors’ satisfaction, the Commission is currently exploring the possibility of allowing contributors to utilize part of their Retirement Savings Account balances to part-finance the acquisition of low-cost houses.

It is our expectation that when they eventually come on stream, these facilities would be availed to States that have fully implemented the Scheme. The Commission had also reviewed its Investment Regulations with a view to facilitating the investment of pension funds towards reducing the huge infrastructure gap in the country.

It is worthy to mention that already several states in the federation have so far benefited from the pool of funds generated by the CPS through the issuance of development bonds. As at June, 2013, the value of pension funds’ investment in State Government Bonds was N169.73billion.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 —29

ening to go on strike because of ASUU, and we are wondering what the ASUU strike has got to do with the NUT. “When states failed to pay the minimum wage for teachers and they went on strike, ASUU did not join them. The NUT takes care of basic and secondary teachers’ interests, so it has no business with ASUU. I believe when we meet on Wednesday, we will sort it out.”

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard Learning, the NUT National President, Mr. Michael Alogba said: “We have a NEC meeting next week. The decision to embark on strike was taken by the NEC, and can only be rescinded by the NEC.

Grounding entire sector

•From left: CSIO/Chief Operating Officer, Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc, Jero A. Omare-Ogah; Group Head , SME, Heritage Banking Company Limited, Bayo Ogunnusi; Head, MSME Propositions , Diamond Bank Plc, Chima Nnadozie and Director, EDC, Nneka Okekearu at the 7th Annual SME Conference of the Pan-Atlantic University Enterprise Development Centre held in Lagos.

ASUU: Stakeholders divided over NUT solidarity strike

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI & LAJU ARENYEKA

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DUCATION stakeholders are divided on the decision taken by the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, to commence a solidarity strike in support of striking university lecturers.

While those in support of the solidarity strike are of the view that it would draw the attention of the international community to the state of Nigerian education, those in opposition say shutting down the education system is misplaced priority on the part of NUT. Rising from its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja on September 26, NUT threatened to join ASUU members in a solidarity strike. It gave the Federal Government two weeks to meet ASUU’s demands or face a total strike that would paralyse the country’s education sector.

Four schools represents Nigeria at world Olympia in Indonesia — Page 30

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Worried by the possible effect of an NUT strike, the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, had scheduled to meet with leaders of the union to find out what their problem is with the ASUU

strike.

Receiving House of Representatives Committee on Education members, who were on an oversight function to the ministry on Monday, Wike said: “We just heard that the NUT is threat-

“The Minister of Labour and Productivity met with us last week and gave us a situation report from government’s end.

It is the result of this meeting we will take to the NEC. But we never had any doubt that a solidarity strike would move the government to take ASUU much more seriously. Grounding the entire sector is sure to get the attention of the international community and as such, put the Federal Government on its toes. That is the power in democracy.”

Calling on other unions in the country to emulate NUT and NUPENG, the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign, Mr. Hassan Soweto, tasked the NUT to ensure that they are not arm-twisted by gov

Continues on page 30

Time now to end infrastructure dearth in Nigeria —YABATECH Rector

BY LAJU ARENYEKA & JOSEPHINE MBAEBIE

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HE Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Dr. M.K. Ladipo has called on professionals and academics to find a solution to the dearth of infrastructure in the country. She said this at the 4th inaugural lecture of the college recently.

The lecture, presented by the Chief Lecturer, Department of

Quantity Surveying, Mr. Uduak Iyang-Udoh, was titled: Effective delivery of constitution project in Nigeria and the role of the cost counter. Inyang-Udoh spoke elaborately on cost counting as important because it prevents abandonment of projects and ensures improved quality in project delivery.

The Rector, Dr.(Mrs.) M.K. Ladipo in her remark said: “The lecture stressed that the outright neglect of cost counting or leaving it in the

‘Schools should educate students for skills and not for certificates’ — Page 32

hands of those not trained to carry out this role, especially civil and other engineering projects, is detrimental to the interest and are trying to find solution to dearth of infrastructure in the country.” She thereby urged project promoters and clients to obtain optimum value for their money and have their project effectively delivered in terms of cost, time and quality. In order to encourage competition, Nigeria must not only start but also Continues on page 30

Researchers develop wastewater treatment system — Page 35

30—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Scholarship 2014 Mini-Fellowship Program in Clinical Sleep Medicine, USA The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is inviting applications for the 2014 Mini-fellowship program for international scholars. This program consists of a 5-week training program in clinical sleep Medicine.

Preference will be given to candidates from lower-income countries. Upon completion of the five-week training program and submission of an evaluation, a certificate of completion will be issued to each participant. The deadline to apply is November 4, 2013.

Eligible applicants will be residents of countries outside the United States or Canada.

Participants must be certified physicians, with minimal experience in sleep medicine.

To apply, go to

w w w. s c h o l a r s h i p positions.com and submit the following documents: 1. Completed application and pre-program questionnaire.

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5. A copy of the applicant’s Curriculum Vitae.

6. Documentation of an active medical practice affiliation with a national or regional medical facility in home nation.

7.

A letter of recommendation to study sleep medicine from a senior faculty medical officer at the affiliated medical facility with an assurance that the

applicant will practice this specialty in the home nation upon his/her return.

8.

A letter of recommendation from a mentor or colleague attesting the applicant’s character and clinical skills.

EMMC Student Scholarships for Master in Neuroscience, 2014 Applications are invited for two years Master scholarships in Neuroscience at Bordeaux Segalen University, VU University Amsterdam, University Medical Center Göttingen, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, The University of Coimbra and Laval University. C a t e g o ry A scholarships should be considered as “full scholarships” covering all necessary costs of the student during his/her study period in

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Category B scholarships have to be considered as a “financial contribution” to the students costs. Candidates from all countries can apply for the Erasmus Mundus Master Program. The application deadline is December 5th 2013.

To apply, go to w w w. s c h o l a r s h i p positions.com Asia Exchange Scholarships for International Students, 2013 Asia Exchange is funding five scholarships for international students to study abroad in Asia.

Scholarship is offered twice a year for students from target countries.

The scholarship covers tuition fee for one semester program in one of Asian partner universities. The

scholarship is tenable at Indonesia, Thailand and China. Successful applicants are notified after the two weeks after the application deadline.

Send your application online by October 1st, 2013.

The scholarship is provided to learn any of the available courses at Asian partner universities. This scholarship is for pursuing study abroad program in one of Asian partner universities for one semester.

Asia Exchange will be awarding scholarships, which will cover the tuition fee of a study abroad program in one of their Asian partner universities for one semester.

To apply, go to w w w. s c h o l a r s h i p positions.com and attach a one-page Statement of Purpose and a Transcript of Records are required as attachments.

ASUU: Stakeholders divided over NUT solidarity strike Continues on page 29 ernment.“Though shutting down the knowledge sector isn’t the best thing to do, we endorse this solidarity strike because we want the President to do the right thing. We are convinced that all concerned stakeholders who want the sector to move forward would join in demonstrating our dissatisfaction.”

Pointing out that one day of action is a good starting point that would spur others to do same, Soweto commended NUT and NUPENG for reviving the idea of solidarity strike which is acceptable in global unionism.

Opposing the strike action being proposed by NUT, an education policy consultant, Mr. Wale Samuel, rather called on government, ASUU and NUT to reason together and find a solution to the crisis.

“Stakeholders need to give room for honest and open dialogue which, of course, would naturally revolve around the sincerity of

government to provide support within available funds and the need for ASUU and NUT to realise that strike may never secure all demands.

“There is the need for them to also bear in mind that, ultimately, these strikes would equally take its toll on the end product of education, in this case, the students.”

Agreeing with him is the President, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Yinka Gbadebo, who said the proposed solidarity strike would rather escalate an already delicate matter.

“Showing solidarity doesn’t require shutting down the education system as that is fuelling an already delicate and dangerous situation. NUT can show support or concern by engaging government in meaningful talks that would lead to the resolution of the crisis.

“Agreed that all isn’t well with the system but we can’t have a crash solution to years of rot and neglect in the education system.”

For a parent who declined to give her name, the strike is a misplacement of priority as, rather than going on a strike

that does not affect them in anyway, "NUT should be doing everything possible to bring

the primary and secondary schools to their past glory."

• From left: Director, Financial Service, Pastor M. Olajide; Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Prof. J .O Bello; Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ajayi (all of Landmark University); MD/CEO, New Horizons Nigeria, Mr. Tim Akano; Registrar, Landmark University, Mrs. M Aboyade; and General Manager, New Horizons, Mr Bolaji Olaoye, during the signing of a partnership deal between New Horizons and Landmark University in Omu Aran, Kwara State.

Time now to end infrastructure dearth in Nigeria Continues on page 29 not relent in its effort to entrench international best practices in its project procurement dealings.

Buttressing the importance of cost counting with a quotation from Luke chapter 14 verses 27 to 31, he said: "This quotation amplifies the

importance of cost counting, estimating and checking in all areas of life with particular emphasis on construction. It is so important that Christ emphasized it to all His and would-be followers. Speaking on some challenges facing construction projects management in the country, he said: “It is clear that the project pro-

curement process is still sick in Nigeria because cost counting and pre-qualification exercise are not effectively carried out and even ignored for most large civil and engineering projects. This has often led not only to high contract costs, but also significant increase in the final cost of construction, wrong choice of contractor,

delay in project delivery, and sometimes abandonment of project.”

He noted that these issues have led to the domination of project procurement by nonindigenous contractors: “My research study has also shown that the construction industry is dominated by nonindigenous contractors in

terms of total value of work, at the expense of the indigenous ones, on the ground that they produce better quality. However, a survey of the construction sites reveals that 100 per cent of the artisans, craftsmen and labourers engaged in such construction works are Nigerians and Togolese.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 31

Four schools represent Nigeria at world robotics Olympia in Indonesia

BY DAYO ADESULU

S

TUDENTSdents f r o m Troika School, Lekki, Zamani College, Kaduna, Alofos Foundation, Surulere and Ilado Community Junior High School, Ikoyi will represent Nigeria at the world Olympia holding in Jakarta, Indonesia in November 2013.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director, Arc Light Nigeria Limited, Mr Tayo Obasanya at the end of the national robotic competition that took place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.

Obasanya said; “The world Olympia is a competition that involves students in primary, junior and senior secondary schools. It engages them in robotic education which promotes computer science, science, engineering science technology and mathematics education.”

He noted that it is open to students in public and private schools because

*Students displaying robotic skills at the national robotic competition held at Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos. it helps bring technology closer to students.

According to him, the contest introduces technology to students, a fun way which makes learning of science and technology very easy and exciting. “Every year,

the number of entries for the contest increases because through robotic knowledge, key concepts in sciences have been broken down, students now understand the use of energy force as it helps them to gen-

erate energy and measure it.

“Before now, in the classroom, it has been theories but now, they can apply it practically. It is not all about passing exams, but imparting life skills that are necessary

Girls must be empowered for the dignity of womanhood

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

T

he Administrator, Bethlehem Girls College, Rev. Sister Felicitas Osinde has said that girls must be spiritually, physically, emotionally and intellectually empowered to appreciate the dignity of womanhood. Osinde said this last weekend at the Eucharistic Mass to

celebrate the one year anniversary of the school.

Addressing the audience she said: “It is indeed a thing of joy to celebrate God’s goodness in our lives.

Bethlehem Girls College was commissioned on July 26, 2012, and opened her doors for academic activities on September 30 th, 2012.

The school has gone

through the preliminary stages of growth and survived despite numerous challenges usually associated with every growing institution.” Osinde, quoting Dr. Kwegyir Aggrey reiterated: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual.

If you educate a woman, you educate a nation.”

According to Osinde, the college, which is

Frequently Confused W or ds Wor ords Raining – Rainy

Raining and rainy are derived from rain. You can say either ‘It’s raining’ or ‘It’s rainy’. Raining is ‘water is coming down from the clouds’. Rainy is an adjective. The weather is rainy when it rains. A rainy period of time is when it rains a lot. The choice of either raining or rainy depends on context. The

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for the development of solutions for today ’s challenges. “Winners will represent Nigeria in Jakarta, Indonesia on 1517 November 2013," he said.

Meanwhile, Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo,

Permanent Secretary, Lagos Ministry of Education who led Lagos students to the contest said: “We have read and seen robots in films but have never seen it like this before.

Seeing our children laying their hands on these, means we have a great future. These children who have taken pains to participate in this competition have no doubt acquired great idea of technology.”

Erogbogbo who affirmed that the knowledge acquired will assist students in their studies, charged Nigerian students to concentrate in science and technology because that is what will drive the economy in the future. “Since we see these children already imbibing this idea into the school activities, we have a great future because we have always concentrated on Information Communication Technology (ICT), science and technology and entrepreneurship.

—BGC Administrator

owned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, upholds as its core values: “the empowerment of the girl child to recognize and appreciate the dignity of womanhood; quality education vis-à-vis moral and academic excellence; the values of integrity, discipline, hard work and the fear of God; as well as training in both creative

and analytic thinking for the good of society.”

Rev. Fr. Sebastine Ukwandu, the associate parish priest who presented the homily admonished the girls and other members of the audience to leave a legacy that would last beyond their time on the earth. He said: “Your parents have invested so much into you by putting you in a school

like this. To whom, much is given, much is expected. You must ask yourself what you want to be remembered for and leave a legacy that would last beyond your lifetime.”

He also admonished the parents to partner with the school administration to ensure excellence in training the girls.

question is ‘Which is better according to context?’

Note that raining is used in the idiom ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’ (meaning it is raining very hard) and rainy in ‘Save (something) for a rainy day’ (meaning ‘to save something, especially money for a time when you will need it’).

Examples: Do not go out when it is raining very hard.

Always carry an umbrella in rainy weather.

Outside, it was still raining.

The rainy season will soon be over.

something; hence, it is often followed by ‘because’ or ‘due to’.

Examples: The company’s problems are partly due to bad management.

Some people are unwilling to contest any election into a political office partly because of the cost involved.

Samson’s wife was partly responsible for his misfortune.

Partially – Partly

Partially is used when you are referring to physical condition.

Partially and Partly are adverbs and also share a similar meaning: ‘not completely ’. Partially means ‘partly’. Partly means ‘to some extent/ degree’. Thus, you can say ‘The project is partly/ partially completed.' Note, however, that the words are not used interchangeably in all contexts. Partly is used to state the reason for

Examples: The surgical operation was only partially successful.

Reading aids should be provided for the partially blind.

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Oando Foundation empowers 4,000 teachers

BY AMAKA ABAYOMI

D

etermined to build a critical mass of in-service teachers in all Oando adopted schools, Oando Foundation, in partnership with the National Teachers Institute (NTI), has concluded plans to commence the training of 4,000 teachers aimed at improving the numeracy and literacy skills of primary and secondary school students.

Disclosing this at this year ’s World Teachers Day celebration on October 5, the Director, Oando Foundation, Ms. Tokunboh Durosaro, said training will equip teachers with relevant skills to become more knowledgeable, competent and able to use participatory methodologies in their pedagogical practices.

“The national mean percent scores on literacy, numeracy and life skills test were 25.1, 32.29 and 32.6 per cent respectively in 2002; depicting a generally poor performance among primary school pupils (SAPA, 2002). The situation isn’t different after a decade.

‘Schools should educate students for skills, not certificates’ Wale Afebioye, an executive director and business development executive of Premier College, IjebuOde, in this interview with journalists addresses vital issues facing Nigeria's education sector. He also disclosed his ambition to reposition Premier College to bridge the gap between academics and professional technicalities. Excerpts:

BY DAYO ADESULU

H

OW relevant is your field of study to the development of the education sector?

I studied Mass Communication and later did Human Resources Management. I have been in the educational sector for a period of 15 years as a teacher and an administrator. At different times, I also worked in some schools in and around the town, but in the last three years, I have been involved in administrative side of running schools.

In my little experience of training people for job at different levels, one of the things I have discovered is that many Nigerian schools

train students to be holders of certificates rather than people who possess skills and that is the reason why Nigerian graduates after leaving school, cannot find jobs based on their poor performance and those who have the opportunity of getting one, have to undergo rigorous training by the corporate organisations that employed them.

What do you think are the problems associated with education?

I think basically the problem with the education sector is the fact that our schools are not centres for creative expression and most times, people go to school basically to have a certificate to present in order to have a job.

However, schooling should be about discovering yourself, exploring your abilities and developing your skills as well as expressing your creativity, but the government and the society do not reward creativity, rather, only certificates are recognised. Only the private sector rewards creativity rather than just certificates.

It is the failure of government policies that has caused the ongoing strike. One important thing we need to know is that, if we want students to be better, we need to give them the tools to work with but while doing that, we need to also make sure that schools are not run as a profit-making ventures but as a sustainable effort at changing lives.

What are the thrusts of Premier College, what stands the College out?

Premier College’s aim is to bridge the gap between curriculum content being taught in schools and the technological know-how they need to be successful in life. We also have enrichment programmes that are designed for our students to discover themselves

Training initiative “We believe that the training initiative will contribute significantly in ensuring the well-rounded intellectual development of over 110,000 children in our adopted schools.

"This will enable them develop and practice skills that strengthen their self-esteem, social skills, analytical thinking and assertiveness.”

Explaining further, Durosaro said Oando Foundation will deploy a holistic approach and work with international lead specialists in teacher training.

The Foundation will partner with the NTI to identify local trainers from the institute whose capacity will be further strengthened by the international lead specialists based on the training strategy developed.

“The programme will commence with a school based Teacher Development Needs Assessment (TDNA) and analysis, which will drive the content of the training strategy.

The local trainers will directly deploy the training content to teachers in Oando adopted schools during the roll-out phase.”

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• From right to left: Chairman of the Board of Governors, Olashore International School, Iloko Ijesa, Prince Abimbola Olashore, Principal, Derek Smith and Patience Omeruo during the press briefing that preceded the school's 20th anniversary held at Victoria Island, Lagos.

