Arraignment: Dokpesi pleads not guilty

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62646

N150

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

How Okonjo-Iweala diverted N61.4bn Abacha loot to NSA— Report •I

approved the transfer but gave three conditions — Okonjo-Iweala 3

PENSION—Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State (2nd left); Mrs Chinelo Anohu-Amazu DG, Pencom, (3rd left); Austen Peters of Austen Peters & Co, (left) and Dr. Musa Ibrahim, CEO Retirement Benefits Advisory Services Ltd ( right) at a conference on Pension Reform Act, 2014 in Kaduna.

Arraignment: Dokpesi pleads not guilty

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North, & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, docked erstwhile Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja over alleged N2.1 billion fraud.

Dokpesi, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Continues on Page 5

•As court rules on bail application today •We'll recover all stolen funds, EFCC boss, Magu, vows •Says EFCC working on 1,881 graft cases this year

FRIVOLOUS PETITIONS BILL: We'll remove anti-human rights parts — Saraki 9

Mr & Mrs CELEBRATION—Nigeria’s U-23 coach, Samson Siasia being carried shoulder high by his players in celebration of their qualification for the Rio 2016 Olympics and 2015 CAF U-23 AFCON final after beating hosts, Senegal 1-0 in the first Semi final match, yesterday, in Dakar, Senegal.

P.19

P.19

MODIBBO

OCHEREOME

JOSEF

KAWU

NNANNA

OMOROTIONMWAN

Social media and its Senate malcontents

Biafra: Surprises from the North

Let each play his role: Kogi State in perspective

COLUMNISTS:

P.17

BIAFRA: APGA urges Buhari to address Igbo marginalisation 15

2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 3

Former Chairman of Daar Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, at the Federal High Court, Abuja yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

How Okonjo-Iweala diverted N61.4bn Abacha loot to NSA —Report My role in disbursement of the fund— Okonjo-Iweala

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AGOS — THE immediate past Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala, was said to have illegally approved the transfer of at least N61.4 billion ($300 million and £5.5 million) from funds recovered from late dictator, Sani Abacha, to the Office of the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, few weeks to the 2015 presidential election, it was gathered, yesterday According to a letter signed by Okonjo-Iweala, which was obtained by online medium, Premium Times, the former Finance minister signed off the transfer of the funds but requested then President Goodluck Jonathan to directly demand accountability from the then National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki.

In her immediate reaction, however, Okonjo-Iweala explained that only a part of the fund recovered from late Abacha was spent on arms and not the entire fund.

Dasuki, alongside the former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, and founder of DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television and Raypower radio network, Raymond Dokpesi, are being investigated for their roles in the disbursement of $2.1 billion and N643 billion meant for the procurement of arms to fight the raging insurgency in Nigeria’s north east region.

Okonjo-Iweala’s letter dated January 20, 2015, which was addressed to Jonathan, revealed that the money was transferred following a January 12, 2015 request by the Office of the NSA

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under Dasuki for funds for the procurement of arms and ammunition as well as intelligence equipment.

The letter read:“Please find a request by the National Security Adviser (NSA) for the transfer of $300 million and £5.5 million of the recovered Abacha funds to an ONSA (Office of the National Security Adviser) operations account.

“The NSA has explained that this is to enable the purchase of ammunition, security, and other intelligence equipment for the security agencies in order to enable them fully confront the ongoing Boko Haram threat.

“His request is sequel to the meeting you chaired with the committee on the use of recovered funds where the decision was made that recovered Abacha funds would be split 50-50 between urgent security needs to confront Boko Haram and development need (including a portion for the Future Generations window of the Sovereign Wealth Fund)."

She added that the letter was to seek Mr Jonathan’s approval for the funds to be disbursed to the ONSA. The former minister further explained that the money being transferred formed part of the Federal Government Independent Revenue.

My role in disbursement of the fund —Okonjo-Iweala

In her response yesterday, Okonjo-Iweala said attempt to link her name to any misuse of these funds for any purpose other than security as far as she understood it is totally false and

cannot stand.

In a statement signed by her Media Adviser, Paul C Nwabuikwu, she explained her role in the disbursement of the fund.

According to her, “throughout 2014, there were public complaints by the military hierarchy to President Goodluck Jonathan about the inadequacy of funds to fight the anti-terror war in the North East, resulting in Boko Haram making gains and even taking territories. A lot of the criticism was directed at the Federal Ministry of Finance under Dr OkonjoIweala which was accused of not doing enough to find funds for the operations.

"In fact, the ministry, on several occasions, had to call press conferences to provide details of budgetary spending on the military, to show, against the background of limited resources

and other urgent national priorities, that it was doing its best on funding security.

"It was about this time that some new Abacha funds of about $322 million were returned with another $700 million still expected to be returned. (This is not to be confused with the Abacha funds returned in 2005-2006 under the Obasanjo government whose use for developmental purposes was monitored by the World Bank as earlier explained by Dr Okonjo-Iweala).

"Former President Jonathan set up a committee comprising the former Minister of Justice, former NSA and the former Minister of Finance to determine how best to use both the returned and expected funds for development.

"The NSA made a case for using the returned funds for urgent security operations since, he noted, there cannot be any development without peace and security. Based on this, a decision was taken to deploy about $322 million for the military operations, while the expected $700 million would be applied for development programmes as originally conceived.

"Following the discussions and based on the urgency of the NSA’s memo, Dr OkonjoIweala requested the President to approve the transfer of the requested amount to the NSA’s Office for the specified purposes.

"But, as captured in the memo, she insisted on three conditions: a. only a part, not the entire Abacha funds would be spent on the arms; the rest would be invested in developmental projects as originally conceived b. the money was to be treated as borrowed funds which would be paid back as soon as possible c. the NSA’s office was to account for the spending to the President who was the Commander in Chief, given the fact that the Minister of Finance is not part of the security architecture and does not participate in the Security Council."

Boko Haram: US calls for viable military action

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AGOS — THE United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Samantha Power, on Wednesday said that Nigeria urgently needed a viable military action to end activities of Boko Haram.

The African Media Hub of the U.S. Department of State in a statement said that Power also called for a regional strategy to disrupt Boko Haram’s hideouts, weapons’ flow and means of recruitment.

“The repeated attacks by Boko Haram, which have killed 27 in the Lake Chad region, require viable military action and a wider regional strategy to disrupt their safe havens, weapons flow and recruitment.

“It’s also essential that the socio-economic conditions areas being exploited by Boko Haram be addressed and that their dire humanitarian conditions be addressed as well,” it said.

The statement also said that it was imperative for government to ensure that the rule of law was returned to the affected parts of the NorthEast of Nigeria.

It added that the U.S. envoy also stressed the importance of “decisively combating and defeating armed groups” in Nigeria.

The statement also said that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism in the country needed to be held accountable while the internally displaced persons (IDPs) kept in safe places.

“It is really important for leaders to begin to look at the welfare of their societies.

“They should ensure stability and inclusive governance to ensure that basic dignity and human rights are protected,” it said.

FG pays oil marketers N407bn outstanding subsidy claims

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA— RESPITE seems to be in sight for Nigerians over the unending fuel scarcity witnessed across the country, as the Federal Government, yesterday, said it has paid N407.077 billion to oil marketers for their outstanding subsidy claims.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, who disclosed this in a statement in Abuja stated that the Presidency had directed that the payments be made

immediately in order to bring to a quick end, the lingering fuel crisis which has caused great suffering to Nigerian families and businesses.

She said the payments include arrears from the 2014 financial year as well as payments for the current year, while she appealed to major oil marketers to reciprocate the action by doing all they can to bring the fuel scarcity to an end.

She also stated that despite dwindling

revenues, the government is committed to ensuring continuous availability of fuel to Nigerians.

She said: “It is expected that the recipients would ensure adequate supply of fuel to end the persistent fuel shortage in the nation, especially as this action shows that government is fully committed to meeting its financial obligations in respect of fuel subsidy.

“Details of the approved payments under the subsidy scheme will be published in the national dailies as has been the practice.”

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Controversy trails recovery of 6 decomposing female corpses in Lagos L

By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—CONTROVERSY is currently trailing the death of six unidentified women, whose corpses were dumped in a canal at Anibaba area, off Akele Street, Ikorodu, Lagos, at about 3.30 p.m. on Sunday.

It was learned that the six mutilated female corpses were recovered in Ikorodu between Thursday and Sunday morning besides Bugon filling station and Water Corperation, Awolowo Way, Ikorodu.

According to reports, the first mutilated corpse was found on Thursday while five others were recovered on Sunday.

Vanguard learned that some of the bloated corpses were recovered headless while the breast and private parts of others were missing.

A resident identified as Aduke Ere who spoke to Vanguard said: “We don’t know how these corpses found their ways into the canal. On Thursday morning, that was when the first corpse was discovered.

Residents had to inform the police who came and recovered the corpse. On Sunday, five more corpses were seen where the first one was recovered on Thursday. Most of the corpses were headless. We had some whose body parts were missing.”

A landlord who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of

anonymity stated that everything is shrouded in secrecy as the whole community is silent about this discovery. “I don’t think these ladies are from Ikorodu community because nobody is missing. What I think is that these people are not from this community because, about three weeks ago, lots of people from different places came in their

droves to celebrate Ikorodu Day which was marked with a lot of fanfare and activities. I think that is the only thing that explains the large number of causalties.”

Confirming the incident, Lagos State police spokesman, DSP Joseph Offor, told Vanguard that Policemen from Ijede Divisional police station recovered six corpses from Anibaba River in

Ikorodu area of Lagos. “By the time the corpses were discovered, their bodies had started decomposing. So, we had to contact health workers who recovered the corpses to prevent any health hazard. Because ofthestateoftheirremains,wecouldn’t identifythecorpses.Wearewaitingfor the reports of the health workers as investigation has begun.”

Some of the recovered corpses in body bags.

Unemployed graduate jailed 1 year for stealing laptop A

BUJA—A Wuse Zone 2 Magistrates’ Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced a 27year old unemployed graduate, Mukaila Akanni, to one month imprisonment for stealing a laptop at the American Embassy in Abuja.

Magistrate Fatima Bukar convicted Akanni of Peace Village, Lugbe, Airport Road, after he pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against him.

Bukar, however, gave the convict an option to pay a fine of N 50,000.

Earlier, the prosecutor, John Ijagbemi of the lFCT Police Command, said that one Johnson Adeyemi of American Embassy reported the case at Central Police Station Abuja on Nov. 26.

According to him, the convict entered the security post of the embassy and stole the laptop.

The prosecutor said the security guard on duty at the embassy apprehended the convict on his way out.

He said that the offence contravened provision of Section 287 of Penal Code Law.

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The convict, however, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, saying he was a first

offender.

He said that he was hungry and had not secured a job since

he graduated from the Federal Polytechnic Nassarawa in Nassarawa State.

Car dealer in court over N8m fraud

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AGOS—FOR allegedly converting his customer’s vehicle worth N8 million to his own use, a 53-year-old car dealer, Zephaniah Okoli, was on Wednesday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court, Lagos.

Okoli, whose address was not given, is standing trial on a twocount charge bordering on fraud and forgery.

The prosecutor, Inspector Idowu Osungbure, told the court that the accused committed the offence in Lagos sometime in October 2013.

He said that the accused allegedly collected a 2006 Range Rover L3 model, valued at N8 million, property of one Francis Onwuka, under pretext of selling it but converted it to his personal use.

Osungbure alleged that the

accused forged the documents of the vehicle and sold it without the knowledge of Onwuka.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Though, the accused pleaded not guilty, if found guilty, Section 312 provides 14 years imprisonment for the offence.

Counsel to the accused, Mrs Helen Ibeji, urged the court to grant bail to the accused on liberal terms.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs F. F. George, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

George said one of the sureties must be a close relation of the accused and must produce evidence of two years tax payment.

She also ordered that the sureties

must be gainfully employed and their addresses verified by the court. The case was adjourned till Jan. 13 for mention.

Agent docked for defrauding 2 sisters of N1.2m

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BUJA—THE Police yesterday arraigned one Musa Adamu, an agent, in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding two ladies of N1.2 million.

The accused is standing trial on a two-count-charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.

The prosecutor, Osa Oyeyemi, said the matter was reported at the Wuse Police Station on Nov.23 by two sisters, Aisha Bukar and Halima Bukar, both residents of Gwarimpa Abuja.

Oyeyemi said that sometime in July the accused collected N1.2 million from the complainants with the assurance to get them visas to Saudi Arabia.

The prosecutor said that the money was paid into an Access Bank account number 3054178600 belonging to the accused.

“The complainants waited but could not get the visas from the defendant as he promised, and the defendant failed to refund the money and avoided the complainants.

“The sisters even traced the defendant’s home address and reported the matter to his wife but all was in vain.”

Oyeyemi noted that the offences contravened Sections 312 and 322 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty and the Senior Magistrate, Shuaibu Usman, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety in like sum.

Usman said the surety should reside within the court’s jurisdiction and adjourned the case till Jan. 12, for hearing.

Teenager jailed 2 months for attempting to steal in church

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TA—AN Ota Magistrate's Court in Ogun state , yesterday, sentenced an 18year-old man, Abbede Faruq, to two months community service for attempting to steal in a church.

Faruq, who resides along Iyana Iyesi Road, Ota, had pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of burglary and attempt to steal.

The magistrate, Miss Temitope Adebutu, ordered the convict to perform two months

community service in the court premises by cutting the grasses and sweeping or an option of N5,000 fine.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Samson, had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 25 at about 1.a.m., at a church located at No. 2, Adewolu Street, Ota. Samson said that the accused broke into the church with the intention to steal; unfortunately, he was caught in the process.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

DINNER—From left: Mr Herbert Wigwe, Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group; Mr Gbenga Oyebode, former Chairman, Access Bank Plc and Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, President, the Nigerian Stock Exchange at the celebratory dinner, yesterday in Lagos, in honour of Mr Oyebode who retired from the Board of Access Bank recently. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Arraignment: Dokpesi pleads not guilty with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN , to a FirstBank of Nigeria Plc account owned by DAAR Investment and Holding Company Limited.

The prosecution maintained that the transaction was in breach of section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) and (7) of the same Act, as well as under Section 17 (b) of the EFCC Act, 2004.

Dokpesi had shortly after his arraignment, prayed the court to grant him bail on Continues from Page 1 liberal terms.

The defence counsel, PDP, is answering to a sixChief Mike Ozehkome, count criminal charge SAN, urged the court to bordering on alleged consider the status of his procurement fraud and client and release him on breach of public trust. self recognition or “on the He was arraigned most liberal term,” saying alongside his firm, DAAR the offences against him are Investment and Holdings ordinarily bailable.

Ltd, owners of African However, the prosecuting Independent Television, counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, AIT, and Raypower FM. SAN, objected to the court Specifically, EFCC, in the allowing Dokpesi’s lawyer charge signed by its Deputy to move the bail application Dokpesi pleads Director, Legal & which he said was just Prosecution, Mr. Aliyu not guilty served on him yesterday.

Yusuf, alleged that Dokpesi Meanwhile, Dokpesi, Jacobs told the court that received about N2.1 billion yesterday, pleaded not he would need time to study from the office of the guilty to the entire six-count and react to the National Security Adviser, charge, even as Justice fundamental issues he said NSA, for PDP’s presidential Gabriel Kolawole were raised by the accused media campaign. adjourned the case till person in the bail According to the charge, today to consider his application. the funds were released to application for bail.

Consequently, by consent the accused persons In the interim, the court of the two lawyers, Justice between October 2014 and gave the EFCC the nod to Kolawole, adjourned till March 19, 2015. detain the accused person today to entertain The funds were allegedly in its custody pending arguments on whether transferred from an account determination of his bail Dokpesi should be granted the office of NSA operated request. bail or not.

The Judge, however, slated February 17, 18 and March 2 and 3, 2016, to

BY AYO ADIO begin full-blown hearing on the substantive charge HE most significant step in the journey to before the court. success is the first step, be bold to take it and Some of the charges never stop moving. It’s up to you. against him read: “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited

BY ELLA RANDLE between October 2014 and March 19, 2015 in Abuja, procurement E bold and adventuresome as you follow your conducted fraud by means of path and journey in life- Take Heart Quotes fraudulent and corrupt act, Dare to dream and fly beyond your horizon. There to wit: receipt of payment is always one more step…don’t settle. into the account of Daar Express your feelings gently and listen to others. Investment and Holding Be present in the now, it determines the future.

Company Limited with Know what you want and go for it. Be creative, FirstBank of Nigeria Plc of sing, dance, paint, laugh, write, work, and public funds in the sum of love…anything to lift your Spirit. But most of all, be N2,120,000,000 from the yourself. account of the office of Let the past be, leave petty things aside because National Security Adviser they just don’t matter. Be grateful for every (NSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria for the experience. funding of media activities for the 2015 presidential election campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and you thereby T does not matter which hunter is friend committed an offence to my mother, just let me have enough contrary to section 58 (4) (b) of the Public Procurement rabbit heads in my hands.

Act, 2007 and punishable

IT'S UP TO YOU

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TAKE HEART

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SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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under Section 58 (6) & (7) of the same Act. “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between October 2014 and March 19, 2015 in Abuja, entered into a purported contract on presidential media initiative and received payment in the sum of N2,120,000,000 into the account of Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited with FirstBank of Nigeria Plc, from the account of the office of National Security Adviser (NSA) with the Central Bank of Nigeria on account of the purported contract without a “Certificate of No Objection to Contract Award” duly issued by Public Procurement Bureau and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 16 (1) (b), (4) & (5) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 58 (6) of the same Act. “That you Dr. Raymond Dokpesi and Daar Investment and Holding Company Limited between January 22 and March 19, 2015 in Abuja, knew that an aggregate sum of N2,120,000,000 directly represented the proceeds of criminal conduct of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd) and Shuaibu Salisu, who were National Security Adviser and the Director of Finance, office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) respectively to wit: criminal breach of trust in respect of the said amount, used the said property and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”

It will be recalled that Dokpesi was on December 1, arrested and detained in connection with money disbursed from the office of the former NSA under exPresident Goodluck Jonathan, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd .

The EFCC maintained that he had questions to answer regarding huge sums of money it said was dished out to his media outfit while Dasuki held sway as the NSA. Nevertheless, Dokpesi was reported to have claimed that the payments were for media coverages his organisation rendered to former President Jonathan prior to the 2015 general elections.

Dissatisfied with his detention, Dokpesi, through his lawyer, filed a motion ex-parte before the high court on December 3, wherein he sought for an enforcement of his fundamental right to freedom.

Ozehkome, SAN, told the court that his client was detained for more than 48 hours without the EFCC entering any charge against him.

He further told the court that Dokpesi was on December 1, summoned via the telephone to report to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.

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

We'll recover all stolen funds, EFCC boss, Magu, vows

In a related development, Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, yesterday, vowed to go after all those who looted the funds meant for arms procurement and bring them to book.

Magu said the commission would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all those implicated in the diversion of the arms cash would be made to face the full weight of the law.

Magu said, however, that the commission had resolved to break the corruption chain in a fair, accountable and transparent manner in line with international best practice.

He disclosed that the commission has so far investigated a total of 1,881 cases within 2015 alone and would do more before the end of the year.

According to him, “Out of this figure, 280 cases were filed in courts and 78 convictions were secured.

Within the same period, eight interim and two final forfeiture orders were handed down by various courts on applications brought by the commission.

The EFCC boss further added that he had put in place machinery to sanitise the Commission internally.

Magu made the declaration at a public event to commemorate the International Anticorruption Day with the theme “Break the Corruption Chain” in Abuja.

He also expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for creating an enabling

environment for the commission to carry out its mandate, adding that he would undertake institutional reforms to increase the Commission’s capacity to fight corruption.

He, therefore, urged civil service organisations as well as other partners to join hands with the Commission in the anticorruption fight.

“Our common resolve is far stronger than the challenges we face in the fight against corruption.

“Corruption is like a chain whose effect impacts various aspects of the society, undermines democracy and the r ule of law, distorts markets, erodes quality of life, leads to human rights violations and fans the embers of terrorism and other threats to human security.”

In his remark, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, BPSR, Dr. Joe Abah, called for the enhancement of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB. Abah stated that the newly introduced zerobased budgeting would ensure discipline in the implementation of budgets.

Also, Lilian E k e a n y a n w u , representing the Technical Unit on Governance and AntiCorruption Reforms, TUGAR, urged the anticorruption community to take advantage of the positive body language emanating from the Presidency.

“We must hit the ground r unning. We must have a national strategy to bring awareness about the issue of corruption and find methods to curb the malaise, while keeping the populace involved,” she said.

The Deputy Chief Mission of the United States Embassy, Maria E. Brewer, in her remark, stated that corruption could undermine institutions and slow development of any nation.

She said that the United States was ready to partner with Nigeria in the fight against corruption.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 , 2015

Man, 32, gets life jail for drug trafficking L

A G O S — A 32-year-old man, Lawrence Aluagu, was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of a Federal High Court in Lagos, for drug trafficking.

Lawrence Aluagu was arraigned on March 8 and had pleaded guilty to the charge.

The judge had ordered his remand in prison, while she adjourned the case for a review of facts and

sentencing.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Ofili-Ajumogobia sentenced the accused to life imprisonment.

“The accused person is found guilty of the offence as charged, and is accordingly convicted. He is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment. The drug exhibits are to be destroyed by the NDLEA,” she said Reviewing the facts earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, had told the court

that the convict committed the offence on February 12.

He said that the accused was arrested under Ojota bridge in Lagos, where he was reported to be in the business of selling cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp.

According to the prosecutor, about 200 grammes of the substance was recovered from the accused.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the

Federation, 2004.

During allocutus (plea for mercy) the convict had prayed the court to be lenient in judgment.

He had told the court that he was duped by an unknown soldier, after he paid him some money to help facilitate his recruitment into the Nigerian Army.

The convict had also told the court that he was a first time offender, adding that life had been difficult for him since the death of his parents.

Security guard docked over alleged rape of 29-year-old woman L

By Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—A security guard, Kenechukwu Okonkwo, was yesterday brought before a Lagos High Court, Ikeja, for allegedly raping a 29-year old woman (name withheld).

The defendant was arraigned on a count charge of rape brought against him

by Lagos State Government.

According to the charge, the alleged offence, which is contrary to Section 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, was committed on December 27, 2013 between 10pm-11pm at the defendant’s residence.

Testifying before the trial judge, Justice Atinuke Ipaye, the prosecution witness, Dr. Joseph Jideonwo, said when he examined the victim her underwear was soaked with blood.

“The broken hymen is not an indication that the victim was forced but the injury on the vagina will indicate that it was a forced act. There was no scan done on the private part. I did not see the defendant, so there was no way I could examine the semen found on the victim to know if it was his,” Jideonwo said.

It was gathered that the defendant assisted the victim with accommodation at his home, but trouble started when she decided to leave.

The defendant, in his statement to the police, stated that when the victim insisted on leaving he refused her because he wanted to make love to her.

“I began to touch her body.

She refused, shouting that I should leave her. She told me that she was a virgin. She was struggling with me to let her go. Suddenly we both fell down on the floor. I did not

succeed in penetrating her.

“Because of her shouting, my landlord came out calling me, asking what was going on.

I did not cover her mouth with wrapper, I did not beat her. I actually struggled with her in attempt to have sexual

intercourse with her, but I did not penetrate her,” Okonkwo explained.

Man, 26, in cour t over threat to neighbour's life

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AGOS—A 26-yearold man, Giwa Taiwo, who allegedly threatened the life of his neighbour, Mr Emma Adebowale, was yesterday in an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, whose address was not provided, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, breach of peace and threat to life.

The prosecutor, Inspector Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the accused conspired with others at large, and threatened to kill Adebowale.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mrs S. K. Metapo, granted him N50,000 bail with two sureties in like sum, and ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payments.

Police arraign 2 over alleged fraud

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SEIZED: Commander, Adamawa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr Yakubu Kibo, inspecting some illicit drugs seized from dealers by the command in Yola, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Man, 37, charged with armed robbery

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By Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—A 37-year-old man, Joseph Ozomena, appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court, yesterday for allegedly robbing a taxi driver at gun point.

The accused, whose address was not disclosed in court, is facing a count charge of armed robbery.

The prosecutor, Inspector Simon Imhonwa, told the court that the offence was committed on November 14, at Lekki

Phase 1 gate around 3p.m.

He said the accused, in company of some others still at large, boarded a taxi belonging to Mr Collins Emodi and robbed him.

“The accused and his gang flagged down a taxi at Lekki Phase 1 Gate under the guise of seeking transportation.

“As soon as they boarded the cab and was in transit, they attacked the driver, Mr Emodi, and dispossessed him of his smart phone and N45,000 cash at gun point,” Imhonwa said.

Imhonwa said the accused was arrested following a police tip off.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened Section 1(2) Robbery and Firearm Act Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsami, ordered that the accused be remanded in custody, pending further investigation into the case by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPPs.

By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—THE Police in Benin yesterday arraigned two persons Akinwale Falowo, 37 and Kehinde Ola, 36, for allegedly defrauding their victims of the sum of N336, 000 with the promise of securing Australian and Canadian Visas for them..

Prosecuting Police officer, Inspector Ledee NUeh, told the court that the accused persons with others at large committed the offence on September 14, 2015, at No. 195 Ugbowo Road in Benin.

