PDP to INEC: Allow use of TVCs for voting

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62339

N150

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Soldiers deployed Presidency >>8 to Tinubu's Lagos debunks rumours home of Jega's removal >>10

Fuel subsidy up by N1.79 per litre as >>8 price rises

PDP to INEC: Allow use of TVCs for voting •Queries anomalies in distribution of PVCs •Blames INEC for poor voters education •As APC applies to join in suit seeking use of TVCs

By Henry Umoru & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA — DIRECTORG e n e r a l , Pe o p l e s Democratic Party, PDP Presidential Campaign

Continues on page 5

My own mother and my friend’s dad! •P.34 Mr & Mrs

MEETING: From left, United Nations (UN) Country Representative, Mr Daouda Toure; UN Special Envoy and former Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Commission Chairman, Mr Ibn Chambas and President Goodluck Jonathan, at a meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Nigeria, a comedy of errors •P.17

C M Y K

COLUMNISTS: A ‘FeBuhari’ wind of change in March! •P.19

This election will be won and lost somehow •P.19

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON is no light, by the time people line up, you accredit them and the eight hours is over and people are still on the queue that means you will disenfranchise them.

“These are things that he (Prof. Jega) should have tried out but because they have introduced it and we don’t want to prevent progress, they should have mastered it.

You and I still don’t know how it is going to work.”

LAUNCHING: President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd right); Founder, Empower Nigeria, Nicholas Okoye (2nd left); Vice President Namadi Sambo (left) and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala during the Presidential launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Strategy at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

PDP queries anomalies in PVCs distribution Continues from Page 1 Organisation, PDPPCO, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to allow the electorate, who participated in the 2011 elections, use their temporary voters’ cards in case they could not get their permanent voters cards.

Why we should use TVCs —Ali

Ali said there is need to allow voters use TVCs against the backdrop that the commission was introducing a new methodology in the entire process.

He said INEC was not prepared for the election, adding that the problems were monumental and would have made the commission fail monumentally.

He said yesterday that the PDP and its Presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, were querying the INEC for the aberration in the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, with

Borno State having more than Lagos State.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ali, who noted that the shift in the dates of the general elections from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11 had saved the INEC from m o n u m e n t a l embarrassment, asked the electoral umpire to explain the rational behind insurgencyravaged Borno State registering more PVC collections than Lagos State that is peaceful and more populous.

Ali spoke as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) applied to be joined in the suit seeking for temporary voters cards (TVCs) to be used in the 2015 general polls.

He said: “We are querying the INEC for some aberration in the distribution of PVCs. How can Borno State which is under siege register more PVC collections than Lagos State? The INEC might have allowed its distribution of these cards to be tampered with.

“We hope that INEC will now use the extra time it

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

We Rise by lifting others —Robert Ingersoll

O

ur emotions affect us 24 hours a day regardless of where we find ourselves. It goes without saying that emotions have a significant impact on how people behave as individuals and as members of groups.

Emotional intelligence is the intelligence that people have when they are in tune with their emotions and are also aware of what people around them are feeling. People with emotional awareness then use this knowledge as they manage their own behaviors and as they interact with others.

People with a high degree of emotional intelligence are more likely to be successful. They are more likely to recognise their strengths and weaknesses and focus their energies on projects that are important to them. They also have a knack for engaging others and building relationships that allow them to also recognize on the abilities of other people.

has given itself to perfect its methodology. For example, the card readers need to be tried and tested during training of its operators.

“I gave an interview over two weeks ago and I said the problem we are facing is monumental and INEC may fail monumentally.

My suggestion was that if you have your TVC they should allow you to use your TVC. If you voted in 2011 and you have the old voters’ card they should allow you to use it because this is the first time they are introducing this methodology and we have not mastered it.”

Blames INEC for poor voters education

Asked who should be blamed for not educating the electorate on how to use the materials, the PDPPCO leader said the INEC must be blamed for not enlightening the people, especially on the card readers, which usage has not been displayed even to journalists.

He said: “In terms of voters education, INEC should be blamed. There is none of you here that has seen the card reader demonstrated publicly.

That is where the problem lies. If you the elite who are covering the election have not seen where they trained their personnel and show you how this thing is going to operate, how do we and other Nigerians know how it is going to operate?

“This is what they should have tried out at local government level in one of the states and know what the problems are. By the way, the battery life of the card reader works for only eight hours. In remote parts where there

PDP'll defeat APC —Ali

Ali, who said that the PDP would have won the polls if the commission had gone ahead with the elections as earlier scheduled, boasted that the party will still defeat the APC anytime.

His words: “PDP is thrown aback by the change in date of election and fully understands the frustration of the opposition.

Having worked so hard for the election, travelled throughout the length and breadth of the country including Maiduguri, it was a bit of frustration too as we were looking forward to February 14.

We believe that May 29 is sacrosanct and we are keeping our eyes on that date when President Goodluck Jonathan would be sworn in.”

INEC not fully prepared

On the preparedness of INEC for the election, prior to the shift in dates, the former PDP national chairman said: “From all indications, INEC is not fully prepared for the elections. There are issues with the PVCs. Almost 30 million people are yet to get their PVCs despite the fact that the date of distribution was extended. Will it be possible to have a credible election when millions of Nigerians are disenfranchised because of lack of permanent voter’s cards?

"There are also reports that the PVC readers are not fully distributed and tested. How can INEC handle cases of faulty card readers? Do they have a credible Plan B in situations where voters are lined up and the card readers refuse to work?

“Ballot boxes are reportedly inadequate, training of staff for the election had not been concluded and there are other problems facing INEC. Quite clearly the shift in election date is meant to save INEC from m o n u m e n t a l embarrassment. I would like to reiterate that the PDP is ready for the

election any day.”

On security, Ali said: “Soldiers were mobilized for the election in Edo, Osun and Ekiti states and these elections were adjudged as free and fair by local and foreign observers.

“With the general election, more military personnel are needed to be on ground to forestall any breakdown of law and order as well as prevent political miscreants from tarnishing the electoral process.

“Nigeria in conjunction with sub-regional forces have recorded a tremendous success in the fight against Boko Haram in the recent wellcoordinated repel attacks from all flanks around North-East bloc of the country.

“This joint effort started about two weeks ago and has gathered momentum, therefore, aborting this process because officers are needed to monitor the elections would be counter-productive and could be more deadly for the nation, as it may reverse the gains we have made so far.