Phidel College, Quintessential School Berths in Lagos Phidel College, a post primary school that prides itself as an all-round educational institution with an express mandate to develop students to become next generation of world leaders through invaluable academic and moral education, has commenced operation in Lagos.

Situated on an expansive land at Isheri-Olofin, Idimu, Lagos, with massive structures and state-of-the-art facilities to match, Phidel College is a co-educational secondary school that prepares students to excel through individual skills and team work with educational, moral, religious and social

standards. It aims to nurture globally-minded students to become communicators, thinkers, knowledgeable, principled and respectable citizens who in future would be useful to themselves and the society they belong to.

According to Ben Akintelure, the Principal of Phidel College, the school runs different curricula – Nigerian curriculum, British curriculum and American curriculum - and has seasoned and certified teachers in each of them. The exams students undertake at the College include West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO), International

General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) as well as Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Exposing students to various curricula, Akintelure explained, would give them the opportunity to study and excel at any higher institution of learning in the world after their secondary school education at the College.

Basic languages of the world including French and Chinese languages, he said, are made compulsory for students at some point in their education at the College.

early in life as well as giving them tools in the area of software, training and project work that will help to perfect their skills in future endeavours.

Premier College is not just like any other school because from the moment a student enrols, it is important that all the necessary tools to work with, as well as those that will make learning easy without asking parents to pay extra for laptop computer, books, uniform and bags as well as free lunch, are given to aid learning.

Its existence is like a new dawn in the education sector in Nigeria. For instance, a child attending any secondary school in Nigeria is faced with the problem of textbooks while some parents think some books are not as important as others, coupled with students who do not concentrate on their studies due to hunger as well as low access to information because they do not have personal computers and access to internet.

So these are the gaps Premier College fills, coupled with the rigorous academic content delivery. As a matter of fact, our requirement policy places emphasis on qualified teachers with proven success at local and international examinations.

Also, one of the factors that stands Premier out is our total care system. This is a system that deals with all aspects of a child's development - be it academic, social, spiritual or physical.

It’s imperative to note that our graduates are well adjusted individuals who can prove their worth and a great source of pride to their parents.

However, it will interest you to know that the school does not have traditional classrooms, but we have dedicated subject rooms such that when a child for instance is learning Mathematics, everything in that room must speak Mathematics and that is why we ensure that the time spent learning such subject is well spent. The key word is sustainability, so Premier College does not offer free education but our tuition fee is so affordable that most working class parents can afford to pay for world class education.

Our school operates on an integrated Nigeria–British curriculum but what is important is that our curriculum has been designed in such a way that all local and international exams are considered in preparing the students for local and international exams.

Our campus is equipped with wireless internet and systems and administrators have designed a firewall that will

Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 33

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 37

Time for Association of Private University Owners

BY DELE SOBOWALE

T

he year 1999 will remain a landmark year in the history of Nigeria. Most of us remember it as the year the military returned government for the second time after almost 16 years since the coup of 1983 which brought an end to the Second Republic. The Third Republic was aborted in 1993 when the Presidential election was annulled after the June 12, 1993 elections.

However, from the standpoint of university education, 1999 was even more unique for education more than politics. It was in 1999 that the first group of people with foresight and courage took up the challenge of establishing private universities and when the first set of licences were issued for that purpose.

Individually and collectively, they were responding to a growing national need for more university education. The kids of the Free Education era of the 1950s were becoming parents of kids whose population far outstripped the ability of governments at federal and state levels to provide varsity accommodation. As the number of young people turned down by public varsities grew; and as the same public varsities became increasing stretched beyond limit, it was clear that governments alone could no longer cope with the challenge.

At any rate, Nigeria was operating with an obsolete and inappropriate model for the development of varsity education. To some extent, we still are not getting it right. We have not yet come to grips with many of the questions which we must answer if private education is to avoid the fate of the brewery, the textile and the battery manufacturers in Nigeria.

When 30 became three or four – breweries After years of sales and marketing experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including years as the National Sales Director of BOOTS NIGERIA LIMITED, then the darling of the Nigerian Stock Exchange for its hefty dividends and script issues; followed by two years as the Country Sales Manager for SmithKline & French, now part of GlaxoSmithKline, GSK, I ended up, inexplicably as the Marketing Manager for North Brewery Limited, Kano. I could easily have been the General Sales Manager for Dr Pepper Bottling Company at Eket, in now Akwa Ibom State.

Let me quickly answer the question: why did beverage manufacturers reach out to the C C M M Y Y K K

drug industry to select their top marketing officer in 1980? The answer was simple.

U

ntil the early 1980s, the brewery and beverage industry was characterized by scarcity. Sales and marketing officers were actually allocating scarce products instead of bottling them. But, a commercial delegation appointed by the federal government, in the middle 1970s and led by late Chief Henry Fajemirokun had gone abroad in search of foreign investors to partner with Nigerians to establish industries in those areas where Nigeria was experiencing scarcity. Two sectors, textiles and breweries, among over 15, should serve as proxy for the rest.

Very soon, on account of our burgeoning population and rapid GDP growth, then close to 10%, it was decided that the best options were in those sectors which are best served by a big market – which was getting bigger everyday. Textiles and beer were the top two. I was not involved in textiles; but, we all know what happened to that industry. The brewery was “my home”. From late 1980 till 1989, I was involved with four of them.

Before 1970, there were only three breweries in Nigeria – Nigerian Breweries Limited, Guinness and West African breweries. By 1983, over 20 breweries had opened shop.

Whereas the pharmaceutical industry had always been very competitive, the brewery sector, until 1983, characterized by friendly competition. For instance, every brand of blood tonic or multivitamin or worm expeller, or analgesic had

nothing less than 30 competing brands. It was cut-throat competition and it still is from what I can see in the drug stores. I was, if you don’t mind my saying it, one of the best.

That was why I was engaged by a brewery – just when the competition was about to change from gentlemanly to brutal.

The owners of private universities have not yet understood that they constitute a business sector – despite all the efforts made not to admit that they are running businesses. In fact, if they are not careful, too much coyness on their part will doom their ventures. Like most new business sectors, they have special needs which are almost generic and which require the support and assistance of governments – virtually all the time. For that they need a Secretariat working 24/7 to protect their interests and to advance them.

T

HE FIRST THREE “He was a bold man who first swallowed an oyster”, Jonathan Swift, 1667-1745.

By any measure known to men in public life, those who first plunged into the, then murky, waters of private university education in Nigeria deserve our everlasting gratitude for their courage. At a time when university education was virtually free and, in some states, students were being paid to go to universities, they saw prospects for better quality education for which stakeholders would willingly pay. It was a gamble; it is still a gamble; made more so by the fact that more private universities are on the way – at a time when the Nigerian economy is again

threatened with a downturn; just as in the 1980s. The cloud in the horizon is real. And whereas few people mourned the collapse of breweries, all Nigerians will experience a sense of tragedy if any university should fail.

The first three private universities, in alphabetical order, in

Nigeria, starting in 1999, were Babcock University at Ilishan, in Ogun State; Igbinedion University, at Okada, Delta State and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State. Time flies.

Who would have believed that next year each of these varsities would have been 25 years old?

To be continued

ASUU Strike: Former Rep cautions FG

A

S the face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) lingers, a former member of House of Representatives from Ogun state, South-West, Nigeria, Hon. Kayode Amusan has warned the federal not to toy with the education of Nigerian children who eventually will become the the future leaders.

Amusan made while exchanging views with newsmen on the state of the nation, his monthly parley with journalists, an occasion where he also advised the striking university lecturers not to take too hard position on their demands in the interest of the students, adding that the strike which is running to three months is already taking its toll on the students, the parents and the society in general.

He blamed the federal government for not reaching an early agreement with ASUU so that they can go back to the classes, adding that most of the students are presently engaged in activities that are far from their academic responsibilities.

“The case of strikes is becoming too rampant in the education sector of the country and I think the government should take a pro-active step to reduce it, Ni-

•From left: Mr. Eric Birhiray, Marketing Manager, Bobo Food and Beverages Ltd; Mr. Lawrence Chimeze, General Manager, Sales and Marketing; and Mrs Sarah Agha, Business Director, Insight Communications, during a press briefing on the commencement of Bobo Kids with voices held in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

geria has recorded many strikes than most countries in the West Africa sub-region with education and health having the largest shares” he said.

According to him, devil finds work for the idle hand, he therefore urged both parties to resolve quickly so that the students the population of undergraduates presently roaming the streets can resume their studies.

“As Nigeria turns 53 on October 1st, there is the need to take stock of the performances of all the sectors and design ways for improvement, attention should be given to the welfare of the Nigerian child, I mean his health, his feeding, his safety anf most importantly hie education and career. It is a sad situation that Nigeria parents are now sending their wards to Ghana and other neighbouring countries for further studies” he added.

Webster Varsity opens Accra campus

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he United States Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has given Webster University, Accra, Ghana campus, approval to offer duly accredited degrees for its graduates. To this end, students’ recruitment and enrolment will begin immediately, and classes will start Jan. 14, 2014.

The approval by the HLC will ensure Webster University graduates in Ghana will hold degrees that will be recognised in both Ghana and the U.S., making it easier for them to seek employment or pursue additional studies in either country.

Speaking on the opening of the Ghana campus and the dual recognition of degrees, the director of the Ghana campus, Dr. Thomas Oates, said; “By having a degree that is recognised in both Ghana and the U.S., our students will have more options for their future as they will more easily be able to find employment, network, and pursue further educational opportunities in Ghana or anywhere around the world.”

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Research & Development

Researchers develop wastewater treatment system TO build a healthy environment and help meet item 7 of the MDGs by 2015, a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Covenant University (CU), Ota, Ogun State, Dr David Olukanni and his team have come up with an optimized pilotscale wastewater treatment system, a cost-effective waste management and treatment process for developing nations.

In this chat with Vanguard Learning, Olukanni who specialises in water resource and environmental engineering, says governments in developing nations must move from the level of policy, to implementation, noting that if Nigeria implements everything on paper till date, it will be a great nation.

Excerpts: BYEBELEORAKPO The problem: On realising that most of the water generated ends up as waste water, Dr Olukanni and his team deemed it necessary to device a means of treating the waste water to become useful once again. “We are looking at how we can generate wealth from waste; we are also looking at recycling, water supply, sanitation, hygiene, the impact of climate change on the environment and other environmental issues.

“We understand from literature that 80 per cent of the water generated goes as waste so it is that volume of waste water being generated that informs the design of the treatment system. Imagine having somebody in a particular environment turning the waste he is generating to energy for cooking. It makes life much easier,” said Olukanni.

Solution: According to Olukanni, in the area of waste water treatment, they designed a system using data obtained from the CU community. “We estimated that the water demand at CU is 136 litres per capita, per day because we have water in abundance and electricity supply is constant so we don’t have water problem.

Waste stabilization Pond (WSP) is one of the most popular wastewater treatment options because of its high efficiency and low cost.

"So having looked at it on a large scale, we tried to scale it down into a laboratory pilot scale. With that pilot scale, we ran some experiments at the initial stage. We fed the results we got into a simulation model and ran other sce-

• Dr David Olukanni narios to mimic what would be happening in the physical.”

Results: "We were not totally satisfied with the results we got so we had to look for other treatment designs apart from the one we have been trying to mimic and that came in place of optimization. We were privileged to carry all of these designs overseas because we got some grants; we have Fulbright fellowships. From the results, we had different scenarios so we began to look at how we can get the best results with minimal cost. We selected the best result from what we had and then constructed a pilot scale reactor. We compared the result we got from the validation experiment with what the computer generated. Definitely, they were not the same but somehow, the pattern is the same with little variation. That told us that what we had done was valid and could be implemented on a large scale.“ What must be done: Olukanni also said that the team is looking into water, sanitation

and hygiene (WaSH). "Every nation is trying to see how they can meet the item 7 of the MDGs target in 2015. It says that by 2015, the number of people that do not have access to potable water would have been halved. We are close to the target according to a recent GMP estimate. The challenge in developing countries is that we are still a bit far and we want to know the factors that are making us lag behind. He says they are working to see what the challenges are in CU and surrounding communities "so we know where to direct our research."

Public awareness: People need to know what to do and how would they know?

The public and private sectors have roles to play. The National Orientation Agency could come in with a five-minute jingle in the area of environmental sanitation to make people conscious of keeping their environment clean, then they will get used it. They can tell the people to sort their wastes, gather them in a place and they will come and pick them up at intervals and pay the people some money. After a while, when they have adjusted and gotten used to keeping their environment clean, you can then stop the payment part.

"The government could also provide bins which could be colour-coded like red for organic, blue for inorganic etc. so that even if there is need for sorting, it will be minimal."

He saaid they are also looking into recycling wastes. "If we have sorted all our waste from source, we will take the biodegradable materials to see how we can put them to something that will benefit the people.

"We are looking into the area of

• Pilot-scale wastewater treatment system designed by the team biogas and biomass. Here, we have the CU farm so we can think of compost manure from our waste products so instead of going to buy more fertilizers, we can get compost from our own waste; which means the waste is being recycled and is being useful.

Other treatment systems: Apart from waste stabilization pond that we tried to develop, other treatment systems that are available are aerated lagoon, trickling filter, oxidation pond and in CU, we have what we call water sanitary bed and that was where we took the waste water sample we used in our experiment. So by and large, we are trying to make sure that the environment is safe for all.

Dangers of bad waste management:

"In Nigeria, we do not have engineered landfill. All we have are dumpsites and you see people go there to scavenge even to the detriment of their health.

The remaining wastes are burnt, polluting the environment and contributing to global warming.

When rain falls or water passes through the dumpsites, the water can get into the underground water and pollute it.

The sooner we can recycle our waste, the better for us. We want to leave the realm of just going for conferences and presenting papers to products and that is why the university is working on setting up a vibrant waste management centre having recently signed an MoU with a German firm."

LG boss call for better education funding

BY FREDRICK OKOPIE

THE Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Mr. Ayodeji Joseph, has called for better funding of education of the Nigerian child. He made this known during Nigeria's 53rd Independent anniversary while addressing school children from various primary and post-primary schools from the local government council.

Mr. Joseph said: “It is time we all join hands together to fund education in Nigeria. That is what we have been doing in Apapa. We have touched all areas of education in Apapa since we took over the mantle

of leadership.

In a fortnight, the ultra modern 12-classroom block will be commissioned at Ijora-Oloye School and simultaneously, a similar building each, is being constructed at Arakan Barracks Primary School as well as Methodist Primary School.”

The local government boss informed that his administration has consistently given free GCE and JAMB forms to youths on a yearly basis, and promised they will continue.

“We are also working towards increasing the number of buses conveying our puplis to and from school on daily basis."

Nestlé trains 150 teachers on healthy kids in Ogun

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

N

O fewer than 150 teachers from public primary schools in Ogun State have been taught on ways to respond to the health needs of the pupils so as to ensure optimal performance of the pupils in classes.

The teachers, who were drawn from the 20 local government areas of the state, participated in the Nestle Healthy Kids Programme - Teacher Workshop held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Speaking at the workshop, a lecturer C M Y K

from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Florence Uchendu, who harped on the need for proper nutrition for pupils, lamented that there were some diseases affecting children that could have been prevented.

Pointing out that the performance of children in class depends on the state of their health, Uchendu disclosed that most diseases affecting children are related to nutrition as they need more protein than adults.

38 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

MOCPED’s strength outweighs weakness says, NCCE

T

he National Commission for Colleges of Education, NCCE, has commended the Lagos State Government and management of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, MOCPED, Noforija, Lagos, for the monumental development, proper funding and management of the college.

This commendation was given by Acting Director, Department of Academic Programmes, NCCE, Dr. Muhammed Sanni Aliyu, recently when he led his team to the accreditation of the college’s 23 courses.

He said that the state government has shown reasonable interest in the funding of the college and other educational institutions in the state, adding that what is found in the college in terms of infrastructure and facilities may not be found in many state universities.

Aliyu also commended the college’s management for pru-

dent management of funds released to them, saying that if funds were not judiciously managed, the state government would not have continued to give enough to run the college.

Inaugurating the team of panelists before embarking on the accreditation exercise, Aliyu charged them to discharge their duties without fear or favour, as the exercise was to enable the college know their areas of strength and weakness.

“After going round, the NCCE Accreditation team discovered that the strengths observed by them outweighed the observed weaknesses. The staff and students of the college are eager to learn, peaceful and matured.”

In the area of weaknesses, Aliyu advised the college to acquire a bigger power generating set to power its newly acquired equipment, and embark on massive publicity to boost student enrollment, especially into departments with low enrolment.

Welcoming the NCCE team, the Provost, MOCPED, Professor Olu Akeusola, stated that the college was determined to ensure quality students are graduated from the college in their academic programmes.

Commending Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola for his unflinching moral and financial support to the college and education in Lagos State, Akeusola assured that the college would continue to be transparent, adhere to the culture of good governance and raise the bar of academic standard so that graduates of the college will key into the institution's dictum that says “Certificates are awarded to students after finding them worthy both in learning and in character.”

He noted that the management as well as the staff of the institution are working round the clock to develop the college so that government's aim of producing professional teachers who will teach at the primary education level would be realised.

WITH

Udeme Archibong The ‘class' of champions C hampions live in a separate class; they think differently, talk differently, behave differently and dress as winners.

Champions’ living in a separate class does not mean they are snobbish; proud or full of ego; rather, it means they possess distinctive qualities that set them apart from the crowd.

Champions give credit to others even to their opponents.

When Abraham Lincoln was running for president of the US, there was a man who publicly opposed him.

He travelled across the country, proclaiming many destructive things about Lincoln in order to destroy his character and

,

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

SUCCESS RECIPE

Champions are men and women with vision or purpose; they are clear about whom they are

,

*ACCREDITATION: Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe, Lagos State, Professor Olu Akeusola (6th from left) in a group photograph with some members of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), during the accreditation of college's courses held at the Lecture Theatre II on Monday.