He alleged that the accused persons did obtained the sum of N336,000 from Emeka Ephraim, Etim Daniel, Lawal Ige, Okungaga Omogiade, Solomon Udegbe and Ebohon Austine.

When the case came up for hearing, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to a ten-Count charge boarding on stealing and obtaining money under false pretence.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—7

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8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—9

CERTIFICATE OF RETURN: Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, National Commissioner, Anthonia Koosi-Simbine (middle), presenting Certificate of Return to Kogi State Governor-elect, Mr Yahaya Bello, in Lokoja, yesterday. Right is the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kogi, Malam Haliry Pai. Photo: NAN.

FRIVOLOUS PETITION BILL:

We'll remove parts that do not conform to human rights —Saraki Says obsolete business regulatory laws'll be eliminated

By Omoh Gabriel

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AGOS — THE Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, yesterday, responded to criticisms trailing the Bill on Frivolous Petition that has passed the Second Reading at the Senate, saying any part of the bill that does not conform to human rights will be removed.

Speaking on the sidelines of Lagos Business School Dinner at which he was a guest, Saraki said: “We have only debated the principle of the bill, we have not gone into the details of the bill.

So, if there is any part of the bill that does not conform to human rights, be rest assured that the Senate will do the proper thing.

So there was no bill that was brought forward called social media bill.

“I think there is need for clarity on that and to let you know that those that led the protest, we have received their letters, we have told them to be rest assured that by the time it goes to committee work, and goes to public hearing, some of these things will come up.

"But you must understand that when those bills come to the floor of the Senate, they come as argument on the principle of the bill, and the principle of that bill was Frivolous Petition, nothing to do with social media but later on we did find out that there was a section in it about social media.

“That will go away when it comes to third reading, where you consider the Bill section by section."

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Delivering a speech entitled “Macroeconomic outlook for 2016 and legislative perspective" at Lagos Business School breakfast club end of the year, Saraki said: “The 8th Senate is today at an advanced stage of carrying out one of the most farreaching legislative reviews ever embarked upon by the legislature in Nigeria with the Doing Business Development

Project which is aimed at eliminating obsolete business regulatory laws that have outlived their usefulness and in their place provide adequate legal, institutional and regulatory mechanisms to drive a new modern economy.

“Prior to this, we have strategically utilized formal and informal meetings with key stakeholders, including the

NBA, SEC, RMFAC, ICPC, FIRS, and many other relevant agencies of government and critical industry leaders with a view to using gathered information as a critical tool to fashioning out what will make Nigeria a favourable investment destination.

“For the 8th Senate, we can no longer accept the placement of Nigeria at 169 of 189 countries on the global ranking of business competitiveness.

Therefore, the task of modernizing the Nigerian economy and providing the regulatory environment for ease of doing business is for us a task that must be done in order to set the stage for meaningful economic growth.

"As operators, we need your partnership on this important assignment to ensure that your concerns and views are adequately captured.

“To put into context where we are today, let's examine where we have been leading to the present challenges we face. In 2015, the Nigeria economy began to fully experience the impact of the falling oil price in the international market and the high level of wastage in public expenditure profile following the weaker than expected global economic indicators which saw oil price slump 55 per cent in December 2014 from a peak of $115 per barrel in June.

"The 2015 budget benchmark oil price was pegged at $53 per barrel and oil production of 2.2782mbpd. The exchange rate was projected at N190/$.

The budget had an outlay of N4.493 trillion implying a deficit of N1,041 trillion financed mainly by borrowing in a budget in which 78 per cent targeted recurrent expenditure."

N44.5m graft allegation: Petitioner fails to appear against CCT chairman

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA— THE AntiCorruption Network, which filed a petition of N44.5 million graft allegation against the Chairman, Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Justice Danladi Umar, yesterday failed again to appear before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions, to defend the petition.

This prompted Justice Umar to ask the committee to dismiss the petition, a request that the panel, yesterday, turned down.

The House Committee had fixed, yesterday, to hear the corruption allegation against the CCT chairman by the AntiCorruption Network, after the petitioner failed to attend the hearing, last week.

In the petition to the House,

through the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, dated November 5, 2015 and signed by the Executive Secretary of AntiCorruption Network, Ajulo I. Ajulo, the group said: “We are very saddened to report that the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, is infested with a despicable and deplorable level of corruption. To be precise, the Chairman of the tribunal, Mr. Yakubu Danladi Umar, has been engaging in dishonest, unscrupulous and discreditable conduct.”

Justice Umar arrived at the venue of the public hearing at about 11.30am, but after waiting for the petitioner for over two hours, he pleaded with the Chairman of the Committee, Rep Uzoma Nkem-Abonta to declare that petitioner had abandoned the matter.

In his request, he said: “As a matter of fact, we have great

respect for this institution, that is why we have been here all these while. We do really have tight schedule of work in our office, including judgments and administrative works to do.

"We have been here since 11:30 am, the last time we were here at 12 but it appears they are not serious about this. So, we implore this honourable House to consider this petition abandoned because if they are serious they would have been here.”

The request was as a result of the plea by the Director of Operations for the AntiCorruption Network, Olusegun Abereoran, asking for additional seven days to enable the executive secretary of the network prepare his brief as stipulated in the invitation letter sent by the Clerk of the committee.

Apathy, culture of silence, threatening war against corruption — Osinbajo

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, called for increased participation by all Nigerians in the fight against corruption, stating that the prevalent culture of silence is hampering the fight against the vice and also destroying the Nigerian economy.

Speaking at a seminar marking the International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja, organized by the InterAgency Task Team, comprising anti-corruption agencies, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that for the country to win the fight against corruption, citizens must be in agreement with the government that enough is enough.

Osinbajo, who was represented by Mr. Sadiq Radda, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, explained that the culture of silence was not only destructive but also contradictory.

He said: “On the one hand, citizens expect government to fight corruption but on the other hand, the people are reluctant to fully identify with and totally support government agenda and anticorruption measures by sharing information to assist law enforcement agencies.

“Breaking the chain of corruption includes the urgent need to break the chain of silence that enables corruption thrive undeterred under the noses of public servants charged with statutory powers to oversee the nation’s wealth.”

Speaking in the same vein, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mr. Ogbonnaya Orji, promised that the organization would strive to eliminate all forms of corrupt practices in the determination of payments and receipts of revenues by companies to government.

Orji, who was represented

by Mrs. Obiageli Onuorah, Acting Director of Communications, NEITI, however, called on the Federal Government to check the incessant smuggling of solid minerals products out of the country.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 , 2015

We’re prosecuting 200 rape, domestic violence cases – LASG

By Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—THE Lagos State government yesterday said no fewer than 200 rape and domestic violence cases are currently being prosecuted in various High Courts in the state, even as it declared zero tolerance for sexual violence in the state.

Meantime, the government said 140 persons have been convicted for sexual offences and recorded in a Sex Offenders’ Register created by the state government to shame the convicts and serve as deterrent to others.

Coordinator of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi , who disclosed this in an interview with Vanguard on the 16 days of activism declared by the United Nation to address gender violence in the world which ends today, lamented that rape and domestic violence is prevalent in four local governments of Ikeja, Alimosho, Mushin and Lagos Island.

She noted that the cases were discovered through direct contacts that is from field works and through the dedicated emergency line.

She however warned residents with the intention to perpetrate such acts should visit the nearest counsellor for advice, saying “no perpetrator would be spared.”

LASU VC: Committee picks 3 candidates L

AGOS—THE Lagos State University, LASU, Joint Committee of Senate and Governing Council had selected three of the nine professors initially shortlisted to contest for the post of the Vice-Chancellor.

A reliable source within the university disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Lagos.

According to the source, Prof.

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for the prospective candidates for the office of Vice-Chancellor at LASUCOM. The source said the Senate and Council would ratify the result at its next sitting and would present the selected names to the visitor to the university, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

“The remaining process will be done by the Chairman of the

VISIT: Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; his Osun counterpart, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Alhaja Sherifat; former Interim National Chairman, All progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Babafemi Ojudu and National Leader, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a visit to the Osun State Governor at the Government House, Osogbo.

YULETIDE: Lagos lawmakers urge better surveillance EKEDC promises improved power supply

By Ebun Sessou

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AGOS—THE Lagos State Assembly lawmakers have called on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni to intensify community policing in the state during the Yuletide period.

Moving the motion on the floor of the House, the Majority Leader, Mr. Sanai Agunbiade stated that this was necessary to

...As govt seals 53 churches, mosques, hotels over pollution HE Lagos State government, yesterday, sealed 53 churches, mosques and hotels across the metropolis over noise pollution and other environmental nuisances.

General Manager of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Engr. Adebola Shabi in an interview after sealing the religious houses and the hotels, said that the premises were shut following complaints from the residents.

He lamented that the premises shut were approved for residential but after few years, they were converted worship

Lanre Fagbohun of the University of Lagos came first, Prof. Hamidu Sanni of the Department of Islamic Studies, LASU, came second while Prof.

Olatunji Bello of the Lagos State University’s College of Medicine, LASUCOM, Ikeja was third.

The source said that the interview for the aspiring candidates was held on Dec. 7

curtail the activities of hoodlums during Christmas and New Year celebration.

Citing a case of ritual killing in Ikorodu, where bodies of some ladies were found recently, Agunbiade said the Neighbourhood Watch Law should be reviewed to give the officers more power on surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Speaking on the matter, Mrs. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho emphasised that the people must know that killing other people is a criminal offence, and that it is worrisome that such a thing is happening at this material time.

She added that; "We all have a right to secure our environment and that carrying of arms should be restricted to those, who have the authority to carry arms.

In his contribution, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa stated that everything could not be left for the police and that the assembly could come up with relevant laws as there are constant cases of murder, robbery and others in the state.

centers, saying “It has been constituting nuisance to other neighbours.”

Shabi explained that some of the affected facilities had been served abatement notices before the eventual closure, adding that the growing rate of worship centres calls for serious regulations, especially in the areas of noise generated across the state.

He noted that the worship centres that often disturb the EKEDC promises improved people were usually makeshift structures, adding that the hotels power supply Meantime, the Eko Electricity were shut for failing to conduct and submit Environmental Impact Distribution Company, EKEDC, yesterday said it had put in Assessment report.

place measures to ensure regular power supply to customers during the Yuletude.

Mr Godwin Idemudia, Head, Corporate Communications Department of the company, gave the assurance in a chat with newsmen in Lagos.

“We will ensure customers within our operational territory enjoy uninterrupted supply during the Yuletide,“ he said.

Governing Council, who will forward the three shortlisted candidates’ names to the visitor for his approval.

“The final approval rests with the visitor to decide who emerges V-C out of three selected best candidates, ‘’ the source said.

It was learnt that Prof.

Fagbohun, is an Awori, from Lagos; Prof. Sanni is from Oyo State, while Prof. Bello hails from Ondo State.

Fourteen professors applied for the post within six weeks of advertisement.

Nine out of them were shortlisted after several considerations of their qualifications and prerequisites for absorption.

Six of the shortlisted professors were from LASU, while the other three were from outside the institution.

The shortlisted professors are: Prof. Abolade Adeniji, Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof.

Senna Bakre, Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Olatunji Bello, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM).

Others are: Prof. Nurudeen Olasupo of the Department of Microbiology, Prof. Hamidu Sanni of the Islamic Studies Department and Prof. Babajide Elemo, Science Faculty.

Those from outside LASU are: Prof. S.A. Tella from the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun, and Prof. Lanre Fagbohun, a former LASU staff now at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and a professor from Texas, U.S., simply identified as Prof.Oki, One of the five candidates not shortlisted was the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. John Obafunwa, whose tenure ended on Oct. 31, making the post of the Vice-Chancellor of LASU to become vacant.

Ambode had sent the LASU 2015 Amendment Bill to the state House of Assembly for ratification.

The governor had proposed, in the bill, a single-term of five years for the institution’s vice-chancellor.

Rep urges unity among lawmakers He added that it is unfortunate

By Simon Adewale

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AGOS—THE member of the House of Representative, representing Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Mr. Oghene Egoh, has stressed the need for unity among the National Assembly members so that they can make laws that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

In a chat with newsmen, Egoh appealled to the lawmakers to unite and work together as a team; noting that the House can only succeed if they seek concord rather than discord.

that some people were not satisfied with the committee they were assigned to presently, but urges them to be contented as they are not working for their interest but for the interest of the nation and the people they represent.

The lawmaker said though he is neither a chairman nor a deputy chairman of any committee, he is happy to serve for the interest of the nation.

He stressed that he do not possess the requisite executive power to directly award contract but will not relent in his effort to push for the development of his constituency and address the challenges facing the people.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—11

Appeal Court strikes out deposed Deji’s suit

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—AN appeal Court sitting in Ondo State has struck out a suit filed by the deposed Deji of Akureland, Prince Oluwadare Adesina challenging his dethronement by the state government.

The lead counsel to the state government, Folahan Salami had argued that it was necessary for the claimant to seek leave of the court to appeal the decision of the lower court which earlier heard the case.

Salami noted that the failure of the claimant, Prince Adesina or his counsel to make necessary application to the High Court or the Appeal Court before filling his appeal amounted to a breach of the court process.

In his ruling, Justice Sotonye Denton West while upholding Salami’s prayer struck out the case for lack of competence.

Following his dethronement and banishment, Prince Adesina approached an Akure high court

to challenge his removal.

The High court in 2012 later dismissed the matter for lack of diligent prosecution.

Not satisfied, the deposed Deji headed for the Appeal Court in 2013.

Speaking with newsmen after the striking out of the suit, the deposed Deji and his counsel, Olalekan Ojo said they will

explore all judicial means to secure justice, vowing to go to the Supreme Court.

The deposed Deji had caused a stir few weeks ago when the case was heard in court.

He walked through the major streets in Akure metropolis sending a wrong signal that the court had pronounced his return to the throne.

FG grants Ondo varsity radio licence

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THE Federal Government has granted the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, in Ondo State licence to operate a campusbased radio station.

Vice Chancellor of the

institution, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun said this in Akure while briefing newsmen on the 6th convocation of the university.

Speaking on the radio station, Prof Ajibefun said it will commence transmission soon.

According to him, the radio station would be for effective

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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Garden of Life Assembly holds festival

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HE Garden of Life Assembly's annual Festival of Seeds will hold at the Church premises, 18 Ganiyu Jimoh Street, off Tedi road, opposite Ojo Cantoment Barracks, Lagos on December 13, by 9am.

The theme of the festival is Harvest of Abundance.

Bishop Orovwuje Edward, founder of the Church and other anointed men are expected at the event.

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training of mass communication students and information dissemination in and around the community.

He added that coupled with the radio station, the institution would soon begin a postgraduate programmes in Mass Communication.

ARIK PROMO: Mr. Obiora Okoye (2nd left), winner of Lenovo laptop in the #Arikcares gift c a m p a i g n receiving his gift from Rasheed Lawal (left) of Arik Air. Others in the photograph are Captain Tonny Petersson and Senior Cabin Crew member, Philomena Uwhubetine.

Ekiti 2016 budget passes second reading DO-EKITI—THE Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr. Kola Oluwawole has described the decision of Governor Ayo Fayose to involve the anti-graft agencies in the monitoring of 2016 budget, as setting standard of transparency in governance.

He said enlisting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, in the process of monitoring the budget should be the norm to be emulated by others.

Oluwawole made the statement at the Assembly complex, yesterday, during the second reading of the 2016 appropriation bill at the plenary of the House.

Leaders in Akure and the Akure Council of Chief condemned his action, which they described as “a show of shame.”

They warned him not to repeat such otherwise he would have himself to blame.

They insisted that Prince Adesina remain deposed and his reign consign to history.

PROTEST AFTERMATH: BUA commences workers pay-off, re-absorption

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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AGOS—IN response to the demands of its protesting staff, the management of BUA Flour and Pasta, subsidiaries of BUA Group has made provisions to pay affected staff entitlements fully in line with the company’s policy.

According to a statement by the Group Head, Corporate Communications, Mr. O’tega Ogra, the decision to pay off the staff of the two subsidiaries was based on their request that they be paid off either in the event of a divestment or not.

Some staff of the two subsidiaries had on December 1 and 9, 2015 staged a protest at the group’s head office in Victoria Island, Lagos with the claim that the flour arm of the group’s business has been sold off and feared that they would be laid off without their entitlements being paid.

BUA Group, in response to the employees protest, denied the sale of the subsidiaries.

The statement said, “There was a protest at our head office by employees of our Pasta and Flour subsidiaries due to apprehension over an alleged sale of our flour and pasta milling businesses.

As a thriving business that has consistently bucked the performance trend positively in the Flour and Pasta business in Nigeria, BUA receives serious unsolicited expressions of Interest from various companies across the world on its various businesses.''

Ogun budgets N1.3bn for council polls

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission has proposed a sum of N1.3 billion for the coming local government election and others scheduled for next year.

Alhaja Risikat Ogunfemi, who disclosed this at the budget defence before the Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, reassured the people of the State of its determination to conduct free and fair election across the 20 Local Government Councils in the State.

She said that the Commission required the support of both State and Local Government in order to succeed at the Local Government elections.

Ogunfemi said the Commission’s core mission was to conduct peaceful elections in the 20 local government areas and 236 wards across the state, explaining that the Commission needed fund to run a successful election.

12 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Bayelsa: Tension in Yenagoa as APC protests cancellation of polls in S-Ijaw

2016: Esele urged to join Edo gov race

We stand by INEC, say political parties

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio

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ENAGOA—TENSION, yesterday, heightened in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital as thousands of All Progressives Congress, APC, supporters took to the streets in protest over the cancellation of the rescheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had on Monday cancelled the governorship election in the volatile Southern Ijaw council.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, who announced the cancellation of the election in the area, said the poll in the area was “substantially” marred by violence, ballot box snatching and taking electoral officers hostage.

Meanwhile, 14 out of the 20 political parties that fielded candidates for the December 5, governorship election in Bayelsa State, said, they stand by the decision of INEC on the cancellation of the Southern Ijaw council election.

State chairman of Independent Democrats, ID, Prince Elemah, who addressed newsmen in Yenagoa, yesterday, condemned what they called “electoral fraud” that characterized the exercise in Southern Ijaw council, noting that INEC personnel and materials were hijacked by hoodlums through the instrumentality of the security operatives to harass and intimidate their party agents and the electorate.

The briefing was attended by the chairmen of Social Democratic Party, SDP; African Democratic Congress, ADC; Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN; KOWA; Progressives People Alliance, PPA; Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN; Democratic Peoples’ Party, DPP; Democratic People’s Congress, DPC; African Peoples Alliance, APA; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP; Mega Progressives Peoples Party, MPPP; United Peoples Congress, UPC; and Peoples Democratic Congress, PDC. Commending the people of Southern Ijaw council for standing firm to protest the alleged abuse of their civic rights to vote during the election, the parties called on all contestants to respect and accept the decision of the electorate on the election held so far in the seven local government areas and the people's decision in the Southern Ijaw rescheduled election when INEC eventually fixes a date.

Southern Ijaw council has 120,827 registered voters, the highest in the eight councils of the state.

Government offices were hurriedly closed as tension

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hightened in the state capital following fears that the protest could turn violent. Though it could not be immediately ascertained, it was gathered that the directive that the government offices within the secretariat complex be closed was verbally issued by the Head of Service, Dr. Peter Singabele.

Vanguard gathered that before the directive was issued, most of the civil servants could not access their offices as the

roads leading to the Government House and the state secretariat were cordoned off by armed security operatives.

The protesters who carried placards and sang anti-INEC songs, caused serious gridlock in the town as they marched from the APC secretariat at the Yenezue-Gene suburb of Yenagoa to the office of INEC on Swali Road to register their grievances over the cancellation of Southern Ijaw election

result.

It was the second protest in two days despite the ban on street procession by the police.

Supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, mainly women from Southern Ijaw council, had on Monday staged a peaceful protest close to the INEC collation centre, calling for the cancellation of the election in the council, alleging widespread irregularities.

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AHEAD of the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, a sociocultural group, Edo Unity League, has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of the former President of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Peter Esele.

The group, in a statement in Benin, yesterday, by Mr. Sylvester Eragbe, Vice Chairman, Edo North chapter, said that the quest for good governance in the state will continue to occupy the front burner of Edo youths and elders politics.

“We have taken note of the entrants of credible aspirants like Gen. Charles Airhiavbere (retd), Chief Solomon Edebiri and Dr. Chris Ogiemwonyi and others and the former President of TUC is one of the outstanding candidates that deserved our appeal to run for the governorship race in 2016,” he said.

UPU P-G slams Urhobo monarchs, others VISIT: From left, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; C.E.O. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr Yinka Sanni and Minister of State, Solid Minerals, Mr. Abubakar Bwari, during a visit by the management of the bank in Abuja, yesterday.

Arms deal: Previous administration abused public trust —Buhari

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—President Mohmmadu Buhari last night accused the previous administration of breaching public trust in the arms procurement.

The president stated that it was unfortunate that billions of Niara and hundreds of dollars were expended on the military equipment which could not be verified.

The president who spoke at a dinner he organized for the members of House of Representatives at the old banquet hall of the presidential villa in Abuja last night chronicled his efforts including several journeys to foreign countries he made at the assumption of office, stated that his government was committed to ridding the country of terrorism.

The president stated that the reconstitution of military hierarchy was to reequip and retrain the soldiers to perform optimally.

He said: “I decided to host this dinner to thank you so far. We

still have a long way to go.

There are a lot of rubicons to be crossed, but let’s be very clear about our objectives. Our objective is that we first secure the country and efficiently

manage it because we are all in government. In fact, we are the government. You, the executive and the judiciary so nobody should contemplate alienating one another.''

Maternal mortality claims 145 out 1,000 women in Nigeria daily—ISTH CMD

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—CHIEF Medical Director, CMD, of Federal Government's Irrua Specialist and Teaching Hospital, ISTH, Irrua, Edo State, Dr. Sylvanus Okogbenin, has said that over 145 per 1,000 women die daily in Nigeria from complications arising from maternal mortality, according to the latest World Health Organisation, WHO, report.

He said that whereas the country contributes less than one percent to world population, she contributes 10 per cent to global maternal mortality, describing it as a critical development.

Speaking at the 2015 Annual

General Meeting, AGM, and Scientific Conference of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, hosted by ISTH, he pointed out that most programmes designed to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria exclude the male folks and assume that the women have the greatest stake and interest in protecting their own reproductive health.

The consultant obstetrician and gynecologist regretted that several efforts to halt maternal mortality had focused exclusively on female ante-natal population and biomedical interventions, without similar emphasis on socio-cultural factors and gender dynamics involved in maternal health.

By Perez Brisibe

U

G H E L L I — PRESIDENT General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, Chief Joe Omene, has taken a swipe at Urhorbo monarchs and President Generals, of the 24 Urhobo kingdoms over the purported dissolution of his executive.

Challenging the authority of the monarchs and PGs in the affairs of the union, Omene, in a chat with Vanguard, accused them of being mischievous by trying to hijack the UPU unconstitutionally.

Oshiomhole presents 2016 budget Dec 14

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State will present the 2016 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly on December 14.

In a letter by Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Julius Ihonvbere, and read by the Speaker, Victor Edoroh, the governor said: “I write to inform you that I will be presenting the 2016 proposed budget estimate to the House on December 14.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—13

Govs must pay minimum wage —Oshiomhole

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomole of Edo State has expressed displeasure over his colleagues' insistence on reducing to N10,000, the N18,000 minimum wage, saying they had no option to than to pay workers their stipulated salaries.

Oshiomole, who spoke to State House correspondents after a private meeting with President Mohammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, reminded his colleagues that the welfare of the people was the basic reason for governance.

He said: “With due respect to my colleagues, it is offensive to talk about minimum wage. How can the food of the steward be the reason that the elders cannot eat? I mean by conventional wisdom. If there is crisis in the system, it is the excess fat that will shade fats not the skeletons.

The idea of using minimum is very offensive.

“The problem with Nigeria is that each time we confront a serious economic problem, we look at the escape route option.

Those are not the hearts of the challenges, we must go to the heart of challenges, we must revisit issues. I also think it is simplistic to believe that one drug will cure all the ailments in the various states. Every state has to take its own independent

evaluation of the nature of its own problems and design appropriate policy instruments to deal with those problems as they relate to each state.

“The problem in one state is not the same with the one in Edo State. Everybody will have to deal with its own. Lastly, I also think that if anybody wants to talk about federalism,

let's not talk about federalism where it affects the wages of the lowest paid. I have asked this question, why should Edo state governor receive the same salary as the governor of Lagos State when the population of Lagos State is doubled that of Edo state and their GDP is much higher?

“Why should I receive the

same pay as the governor of Zamfara or Akwa Ibom, these states are richer by accident of location. If we want to preach this principle, we are in a federal system, everybody should pay according to his cost of living. The cost of governing Edo State is not the same cost as governing Lagos State.”

NUJ 2015 PRESS WEEK: From left: Delta State Delta State deputy governor, Kingsley Otuaro; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and the National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Waheed Odusile, during the Delta State NUJ 2015 Press Week Lecture and Award ceremony, yesterday. Photo: Nath Onojake.