APC applies to join in suit seeking use of TVCs

Meanwhile, the APC, yesterday, approached the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, praying to be joined as a codefendant in a suit seeking for an order compelling the INEC to make use of both the permanent and temporary voters cards for the polls.

The suit was filed before the court by a civil society group under the aegis of Society for Advancement and Protection of Public Rights, SAPPR. The group is seeking a declaration that by virtue of Sections 77(2) and 117(2) of the Constitution, INEC has no power to deprive any Nigerian who is eligible to vote at the election, the chance to vote on the ground of non possession of the PVC. It is urging the court to order INEC to allow the

use of the temporary voter cards issued legally to Nigerians in 2011 along with the permanent voter cards in order not to disenfranchise over 30 million voters who are yet to get their PVCs. The plaintiff, through its lawyer, Mr. Eze Anumnu, maintained that the use of both cards would enable all eligible Nigerians to vote in the election and thus make the process more free, fair and credible.

When the matter came up for hearing yesterday, APC, through its team of lawyers comprising 11 Senior Advocates of Nigeria and 13 other lawyers, urged the court to join it as an interested party in the matter.

Addressing the court, lead counsel to the APC, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, insisted that the outcome of the case was capable of affecting its political interest and chances of its candidates contesting in the forthcoming general elections.

APC told the court that it had long started and has continued to sensitize its members and the general public on the modalities for the conduct of the coming elections and in particular on the use of PVCs being distributed to prospective voters by INEC. It further submitted that changing the information of INEC on the use of PVC now would adversely affect its position and preparations for the elections.

Besides, Fagbemi told the court that the APC intends to oppose all reliefs being sought by the plaintiff.

He maintained that the substantive matter could not be effectively determined without the joinder of the applicant and other participating political parties in the forthcoming general elections, whose interests he said would be adversely affected.

After listening to the applicant, Justice Abdul Kafarati adjourned to February 23 to hear the joinder motion.

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

TORTURE OF THREE WOMEN: Police dock 10, Feb 16

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KEJA—LAGOS State Directorate of Public Prosecution will on February 16, charge 10 suspects in connection with the torture of three women at Oba Morufu International Market, Ejigbo, on February11, 2013.

According to the charge sheet, the suspects are the market leader, Isiaka Waidi, 61, Saheed Adisa, 29, Lateef Tijani, 37, Ahmed Adisa, 65, and Azeez Akinosun,36.

Others are Jimoh Busari, 50, Buhari Yusuf, 22, Abdullahi Harun, 20, and Oloruntoyin Dauda, 46, who is the only female suspect.

They will answer a 19count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempted murder, sexual assault, maliciously administering poison, obtaining money by false pretences and deprivation of liberty.

The women, Nike Salami, Juliana and Joke Agomo, were allegedly tortured by the suspects for stealing pepper in the market.

They were beaten, stripped and had pepper rubbed on their bodies by the suspects, who are members of the Oodua Peoples Congress.

The suspects are also alleged to have inserted sticks and obnoxious substances into the women’s private part while the incident was recorded with a mobile phone.

They are also accused of obtaining N50,000 from one Fima Agomo, a relation of the victims, by claiming that the money would be used to repay the traders, whose pepper had been stolen.

Fake pastor in police net over alleged N10m fraud

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—A fake pastor, identified as Chibuzor Nnaegbo, is currently cooling off in one of the cells of Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba, for allegedly defrauding four businessmen in Lagos.

Vanguard gathered that Pastor Chibuzor claimed to be in Israel while defrauding the victims. He reportedly used a coded MTN number to call his victim pretending to be in Israel. Among his victims is one Nzeh Remigius and three others.

It was gathered that the suspect, an indigene of Anambra state, who deceived his victims by telling them that he had issues in Israel where he was trying to set up a church, claimed to have sowed the proceeds from the fraud in two mega churches in Lagos.

The self-acclaimed pastor whose phone was filled with pornographic pictures, was arrested in his hideout at Igando, after one of the victims got suspicious of the incessant demands from the so called man of God who was in Israel.

Confessing to the crime, Chibuzor said: “My problem started while I was pastoring a church in Onitsha; I read a book written by Bishop Oyedepo on how to sow seed. After reading the book I sold all the church

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AUCHI—PLACARDcarrying secondary school teachers yesterday stormed Government House, Bauchi State to protest eleven months unpaid salaries.

The teachers, who arrived at Government House around 9am, refused to leave despite the scorching heat of the sun.

Our correspondent gathered that they consisted mainly of newly recruited teachers under the Bauchi State ministry of education.

The protesters carried placards which had inscriptions such as “I

WORKSHOP: From left: Mr. Abel Caine; UNESCO Programme Specialist, Open Educational Resources (OER); Mr. Femi Obidare; Business Devt Mgr, EduPlatform Ltd; Dr. Jane-Frances Agbu, Head, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), OER and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) Project, and Ms. Tolu Aina, Head, Business Devt Strategy and Sales, EduPlatform Limited, during the 2nd UNESCO-NOUN Sensitisation Workshop in Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi. properties and sowed the proceeds in another church.

“When I relocated to Lagos, I started collecting money from people, deceiving them that I am in Israel. I told them that I had issues trying to set up a church and needed money to grow the ministry.

“I used all the money I collected from them to sow seed in Redemption camp. I collected N1.9 million from one of the victims,

N1.255 million from another, N2.5 million from the third and N900,000 and a Toyota Camry from the fourth victim. I sowed the Camry as seed in Winners Chapel in Otta.

“I was arrested through my younger brother who I sent to collect money from one of the victims, unknown to me that he had discovered that he was being defrauded and had reported to Ilemba Divisional

Police, and they arrested me.

“Concerning the porn videos that were found in my phone, I watch the pornography videos on my phone whenever I have sexual urge because I don’t have sexual intercourse with women”.

The case which was transferred from Ilemba Divisional Police to Area K command, is currently being investigated at the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Yaba.

Family of slain Mudiaga cries for justice

By Akpokona Omafuaire & Brisibe Perez

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GHELLI—THE family of slain Mudiaga Maduku has called on Delta State government to fish out the killers of their son.

Mudiaga was killed in cold blood by suspected cultists in Ughelli near his family house where he and friends were relaxing in a bar few days ago.

Speaking exclusively to

Bauchi teachers protest 11 months unpaid salaries

By Suzan Edeh

...I used their money to sow seed in other churches—SUSPECT

cannot feed because I have not been paid salary”; “ How can you work without salaries?”; “We cannot feed our families, we are suffering” The teachers demanded that Bauchi State government paid them their eleven months salary which they had not been paid since the commencement of their employment.