LEAP Africa emerges finalist for Financial Times/Citi Urban ingenuity 2013 Awards

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EAP Africa has been announced as a finalist in the 2013 FT/Citi Ingenuity Awards, for its Leadership, Ethics and Civics programme in Nigeria. The awards recognise individuals and organizations with the most innovative solutions enabling urban progress across fields including education, social services, infrastructure and health.

Submissions were received from 44 countries and judges selected the finalists by region, based on the most innovative solutions enabling urban progress across city administration, transport systems, energy and utilities, education and resource management, housing, health, social services, mobile technologies, community engagement and collaboration

platforms.

The FT/Citi Urban Ingenuity 2013 Awards Forum, held in London on September 24, brought together contenders from Europe, Middle East and Africa to discuss their innovative solutions and the impact of these solutions have had on their cities.

Mr. Oje Ivagba; Director of Programmes, LEAP Africa, shared on how LEAP Africa is collaborating with teachers in public secondary schools to equip and engage Nigerian teenagers as positive change makers in their communities through its Leadership, Ethics and Civics Programme. LEAP Africa together with other finalists will be assessed by a panel of judges. The regional and global winners of the FT/Citi Ingenuity 2013 Awards will be announced

at the Gala night holding in New York on December 10, where Edward Glaeser, a Professor of Economics at Harvard University, will deliver the keynote address.

Last year, the Financial Times, an international newspaper headquartered in London and renowned for its award-winning global business news, and Citi, a leading global financial services company, initiated the FT/Citi Ingenuity Awards: Urban Ideas in Action, a global programme in collaboration with INSEAD in 2012. The awards aim to recognize individuals, teams, organisations and community groups across the globe, that have developed groundbreaking solutions to urban challenges.

person. At times he would criticize Lincoln’s looks, “You don’t want a lanky, ignorant man like this as the president of the United States.”

At other times, he would write malicious statements about Lincoln. In spite of this treatment, Lincoln eventually became the president of the US. When it was time for President Lincoln to choose a cabinet, he decided to appoint the man who had spoken ill of him as secretary of war.

When Lincoln mentioned his decision to his advisors, they said to him: “President Lincoln, are you a fool? Do you know what Mr. Stanton has been saying about you? Do you know what he has done...tried to do to you? Do you know that he tried to defeat you on every hand? Do you know that, Mr. Lincoln? Did you read all the derogatory statements that he made about you?”

Abraham Lincoln replied, “Oh yes, I know about it; I read about it; I’ve heard him myself.

But after looking over the country, I find that he is the best man for the job.” Yes! Champions have class.

Zig Ziglar beautifully states, “Success (a win) doesn’t make me, and failure (a loss) doesn’t break me.” Champions win triumphantly and they lose gracefully; no anger, no embarrassment, and no depression.

Champions recognise that

losing is part of winning which lead to growth and development and ultimately peak performance.

Champions never play the blame game because they know that the blame game is a game for losers. If they blew it, they accept full responsibility for their mistakes and grow through them.

Champions are contributors; they give back to the society.

Muhammad Ali, the great boxing legend, champion of the world, is a great philanthropist.

True champions think distribution rather than possession; contribution rather than recognition.

Champions are men and women with vision or purpose.

They are clear about whom they are; where they are going and what they want to accomplish and they develop a plan and work their plan. Champions let their purpose consume their mind and time which is the key to winning.

Champions believe in themselves and their abilities. They are positive-minded; they like themselves; they like people; they believe people will also like them. Champions exude self-confidence in themselves and their ability to rise above the circumstances of life to live their dreams.

Fulfilment of dreams Champions are enthusiastic; they are excited about life and what they do and they invariably magnetize cooperation from others towards the fulfilment of their dreams.

Champions manifest excellence; they study to become experts in their field and prepare themselves for opportunities.

They deliver quality work or performance; a trademark of excellence.

Champions live their lives according to the highest values and principles. They manifest high moral code of conduct.

Champions are aware that their talents and abilities may take them to the top but it is character that will sustain them at the champion's level.

Champions are people of selfdiscipline and are well organised individuals. They have the will and determination to persist and follow through until their dream or work is accomplished.

A champion works on himself to become the kind of person that is an inspiration to others.

Remember, when you work on yourself; life will work for you.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—39

I N S I D E

Akinjide reveals genesis of Nigeria’s problems P. 40

Can the National Confab provide a legal basis for a brand new constitution?

P. 42

We're succeeding in fight against crime, criminality — Delta AG

BY INNOCENT ANABA MR. Charles Ajuyah, SAN, is the Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. In this interview, he spoke on the administration of justice in the state and efforts made by the state government to ensure that crime and criminality in the state was reduced to the barest minimum.

He also spoke on the accusation by the London Metropolitan Police that the state government denied them access to vital document relevant to the assets forfeiture case against the former governor of the state, Chief James Ibori, which he described as untrue.

Excerpt:

A

S Delta Sate Attorney-General, what has been your experience in the administering justice in a state that has for long been associated with violent crimes, including kidnappings and armed robberies?

Honestly speaking, I think that your assertion is not completely correct. There is no state that is crime free. In fact, no country is crime free. That of Delta State is often magnified by the media.

However, as a state, we are fighting crime and criminality with success. We detect, apprehend and effectively prosecute these cases. Our detection, apprehending and prosecution strategies are effective with results. It is evident at least in the last two years, these high profile crimes that you are talking about have drastically reduced.

We have been able to secure over 65 convictions in such crimes. So, in that area we are not slacking at all. The Delta State Government is resolute to get near zero tolerance to crime. Criminals that have been arrested have been promptly arraigned and tried and put in prison.

We do not circulate criminals in Delta State. Trials are fast as we have the co-

Mr Charles Ajuyah, SAN, Delta State AG property. The government can choose to demolish same. Our experience so far is that the good people of that state are against anyone engaged in kidnapping.

They demonstrate their abhorrence to

Our detection, apprehend-ing and prosecution strategies of criminals are effective with results

,

operation of all stake holders in the administration of justice. I can tell you that we’re still studying the strategies in place and we shall improve, particularly with new practice directives.

The state has a law on kidnapping now beside the Criminal Code provision. It involves a lot of things. If there is evidence that a property was involved in the commission of such a crime, the law will be applied take over such

,

kidnapping by taking steps to pull down houses used as den by kidnappers. Once a kidnapper is trailed and caught, the people go there to carry out what I call mob action on the property where the suspects are arrested or the victims are held hostage.

What about kidnapers targeting judges and lawyers like we hear in the news?

Well, in the past three years, only one

judge and one magistrate and a few lawyers have been kidnapped in the state. We don’t have this cadre of person being targeted. The government is supporting and collaborating with the security agencies to provide security for judges and all Deltans.

Our government got well involved in the fight against crime. Of course, including the security agencies, transporters, traditional rulers, civil societies, lawyers and other professional bodies. This has yielded success. More importantly is the confidence the people have in not only hearing but seeing justice done in the cases we take to court. We collaborate with neigbouring states regularly and I am confident that the criminals are losing.

The former Delta State governor, Chief James Ibori is again before a London Court. What fresh issues is he

being tried for?

What is going on is not a re-trial of the offences for which he was earlier charged. It is a confiscation proceeding where assets acquired from proceeds of alleged crime are being ascertained and to recover them. So it’s not really a second trial as it were.

At the ongoing trial, the London Metropolitan Police alleged that the Delta State Government denied them access to vital document relevant to the case when they made a request. What is the veracity of this claim?

That is not true at all. It’s a mere allegation without basis. The truth is that there was never a time the metropolitian Police requested for information or document from Delta State. No request was made either formally or informally.

I do not think the person who made that assertion actually meant Delta State. If he did then, it is not a sincere or truthful statement.

I believe a request of that nature should be in writing. Was any evidence of the request produced? None was produced.

Believe it, none was made and I say so with all sense of responsibility.

Was the Delta State Government at any point invited or made a witness in the present recovery trial?

We were not invited in any way at all. I said Delta State was not invited and it’s not right get into a matter of this nature without a proper cause.

Why would the Metro Police make the allegation if there was no truth to it?

I wouldn’t know why they made such unfounded allegation. But sometimes, in proceedings like these, people go on the pages of newspapers and say whatever they think would help their case. But let me assure you that they made no contact with the Delta State Government.

In fact the only authority that ever contacted us on the Ibori case was the

Continues on page 40

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

40—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Akinjide reveals genesis of Nigeria’s problems •Calls Nigeria’s creation a fraud

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

F

ORMER Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, has revealed the genesis of Nigeria’s problems and the basis upon which she got her independence.

Akinjide at the public presentation of a book titled, “Fellow Countrymen: The Story of Coup D’etats in Nigeria”, written by a veteran journalist, Mr. Richard Akinnola, said that the root of Nigeria’s problems could be traced back to 1894 when Lord Lugard came to the country.

“The problem started about 1894.

Major Frederick Lugard came here about 1894 and many

people did not know that he was not originally employed by the British government. He was employed by East Indian Company, then by the Royal East African Company and then by the Royal Niger Company. It was from the Royal Niger Company that he transferred his services to the British government,” he stated.

While reviewing the 340page book, Akinjide noted that the interest of the Europeans in Africa and particularly Nigeria was economic, adding that the country was created to protect the British sphere of business interests. “In 1898, Lugard formed the West African Frontier Force, initially with 2,000 soldiers and that was the beginning of our problems. Anybody

*Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, that wants to know the root cause of all the coups highlighted in this book and our present problems and who does not know the evolution of Nigeria, would just be looking at the matter superficially. Our

problems started from that time. Lugard was what they called at that time imperialist. A number of British soldiers, businessmen, politicians were very patriotic. But I must warn you, they were

operating in the interest of their country. Lugard became a Lord,” he added.

On reasons why Lugard created the protectorate of Northern Nigeria, Akinjide stated: “He (Lugard) said that the North is poor and they have no resources to run the protectorate of the North; that they have no access to the sea; that the South has resources and have educated people. The first Yoruba lawyer was called to bar in 1861.

Therefore, because it was not the policy of the British government to bring its taxpayers’ money to run the protectorate, it was in the interest of the British tax payers that there should be amalgamation of the North and South. That is one of the root causes of the problems of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“When the amalgamation took effect, the British

We're succeeding in fight against crime, criminality Continues from page 39 Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Initially they requested for documents from 1999 to 2007 for audit. It was general request and as a responsible government, we approached the court for a determination of the right of the state.

An important issue was whether EFCC has the right to audit a state under the Constitution?

There are other issues, which are ‘sub judice.’

The court granted an order ex parte to restrain the EFCC until determination of motion on notice.

That order lasted for a very short period and

thereafter, EFCC made specific requests and the state government gave full and maximum co-operation. EFCC has boxes and boxes of documents from the state and I am aware that the documents were in possession of the Metro police and Crown Prosecution. If the state did not co-operate with EFCC, how come the Crown prosecutor had materials from the Delta State.

I can tell you that up till now, we are still cooperating with the EFCC and they have loads of boxes of documents that they have been working with ever since.

Is the EFCC in any way involved in this current

trial?

Well, I can’t say since the state is a party.

Reports I read only suggest that its former Chairman of the commission that testified. But the extent to which they are involved I don’t know. In the proceedings in London it is obvious that documents received from the Delta State Government upon request of the EFCC are being used in that case.

Anyone who suggest that Delta State Government denied Metro Police co-operation during the investigation is only being economical with the truth.

What informed this trial being conducted in

London for transactions that took place substantially in Nigeria?

The United Kingdom Government is pursuing this case in line with their Money Laundering Laws. It is a procedure supported by law. It demonstrates that UK is fighting acts of money laundering. That could have informed their interest.

What is the official position of the Delta State Government on the entire Ibori case?

The position of the Delta State Government is that what is right and fair to all be done in accordance with the universal accepted principles of rule of law.

We have not done anything to frustrate the matter. The state is a responsible entity. It is a responsible government.

Did the state stop any trial? Not at all.

I am sure you understood all I said explaining full cooperation of Delta State to EFCC. The actions of the state cannot be consistent with shielding.

This is not true.

Our position is that when things are done within the confines of the law, we’ll co-operate. It will be irresponsible for the state to submit to anything unlawful or to that which is unconstitutional. The converse is the same.

government sealed off the South from the North. And between 1914 and 1960, that is a period of 46 years, the British allowed minimum contact between the North and South because it was not in the British interest that the North be allowed to be polluted by the educated South. That was the basis on which we got our independence in 1960 when I was in the parliament. I entered parliament on December 12, 1959.” Nigeria’s creation a fraud Akinjide further stated that the creation of Nigeria in 1914 was a big fraud.

“When the North formed a political party, the Northern leaders called it Northern People’s Congress (NPC); they did not call it Nigeria’s People Congress. That was in accordance with the dictum and policies of Lugard. When Aminu Kano formed his own party, it was called Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), not Nigerian Elements Progressive Union. It was only Awolowo and Zik who were mistaken that there was anything called Nigeria. In fact, the so called Nigeria created in 1914 was a complete fraud.

It was not created in the interest of Nigeria or Nigerians but in the interest of British. And what were the structures created? The structures created were as follows: Northern Nigeria was to represent England; Western Nigeria like Wales; Eastern Nigeria was to be like Scotland.

Also describing the country’s population figure as fraud, Akinjide said that when a British colonial civil servant who was involved in the fraud tried to expose it, he was never allowed to publish same. He stated: “The analysis is as follows: If you look at the map of West Africa, starting from Mauritania to Cameroun and take a population of each country as you move from the Coast to Savannah, the population decreases. Or conversely, as you come from the Desert to the Coast, right from Mauritania to Cameroun, the population increases.

The only exception throughout the zone is Nigeria.” Meanwhile on the book, Akinnola said: “as a researcher and journalist of over three decades and having actively reported most of the coups, apart from those of 1966 and 1975, I felt it was necessary to research, document and put in historical context, the evolution and statistics of coup d’états in Nigeria.”

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—41

wk ey celebration (2) Nigeria @ 53: Be Beyyond our lo low ke

By AWA KALU

I

N this manner of con ceptualizing events, history could be said to be unrestricted by space and time.’ The authors further opine that ‘history and historical events are not amorphous or shapeless occurrences. On the contrary, historical events and processes possess uniqueness which marks them as much the product of the past and of particular places, as they are sufficiently differentiated from their antecedents.

Such uniqueness of history provides both the basis for a break from either the past or from events of other places as well as the basis of a completely new future history. The decisiveness of the unique nature and character of historical events and processes provides the basis for the differentiation in history.’

They then affirm a truism on which basis our country

as a plank on which to analyse her problems, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, a foremost nationalist and public affairs analyst, lambasts this country in his book ‘NIGERIA: THE POLITICAL TRANSITION & THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY’ as a nation in search of identity and consciousness. He argues that the dilemma of contemporary Nigeria is mind-boggling. Nigeria is bedeviled by a myriad of problems which require radical therapies. In very strong words, he compares ‘the enormous problems of the polity’ with ‘the reality of a tragic dance of death; a ritual with no purpose and a rite in celebration of decay and putrefaction’. Arthur Nwankwo further states that ‘in examining the Nigerian condition,’ he is ‘reminded of that parabolic signification of communal ethos in a society caught in the web of organised intrigue. The belief that a

We are often in search of the ideas that will give fillip to our destiny.

Thus, at independence, we were given a constitution which tied us somehow to the Monarchy of Great Britain. By 1963, when we parted ways with that constitution, we gave unto ourselves a Republican constitution.

Then, anchored on allegations of corruption and misrule, a coup d’etat overthrew that constitution and for several years we labored under military leadership and fought a bitter civil war which deepened the schisms in the polity.

Formulation of policies Awa Kalu, SAN

,

,

Truly, it is a wonder that despite our wobbling and fumbling, we have lived under the umbrella of one Nigeria

may be judged, that a set of events and processes could be quite profound and drawn out with the attendant consequences that existing structures and values of a nation become completely broken or overturned giving rise to new structures, institutions, values and patterns of social conduct.

With the history of Nigeria

disease which is ravaging a land needs the blood of an animal matching its potency for exoneration, exorcism and amelioration holds absolutely true for the Nigerian State.’ In a tone brimming with resignation and surrender, he alleges that ‘the only qualification to the time-honoured liberationist paradigm is that not even the blood of a

mortal, and a clansman’s at that, may have the efficacy of purgation or the potency of regeneration.’ As angry as his words indicate, he however takes the path of a statesman and asks: ‘what are the basic tentative measures likely to arrest the calm stride towards chaos and the fatalistic journey into the molting abyss and morass of the unknown?’

He concludes that Nigeria’s drift into chaos is both attitudinal and institutional and his belief is that arresting the drift demands the re-orientation of individual and collective awakening to realities.

I have listened to radio and television discussions aimed at appraising Nigeria at 53. It appears

that there is a consensus that not long after our Golden Jubilee, the country is still afflicted with prepubescent and adolescent problems. Some analysts even remind us that the Jubilee itself was celebrated with an unprecedented bombing. We need not be deterred by negative tendencies. Touted as the most populous black nation on earth, recognized as a country endowed with vast and extensive human and natural resources, blessed with the potential to be what it can be, we still suffer the misfortune of a burden of who will bell the cat i.e. the cat of liberation from selfimposed stagnation and an unwillingness to march into unrestrained prosperity.

In 1979, the military retreated to the Barracks in the belief that the politicians had learnt their lessons. On the last day of 1983, there was yet another cop d’etat followed by others in 1985 and 1993. Historians are familiar with the flip-flop in the formulation of policies that followed including the failure of a well0desined transition to civil rule programme.

Recognising that it is the inalienable right of the people to choose who should regulate their affairs, the military again retreated to their Barracks in 1999 and have not given any overt indication of an intention to return despite the predilections of our politicians some of which may sound like an invitation of some sort. We are presently laboring

under the burden of electoral reform, constitution al amendments complicated by dog fights at the National Assembly, a seemingly ugly cat and mouse game with the Presidency, financial and personal insecurity and a legion of other problems.

But we are resilient and we will make it even if slowly and painfully. The fact that we have had twelve years of unbroken civil rule is eloquent testimony to our steadfastness.