NBA to assist anti-graft agencies in tackling corruption issues

By Innocent Anaba

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HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, AntiCorruption Commission, has promised to assist the anticorruption agencies and related bodies in the country on ways and means to duly and effectively tackle corruption issues with dispatch.

Dr. Theophilus Osabakpo, SAN, Chairman, NBA-Anti Corruption Commission, who spoke during activities to mark the International Anti- Corruption Day, said: “In marking this very important global event, the NBA Anti-Corruption Commission recognises that corruption is endemic in the Nigerian state.

Therefore, the Commission is using this medium as its engagement process and

advocacy programme to evolve a clear architecture on ways and means to effectively tackle corruption so as to promote the common good in Nigerian environs.

“At the inauguration of our Commission on February 4, 2015, by Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, the President of NBA, we decided that charity begins at

home, hence directed all the 109 branches of NBA to establish Anti-Corruption Committees in their respective branches. The objective is to enable the branches to deal with corruption issues affecting their members in their environs.

“As part of our engagement process and advocacy programme, we anchored a

conference in Abuja within four months of our inauguration to brainstorm on how best to address corruption issues in our clime. The overriding objective is to evolve a process and a system to assist the anticorruption agencies and related bodies on ways and means to duly and effectively tackle corruption issues with dispatch."

ASUU chiefs fault Michael Okpara varsity VC on appointments

By Emem Idio ENAGOA—THE Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Port Harcourt zone, has faulted the Vice Chancellor of Michael Opara University of Agriculture, Umudike,

Y

MOUAU, Professor Hilary Edeoga, over the appointments of academic staff in the institution.

The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Port Harcourt Zone, Professor Beke Sese, who addressed newsmen in Ye n a g o a , Bayelsa State, y e s t e r d a y, described the appointments of academic staff by the VC as a total negation of laid down rules and procedures guarding the

appointments and promotions in the university system.

According to Sese, apart from meeting the requirements on qualifications and publications, the tenure for elevation to the next rank is between two to three years in Nigerian Universities, and five years from Senior Lecturer to Professor.

He regretted that in total disregard to laid down standards, out of the 34 appointments that were announced, 30 of the appointees were not suitably qualified. He accused the VC of promoting his cronies within the same year of their last promotions.

Delta Assembly assures on early passage of 2016 budget

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State House of Assembly, has assured early passage of the appropriation bill presented to it during its Tuesday’s plenary by the state governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for the 2016 fiscal year.

Deputy Speaker, Mr Friday Osanebi, at the plenary, said the House having received the 2016 budget proposal of N265.6 billion would expedite action on the bill to enable the administration sustain its objective of bringing prosperity to the people.

Osanebi commended the governor for being proactive in his determination to move the state forward.

He said in the last six months, the governor has confirmed his commitment to the SMART agenda, saying that the state legislature would always support the governor to succeed.

Appeal Court upholds Delta lawmaker's election

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State, has dismissed the appeal by the House of Assembly candidate of Labour Party, Mr Hero Omwirhiren, against the member representing Okpe Local Government constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Omwirhiren had dragged Oborevwori to the tribunal challenging his victory in the 2015 general election.

The election petition tribunal which sat in Asaba had dismissed the petition for Omwirhiren’s inability to prove his case.

Delivering judgment in the matter, the Presiding Judge, Justice H. A Barka, said the appellant could not prove his allegations and upheld the judgment of the tribunal.

Dismissing the petition, Barka awarded cost of N50,000 each in favour of all the respondents against the petitioner.

Reacting to the judgment, Oborevwori thanked God for his blessings and his constituents for their support.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 , 2015

OLOROGUN FELIX IBRU'S 80TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION PARTY AT SHERATON HOTEL, IKEJA, LAGOS, ON MONDAY.

Mrs Amina Ahmadu (left) and Erelu Abiola Dosunmu.

From left; Mr & Mrs Goodie Ibru; Mrs Matilda Ibru; celebrant and former Delta State Governor, Olorogun Felix Ibru and wife, Carol; a guest and former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba.

Olorogun Oscar Ibru (left) and Aremo Chief and Mrs Johnson Barovbe and Prince Austin Isire. Olusegun Osoba.

Gen & Mrs Hafiz Momoh.

KOGI: We may replace Faleke if..., says Oyegun •‘APC watching Bayelsa scenario closely'

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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B U J A — N AT I O N A L Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun yesterday said the party may have to replace its Deputy-Governor Elect for Kogi State, Hon. James Faleke should he fail to present himself for swearing-in on January 27, 2016.

Oyegun, however, stated that all efforts were being made to placate aggrieved parties in the election that produced Alhaji Yayaha Bello before the day of inauguration.

Oyegun’s declaration followed Faleke’s statement on Monday that he would not be available for swearing-in with Bello if all matters relating to the elections were not resolved before the day.

It will be recalled that Faleke, who was running mate to the former APC governorship candidate, late Abubakar Audu had craved to be declared winner of the election having run on a joint ticket with Audu.

Ignored by the party, Faleke approached the court, contending the rationale behind the C M Y K

substitution made with Bello as the governorship candidate in the December 5 supplementary polls that the party won.

Also before the election, he had rejected nomination as running mate to Bello, vowing to contest it in court.

But fielding questions from journalists on some topical issues in APC and in the polity at large, Oyegun stated that no one is irreplaceable, adding however that the party was still talking with all concerned individuals with a view to to amicably resolving the impasse.

Reconcilliation moves

Asked whether Faleke would be sanctioned by the party for declaring himself a candidate, Oyegun said the party was looking into the matter.

He said: “On the Faleke issue, it is rather a straightforward and easy issue. We have replaced a governorship candidate. If the need arises and subject to what the law says, we will also get a deputy governorship candidate but we will cross those bridges as they arise but

they have not arisen yet.

“We are not worried, the Kogi situation is still evolving and we will cross every bridge as we get to it. We’ll wait and see who does what and work out answers that meet each situation.

“We have thought the process through and we have won the election in Kogi. For us in APC, Kogi is a settled issue, if you want to go to the tribunal, we’ll meet you there, if you want to go to court, we’ll meet you there.

“Kogi is basically resolved, thank God in favour of the APC, very unfortunate very tragic events occurred the entire polity had to find solutions to problems which detailed as the constitution did not envisage and the in the next few weeks, depending on who goes to court or who doesn’t, we will know the boundaries of the law in respect of these issues.

On Bayelsa polls

Also speaking on Bayelsa governorship election that was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the APC

national chairman said it was worrisome that election were cancelled in Southern Ijaw, which he referred as stronghold of the party.

“For Bayelsa State, we cannot but express our disappointment that things have gone the way they did.

We are unhappy that the results from the most populous voting areas which is a strong hold of the APC had to be cancelled and rendered the elections inconclusive.

“All one can say at this stage pronouncements have been made, as a party we will be patient, we will give the benefit of the doubt will go on to whenever the re-run for southern Ijaw is slated.

Also reacting to the statement credited to the Transition Monitoring Group that the election in Bayelsa did not meet required standard, Oyegun said the party would take a stand when the process is concluded.

He said: “On Bayelsa and TMG’s position, I’ll say we are far from being satisfied (with the conduct of the poll)

but INEC has made a pronouncement and you can’t get them to take it back unless you go to court so we are waiting for the processes to be concluded.

On removal subsidy

of

oil

Also lending his voice on the removal of oil subsidy against the backdrop that it was not captured in the 2016 national budget, Oyegun stated that the trend would have to stop with time when government has put palliatives in place.

This was even as he restated the commitment of the APC led federal government to pay the N5000 stipends it promised to vulnerable and unemployed Nigerians.

“We do not know what is contained in the budget. So what is covered or what it does not cover, we do not know because it is still in various stages of construction.

“Whether subsidy goes or stays is an intricate and major issue. If it has to go, the government must have to construct the palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardships that may come on the ordinary Nigerian.''

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—15

By Simon Ebegbulem, Enyim Enyim & Nwabueze Okonkwo THE ALL Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly address squarely the vexed issue of marginalization of the South East to end the present protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. Addressing reporters in Awka, Anambra State, National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, noted that the present restiveness of the two bodies stemmed from the perceived age-long marginalization of the race which needed immediate attention.

2019 Igbo Presidency Meanwhile, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, had described as political compensation, the kite being flown by some Northern elders to the effect that Ndigbo would be allowed to prodduce the president in 2019.

Spokesman of the IPOB, Emma Powerful, yesterday, on the issue, said, they were not interested in Nigeria’s affairs any longer, adding that those flying the kite of Igbo presidency in 2019 were merely a distraction.

However, Obi-Okoye advised the groups against violence in the country as it would paralyze economic activities that would not augur well for anybody.

He said: “APGA certainly will not support a situation where protests by any form are used to disrupt the economic life of the peaceful people of the South East and endanger the continued existence of Ndigbo in other parts of the country.

“Much as we as a political party do not subscribe to violence nor break-down of law and order, it is important that the two bodies carry out their activities within the ambit of the law. We are reliably informed that these protests which hitherto were non-violent, later turned out to become messy and bloody, leading to arson and loss of lives.

"Investigations also revealed that a combined team of security operatives involving the army, police and the navy had been deployed to bring order to the protests.

“The party, however, commends the governors of the South East, who as chief security officers in their respective states have shown considerable maturity and responsibility in handling the protests. spirit of equity, justice "APGA urges President Buhari to look more into the plight of the South East in the spirit of equity, justice and fair play in order to address the fundamental issues of marginalization of the South East zone to ensure the frustrations which gave rise to the protests are addressed in the interest of a united federation and

MASSOB: APGA urges Buhari to address

Igbo marginalization •2019 IGBO PRESIDENCY:

We’re not interested in Nigeria’s politics of

compensation —IPOB •IPOB PROTESTS: Infrastructure state of emergency should be declared in S/East —IMC ...Biafra agitators'll face the law if they kill •APC distances self from MASSOB killings know that if they kill or destroy property of people, they will be held accountable for their actions because those whose property were destroyed have the right to seek justice.

“They have the right to protest, just as any other group has the right to protest because that is their only reaction to what they consider as injustice, but the fact is that protest has its limitations.

“If people say they are protesting and start destroying people’s property, there is a body set up to ensure that people are free to own property and be alive.

Those whose cars and houses were burnt have the right to justice and even those that were killed.

“So in doing what you do, ensure it is in accordance with the law. So, I sympathize with them, that is freedom of expression they are exercising, but when it reaches destruction, it will not be allowed,” he stated.

AWARDS: Chairman, Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria, Mr. Emeka Ene (right), presenting PETAN Chairman Outstanding Achievement Recognition award to former GMD of NNPC, Jackson Gaius-Obaseki, who was represented by his son, Dr. Peter Gaius-Obaseki, during the 10th Petan Annual Oil lndustry Awards Dinner, in Lagos. sustenance of one and indivisible Nigerian nation.”

On his part, Powerful said, what IPOB wants was the release their leader, Nnamdi Kanu from detention and to allow Biafrans to go and not to play politics of compensation by telling Ndigbo that they will become the president in 2019, apparently to douse tension.

Politics of compensation He recalled that politics of compensation was played during the June 12, 1993 saga when the Yoruba were compensated with Olusegun Obasanjo presidency in place of M.K.O. Abiola’s annulled election, just as President Buhari was compensated because of Boko Haram insurgency.

According to him: “If politics of compensation was used to favour Obasanjo in place of June 12 annulment and was also used to favour Buhari in place insurgency, that is their own cup of tea. But for us in IPOB, we are not interested in that politics of compensation whereby we are being told that an Igboman will become Nigeria’s president in 2019 and we will begin to listen to them.

“All we want or are interested in is the release our leader, Kanu and then allow Biafra to be and

not Igbo presidency,” he added.

Decayed road network Speaking separately, DirectorGeneral of Igbo Mandate Congress, IMC, Rev. Obinna Akukwe reiterated that “President Buhari must be told today that the decayed road network must be rehabilitated in the interest of peace and tranquillity.”

“President Buhari must fix the roads. Look at the Onitsha/Enugu Express, Enugu/Port Harcourt, Nnewi/Okigwe Road, the River Port has not been functional, Enugu Airport should have infrastructure as an international airport and jobs created for the teeming youths.

“Those IPOB, MASSOB and Biafra Zionist leader, Ben Onwuka and their members, who are still being held in detention should be unconditionally released and amnesty granted to those who need them and skill acquisition/trade provided.”

On political appointments, he said: “Leaders should not be imposed on the Igbo, they should be allowed to say who will lead them. Again, we will not accept money being given to those elders, who call themselves our representatives because they pocket the money to the detriment of the people of the region.

“We have spoken to our Igbo

brothers in the 19 northern states that they should not leave the area because of the uprising from Boko Haram and other insurgencies.

Rather, the Northern governors, Emirs, religious leaders and other stakeholders should ensure the safety of Ndigbo and their property in the area and Ndigbo themselves should try and invest at home.”

Criminal to destroy innocent lives Meanwhile, former Minister of Information and chieftain of APC, Prince Tony Momoh had cautioned those agitating for the state of Biafra against killings and destruction of property, saying that it was criminal to destroy innocent lives in the name of protest.

Noting that they were exercising their rights by protesting but that it should be done according to the laws of the nation, while speaking with journalists in Auchi, Edo State, he expressed optimism that the nation will come out stronger after the current hardship, which according to him, was caused by years of misrule.

He insisted that Nigeria would remain one indivisible nation despite the current agitations from the South East.

“Those protesting should also

APC distances self from killings Meanwhile, the APC, yesterday, distanced itself from allegation of instigating the killings of pro-MASSOB protesters in Onitsha, Anambra State in August.

It will be recalled that nine people were reportedly killed on November 22 when MASOB protesters clashed with security agents during a protest seeking the actualization of an independent state for the Igbo.

Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, told newsmen in Abuja that the party had nothing to do with the clash, and it had no reason, whatsoever, to kill innocent people.

Odigie-Oyegun said that MASSOB was not an opposition party hence APC had no reason to clash or incite the public against the movement.

“Please, perish that thought; what is the involvement of APC? Is MASSOB PDP? Why would the APC feel any desire to be involved in any way whatsoever?

“It was a clear security situation and no government worth its salt will watch any group whatsoever make life impossible for the rest of the society. The killings were most regrettable,” he stressed, adding “but even now, we don’t know who killed who.

“I think we should just pray that that situation will eventually resolve itself through the carrot and stick approach. The carrot is absolutely necessary and I pray that the solution is found,” he said.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Okorocha appoints SAs, including Catholic priest

Ugwuanyi tasks Nigerians on fight against corruption

By Francis Igata

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By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI

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G O V E R N O R

Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, announced the appointment of 17 special advisers and directors general, including a Catholic priest, to help him run the affairs of the state.

However, the move is seen by political watchers in the state, as “an apparent move to douse the heightening tension over the non-reconstitution of Imo State Executive Council by Governor Okorocha.”

The people that made the list were largely former loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who lately switched over their loyalty to All Progressives Congress, APC.

Reposition science for food security, FUTA don tells FG

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CIENCE AND technological education must be repositioned with adequate funding, well equipped laboratories and workshops that will allow engineering graduates to design and fabricate functional equipment for local food processing, important for food security.

This was the submission of Tayo Fagbemi, a professor of Food Science and Technology, while delivering the 73rd inaugural lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA. To achieve this, Fagbemi called on the Federal Government to establish a Centre for Development of Nigerian Foods, CNDF, to process under-utilized crops into pilot plants from where Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, can take over.

Speaking on Food Processing: Guaranteeing Food, Nutrition and Health Security, Fagbemi said, the poor state of applied science and technology had led to the decline in scientific efforts of the early 60's and 70's, which allowed local talents to contribute to technological growth.

C M Y K

From left, Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, Mr. Eze Onyekpere; National President, Youths Organisation for Unity and Total Harmony of Society, Rev. Jason Nworah; Chaplain to the National Assembly, Ven. Joseph Unuayan, and Executive Director, Muslim League for Accountability, Yusuf Arrigasiyyu, at a seminar to commemorate the World Anti-Corruption Day, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Ambode releases 3,200 Cs of O to applicants in three months

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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OVERNOR AKINWUNMI Ambode of Lagos State, has signed and released 3, 200 Certificates of Occupancy, Cs of O, between September and November, 2015 to applicants in the state.

He also approved the creation of a dedicated helpdesk for applicants who have applied for Cs of O and whose applications were not concluded due to incomplete documents.

According to Permanent Secretary, Lands Bureau, Mr. Bode Agoro, the dedicated help-desk became necessary following the avalanche of uncompleted and abandoned applications, which were associated with the non submission of vital information and other documents by applicants.

Agoro reiterated the commitment of the Ambode’s administration towards prompt signing and release of Cs of O to residents, to ensure that they have titles to their landed property without any delay.

He assured that the exercise, which kicked off this week was expected to clear the backlog of

RCCG commissions block of classrooms in Ogijo High School

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HE REDEEMED Christian Church of God, RCCG, has commissioned a block of classrooms built and donated by the church to Ogijo Community High School, Ogijo in Ogun State.

Commissioning the block, Pastor in charge of Province 33, Pastor Dele Jaiyeoba said, that the church “saw a need that we can meet and agreed with the school authority to provide the block of classrooms.”

According to him, the school had some classrooms, but they were not enough to cater for the teeming population of pupils, some of whom take their classes in the open air.

This moved the authority of the church “to build the block of classrooms which are properly furnished and fitted with fans, set of tables and chairs to make learning conducive for our children.”

Pastor Jaiyeoba prayed that he is “trusting God that some of the pupils that will be taught in these classrooms will grow up to become leaders in Nigeria, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants and other professionals, national and international icons.”

uncompleted applications for Cs of O, as well as encourage applicants with outstanding applications in the bureau to take advantage of the process put in place by the state government.

NUGU—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, has called on Nigerians to join forces with anticorruption agencies to rid the country of corruption.

Ugwuanyi, who lamented the endemic of corruption in all sectors of the economy, described it as a canker worm that has bedeviled the country resulting in abysmal economic growth.

The governor, when the zonal commissioner of the Independent Corrupt Practice Commission, ICPC, South-East geopolitical zone, Prince Hassan Muhammed led officers of his team on a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Enugu, noted that it was high time the nation rose to checkmate all avenues of leakage in the economy, especially in the present period of dwindling economy.

He said, “Corruption is a canker worm that retard economic development, I urge all Nigerians including Enugu State to support ICPC on efforts to rid the country of corruption.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 17

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AST week, a very contro versial bill passed second reading in the Nigerian Senate.

The bill titled: “Act to Prohibit Frivolous Petitions”, is sponsored

by Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, representing Kebbi South. The bill’s sponsor said it is aimed at whoever makes “an allegation or publish a statement or petition in the newspaper, radio, or medium of whatever description against another person, institutions of government, or any public office holder”. And to underline the intendments of the new bill, whoever falls foul will go to prison for two years; there will also be fines dependent on the media form used to convey the allegations that fall foul of Bala Na’Allah’s bill. Thus, a “false allegation” issued via radio, television or print media, would carry a fine of N4 million, while the same allegation, issued through social media, would attract a fine in the sum of N2 million.

Na’Allah’s bill gave an omnibus coverage of social media, to include forms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, SMS and WhatsApp, as platforms upon which “false allegations” could face prosecution.

There was an obvious rush to pass the bill, because Na’Allah presented it for first reading on November 24 and the second passed last week on December 2.

Many senators, including Biodun Olujimi (a former television broadcaster), spoke in support of the controversial bill, arguing that: “…the amount of falsehood flying everywhere is staggering and a scapegoat has to be made as deterrent for others”.

Threat to democracy The controversial Dino Melaye specifically targeted the online medium, SAHARA REPORTERS, which he described as “a threat to democracy with their continued act of insubordination”. He asked the Nigerian government to “…write the US Government on their (SAHARA REPORTERS’) misinformation”; further seeking Senate censure of the news channel, because according to him, SAHARA REPORTERS was “…blackmailing and intimidating the Senate”.

And when SUNDAY TRUST interviewed BalaNa’Allah, he remarked that “…the public cannot blackmail us into saying that we cannot sit down and make laws for our country”. What he failed to state, which Nigerians see through, is the attempt to hide their faces behind a finger. Politically exposed senators are attempting to make a law specifically for themselves!

The BukolaSaraki-led 8th Senate has lurched from one controversy to the other since its controversial inauguration on June 9, 2015. The same body was also allegedly preparing a law to extend immunity to the National Assembly leadership, in order to protect its President, Bukola Saraki, from facing prosecution in the courts.

The speed at which the antisocial media bill is being rushed strengthens suspicions about C M Y K

Social media and its Senate malcontents Na’Allah’s motive. Bala Na’Allah is one of Saraki’s most gung-ho sidekicks in the 8th Senate and that says a lot about his new bill!

Luckily, the Presidency early this week dissociated itself from the Senate stating that: “The President won’t assent to any legislation that may be inconsistent with the Constitution of Nigeria”.

In a democracy, it noted, people “are so emotionally attached to free speech that they would defend it with all their might”. That is lost on the politically exposed senators who seem thoroughly scared of democracy’s open forum which allows citizens use of social media platforms. Citizen power traumatises senators because social media in citizens’ hands endangers the regimes of heist and irresponsibility of the politically exposed.

Democracy's open forum The 8th Senate has too many individuals who must eventually answer questions about their stewardship of the resources of the Nigerian people. An anti-social media legislation as proposed, is actually a weapon in the hands of those who feel very worried about what the immediate future holds for them under the current dispensation, with President Buhari’s zero tolerance for the corruption that many of the leading political actors are used to; have profited from and want to continue in our country. In real terms, it the constitutionally guaranteed right of the media to hold government accountable to the Nigerian people, that this proposed law is trying to oust. If we allow this absurd and arrogantly selfserving bill to find the light of day, it seems clear to me that the Saraki-led 8th Senate won’t stop

An anti-social media legislation, as proposed, is actually a weapon in the hands of those who feel very worried about what the immediate future holds for them under the current dispensation

at muzzling social media outlets.

It is social media today; but the entire Nigerian media will also be endangered. The Nigerian media remain the social space

where, in the final analysis, most of the crimes the politically exposed have committed against our country will be exposed and interrogated. It is that possibility

of exposure and interrogation, which these forces want to subvert. No, it is not SAHARA REPORTERS or social media that endangers democracy. It is those who have stolen Nigeria blind and have accumulated huge sums therefore; and are fighting the battles of their lives in courts; in the space of public opinion and who can manipulate national institutions to aid a desperate battle for personal and political survival, that endanger Nigeria’s democracy! These are the forces that Bala Na’Allah’s anti-Social Media bill is attempting to defend.

They are social media’s malcontents in the Nigerian Senate and Nigeria’s political society. They would fail if we can build a national movement to stop them!

Prof. Eskor Toyo: Passing of a giant of thought and action

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N Tuesday this week, intellectual and activist can be a Chido Onumah, Coordi- major contributor to historically nator of the Abuja-based African significant processes of struggle, Centre for Media & Information but was never able to construct Literacy, posted an obituary for the organisational platform to carProfessor Eskor Toyo, one of the ry out revolutionary transformamost distinguished Marxist schol- tion of society.

At least that was what the Niars that Africa has ever produced.

Comrade Eskor Toyo died on gerian example taught and when Monday, December 7, 2015 at the the world socialist system age of 86. His death has triggered collapsed; it did not take long for a genuine outpouring of tributes the Nigerian detachment to from all over Nigeria, for a most atrophy and individual cadres committed intellectual and first moved on, with many becoming class polemicist, who spent his civil society activists who ironically very productive lifetime as an in- became dependent on the dollars trepid protagonist of the working which came from imperialism. people and the poor in our coun- Comrade Eskor Toyo was one of try, Africa and the world working the last men standing in the trenches of the struggle for the class movement.

Many of the tributes I have socialist transformation of Nigeread came from people who nev- ria. It was a commitment that he er had a direct personal contact never abandoned, despite the with Eskor Toyo, but were indi- despair and the reactionary amrectly affected by his prodigious bience associated with imperialintellectual output and his genuine commitment to the very best interests of our country. Comrade Eskor Toyo lived an intensely engaged life of the revolutionary OMORROW, Friday, De intellectual and his life, from the cember 11, 2015, marks the obituary posted by Onumah, had twentieth anniversary on the been one of a brilliant academic throne, for His Royal Highness background too.

(HRH) AlhajiNuhu Muhammad Sanusi, the Emir of Dutse. Two University weeks ago, I received a call from matriculation him; he had called to inform me of the ceremony and asked that I He had passed the Cambridge sent my office address so he could School Certificate in Grade One send an invitation letter to the anin 1945 and was therefore ex- niversary. HRH Muhammad Saempted from London University nusi was a Delegate to the 2014 National Conference, and was matriculation.