The protesters said they could no longer bear the sufferings as a result of unpaid salaries and urged the government to address the situation.

Engineer Tijani Abubakar, who spoke on behalf of the protesters, lamented that since the state government employed the new teachers on April 16,

Vanguard at his Akunugbe residence in Ughelli, father of the deceased, Capt. Richard Maduku (retd.), described the incident as a phenomenon and a puzzle he found hard to unravel.

He said: “Personally, I still can’t imagine what would propel young male adults to embark on such killing spree without any proper justification. It is actually beyond my understanding and I do not really know what to say about it.”

Elder sister of the deceased, Dr. (Mrs.) U. V. Awhefada, a law lecturer at Delta State University, said “the death of my brother is painful and mysterious.

“We want the government to fish out the killers. How can an innocent man be cut down like that?”

On his part, elder brother of the late Mudiaga, Mr. Ereremena Maduku, described his brother ’s death as very pathetic and a great loss to the family.

In a sober voice, he said: “I can’t really comprehend the circumstances that led to his killing neither can I confirm any fishy activity around him before that unfaithful day.

“My mum is currently grieving and she is in deep pains. I honestly pray God to give her the fortitude and heart to bear the loss of her son. “ Until his death, the late

Mudiaga, 32, was a secondary school teacher at Usiefrun in Ughelli South Local Government Area and was married with two kids.

He was among the persons killed on Sunday, February 1, in a series of cult related killings that had been rocking Ughelli and its environs in the past two weeks.

Ex-militants chase away APC senatorial campaign team in Delta

By Emma Amaize & Cletus Opukeme

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ARRI—REFORMED militants in Delta State, led by “General” Goddey Smith, aka Bounanawei, King of the Forest, have barred the All Progressives Congress, APC, from campaigning in the riverine Burutu Local Government Area of the state.

Vanguard learned that the former militants chased away a senatorial candidate of the party, Mr. Temisan Omatseye, from the area on Monday.

“No party other than the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is allowed to campaign in the locality,” the ex-militants were quoted as saying.

Mr. Omatseye confirmed that he was harassed by ex-militants when contacted by Vanguard, but Mr. Yemi Emiko, who maintained that he was the bonafide Delta South

senatorial candidate of the party, said, “Omatseye is not known by the APC in Delta State as a senatorial candidate, I am the candidate of the party.”

Omatseye said he and his entourage were harassed and told to leave Burutu Rivers, adding that the ex-militants did not hurt them, but escorted them back to Warri.

He disputed the claim by Emiko that he was not the senatorial candidate of the party, adding that the legitimate candidate would be decided by the court.

The ex-militants reportedly seized video camera and other gadgets from Omatseye and his entourage and advised them to vacate in his own interest.

Bounanawei said: “I want to warn categorically clear that no political party in Nigeria, apart from the Peoples Democratic Party will be allowed to campaign in Delta riverine communities.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—7

18 dead, many missing as Fulani herdsmen sack Governor Suswam’s village

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI— NO fewer than 18 persons were feared dead, with many sustaining injuries in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, as suspected Fulani herdsmen sacked over 24 communities and villages in the

area, including Anyii, the home town of Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the marauders laid siege to the area late Sunday night, shooting, burning houses, huts and farmlands in the affected communities.

The eyewitness said: “The crisis started days back, but in this particular instance, we had all gone to bed when we were suddenly woken up by the sounds of gunshots and heavy movements around our villages

by Fulani herdsmen.

“In the midst of the confusion, many of us managed to escape

WIDOWS AT WAR: Members, Association of Imo State Widows, demonstrating at Owerri Roundabout, Imo State, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

with our families.

Unfortunately, many who could not make it out were either gunned down or hacked to death by the invaders.

“As I speak to you, our villages have been occupied by these people; we fear that well over 18 persons must have been killed and many more are still unaccounted for.

The latest attack forced Governor Suswam to pay an unscheduled visit to the area, yesterday.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent John Bako, said he was yet to receive any briefing on the matter.

Bako, however, said: “In the last two weeks, there have been skirmishes there between herdsmen and the natives. We have deployed our men to the area to maintain peace and efforts are being made to talk to the feuding parties.”

It was gathered that the herdsmen had, in the last few weeks, staged sustained attacks on most of the communities in the area bordering Nasarawa State on the banks of River Benue, before launching the latest attack in the heart of the town.

5 sex workers arrested for attacking man in hotel room

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI— INLAND Town Police Station in Onitsha, Anambra State, is interrogating five prostitutes for allegedly assaulting and threatening the life of a man said to be having an affair with one of them, in a hotel room.

Two human right activists are also being detained in the same police station in connection with the matter.

The station’s Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Mr. Cosmas Eze, told Vanguard that the human rights activist were being detained for conducting themselves in an unruly manner and physically assaulting a police officer.

The DPO said his men investigated the prostitutes, after one of them had an issue with her male friend and then invited four of her colleagues to join her to deal with the man and probably extort money from him.

He said: “After the fiasco, the man ran to the police station and reported a case of assault against his person and threat to his life.

“We invited the prostitutes to the police station and took their statements. Surprisingly, two men came. One said he was a lawyer, the other one said he

was a member of Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, and that that they came in respect of the matter.”

He said he told them that the matter had been resolved and that Police was following procedure. But that the men became unruly.

However, the activist, Justus Ijoma, who spoke from his hospital bed, said the DPO invited him to the police station when he called him from Awka on the matter He said on reaching the station and notifying the DPO that the ladies were made to

pay N15,000 each for bail, the DPO got angry and did not want to listen to them anymore.

He also alleged that the DPO ordered them out of his office and that as they made to leave, other policemen started beating them.

2-month-old baby stolen, sold for N.6m

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—POLICE at Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have arrested four women for their alleged involvement in stealing, selling and buying a two-month old baby girl for N625,000.

Police sources told newsmen, yesterday, in Onitsha that the baby was stolen from her mother at Nnewi by three of the suspects, who sold her to one of the suspects.

According to the source, the suspected seller, who was said to be an Enugubased woman (names withheld), had stolen the baby from her mother and

sold her to the buyer who claimed to have resolved to procure a baby girl because she needed a female child that would look after her when she grew old.

According to the buyer, who is in police custody at Ogidi Police Division, “I have a male child, but I want a female that will look after me when I become old.”