Truly, it is a wonder that despite our wobbling and fumbling, we have lived under the umbrella of one Nigeria- an umbrella which is bigger than those of other rainmakers; an umbrella that is bigger than those of ethnic jingoists and chauvinists; an umbrella that is bigger than those of professional politicians, of certain fraudulent professors and other professionals and of even those who do not like Nigeria. I remember that date, 1st October, 1960.

As a primary school pupil decorate in a new school uniform and brand new converse shoes, I took part in a march past on the day the Union Jack was lowered and the Green-WhiteGreen was hoisted. That flag will continue to fly, our frailties notwithstanding. It is my belief that we will continue to hail Nigeria, our own dear native land.

Indeed, the labour of or heroes past shall never be in vain. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

SAN CONFERMENT IN ABUJA

L-R:Former NBA-SPIDEL Chairman, Chief Jeo Gadzama, SAN and former Edo State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice Chief Charles Edosomwan, SAN.

L-R: Former NBA General Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Lawal-Rabana, SAN; and wife, Nella Andem Rabana, SAN and Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN.

L-R: Justice C. Iyizoba, JCA; Mrs. Connie-Jean Aremu, SAN; Chief Justice of Nigerua, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar; Mrs. Funke Adekoya, SAN and Justice Mary Peter-Odili, JSC.

L-R: Chief Solomon Awomolo, SAN; Mr. Osaro Eghobamien, SAN; Professor Yemi AkinseyeGeorge, SAN and Mr. Norris Quakers, SAN.

L-R: Chief Alber Akpomudje, SAN; Chairman, NBA Database Committee, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN and Chief Ferdinand Orbih, SAN.

L-R: Nigerian Bar Association, NBA President, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN and Chief Folake Solanke, SAN.

42—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Can the National Conference provide a legal basis for a brand new constitution?

National Assembly makes law in this field pursuant to its powers contained at Section 4(2) of the Constitution. These are the exclusive and concurrent lists. But the National Assembly has a second legislative power.

This is covered by Section 4(1) of the 1999 Constitution. Prof.

Nwabueze having noted that “Section 4(1) provides that legislative powers of the Federal Republic of Nigerian shall be vested in the National Assembly”, goes on to say that what is so vested in the National Assembly therein, is the legislative power, not of the Federal Government, but that of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

BY DR. OLISA AGBAKOBA, SAN

A

Robust discussion Civil society’s demands have always been straight forward and simple- that Nigeria will benefit from a robust discussion on two vital questions posed by Late Bola Ige, when he said “…there are two basic questions that must be answered by all of us Nigerians. One, do we want to remain as one country? Two, if the answer is yes, under what conditions?” I respectfully suggest that Bola Ige’s questions are well framed as the relevant National Questions we need to address, if we are to build a new Spirit of commitment to Nation and service to motherland.

President Jonathan has charged a committee to frame the issues and nature of participation, and most important the legal basis upon which the outcomes of a National Conference can be enacted into law by the National Assembly.

Civil Society on the other hand has expressed the view that the nature of the conference will necessarily have to be sovereign. I will return to the basis of this request by civil society.

What is important at this stage is the utilizing of the limited platform offered by President Jonathan to engage Nigerians in very robust discussions on the Constitution and without “No-Go” issues.

Even though there are

Legislative power

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN challenges about participation, my suggestion is that participants may be drawn from ethnic nationalities and at least the six basic estates of the realm, namely the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Media, Civil society and Organized Business. I have defined civil society in a very broad sense to include NGO’s, religious and traditional institutions and of course labour, youth and women.

I agree with Dr. Tunji Abayomi when he said “Every Constitution is preceded by a debate of terms and consensus on principles”. This simply means that we have to agree. I think the most important key to a successful National Conference is the structure of government and devolution of powers.

Devolution of powers It is obvious that Nigeria is a very diverse country. Scholars suggest that federalism is the political system best suited to diverse peoples. If this is agreed at the conference, the corresponding question should be about the structure of the federal system and the scope of powers of the autonomous governments, that is the federal government on the one hand and the state government and even the local government, on the other.

I would readily adopt Dr. Alex Ekueme’s recommendation that the new structure of Nigeria should be based on our six geopolitical zones. I would further recommend massive devolution of powers from the Central government to the state governments. This is called the

principle of subsidiarity. If we accept this basic conceptual framework, it will then be easy to constitutionalise the political arrangements into a Peoples constitution.

Now to compensate for the non sovereign nature of the conference, I would like to identify four vital elements that we must keep in mind. They are inclusion, authority, validity and legitimacy.

Convening authority By inclusion I mean every Nigerian must be allowed to freely speak his mind. By authority I mean that we have to accept that the President and National Assembly are the convening authority. By validity the government has to accept that we the People shall validate the Constitution by Referendum. By legitimacy I mean that our discussions shall not be altered by the government, but shall be final and binding and validated by Nigerians.

I now turn to perhaps the most difficult subject of all in this matter of the National Conference. Here is the question- after we agree, how do we bring the discussions into legal force? I think Prof.

Ben Nwabueze, SAN, has, as usual, provided a simple and lucid answer.

Prof. Nwabueze reminds us that the National Assembly has two types of legislative powers.

First, the National Assembly has legislative power similar to that of any House of Assembly of a State. In this context the National Assembly is just one of three of the branches of the Federal Government. The

The legislative power in this second field is a term wider than the legislative power of the National Assembly as a branch of the Federal Government. In short the National Assembly has dual power to make laws on the one hand as a branch of the Federal Government and on the other hand for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The National Assembly is authorized to make laws for the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its peace, order and good government. In this sense,

,

T last, the Sovereign authorities have accepted the need for a National Conference. Civil society in Nigeria has always insisted that only the People of Nigeria can authenticate, legitimize and endorse a Constitution to govern their affairs.

Unfortunately, this simple wish was always denied by the colonial, military and even elected government. So President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Independence Declaration is a major milestone.

The Late Aka-Bashorun, my most illustrious predecessor, as President of Nigerian Bar Association, the first to clearly articulate the need for a Sovereign National Conference, as long ago as the 1980’s, must be rejoicing in his grave. Civil society has always stated that a National Conference is a vital requirement for a People’s Constitution for Nigeria.

is the legal basis of the 1999 Constitution and replace it with a brand new Constitution. The legal position will be different if the National Assembly is merely altering the Constitution. This is covered by Sections 8 and 9.

Prof. Nwabueze cites the example of what Parliament did in 1963 when it replaced the whole of 1960 Independence Constitution with the Republican Constitution of 1963. All Parliament did in 1963 was to repeal the Order-incouncil, made by the Queen of England providing for the Independence Constitution and replaced it with a brand new Republican Constitution.

Decree 24 is an existing law under Section 315(4) of the 1999 Constitution. So Decree 24, being a law with respect to which the National Assembly has power under Section 4(1) to make law, is deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly and can therefore be repealed.

Prof. Nwabueze says it would be inconceivable and manifestly absurd that there should be an existing law as defined in Section 315(4) which is beyond the power of the legislative authority of the sovereign state of Nigeria to repeal.

So the way I see it is that, assuming we can agree on the content of the Constitution that

Assuming we can agree on the content of the Constitution that can work for us, it should be very easy to constitutionalise the agreements reached at the National Conference by invoking the special legislative powers of the National Assembly and enacting those agreements reached into a supreme Constitutional document

,

according to Prof. Nwabueze, and I respectfully agree, the entire legislative sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is vested in the National Assembly. It is important to state that the legislative power of the National Assembly to make law for the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not limited to matters specified in the exclusive and concurrent list. It includes, Prof Nwabueze says, and pursuant to Section 4(4)(b) “any other matter with respect to which it is enpowered to make laws in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution”. It is in this context that the National Assembly can exercise powers pursuant to section 4(1) to repeal Decree 24 of 1999 which

can work for us, it should be very easy to constitutionalise the agreements reached at the National Conference by invoking the special legislative powers of the National Assembly and enacting those agreements reached into a supreme Constitutional document. If this process is followed, the Constitution as an outcome of the Sovereign will of the People will have the stamp and authority of Nigerians, validated by a referendum before enactment by the National Assembly. Then as Kingsley Moghalu says in his tremendously important book “Emerging Africa” we can all aspire to a Fundamental Transformational Agenda for Nigeria.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—43

Aguariavwodo, Urhobos and the Senate

BY OLOROGUN KENNETH OGHENERORO OKPARA

T

HE dynamics of politi cal engineering in Nigeria, and indeed elsewhere in the world, encapsulate the views of skeptics, cynics and enthusiasts, which when genuinely analysed, could draw a line of demarcation between real statesmen and students of Kakistocracy, who thrive on opportunism and tokenism.

In a democracy, while it is desirable for people to expand the frontiers of their inclusiveness in order to deepen their bond as a united people, selfish interests in the nomenclature of foisted leadership could torpedo their corporate •Emmanuel Aguariavwodo existence. As the electorate go to the polls come Saturday, October 12, ta State House of Assembly. The vision to chose a senator to fill the vacuum cre- and ideologies of Pius Ewherido can ated by the unfortunate death of an il- therefore be actualized through a former lustrious Urhobo son, Pius Akpor colleague of his, Emmanuel AguariaEwherido, (may God Bless his soul), it vwodo, whom at a time was in the House has become expedient to express an of Representatives. opinion which would go a long way in Aguariavwodo had a robust relationresolving any iota of impediment to the ship with late Pius Ewherido, and while cohesion and aspirations of the Urho- as Managing Director of the Niger Delbos as an ethnic group. ta Development Commission (NDDC), The Urhobo nation as the fifth largest impacted positively on the Urhobo naethnic group in Nigeria, cannot afford tion. Both of them loved their people, to sit aloof and watch its democratic for- their constituents, their language and tunes go down the drains through un- formed a synergy for the propagation of popular choice, compromised franchise the Urhobo culture. All notable senators and “alien candidacy”. Historically, the lived in their Senatorial Districts.

Urhobos are noted for their robust and Grasssroot assimilation can never be popular politics anchored on pedigree, achieved overnight. For instance, Senknowledge of cultural nexus, accessibil- ator James Manager, at every given ity and quality representation by play- opportunity, always return from Abuja ing majority politics at all levels of gov- to live with his people in Bomadi and ernance as espoused by the Brumes, the Warri. The same applies to Senator Ibrus, et al.

Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, who as a grassAt this critical period of Nigeria’s na- root man and mobilizer, lives in Owascent democracy, the Urhobos should Oyibu and Asaba. Senator Felix Ibru in his days in the The Urhobos should crave for a candidate Senate, takes joy dwelling with that is domiciled in Urhoboland, who knows in his Kith and kins in his native Agand shares the pains of the people, who is barha-Otor familiar with the hinterlands, and who country home speaks the Urhobo language fluently where he receives visitors and listen crave for a candidate that is domiciled to whatever they have got to say. While in Urhoboland, who knows and share the murky waters of the political landthe pains of the people, who is familiar scape is a familiar terrain to those whom with the hinterlands, who speaks the the cap fits, it remain largely too comUrhobo language fluently, and not a plex for neophytes to grapple with.

“Lagos Urhobo” or a “Weekend Urho- Here, experience which Emmanuel bo” who only resurfaces when it is time Aguariavwodo has garnered over the for elections. The former depicts the years count for him. In common parmould and character of Emmanuel lance, a good product defies all manAguariavwodo, which is why the Urho- ners of propaganda in the market place bos should support him to emerge as to compete favourably against other comSenator representing Delta Central in peting brands. The candidacy of Emthe Upper Chambers of the Federal Re- manuel “God with us” should be supported by all Urhobo sons and daughpublic of Nigeria.

If political antecedents are anything ters, irrespective of political leanings, to go by, the candidacy of Emmanuel ideologies and persuasion. Urhobo wa Aguariavwodo is not only apt, appro- do!!!

•Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, the Izomo priate and timely but also graceful and full of camaderie having been an astute of Agbon Kingdom, the Okpagha of and core loyalist of the political Umiaghwa, Abraka Kingdom, Senior Fisystem. Before exploring other political nancial Management Specialist, fellow of avenues, Late Pius Ewherido was a Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nistaunch PDP member while as Deputy geria (ICAN), MBA Cantab and Current Speaker and Acting Speaker in the Del- Commissioner for Finance, Delta State writes from Asaba.

,

,

44—Vanguard , THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Delta community threatens oil firm with lawsuit over MoU

Nat'l confab:

Activist lists ‘relevant’ issues

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—THE people of Ugborodo in Warri SouthWest Local Government Area, Delta State, have threatened to institute legal action against the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited, within 14 days should it fail to implement the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, it entered with the community since 2002.

The community, in a protest letter to the oil company, alleged that Chevron was insensitive to the yearnings and aspirations of their people.

The protest letter was signed

by Eghare Wellington, Benson Omadeli, Prince Perry Atete and Mr. Daniel Mayuku.

It said: “The company has no commendable testimony to show that it has lived up to the expectation of the people and the state government despite several decades of milking the natural resources from the community.

“Regrettably, none of the

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

A

Niger Delta activist and Labour Party, LP, candidate for Warri North Local Government Area in Delta State House of Assembly in 2011 general elections, Adanse Felix, has called on the Ijaw National Congress, INC, to be bold and courageous to present all burning and necessary issues at the planned national dialogue.

Felix, in a statement, said: “One important issue is the designation of the Niger Delta region as a special area, as recommended by the preindependence Willink’s Commission, which has never been implemented.

“All recommendations as enshrined in the said Minority Commission should be included and implemented to the letter.

“The vexatious minority and majority tribes’ dichotomy should be abolished and removed.

All the tribes in this forced marriage, Nigeria, should be given equal and unbiased footing.

“These will make Nigeria remain indivisible.

Total control of resources by the regions and a true federal structure should be the basis for the new Nigeria.”

items or projects listed in the MoU has been executed till date.

“The act of your company smacks of pestilence gall, dishonourable sly, trickery and deceitful representation, aimed at manipulating the people to satisfy the compa-

ny ’s selfish interest.

“Your undertaking under the MoU in question is to cover a period of five years from 2002 to 2007 and this means that all the stipulations under the memorandum that remained unfulfilled is still alive and bind-

ing.

“Consequently, we, hereby, demand by this protest letter that you honour and perform all your obligations under the MoU in question or take positive steps that are devoid of any sly or economic chicanery.”

Amnesty recipient on hunger strike

BY GODWIN OGHRE

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APELE—A beneficiary of the Federal Government's amnesty programme, who was among those sent to Cyprus to study in 2011, Tivere Ben Tobi Ogbakpah, has been on hunger strike in Warri, Delta State, in the past one week.

He was returned to the country in 2012, following the nonaccreditation of the course in the school he was sent to.

The protesting young man told newsmen, yesterday, that he spent some years at the

Olabisi Onabanjo University before he was sent to Cyprus by the Federal Government in 2011 under the amnesty programme.

He said that himself and other beneficiaries of the programme, where brought back because they were told that the school was not accredited by the relevant authorities.

He said that since they came back, he had not been paid anything by the Federal Government, and that he was concerned about the time he had lost, as he was not sure

when he would finish school.

Tivere, who wondered whether he had been dumped in Nigeria to his fate, said: “I will appreciate your help to find out what is happening to my case.”

His father, Mr. Ben Tobi, said that his son had been on hunger strike for about a week.

He urged the Federal Government to send his son back to school or declare its unwillingness to do so, to enable him get a school in Nigeria for him, adding that he would not want his son to kill himself.

EGCDF calls for govt support

Launch

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GBEMA/GBARAMATU Communities Development Foundation, EGCDF, has appealed for support from external donors and government departments for the development efforts of the foundation, which will benefit the communities.

Chairman of EGCDF, Chief Michael Johnny, spoke at its 2013 annual general meeting in Effurun, Delta State.

He noted that the foundation was committed to the core values of the foundation, which are transparency, accountability, integrity and sustainability in

the discharge of their responsibilities to the communities.

He added that during the last meeting, the number of projects completed and commissioned were 69, and within the period under review, five projects had been completed and commissioned, bringing the number of commissioned projects to 74 out of 89.

He added that the foundation had resolved to revoke and reaward all the stalled projects due to the non-compliance of the affected contractors, saying that the foundation needed

N159 million to successfully complete 14 stalled and ongoing projects.

He said: “In light of the above, we are soliciting partnership with external donors and government departments to support the development efforts of the foundation.”

Earlier, General Secretary of EGCDF, Mr. Jude Ukori, on his part, said the AGM was put in place to enable the foundation render in-depth account of its activities and programmes for the period under review.

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

AWFIJA Progressive Union, NPU, Women Wing, will launch a N15 million development fund for the fencing of Community High School, Nawfija, on Saturday, October 26, at the school premises in Orumba South L.G.A. Anambra State.

The vent will be chaired

by Chief Ephraim Eze, Ezengo I of Umunze and chief host is Chief Kingsley Onyeagba, President General NPU.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On the proposed national conference

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AVING set up a committee, let us hope the conference succeeds. All shades of opinions from the federating units and social stratification should be welcomed and incorporated for it to truly reflect the phrase in our constitution.— Miss Akinkunmi Horlar, Secretary.

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T is not a question of if it is desirable to convene a national conference, but when and who should initiate and coordinate this inevitable nationally exigent task. The political and ethnic lopsidedness of our president tactically disqualifies him as an arrowhead.— Mr. Daniel Okoji, Student.

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ATIONAL Assembly should invite the committee to brief them on their modus operandi. The conference should not be for only those that can speak big grammar and display complex statistics to daze the citizens.— Mr. Ikechukwu Geoffrey, Businessman.

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T is the best option. It will give Nigerians a chance to say their mind because these so-called leaders are corrupt. Nigerians have suffered enough. So, we have to now go to the drawing table and trash things out properly.— Mr. Enubuzor Joseph, Worker.

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ANY of the crises plaguing the country are better addressed in a dialogue. This action really demonstrated that Mr. President listens, and that is the type of President we needs. I give him kudos for inaugurating the committee. It was a bold step.— Mr. Chinedu Chinweoda, Worker.