He was also to pass the Higher one of the very silent influencers School Certificate (Cambridge); who spent time helping to build earned a Diploma in Public Ad- bridges across the suspicions ministration and B. Sc. In Eco- which marked most of our time at nomics from the University of the Conference. He spoke sparLondon; a First Class in Postgrad- ingly but was always a dignified uate Diploma in National Eco- presence amongst the delegates. nomic Planning; Masters and Doctorate (Cum Laude) in Eco- Dignified nomics. presence For the generation of Nigerian Marxists and working class acMy relationship with Dutse betivists of the 1970s and the 1980s, came especially strong from 2013, Comrade Eskor Toyo was certain- when I was appointed a member ly one of the leading cadres that of the Technical Committee Govwe learned from. The incredible ernor SuleLamido tasked with hallmark of those decades, was helping to midwife the Jigawa how a genuinely pan-Nigerian State Television. I travelled to the movement dedicated to a revolu- Jigawa State capital almost on a tionary transformation of our weekly basis and was delighted country had been constructed, yet at the impressive turnaround that there was also an underlining Dutsehas seen in the 20 years that tragedy of fractiousness of that HRH Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi movement. The petty bourgeois has been Emir. The transforma-

ism’s triumph in the ideological struggle with socialism. I do hope younger generations of Nigerians, who make up the overwhelming segment of our country’s population today, will learn the lessons of rigorous intellectual development, principled commitment to his cause and a remarkable staying power. You might not accept socialism, but those qualities are very essential to building a truly modern country.

With Professor Eskor Toyo’s passing, the Nigerian, African and the international working have lost a truly committed fighter. May his example of patriotic commitment and dedicated intellectual labour endure to inspire newer generations of patriots able to do their duty to our country!

Alhaji Nuhu Muhammad Sanusi: 20 years as emir of Dutse

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tion had been particularly rapid in the past eight years of Lamido’s governorship of the state. A sleepy town was transformed into a modern capital with well-laid out streets, offices, new housing developments, shops and commercial enterprises; even a brand new Federal university came into the remarkable transformation of the past 20 years. There must be a lot going for the Emir of Dutse, especially because he never fails to carry himself with dignity. While providing the stability of tradition with so much grace, at a period of fast-paced changes as well the challenges characteristic of a civilian political era, HRH is said to be a passionate golf player and he uses that as a very personal and social form of finding inner peace and calmness.

HRH MuahmmadSanusi is a man of tradition who is nevertheless knowledgeable in the ways and dictates of modernity too. The changes that his city and emirate have witnessed in the past 20 years are testimony to the Emir’s leadership and the ambience that has provided for the development of his community. On this occasion of 20 years on the throne, I will like to extend best wishes to HRH Muhammad Sanusi, Emir of Dutse. Allah yajazamaninsarki. Amin

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 THE Muhammadu Buhari administration has started making good its pledge to probe the bigtime financial transactions of the previous administration with the ongoing investigation of arms deals between 2007 and May 29th 2015.

Already, a 13-man committee constituted to examine the transactions has unearthed what it described as largescale scams totalling N643.817 billion and $2.193 billion after a preliminary inquiry.

These sums are mind boggling, and no responsible and accountable government will fail to bring in all those connected with the deals to say what they know about them.

Already, the administration, which had put the immediate past National Security Adviser (NSA), retired Col Sambo Dasuki under arrest, has reportedly caused the security agencies to arrest a number of former service

Unravelling the arms deals chiefs, some officials of the former President Goodluck Jonathan regime and some prominent businessmen into custody.

We strongly believe that anyone or group of persons entrusted with the power and duties of public office must stand ready, at any time, to give account whenever the need arises. To this end, we are in full support of this and other probes that may follow in the days ahead.

This is more so because the nation suffered heavy losses as a result of alleged lack of relevant military equipment to suppress the Boko Haram

insurgency, which started like a joke and blew up within months to become a major threat to the nation and the West Africa sub-region.

We lost thousands of innocent citizens, including our gallant and heroic soldiers, policemen and other security personnel. Schools, hospitals and communities were destroyed and defenceless men, women, girls, children and the aged abducted by the terrorists.

We lost a large tranche of territories, which are just now being recovered through military operations. Indeed the losses are unquantifiable.

If it is established that people given the

sacred duty of spending public funds to protect the nation and its people actually diverted some or all of the funds to private uses, then the culprits must be brought to face the full weight of the law and proceeds of their criminal activities recovered. This should be the beginning of the conscious culture of putting public officers and their collaborators on notice that no one can toy with the vital interests of the nation and get away with it.

However, because of these probes and prosecutions have the potential to be politicised both by elements in government and their opponents, we insist on full disclosure of all facts to the public, and the transparent, due process conduct of all probes and trials.

If the involvement of the media, civil society and international stakeholders as observers will ensure a total depoliticisation of the process, then so be it.

OPINION

Tax as an alternative revenue earner

By Chukwudi Enekwechi

T

AXATION is a means of generating revenue by government for the purpose of providing social services to the people.

Taxation all over the world is a function of reciprocity. While the government owes it as a duty to empower the citizens by providing jobs, infrastructure and other development projects, the citizens are usually expected to reciprocate by performing their own obligations, principal of which is payment of taxes. Revenue generated from citizens taxes is usually recycled by the state (government) in the area of provision of basic amenities such as water, roads, electricity, schools, among others.

The question to ask is, how efficient is Nigerian’s tax collection system? In cases where we have an efficient collection system, what about the management and administration of the collected taxes?

Does the revenue accruable from taxes deployed towards the rapid infrastructural development of the country?

The new reality is that governments at all levels have to raise the bar by embarking on an aggressive tax drive, considering the dwindling revenue profile arising from the fall in oil prices. Therefore, we

have to come to terms with the present reality.

The President has said that Nigeria is broke, and how do we survive as a nation? The answer is not far fetched as Nigerians must be ready to provide for themselves by embracing the concept of taxation. Taxes come in various forms, ranging from personal income tax, value added tax and companies income tax, among others.

It should be recalled that in recent years oil was sold at over a $100 per barrel, but

by May 29, 2015 when the present administration assumed office, it had plummeted to below $50 per barrel. Yet the government still has to contend with

With aggressive tax laws and enforcement, there is no doubt that Nigeria can withstand the shocks of the uncertainties in the oil market

increasing social responsibilities.

To bridge the yawning gap in revenue accruals, there arose the need for government to embark on aggressive taxation which is the most recognised and plausible means of generating revenue for social services across the globe.

Mr. President’s promise at his inauguration to diversify Nigeria’s revenue base cannot be realised without a well articulated tax laws.

Information at my disposal indicates that revenue accruable from value added tax from January to June 2015 came to about N376 billion, but this figure has doubled since July till date. The reason of course can be attributed to the Federal Government’s commitment towards diversification of revenue sources.

With aggressive tax laws and enforcement, there is no doubt that Nigeria can withstand the shocks of the uncertainties in the oil market. What this means is that there will be more revenue available for the government to cater for the needs of our people.

This is the best time in our history for Nigerians to embrace the tax system. I say this bearing in mind that President Buhari can be trusted and is a man of impeccable integrity. By this, I mean that Nigerians can be involved in the contributory social contract by paying their taxes regularly.

As part of his administration’s economic reform, President Buhari can be trusted to provide the necessary infrastructure that will be commensurate with the reve-

nue generated from tax. It is a win-win situation for both the government and the governed. Our present experience in drop in oil revenue is a clear indicator that to continue to depend on a mono source of revenue will ultimately spell doom for our economy.

Therefore, we must commend the foresight of President Muhammadu Buhari to refocus our economic direction to other areas.

Since his assumption of office he has enunciated several policies aimed at rejuvenating the economy. For instance, the Treasury Single Account which has centralised Federal Government accounts and thereby eliminating wastes and plugged leakages.

The diversification of the nation’s economy by promoting agriculture, mining and other revenue-yielding sources has for the very first time reduced the country’s dependence on oil as our only source of revenue. The implication is that in no distant time Nigeria will begin to earn revenue from multiple sources, and this will strengthen the naira, create new jobs and generally stimulate the economy.

It is pertinent to point out that while the impact of the economic measures being taken by the Buhari administration is beginning to be felt in the short term, the overall and wide ranging effect will manifest in the long run for the benefit of all Nigerians.

*Mr Enekwechi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 10,, 2015 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Biafra: Surprises from the North W

HEN the current agitations for Biafra by Igbo youth started under the platform of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, most people did not take them serious.

This was probably because of the tepid, non-violent and purposeless posture that Barrister Ralph Uwazuruike’s Movement for the Actualisation of the Independent State of Biafra, MASSOB, struck in the past twenty or so years of its founding.

Apart from routinely mustering thousands of idle young men and women, moving in large columns of buses, planting Biafran flags here and there, occasionally having its leaders and members arrested and such inanities, MASSOB was essentially irrelevant as opposed to, say, the Yoruba Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, which acted as an alternative grassroots police/security outfit which had the confidence of the people. MASSOB squatted on its haunches while kidnappers, armed robbers and all sorts of vile criminals had Igboland for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, came with a different weapon: fiery demagoguery spewed from the megaphones of Radio Biafra, a foreignbased pirate radio station, stroking the dormant chords of Igbo sentiments about their ever worsening conditions in their country, Nigeria, and telling them it is time to dump their fatherland for a dream independent Biafra. Kanu’s messages are clearly meant to drive a wedge between the Igbos and other Nigerians. He calls Nigeria a “zoo”. As you know, it is animals that reside in zoos.

Naturally, the reactions to Nnamdi Kanu and his IPOB crowd are mixed among Nigerians. The Igbos share the sentiments Kanu and his IPOB are ventilating. However, some, like me, do not think the answer lies in secession from our own fatherland into a Chimeric or Quixotic Republic of Biafra. For that reason, we urge restraint, knowing that to eat a hot okra soup you need to be cool. But some are letting their emotions run away with them and are siding with the protesting youth. Yet

others hope, rather opportunistically, that “something” will come of it since it is through such hot-head antics that Nigeria gets to listen to its aggrieved citizens.

Our other Majority brothers were no less divided. Among the Yorubas, those stung by the acid rhetoric of Radio Biafra, naturally fire back.

They dare IPOB to “start and see what will happen”, and those with an eye on Igbo property in Lagos simply ask them to “go”. The more matured and reasonable ones call for caution, toeing my line of thought viz: that running away to Biafra is not the answer.

We also note the disclaimers from the Itsekiri and Urhobo ethnic groups who have formally dissociated themselves from inclusion in the Biafra that agitators have been peddling with a map.

From the North, feelings are similarly mixed. I find the Northern angle of great interest, for the simple reason that it is the region that stands

When people are agitating as IPOB and MASSOB have been doing you don’t pour petrol on the matter as the military did by shooting at the Bridgehead protesters

Let each play his role: Kogi State in perspective

O

NE major problem with Nigeria is that there is hardly any respect for specialisation. Everybody dabbles into every area, with the result that as we engage in the business of others, we ignore ours and in the end, everything suffers.

We have an avalanche of eminently qualified people – sound economists and financial experts – who are well paid for the sole purpose of managing our economy. But the impression one gets is that our major economic policies are made on our streets and at the market square.

For example, during the President Ibrahim Babangida era, Nigeria needed money for development. The critical debate on the desirability or otherwise of applying for the International Monetary Fund, IMF, loan was thrown to the market-place and it became the business of everyone.

As would be expected, the issue was overwhelmingly voted down because nowhere do citizens ever encourage public borrowing as they already have a mindset that it provides another opportunity for graft.

The funny aspect is that the public was no longer informed before the loan was taken, perhaps ten times over. The rest is now history.

Our energy sector has been the worse for it. Suddenly, everybody seems to possess the panacea for our electricity problems.

At the street corners, in our offices and, indeed, everywhere, even those who have never seen the four walls of any classroom, discuss mega-watts, voltage and other electrical jargons with greater dexterity than the experts in the business.

Our action is largely a function of instability and under-development. In a normal clime, if a man returns from work; at the touch of a button, light comes up; and when he wants to sleep, at the touch of a button, C M Y K

light goes off, what would be his business with mega-watts and the rest, when there are thousands of experts who are paid to take charge of that business?

See how we have bungled the Kogi gubernatorial election? Suddenly, everyone has, so to say, migrated to Lokoja because of the demise of Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, at the recent gubernatorial election in that State.

In a manner of speaking, Audu died intestate politically because before he passedon, a day after the election, he led in the vote count with 240,867 votes compared to his closest rival, Captain Idris Wada, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who scored 199,514 votes. That was a margin of 41,353 votes.

The election was, however, declared inconclusive because the total number of voters captured in the 91 polling units where voting had been cancelled was 49,953, a figure higher than the difference between Audu and Wada.

For a country that is still developing its democratic institutions and processes, there

By our acts of omission or commission, we have allowed the Kogi situation to degenerate into wanton destruction of lives and property

accused of creating the unsavoury atmosphere that breeds injustice and misrule, which spark periodic “selfdetermination” agitations in the country. The North, with the lion’s share of everything: landmass, population (real or contrived), is dominant politically.

When IPOB/MASSOB blockaded the River Niger Bridgehead at Onitsha and Asaba a fortnight ago and the army was used to kill some agitators and forcibly dislodge the thousands of youth from the main link between the South East/South-South and the rest of the country, some hoodlums seized the opportunity burn down a mosque and the residents of Onitsha who are of Northern origin had to flee to the various barracks for safety. This was a very testy moment.

Given the amount of vitriol that Radio Biafra and IPOB had raked I feared the Bridgehead incident could be the ugly turning point we all prayed should never come. Within this period, IPOB had been calling on Igbos living in the North to relocate to Igboland. Some hitherto unknown Northern groups issued statements giving Igbos in the North two weeks to “leave”. They called on the Federal Government to “crack down” on the protests.

But some others were more matured and reasonable in their response. One of them that impressed me the most was a group known as North East Youth Peace Development Initiative, NEYPDI. Its National President, Alhaji Kyari Idris Abubakar, countermanded the “quit notices” and asked the Federal Government not to use force but employ dialogue as force “is not the best approach to handling the matter”.

Apart from the youth, the leadership of the North acted responsibly.

The Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum, Governor Kassim Shettima of Borno State issued a press release calling on Northerners not to allow the Onitsha incident to “spillover” to the North. Surprisingly too, Ishaq Oloyede, the Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, issued a statement urging Muslims in the North not to retaliate, adding that those who burnt the mosque in Onitsha were “criminals” who should be caught and dealt with.

To top it all, the Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III dispatched a delegation of Northern traditional rulers to Owerri to meet with their counterparts from the South East to discuss ways out of the problems, and the event was a great success.

Perhaps, the North wanted to reciprocate the South’s matured handling of the Boko Haram suicide bombings and the killing of youth corps members by mobs in the North after the 2011 general elections, which went without reprisals in the South.

This is the correct way to approach issues such as this. If the country is to survive, let the hotheads have their say but let them never have their way.

When people are agitating as IPOB and MASSOB have been doing you don’t pour petrol on the matter as the military did by shooting at the Bridgehead protesters. Why use the military against unarmed protesters?

Why not use the Police? The Mobile Police can disperse any unarmed crowd.

But IPOB/MASSOB cannot claim to be “non-violent” when they create blockades, stop people from going about their normal livelihood, or engage in activities that provoke others.

Everybody, please “park well.”

was no immediate precedent to fall back on if a candidate dies at the middle of an election. The framers of our Constitution foresaw a situation where a candidate who has been duly elected could die before the date of his inauguration. They provided in Section 181 of the 1999 Constitution that his running-mate should be sworn in when he has picked a new Deputy.

Again, the National Assembly foresaw a situation where a duly nominated candidate could die before the date of the election. Provision was made under Section 33 of the Electoral Act, 2010, for the affected political party to produce a replacement.

Because we did not do the needful, we allowed partisan interest to completely dominate the political climate in Kogi State. We forgot that the hanging-victory in the Kogi election did not belong to the late Audu alone; but it was largely a victory for the APC. By our acts of omission or commission, we have allowed the Kogi situation to degenerate into wanton destruction of lives and property.

By the literary theory of our Constitution, the National Assembly makes policy which is implemented by the Executive branch, while any matter of interpretation is referred to the Judiciary. In this scenario, we find no role for the mob.

In the Kogi case, rather than remain in the market-place, listening to the voice of the mob, INEC should have rushed overtly – not covertly – to the Supreme Court to obtain a lasting interpretation of the situation. That’s how a country’s Constitution grows. Every other interpretation would be biased or seen to be so.

True, Kogi State now has a governorelect. We congratulate him. But that is still palliative. In the absence of a definitive statement from the Supreme Court, which

can be cited as an authority hereafter, there will be resort to self-help and people will continue to proffer interpretations that suit their purpose.

See how Wada rushed to the court, asking to be declared winner of an election he had lost. And see how James Faleke, Audu’s running mate, also demanded that the court should declare him an automatic replacement for Audu. On a moral ground, there may be some merit to Faleke’s demand because as a younger person, there is no telling how much value-added votes he brought into the ticket and the hangingvictory.

The truth remains that he did not participate in the primaries, which is a condition-precedent for contesting the election and the best he could get would be to remain a running mate to Yahaya Bello who came second in the party’s selection process.

Essentially, Faleke saw the Promise Land but could not enter. At Audu’s death, the election had been won and lost. With less than 38,000 voters who collected their permanent voters’ cards in the 91 affected polling units; more so in an election with less than 50% voters-turnout, there was no way the APC would have lost. But by the letter of our Constitution and available laws, that is immaterial. Only a timely pronouncement from the Supreme Court could have changed all that.

Shall we return to William Shakespeare?

“Honour and shame on no part arise; act well your part and there the honour lies”.

This, we commend to Nigerians.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

They came with a keg of petrol and set our shops ablaze •Traders recount ordeal in Lagos after shops were torched by hoodlums

Intensity of the fire

lost to the inferno, with many families rendered homeless.

Before the incident, Olayinka was operating a highly successful audiovisual company. He was said to have recently returned from a foreign trip and was making arrangements to expand his business without any premonition that the trouble was lurking around the corner.

Recounting his ordeal to Vanguard Metro, VM, Olayinka who has lived in the area for eight years said apart from the loss of his audiovisual company, he also lost cash in the value of N470,000 and $4,400 to the inferno apart from his audiovisual company. ‘’I returned from a foreign trip on November 17, 2015 but before the trip, I relocated my family into the shop due to accommodation challenges and our personal effect were in the shop,’’ he said.

Asked how it all happened, he said: ‘’I was in the shop one day when I sighted four known faces from Agbole area of Mafoluku (he mentioned some names) parading the area with a galon of petroleum product. I became suspicious of their mission and immediately, I called their father (Pa Mutiu Fadipe popularly called Baba Muscle) to intimate him of the development and he assured me they

Due to the intensity of the fire, the Lagos State Fire Service had to deploy three trucks to the scene before the raging inferno was contained.

Trouble was said to have started around 8pm when a group of suspected hoodlums stormed the area on motorcycles, with one of them carrying a galon of petrol. Before their mission could be ascertained, they made straight to Olayinka’s shop. The suspected hoodlums were said to have immediately put off a power generating set by the shop, opened the fuel tank and refilled it with petrol.

It did not end there. The remaining fuel was then used to douse the surrounding area after which the shops were torched. In the event, property whose monetary value could not be ascertained were

On getting there, seven shops had been reduced to ashes although fire fighters were on ground to prevent it(fire) from escalating; we were left without hope as all our life earnings were gone!

By Bose Adelaja

F

REQUENT fire out breaks have often been traced to careless storage of petro-chemical products, exposure of inflammable materials to fire as well as power surge. But the fire incident of Saturday December 5, 2015 in the Mafoluku area of Oshodi does not fall into any of these categories. If anything, it can be said to beats one’s imagination. Even as efforts are being made to unravel the mystery behind it, some affected traders are crying bitterly over their losses which they claimed were serious enough to put them out of business except urgent help comes their way.

The fire which started at about 8.30pm on the fateful day razed seven shops at Osho Ibonwon Street, leaving many residents and traders in tears as they consider how to start life all over again.

One of the victims, Olayinka Sowunmi and his family members are now homeless as their shop served as both a source of income and an accommodation. Also, a lotto operator, 20-year-old Ikechukwu Urantan, lost property worth N500,000 on that fateful Saturday.

C M Y K

•Olayinka

•Burnt shops

meant no harm.

“Last Saturday, I visited one of my friends who lives nearby but my phone was bombarded with calls and one of the callers said there was fire outbreak in our area. Immediately, I rushed to see what was happening. I met my wife on the way shouting fire! fire!!

Help me!!!. On getting there, seven shops had been reduced to ashes although fire fighters were on ground to prevent it from escalating. At the end of the day, we were left without hope as all our life earnings were gone!

“Residents told me four of the suspected hoodlums I saw the other day rode into the area on motor bikes in the company of their friends to perpetrate the evil act’’.

Salvaging machines In his own submission, Ikechukwu also said he was not around as at the time of the incident. ‘’I was in the shop at about 4pm when one of our customers won a game and I headed for our Ojuelegba headquarters to redeem it. I returned at about 8.30pm to see the area in chaos. I saw people running helter-skelter, including my sales boy who

•Ikechukwu

told me he was unable to salvage our machines before the inferno almost caught up with him. We lost two terminals, one Golden Chance, one Winlot and other equipment. The implication of this that we can no longer continue in business. My sister, where do I start from? I am a young man trying to eke out a living. I have grown the business to level of being considered a success. So, the sad incident is a big setback for me ,’’ he said.

While the matter has been incidented with the Makinde Division which is presently investigating it, some other victims who pleaded anonymity blamed it on the general insecurity in the nation.

The victims also fingered one Mutiu as being the mastermind, alleging that he

has taken cover since the incident was reported to the Police. However, a source in the neighbourhood told VM the development has its root to the factional crisis between chieftains of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, with one Musiliu Akinsanya popularly called ‘’MC Oluomo” and a bitter opponent in Oshodi often in the fray. The fight was said to have degenerated among some of their followers, including Olayinka and Mutiu the son of Baba Muscle. But when VM visited the compound, their apartment was under lock and key as neighbours could not lay hand on their telephone numbers. A source in the Police however claimed one person has been arrested in connection to the matter.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

— 21

2016 Budget: ‘N6trn proposal achievable with prudent management, transparency’

A

don, Prof. Sarah Anyanwu, says the Federal Government’s N6 trillion budget proposal for 2016 is achievable with prudent management of funds and transparency in implementation process.

Anyanwu, the Head of Economics Department, University of Abuja, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the budget was realistic.

She said that the budget was achievable if the Federal Government could reform its tax method and diversify the economy to generate more revenue to implement the budget.

“The tax administration is very poor in Nigeria; some citizens pay their taxes, some do not pay at all and majority of those that are even paying are not paying the correct amount.

“I know civil servants pay their taxes correctly but some companies have been defaulting so the government should set up better machinery to collect correct taxes. We cannot continue to borrow; the government should also look for other forms of taxes to boost the revenue to fund the

FAIR: From left, Managing Director, Berger Paints Ltd, Mr Peter Folikwe; Managing Director\CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa; Rector, Yaba College College of Technology, Dr Margaret Kudi Ladipo and Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Mr Waheed Olagunju at the 2015 Yaba College of Technology Research Fair at the school auditorium, Lagos.

budget. We should also develop the non-oil sector such as telecommunication, tourism, agriculture and solid minerals to generate employment in the country, “

the don said. Anyanwu commended the government for increasing the budget from N5 trillion to N6 trillion, saying “we have never had it so high like this“.

She said that the N6 trillion proposals at an oil bench mark of 38 dollars per barrel was realistic, adding that the price of oil could further fall in the international market.

“All we need to do is to block

leakages in the economy, address corruption and reduce the cost of governance.

“We should also embrace fiscal discipline and ensure judicious use of the money; we must be able to account for every kobo spent so that we can see results. Also, the government should ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the projects to be implemented in 2016 since it is projecting almost 30 per cent of the budget on capital projects, “ she said. According to her, the 30 per cent of the budget to be spent on capital projects will enhance development.

The don, however, advised the Federal Government to address the issue of ghost workers in the system. She also advised the government to ensure quick passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to propel the development of the oil sector. The budget proposal is contained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) recently approved by the Federal Executive Council. MTEF sets out the policies of government over the next three years and it sets out the fundamental economic underpinnings of the budget.

Nigeria’s crude oil price dips to six-year low

By Michael Eboh

dropped to its lowest in six years.

HE declining fortunes of According to data obtained Nigeria’s crude oil grades from Platts, a global energy continued yesterday, as the information provider, price of the country’s Forcados was assessed at Forcados crude oil grade Dated Brent minus five cents per barrel, its lowest since April 14, 2009, when it was at Dated Brent plus $0.075 per barrel.

-1.45 $122.55 This, according to the report, was a role $3,328.00 -82.00 reversal for Forcados because in previous $15.12 0.12 years it has been one of the Nigerian grades to command the highest premiums to Dated $40.54 0.28 Brent, up to Dated Brent plus $5.25 per barrel in $37.88 0.37 September 2011.

Brent, the benchmark CURRENCY BUYING SELLING crude oil grade, was trading for $40.86 per US DOLLAR 195.97 196.47 196.97 barrel as at the close of 293.8962 294.6461 295.3959 POUNDS 212.8626 213.4057 213.9488 business, yesterday.

EURO 196.4021 196.9032 197.4043 FRANC The report blamed the 1.592 1.596 1.6001 YEN dip in the price of the 0.3038 0.3138 0.3238 CFA crude oil grade to weak 270.2605 270.9501 271.6396 WAUA 30.6109 30.6893 RENMINBI 30.5326 seasonal demand for 52.2211 52.3543 52.4875 RIYAL demand from Europe, 28.5255 28.5983 28.671 KRONA stating that storage 271.2421 271.9341 272.6262 SDR capacity in the region was not seeing the usual CBN Exchange rate as at 09/12/2015

T

C M Y

drawdown in stocks due to mild weather.