Asked if her husband was aware of the purchase of the

baby, she said: “He was aware and, in fact, he was even the one that asked me to carry on.”

Confirming the arrest of the buyer and sellers, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ogidi Police Station, Mr. Hassan Musa, said the recovered baby was also in Police custody, while efforts were being intensified to find the mother.

Bureau de change operator charged with $3,700 theft

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS— A bureau de change operator, Abdulrahman Yusuf, 65, was, yesterday, docked before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting at Tinubu, for allegedly stealing $3,700 (N694,860).

The defendant allegedly stole the said money that was entrusted in his care by one Ibrahim Ango.

The prosecutor, Livinus Okeke, told the court that Yusuf committed the alleged offence on December 8, 2014, at Abibu-Oki Street, Lagos Island.

He said the money, which belongs to one Okwudili Nnoruka, Ango’s customer, was given to the defendant to change to its naira equivalent.

Magistrate Yetunde Pinheiro granted him bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like some and adjourned the matter to February 27.

Police arrest six over killing of PDP supporters in Niger

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—NIGER State Police command has arrested six persons alleged to be part of the people that killed six Peoples Democratic Party supporters.

The incident occurred at Dogo Fadama village in Maria Council, Saturday.

The campaign team of PDP's gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Umar Nasko, was returning from Bangi village, when the convoy was ambushed by the hoodlums alleged to be supporters of All Progressives Congress.

Policeman kills infant, injures two others in Kano

By Abdulsalam Muhammad

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ANO—A police officer, yesterday, shot dead an infant and injured two others at a checkpoint in Kano.

The incident occurred at Kwani Mani Police checkpoints, located within the buffer zone of both Bichi and Tsanyawa Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations

Afficer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Magaji Makia, told Vanguard that the affected personnel had been “disarmed, detained and is currently undergoing orderly room trial.”

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Naira falls to N200/$, as external reserve falls to $33.5bn

By Babajide Komolafe, Peter Egwuatu & Jonah Nwokpoku

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HE interbank foreign exchange market came to a temporary halt yesterday, as the naira depreciated to N200 per dollar in the market, just as investors lost N1.759 trillion in the Nigerian stock market in less than two months.

Also, the nation’s external reserve dropped to $33.52 billion on Monday, representing its lowest level in several years.

Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on its website showed that the external reserve fell by $760 million from January 31 to February 9.

Meanwhile, cost of borrowing in the interbank money market for the first time reached 100 percent, before closing at 73 percent as scarcity of funds intensified in the market.

Investors lost N1.759 trillion as market capitalization dropped by 15.3 percent from N11.477 trillion in December 2014 to close yesterday at N9.618 trillion.

Meanwhile, in what represents the biggest depreciation of the naira in one day in the interbank foreign exchange market, the naira depreciated by N4.49 as the interbank exchange rate rose from N196.61 per dollar on Monday to N200.10 yesterday.

Similarly, the naira depreciated by N4 at the parallel market, with its exchange rate closing at N209 yesterday, from N205 the previous day.

Foreign exchange dealers confirmed to Vanguard that trading stopped for some minutes when the interbank rate reached N200 per dollar.

It was gathered that CBN tried to halt the depreciation by intervening in the interbank market through two-way quote.

The intervention, however, did not have lasting effect as the interbank exchange rate climbed beyond the N200.

Fuel subsidy rises to N14.79/litre, as oil price rebounds

By Michael Eboh

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OLLOWING slight rebound in the prices of crude oil in the international market, the amount Federal Government is paying as subsidy for Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, rose to N14.79 per litre, yesterday.

This is due to the fact that the Expected Open Market Price of petrol, yesterday, rose to N101.79 per litre, according to data obtained from the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency, PPPRA. What this means is that Nigerians would be expected

to pay about N101.79 per litre of PMS if the product is deregulated and if subsidy on the product is removed.

Also, PPPRA puts the Expected Open Market Price of Household Kerosene, HHK, at N114.20 per litre.

With the official retail price of the product fixed at N50 per litre, PPPRA pricing template for kerosene revealed that the Federal Government is paying N64.20 per litre as subsidy on kerosene.

After a series of rebound in the last couple of days, the price of Brent crude, however, fell below $58 a barrel yesterday, after the International Energy Agency,

IEA, warned that oil prices may decline as stocks continue to increase this year.

The IEA predicted that oil stocks held by countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development may come close to the all-time high of 2.83 billion barrels in the middle of the year.

Brent crude slipped 44 cents to $57.90, ending a three-day rally. The benchmark gained more than nine percent last week, its biggest weekly rise since February 2011, while U.S. crude futures dropped to $52.02, down 84 cents.

The PPPRA, in its updated template for February 9, released yesterday, puts the Expected Open Market Price of PMS at N101.79 per litre, based on an average Platts

price of PMS for the day.

The regulatory agency puts the cost of PMS, including freight charges, at $593.95 per metric tonnes.

Using a conversion rate of 1,341 litres to a metric tonne and an exchange rate of N171.36 to a dollar, this translates to N75.90 per litre.

This cost is the amount PMS will be purchased at the refineries, if the countries refineries had been working.

PPPRA also puts landing cost at $675.38 per metric tonne or N86.30 per litre, comprising traders’ margin of $10 per metric tonne or N 1.28 per litre; lightering expenses, $30.68 per metric tonne or N3.92 per litre and Nigeria Ports Authority charge, $5.25 per metric tonne or N0.67 per litre.

DAWN IN THE CREEKS: Mr. William Meeker, Team Leader, US Consulate Stabilization Operation at the Consulate in Nigeria; Ambassador Jeff Hawkins, US Consul-General in Nigeria, and Mr. Andre Henshaw, Board member, Dawn in the Creeks, at the launch of Season 2 of the Dawn in the Creeks TV series in Lagos.

Presidency debunks rumours of Jega's removal

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

B U J A — T H E Presidency has debunked rumours gaining ground in some online and social media that the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, had been sacked by the Federal Government.

A source from the office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, citing security concerns yesterday, warned politicians against spreading falsehood capable of inciting violence to desist from doing so.

The source said they have been bombarded with calls from all parts of the country, describing the rumoured sack as an outright falsehood and mischievous

propaganda, allegedly engineered by some forces within the main opposition, All Progressives Congress, APC. According to a Presidency official, “the rumoured sack of Jega is not from the Presidency, but part of the propaganda by the opposition to soil the good name of the President, to discredit the government and cause trouble.”