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HE national conference is coming too late. I doubt if anything will be achieved because this is one programme that would have solved the Boko Haram problem.

Now many lives have gone and property destroyed. Maybe it is better late than never.— Miss Anne Kelechi, Student.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—45

By-election: Aguariavwodo gets endorsement from Uloho, Otikpo

Edo govt laments drop in IGR, blames FG

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

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ENIN CITY— CHAIRMAN of Edo State Board of Internal Revenue, Chief Useni Elamah, yesterday, lamented that the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, had dropped to N1.2 billion monthly due to the failure of the Federal Government to meet its financial obligation to states and federal establishments operating in the state.

According to him: “I read in one of the newspaper that I said we are making over N2 billion monthly from IGR, that was in 2012 not today. The challenges from the Federal Government are affecting our IGR. As at 2012, it was about N2.2 billion but since early this year's allocations no longer come regularly from the federal allocation, our IGR has dropped to about N1.2 bilion."

Civil society groups protest proposed sale of Edo House in Lagos

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

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DO State Civil Society Organisations, ESCSO, yesterday in Lagos, protested against the proposed sale of Edo House in Lagos by the state governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, even as it noted that everything within the ambit of the law would be done to ensure that the property was not sold.

The placard carrying protesters, who were at the state liaison office on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos noted that the decision to sell the property was not in the interest of Edo people.

Briefing newsmen, spokesperson of the group, Chief Patrick Eholor urged the state government to renovate the property and make it viable rather than disposing of it.

He said ‘’We will not accept this move by the government because this is a legacy and lasting monument for Edo people. The days of reckoning are here and we will no longer be taken for granted. This house was built for us by late Ambrose Ali."

BY FESTUS AHON

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CONFAB—From left: Mr Kayode Akinkugbe, MD FBN Capital, Bashirat Odunewu, Head, Institution Banking First Bank and Mr Patrick Okey Mgbenwelu, Director Head, Project & Structured Finance, FBN Capital at the first infrastructure conference in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

DELTA CENTRAL SENATORIAL BY-ELECTION

APC candidate, Emerhor writes off DPP, others

BY EMMA AMAIZE FFURUN—ALL Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial candidate for the October 12 byelection in Delta Central senatorial district, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, has taken a swipe at the rival Democratic People Party, DPP, saying that there was no political future for the people of the district in the party.

Olorogun Emerhor, who spoke when he met with leaders of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, said that because of its small size, DPP would not withstand the ruling

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People Democratic Party, PDP, and the people should, therefore, vote wisely by giving their mandate to APC. The party ’s flagbearer insisted that APC was a very strong party that would fight for the upliftment of the Urhobos, pointing out that PDP cannot give Urhobos what they want.

He maintained that President Goodluck Jonathan should not choose a Senator for Urhobo people and urged the people to reject any form of imposition from the ruling party.

....We 'll not allow PDP to rig poll — OGBORU

BY EMMA AMAIZE

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APELE—LEADER of Democratic People’s Party, DPP, in Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru, has said the party would not sit aloof and watch the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, allegedly rig Saturday’s by-election.

He said that the DPP would match any move by the PDP in the election, adding that the time of the party being rigged out was over.

The former governorship candidate of DPP during the flagoff of Delta Central senatorial candidate, Chief Ede Dafinone in Sapele, pointing out that DPP had always resorted to legal battle in the past, warning the PDP against rigging the by-election in Delta Central senatorial district.

He said that it was not every time the DPP should be going to court.

The DPP leaders appealed to his supporters to turn out enmass on Saturday to vote and guard their votes to ensure nobody tampers with the result.

Ogboru said: “I plead with you to go out there and cast your votes for us. Walk back a little bit and watch your votes. Don’t let anybody tamper with your votes. Ensure that you follow your votes to the collation centres until they are announced. Guard your votes jealously.”

The state DPP Chairman, Mr. Tony Ezeagwu, said that the party was going into the election fully prepared and that its candidate, Chief Dafinone, would emerge victorious in the election.

He recalled that the party had done it before with the victory of the late Senator, Pius Ewherido and that DPP would do it again with emergence of Chief Dafinone.

The flagbearer of DPP, Chief Dafinone promised to give effective representation to the Urhobo nation, adding that he was in the race to give better life to the people of the area.

Emerhor told UPU executive that he accepted their invitation to discuss the way forward for the Urhobo nation and not because of political party, stressing that the progress of Urhobos was paramount in his mind.

He said: “UPU knows how I have been fighting for the progress of the Urhobo people.

We lost our son who we sent to the senate to represent us. The cold hand of death snatched Senator Pius Ewherido from us.

We were all fighting for the progress of the Urhobo people before death took him away from us. This meeting is for the progress of the Urhobos. I am presenting myself to represent my people so that we can move forward.”

He lamented that for the past 14 years since the ruling party had been in power, the Urhobo nation had not had it this bad, adding, “it is saddening that the Urhobos cannot boast of any position at the federal level.”

He said that the Urhobos, who had worked tirelessly to ensure that President Jonathan became the President of the country have nothing to show for all their efforts, adding that they have been marginalised in appointments at the federal level.

According to Emerhor: “Today, none of our son is a minister.

None of our son is in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and the Niger Delta Ministry. For the 14 years of PDP, the Urhobos have nothing to show for it. Our sons in PDP are not considered when they want to take major decisions in the party. For this reason I must stand and fight the Urhobo cause.”

G H E L L I — CHIEF TAIN of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Chief Austin Uloho, has charged the people of Otor-Iwhreko community, Ughelli North Local Government Area to turn out enmass to vote for the candidate of the party in the October 12, 2013 byelection in the Delta Central senatorial district, Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo.

Addressing traders and people of the community at a meeting, Uloho noted that the people had in time past not demonstrated full support for the government in power.

He noted that the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, granted a listening ear to the people by reversing the state government’s earlier decision to relocate the Ughelli main market to the Ughelli-Ogor Ultra Modern Market.

He said that the only way the people could show their appreciation to the governor was to deliver the 18 units in the area to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Similarly, President of Delta Progressive, a political pressure group, Mr Ogagaoghene Otikpo, yesterday urged the people of Delta central senatorial district to vote enmasse for the candidate of PDP, Chief Aguariavwodo in the October 12 by-election.

In chat with newsmen in Ughelli, Otikpo said that the group has been going round towns and villages in the district to canvass for votes for PDP. Saying that PDP was the only party that has the capacity to deliver democratic dividends to the people of Urhobo nation, he said: “I want to appeal to our people that we cannot afford to be in opposition anymore. We need a senator that will be very relevant on the floor of the Senate and for us to achieve that, we must vote PDP.”

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

French language teachers to hold confab in Owerri

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-

YOUNG WERRI—THE problems associated with the teaching and learning of French language in Nigeria will be one of the major focal points at the forthcoming 22nd annual national conference of inter college association of French teachers, INTERCAFT, at the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State between Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18.

In a statement, the President, Uche Sholokwu, National Secretary, Sidi Oumar and the Chairperson, Local Organizing Committee, LOC, Julie Obieze, said Clement Onyeanulam will be the guest lecturer, while the Provost of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Mrs. Blessing Ijioma would be the chief host.

French language teachers in Ghana, Togo and the Republic of Benin were being expected at the event with the theme, “The Role of the Trainers of French Language Teachers in National Transformation.”

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Community warns against fake land owners

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URUTU—BURUTU community in Delta State has warned the public to beware of individuals, group or organisations who parade themselves as owners of land/property formerly occupied by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, which they said belonged to the members of the Burutu community.

The community in a release by their lawyers, Ukusare & Associates, stated that the issues pertaining to the Burutu community land/property are now before the Senate Committee on Marine Transport for necessary action.

The statement reads in part: "The collective attention of members of the Burutu Community Committee has been drawn to the activities of some persons who may be putting up aspects of the said property for sale and/or using same as collateral to apply for loan in banks.”

Alleged fraud: EFCC drags VC, college bursar to court O

BY OKONKWO EZE

NITSHA—THE Federal High Court sitting in Awka, Anambra State, has adjourned further hearing on an eight-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining N1,371,500 by false pretences against the Vice Chancellor of the Anambra State University, Uli, Prof. Fidelis Uzochukwu Okafor till November 19, this year.

The court presided over by Justice M.L. Abubakar was informed that Okafor allegeedly committed the said offence when he was the Provost of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, NOCEN. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had charged the incumbent Bursar of NOCEN, Mr. Michael Ekwunife, along with Okafor for allegedly committing the offence.

Justice Abubakar, however, granted the accused persons bail on self recognition before adjourning the matter.

Abubakar adjourned the matter after the charges were read by Counsel to the EFCC, Mr. Jonson Ojogbane, following a preliminary objection raised by the defence counsel Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN. The EFCC had alleged that Okafor and Ekwunife conspired among themselves to obtain the money from the col-

lege, between November, 2007 and 2011, contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, pointing out that the offences are punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act. According to the EFCC, the accused persons had also, on or about January 22, 2008 at NOCEN, falsely obtained another N201,500 from the college ostensibly to settle some

phoney hotel bills of the first accused, (Okafor) who was the then Interim Provost of the College.

The commission also told the court that the accused persons had on or about March 10, 2008 at the same place and jurisdiction, with intent to defraud, obtained N188,500 from NOCEN for the same false reasons of using the money to settle hotel bills, adding that they equally obtained

N195,000 on or about May 14, 2008 for the same purpose.

It further alleged that the accused persons obtained another N201,500 on or about April 9, 2008 as well as N201,500 on or about April 11, 2008; N182,000 on March 28, 2011 and N201,500 on or about February 3, 2011 under the same false pretences, contrary to Section 1 (a) of the same Act.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Mr. Grant Orugbani, zonal chairman, NIM, South South, Mr. Maurice O. Lakanu, Registrar/CE, Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered), NIM, Lady Chinyere Uwaga, Dr. Nelson Uwaga, Deputy President, NIM, and Mr. Mohammed Sulaiman, Director, Membership Services, NIM, at the 25th wedding anniversary of the Uwagas and the 50th birthday of Lady Uwaga in Port Harcourt.

World Postal Day: Enugu/Ebonyi NIPOST move against postal thieves E NUGU—THE Enugu/ Ebonyi Territory of the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, has set a team of its seniour personnel to stop what it described as the ‘’disturbing reign of postal thieves’’ in the zone.

According to the NIPOST, the surveillance team would ensure that the contents of mails and parcels were not not pilfered.

The measure said to have restored confidence in the mailing services of NIPOST in the area was announced, yesterday, by the Area Postal Manager, Mr. Simon Adoyi during the celebration of the World Post Day in Enugu.

Adoyi, however, lamented what he called low patronage on the part of customers operating post office boxes and Private Mail Bags, PMB, in the area.

Stating that majority of the people no longer renew payments for keeping and operating the post office boxes and the PMBs, he pointed out that of the 31,844 boxes, only

15,618 were renewed as at August 31, this year, while the PMBs which were mainly operated by corporate bodies, had only 148 out of 1,014 of them, renewed.

He, however, said that in spite of this development, the

authorities in the territory have continued to deliver mails to these defaulting subscribers while appealing to them to renew them and remain effective customers.

Adoyi praised the Enugu State Government for being

supportive of the efforts of NIPOST in the state, through the implementation of the Stamp Duty Act, adding that operational Act now makes it mandatory for all official transanctions beyond N1000 in the state to attract N50 postal stamp.

LG poll: Enugu SIEC begins screening of chairmanship candidates

BY TONY EDIKE WITH

AGENCY REPORT

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NUGU—THE Independ ent Electoral Commission in Enugu State, ENSIEC, has said it had commenced a twoday screening of chairmanship candidates for the November 2 council polls in the state.

Chairman of the commission, Dr. Boniface Eneh, told newsmen in Enugu that the screening commenced on Tuesday, October 8.

The chairman, who did not disclose the political parties and the number of candidates expected to participate in the

election, said ENSIEC would release the list of successful candidates after the exercise.

He pledged the commission’s resolve to ensure a level playing ground to all the candidates.

Some of the screened candidates expressed optimism that they would be cleared by the electoral body.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that the commission had earlier screened councillor-ship candidates from the 260 wards ahead of the polls.

Meanwhile, a local government chairmanship aspirant of

the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Prince Amobi Edeh, yesterday, asked the Federal High Court Enugu to disqualify the party’s candidate, Nze Nnanna from taking part in November 2 council election.

Nze, who is the current chairman of Awgu Local Government Area is seeking reelection for a second term of two years.

Also joined in the suit are the PDP and the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission, ENSIEC.

Vanguard , THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10 2013 —47 ,

SUMMIT: Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Musa Sadan (left), and the President, Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Mr. Emeka Eleh, at the Housing Summit, entitled, 'Constraints to Housing Delivery in Nigeria,' at Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja.

DEFECTION: A crowd of former members of All Progressives Congress, APC, who defected to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Tuesday. They were led by former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye.

AWARDS: From left, Haresh Aswani, Chairman, Dufil Prima Food Plc; Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State, and Dufil Prima MD/ CEO, Mr. Deepak Singhal, during Indomie Nigeria Independent 6 Heroes Awards, at Federal Palace Hotels. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

CONFERENCE: From left, Mr. Kayode Akinkugbe, MD, FBN Capital; Bashirat Odunewu, Head, Institution Banking, First Bank, and Mr. Patrick Okey Mgbenwelu, Director, Project & Structured Finance, FBN Capital, at 1st Project & Infrastructure Finance/FBN Capital conference on 'Unlocking Nigeria's Potential through Infrastructure Growth,' in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

ORIENTATION: From left, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola; Managing Director, Optimix Saloon, Mrs. Kudirat Rafiu; Managing Director, Beauty by Nature, Mrs. Teni Adejuwon; Managing Director, Amazing God Fashion, Mrs. Theresa Folayan, and Managing DiADDRESS: Daniel Reyenieju of the House of Rep- rector, Acabado Cakes, Mrs. Edith Ozumba, durresentatives, addressing the on-going Inter-Par- ing the Junior Achievement Nigeria Skill Orienliamentary Union, IPU, yesterday, in Switzerland. tation for Girls Enterprises, in Lagos

PARTY: From left, Gbenga Adeyinka, compere; Prince Israel and Sharon Egerua, both winners of N50,000, at the on-going Star Win & Shine party, at Bush Arena, Enugu.

PARTY: From left, Chief Commercial Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; Winner, Elite Model Look Nigeria 2013, 18-year-old Nneoma Anosike; Chief Executive Officer, Beth Models, Elohor Aisien, and Head, High Value Events and Sponsorships, Etisalat VISIT: Managing Director, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc., Mr. Sunil Sawhney (midNigeria, Ebi Atawodi, during the Cloud 9 ELMN After-Party, at In- dle), with the 14 contestants of Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria 2013, during the models' visit to SBC head office, Ijora, Lagos. tercontinental Hotel, in Lagos.

48 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Shuluwa faults composition of confab committee

Kogi Gov's wife empowers women traders

BY PETER DURU

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OKOJA—THE wife of Kogi State Governor, Alhaja Halima Wada, plans to empower 175,000 women traders from the Western Senatorial District of the state through her pet project, KOWEN. The senatorial district consists of seven local government areas in the state Wada flagged off the programme with the presentation of N20,000 cheque each to some of the women traders in Kabba Local Government, yesterday.

She said that the flag off was a dream come true for her as the founder and initiator of the grassrootsbased programme.

Wada said that her intention was to touch the lives of rural women wherever they resided in the state.

She said her vision was to improve the standard of living of women at the grassroots and that she was determined to see the vision actualised.

N-East youth group slams National confab

BY SUZAN EDEH

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AUCHI—THE North-East Youth Vanguard has described the Federal Government’s decision to convoke a National Dialogue as a display of administrative incompetence and failure to address the numerous challenges facing the nation.

Addressing newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday, the National President of the Youth Vanguard, Mr Aliyu Ladan alleged that the proposal was simply designed to divert the attention of Nigerians from burning national issues.

According to him, the Federal Government should focus attention on problems of insecurity, corruption and poverty in the land rather than introducing what he called a meaningless conference.

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VISIT—The Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (Left) making a presentation to the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources, Dakuku Peterside, during a courtesy visit on the governor by members of the committee in Government House, Minna, yesterday.

CRIME: Bauchi police warn against jungle justice B

AUCHI—BAUCHI State Police Command, yesterday, warned people in the state against resorting to ‘jungle justice’ in the handling of suspected criminals.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Bauchi that the warning became necessary, following an ugly incident that almost resulted in the death of an innocent person.

Narrating the incident, which occurred on Saturday, the spokesman said one Malam Yau Ahmadu, who was on admission at Reemee Clinic in Bauchi metropolis, had one of his legs amputated.

“The dismembered leg was given to Yau’s brother, one Malam Sale Ahmadu, to go and bury same in the cemetery.

“Sale then wrapped the leg in a polythene bag and hired a commercial motorcyclist to take him to the graveyard.

“Unfortunately, they were accosted by some suspicious persons, who demanded to know the content of the bag.

“Upon discovering the content, they concluded that Sale was a dealer in human parts and instantly pounced on him, beating him to a state of coma,” narrated Mohammed.

He said that but for the timely intervention of the police, who were alerted by a concerned individual, the victim would have been killed.

According to the spokesman, the police investigated the matter and discovered that the victim was innocent.

“This unfortunate incident should serve as a lesson to eve-

rybody. People should exercise restraint and hand-over all suspected criminals to the law enforcement agents for thorough investigation,” he advised.

Narrating his ordeal to NAN on Wednesday, the victim said that he suspected that the commercial motorcyclist was responsible for creating the suspicion in the first place.

“I had told the motorcyclist what happened to my brother; we came from Kura village to Bauchi metropolis, and that he is on admission in the hospital.

“I also told him that I did not know the direction of the cemetery so he should take

me there.

“He promised to take me there on an agreed fee of N300.00. But soon after we left the hospital, he headed to one area in the outskirt of Bauchi, called Gudun Sayawa.