It added that despite an overall depressed Nigerian crude complex, distillaterich Forcados and similar grade Bonga have been lagging even further behind other grades.

Brent, the benchmark crude oil grade, was trading for $40.86 per barrel as at the close of business, yesterday

The report said, “Both grades are seen as less attractive to it usual European refinery buyers, which haven’t seen the normal winter pick-up in distillate demand so far due to warmer-than-normal weather.

“As a result, the low gasoil cracks compared with gasoline and light-end products such as naphtha have been the focus for many refineries in Europe.’

To this end, traders estimated that two to four cargoes remained unsold in December, with six out of eight cargoes in January still available too.

Commenting on the development, one of the West African crude oil traders said, “Nobody is buying distillate grades. There are a lot of unsold Forcados in the end of December and January and unsold Bonga in January, so it’s likely that these grades will go at a discount — how much is the question?”

In another development, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has declared that its commitment

to guaranteeing product supply and availability throughout the ‘ember’ months and beyond, remained unflinchingly strong.

The NNPC, in a publication titled, ‘Energy in Brief’, stated that over the past few weeks it had supplied 1.4 billion litres of petroleum products to the domestic market.

According to the report, the NNPC dispatched 1,267 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, to all parts of the country a couple of days ago, from its stock which is more than enough to serve the country in the days and weeks ahead.

The NNPC said, “We have rolled out a strategy for every one of our 513 NNPC Retail outlets nationwide to have products at all times.

“Most mega stations will adopt a 24 hours operation model where the security situation allows. In locations where that cannot be met, our stations are going to have extended hours of operation starting from 5am to about10.pm daily.”

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

The ideal investor shares your vision of the company and offers feedback rather than interfering in the operations

,

,

Timeless lessons for business start-ups

N

O one is born equipped with the skills to start and run a business. It takes hundreds of misses and trials in order to get to somewhere close to the initial idea that you have envisioned. Understanding the “why” of your idea is necessary and the “how” to go about it is penultimate. Keeping that in mind, here is a little cheat-sheet on five things that you should absolutely consider while you start a company.

Write a business plan Your business plan is a formal document that lays the foundation of who, what and why your company is. It is a stepby-step guide that will include your company goals, business model, product cycle and the marketing strategies you will use to achieve traction. It is also a window through which your business is shown to investors and financial institutions to raise funds.

However, an overlooked benefit of developing a business plan is that it gives ‘you’: clarity of thought and vision, more than anyone. Before convincing others, you have to convince yourself about the validity of your company and its raison d’être. Only then can you hope to encourage people to help you, work with you and fund you.

Get a mentor Mentors ask the hard questions concerning the robustness of the planned product benefit and the go-to market strategy. This helps you focus on areas which need more attention.

A mentor can provide brilliant advice on refining your business and operating cycle with their experience and industry knowledge.

Look for someone who has acute understanding of the customer/ user and market schema that you are preparing to target. These evaluation exercises get feedback from someone ‘who has been there, done that and can help you replicate their success. They can provide insight on streamlining your business model to make it scalable while maintaining a sustainable cash flow.

Get the right kind of investors Investment’ is not as important as investors. The ideal investor shares your vision of the company and offers feedback rather than interfering in the operations. Set clear expectations with regards to the timeline for product maturity and when can the investors expect returns, subject to the company’s varying business cycle.

Avoid investors who coax you into breaking commitments with others by offering higher investment. Partaking in such unscrupulous actions lay the groundwork for unethical behaviour and will put a dent in your reputation, so steer clear.

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BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (02/12/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA YUAN RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 195.97 295.5032 207.6694 190.447 1.5914 0.2969 268.2625 30.6242 52.1891 27.824 269.2432

Central(N) 196.47 296.2571 208.1993 190.9329 1.5955 0.3069 268.947 30.7028 52.3222 27.895 269.9301

Selling(N) 196.97 297.0111 208.7291 191.4189 1.5996 0.3169 269.6314 30.7814 52.4554 27.966 270.6171

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

How to transform business failure into success

By Yinka Kolawole with agency report

eventually made him the richest man in the world. However before starting Microsoft, he started a business called Traf-O-Data that failed. At the time when he dropped out of school and when he failed in his first business venture, many would have considered him a big failure.

up only after a year of existence because the automobiles being producing were of a lower quality and higher price than he wanted.

He tried race cars but realised the average man did not want race car, but something more reliable.

It was his desire to make something more reliable that led to the Ford Motor company that succeeded and sold its first car for about $800 on July 15, 1903.

He went on to become one of the richest men in the world in his days.

According to him, “Failure is just a resting place. It is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently”.

Steve Jobs Late Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Apple, like every other successful entrepreneur was not immune to failure. In 1985, Jobs left Apple after a power struggle with the board of directors but returned in

Commit to aggressive PR

FAILURE in life is sometimes inevitable, most especially in business. Everyone who dared to make a difference in business has had a share of failures. Those who have never failed, have never tried. Failure is not the worst thing that can happen to a person; never trying anything is worse than trying and failing.

Some of the highly successful businesses of the world today came very close to folding up.

They only gathered momentum ones more and dared again.

There are a few lessons to be learnt from some of the following successful entrepreneurs.

Bill Gates Bill Gates is the richest man in the world, and has been for many years. He dropped out of business school and went into I.T. He later co-founded Microsoft that

When you are starting out, you need traction to sustain your business cycle and as proof that your product’s solution is actually filling a gap in the market.

To create traction, make your product benefits visible through PR, emails, social media shares, user testimonials, product demos, word-of-mouth and more. These platforms are instrumental in generating positive buzz. Apart from these, positive customer testimonials establish your product’s credibility which then leads to stronger investor confidence.Also, learn to deliver your product pitch in less than five minutes and start pitching at public events.

Get feedback Brutal feedback can make your business better. I use “brutal” when people give unvarnished feedback without indulging in niceties. Accept feedback as valuable for improving your product or business cycle, not as a personal judgement.

Feedback is instrumental in inferring details like - from the efficiency of the business model, to the expectations of the user.

It helps in improving product features as well as polishing financial and operational processes.

Take calculated risks Entrepreneurs run risks, within reasonable limits, by challenging the market system and, in some cases, the “best practices.”

Apply your mentor’s knowledge and the accepted norms to make progress but don’t let the treat stop there. Find out the wiggle room to try something new which differentiates you from the competition in product features, work culture, marketing strategy etc. While raising funds, we ran a successful “cold” email campaign to get us access to investors.

From left: Executive Principal/Heads Banks, Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank, Oloruntimilehin George; Assistant Director, Development Finance Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Hajia Aisha Umar; Chairperson, WIMBIZ Executive Council, Aishah Ahmad and Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Mosun Layode at the workshop on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund organized for women entrepreneurs by Bankers Committee’s Sub Committee on Economic Development Sustainability & Gender in collaboration with Women in Management, Business & Public Service (WIMBIZ ) in Lagos.

Failures and successes But he chose not to give up, and today no one remembers his failures as much as his successes.

Gates said: “It is fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure”.

Henry Ford Before achieving success, Henry Ford failed twice when he joined with investors to establish a company that would manufacture automobiles. His Detroit Automobile Company and Henry Ford Corporation folded

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 23

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Gas

Change ($) -0.73

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1998 and brought Apple from near bankruptcy to profitability.

This may make him look like a superman but he had business failures with products like The Apple Lisa, The Apple III, The Powermac g4 cube which all failed. Also, when he tried to sell Pixar by the late 1980’s in order to break even on his investment, for 4-5 years he had no bidder.

He shopped it to Bill Gates, Lary Ellison and many other companies but didn’t succeed. At last, he succeeded to sell it to Disney in 2006 for $7.4 billion.

Today, not many people remembers his failures. Jobs said: “I am convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the nonsuccessful ones is pure perseverance”.

Richard Branson Sir Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group that currently owns more than 400 companies including Virgin Records, Virgin Airways, Virgin Mobile, etc. Branson failed in several business projects since he started the Virgin Group.

Some of them include: Virgin Cola, Virgin Student, Virgin Brides, Virgin Clothing, Virgin Cars, Virgin Megastore, Virgin Flowers, Virgin Pulse, Virgin Digital and more. Some lasted a few years while others failed just immediately they started. But

Those who have never failed, have never tried. Failure is not the worst thing that can happen to a person; never trying anything is worse than trying and failing

,

Is the blame game gaining prominence in your organisation?

COMMODITIES (02/12/15) Last 41.12

Everyone who dared to make a difference in business has had a share of failures

inspired by the lesson his mother taught him never to focus on past regrets, he refused to stop and today, he is one of the richest citizens of the United Kingdom.

He said: “You don’t learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over”.

Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest black women in the world.

She was terminated from her post as co-anchor for the 6 o’clock week day news on Baltimore’s WJZ-TV after the show received low ratings. She was demoted to morning TV, where she found her voice and met Gayle King, who became her producer and editor of O, The Oprah Magazine.

Domination of daytime television Seven years later she moved to Chicago, where her self-titled talk show went on to dominate daytime TV for 25 years. She now heads her own channel, OWN but had to overcome failure, poverty, sexual abuse, etc. in order to be what she is today. Today her net is worth about $3 billion. “Be the one thing you think you cannot do.

Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire,” she stated.

J.K Rowling Joanne Rowling is a British novelist and author of the Harry Porter fantasy series. She wrote her first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when she was a single mother. She was rejected by 12 publishers but she persisted on what she was doing until the Harry Porter series grew, ultimately breaking records.

She is now internationally renowned for her seven-book Harry Porter series and became the first billionaire author in 2004. According to Rowling, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default”.

No one wins the blame game ... Carl Jung

M

ORE often than not, it might seem that the easiest way out of troubles or unfavourable situations in our personal or professional lives is to point an accusing finger to someone else.

Interestingly, team members, colleagues, managers and leaders are not left out in this “profession” of blaming others.

Sadly, the Blame Game has succeeded in causing failures in the government arena, businesses and in organisations. This is because; a lot of people have been wired wrongly to first and foremost point an accusing finger to someone when things go wrong, without even seeking for solutions.

We are not responsibility oriented. The bad news is that allowing the Blame Game to blossom in any organisation is not only destructive, but might end up giving us more than we bargained for.

The truth of the matter is that no real result can be achieved without someone taking responsibility for his/ her actions.

Achievement of goals This responsibility is bestowed on every one who earns a salary and should be predicated upon achieving the goals of one’s organisation. The rule of the game is not about winning a law suit and punishing someone who has been blamed, but ensuring that we help one another achieve the goals of the organisation.

Everyone has 100 percent responsibility in making sure that organisation achieves its vision.

If there is any virus to fight against in organisations, it should be the “Blame Game Virus”- where people are not taking responsibility of growing their organisation.

The reality is that no organisation (with the current rate of business uncertainties) can attain its rightful position if this unwanted virus is not dealt with. Surprisingly, the leaders, executives and their collective workforce are affected by this debilitating virus, and guess what;

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

Any organisation that encourages Blame Game will end up stifling creativity, innovation and productivity organisations are at the receiving ends.

Any organisation that encourages Blame Game will end up stifling creativity, innovation and productivity - the three key ingredients for growth.

Unbelievably, someone in a team might have a solution to something or might have an idea of how best to resolve an issue, but simply because he/ she was not made the team head might decide to do nothing in achieving the desired result.

In a situation where by that particular team’s project did not go well, that same person may be the first to shift the blame to someone else or will decide to proffer solutions when the damage has been done already – probably to “shine” or appear superior to others. Organisations suffer a great deal whenever people have developed the mindset of shifting the blame to someone else when they ought to have helped.

Instead of creating blames, we should help one another to create value for the organisation.

The era we are now in the business world is not that of who is wrong or right, who is to be blamed or not, but the

era of helping the weak in your organisation to achieve better results. The truth is that some are weak in some areas and strong in other areas. The idea is to complement one another for the betterment of the organisation that pays our salaries.

Points to ponder: Do we achieve any positive results when we shift or heap blame on people? Instead we create resentment, conflicts, strife, enmity, disloyalty – and all these will hit the bottom-line unfavourably. Remember the idea of fighting oneself.

What do we want to achieve by blaming people in the workplace? Is it to preserve our ego or help to grow the organisation? Before you blame someone, always ask yourself, have I done all I can to help out in this situation?

Final note: Whether we like it or not, the Blame Game will end up destroying us and our businesses. Even if the blame is justified – taking action is better at least for the sake of your organisation.

Organisations were not founded to act as a law court in discovering who is right or not in the Blame Game, but were founded to deliver results to all shareholders.

When we take responsibility for our actions and help the organisation to win, everybody wins. Our focus should not be for individuals to win first, because, when an individual wins, an organisation might not succeed.

The reason for the individual winning might be to satisfy his/her ego or selfishness. From today onwards, let our goal be to move from “creating blames” to having “together we win” mindset. Like Carl Jung said, “No one wins the blame game”, and I also add that “no one should let an organisation lose the winning game”- then again this is possible when we all take ownership and full responsibility and quit looking at who is to be blamed.

Email: uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 15 10,, 20 2015

DISCOs, others're shortchanging Nigerians — AJAERO Labour Vanguard published the first part of an interview with the General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero, Thursday, December 3, where he spoke on the union’s battle for the benefits of staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. In this edition, Ajaero speaks on among others, the Distribution companies claims of not making profit.

Excerpts.

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

I

SSUES during the course of the privatization There was nothing we did not do. We were called names.

Newspapers kept front and back pages to demonise us. There is no security agency in Nigeria that I wasn’t its guest. PHCN was the only company in the whole world that was privatised with soldiers, by force. In fact, soldiers took over PHCN headquarters. The Customs were used, the Department of State Service, DSS, Police, Civil Defence operatives were everywhere, displaying federal might. So, these issues were raised in court and in the streets through protests everywhere among others. We even dragged in the international community. We held a workshop in the Villa where we challenged the issue and the government saw it was hollow, yet said PHCN privatization must go ahead, not based on any logic.

Increase in tariff Two years after, where are we?

You remember I said then that Nigerians would speak last because it was reduced to the level of oh! Unions are afraid of members loss their jobs. Today, investors who have taken the assets of PHCN have sacked and sacked and they will continue to sack. The new investors are saying they are not making profits and they keep on increasing tariff so that they will equally not allow government to get its own 40 per cent.

10 percent staff share withheld The 10 per cent meant for the workers, which is contained in the Privatisation Act that the workers or employees will get equity share of 10 per cent has not been forthcoming two years after, yet the government through the BPE, Bureau of Public Enterprise, is forcefully liquidating PHCN. So, we cannot be accused of not raising these issues because we went to National Assembly, we went to the streets, we did all that we needed to do, but there were powerful people in and outside the government that wanted PHCN assets at all cost in this country.

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Investors complaining of not making profit: Let me agree with them a little that they bought something that they did not know; now they have realised.

The only station that was not making profit even before privatisation was Yola, because PHCN was having more than 50, 000 workforce and was paying their salaries as at when due, today they have reduced it more than half. PHCN was paying salaries, it was not taking grants from government and was still running the whole company.

Now, private investors came in and asked for tariff increase a month or two before privatisation so that they would make profit and government conceded that to them, which PHCN did not have.

So, they got tariff increase, their revenue shot up, and after that they have got another tariff increase and government has even been subsidizing them in the area of gas. Those people are not telling you the truth and they won’t. If the DISCOs say they are not making profits, it is to ensure that they under-declare for them not to pay tax. Tell them I said they are making maximum profit and I stand to be corrected. But they are under-declaring it.

Yola return to govt The reason is to make sure they don’t pay the real tax. When you under declare profit, the tax you are going to pay, will equally be low, their argument does not hold water. It was only Yola that was not making profit before privatisation, but under PHCN, it was uniform.

Whatever profit that PHCN made from Lagos and other areas, we used it to pay the salaries of everybody including Yola. To privatise Yola you had to pair Yola with another area. So, Yola was paired with Ibadan zone and privatised. Now, to show you how cunning and the insincerity of Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, the company that bought Yola with Ibadan, declared ‘Force Majeure’ for Yola, to say, we are no longer interested in Yola and handed Yola back to the Federal Government and retain Ibadan zone. So, government has already taken over Yola.

Comrade Joe Ajaero For your knowledge, there is a clause contained in the agreement, that if they are not making profit they will declare Force Majeure, government will balance them money and take over. But in the case of Yola, it was fraudulent. So, what we see are a group of people who are just out to maximise profit, and some of these people, I don’t know whether they have fully paid what they were supposed to pay. If they have it is the same the issue of loan. Now, if you take loan from any of the banks, lets us even say at 14 per cent interest, who will pay it? It is the customer that will pay. So, you are servicing the loan and it becomes difficult to even change transformer because at the end of the day, you pay back to the bank.

If the DISCOs say they are not making profits, it is to ensure that they underdeclare for them not to pay tax

But these so-called investors have settled themselves. They are making profits because the sector is an area that you have to make profit any day, any time. So, that was why we asked them then, PHCN was to be privatised because people claimed it was inefficient, it had obsolete equipment, so why did you want to buy it? That was our question then. We told the government that in every country you have what we call base power controlled by the state.

Private sector operators I normally give example with the US that has about 250, 000 Megawatts, MW, controlled by American federal government.

Now, in the quest to add 1 million Mw in the country, local governments, private sector operators now generate. Now, if these private sector operators conspire to say they will not agree unless the government increases tariff, the 250, 000 Mw will be used to stabilize the system.

Government uses it for the schools, the hospitals, the old peoples’ homes, and similar areas. We had argued then and said this 4, 000Mw is small, government take control of it.

Investors refuse to build power plants: From 2005 they have given investors licenses to generate, to distribute and do everything, nobody agreed to build a plant. They were interested in buying the obsolete, inefficient 4, 000 Mw. 10 years after they couldn’t do anything,

they bought PHCN assets, and somebody is telling you that they didn’t know what they bought.

From what you are going to gain from 10, 000Mw in Nigeria they will gain from 4, 000Mw through constant tariff increase.

So, why will you now do a power station if you know that you will make N2billion at the end of the month whether you build or not? Even when you build, you will still make N2 billion. At what return on investment are you going to build power station because when you build a power station you can’t even recoup your investment for 20 years? It is capital intensive and it is not something you recoup immediately. So, why would you start building a power station that will take you four years to complete and then it takes you another 15 or 20 years to recoup it?

Can you tell me that Nigerian investor that would invest long term, for about 20-25 years? Now they are into gaming; whosever is appointed as regulatory commission they will pressure for tariff increase and all sort of unfair practices because it is all about the money they make. Whether you build plant and you have 100 Mw or 1, 000 Mw or 2 million Mw and your income is this and you don’t build it and your income is this which one is better. I am not even aware of any of them that is building a plant now that will give Nigerians. 1, 000 Mw. Government will still continue to build. So, where lies the privatisation?

Lack of pre-paid meters We raised this before privatisation and I said that it was fraudulent for you to privatise in a country without metering because you would subject the people to the vagaries of the market and the dictates of the private sector.

But if I were among the people that bought the power assets I will not even bother to install pre-paid meters. The whole essence is that all these stations they have calculated how much they would make in a month.

So, if I target N3billion, for instance, and I did not generate electricity I will still get that N3 billion because it is estimated billing, it is not based on law of demand and supply.

But if I install pre-paid meters and I know that there is no supply, I know that I will go with zero naira. So, which one pays you as a clever businessman? Look at this house, for instance. This house is supposed to give me N10, 000 at the end of the month, with meter, it cannot give me more than N5000. It could have been the duty of government to make sure that every house was metered. That didn’t happen.

To be concluded

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 25

CONFERENCE: From left, Prof. Sonnie Oniye, Mrs. Olafunke Bamgbose, Adebola Shabi, Prof. Ademola Omojola, Prof. Nurudeen Olasupo, Dr Titilayo Anibaba, representative of Prof Babtunde Rabiu, Mrs. Onisarotu, representing her husband, Mr. Oluwatoyin Onisoratu (all conferred Fellows) and Dr. Funmilayo Doherty, President, Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM), at the 2015 Fellows Award Conferment and SETPOM International Conference at the University of Lagos.

What Nigerian private schools cost parents

By Amaka Abayomi, Ikenna Asomba & Tare Youdeowei

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ORLD over, education is seen as the passport to a better life and Nigerians are not left behind in the desire to get the best education that money can buy. Cashing in on the assumed woes of public schools, proprietors and administrators of private and mission schools have taken the saying ‘if you think education is expensive, try ignorance’ a bar higher by charging exorbitant fees and levies.

Exorbitant fees and levies Despite the reasonable improvements in infrastructure and manpower development in most public schools in Lagos State, most parents are still of the view that private schools are better managed, with a relatively higher standard of education, fewer disciplinary problems, better facilities, better performance in public examinations and higher quality of output.

These and many more have led to the increased patronage, proliferation of these schools and extortion by private and mission schools. These

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extortions come in form of cost of note books and text books that can’t be used by a younger sibling, tuition, development fee, sportswear and uniforms, among numerous others.

What parents pay: From a copy of the payment bill for new intakes at St. Gregory ’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos, and signed by the school’s administrator, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ayeni, new intakes are to pay a non refundable N100,000 and a balance of N60,000.

Tuition fee (N50,000); development levies (N10,000); miscelleneous items such as books, academic materials, sport/game wear, medical scheme, diesel/generator maintenance, damages, prayer book, 3 pairs of socks, 2 pairs of uniform, a pair of Sunday wear with name inscription, 2 pairs of house wear with name inscription, lunch, PTA levies, etc (N155,000 for day students and N205,000 for boarders); hostel accommodation (N170,000) A copy of the payment bill from Murtala Muhammed Airport Schools, Ikeja, reads: tuition N55,000; electives N3,000; development levy N6,000; examination N3,000; PTA levy N1,000; phonetics

N2,500; end of year party N4000; textbooks/exercises N45,000; lesson N4000; practicals N5000; and LASGEM N500. Total amount payable is N129,000.

Dowen College, Lekki, charges as much as N2,000,000 annually for a boarding student and N1,250,000 for day students; Atlantic Hall charges as much as N2,270,000 per student; Greensprings Schools charge over N3 million for boarding and almost N2 million for day students; Lekki British International School, Lekki Phase 1, charges $19,500 (over

If the parents are complaining about the fees and extra charges being imposed on them by these schools, they should register their ward(s) in public schools because they are less expensive

N4m) + N200,000 development fee; while British International School, Victoria Island, charge $26,750 + N200,000 annually for a student.

Reactions: Mr. Ejike Okoye, who had always wanted his child to school at Learning Field Schools, Satellite Town, could not achieve the vision as the fee charged for kindergarten class was too high for him.

He said: “In as much as I want the best education for my child, paying N105,000 for kindergarten class is way too much because aside ABC and 123, I wonder what they would be taught at that age that would justify that huge amount of money.

“Though I was disappointed, I was able to register her in another quality but more affordable school.”

New Xantra inverters with zero millisecond switch time PG. 27

A parent who pleaded anonymity said “at Yewande Memorial School, Surulere, I paid about N90,000. Two pairs of uniforms cost N15,000, sweater and sportswear cost N9,000, medical insurance was tagged N3,000, books and stationery N10,000 and tuition was about N60,000. Though it is much but it is a price I’m prepared to pay provided my child is getting the best.”

For Chinyere Chidiadi, “It is really outrageous, minus tuition and uniform, my son’s school actually billed me N5,000 for Christmas funfair, N10,500 for books only though he just started kindergarten and his siblings will not be able to use those same books.

Quality education In as much as we desire quality education for our children, these charges are really very outrageous.”

Another parent, Mrs. Wura Dairo, said it is really appalling that these schools are taking advantage of the lapses in public schools and are charge

Continues on page 26

350 teachers killed, 520 schs, 1000 classrooms destroyed by B/Haram —Borno Govt PG. 27

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Learn Africa names Biology award after Stella Adadevoh, as winner emerges

By Dayo Adesulu

M

BRIEFING: From left, Ike Ezugwu, Project Director; Uchegbunam Udoji, Project Coordinator, both of Rising Stars; and Derrick Osondu, Marketing Manager, Greenlife Pharmaceuticals (sponsors of the competition) at a press conference to announce the call for entries for the Pan Nigeria Rising Stars writing competition, in Lagos.

What Nigerian private schools cost parents Continues from page 25 exorbitant fees and levies.

Aside the tuition fees, I pay N40,000 for meals among other numerous and almost irrelevant levies. At the end, the levies are four times the tuition fees. I don’t blame them because they are taking advantage of the fact that parents who can’t afford to send their children abroad will patronise private schools to bill us high.”

Concerned about the frequent change of textbooks every session, Mrs. Florence Utam said “It is really sad that two siblings can no longer use same books as it was in the past.

Today, the book sellers say it is 22nd edition and when you ask for the same book tomorrow, they will tell you that it is now 23rd edition and this is very frustrating.”

Upbringing of children On the reserve side, some parents and guardians have blamed parents for exposing themselves to private schools to be extorted from. Mrs Joy Orubu, with three children in Primegold School, Olodi Apapa, said: “The school fees is reasonable to me, I do not feel over charged. The problem is that people like fanciful things and even prefer it over quality.

The parents went there themselves, if they feel extorted from they should leave; if the quality of education provided is not as they like it they should leave. It is just that people like flashy things.”