The top official noted that the current administration is a lawabiding government that “follows the constitution in the discharge of its duties, including the Chairman of INEC or any member for that matter.

“The laws are clear about the question of leaving or not leaving and government has nothing to do with that. The man has a job to do and please allow him to do the job without

dragging government into it and the man working under the rule of law.

“This is the government that has been obeying the rule of

law and is not going to abandon its adherence to it.

Please, they should allow Professor Jega to do his work and stop heating up the polity.”

Glo Overload promo rewards 20

By Sarah Ofonedu

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ELECOM operator, Globacom, yesterday, gave out N20 million to 20 customer in its Glo Overload Reloaded promo.

The cheque was presented to the lucky subscribers at Yaba market, Surulere, Lagos.

Prominent Nigerians, including the Glo ambassadors such as MI, Desmond Elliot, Ego among others, were at the event.

Most of the lucky winners, among them traders, farmers,

electricians and drivers, expressed their desires to expand their businesses.

State Manager of Glo, Lagos, Mr. Joel Nwaeze, while presenting the cheques, said the promo was not just about giving money, but also to appreciate the customers who have kept faith with the company over the years.

He added that since the promo was going to make only 120 people millionaires, Glo also decided to extend gratitude to other teeming subscribers by adding other consolations prizes.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—9

POLLS SHIFT:

Remain calm, Abdulsalami tells Nigerians

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

F JUDICIARY SENSITIZATION: From left— Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, President Court of Appeal; Justice

Ibrahim Auta, Chief Justice Federal High Court, and Justice Amina Augie, Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal Lagos, during the Court of Appeal sensitization forum held in Abuja, yesterday. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

BOKO HARAM: UN to make peace platform available to Nigeria

By Ben Agande, with agency report

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BUJA—THE United Nations, UN, has pledged to make its peace keeping platform available to Nigeria as it fights Boko Haram in the north eastern part of the country.

Niger Republic also approved sending troops to Nigeria to fight the terrorists, yesterday.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Nigeria and West Africa, Mr. Ibn Chambas, who spoke with journalists after he met with President Goodluck Jonathan, said there would be a UN support through the Department of Peacekeeping to ensure that the different countries, who are contributing troops, all work as one and get their efforts towards degrading and eliminating Boko Haram.

According to him, “in this, you can count on the strong support of the United Nations. The Secretary General wishes to assure that in the area of humanitarian support with the displaced persons in Nigeria, we will continue to work with Nigerian authorities.

“The Secretary-General expresses strong support in the fight against Boko Haram.

The sect is not a threat only to Nigeria or the region, but indeed is an international issue, and requires full international support in the same way the fight is taken against Al-Shabab, ISIS and AQIM, in North Mali.

“The president has assured that full material and logistical support would be provided to NEMA, the UN systems and other partners

zLauds Nigerians on ‘maturity over polls shift' would work with NEMA. “We hope that through our joint efforts, we will be able to bring some respite to the lives of the people who have been internally displaced as a result of the barbaric and cruel action of Boko Haram.”

On elections

Speaking on the preparation for the forthcoming elections in Nigeria, Mr. Chambas said: “We appreciate the pure manner in which the electoral process is proceeding. The Secretary General commends the President and other political leaders to continue on that part.

“We have seen that the postponement has been accepted by all the political parties and stakeholders. The

APC urges Jonathan to clear air on rumours of interim government

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—ALL Progressives Congress Presidential Council Organization, APCPCO, has decried what it called vested interest and sinister motives behind the polls postponement and asked President Goodluck Jonathan to come clean on the speculation on plans for an interim government, to avert possible civil disobedience that could scuttle the country’s democracy.

In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja by its Director of Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, APCPCO frowned at what it called the unholy alliance

between the Jonathan’s government, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the military for the purposes of subverting Nigerians’ franchise in the rescheduled presidential and other elections on March 28 and April 11, respectively.

The statement read in part: “If the witch cried in the night and the baby died in the morning, it would not be a mere coincidence. Hence, the body of civilized and democratic people around the world believe that the security excuse used by this unpopular government to prolong the polls is untrue

and pretentious.

“What type of democracy allows compromising security chiefs to determine when elections would hold or not?

Now, the National Security Adviser, NSA, has become the megaphone for this government.

“He went to Chatham House in the UK to call for election postponement which he has now obtained. Next, he claims he would crush Boko Haram within six weeks. What if he can’t?

“Will there be a further excuse to extend the elections and create constitutional impasse?

Nigerians are no fools.”

reasons adduced are known now. Of course, in some states it is clear that very few people have been able to collect their PVCs.” He noted that the extension provided an opportunity for many more Nigerians to collect their PVCs and be able to exercise theirfranchise.

He said: “The SecretaryGeneral told me to commend Mr. President and other leaders of the political parties and Nigerians as a whole for the maturity that had been demonstrated so far in this whole preparation towards the general elections.

“We saw, first of all, the primaries which held in a very calm and peaceful manner.

The campaigns started and again, Nigerians have demonstrated a lot of maturity.

“Naturally, in periods such as this, there will be heightened tension and heightened rhetoric. But on the whole, we have very little violence associated with this process.

“This is the same also with the postponement, where there were a lot of speculations about what will happen. But so far, this process has been calm, peaceful and credible.”

Meanwhile, Niger Republic parliament voted unanimously, Monday, to send 750 troops to Nigeria to join a regional fight against Boko Haram.

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

ORMER Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has called on all Nigerians to remain calm, following the shift in the dates of the general elections.

Abdulsalami, who is Chairman of the National Peace Committee for 2015 General Elections, made the plea in a statement in Abuja, yesterday.

He pleaded with Nigerians to take the postponement in good faith and since, according to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, took the decision after due consultations with stakeholders.

He said having taken note of divergent positions of political parties, the committee was appreciative of their matured response and respect to INEC’s decision in the interest of peace.

He also called on the political parties to recommit themselves to the Abuja Peace Accord and called on INEC to use the period of the extension to distribute more permanent voter’s cards to eligible voters.

He said: “The committee notes in particular that INEC made the decision after due consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, notably state security agencies, political parties, civil society organizations among others.

“Further, the committee urges INEC to take advantage of the postponement to enhance its preparedness for the elections, including the distribution of PVCs to ensure that no eligible voters are disenfranchised.”

“The committee wishes to express its gratitude to the international community for their commitment to the conduct of transparent and credible elections, in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.”