“He enquired from the residents, the location of the graveyard and a crowd came, demanding to know our mission to the cemetery, and the content of the polythene bag I was holding,” he said.

He added that he had earlier solicited for the assistance of some clerics to help him bury the leg, but was told that he could do it alone since it was just a human part and not a dead body.

AKURDI—ELDER statesman and founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Abu King Shuluwa has faulted what he described as the lopsided membership of the steering committee on the proposed National Conference, saying “this has clearly indicated that the confab had failed ab-initio.”

Shuluwa who spoke in a telephone interview with Vanguard, yesterday, said, “there is nothing wrong with a dialogue or a conference, but how are we sure that President Goodluck Jonathan will be able to implement the resolutions of that confab because we had similar exercises in the past and nothing came out of them. ”That aside, I want all Nigerians to take a holistic view of the composition of the steering committee recently inaugurated by the President and you will see that the major tribes in the country are not represented therein. ”I foresee failure because you cannot pick people from selected tribes without picking people from the major tribes in the country to be part of the steering committee and you feel that you are dealing with the entire country. ”The composition of that committee is lopsided and completely wrong".

N24.4m salary fraud uncovered in Nasarawa

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AFIA—NASARAWA State Universal Basic Education Board, NASUBEB, yesterday said it had uncovered over N24.4 million fraud in the payment of teachers’ salaries between August and September this year.

Executive Chairman of the Board, Malam Abdulkarim Mohammed disclosed this in Lafia at a meeting with state executive members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT. He explained that the fraud was uncovered in 12 local government and development areas of the state by

a committee set up by the board to verify the teachers’ wage bill.

According to him, LafiaEast Development Area had the highest difference of over N12.3 million in their September records, while Akwanga had the least with N44, 531.

Other affected areas include; Awe with N2.3 million; Panda N4.1m; Ekye N3.2m; Keffi N539,026; Kokona N195,000 and Dedere with N543,123.

The rest were Loko N280,124; Agidi N110,332; Gadabuke N359,614 and Umuaisha with a difference of N212,195.

He said the Education Secretaries of the affected areas had been summoned to the board for explanation concerning the huge difference in their wage bill in just one month.

The chairman said that the board had put in place measures to begin electronic payment of teachers’ salaries as from October, to check such anomalies and end delays in the payment.

Mohammed, therefore, called for the support and partnership of the NUT in order to sanitise the system of corruption.

He pledged that the board would provide the enabling environment for teachers to offer their best at all times.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013— 49

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Tade Ipadeola wins 2013 Nigeria Prize for Literature

By JAPHET ALAKAM & PRISCA SAM-DURU

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HE race for the 2013 edition of the prestig ious Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), which kicked off February, 2013, came to a positive conclusion yesterday with The Sahara Testament authored by Tade Ipadeola, emerging winner. The Ibadan based legal practitioner and

poet,Tade Ipadeola who was born in 1970 has published three volumes of poetry-A Time of Signs (2000) and The Rain Fardel (2005). His short stories and essays have also been published in diverse media. In 2009, he won the Delphic Laurel in Poetry with his poem “Songbird” in Jeju, South Korea.

His third volume of poetry which is the Award winning collection of poetry, The Sahara

Testaments-a sequence of 1000 quatrains on the nuances of the Sahara, is his latest work. The book was published by Hornbill House of the Arts, Lagos.

The Panel of Judges led by its Chairman, Prof. Romanus Egudu adjudged The Sahara Testament the winning entry for the biggest literary prize in Africa which comes with $100,000 cash prize because “it is a remarkable epic covering the terrain and people

*Ipadeola

of Africa from the very dawn of creation, through the present, to the future. The text it was explained, "uses the Sahara as a metonymy for problems of Africa

and indeed, the whole of humanity. It also contains potent rhetoric and satire on topical issues and personalities, ranging from Africa’s blood diamonds and inflation in Nigeria...” It was also noted that “Ipadeola’s use of poetic language demonstrates a striking marriage of thought and verbal artistry expressed in the blending of sound and sense.”

Ipadeola’s work beat two other stiff contenders who made the final three; Ogochukwu Promise and Chidi Amu Nnadi to clinch the Prize. Announcing the winning poet and collection at a world press conference held at the Coral Hall of the Ocean View Restaurant in Victoria Island, Lagos, the NLNG General Manager, External Relations, Kudo Eresia Eke, pointed out that it was in pursuant of excellence that his organisation is sponsoring the coveted Prize, so as to galvanise Nigeria to have more respectable people in the area of literature, for a better Nigeria. In his opening remarks, Kudo Eresia Eke, had earlier noted that the NLNG by “sponsoring excellence will galvanize our country to be more reverential of excellence. We will also inspire other corporate organizations to do the same.”

With this feat, Tade Ipadeola has joined the league of past NLNG Prize winner, a prize that rotates annually around four genres: poetry, prose, drama and children’s literature.

Reacting to his win, an excited Tade Ipadeola said “this is joyful news, joyful news. This is the biggest prize in Africa and it is surreal. I am grateful.” It will be recalled that out of the 201 entries initially received for the prize which were first whittled down to the long list of 11, two female poets, debutante Iquo Diana Eke and veteran Promise Ogochukwu were on the list. There was also a strong showing from writers in the diaspora like Afam Akeh, Obi Nwakanma and Amatoritsero Ede. Last year’s prize was won

by Belgium based Chika Unigwe for her novel On Black Sisters Street making her the first foreign based Nigerian writer to win the prize. With Ipadeola’s feat, the controversies of 2009 when the Panel of Judges decided that non of the contenders was worthy of the Prize for Poetry, have been laid to rest. As it is customary, Ipadeola will be presented to the public at a date which will be announced by NLNG.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013‘—53

Singing my own dirge

By MCPHILLIPS NWACHUKWU

"Don’t let me Die...

For the death of every man diminishes me: Don’t let me die, For bell tolls for thee.”

T

HE beauty of dirge or funeral poetry came to my consciousness in my last year at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, when I had to do my B.A, Thesis on the content and form of Igbo elegiac poetry for a degree in English. Since after that research attempt, I have come to the conclusion that the elegiac form, otherwise known as dirge offers the mind the most illuminating canvass for the expression of deep feelings.

It is not easy for me to embark on this self appraisal discourse but my understanding of the large canvass provided by the elegiac form is always there, and therefore makes me feel at home to sing my own dirge having begun this dance of the dead in the last couple of months.

In what started like a child’s play, the physiological change which manifested in my body by the month of April, 2004, in the form of stomach disorder was to assume with passing months a higher proportion of a life threatening ailment. Early in the month of April, I had noticed an abnormal development in my toilet habit. I had come to observe that

Within weeks, I had lost so much weight that I could no longer wear my cloths. I became tensed.

I thought the worst, the dreaded killer diseases, AIDS had come to revenge on the rascality of my youth. For the first time I felt sorry for my self, for the unprotected sexual habit and adventure I embarked upon in the days of yore, and I felt especially sorry for my young and beautiful wife, Tina, a well brought up conservative catholic, an ex-nun. I thought I had given her the worst shock of her life: the stigma, the disgrace. But to God be the glory, HIV test conducted on me revealed nothing of that. I thanked God for saving me and for not disgracing his handmaid,Tina.

Disturbing revelation But the journey was to start in earnest in November 2004, when on further medical probing, scan examination revealed that my two kidneys were bad. According to doctor’s finding, one of the kidneys was out rightly not functioning, while the other one has stone impediment. He also found that my PVC or blood level was usually very low fluctuating between 15 and 16 %. Based on this disturbing revelation, a medical suggestion was made that I go for an urological operation, preferably overseas, where the blood building hormone around the

,

In singing this dirge, I therefore implore the help of fellow Nigerians to come to my aid. Please don’t let me die

for upward of three to four days , I would stay without going to toilet and I became worried knowing that under normal situation that such development was symptomatic of some internal disorder. Based on this conviction, I immediately went to consult the services of doctors at the Vanguard Newspaper’s clinic; the Golden Cross International Hospital located at 22 Road in the Festac Area of Lagos. But as bad as it were, nothing curious was discovered.

However, the health situation continued to worsen by the day.

,

kidney would be restored through operation. In the interim , I was placed under erotroprotein injection, an injection capable of creating the blood building hormone.

But that too is not the end of this sad story: how about the complications? I was also diagnosed to be hypertensive and diabetic as well. The crucial question became, which one led to the other? It was this situations that led to my being made a guinea pig: moving from the hand of a physician to a nephrologist.

The crises point came when I

began to swell: Oedema they call it in medical terms.

This time around, my very little frame had become so bloated that I could even feel the heaviness and expansion on my head. A more disturbing one became an oedemal growth in my scrotum, which its disturbing pain and discomfort affected my walk movement. But to God be the glory that as I write this personal dirge that I have come to a certain state of stability *Late McPhillips Nwachukwu through God’s infinite mercy and through the ey and too much for a poor jourmedical help of the doctors at nalist to provide. In singing this Golden Cross and staff of Dia- dirge, I therefore implore the help lyzer Special Medical Center, of fellow Nigerians to come to my Oshodi, where I was going for aid. Please don’t let me die: Don’t let me die; dialysis.

What is the situation today, you a cockerel at mid life. may want to ask? Yes, Mcphilips Don’t let me die, the first of the is stable. Coming to the office to sun godburning with dreams of help produce his passionate art yester- years ... pages. But his hope still hangs Don’t let me die; the burden in the balance. His doctors have bearer of fate, estimated that a sum of 5 million who stands at the threshold naira is needed to fly him over- clearing yesterdays mess of ash. seas, where an operation will be And as the cry went on, some performed on him at the Brigham and Women Hospital, Boston. gentlemen and organization This is a whopping sum of mon- who journeyed with him all

long, became members of his chorus, who sing the refrain: We shall not let you die, You shall leave to tell the story...

First published in Sunday Vanguard, February 20, 2005, from a dirge written by Late McPhilips Nwachukwu when he was diagnosed of having a malfunctioning kidney and needed the sum of five million to fly abroad for surgery. And eventually some individuals and organisation came to his rescue. But after surviving that five years ago, today the same death he cheated finally took him.

WSAIR call for entries

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OURNALISTS can now sub mit entries for the 2013 Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting. The Award is open to professional Nigerian journalist or team of journalists, whether full-time or freelancing, who have produced a news story published between 4 October 2012 and 3 October 2013 primarily targeted at and received by a Nigerian audience.

Hosts of the award programme, the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism had in 2012 introduced an entry coding system that makes the details of media house and by-line of entrants anonymous to judges in a

bid to further strengthen the judging process and increase the credibility of the award programme.

Winners of the 2012 award: Idris Akinbajo of Premium Times; Olatunji Obasa of The Punch; Seun Akioye formerly with The Compass and now with The Nation; Bassey Asukwo of Bussiness Day; Lucas Olumuyiwa of Tell Magazine; and Tobore Ovuorie formally of National Mirror and now with Premium Times, will attend the Power Conference – an international gathering of investigative journalists, holding at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South

Africa between October 28 and 30 2013 as part of their award prize.

This edition, the award will reward and honour the works of outstanding Nigerian journalists whose news stories expose corruption, regulatory failures and human rights abuses in public and private spheres of the country in the print, radio, television, photo, online, climate change, local government, sports, health and editorial cartoon categories.

The entries will be scored by a judges’ board comprising persons of integrity who are in the media and related professions.

The deadline for submission of entries is Friday 25 October 2013.

NPG unveils new Malala Yousafzai Portrait

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HE first painted portrait of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education, went on display at the National Portrait Gallery last week.

The portrait, which is around 1 metre in size, is by artist Jonathan Yeo, one of Britain’s leading portrait painters. It shows the 16-year-old Malala doing her homework. Yeo painted Malala in Britain where she has settled since the attack in her home

town of Swat in October. He described the experience as “a privilege”.

“Given how much she has already been through and all that she represents to the world, it took a while to adjust to the fact that she is still a very fragile teenager,” he said. “Hopefully the painting reflects the slight paradox of representing someone with enormous power and wisdom yet vulnerability and youth at the same time.”

The picture forms part of a wider exhibition of portraits by Jonathan Yeo, and is

the NPG’s first display dedicated to the artist.

Other subjects on display include some of today’s leading cultural, media and political figures: Tony Blair, Helena Bonham Carter, Stephen Fry, Kevin Spacey, Erin O’Connor, Grayson Perry and Jude Law. The show runs until January, when the Malala portrait will be sold to raise money for The Malala Fund, which campaigns for the right for girls to go to school. •Portrait of Malala Yousafzai

54—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

DELTA BY-ELECTION:

Can Ogboru swing it for Dafinone?

BY EMMA AMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTH-SOUTH & FESTUS AHON

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IKE wild fire, the Democratic People Party, DPP, swept through towns and villages in the Delta Central senatorial district in the 2011 general elections, bulldozing the strongholds of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and astoundingly decapitating the powers and principalities that made the ruling party a formidable entity in Delta state.

Hurricane DPP: It was unlike four years earlier, 2007 specifically, when it did not win a councillorship seat in Delta Central. DPP won six House of Assembly seats out of the obtainable nine in the district and also, the Ughelli North/ Ughelli South and Udu Federal constituency seat and the Senate in 2011.For many persons, the magic wand of the governorship candidate of the party, Chief Great Ogboru was at play, but clearly, the entrance of the late Senator Pius Ewherido into the party in 2011 was the tonic.

In the 2011 elections, many

*Ogboru brought more recognition to the party. This led to a protracted feud between the two leaders and they never saw eye-to-eye until Ewherido’s death, a situation many believed made Ogboru not to attend the burial ceremony of the senator. This feud made some members of the PDP, who joined the DPP with Ewherido to return to the PDP. The road to APC: It is an open secret that the fight between

If anybody left our party to go and do hijacking, it is good riddance to such people, we do not need such people in DPP at all

,

stalwarts of the PDP could not even deliver their wards to their party let alone their local government, a situation that is still telling on their political integrity till date.

The only political symbol the Urhobo electorate understood at that time was the pineapple pictogram, which is the logo of the DPP. The umbrella, which is the logo of the PDP, was like virus to many of them.

The tango with late Ewherido By 2013, the potency the DPP had in the 2011 elections was weakened by the underlying feud between Chief Great Ogboru and Senator Pius Ewherido before the demise of the latter. Few months after the 2011 election, Ogboru and Ewherido supposedly had a squabble over who between them should lead the party.

As far as Ogboru is concerned Ewherido defeated Chief Ighoyota Amori in the senatorial election riding on his (Ogboru’s) back. However, for Ewherido and some other persons, the late senator won the election in his personal capacity and even

*Dafinone

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Ewherido and Ogboru made the deceased to pitch his tent with the All Progressives Congress, APC with his followers, snatching the likes of Chief Frank Kokori and Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor along.

Up till the time of the APC primary, not many believed that Chief Kokori actually left DPP because of the relationship between him and Ogboru. They believe that DPP was dead in the state with the arrival of APC. Today, the APC, an amalgam of defunct ACN, ANPP and CPC, has up to half of DPP membership, mainly followers of late Ewherido. With the scenario, the question now is: can Ogboru deliver Delta Central to the DPP in the October 12 senatorial by-election?

Political fatalities: Ogboru joined the Delta State gubernatorial race in 2003 and ran against former Governor James Ibori under the platform of AD, but lost in the said election. In 2007, he also ran against Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, using the platform of the DPP and suffered yet another

loss. He was beaten in a re-run ordered by the court and in the 2011 governorship election.

The only time, according to a school of thought that Ogboru made a mark in his gubernatorial quest was when the late Senatorial Ewherido joined him in his party in 2011.

Split: All of that is now history.

Apparently, now is the time for Ogboru to prove his political worth. The structure with which the DPP won the senatorial election has been split with the exit of late Ewherido and Chief Frank Kokori political families.

The Ewherido structure is also further split in two between the PDP and APC. This by-election is a litmus test for Ogboru, who according to

sources is working round the clock to deliver his party, DPP, in the election so as to confirm his control of the Delta Central politics.

Hurdles: One of the factors that could make it complicated for Ogboru to deliver the DPP in the by-election is the fact that over 80 percent of those that won election into the State House of Assembly in 2011 under the DPP platform have decamped to the PDP, which they originally belonged.

The DPP of the 2011 is no longer the DPP of 2013 with the exit of the key players in the party. However, one thing that may work for the DPP is the Dafinone factor. Perhaps, the party did a lot of calculation

before arriving at the Chief Ede Dafinone candidature.

Why DPP will win –Ogboru Ogboru, who admitted that DPP was actually hit by the exit of staunch leaders and members said, “You see, I am a believer in majority carries the day. Majority does not mean 100 per cent; majority means that you have enough to win. DPP should not get 100 per cent of the following, but what I know for sure is that we lost a significant few and that cannot change the fortunes of DPP in Delta Central.”

His words: “I still believe that the by-election will be won by the DPP. Though, some of our members have gone to the APC, and some who were with the PDP have gone back, but the nucleus, the heartbeat and the mass following of our people and the appeal of our party have been undiminished. So I believe that DPP will win.”

“And if you look at the three contestants now (referring to Dafinone, Emerhor and Aguariavwodo) and the three major parties (DPP, APC and PDP) contesting the election, it is only the DPP that could be said to have a primary that was credible, free and fair. In one, there was imposition, and the other one was hijacked, that is undemocratic and those are the things we do not want in our party.

“So if anybody left our party to go and do hijacking, it is good riddance to such people, we do not need such people in DPP at all. We want people who believe in the democratic process that must be credible free and fair,” he said.

Why Urhobo needs Aguariavwodo— Hon Agoda

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ORMER member of the House of Representatives, Hon John Agoda, said the Urhobo nation requires a senator with the pedigree of Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, the PDP senatorial candidate for the October 12 by-election to take the ethnic group to its rightful place in the politics of Nigeria.

He urged the people of Delta Central to vote for Aguariavwodo, saying: “In the absence of late Senator Pius Ewherido, who in the course of redeeming Urhobo nation, lost his life to cold hands of death, Aguariavwodo has the needed connection to reposition Urhobo nation and drag federal government presence to Urhobo land”.