Defending the charges private schools place on the services they render to the upbringing of children, Mrs Tina Dinma said: “There are many reasons for the exorbitant levies and school fees. For one thing, Nigerians tend to place higher value on expensive schools, they even look at the structure of the school building C M Y K

in choosing schools for their children and wards. The truth is that the structure has nothing to do with the academic standard of the school.

“Also, there is competition among schools especially on the issue of salaries as a lot money is needed for the payment of salaries. Schools that pay higher salaries usually get the best teachers since almost every teacher would want to work with them. With that the schools are able to choose the most qualified and experienced teachers.

“The issue of changing books is an arrangement with publishers. The publishers give them commissions and even discounts. The children are compelled to buy from the school, usually at higher prizes than what is obtainable in bookshops. The books are always in workbook form, the child writes in it, the teacher marks with red ink such that it cannot be erased. This of course means that another child cannot use it.”

Pointing a finger at the

Nigerians tend to place higher value on expensive schools, they even look at the structure of the school buildingin choosing schools for their children and wards

government Mr Fortune Emuroh, who has resulted to patronising private schools, said: “The government caused all these things. When you take your children to government primary school, they are not well taken care of. The environment is untidy, the ones here have collapsing buildings, pools of water and lack furniture. Am I to send my child to such a place?

Provided my child is well taken care of, I would patronise the one that is friendly with my pocket. If government schools were as they were when I was young, I would have no reason to patronise private schools.”

“We are not asking for too much, we just want the ministry to education to look into these charges. There should be regulations to protect the citizenry because all the children in Nigeria cannot all go to public schools, they do not have the capacity.” Said Madam Ozo who has four children and two nieces in private schools.

Lack of government control Vanguard’s investigations reveal that there is little or nothing that the state Ministry of Education can do to checkmate these private schools as they are not under the supervision of the ministry.

A top ministry official, who didn’t want his name on print, said “just as the Ministry of Information can’t control what goes on in your organisation, the Ministry of Education can’t control the activities of private schools despite the fact that they are approved and registered under us.

“If the parents are complaining about the fees and extra charges being imposed on them by these schools, they should register their ward(s) in public schools because they are less expensive and the state government has done its possible best to make them conducive for academic activities.”

ISS John Keziah Dalyop from Imperial High School, Bauchi State has clinched the Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Prize for best grade in Biology.

The award which was introduced by Learn Africa Plc after t he death of Dr Adadevoh is aimed at immortalising late Dr Adadevoh for paying the price of restraining further spread of the deadly ebola disease in Nigeria.

For her performance in Biology, Dalyop who aspires to be a nurse, emerged best in Biology at the 2015 NECO examination and was rewarded by Learn Africa with N50,000, a laptop and a plaque for excellence performance.

Be fore her sudden demised, it was disclosed that the late Stella Adadevoh was an active member of Learn Africa Board of Directors who contributed her quota to the development of education without any reservation.

On the whole, seven students and a teacher were awarded for excellence performance in the 2015 NECO examinations and overall best teacher award.

Meanwhile, the trio, Alabi Philip Toluwase of Our Lady and St. Francis Catholic College, Osun State, Nwaoha Justin Jfeanyi from Isolog College, Lagos and Babalola

David Oluwasayo of Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo state came first, second and third respectively. Apart from the plaque of excellence given to each of the awardees, cash prizes of N100,000, N80,000 and N60,000 were given respectively the students.

However, Alabi Toluwase who emerged overall best got in addition, a laptop for his brilliant performance.

Brilliant performance Speaking at the awards held at Protea, Ikeja, its Chairman, Chief Emeke Iwerebo said : “Learn Africa has no input whatsoever in the selection of the awardees. In Learn Africa, we truly believe that there is a seed of greatness in every child, in every boy and in every girl. However, it takes remarkable skills to dig deep and bring that greatness in each child to the fore, in the shape and form that everyone can touch, feel and readily with.

“We understand that these students and their teachers are primarily motivated to achieve excellence by intrinsic rewards such as self-respect, responsibility, ambition and accomplishment.

“But if the truth be told, this may not happen at all, except someone picks up the gauntlet to do the right thing - motivate them appropriately, inspire them profusely and reward them generously.

Disabled should have residential primary schools

By Elizabeth Uwandu

T

HE coordinator of Nigerwives Braille Book Production Centre, Mrs Jean Obi has called on government at all levels to establish residential primary schools for disabled children to enable them learn the basics of life.

She made this known at the 20th anniversary of the centre in Lagos.

Speaking on ways to assist handicap people fit in the society, the octogenarian said disabled people should have residential primary schools for their basic education which is fundamental to their over all well being.

She said "government at all levels need to provide residential primary schools where physically- challenges persons should live in, and learn the basic fundamentals of life; before they join the larger world.”

Nigerwives, established by European women married to Nigerian men, assist the visually-impaired achieve

greater feats in life through provision of educational materials, such as braille books for primary and secondary school.

It also runs workshops on Mathematics and French Language and orgainses computer training for them.

The event also featured presentation of donor and long service awards to individuals and corporate bodies for their contributions One of the beneficiaries of the centre and head of the ICT unit, Mr Babatunde Mohammed, a visually impaired graduate said through the centre, he has been able to make ends meet and also impact on lives of blind people to read and work using braille.

Others who spoke at the ceremony included, NWBBPC president, Mrs Rosaline Afolabi; representative of wife of Lagos State governor, and Prince Osita Ike, who represented his father, His Majesty Prof. Eze Chukwuemeka Ike, Mrs Doris Fafunwa, wife of the foremost educationist , Cobhams Asuquo, who performed a rendition and among other guests.

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 10, 2015 —27

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

New Xantra inverters with zero millisecond switch time Constant electricity supply is an absolute necessity for the growth of any economy. Unfortunately, Nigeria has not been able to get the power sector right. However, Dr. Patrick Owelle, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PSC Solar Industries Limited and a solar energy scholar/research fellow, has come up with the Pure Sine Wave New Generation Inverter, said to have a design life of over 25 years and zero millisecond (0ms) transfer time. He speaks on the innovation.

Excerpts:

By Ebele Orakpo

R

EASON for the innovation: According to Owelle, the need for sustainable alternative back up power informed their decision to engage in further research to improve on the available Pure Sine Wave Inverters designed mainly for the European and North America market.

"It was the fact that most high quality inverters became quite unreliable in the Nigeria environment due to very poor quality AC mains input and that propelled our thinking into designing a system that factors the poor quality AC mains/generator input into the calculus of design for the New Advanced Xantra Pure Sine Wave inverters.

"The design process and production of prototypes took three years and six months to complete and testing took additional one year to complete.

Finished product The finished product is a rugged, very high quality noiseless Pure Sine Wave new generation inverter with design life of over 25 years."

The Inverter: The new Xantra Advanced Online 0ms (zero millisecond) transfer time Pure Sine Wave inverter, described as an intelligent inverter, is designed in Germany with the very unstable AC mains power supply in Africa as a major factor in the design.

This inverter is very rugged and made of very high quality German electronic components.

The inverter features a very large LCD colour display, computer dashboard with both diagnostic and statistical displays.

The inverter ranges from 24V/1.5KVA to 180V/ 100KVA. Advantages over others: The inverter was designed to solve the perennial problems with inverters getting burned or damaged very frequently.

The typical life expectancy

before initial repairs for most inverters in Nigeria is between eight months and two years but these inverters are designed to last over 10 years before initial repairs or board/integrated circuit replacement.

The inverter was designed to solve the perennial problems with inverters getting burned or damaged very frequently

*Xantra Advanced Online Pure Sine Wave inverter

Most inverters in Africa have transfer/switch time of 10Ms or more making them unsuitable for IT servers and Communication devices but the new Advanced Xantra inverters are designed with 0ms (zero millisecond) transfer time making them true online inverters and suitable for all applications.

They have autonomies of 72 hours to 96 hours without charging.

Most inverters in Africa especially those with advanced Insulated-Gate Bipolar

*Dr. Patrick Owelle...The very unstable AC mains power supply in Africa was a major factor in the design Transistor (IGBT) technology can only charge AGM/GEL/ VRLA deep cycle batteries and only at current of 25A or less.

The Xantra Advanced Online Pure Sine Wave inverters are designed to charge all types of batteries including Lithium Life Po4 Batteries at very fast 75A current.

Very high quality European made/USA inverters tend to be extremely expensive. The Advanced Xantra Pure Sine Wave Inverters are very high quality and technologically advanced inverters at the fraction of the cost of other European inverters.

350 teachers killed, 520 schools, 1000 classrooms destroyed

by B-Haram — Borno Govt

By Laide Akinboade-Oriere

T

HE Borno State Government has revealed that not less than 350 teachers have been killed, with over 520

schools and 1,000 classrooms destroyed by Boko Haram since 2009.

The Chairman, Borno State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Dr. Shettima Kullima, stated this while breifing journalists at the 14th quarterly meeting of the

Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, management with Executive Chairmen of SUBEBs, in Abuja themed: Consolidating Basic Education in Nigeria: The Challenges and the Way Forward.

He said the number of students

PZ chemistry challenge finalists emerge

By Amaka Abayomi

F

OUR finalists who will contest for the star prize of the 2015 PZ Cussons Carex Chemistry Challenge have emerged after the second stage of the examination held last weekend in Lagos.

The finals, which holds on December 12, will feature 16-year-old Jude Nnaemeka Chineke, an SS3 student of Great Esteem Secondary School, Surulere, and Wajul Kareem, 17, of Abibat Mogaji Millennium Senior Secondary School, Agege, who both scored 84 per cent each, and Wajul’s school mate, Samuel Joseph, 15, and Anthony Ike-Okoro Ekene, a 14-year-old student of Top Grade Secondary School, Surulere who both scored 80 per cent.

Speaking at the end of the second stage examinations, Carex Brand Manager, Oluwaseun Ayeni, said the finalists were selected after the second stage examination, which had in attendance 98 out of the 101 candidates who scaled the first round held two weeks ago.

Scholarships and cash rewards worth over

N3 million will be won by the four finalists, their teachers and schools, and the rest of the Top 10. The overall winner will get N700,000 in cash or scholarship, laptop and gold medal, while his Chemistry teacher and school will respectively have N100,000 cash and Chemistry books worth N100,000 as well as a trophy.

Prizes for the first runner-up are N500,000 in cash or scholarship, laptop and silver medal, while the Chemistry teacher will win N80,000 and the school N80,000 worth of Chemistry books.

The second runner-up will be given N400,000 in cash or scholarship, a laptop and bronze medal; the Chemistry teacher will win N70,000 cash and the school will have Chemistry books worth N70,000.

The third runner-up will have N300,000 in cash or kind, a laptop and consolation medal.

His Chemistry teacher will go home with N60,000 cash, while the school will have Chemistry books worth N60,000. Each of the sixth to 10th placed candidates will have a consolation prize award of N50,000.

killed is yet to be known because of the Boko Haram occupation of some of the territories.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, while declaring the meeting open, said the Federal Government would ensure that SUBEB chairmen who mismanaged resources would be penalized.

Reiterating the commitment of the state government in reconstructing the destroyed schools, he said: “...in fact, the insurgents destroyed more than 520 schools which translate to over 1,000 classrooms. They also killed more than 350 teachers while the number of students that were killed is uncertain because some of the villages where the schools are located are still under the occupation of the insurgents.”

On efforts the state government is making to ensure that children are in school, he said: “In most of the areas where the insurgents are not occupying, like Maiduguri, Chadi, Biokusa and even the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, schools are going on there.

“Apart from the state government, we are yet to get any support from anywhere particularly from the former administration that treated the state as if we were worse than conquered territory.

C M Y K

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—29

CCT not vested with exercise of criminal jurisdiction

By Justice A.G KaribiWhyte CAN the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, continue proceedings while its jurisdiction is being challenged at the appellate court?

G

eneral Considerations 1. The Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, is a creation of the Legislature, i.e. the National Assembly.

The Composition of the Tribunal is stated in paragraph 15(1) of Part 1, Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution. It shall consist of a Chairman and two members.

The expression “shall” is mandatory. The qualification of the Chairman is prescribed.

Although by paragraph 15(3) the Chairman and the members shall be appointed by the President in accordance with the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, the qualifications of the other two members are not prescribed. It is however unarguable that there shall be three members to constitute the Tribunal.

nature of the powers of the Tribunal. This is paragraph 18 (2). Paragraph 18(3) enlarges the punishment to include the penalties that may be imposed by any law where the conduct is also a criminal offence.

Analysis of the provisions It appears from the enabling law that the jurisdiction of the Code of Conduct Tribunal is confined and limited to the Conduct clearly outlined in paragraphs 1 – 13 of the Fifth Schedule.

The conduct proscribed has been stated in considerable detail and appears to be exhaustive. These are the only powers it can legally and lawfully exercise.

It is pertinent to observe that the law which enables the CCT to try persons who have contravened the provisions of the Code have carefully avoided the use of the expression criminal to describe the conduct so punished.

It does not contemplate any other conduct. Epressio unius est exclusio alterius. Rather it

Additional power 2. In sub-paragraph (4) of Paragraph 15, the National Assembly is empowered by law to confer on the Code of Conduct Tribunal such additional powers as may appear to it to be necessary to enable it more effective to discharge the functions conferred on it in this Schedule.

3. Paragraph 12(1) – (4) provides for the tenure of the Office of Chairman and Members of the Tribunal.

Paragraph 18 (1) – (7) provides for the powers of the Tribunal i.e. the jurisdiction of the Tribunal which is be found in Part I paragraph 1 – 13 of the Fifth Schedule.

In addition paragraph 18(2) which prescribes the punishment is specific as to the

The meaning of the word jurisdiction has been accepted – as the authority which a Court or Tribunal has to decide matters before it or to take cognizance of matters presented in a formal way for its decision

FG should look beyond oil for revenue ---- Etomi Pg 31 C M Y K

Justice A.G Karibi-Whyte provides in paragraph 18(3) that the sanctions in paragraph 18 (2) may be imposed, without prejudice to the penalties in any law where the conduct is also a criminal offence. See also the definition of misconduct in paragraph 19.

Again paragraph 18(6) has stated clearly that a finding of guilt by the Tribunal for contravention is not a conviction for an offence in a Court of law.

Thus rejecting the defence of autrofois convict or acuit.

The interpretation provision of paragraph 19 has defined misconduct in the Code to “mean breach of the oath of allegiance or oath of office of a member of breach of the provisions of this Constitution or a misconduct of such nature as amounts to bribery or corruption or false declaration of assets and liabilities” The expression, public officer, public office have also been defined. Note Paragraph 11(3) as to presumption of proof of guilt on the accused, and Paragraph 11(2), 13 as to vicarious criminal liability of the accused.

These are presumptions of guilt on the accused which is

Alleged misconduct: CJN queries judge Pg 31

unconstitutional. This is not proof of mere fact in issue – See Section 36(5) constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

I have endeavoured to state the Constitution of the membership of the Code of Conduct Tribunal. I have also stated the powers of the Tribunal.

The fact that it is a Tribunal created by the National Assembly, and not one of the Constitutional Courts created in Section 6(6) of the Constitution is not in dispute.

Limited jurisdiction Its jurisdiction is limited to the subject matter listed therein and a prescribed by the National Assembly. The Code of Conduct Tribunal has not been vested with exercise of criminal jurisdiction even by implication of the scope allowed in the sanction it can impose.

On the question whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal can continue proceedings with respect to a matter while its jurisdiction is being challenged in the Court of Appeal – My prompt reaction and answer is NO. It cannot. It is well settled principle and citations of judicial authority as precedents in support is unnecessary that determination of the issue of

jurisdiction when raised is fundamental to the determination of the lis before the Court.

The meaning of the word jurisdiction has been accepted – as the authority which a Court or Tribunal has to decide matters before it or to take cognizance of matters presented in a formal way for its decision. Where a Court does not have jurisdiction, there is nothing before it to adjudicate.

The limits of its authority as in this case may be prescribed, as it has been prescribed by stature under which the Court or Tribunal is created – concisely stated jurisdiction means the authority which a Court has to decide matters contested before it, or to take cognizance of matters presented in a formal way for its decision – see National Bank v. Shoyoye (1977) 5SC.181.

Exercise of jurisdiction A Court or Tribunal can only adjudicate on a controversy between litigants before it when it has jurisdiction to do so. See Kalio v. Daniel-Kalio (19750 2sc. 15. A Court or Tribunal is only competent when; 1) It is properly constituted with respect to the

Continues on page 30

30—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

CCT not vested with the exercise of criminal jurisdiction definitely cannot be created retrospectively – See S.36(8) Constitution 1999.

The Code of Conduct Bureau has set out in detail conduct which should be sanctioned as breach. In the ordinary rules of construction, where the breach of conduct has not been defined as criminal, they cannot be tainted with a criminal hue.

We cannot by mere construction render conduct criminal. It must be so defined by law. The schedule only refers to criminal offences in paragraph 18(3) in respect of punishment for breach of conduct where such conduct is also a criminal offence in a law.

Continues from page 29 number and qualification of its members; 2) The subject matter is within its jurisdiction; 3)The action is initiated by the due process of law; 4) The condition precedent to the exercise of jurisdiction has been satisfied see Madukolu v. Nkemdilim (1962) All NLR 587 per Bairamain JSC. The failure to satisfy any one of these conditions is fatal to the exercise of jurisdiction and adjudication. The Chairman of the Tribunal is contending that it is competent to assume jurisdiction sitting with him and only one of its members. This is clearly in breach of the provision enabling the exercise of jurisdiction.

It is only properly constituted when constituted with the Chairman and the other two members.

A court or Tribunal is not allowed to ascribe meaning to a statute merely to make it conform with its own opinion or views of sound social policy – A-G Lagos State v. Dosunmu (1989) 3NWLR (pt. III) 552; AG Federation v. Sode (1990) 1NWLR (pt. III) 500.

Proper composition The Code of Conduct Tribunal is in the instant case without doubt not properly constituted as to its composition.

Paragraph 15 (1) of the First Schedule has prescribed the proper composition as the Chairman and two members.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal cannot proceed with the Chairman and o member. This is in breach of the mandatory provision which must be complied with.

The Tribunal can only adjudicate on a controversy when it has jurisdiction to do so.

Since the issue of jurisdiction is fundamental to the hearing of an action, it is crucial to determine in linine at the first opportunity whether there is jurisdiction because it will be manifestly absurd to suggest a Court can proceed with full evidence of the parties, where the exercise if carried out

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

Criminal offence

Justice A.G Karibi-Whyte eventually will result in a nullity- see Timitimi v. Amabebe 14WACA 374.

The law is well settled that the issue of jurisdiction can be raised at any state of the proceedings – A-G East V. AG(Fed) (1965) 1All NLR. 224.

It is necessary for the Code of Conduct Tribunal to discontinue the trial because the existence or absence of jurisdiction in a Court of trial or Tribunal is at the root of the matter so as to nullify or affirm the trial Court’s decision or order in respect of the relevant subject matter.

Relevant subject See Obikoya v Registrar (1975) 4sc. 31.

Where an inferior Court, as in this case, a Tribunal or any Court proceeds without jurisdiction the eventual decision will amount to nothing – See Peenock Ltd. v. Hotel Presidential Ltd. (1982) 12sc.

The CCT in this case is not properly constituted to try any

case whatsoever. Its effort if allowed to continue will result in a nullity.

It should discontinue and wait for the decision of the Court of Appeal on the issue of Jurisdiction.

Does the CCT have criminal jurisdiction? Does anything in the Act or indeed the Constitution of 1999, give it the powers to assume jurisdiction not expressly granted by it by the Constitution?

It is an accepted fundamental principle of our criminal jurisprudence, the exercise of our criminal jurisdiction that no person can be tried and convicted of a criminal offence unless that offence is defined and the penalty therefore is prescribed in a written law.

A written law refers to an Act of the National Assembly or a Law of a State, any subsidiary legislation or instrument under the provisions of a law.

Hence, such a provision cannot be created by implication of the construction/ interpretation of any law – See S.36(12) Constitution 1999. It

This is invariably by implication from another offence which is unlikely to have been defined and penalty therefore defined in a written law.

Accordingly, the CCT which appears anxious to exercise of its powers in paragraph 18 cannot be said to be vested with exercise of criminal jurisdiction which is nowhere prescribed.

This is in excess of jurisdiction.

The Code of Conduct Tribunal is exercising power of the Code of Conduct Bureau as stated in Part I, paragraph 2-13 and 18(1)(2)(3) of the Fifth Schedule.

The only suggestion of exercise of criminal jurisdiction

Since the issue of jurisdiction is fundamental to the hearing of an action, it is crucial to determine in linine at the first opportunity whether there is jurisdiction...

is where in sub-paragraph (3) of Paragraph 18, the Code of Conduct Tribunal is allowed to impose any punishment without prejudice to the penalties imposed in subparagraph (2) by any law, where the conduct is also a criminal offence. This provision did not vest the Code of Conduct Bureau or the Code of Conduct Tribunal with criminal jurisdiction.

It merely refers to the nature of the punishment that can be imposed after finding of guilt in respect of the conduct proscribed.

The code of Conduct Tribunal is a creation of the National Assembly with prescribed powers and limited jurisdiction clearly expressed in the enabling law.

It conforms with the provisions of Section 6(5)(j) Constitution 1999. It does not enjoy the unlimited jurisdiction vested by the Constitution 1999 in the Courts named in Section 6(5)(a)(h).

Criminal jurisdiction The CCT is a Court created by the National Assembly to exercise jurisdiction at first instance or on appeal with respect with which the National Assembly may make laws.

I am not aware of any subsequent law of the National Assembly amending and increasing the powers of the Code of Conduct Bureau and of the CCT to vest the exercise of criminal jurisdiction in the CCT, or the exercise of another power.

I therefore, respond to the two questions posed as follows: 1.

CCT should not, as it cannot as an inferior Court continue proceedings whilst its jurisdiction was being challenged. 2.

The CCT is not vested with the exercise of criminal jurisdiction.

The reference to criminal offence in the punishment it can inflict cannot be so construed.

There is no provision in its enabling law to assume jurisdiction not expressly granted. *Justice A.G Karibi-Whyte, retired from the Bench of the Supreme Court

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—31

FG should look beyond oil for revenue ---- Etomi

By Dayo Benson

A

MID dwindling international oil price and its attendant negative impact on the nation’s economy, the federal government has been advised to look beyond oil as a solution to the present down turn in the current economic situation in the country.

Foremost commercial lawyer and expert on energy matters Mr George Etomi, gave this piece of advice in Lagos during an interactive media session.

According to Etomi who is also the pioneer chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association NBA, session on business law SBL, “ to get out of the current economic morass, the nation must begin to look beyond oil as a major source of revenue”, adding that part of the problems being experienced in the system is because the energy sector has been riduled with distortions from the beginning” Commenting on President

Muhammadu Buhari led administration policy direction, he pointed out the that situation will become clearer now that ministers had assumed offices.

“The policy direction of the federal government will become clearer now that the ministers are in place” Speaking on lack of continuity in governance, he explained that the nation’s experience had been that new government sometimes presented existing policies of previous government as if they were new ideas.

Existing policies “New government sometimes clothes existing polices in new garments, for instance treasury single account TSA and Bank verification number BVN are policies that existed before this administration assumed office”.

Pointing out that “it means such

policies may be giving teeth to what is in existence”.

Etomi who is also one of the major brains behind the drafting of Nigerian Communication Act , observed that “ government policies must be demarcated to determine what they want to achieve and regulators must be appointed to drive private enterprise .

Also government should not regulate its own policies, for example in the telecommunication sector, regulator is expected to merge the desire for profit and the need for service” Speaking on the Sovereign Wealth Fund, the senior lawyer who is also a fellow of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies NIALS, said “ the fund was designed for the kind of period we are in now.

Infrastructured funds that is being proposed is a good initiative but it should not be regulated by government”

L-R: Chairman NBA, Jos branch, Mr. Dafer Ledak, Jos Bar leader, G. Offordile Okafor, SAN and chairman NBA Jos law week planing committe Mr.Solomon Umor, SAN.

L-R: Senator Saffy Gogwim,former Arttorney-General and commissioner for Justice, Plateau State, Mr. Lukas Fomyile and Dean faculty of law,University of Jos, Prof. Clement Dakas.

Alleged misconduct: CJN queries judge

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

T

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed has demanded explanation from Justice Mohammed Yunusa of the Federal High Court, over a petition sent to the National Judicial Council, NJC, by a businesswoman, Abdou Rachidatou over alleged misconduct.

In the letter dated November 19, 2015 with Ref No. NJC/F.3/ FHC/.49/1/324 sent to Justice Yunusa through the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, the CJN demanded an explanation from the judge within 14 days.

Mrs Rachidatou a Nigerian based citizen of Benin Republic in her petition dated November 11, 2015, had claimed that the judge allegedly connived with counsel to her opponents to rob her of justice.

According to the petitioner, she had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over alleged manipulation of

incorporation documents of a company, Rana Prestige Industries Limited, which she co-owned with one Mr. Gnahoue Nazaire also a citizen of Benin Republic.

She alleged that her grouse with the co-director was that Nazaire allegedly in partnership with the lawyer that handled the incorporation of the company changed the share capital holding structure from 50% each between her and Nazaire to 60% and 40% in favour of her partner.