10— Vanguard, WEDNESSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Soldiers deployed in Tinubu's Lagos home zI will not be intimidated —Tinubu

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—NATIONAL Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday raised the alarm that his Bourdillon, Ikoyi Lagos residence has been put under surveillance by battleready and helmet-wearing soldiers for three days but declared “I will not be intimidated by this show of strength, intimidation and possible harassment.”

The media officer to Tinubu, Mr Sunday Fadare, explained in a statement that, “for three straight days, the private residence of the national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu, has been under surveillance by battle-ready and helmetwearing soldiers. Numbering close to thirty and riding in three patrol vans and an army trucks stationed close to the entrance of the gate to Tinubu’s house along Bourdillon Road in Ikoyi, they have become a permanent feature.

“Their obvious target, Tinubu himself, and perhaps the hordes of politicians and visitors that visit his Bourdillon residence.

“The soldiers were first noticed on Sunday a few minutes to 11pm in an Army truck. They stationed about 500 meters away from Tinubu’s gate.

Later they moved close to his gate as if making efforts to enter. The stern looking soldiers were around for hours on Sunday and returned on Monday to continue their surveillance.

“Monday night about 10.45pm, they returned to the residence in two army vans and were there throughout the night. Some of the soldiers discharged from the van and walked back and forth in front of the house and around the house in what is clearly some casing effort.

“This morning, (yesterday) Tuesday, two vans from the army were stationed on both sides of the house along Bourdillon road their missions shrouded in secrecy.”

Tinubu reacts

In his reaction, Tinubu who confirmed the development said: “I will not be intimidated by this show of strength, intimidation and possible harassment. I remain resolute in my advocacy and support for the rule of law.

“Jonathan’s government has through the service chiefs staged a coup against Nigerians and the Constitution and now wants to silence his critics. I will not be muzzled through the barrel of the gun. The guns and bullets they should use to defeat Boko Haram are now being turned against the opposition and innocent Nigerians.”

The incumbent governor of Lagos

State, Babatunde Fashola, who also condemned the deployment of soldiers to Tinubu’s house accused the Federal Government of redeploying security officials attached to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in the state.

Addressing a campaign rally at Ejigbo Stadium, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA. Fashola said: “ They are removing security from INEC in the state and in the last three days, they have deployed soldiers to the home of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Every night now, they send a truck load of soldiers to his home.

“But I have news for them, we will not be intimidated by their actions. Our votes will speak for us. Let me remind the People’s Democratic Party, PDP-led Federal Government that if late

President Umar Musa Yar Adua was alive, who was the owner of this mandate, he will be preparing to leave the office now.

This year will mark his eight years in office.

“When President Jonathan was seeking for our vote in 2011, he didn’t deploy soldiers to our homes rather he was begging us. He said that he had no shoes and after he assumed office, he has since inflicted pains on us.

“After giving him 1.2 million votes, we have no minister. And that shows that he doesn’t care about Lagos, but we need to let him know that Lagos is unique.”

Commenting on the deployment of soldiers to Tinubu’s house, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, said he had no means of verifying the claim but if it was true, then it is a bad

development.

APC reacts

The Lagos State chapter of APC while condemning the military siege, maintained that it was part of President Jonathan's agenda to hang onto power even as Nigerians have clearly rejected him.

The party in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Joe Igbokwe, said: “Nigerians know that the PDP, its leaders, supporters, enablers dread Tinubu like a pestilence and if the weight of the gargantuan smear campaign and devilish propaganda the PDP has sponsored against the person of Tinubu has failed to sway Nigerians to continue supporting the banditry of PDP governance, it should know that it is struggling in vain."

SIGNING: From left: Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, his All Progressives Congress, APC, counterpart, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, and US Consul General, Mr. Jeffrey Hawkins, during the signing of a peace accord and election security roundtable, in Lagos

Lawyers tasked on peaceful polls Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—PRESIDENT of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Austin Alegeh, SAN, and a former Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Prof.

Oyelowo Oyewo, yesterday, tasked Nigerian lawyers to play active roles to ensure the success of the forthcoming general election.

To this end, they urged lawyers not only to participate in casting their votes, but ensuring that they monitored the votes by recording what transpireed in their respective domain.

Both of them spoke at a oneday workshop organised by the Nigerian Bar Association branches in Lagos, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on a peaceful conduct of the 2015 elections.

The workshop had the theme,” Countdown to the 2015 General Elections: Are

Nigerians Ready?”

Other speakers at the workshop included a constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, SAN, and Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr Ade Ipaye.

On his part, Prof Sagay spoke on: “The Trouble History of Nigerians Elections.” He called for decentralization of governance as well as make politics unattractive by reducing

the jumbo pay received by political office holders.

Alegeh said the NBA had written a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, regarding the six weeks postponement of the polls, adding that the security challenges cited by INEC as well as the inability of millions of registered voters to get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, were sufficient for the postponement.

INEC's reasons for polls shift, untenable —ARG

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—THE Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, has considered as untenable the security reason given for postponement of the February polls by Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. This came as Senator Gbenga Ashafa described the Federal Government as a monumental failure and advised that it be resisted by all Nigerians through the use of their thumb and Permanent Voters’ Card at the poll on March 28 to vote President Goodluck Jonathan out of office.

It will be recalled that chairman of INEC, Prof.

Attahiru Jega, had last Saturday announced the shift in the general elections, earlier slated for February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, 2015.

Reacting to the poll shift, Publicity Secretary of ARG, Kunle Famoriyo siad: “Nigeria’s defence and security institutions have not convinced Nigerians that they have the capability to curb the Boko Haram insurgency and it remains to be seen that they now possess new tactics and intelligence on how to curb it.

“Therefore, it is difficult to see how a six-year menace will disappear in six weeks.

“Indeed, the events of the past few weeks lend credence to a pervasive public opinion that INEC was coerced into its adopted position.

“Nigerians were not particularly surprised at the postponement and many actually saw it coming.

“There is no doubt an executive coercion whose design and intent can only be to subjugate Nigeria’s premier democratic institution, and until the security chiefs are able to advance believable reasons and demonstrate renewed commitment to their constitutional duty, Nigerians will remain suspicious of a premeditated plan to subvert democratic process.”

Bizman, 3 others arraigned over burglary, alcohol stealing

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By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A 41-year-old businessman, Glade Ilevbaoje, and three others were yesterday arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing alcohol worth N56,000.

The other defendants are Godspower Agbedia 35, a trader, Ndifreke Joseph, 27 a furniture maker and Taiwo Salami, 35, a battery charger.