Hon Agoda, who is among the senatorial aspirants that withdrew from the PDP primaries in Sapele, made the call in his country home, Jesse, when

Aguariavwodo and his campaign team paid him a courtesy visit.

An ecstatic Agoda described Aguariavwodo as a thorough bred politician who could use his “wealth of experience in serving the country at different capacities and dragnet of connections spread across the country” to redeem Urhobo lost glory.

Agoda, a one -time chairman of House of Representatives committee on Air force, Legislative Budget and Research and vice chairman, House Committee on Education said the PDP was right to have picked Aguariavwodo to fly the party’s flag at the polls.

Speaking during the visit, Olorogun Aguariavwodo assured the people of Delta Central that he was committed to laying a solid foundation and attracting Federal Government presence to Urhobo land.

The PDP train to Agoda’s country home included Hon. Ben Igbakpah - Commissioner for Works, Hon. (Dr.) Ebenezer Okorodudu former Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Emmanuel Okumagba- President General, Okere-Urhobo, Hon. Champion Kpateghe- former Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Julius Ogboru- Chief Great Ogboru’s brother and Chief Stephen Ikewun- retired Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Others were Mrs. Okegbe JP, Chief Eddy Ono-Sorhue, Chief Williams Ibori- Unugbrogodo of Oghara Kingdom, Chief Atiti Williams, Chief Dimiyo Emakuneyi, Hon. Goodluck Ariemeta- Secretary, Sapele Local Government, Chief Orovwigho, Mrs. .Philo Omonuwa and Comrade Otimeye MeneticYouth Leader, Sapele.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 55

APC leaders during the Onitsha rally

Obiano, Ngige bicker over APC’s Onitsha rally •Ngige has trampled on Igbo tradition •We won’t join issues in the media

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, Deputy Political Editor

T

HE Campaign teams of Chief Willy Obiano and Senator Chris Ngige for the November 16 Anambra State governorship election, were at each other’s jugular yesterday over the All Progressives Congress (APC’s) rally in Onitsha on Tuesday.

Obiano, who is running on the banner of the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) accused Ngige of APC of desecrating Igbo culture and tradition by flagging off his campaign in Onitsha on a day that the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, was holding his

equity Campaign Group, in a statement by Mr. Uchem Obi (director, Media & Publicity) condemned what it termed “the denigration of the culture and traditions of Ndi Igbo in general and the ancient Kingdom of Onitsha in particular by the APC on Tuesday October 8.”

He continued: “That the APC chose to storm the commercial city of Onitsha to campaign for its governorship candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige on the same day the Obi of Onitsha was celebrating amounted to a humiliation of Igbo customs and a mockery of Onitsha traditional values and constituted authority. That Dr. Ngige encouraged his party to embark on this sacrilege is a

,

That the APC chose to storm the commercial city of Onitsha to campaign for its governorship candidate, Dr. Chris Ngige on the same day the Obi of Onitsha was celebrating amounted to a humiliation of Igbo customs

Ofala festival.

The monarch reportedly said that it was disrespectful for a political party, in spite of almost one year notice for the Ofala, to fix its rally the same day and expressed surprise that a true Igbo son, who was supposed to understand would allow his party to fix a rally in Onitsha the same day the Obi of Onitsha was performing the Ofala festival.

Ngige has trampled on Igbo tradition: Reacting to the issue yesterday, the Willie Obiano

,

further confirmation that he is a puppet being used by outside elements to destabilise and humiliate the people he aspires to govern.

“For Dr. Ngige and APC to fix its rally in Onitsha on the same day that the Obi of Onitsha was marking his Ofala festival was an affront on Ndigbo and their leadership and an attempt to cast Igbo land as a place where no one is in charge and any one can come and do or say anything.

“In trampling the traditional

values of Ndi Igbo Ngige enjoyed the support and encouragement of Bola Tinubu and Adams Oshiomhole among others but we dare ask Ngige if Tinubu could fix a rally in Lagos on the same day the Oba of Lagos is marking his Eyo festival or could Oshiomhole fix a rally in Benin on the same day that Oba of Benin is celebrating his Igue Festival?”

We will not join issues in the media —Ngige Responding to the issue, Anambra APC Interim Publicity Secretary, Mr. Okelo Madukaife, said they would not join issues with APGA in the media. Disclosing that Ngige would meet with the monarch on the matter, he added that Igwe Achebe must have been misrepresented on his reported

misgivings over the APC rally.

His words: “We have read the comments attributed to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Afred Achebe, Agbogidi reported in some section of the print and social media, and have very strong reasons to believe that the message of our respected royalty has been lost in translation from Igbo to English as we are sure that Ofala prayers are not offered in any other language, but Igbo.

However, since Senator Chris Ngige is in touch with the highly knowledgeable traditional ruler, he would take steps to communicate with him to clarify the ostensibly misinterpreted message, particularly as it relates to communications with the palace in the recent past by Senator Ngige.

“Unlike those in the saddle of Anambra State Government who have again rushed in to play politics with everything sacred, we will not dignify the message of hate from the citadel of power in Anambra State personified by those who point left when they mean to turn right.

“However it is pertinent to note that The Ofala of Obi Alfred Achebe, Agbogidi, ourrespected traditional ruler, the one who the Onitsha people dating back to the Great Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe (Zik), for who Ngige worked hard as a Zikist, runs weeklong from October 7, 2013 to October 13, 2013…“We reserve further comments on this matter, particularly in the mass media, till we have had all the proposed discussions with his Royal Majesty.”

Security, unfettered judiciary my priority —Ubah

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NAMBRA State Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah has unfolded his his manifesto for developing the state if elected.

On security and the Judiciary, he promised to ensure security for citizens and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Ubah promised to comprehensively review the security situation by making it a joint enterprise involving the government and the governed.

The flagbearer, who addressed a mammoth crowd over the weekend at a rally, pledged to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere for investment.

He said: “We will implement a comprehensive plan to tackle the root causes of insecurity. The reliance on the use of force alone will not stem the tide of insecurity in the state. We will focus on preventive measures to stop crimes from being committed,

rather than waiting to detect crimes and apprehend offenders after the act has been committed.

“We will implement job and training programmes to take idle youths off the streets and keep them meaningfully engaged”.

Ubah also said that his administration will involve the citizens in neighbourhood security, which *Ubah shall broaden intelligencegathering capabilities.

He added: “We will deploy helicopters and high-tech surveillance equipment for the police and other security stakeholders for use in the monitoring of our borders for

criminal activities and to nip them in the bud.”

The politician lamented that security votes are often not used for the intended purposes, assuring that that misuse will end.

Living in slow motion (2) In life there are so many things that we don’t get to choose.

Some of them are: our origin, the parents we have, our physical appearance in terms of defects, the latter however to a large extent, sometimes defines who we are only if we allow it to. For families with a special need child or children living with either, Autism, Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, or any kind of disability, any of these developments comes with its attendant demanding challenges. In this edition of The Human Angle, Esther Onyegbula brings you true life experiences of some individuals with special needs, parents and relatives with a special need children, as they share their experiences, challenges, aspirations and how the society due to lack of understanding or sheer ignorance compound their lives. What has the government done to help reduce the burden of persons living with disabilities?

They say, when life gives you lemon, you simply turn it into lemonades. Some of these individuals will inspire your mind beyond measure. If you are an individual with special needs or parents with a child living with special need, feel free to share your experience with us so that others can learn to deal with the problem better and ultimately improve the quality of life of these people. Our address remains: thehumanangle93@yahoo.com Happy reading!

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ARRISTER Helen Mbak we is a mother whose child is living with Autism. Last Thursday, Helen told the story of how her daughter was diagnosed. She concludes her story below. ”We also had to take her abroad to run some test and go through some therapies. I went with her to all the hospital appointments.

I never missed a question that will help us to get a solution. And I did that for a long time. It was when she clocked ten that I began to realize that it was a condition that we have to learn to live with. It is something that we need to be following like that and not that after a while she was going to get healed and get normal.

It was at ten years that I decided to settle and treat it as Autism.

I had to adjust my life and that of

my family life to be able to live with a child with Autism.

First of all, I stopped making plans. I had to make adjustments, along with the family to be able to live with a child with Autism. First I stopped putting off my life till tomorrow. Because I kept saying if she gets well today, I will do this tomorrow, if she gets well by the end of this year, by next year, I should be able to pick up a job.

I had many job interviews lined up for the next year, then the next year, until she was ten.

After ten years with no solution I realized I had to get a job. I had to start getting things done. And the fact that she had some special foods to eat which were quite expensive made me realise that I needed to pick up a job.

I had to rearrange my life to be able to live with her. I have to be

able to afford living with a child with Autism. She had to go on therapies, which doesn•ft come cheap. And my husband alone working in the family is not going to achieve this. Because she is the middle child we needed to have a meeting with her siblings.

We are a family of five, we have three children. I had to explain to her other siblings that their sister will not all of a suddenly become normal, you need to start accepting her the way she is and begin to learn to help her with a few things. You need to understand that when she is playing differently, she is also having fun her own way. Just like you don’t understand what she is doing, she doesn’t understand what you are doing too, so give her, her space when she begins to act funny.

They should enjoy her being funny and when she wants to mix, please, also come back and mix with her. Accept her when she wants to be accepted.

We had to streamline our travels, I have to be available for the travels and there is no way I can ask her to travel without me being there. She has to be managed in a particular way. It just changed our lives completely. So while we tried to tackle it ourself as a family, we discovered it was bringing a strain on us and it also made us know that if we were feeling that way, other parents in similar situation will also be feeling that way too.

So as we reached out to people, we realized that a lot of people were concerned, even they did not really know what Autism was. So we felt that if these few who have heard about Autism can be this concerned,

then we should reach out to more people out there. The more people understand what Autism is, the more people will show love and care and the more the society will be able to provide avenues for people living with Autism to be able to get help and relief.

Anna Abayomi (not real names) a full time working mother discovered that one of her twins is on the Autism Spectrum several years back. Since then she has been fighting tirelessly to retrieve her child from the clutches of Autism. She speaks from the perspective of how having a special need child affects the other siblings and what government can do to assist parents with special need children.

As a mother of a special need child, I have realised that siblings of special needs children are the segment that we forget. Unfortunately they are affected directly too. If you look at it you will notice that the sibling is usually the older one, or the younger one. In my case its one of my twins that is living with the condition. For the younger or older sibling, twin or triplet as the case might be, they know no other life, except that which has been affected by Autism.

The life of a family with a child living with Autism is not the same as a typical family without Autism. So the siblings tend to suffer from low self esteem, they are

,

56—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

properly.

I had to start encouraging her siblings so that they understand the situation on ground. I had to allow them have their own time; so that they can have a life of their own. I had to start spending quality time with them as well, because I believed that they deserved to know a life without Autism at times. They should be able to go out sometimes without their sibling with Autism, because they too are children and they need their own childhood too.

Not quite long after my daughter was diagnosed with Autism, I realized that caring for a child living with Autism is extremely expensive and can be a life time of continuous expenses for medicals and education.

Her therapies are very expensive because there are very few people that provide the services in the country and because they are on for an unspecified period of time it is very difficult to get into it. It is not something you can begin and stop, because you are not doing the child any good by starting and stopping. Most times I have to travel outside the country with her for her therapies. Unfortunately for us in Nigeria we don’t have a system. My husband and I can afford to take care of our daughter even though it is very expensive, but it is not the same with other parents with special needs children.

Apart from a few States like La-

I am looking at a situation where the States and the Federal government will start to look at the possibility of giving parents with special needs tax exemption

bullied, they are anxious because they see the fear, and they worry with their parents. And also invariably see themselves as being the next of kin. They feel if these children don’t recover, when the parents die, the lot falls on them.These parents most likely lived their childhood and young adulthood unaffected by Autism but the siblings of person living with Autism do not have that opportunity.

It is important that we start to put in place processes that can make sure our children are well settled and balanced to live life

,

gos and Plateau States that have put in place the disability act, and are doing some things for special needs, nothing is happening in other States of the country. Since there are no special services for persons with disabilities they don’t get any breaks. I am looking forward to a situation where the States and the Federal government will start to look at the possibility of giving parents with special needs tax exemption. Because if you can’t help them, at least reduce their burden. I think that is one of the easiest things that can be done.

Dirty secrets from your past ONOZURE DANIA

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E all have dirty secrets and even dirtier exes! But should you reveal all your secrets to your woman or your man and come completely clean? Is it good to confess or is it better to bury your secrets and forget all about it? You are totally in love with this girl and you have been seeing her for the past few months.

She loves you a lot, and thinks you are one of those guys who are clean. Everything’s just perfect. But there is one small stain.

You are not as clean as she thinks you are. So what do you do? There is no peace of mind and you are wondering if you should reveal your sordid past to her. But then

would it really help you, or would she just detest you? This thought can haunt you forever. More than the way she will react to what you have to say, you might be worried about what would happen if she finds out about your deeds from some other source.

It is scary because this little thing that you overlooked could drive a deep wedge and cause a huge breach of trust. But at the same time, if you don’t say it soon enough, she might just end up uncovering your deepest secrets and scream those words you wish you would never have to hear, “Why did you hide them from me for so long?!”. There’s not much you can say when she says this, nor can you do anything to smoothen her creased brows.

Should you tell her? Now before you open your mouth and strengthen your relationship with your honesty, you need to think about a few things. Will your saying this improve your relationship and help her trust you more, or would it just make things worse?

Would she be devastated if she heard this piece of information from someone else? Does she have a right to know this or can it pass? Once you have answered these questions truthfully, then it’s time to make your decision.

If you are suffering from an STD or something along those lines, then it’s obvious she should know all about it. Do you have some sort of a secret addiction? Or are you overdrawing off an empty

bank account and on the verge of bankruptcy? These are definitely things she should know since it’s not just your life you are taking to the guillotine. On the other hand, a drunken snug with a girl you met before you started seeing each other can pass. Unless that encounter girl is your sweetheart’s best friend!

Basically, tell her anything that you know she should know about and would be hurt if she heard it from anyone else.

Now this is the tricky part, but yes, you definitely have to avoid telling your woman everything.

Perhaps, at times you should even completely shut them out of the conversation. Intricate details have to be skipped at all

costs. The more specific you get, the worse she feels. And no, she’s definitely not interested in visualizing your sordid affairs. So keep it simple and real.

Tell her just how much she needs to know, without divulging all the secrets. No relationship is built on the cleanest of foundations. There is bound to be dirt somewhere or the other, from both of you. But if you think the dirt is going to start stinking soon, let her know all about it so you can chuck that garbage out before it’s too late.

Drop all talks about your exes and one night stands, unless they are interfering with your present. Other than that, if there are things coming in between both of you, she should definitely know about it, but without the details.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013—57

Metally ill need total rehabilitation after clinical treatment — Dr. Yetunde Onajin, MD, Nature’s Crest Home

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

I

F there is one thing a men tal health patient needs in addition to clinical treatment, it is rehabilitation and personal recovery. This need becomes more paramount even as this year ’s World Mental Day is being marked today.

“The need for setting up community-based rehabilitation centres cannot be over emphasized, said Dr. Yetunde Onojin, Medical Director, Nature’s Crest Home and Rehabilitation Centre, Oto Awori, Town, Ijanikin, Lagos.

Onojin, a social and health care manager and campaigner for people with mental health issues, argues that when patients are treated, they get clinical therapy.

“They are diagnosed and placed on medication and they feel a lot better. However, mental health goes beyond the clinical treatment and mental health patients require a minimum of three months to recover.

“That recovery period is very essential to the whole management of their condition. If they don’t get that recovery period,

the relapse rate is frequent,” she argued.

Onojin, a retired general medical practitioner, is on a crusade to raise awareness to the plight of the mentally ill and persons with behavioural challenges in society, is this weekend opening Nature’s Crest, a pioneer halfway home and multi-health facility specifically designed to take care of people with mental health and behavioural issues in the society.

“It is a rehabilitation centre, an alternative home as well for people with mental issues. It is a day care home for those living around and a respite centre for those taking care of their loved ones at home but need a break or a breather.”

Although there are about nine rehabilitation centres all together in Nigeria, Nature’s Crest is a wholly communitybased initiative.

Speaking about similar centres in Federal government hospitals Onajin observed that: “In the Neuro-psychiatric Hospital, Yaba for example those lucky enough to be admitted go through rehabilitation period, and in that rehabilitation pe-

self confidence, that after their health issue, it is not going to be the end of the world for them. This kind of recovery is what is entailed in the rehabilitation period, and what happens at rehabilitation is that

• Dr. Yetunde Onajin. riod, they undergo personal recovery as opposed to clinical recovery. Personal recovery is about their aspirations for the future, their self esteem, their ability to be re-integrated into the society, their ability to have

you enable the person to rediscover, provide a safety net for them and enable them see life positively after mental health issues so that they would not think it is the end of the world.

“People with mental health

problems have undergone a dark period in their lives; they are going through a dark tunnel and in that tunnel they need to know that there is light at the end of it. They need to know that they can still experience and share love. They need to know that if they have a job, they could go back to such jobs, and that they should not think less of themselves because they have a mental health issue.

Further, Onajin argued: that the issue about rehabilitation is to let them find out how it happened, and how it can be managed productively so that they can feel themselves as a part of the community again.

At the age of retirement, she resolved to utilise her training as a doctor, and experience in as health and social care manager, incorporate the two and bring in an idea, which is this pioneer project.

“I have nursed the idea of taking care of the elderly but I found out that there are provisions for them already. Family members can arrange for carers for them at home. But in the case of mental health, after the immediate family, has experienced the immediate acute phase, they become skeptical and afraid to come in. Therefore I saw the need to care for people with mental health issues and to disabuse people’s mind about all the stigmatization, and bias about mental health users.

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58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013— 59

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 61

LMC announces Nov. 22/23 Kick-off date for new season that comes like a bonus

L

EAGUE Manage ment Company (LMC) yesterday announced November 22 and 23 as kick- off date for the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season which will come with innovations to deepen engagement with fans and sponsors.