Mrs Rachidatou further alleged that in order to effect the alleged change in the share holding of the company, her signature was tampered with.

Frustration of investigation She also alleged the diversion of the company’s fund while she was away in France for six years. According to her, her petition to the EFCC for investigation was frustrated through the court. The petitioner alleged that her

opponent through their counsel instituted three suits, FHC/L/ CS/714/2015 Mr. Adewale Adeniyi V EFCC & 2ors; FHC/ L/CS/715/2015 Rana Prestige Industries Ltd & Anor V EFCC and 2 ors and Hair Prestige Limited & 30 ors V EFCC & 2 ors.

She said the suits were allegedly filed to stop EFCC from investigating her petition.

The petitioner expressed shock that Justice Yunusa had allegedly been communicating with counsel to her opponent shortly before the suits were filed and while they were pending contrary to judicial ethic.

According to her, Justice Yunusa communicated several times with the lawyer to her opponents through phone calls and exchange of SMS and promised to expose the alleged controversial conversation anytime she was invited.

Mrs. Rachidatou alleged that her co-director had been boasting in Cotonou that he had pocketed the judge in the matter.

L-R : Alternmative Chairman, law week planning committee, Mr. T. Kekemeke,former branch chairman Celeb Dajan, NBA General Secretary, Mazi Afam Osigwe and Gideon Musa Kuttu.

L-R: Mr. Jonathan Mawiyau, Luka Fwangyil,Celeb Dajan,Sunday Abednego, Amb. Abdul Rimdap and Mr. I. Gongu.

Two docked over alleged N4.2m theft

By Onozure Dania

T

WO gold dealers, AlHassan Bello and Jamiu Omizi, have been charged before a Lagos State Magistrate’s Court sitting at Igbosere, over alleged obtaining of N4.2million.

Bello, 50 and Omizim 48, were docked before Magistrate O. Owunmi and are standing trial on a two count charge of obtaining money under false pretence, preferred against

them by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Stephen Molo, told the court that the defendants and others who are still at large conspired to obtain the said sum, from one Ali Justin under the pretext of supplying him gold from Ghana, knowing same to be false.

He said that the incident took place between September 21 and 23 at 11:30a.m., at Agungi, Lekki in Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Theoffences according to the prosecutor are punishable under Sections 409, 312(1)(a) and 312(3) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

In view of their plea, the magistrate granted the duo bail in the sum of N100,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till January 11, 2016.

L-R: Chairman, NBA Jos, Mr. Ralph Monye, former Chairman NBA Jos, Mr. Lawrence Anyia and Mrs. Christie Ezekwem.

L-R: Mr. Gideon Musa Kuttu, Dr. O. A Lar, Alternate chairman NBA Jos law week, Mr. Kekemeke and former Second Vice- President NBA, Mr. Steve Abar.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Guinness promotes eye care at LUTH

Pharmacists celebrate Reload multivitamins at 88th PSN conference

By Sola Ogundipe

I

N line with its commitment towards promoting specialist eye care in the country, Guinness Nigeria Plc recently made a N5 million donation to the Guinness Eye Centre at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Speaking during a courtesy visit to the hospital, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, said the gesture was in keeping with the company's commitment to support the Guinness Eye Centres in sustenance of its original vision and to enhance their capacity to continue to deliver excellent eye care to patients.

"Our relationship with the hospital is a long one. It is worthy to note that many years after the establishment of the LUTH Guinness Eye centre, it has continued to receive commendations from different parts of the world. At Guinness, our vision has always been to make a positive difference in society. We believe passionately that when we help Nigerians preserve their sight, we not only deliver quality eye care but we also contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria", he said.

In a statement, Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof Chris Bode, said the company had been consistently involved in the management of its eye centres for over 50 years. "The gem that was sown many years ago has grown into a mighty oak that has trained over 100 specialist doctors, many medical students and other sundry healthcare workers. This eye centre is a living testimony to the values that

DONATION-From left:Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Chris Bode, Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria, Mr. Sesan Sobowale and Head of Department, Guinness Eye Centre, LUTH, Prof Folasade Akinsola during the N5M cheque presentation by Guinness Nigeria at the Boardroom, LUTH, recently.

Guinness espouses as a strong Nigerian brand. They have stayed this course with us over the years and I can boldly say that Guinness has a veritable legacy in LUTH," he stated.

The first Guinness Eye Hospital was built and commissioned in Kaduna in 1962, while the Centre at Onitsha, was established in 1984 operating under the Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital.

Guinness eye hospitals provide ophthalmic services in Nigeria and beyond, and also facilitate the training of medical students, resident doctors, nurses and community health officers.

T

HE need for Nigerians to take good advantage of vitamins like Reload Multivitamins was at the forefront of the just concluded 88th Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria conference in Abuja.

Speaking on the “Reload Café” which was beautifully decorated in the colours of the Reload Multivitamin brands while refreshments were served to visitors to the cafe from 1PM to 3PM daily, Chief Operating Officer of Pharmacy Plus, Mr. Chukwuemeka Obi acknowledged that the huge support from the members of the pharmaceutical society and the efforts of

members of the pharmacist community in ensuring that the average Nigerian family gets the best out of such a multivitamin designed to cater for all phases of life.

According to him, the Reload Multivitamin which is in various forms for children, female, male as well as different age brackets of fifty plus understand the effort of pharmacists in encouraging Nigerians to take good advantage of the multivitamin with over twenty four veggies and fruits that will help in the nourishment of the human body.

It will be recalled that a Professor of Paediatrics in University of Calabar, Emmanuel EyoEkanemin his statement during the launch of the multivitamins in 2014 acknowledged that the Reload Multivitamin Syrup meets the World Health Organisation, WHO, criteria for micro-nutrients and vitamin mixes for optimum intellectual and neurological development of the child especially in the first 1000 days of life. The infant multivitamin drop and syrup are formulated with an enriching taste to reduce the chances of nutritional deficiency in kids.

Some of the pharmacists at the event commended the managers of the Reload Cafe for the uniqueness of the stand and its approach to engaging stakeholders during the conference.

Mr. Gbemi Oladipupo of Chrislad Healthcare Ltd described Reload Multivitamin stand as a crowd puller with provision of confectionaries for members at the conference.

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ELLO everybody and welcome to the month of December. It is our tradition to introduce new adult novelties around this time to wrap up the year and we have lots of new things.

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If there is anything that women desire most during intercourse, it is an orgasm. Unfortunately, only a few women have it. This is not fair. Every wonderful experience in life has a happy ending and not all women get their happy ending during sex. That is why today we are introducing our largest collection of Ovo vibrators yet. The Ovo brand of adult toys is of very high quality and is made by a German designer whose design philosophy is futuristic, minimalist and effective. Ovo sex toys look like objects that women will be using two hundred years from now. Ladies often worry about their sex toys being discovered by curious children or nosy house maids. The good thing about Ovo vibrators is that they don’t look anything like a penis at all. They look so ultra-modern that when you first come across them, you won’t even know what they are. New in this collection are the Ovo k5 Silicone Rabbit – Pink & White, Ovo F11Waterproof Vibrator and the Ovo F10 Silicone Vibrator. The Ovo F10 is available in two colour combinations. There is the Ovo F10 White

and Metalic Violet option and the Ovo F10 Black & Chrome option. Really, I have never seen anything like these before and I have seen a lot of adult toys.

Last for today are two adult feature films that couples can enjoy on a lazy weekend when you are bored and up to no good. They are Teacher’s Pet and Almost Perfect.

Next week, we will discuss more new products. December 5th to 12th is also our sales week so all these items can be obtained at good discounts with gifts and raffle draws to follow. Let us now answer a few questions.

I am 55 years old. I am not able to go beyond first round with my wife and I can hardly maintain hard erections. My wife too has lost interest in sex– Oseni Dear Oseni, there are many things that can cause erectile dysfunction and one of the most common causes is aging.

At 55, you are at that age where it is normal for a man to begin to lose his sexual powers gradually, but there is help. A good erection enhancer will make your erections hard again, make you last longer before ejaculation and help you have several rounds of intercourse as you wish.

For this I recommend Libimax Plus. You don’t need to take it every day. One capsule of it will work for days. For your wife, I recommend Total Diva enhancer. Her own problem can also be due to aging or other factors such as menopause, hormonal imbalance or depression. Whatever the case may be, Total Diva will restore her sexual desire and interest.

AVibratoralso helps – Uche I have been using Prosolution now for about two months and from my measurements; my penis has grown one inch longer. Thanks for making me believe - Oscar You are welcome. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can call 08171912551, 08027901621 or 07086754515 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.comZee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com-Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—33

How we uncovered fraud in pensions payment —Oshiomhole G

OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has revealed how the state government uncovered fraud in pension administration in the state, noting that while some pensioners were unable to get their gratuities, others had two vouchers in their names.

He has meanwhile ordered the scrapping of the state's Pensions Board, saying that a bureau would be created to oversee the payment of pensions just as he announced that government will immediately key into a Contributory Pensions Scheme as a way to stem the incidences of fraud in pension payment.

The governor has, however, assured that within two weeks, local government pensioners will get paid as steps had been taken to ensure that henceforth, regardless of the amount of money accruing to local governments, they must make provision for the payment of council pensioners.

Oshiomhole, who has already sent the state Head of Service, Mr Jerry Obazele and Permanent Secretary,

Information and Communications Technology Agency, Mr Dan Aigbavboa, on retirement, has also directed members of the state Pensions Board to report to the state Civil Service Commission for proper investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

He said, “Government is aware that quite a number of our

senior citizens, particularly the ones who were in the employment of the local governments, covered by the Local Government Pensions Board, for some reasons have not received their pension for a couple of months.

“I need to make the point clear, because when I see their comments, they seem to indicate that the state

government is responsible for the payment of their pensions.

It is true that the state government has some level of responsibility to supervise and watch over the conduct of local governments. However, the local governments remain the 3rd tier of government and their roles and responsibilities are fully spelt out in the Constitution."

BRIEFING: From left: Miss Uju Okeke, Mr Ikechukwu Ikeji, Lead Advocate, and Mr Alexander Omini , during a press briefing on the cancellation of part of the governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in Lagos. Photo: Diran Oshe.

I didn’t influence procurement process —Ex-NIMASA boss

A

former DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Temisan Omatseye, has told the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that he did not interfere with procurement process at the agency.

Omatseye, who is standing trial for alleged contract rigging since 2010, while being cross examined by counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN, said: “My lord, I didn’t rig any bidding process while I was the Director-General of NIMASA. Every bidding process was handled by the Procurement Department. I only signed what was brought to me for approval. In fact, my Lord, that is why the Procurement Act was created.

“It separated the duties of the Director-General from those of the Director of Procurement. I never interfered with the process. If I did, I would be going against the Procurement Act.” On how the N100 million quoted by Daniels Holdings for the supply of generating sets increased, Omatseye said the Procurement Act allows the agency to add value added tax (VAT), procurement tax, interest tax and others.

“That is how we arrived at N129million, though we didn’t purchase the said

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generating set,” he said, adding that the contract was cancelled.

“Having received it from the registry department, I would

then minute it to the necessary office which now worked on it.

But my lord, the document before me here has none from that department. Even their

stamp is not on any of the documents before me here in court,” he added.

Trial continues on tomorrow.

Embrace health education —HEFMAC

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EOPLE of Edo State have been urged to adopt health education as a means of preventing avoidable health crises.

The advice was given at the annual free health programme organised by Health Foundation for Maternal and Child Care, HEFMAC, in Oria, Esan SouthEast Local Government Area of the state.

Delivering the keynote address, Victor Eboigbe, HEFMAC’s Chairman, board of trustees, noted that the call became important because education was the surest way of encouraging healthy living and preventing serious health risks.

“We chose to focus our attention on health care education because as the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. With education, people are able to find early signs of ailments, particularly terminal diseases like cancer, and are able to take necessary measures. So by creating the awareness, people can actually protect themselves from being victims of, for instance, breast and cervical cancer, which can be cured when detected early.

“Breast and cervical cancers are deadly diseases but both are

curable. That is only possible if they are detected early. That is why we are moving away from curative to preventive health care.

That is why we are now laying emphasis on providing the needed education for them to take the right actions,” Eboigbe said.

He noted that unlike previous programmes, the annual event will henceforth be taken to

different communities in the three senatorial districts of the state. This he explained was in line with the vision of the founder and former First Lady of the state, Mrs Clara Oshiomhole, to provide quality health care services to indigent people, particularly women and the girl child, anywhere in the state.

Lab scientists kick over alleged neglect by UBTH

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ROUBLE seems to be brewing for management of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, as some staff, under the aegis of Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, AMLSN, have demanded fairer treatment from the authority.

AMLSN decried what it termed under staffing, abuse of court orders, shortage of manpower, insufficient working materials and harsh working conditions.

Addressing newsmen in Benin City, UBTH chapter chairman of AMLSN, Olumoye Abdulazeez, said that the

condition under which they work had resulted in UBTH placing more burden on patients as they are deprived of quality services due to poor functional equipment and lack of chemicals for laboratory analysis.

The association noted that while positive steps had been taken to discuss with management with a view to ameliorating the situation, the situation was biting harder on its members, due to failure to implement the 2001 Scheme of Service and 2014 enhance entry point for medical laboratory scientists.

How Customs, DSS, Quarantine hinders trade facilitation —Broker

By Godfrey Bivbere

A

Customs broker and chieftain of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, Joe Sanni, has accused the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, the Department of State Services, DSS and the Nigerian Quarantine Service, NQS, of hindering trade facilitation at the nation’s seaports.

Sanni noted that the three government agencies deliberately delay cargoes at the port, especially Tin-can Island, Lagos, which is a case in point, to force the importer and their agents to get monetary gratification.

According to him, “Right from that point threats of a Demand Notice, DN, are made to the broker. By merely stating that “your cargo is 20 percent instead of five percent,” without correlating it with an acceptable HS Code, (The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as the Harmonized System) results into pleadings by the agent/ broker, who, because of lack of knowledge/capacity acquiesces to the position of the customs officer, who most likely, may not be able to defend his/her pronouncements/position.

“Added to this is the mode of operations of the Customs Intelligence Unit, CIU, whose original mandate is to operate incognito. But, from my proven observations, CIU acts as the overlord at examination bays. They participate actively in cargo examination, and their report supersedes the report of the examiner and chief examiner/releasing officer.

This is an abnormality that should be discontinued, because it is fraught with a lot of indiscretions, unintelligent decisions and a threat to the espirit d’corp of Nigeria Customs Service.

“One thing to note here is that valuation units and Q & A are not part of examination. Therefore, they rely mostly on jaundiced report of CIU to raise queries, which are not captured in the inspection act of the chief examiner.

“The CIU is the cause of all these delays, which end up in extortions, because of their widely circulated reports, which get to the CGC’s office in Abuja."

34 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

4790 to graduate from MOUA, Saturday

Enrol in formal leadership class, PDP tells Gov Okorocha

By Chidi Nkwopara

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA— M I C H A E L Okprara University of Agriculture, MOUA, Umudike, Abia State, will graduate 4,790 students during its 7th convocation ceremony coming up on Saturday.

Also, the Emir of Gombe, His Royal Highness, Abubakar Shehu 111, will be installed the Chancellor of the university.

Briefing journalists on the activities lined up to mark the 7th convocation ceremony of the University, Vice Chancellor, Prof.

Hillary Edeoga, said that the former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and Arumah Otteh were also slated to be given honorary doctorate degrees during the ceremony.

Edeoga said he was happy to have put the university’s name into world map, from an obscure institution it was before he became the vice chancellor in 2010.

He called on the Federal Government to strengthen Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TEFUND, which he said, was the only major source of funding for universities, even as he opposed the extension of the tenure of vice chancellors from the present five years, saying that five years was enough for any serious vice chancellor to achieve enough results.

His greatest challenge, according to him, was paucity of funds and land acquisition to expand the university, and he lamented the level of encroachment on the university’s land by some host communities.

Edeoga, however, also lamented the existence of high level pull-him-down syndrome in the university system, which he said, could distract one from doing his work effectively.

O

WERRI— THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Imo State, has advised Governor Rochas Okorocha to do himself a favour by enrolling in a formal leadership training class.

Addressing newsmen in

Owerri, the party’s state Secretary, Mr. Chima Akujobi, explained that they opted to offer the advice, having found out that the governor did not fully appreciate what leadership was all about.

“The situation of things in the state is most disappointing. Our lawmakers are not even helping matters, as they have sadly

lowered themselves by accepting to serve as members of taskforces, thus scuttling the legislative arm of government,” Akujobi said.

Recalling the N600 million planned expenditure for Christmas and New Year decoration, the Imo PDP described same as “senseless,” especially as civil servants and pensioners were owed.

“How can a government spend so much for Christmas decoration, when civil servants and pensioners are owed huge arrears of salaries and pensions?

This amounts to insensitivity and shadow chasing,” Akujobi said.

He added that “Imo is the most backward and one of the worst administered states in the country."

PDP did greatest disservice to Nigeria, says APGA chieftain PDP did to Nigeria in 16 years

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—FORMER National Chairman of

All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has said that the former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had no moral ground to cry over any

form of injustice.

He said on the contrary, the PDP, should bury its head in shame.

Addressing journalists in Enugu, Umeh said, “What

DRAW: From left, Mrs. Bukola Bandele, General Manager, Marketing, PZ Wilmar Limited; Mr. Joshua Yakubu, Deputy Director, Consumer Protection Council, CPC,Head of Lagos; Funlola Aofiyebi-Raimi, Mamador Brand Ambassador, and Mr. Agarwal Nitin, Finance Director, PZ Wilmar Limited, duirng the second raffle draw of Mamador Cook & Cruise Promo, at PZ office, Ilupeju, Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: Akeem Salau

it was in power is the greatest disservice to democracy.”

It will be re-called that the Appeal Court had on Monday nullified Senator Uche Ekwunife’s election on account of Umeh’s petition.

The court ordered a re-run within 90 days.

The APGA chieftain maintained that even though he allegedly won the election, the PDP manipulated the process with impunity and allegedly used the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare Ekwunife the winner.

While mocking PDP over its complaints on the outcome of the Kogi and Bayelsa state governorship polls, Umeh said “even though the All Progressives Congress, APC, has not been brutal as they were, the PDP members are now weeping.

“PDP promoted electoral banditry, so, I am surprised that they are now crying wolf. They are made up of hypocrites. The PDP’s time has just ended, it should be dismantled.”

‘For fairness, equity, Edo Central should produce next gov'

By Kelechukwu Iruoma

I

KOLO ESAN, a nonpolitical and a social cultural organisation has appealed to political leaders in Edo State to pick the next governorship candidate from Edo Central.

The organisation said for

fairness and equity, Edo Central senatorial district, which makes up the Esan speaking people of the state, should be allowed to produce the next governor in the state in 2016.

The organisation spoke through its National President, Prof. Gabriel Oteze, during its 2nd National Conference, at

Ekpoma.

He said that the Edo South and North have had their turns for eight years each through Lucky Igbinedion and Adams Oshiomhole in the last two dispensations, adding that the organisation was disturbed by feelers,they were getting especially from Edo South, insisting that they want to

produce the next governor in 2016.

According to Prof. Oteze, “If Esan land is truly a part of Edo State, irrespective of the humiliations and disregard we have suffered in the last couple of years at the state level, Esan politicians must not allow themselves to be pushed aside in the race that is just starting."

Electricity workers commission hotel, office complex, apartments as investments

By Victor AhiumaYoung

A

BUJA—NATIONAL Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has, in Abuja, commissioned three projects as part of the union’ N1.5 billion investments on the platform of NUEE Ventures.

The projects commissioned include a 36-room NUEE Motel in Utako area of Abuja, NUEE Apartments, also at Utako and NUEE Office Complex at Area

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8, Garki, that will house the union’s companies, especially Accutrack that will manufacture meters and its associated softwares, and Volta Metering solutions that will market the meters, carry out after sales services, repairs and so on.

The union also unveiled two new Toyota Hiace 18-seater buses.

The commissioning was performed by the pioneer president of the union and former Treasurer of Nigeria Labour

Congress, NLC, Ero Philips alongside other former president of the union, such as T. A Shamang, Mukaila Salawu, and current president, Mansur Musa.

Speaking after the commissioning, the union’s General Secretary, Mr. Joe Ajaero, said that the union had been involved in projects and investment for a long time, noting that they were geared towards deemphasizing the union’s over dependent on check off dues.

He revealed that some of the

union’s pro-actives plans came handy after the privatization of the the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, when the new investors were not ready to listen to the union, let alone talk about union’s dues.

According to him: “Without talking in specific terms, we have projects of about N1.5 billion completed and ongoing. The three projects commissioned today are parts of the projects.

The Onike, Lagos guest house project, the Ofad Pole company

and the investment aspect are part of the project.

"We are already recruiting staff, including the Managing Directors and others, for some of the companies. We have N1.5 billion marked out for those ventures, ongoing or completed.

That is what should be in the account, what we have spent so far and what we are going to spend until the companies are stabilized. These projects are coming on the platform of NUEE Ventures."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 35

I'll secure victory at the tribunal — WADA

By Kingsley Fanwo

L

OKOJA—KOGI State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, has assured his supporters that the election tribunal will do justice to the confusion surrounding the governorship poll.

Addressing PDP stakeholders at the Government House, Lokoja, Tuesday, the governor said the tribunal will soon decide whether it is legal for a political party to have two candidates in the course of election and whether a person’s votes could be transferred to another person.

“As my tenure winds up on January 27, 2016, I have already constituted a transition committee to ensure smooth handover of power. This is our obligation as a government.

“However, with the Governorship Election Tribunal already in place, we shall soon be going before them to ask germane questions. As far as the law is concerned, we have not seen where it was written that a person’s votes can be transferred to another. We are sure of victory.

He added “As a person, I do not have problems with anyone. I am

a peace loving person but the issue at stake is a constitutional one that must be given attention for the sake of posterity.”

Responding on behalf of Kogi West and Kogi Central, former Deputy Governor of the State, Chief Sam Ola Akande, appealed to the governor to

assembly a team of competent lawyers to ensure that what rightly belongs to the PDP was not thrown away.

He said the issue at hand is alien to the Nigerian constitution and should therefore be treated with utmost care and dexterity. He

hailed the governor as a humble leader who has laid the foundation for the development of the state.

The transition committee set up by the governor was headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof.

Gbemiro Jegede.

By Peter Duru

M

PARLEY: From left; Managing Director, Association of Business Executives (ABE), Bradley Wade; Chief Executive, Gareth Robinson; Director General, Nihotour, Mrs. Chika Balogun and Managing Director, New Horizons, Mr. Tim Akano, during the discussion of integrating Association of Business Executives into Nigerian universities education systems in Abuja, recently.

FG owes construction firms N1.87trn, vows to complete all ongoing roads Expatriates were between 50 nation and and our resolve to

By Favour Nnabugwu, Caleb Ayansina & Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—MINISTER of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has disclosed that the former ministry of works owed 206 contractors over N2 trillion, of which only N13 billion was released to the ministry out of the N18.132 billion it budgeted for.

Speaking Tuesday during his maiden news conference tagged “Setting the Agenda for Delivering Change”, Fashola said highway tolling will be reintroduced to raise additional funds to finance road infrastructure and ensure efficient road maintenance.

Housing estates for states, FCT

He also revealed that the Federal Government would spend N10 billion to build low income housing estate in each of the state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, just as he added that the government will add another 2,000 megawatts to the country’s stock of power within 12-15 months.

Fashola explained that, “The Federal Government budgeted N18.132 billion in 2015 and the Ministry of Works got N13 billion for all roads and highways in 2015, although it has contracts for 206 roads, covering over 6,000km worth over N2 trillion.”

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Why we're yet to defeat Boko Haram,

by Air Force chief

He added that for the current administration to deliver on its promises to Nigerians, the government has to increase its capital budget to enable it significantly meet infrastructural needs of the nation.

“The records that have been made available from previous budgets show that the last time Nigeria budgeted over N200 billion in a year’s budget for roads was in 2002. It seems that as our income from oil prices increased over the last decade, our spending on roads decreased.

“We are at a point where the 2015 Budget made only a provision of about 16 per cent amounting to approximately N557 billion for capital spending out of a total budget of over N5 trillion. “We are at a period when oil prices have dropped from where they were a year ago. We spent less on capital when we earned more from oil, today we must spend more on capital even as we earn less.

“The first thing that must change is the Capital to Recurrent ratio of the budget, and our colleagues in the Ministries of Finance and Budget and Planning are working on this and they will address you at their own time on the changes they have made and what citizens must do to enable them achieve that plan.”

He added “The budget is the article of faith of every serious

do more capital spending with less resources must be indicative of our seriousness to reflate this economy.”

Fashola noted that lack of funding had caused many construction companies to retrench their workers due to the huge debts owed them by the various tiers of government.

Jobs creation

The Minister said if the federal government is able to pay those construction companies, the companies will be able to reinstate most of the employees they laid off and by extension help the government achieves its promises on job creation.

“Jobs have been lost in the road construction industry which affected our GDP figures and we started talking about recession. As at May 2015, many contractors have stopped work because of payment, and many fathers and wives employed by them laid off as a result.”

He said sampled four companies showed that 5,150 workers have been laid off as at March 11, 2015 and if we realise that there are at least 200 contracts pending, on the basis of one company per contract.