The defendants, who reside at flat 404, Ikota Housing Estate Ajah, 397, Ikota shopping complex Ajah, flat 412 Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah respectively, are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, burglary and stealing preferred against them by the police.

The prosecutor, Aondohemba Koti, told the court that the defendants and others at large committed the alleged offences on

Novemebr 15, 2014.

He said the incident occurred at Ikota Housing Estate, Ajah, at about 12pm.

Koti said the defendants conspired among themselves and others at large to break into the shop of one Abigael Augustine, to steal five cartons of Star worth N10,000, five cartons of Guilder valued at N10,000, and one carton of Calypso valued N3,000.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 —11

Political parties shun Police peace parley ONDO:

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—ALL the political parties in Ondo State, yesterday, shunned the peace parley organised for them by the state Police Command.

Apart from the Police chiefs who called the meeting and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, other security personnel did not attend the meeting.

Chairman of the state council of Obas, the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo said the development may be as a result of the shift in the elections by INEC. Also absent were the President of Market Women Association, Chief Juliana Ogunsusi, youth associations, drivers’ unions and relevant stakeholders.

These personalities and groups attended the last meeting held about a month ago before the postponement of the general elections.

The state Police Command was said to have initiated the meeting in a bid to make the political parties and politicians especially candidates to sign a peace pact ahead of the election.

Speaking at the botched meeting, the Assistant Inspector

General, AIG, in charge of zone 11, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye said the absence of the invitees was as a result of the shift of the election date to March 28 and April 11, noting that the meeting had been fixed long before the election postponement He said that there was no cause for alarm as the peace meeting

will be rescheduled to another time to ensure broader participation by the relevant stakeholders.

Okoye said that the Police in the zone are ready to ensure peaceful conduct of the election and advised politicians and political parties to play the game according to the rules and shun

any act of violence and brigandage.

Speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Isaac Eke said as the core agency saddled with the responsibility for internal security, it behooves on the command to champion the stakeholders’ meeting in ensuring peaceful, credible, fair and violence-free election.

ELECTION: Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose (left), addressing teachers on the March-April general elections at Igede Ekiti, Ekiti State, yesterday.

I won't force civil servants to vote for my candidates —FAYOSE

A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—EKITI State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has again warned the civil servants in the state to stay away from partisan politics just as he assured them that he would not coerce them to vote for candidates of his choice in both the March and April elections Fayose who was speaking in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, during an interactive meeting with different categories of workers, urged the civil servants to be apolitical.

The governor said civil servants should by their

operation always support government of the day, saying any of them found playing partisan politics would be sanctioned The governor said workers are free to vote for the candidates of their choice and he would not be a party to forcing any worker to vote for his candidate in the forth coming elections Fayose said his government would continue to place high premium on the welfare of workers, in spite of the tight financial situation of the State.

Noting that he inherited a debt of N7.7 billion as arrears

of salaries and allowances of workers, Fayose assured that his government shall meet

the demands of the workers as soon as the finances of the state improve.

Crisis rocks NLC confab

By Funmi Komolafe & Victor Ahiuma-Young

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BUJA—THE ongoing 11th National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Labour Congress was thrown into turmoil yesterday following the reopening of nomination for candidates to contest for offices after their disqualification by the Credentials Committee of the NLC saddled with the screening of candidates.

This development confirmed Vanguard’s exclusive report on Monday of plots to alter or reopen the nomination of candidates after the list of dully cleared candidates was published since January 6, 2015.

It was the first time in the 37year history of the NLC that the Delegates Conference in Session would decide who contests for an office after the credentials committee had concluded its assignment.

The intervention of pioneer officers of the Congress failed to provide an amicable settlement.

Consequently, NLC president, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar adjourned further discussion on “all unfinished matters “ till today even as he reminded delegates

that today is “the D day.”

This development could create a constitutional crisis which according to informed sources was blamed on the leadership failure of the NLC. As at yesterday evening, it was not clear if the NUTGTWN, deemed to have been elected unopposed but might now face an election would pull out of the conference or the NLC. It was also not clear if aggrieved parties would go to court for the interpretation of the NLC Constitution before today’s election.

With this new position of the conference in session, it means the NLC secretariat would have to produce new ballot papers to accommodate the two new candidates from NURW and MWUN before today’s election.

A total of 3,019 delegates is expected to vote during the election.

The issue raised on the floor of the house was whether or not the Conference in Session should accept fully the report of the credentials committee which disqualified the nomination of the representative of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, on the basis of failure to fill the nomination form appropriately.

Ooni tasks communities on peace

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE Ooni of Ife,Oba Okunade Sijuade Olubuse11 has called on the people of Ipetumodu and Asipa to embrace peace and live harmoniously.

The monarch made the call yesterday in his Palace when he played host to the Justice Falola Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the Ipetumodu and Asipa communal dispute.

Oba Okunade expressed his belief that the Commission is capable of finding a lasting solution to the communal dispute in the two warring communities of Osun State . He then commended the commission for the visit to the palace.

The Chairman of the Commission, Justice Jide Falola solicited the monarch’s royal support, advice and blessing in the discharge of the duty of finding a lasting solution to communal disputes in the state.

Justice Falola explained that government of the State has observed that communal dispute has become a common phenomenon that must be tackled.

The people of the two communities recently took up arms against one another over a disputed parcel of land leading to the destruction of properties.

MAPOLY matriculates 5,000 students for ND, HND programmes

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By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U TA — T H E Management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, MAPOLY, Abeokuta, yesterday, said, it had admitted 5000 students into v the institution this year for the National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.

Addressing the new entrants at the matriculation and oath taking ceremony which was held at the campus premises, the Rector, Prof.

Oladele Itiola assured the students of an enabling academic environment with modern facilities which he said would better their lots as students.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Give us DESOPADEC commissionership, Itsekiri of Warri South beg Uduaghan

By Daniel Gumm

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A R R I — H O S T communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas, HostCom, in Delta State, have pleaded with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to consider a commissioner from Warri South Local Government Area to represent Itsekiri nation on the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. Chairman of the body, Mr Benjamin Iwetan, in a statement, said it was the turn of Warri South council to produce a commissioner, adding that the other two Warri councils, Warri SouthWest and Warri North have each had their turn.

He said: “We plead with Governor Uduaghan to consider someone from Warri South to occupy the position of commissioner representing Itsekiri in DESOPADEC Board.”

According to him, Engr.