The announcement was part of a string of decisions reached at its meeting which began on Monday and ended Wednesday afternoon in Abuja and reiterated that the on-going 2013 Glo Premier League season will be concluded on October 20 as scheduled.

Then LMC in a statement issued by Its member Mike Enahoro, said discussions have been opened with broadcast partners and Club representatives on the scheduling of live games with a view to taking the games to a wider audience including the use of terrestrial channels.

“We will in the coming season have minimum of five to six matches on television every match week

and towards achieving this, we have reached an understanding with our broadcast partners and clubs on the scheduling of live broadcasts”, explained Enahoro.

A further innovation to the Glo Premier League in the 2013/14 season will be special matches on Friday nights. According to Enahoro, “We have introduced the Star Match of the Week and it will hold on Fridays to be tagged Friday Night

•Irabor Special which will kick off 7pm and will be broadcast live”.

Towards growing the fan base for the Glo Premier League Clubs, the LMC said it plans to hold double- header games in some cities.

“The double-header concept is a feast of football

to the cities where you have two Clubs which will have their games played same day. They may play in the same stadium on same day and the idea is to stretch the football experience for the fans either at the stadium or from television in their homes. We are simply responding to the yearnings of Nigerians for more games on television “.

While registration of players for the new season will commence immediately after the end of the 2013 season, January 2nd 2014 has been set as close of registration date. “We have extended the close of registration to make up for the short period of the transition from 2013 season to the new season.

The second transfer window will open at the end of the first half ofmthe season and we are going to adhere strictly to our timelines and ensure that the season ends before the 2014 World Cup to streamline our season”, Enahoro added.

Young players doing well with Milo clinic – Rufai

N

IGERIA’s most celebrated goalkeeper Peter Rufai has again hailed the Nestle Milo Football Clinic saying the programme has made him realize his long-held dream of raising quality future champions for Nigeria. Rufai who spoke as the train for the 4th edition of the event continues to move around the country said that he had always wanted a programme that could encourage young Nigerian footballers while helping them to make the best with their academics.

He said, “This is just about what I dreamt of before my retirement and after retiring from active football. I have always imagined how I could be with great Nigerian kids; train them in the basics and at the same time make them understand the meaning of discipline and proper education.

“It was just dream until I met Nestle Milo who understands what it takes to impart knowledge in children. It is good to have C M Y K

•Rufai a group of people who understands what it takes to start and maintain a solid developmental programme. And that is exactly what we have experienced with this programme.”

The former Lokeren of Belgium safe hands said that the programme has been of high standard because it has maintained

a check-up package on those discovered.

“We have been on this for four years now and it has been with different groups.

But after we discover and hand them over to the various states FAs, the young players are not forgotten as we keep track of them. There’s usually quarterly check on them.”

62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013

Ideye eyes the back of Ethiopia’s net

D

YNAMO Kiev and Super Eagles attacker Brown Ideye has reiterated his desire to help qualify Nigeria for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and says the journey will have to start with a decent result against the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia on Sunday.

Ideye, who scored a brace in Nigeria’s 4-1 demolition of Burkina Faso in an international friendly last month in Kaduna, says the players know what is at stake and will not let the nation down.

“Everyone (the players) here know what is at stake. We know why we are here in Nigeria train-

ing.

“Our main focus in Sunday’s first leg qualifier against Ethiopia, and we are here to ensure that we carry the day over there,” he said. The attacker, who was part of the triumph at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, also revealed that it is his personal ambition to help Nigeria make the World Cup after being a non-playing member of Nigeria’s team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. “It’s a personal ambition to put in my best and help Nigeria qualify for the World Cup starting with the first leg in Addis Ababa.

“My dream is to do my best and make it to Brazil 2014. I was part of the team in South Africa in 2010, but I didn’t get to play any game,” he said.

The former Sochaux attacker, who has 19 caps to his name, also called on Nigerians to get behind the team as usual, to make the dream possible.

Burkina Faso arrest Algerian reporters as 'spies'

T

WO Algerian jour nalists, Abdelmalek Addad and Alaa Eddine Bouymout, were arrested by Burkinabe authorities on the suspicion of spying the Stallions of Burkina Faso, ahead of their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

A statement by the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) said that the journalists, of Arabic Algerian daily ‘Ennahar ’, were arrested on Oct. 5, for “espionage”, after taking photos at the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the stadium, in the capital of Burkina Faso, will host the qualification match on Friday.

The statement said that Omar Kharouman, an Algerian sports journalist and AIPS member, disclosed that the two journalists were interrogated on their presence around the stadium area.

Ideye

“They were asked about what they were doing around the stadium and were told it is forbidden to take photos and images, without prior permission from the Police.

“They were initially charged with espionage and the police confiscated their mobiles and they were questioned by agents who wanted to know why they took the pictures,” it said.

It added that the two Algerian journalists were detained until 11 p.m on Oct. 5, adding: “they were released, even though the heavy accusation stays on their record.”

The statement said Kharoum added that “after several hours in custody at the police station and after the intervention of the ambassadors of Algeria and Burkina Faso, both journalists were released.

Ghana can cope with injuries — Appiah Rooney backs Gerrard G W AYNE Rooney be lieves Steven Gerrard should have been honoured with the England captaincy much earlier in his international career.

Gerrard is set to lead his country for the 32nd time in Friday night’s World Cup qualifier

Rooney C M Y K

against Montenegro at Wembley.

It puts him seventh in the all-time list of England captains, just two behind John Terry, who he played under for so long.

The 33-year-old will never get close to the record, jointly-held by Bobby Moore and Billy Wright, who each did the prestigious job on 90 occasions, or even David Beckham, named skipper 59 times.

Yet Rooney feels Gerrard’s figure pays scant regard to his abilities as a leader, which he is convinced should have been recognised on a permanent basis far earlier than the weeks prior to Euro 2012, having previously worn the armband on a temporary basis only.

“Steven has been one of the best in the world over the last 15 years,” said Rooney.

“We look to him to give us that drive.''

HANA coach Kwe si Appiah regrets losing key players for their World Cup playoff against Egypt but has a solid back-up plan to chalk a favourable result.

Appiah will miss the services of centre-backs Jonathan Mensah and John Boye, who played in last month’s qualifier against Zambia, due to injuries.

Red Bull Salzburg’s Isaac Vorsah is yet to recover from the knee injury he picked in May. Midfielder Mohammed Rabiu, who got injured playing for his Russian side FC Kuban during a Europa League assignment, has been sidelined.

Versatile defender Harrison Afful is suspended for the first leg tie due to yellow card accumulation.

Appiah must dig deep to select suitable replacements for the uphill task against the seven-time African champions at the Baba Yara Stadium on 15 October.

Mensah

Collins returns for Wales J

Collins

AMES Collins has been called up to the Wales squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Belgium after talks with Dragons boss Chris Coleman.

Coleman and Collins had been in dispute after the manager accused the defender of refusing to play for his country last month, something the West Ham player denied.

Coleman made it clear face-to-face talks would be necessary to resolve the disagreement and, after discussions in Cardiff on Wednesday afternoon, Collins was brought back on board.

The 30-year-old will provide valuable defensive cover for a decimated Wales squad missing 10 players named in the original 23-man party, includ-

ing defenders Ashley Williams, Ben Davies, Adam Matthews, Sam Ricketts and Danny Gabbidon.

A statement on the Football Association of Wales website read: “Following face to face meetings this afternoon between Wales manager Chris Coleman and James Collins, the experienced West Ham defender has been called up into the Wales squad to face Macedonia and Belgium.

Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013 — 63

Brazil 2014: Conquer Ethiopia, Mark charges 3SC’s strker Ogaga is dead Eagles S

HOOTING Stars’ striker Moses Ogaga has been confirmed dead. The striker who joined the Oluyole Warriors from Jigawa Golden Stars died in Ibadan after a long battle with a protracted illness on Wednesday.

Though, the circumstances surrounding the death of the 26-year-old were still sketchy at the time of this report, his death was confirmed to Goal by Jubril Arowolo, media officer of the Ibadan-based Nigeria Premier League outfit.

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

A

HEAD of this weekend’s crucial play-off between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia in Addis Ababa for the Brazil 2014 world cup ticket, Senate President, David Mark, has charged the Nigeria side to leave nothing to chance in the battle.

Mark, in a goodwill message to officials and players of Super Eagles, through his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh, told Super Eagles that the nation “desires the World Cup ticket more than ever.”

Ethiopia coach Ethiopians in training yesterday. ”This World Cup in Brazil is very important to Nigeria. We need to be at the World Cup. Whatever we can do to earn the ticket must be done without delay”, Senator Mark stressed.

Besides, being a unifying factor, he said football and sports generally have become a major tool for international

Ameobi, Nosa

Continues from BP question by a reporter and what I said was that the Stadium is not bad but we still have some work to do. I am surprised that it has become Keshi condemning the entire process of stadium repairs” Keshi spoke at the Media parley for journalists on Wednesday morning and also added that the team will be more than ready for the Ykdachew Tessema Stadium bumping pitch when it gets to Addis Ababa. “My players are professionals and they will be ready for any pitch that the Ethiopians will have on offer, be-

cause at this level we don’t offer any excuses”.

Real Betis midfielder, Nosa Igiebor, who arrived Wednesday afternoon has explaioned that he came that late because his team was holding him back with meetings. “We were meeting and meeting and at the end of the day I still had to make my reservations but am ready.

Shola Ameobi on his part said it was flight mixup. “It was very long and tiring but am getting used to it. But I want to go to the World Cup with Nigeria, so I must make the sacrifice”, he said.

Attitude, not altitude Continues f rom BP to camp early. Let them not look down on Ethiopia. For the fact that they topped their group is enough reason to tell you that they have something to offer ”, Chukwu said on our hotline yesterday.

The former skipper of the Eagles who lifted the Nations Cup in 1980, however, cautioned the Eagles not to pay so much attention to the fear of altitude.

“They should not be afraid of altitude. They are all professional C M Y K

players. I’ll advise that they pay more attention to their attitude. One on one, we have better players than Ethiopia.

If its on coaching, our coach Stephen Keshi has a better pedigree.

We’ve ever ything to beat them but we must be ready to fight. It is our attitude that will show the difference.

The whole country is desirous of the world cup ticket and we should silence Ethiopia in their home. Afterall, we are African Champions”, Chukwu added.

politics and ranking (rating) of nations by international community . ”If we must maintain our status as the giant of Africa and a major player in the global community, we must have a stamp of authority in sports especially soccer. Our officials and players must ap-

preciate this fact and do the needful to make the nation proud”, Senator Mark stated.

He reminded the players of team spirit and cohesiveness in handling their Ethiopian counterparts stressing that they must not be under any guise under rate their opponents until the battle is fought and won.

No extra training for Oboabona

N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi says he is happy with his first look at Godfrey Oboabona and does not envisage any additional training to get the defender in top shape to face Ethiopia this weekend.

Oboabona has only played one competitive game since joining Turkish club Rizespor in the summer, but Keshi says he is confident the player is in good shape for the weekend.

“We saw him train yesterday and his intensity matched the other play-

ers,” Keshi told KickOffNigeria.com. “He is a quality player, we spoke about the situation yesterday and he assured me that he has played and will be ready.

“There is no need to give him any extra training, and we have three of four days to train until Saturday so he should be in good shape by then.”

Nigeria’s first day of training on Tuesday was intense, and Keshi was pleased by the effort “That is the only way we can survive in that weather condition.

Musa Continues from BP Eagles beat Ethiopia with two penalty goals

by Victor Moses at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. ”The Ethiopians are a very difficult team to play. They are quick on the ball, they like to pass and they have speed but with all that we will still beat them in their back yard,” predicted CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa. ”I see us winning by the same margin we defeated them at the Nations Cup in South Africa, 2-0.”

However, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has insisted he expects a much improved Ethiopia than the team they beat in South Africa. ”The game against Ethiopia this weekend would be a different ball game from the game we played against them at the Nations Cup. Every game has its own spirit, every game has its own state of mind,” Keshi said.

“We have to prepare ourselves, that is the only way we can survive in Ethiopia, intensity of the game has to be there, high concentration in the game has to be there for us to come up top.”

Continues from BP morning sun for over two hours. At this crucial stage in the World Cup qualifiers, the team knows that every minute of training counts.

“We have tried to prepare them physically as well as mentally in the first week and now we are doing our tactical work and we will continue in the coming few days to combine the two,” said the Waliya Antelopes coach, Sewnet Bishaw in a chat with Jenny Vaughan of AFP. Though the odds are stacked against Ethiopia — Nigeria rank 36th in the world, according to FIFA, while Ethiopia clocks in at 93, the ‘Waliyas’ maintain an unflinching resolve to win.

Having beaten 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa to land at the top of their group, it is the closest the Horn of Africa nation has come to reaching the finals.

Having played Nigeria last January at the Africa Cup of Nations, Ethiopia are familiar with the strength of Nigeria’s ‘Super Eagles’, who won the game 2-0 before moving on to win the lift the trophy in South Africa.

“We are ready for this match, we are very ready.

We learned a lesson from the mistakes we made last time,” said midfield-

er Menyahil Teshome.

Coach Sewnet said despite Ethiopia’s defeat, the Nigerian squad is not a better team and the ‘Waliyas’ maintained their strength until the last 10 minutes of the game.

“If you look seriously at that match, Nigeria were not a better team than us.

Up to the (end) we were performing good. But in the last 10 minutes they used their experience, so they got two penalties,” he said.

“I think we will have a better game in the coming match against Nigeria,” Sewnet said.

Though preventing Nigeria from scoring away goals is crucial if Ethiopia want to proceed, coach Sewnet said the team is focused on both defending and attacking, and is not prioritising one over the other.

And while he insists he is focusing on winning each match individually, instead of pressuring his team to reach Brazil, he does not scoff at the idea of making it to the World Cup. “Why not? I don’t know Brazil, so I want to see it,” he joked.

The return match is scheduled for Calabar in south-east Nigeria on November 16 and the aggregate winners qualify for the World Cup.

Black Stars Continues from BP leg World Cup playoffs and officials are confident the West African heavyweight will prevail over the North Africans to reach Brazil 2014.

The Ghanaian leader who paid a surprised visit to the team’s training ground on Wednesday has promised the team a ‘Presidential package’ of 50% increment if they negotiate the tie against the Egyptians at the

Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi.

“Whatever we should do to support you to win this match, we shall do and that is why you’ve been informed already that your bonuses have been topped up already, everything is under control and so we will do our bit.” President Mahama said The players will see their $10,000 bonuses upped to $15,000.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

We’re as good as Nigeria — Ethiopia coach

P

LAYERS and offi cials of Waliya Antelopes of Ethiopia sounded confident and optimistic after training, yesterday as they prepare for the crucial 2014

Attitude, not altitude ‘ll win match •Chukwu cautions Eagles

BY TONY UBANI

A

•Moses

S the zero hour approaches swiftly for the first leg World Cup play-off between Ethiopia and Nigeria on Sunday, former Super Eagles coach, Chairman Christian Chukwu has advised the Super Eagles players to play down on the fear of altitude in Addis Ababa and instead concentrate on their attitude to the game.

“It is going to be a tough game. The Ethiopians have improved tremendously and should not be undermined. I’m happy with the response of our players to coming Continues on Page 63

PUZZLE

Musa predicts another 2-0 win for Eagles

S

UPER Eagles winger Ahmed Musa has predicted a repeat 2-0 win for Nigeria over hosts

Ethiopia in Sunday ’s 2014 World Cup playoff.

In January, the Super Continues on Page 63

Black Stars to get $15,000 for win

G

HANA President John Dramani Mahama will reward the Black Stars with a 50% increase in bonuses if they beat Egypt in Tuesday ’s World Cup playoffs.

Ghana will face the the Pharaohs in a first Continues on Page 63

•Maigari

•Musa

Ameobi, Nosa explain late arrival

S

UPER Eagles boss, Stephen Okechikwu Keshi, has explained that his comments on the Abuja National Stadium, were not derogatory as portrayed in a section of

the media, but only made to help correct what he saw wrong at the arena, when the team trained there on Tuesday evening.

“I was responding to a

Continues on Page 63

•Ameobi

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Addis Ababa.

The players press on under the blistering Continues on Page 63

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Disdain (5) 7 Youngster (5) 8 Tarnish (5) 10 Swift (5) 12 Skill (3) 13 Up to (5) 15 Inferred (7) 17 Harvester (6) 19 Sister (3) 20 Tuft (7) 23 Wail (4) 26 Failure (7) 30 Statute (3) 31 Cowardly (6) 34 Titular (7) 37 Hear (5) 38 Pull (3) 39 Cede (5) 40 Vision (5) 41 Heron (5) 42 Stock (5)

DOWN 1 Carried (5) 2 Divest (5) 3 Swiss house (6) 4 Attack (4) 5 Trusty (7) 6 Located (5) 9 Curve (3) 11 Closely (7) 13 Impelled (5) 14 Recorded (5) 16 Pair (3) 18 Fugitive (7) 21 Marsupial (5) 22 Jester (5) 24 Joy (7) 27 Enthusiast (3) 28 Cashier (6) 29 Theme (5) 32 Sill (5) 33 Command (5) 35 Cup (3) 36 Rota (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Scold 7, Peep 8, Revere 9, Allay 11, Pie 13, Sob 15, Ramp 16, Sea 18, Sell 19, Amateur 20, Data 22, Mien 23, Idyllic 25, Shed 27, Tic 28, Huge 30, Hid 30, Sad 33, Weave 36, Ebb 37, Need 38, Swell.

How to Play Sudoku

DOWN: 1, Sepia 2, Spa 3, Oil 4, Dry 5, Ave 6, Drool 10, Area 11, Prudish 12, Emptied 13, Serious 14, Blended 16, Smelt 17, Attic 18, Sum 21, Add 24, Life 26, Hired 29, Gaunt 32, Bet 33, Web 34, All 35, Ewe.

TWO WEEKS TO LIVE

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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