He said in one of these companies junior staff that were laid off were between 1250 and 1800; Senior Staff 300 and 550.

Expatriates dropped from 500 to 250. However, the situation could get worse. In the second company local staffs laid off were between 1500 and 3000.

and100. In the case of the third company the total ranged from 1100 to 2500 with more to go.

By the end of September when budgets had been fully exhausted these numbers worsened but by paying those contractors, we will restore the lost jobs as an economic intervention of our promise of change.

While promising that money generated from the toll gates will be properly accounted for and judiciously put to use, the Minister said “maintenance would be our watchword. We are setting up a robust maintenance regime to keep our highways in good shape.

Focus on states link roads

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

He said, “Our ability to achieve connectivity of roads depends on capital spending in 2016 to pay contractors and get them back to work.”

Moves to recover Federal roads

Fashola stated that the ministry will leave no stone unturned to recover the full widths of federal government right of way from those who have encroached on it whether by building structures or any other way they have infringed on the roads.

AKURDI—THE Command Training Officer, Headquarters Training Command, of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Akintunde Johnson, has disclosed that the war against Boko Haram and insurgency in parts of the country was being hampered by intelligence failure and lack of modern training equipment.

He disclosed this yesterday while addressing graduands of the Intelligence Courses of the Nigerian Air Force School of Air Intelligence, NAFSAINT, in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.

He said, given the handicap, the military had already commenced enhanced training in intelligence gathering and information sharing to aid the fight against the insurgents.

Air Commodore Johnson said, “that is why we must commend the NAFSAINT for churning out these graduands who will in no small measure play critical roles in the current fight against the insurgents.”

Earlier, the Commandant of NAFSAINT, Group Captain Raymond Nwankwo, said among the 62 graduands were officers who were trained in the Young Officers’ Intelligence Course, Intelligence Supervisors and Basic Intelligence Courses of the institution.

He said the graduands who all came out in good grades would be of great asset to the military especially in the current war against insurgency in the country.

Group Captain Nwankwo assured that the institution would continue to churn out sound intelligence officers who would not fail to do the Nigerian military proud.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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VISIT: MD/CEO, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Rahul Colaco; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, and Chairman, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, during a visit to the minister in Abuja.

LAUNCHING: Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Frederick Udoaka; GM, Enterprise Marketing, MTN, Ms. Onyinye IkennaEmeka; CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema and Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, at the launch of MTN Prestige Corporate Loyalty programme in Lagos.

INDUCTION: Mr Oscar Onyema (right), decorating Mr Ayandele Sanusi,one of the inductees and Pastor John Igbarumah, MD Camry Securities (left), at the induction ceremony for newly qualified Authorised Dealing Clerks of Nigerian Stock Exchange in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

GOLF TOURNAMENT: From left: Sales Manager, AFP Furniture Production, Uche Uzoewulu; Specialist, High Value Sponsorships and Event, Etisalat Nigeria, Amaka Agu; Chief Executive Officer, Hole 19 Investments Limited, Aderemi Ajidahun and General Manager, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Etienne Gailliez, at the gala night of the Capital Golf invitational tournament sponsored by Etisalat in Abuja.

AWARD: From left: Ambassador Moses Essien, Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology presents the plaque to winner of the award for Best Point-of-Sales Materials Manufacturing Company to Mr. Paul Inyang, MD, Megaplux Global Access Ltd, and Mr. Olusegun McMedal, Chief Reputation Strategist, Upticomm Marketing Company Ltd, during the African Governance and Corporate Leadership Awards in Abuja.

BRIEFING: From left: Communications Lead, Microsoft Nigeria, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; Principal Transformation Strategist, Olakunle Soriyan, Company OSC, Olakunle Soriyan; Citizenship Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, Olusola Amusan and Chief Business Officer, Opeyemi Asagba, during a briefing on Ideas Going Global Business cocktail in Lagos.

AWARD: From left: Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission, Hon. Fouad Oki; Factory Manager, Lucky Fibres Plc, Santosh Tomar, and Senior Human Resources Manager, Ajibade M.O, at the presentation of awards to Lucky Fibres Plc for Best Kept Industrial Premises in 2015, during the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria's 48th annual general meeting in Lagos.

LAUNCHING: From left: Femi Farinde, Account Manager, Sesema PR; Tampiri Irimagha-Akemu, MD/CEO; Evelyn Dike, MD, Event Access and Damilola Sobajo, Senior Account Executive, Sesema PR at Sesema's open house event and launch of its emerging entrepreneur project in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—37

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New Enwonwus, Onobrakpeyas discovered at NAC final •as ‘No Rest, No Comfort' wins millions

By Prisca Sam-Duru

A

S one entered the upper hall of the Kongi’s Harvest at Freedom Park, Lagos on Thursday, 26th November, a giant sized aesthetically designed family bed placed against a beautifully decorated wall, beckoned for rest, sleep and much more. But a closer step and scrutiny of the colourful piece, reveals a no go area as the work was carefully crafted with very dangerous weapons; tookpicks, nails etc. This work was titled, ‘No , Rest, No Comfort, Confusion Everywhere’ by Sebastine Ugwuoke as part of works by the 12 finalists of the 8th National Art Competition organised by the African Artists’ Foundation, AAF and sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries NB PLC. The dexterity and creativity displayed by Sebastine gave many a hint that the winning cash prize of 2 million naira from the treasury of NB was all his. Viewers were already in great expectations. And so, it wasn’t surprising at all when he was announced winner of the coveted Prize.

Out of over 200 submissions received in June, the number was pruned to 12, for originality, creativity and clarity in relation to this years theme, ‘Future Histories’, by an artistic selection committee led by Professor El Anatsui.

Subsequently, from the 12 finalists, a team of judges led by one of Nigeria’s veteran painters

and Lecturer, Kolade Oshinowo alongside Theo Lawson, Olu Amoda, Omoligho Udenta, Amaka Osakwe, Bob Aiwerioba and Akeem Lasisi, adjudged Sebastine Ugwuoke’s ‘No Rest, No Comfort Confusion Everywhere’,the winning entry for the 8th National Art Competition.

The Outstanding Concept went to Ngozi Omeje for her work, ‘Against All Odds’, while Outstanding Production was taken by May Okafor for her work titled ‘Dear Content...’.

Apart from the three winning entries, other works in diverse mediums which were embelished with matching themes and titles were stunning in their own ways proving the fact that NAC as well as Nigerian art, are undergoing redefinition and huge transforma-

The art piece hopes to use foam and other soft materials with dangerous pins on them to represents a visual image of inaccessibility and lack in the midst of plenty

tion.

Kolade Oshinowo who marveled at the productions, said it was difficult making a selection due to amazing productions by the artists. He • Sebastine Ugwuoke infront of his winning work pleaded to Nigerian Breweries to allow the works to thrown into anarchy when the recorded by NB and level of inbe exhibited for a period of time challenge spreads all over the genuity flaunted by the participatso that viewers can walk in and country.” ing artists, Mr Kufre Ekanem said, interact with them.

The work process he hinted, “This year is mind blowing. StunHis plea was granted as the “Followed a routine of stuffing ning! what a spectacle! This is one Corporate Affairs Adviser NB, Mr different colours and sizes of foam time I cannot envy judges because Kufre Ekanem directed that works as bed, which ordinarily should of the huge task of making a seby all the finalists should not be be a place of rest, with sharp oblection out of an array of stunning dismantled but will remain open jects ranging from nails, toothpicks works.” for exhibition till Sunday. and other dangerous materials to As we all know, he began again, Sebastine Ugwuoke whose win- depict ‘no rest, ‘no comfort’, ‘con“The National Art Competition ning entry, ‘No Rest, No Com- fusion’ everywhere. aims to promote the development fort, Confusion Everywhere’ of contemporary African art and speaks to issues of Boko Haram Effect of raise awareness of social issues in the North Eastern part of the insecurity through the use of creative artiscountry, expressed joy and thanks tic expression. This year, we had to Almighty God for his success an unprecedented number of The work according to the new at the art competition. strong, conceptually sophisticated millionaire, warns and predicts He explained that”The art piece that in the near future the effect entries from all geopolitical zones hopes to use foam and other soft of insecurity would have spread in Nigeria, proposing a variety of materials with dangerous pins on all over the country in form of artistic practices in response to the them to represent a visual image unnecessary apprehensions and theme ‘Future Histories’. Today, of inaccessibility and lack in the a non-conducive environment for we see all over this venue, the midst of plenty. The work predicts business result of those efforts” and social that if the menace of boko haram activities.”Surprisingly, Ugwuoke The evening was spiced up with and other related security issues disclosed that he used 72 cartoons a dance that incorporated drama are not critically addressed, the of toothpick for production. and choreography into the breathwhole country will one day be taking performance.

Feeling very proud of successes

Practical guide on how to be your own boss in print Japhet Alakam

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NE of the greatest problems confronting the world today, especially Nigeria is unemployment. For example in Nigeria, every year the various universities in the country churn out graduates to chase the few jobs available, and when they don’t get any, they are left with no choice than to join the legions already in the unemployment market. Its negative effects on the globe is worrisome, that is why all efforts are geared towards finding a solution.

It has also been revealed that the major cause of unemployment is over reliance on paid jobs, which is an off short of the career they choose while in School. How do we come out of this mess, how can the youth know what to do, the career to choose and how one can discover and hold his field, delve into fortunes, and drive yourself to fulfillment. These and some other related issues are what the duo of Olugbenga Seyi

Hodonu, a legal practitioner with a passion for positive change and Kester Audu, a human resource consultant addressed in their new book, entitled Use the L.I.F.T.: Proven Techniques for Choosing and Excelling in a Career Path.

In the 142 pages book published

by Ink-spire Ventures Ltd, Lagos, the authors takes the reader on a step by step approach that will aid them in choosing their dream career and help them in getting out the best from their career and also become their own master.

Essential principles Divided in six chapters, the duo chapter by chapter implores the youths to think about the direction of their life as it relates to their career path especially with so many choices on hand? It features the following: Structured tools, techniques, and essential principles necessary for professional and project success ,Exploration of various career options and

skills for attaining your summit ,Tested principles for running your own business ,Inspiring words from leading lights of various fields and Career self-assessment questions and many inspiring subjects.

In chapter one titled, The Big Career L.I.F.T, the book introduces all to career and its importance.

Here it posits that choosing a career is one of the biggest decisions one will ever make, as your career becomes part of who you are in no time. But before buying into a career path, it is essential you consider how fitting the career you are about picking will be as there are so many things that can influence man’s action towards his choice of occupation or career.

The book evidently carved out four key notes, Lustre, Interests, Footholds and Targets. These four points will help you to plan for the future you desire, by figuring out the career that is best for you, in addition to making you know more about yourself.

Chapter 2, titled Many floors

ahead, gives an overview of various career paths. Here they takes the reader to a tour or exploration of different career options available to discover your best choice.

While chapter 3 states x-rays the

Use the L.I.F.T.: Proven Techniques for Choosing and Excelling in a Career Path; Olugbenga Seyi Hodonu & Kester Audu; Ink-spire Ventures Ltd, Lagos, Nigeria; 2015; PP. 142

importance having certain kits while on board the lift as you cannot do without it.

Chapter four, titled Learning opportunities implores the reader to seize every opportunity as you can access your career path from various learning ends or routes, so as you journey along these routes, you are bound to pass through several scenes and phases.

In chapter five titled Running your own business, the book addresses the important topic of how to become your own boss by creating a job for yourself and others. How to start the plan, the ideas required and other factors were discussed. Finally, the authors concludes by pointing out that the reader must have the big picture of where he/she is going and work towards that.

The book,Use the L.I.F.T. is a helpful starting point for selfanalysis, a book that will introduce you to yourself and take you beyond yourself. Apart from providing informed advice and choices on career planning and employment, it will challenge your thoughts or stimulate your thinking and lead you to productivity.

42— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—43

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44— Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 — 45

Chukwu, Toro congratulate Dream Team VI F

ORMER Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu and former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro have congratulated Under -23 team ‘the Dream Team for picking Rio 2016 Olympics ticket and also qualifying for the final of the CAF U-23 AFCON after beating the hosts country, Senegal yesterday.

In his reaction yesterday, Chukwu said it’s a ‘mission accomplished’ after the Dream Team VI booked their Olympic ticket at the Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal.

“I’m happy that the first mission at the championship, which was to secure an Olympic ticket, has been successfully achieved.

They will now be boosted to go for the second mission, which is the championship top prize.

“Their performance showed they are improving with each game.

“However, it’s not yet a done deal as far as improvement is

concerned; they still have to improve further both in the championship and the Olympics proper.

“I must say congratulations to them for making Nigerians happy with the hardfought Olympic ticket,” said the former Green Eagles strongman and captain.

The semifinals victory against Senegal has instantly handed the Nigerians the 2016 Rio Olympic ticket and a ticket to the final to vie for the Afcon Under-23 trophy.

Also reacting, Alhaji Toro said, “We remain grateful to the Almighty God for the victory and our qualification for the 2016 Olympics. I congratulate the team for making us proud”.

Oliseh to join Eagles camp late

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UPER Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh will join up with the 2016 CHAN squad later than expected as he recovers from illness.

The Eagles’ homebased group of 26 players that will do duty at the 2016 CHAN in Rwanda next month, are

Nigeria dumps Senegal, lands in Rio

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IGERIA yesterday qualified for next year’s Rio Olympics after they pipped hosts Senegal 1-0 through penalty by skipper Oghenekaro Etebo.

In the other semi-final match, Algeria beat South Africa 2-0 to set up another clash in the final to be decided on Saturday.

A mix-up between goalkeeper Seydou and Thioune in the Senegal defence let in Kufre Ebong, but before he could shoot into an empty goal Thioune held on to the ball to be sent off for a professional foul.

Etebo held his nerve to send goalkeeper the wrong way and Nigeria zoomed all the way to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Nigeria’s other super hero was goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, who saved a penalty in first half stoppage time for Dream Team VI to hold hosts Senegal 0-0 after the first period.

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MAN OF THE MATCH ••• Emmanuel Daniel

Chekhou inside his own box, but he made amends when he saved Sory Keita’s penalty moments later.

The Enugu Rangers goalkeeper also pulled off a big save in the 13th minute, when he came face-to-face with Keita.

He also saved in the 36th minute, when he held a downward header from inside the 18-yard box.

Nigeria also had their chances to get on the scoresheet with the most notable being in the 42nd minute, when Junior Ajayi put the ball through the legs of the Senegal goalkeeper and captain, but Kufre Ebong was denied on the goalline by a tackle by a defender of Senegal. In the second half, Senegal continued to dominate, recording as many as 11 shots on target as against four by Nigeria.

The game struggled to rise to its high billing but in the 59th minute, Nigeria goalkeeper Daniel used his foot to deny goalbound Ismaila Sarr.

set to gather in Abuja on Monday, December 14, for a training camp.

But an illness to Oliseh, which also saw him miss the Eagles’ second-leg CHAN qualifier in Burkina Faso, means he will only join up with the squad when they travel to South Africa for their pre-tournament camp.

“Oliseh will not come to Nigeria as he is still recovering from illness in Belgium. He will now join the Eagles in South Africa when they begin training camp there,” an official was quoted as saying.

Assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is expected to be in charge during Oliseh’s absence.

Onazi returns from injury

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UPER Eagles and Lazio midfielder Ogeny Onazi has return from a three-week injury lay-off.

The midfielder was out of action from an injury he sustained in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Swaziland.

Onazi was part of the Super Eagles team that beat Swaziland in the second leg of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers to progress to the third round.

He took to Instagram to announce his come back, “Big thanks to almighty

God to be back fit to do what I know how to do best, after three weeks little knock. Am back stronger and better,” Onazi wrote on Instagram.

“Thank you all for your prayers and Goodwill messages God bless.”

Lazio over the weekend lost at home 2-0 to Juventus.

Paulo Dybala scored one and set up another to help Juventus to the victory, their fifth consecutive win in Serie A.

Sports Minister Continues from BP The Minister of Sports assured that team of all necessary support in their preparations for the Rio Games, adding that ‘the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure a successful outing for the team at the greatest sporting

show-piece in the world.

Nigeria, it is recalled won the men’s soccer gold at the Atlanta Games in 1996 and won silver at the Beijing Games in 2008, with Samson Siasia, the current coach, being in charge of the team to tAsia.

Ozuruigbo dissolves Heartland board as stakeholders kick

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ORMER Nigerian champions, Heartland of Owerri, has been thrown into crisis following the announcement yesterday of the dissolution of the club’s board, led by Ibe Okechukwu, by the Chairman of the Taskforce on Sports Facility in Imo State, Ugonna Ozuruigbo.

Ozuruigbo is also the deputy speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.

In a statement released by Solomon Onu, who has been announced as the new Media Officer of club, Ozuruigbo said the dissolution was over a perceived lack of transparency in the running of the club.

The statement directed all former board members to handover the club’s property in their possession to the head of administration.

But some stakeholders yesterday dismissed the ‘purported’ dissolution of the board, saying it was against the interest of the club.

They added that the development might lead to stiff sanctions from the League Management Company (LMC) for violation of Club Licensing Regulations.

The stakeholders, who pleaded anonymity, accused Ozuruigbo of sidelining other members of the task force ‘in a surreptitious move to hijack Heartland FC in a manner that runs counter to the Club Licensing Requirement of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which made it mandatory that all officers of the club must be screened to ascertain their suitability for the office based on criteria set out in the Administrative Criteria of the Licensing document being implemented by the LMC. “Ozuruigbo has deliberately kept such other members of the Task Force like Steve Asinobi and Joe Ohaegbulam out of the activities of the committee because they may not support his agenda to hijack Heartland and handpick the management.”

Gov's Cup Continues from BP 2014 finalist, who is ranked 1186 in straight set of 6-4, 6-4.

Paul was instrumental to Team Tombim’s winning of the NCC Team Tennis Cup at the same venue on Saturday, and his reward for the win over Mugabe, is a quarterfinal showdown with Llyod Harris of South Africa on Thursday. Harris, the number 3 seed, defeated David Pel of The Netherlands 6-4, 36, 6-3 in their second round clash.

“I’m very happy to have played and defeated Mugabe, who is of higher rank. This has boosted my confidence that if I put in more effort I can make it in the competition this year,” said Paul, who played qualifying matches before making it to the Main Draws of the first leg (Futures 3) of the ongoing International Tennis Federation (ITF) sanctioned tournament.

“I come to realize that Nigerian players have the potential to make it big at the Governor ’s Cup but we are faced

with the problem of not playing circuits around the world to gain exposure and experience. I want to beg Nigerians to come to our aid by sponsoring some of us to play tournaments around the world,” he said.

Other Nigerians who played their second round matches Wednesday were not as lucky as Sylvester Emmanuel fell 6-2, 6-2 to number 2 seed Pere Riba of Spain. It was the same fate for Thomas Out, who bowed to number 4 seed from The Netherlands, Antal Van Der Duim in another straight set of 6-1,6-2 while top seed, Aidin Setkic of Bosnia crushed Albert Bikom in 6-1,6-0.

The Nigerian ladies also find the going tough as Ronke Akingbade and O s a r i e m e n Airhunmwunde were comprehensively beaten by number 6 seed, Ulrikke Eikeri from Norway and Frenchwoman Tessah Andrianjaftrimo 6-0, 60, and 6-1, 6-0 respectively.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Amuneke shuns NFF offer to coach Flying Eagles F

IFA under-17 world cup winning coach, Emmanuel Amunike has turned down Nigeria Football Federation offers to continue with the Golden Eaglets and also assist Manu Garba with the Flying Eagles job.

Amunike, was reacting to statements credited to Nigeria Football Federation president, Amaju Pinnick who stated that the former Super Eagles winger will now have a double task.

But Amunike said since no contract has been discussed with him on the job offer he cannot make himself available.

“No doubt coaching the national team is something I consider a huge privilege and when you even get to win honors with the national team, I think there are very few experiences that can beat that, “ said Amuneke to footballive.ng.

“However, I don’t subscribe to certain situations and certainly I don’t think announcing the appointment of a coach on air without a meeting with the party involved or a written contract is not how I’ll choose to work.”

Amunike led the Eaglets to the successful defence of

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the FIFA under-17 World Cup in Chile. He was Garba’s assistant when the Eaglets won the 2013 tournament in the UAE. Garba was upgraded to the Flying Eagles, but he failed to lift the team at the FIFA under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Speaking further, the former Barcelona player stated that the national team has lost its verve and Nigerian fans must come to terms with it. ‘ We have lost that glamour but the fans still think we are the same old side that can defeat teams heavily whether home or away but we are not.’ ‘ There’s a lot we need to do. We can’t rely on just individual talents to build a national philosophy.'

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•No Deal... Emmanuel Amunike and striker Victor Osimhen conquering heights at the 2015 FIFA under-17 World Cup in Chile.

Ronaldo rules out Man United return

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RISTIANO Ronaldo has committed his future to Real Madrid amid endless speculation linking him with moves to Manchester United or Paris Saint-Germain.

The Portuguese star was coy on the

IAAF relocates events events awarded to Russia

possibility of a transfer in recent times, but following his four-goal haul in the 8-0 win over Malmo on Tuesday he confirmed he is “happy” to stay with Los Blancos.

The current Ballon d’Or champ has been

said to be unhappy under new manager Rafa Benitez so far this season. CR7 did little to silence those speculations during a Champions League clash against PSG, being caught on camera speaking to Laurent

Blanc – allegedly telling the French boss of his desire to play under him.

“It is all speculation. All these years are the same, people are used to this things happening around Cristiano. But this club has helped me so much since I came here and I’m really happy here,” he said, as quoted by AS.

OME and Kiev are among the bidders to host track and field events that were taken away from Russia when it was suspended last month by athletics’ world governing body, the IAAF, because of a doping scandal.

The IAAF says in a statement that the world junior championships, which were due to be held in the Russian city of Kazan in July, have attracted three bidders Perth in Australia, Bydogoszcz in Poland and an Indian city yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Rome and Kiev have bid for the world race-walking team championships, which were to have taken place in the Russian city of Cheboksary.

Also bidding are Monterrey in Mexico and Guayaquil in Ecuador.

The hosts will be announced Jan. 7, the IAAF says.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015—47

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015

Amuneke shuns NFF offer to coach Flying Eagles — Page 46 Sports Minister hails Dream Team for picking Rio ticket

ON GUARD••• Dream Team’s defender Bello Zaharaddeen waits to ward off Les Lionceaux de la Teranga of Senegal attacker ’s back header during CAF U-23 AFCON semi final match yesterday at the Stade Leopold Sedar Senghor in Dakar

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HE Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalong has congratulated the Dream Team for picking a ticket to play in the men’s football at the 2016 Rio Olympics Dream Team yesterday secured their ticket to fly Nigeria’s flag at the summer Games, following a nail-biting 10 win against hosts Senegal at the Leopod Senghor Stadium in Dakar.

Reacting to the team’s qualification for the final of the African U-23 Championship, the former prison warden turned barrister, said the team showed courage and determination against the Senegalese, who before the game, were the favourites to qualify.

Continues on Page 45

•Amuneke

Gov’s Cup Lagos Tennis: 5 Nigerians crash as Paul upsets Mugabe

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U-23 African Cup of Nations —

Nigeria dumps Senegal, lands in Rio Pa ge 45

•To play Algeria in Saturday’s final

IGERIA’s Christian Paul battled his way to the quarter final of the 15tth Governor ’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship on Wednesday as he upsets Duncan Mugabe of Uganda in a second round match at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

Paul, who is ranked number 2130 in the world shocked Mugabe, the

Continues on Page 45

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Range (5) 5 Disperse (6) 8 Command (5) 10 Ascertain (6) 11 Egg-shaped (4) 14 Liking (6) 15 Hide (7) 18 Entrap (3) 19 Faucet (3) 21 Adroit (4) 23 Kingly (5) 24 Present (4) 27 Lair (3) 29 Lout (3) 31 Fundamental (7) 32 Rubber (6) 34 Travel (4) 35 Dragged (6) 38 Vigilant (5) 39 Dirk (6) 40 Blithe (5)

DOWN 2 Tin (3) 3 Swoop (6) 4 Stray (3) 5 Fall (4) 6 Climbed (6) 7 Hidden (6) 9 Discussed (7) 12 Vehicle (3) 13 Tardy (4) 16 Formerly (4) 17 Beer (5) 20 Style (7) 22 Insect (4) 24 Respected (6) 25 Bellow (4) 26 Relaxing (6) 28 Tiny (6) 30 Nourished (3) 33 Breed (4) 36 Limb (3) 37 Spike (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Normal 5, Spar 8, Aorta 9, Gas 10, Town 11, Risk 12, Ether 13, Lurked 16, Mean 18, Crib 20, His 22, Sit 23, Had 24, Menu 25, Plea 28, Draped 30, Sport 32, Trio 33, Aide 34, Gag 35, Trite 36, Meet 37, Studio.

DOWN: 1, Nigle 2, Restrain 3, Anthem 4, Contended 5, Stretch 6, Pair 7, Rake 8, Awe 14, Desperate 15, Bid 17, Ail 19, Rampaged 20, Hem 21, Support 26, Ardent 27, Adagio 29, Stem 30, Site 31, Tie.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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