Johnson Toritsemoste of

A-Ibom ex-militants back Jonathan, Emmanuel

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By Chioma Onuegbu

YO—OVER 70 aggrieved exmilitants cutting across the different local government areas of Akwa Ibom State have thrown their weight behind the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state governorship candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in the coming elections.

They expressed the fear that Jonathan's failure to be re-elected into office could affect the sustenance of the amnesty programme.

Speaking on behalf of others, yesterday in Uyo, Ekah Godwin, said they would remain loyal to Jonathan’s administration despite the fact that they were neglected after laying down their arms to embrace the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

Godwin said: “We also believe that if President Jonathan is re-elected into office, it will provide more opportunity for those of us that have been shortchanged in the Amnesty programme."

blessed memory, from Ijalla Warri South-West council, had the first slot as commissioner representing Itsekiri on the commission’s board, adding that when Toritsemotse died in office, Engr. J. Akperi was brought to complete his tenure.

He explained that thereafter, Michael Diden from Warri

North was appointed commissioner representing Itsekiri nation on the board, adding that Diden has just concluded his tenure.

“It is fair that someone from Warri South should, this time around, be made a Commissioner to represent the Itsekiri on the board of DESOPADEC, as both Warri

South-West and North have served their tenures.

“For fairness, Warri South produces oil through Omadino and Ugbodede communities and they are entitled to commissionership position on the board of DESOPADEC, hence HostCom is requesting that Warri South be given the slot,” he added.

VISIT: From leftt: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Paulinus Akpeki and Commissioner for Works, Mr. Funkekeme Solomon, when the governor visited the ongoing rehabilitation work at Osadenis Mixed Secondary School in Asaba yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

Goodluck Campaign’s security chief, others in Edo dump PDP for APC

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s Campaign Security Chief in Edo State, Mr. Fred Ikhuebor, has led over 3,000 people to the All Progressives Congress, APC in Edo State.

Other former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stalwarts who decamped with their teeming supporters to the APC, at a rally in Benin City, include Chief Sunny Erhengbo, Dr. Friday Omokaro, former PDP House of Representatives aspirant for Ikpoba Okha/Egor federal constituency, Dr. John Ogbomo and Mr. Lucky Akalede, among others.

Mr Ikhuebor, who until his defection was head of security of the Goodluck to Goodluck Campaign Organisation in Edo State, said that “APC is the only party in Nigeria practising what is obtained in advanced countries.

He said: “Peoples Democratic Party is a party of liars. There is no truth in them.

We will join forces with you, sir, to deliver Edo State for

APC in the presidential election and all the other elections.”

Others who spoke at the ceremony include the former PDP House of Representative aspirant for Egor/Ikpoba Okha federal constituency, Dr.

Friday Omokaro, Chief Sunny Erhengbo, Dr. John Ogbomo and Mr. Lucky Akalede among others.

In his remarks, Governor Adams Oshiomhole expressed gratitude to all those who have come to join the moving train.

Delta LG boss absolves JTF of complicity in market ownership tussle

By Festus Ahon

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GHELLI—CHAIRMAN of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. Kenneth Ibru, has absolved men of the Military Joint Task Force, JTF, of complicity in the Ughelli main market ownership tussle between the OtorIwhreko and Ekuigbo-Ughelli communities.

Ibru, in a statement by the council’s Secretary, Mr. Eugene Ighofose, frowned at what he described as a near crisis situation between the two communities, reiterating that all markets in the area belonged to the council.

The council boss noted that “At the Ughelli North Council Peace and Security meeting

held in respect of this matter on December 23, 2014 it was resolved that the Ughelli Main/ Goods Market and any other market in Ughelli North council, belong to Ughelli North council.

“It was resolved inter-alia, that by virtue of the fourth schedule to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) the Ughelli Main/ Goods Market and any other market in Ughelli North council, belong to the Ughelli North.

“The leaders therefore, pledged to stop their respective communities from collecting revenue from traders in the said market. They also agreed that failure to abide by the constitutional provision should be seen as a breach of the Constitutional power of the council."

Group warns elders to stop debasing Urhobo nation

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A socioc u l t u r a l organization, Urhobo-ovo, has decried what it called the degrading manner, the Urhobo are being dragged into the murky waters of Nigerian politics by some Urhobo elders.

It, therefore, advised them to desist from the debasing attitude before they incur the wrath of true sons and daughters of Urhoboland.

The group, according to its spoke person, Jesukri Imoni in a statement, said it was worried about the tussle in Delta State over who becomes the governor in the next political dispensation which has become more tribalistic, instead of developmental issues that would take the state to greater heights.

He said: “It is a shame that in 2015 Urhobo elders are still tearing themselves apart over who will be the next governor of Delta State and what tribe he should come from, instead of thinking of how to move the Urhobo nation forward.

“It is noteworthy that the Urhobo, like many other tribes, have been marginalised for so long in the Nigerian project which has only recognized the so called three major tribes in Nigeria."

Olorogun David Muogho passes on

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LOROGUN David Muogho, the Ogbu of Udu Kingdom, has passed on, aged 84.

He is survived by Sir Henry Muogho, Director of Administration, Ibru Organisation and other members of the family.

Burial arrangements will be announced later.

Late Olorogun Muogho

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—13

Police nab 27-yr-old serial rapist in Calabar

By Ike Uchechukwu

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ALABAR—NEMESIS, yesterday, caught up with a 27-year-old serial rapist, Stephen Nyong, a native of Ikono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, who resides at 18b, Inyang Edem Street, Mount Zion, Calabar, as he was arrested by youths of the community.

Vanguard gathered that Stephen and his gang, who have been on rampage terrorizing women in the neighbourhood for about a decade, intensified their nefarious activities by visiting almost every compound each night since the beginning of this year, where they rape women and girls.

According to the village head of Ndom Ndang, Muri Okon Effiong, who spoke with Vanguard, the gang has been operating in his domain for a very long time. He said: “As the custodian of this place, the chief and I took a decision to deal with them and we have arrested one today (yesterday).

“He and other gang members have raped over 60 girls. He alone had defiled over 20 girls this 2015. He has been chased in more than three compounds but was not caught. His sins

have caught up with him today.”

Chief Effiong revealed that Edem doesn’t only rape the girls but also makes sure he stabs and injures them as well as cart away any valuable within reach.

“It was last Sunday night’s attack that got the youths in the area enraged and they

decided to lay siege for him and their kingpin on our instruction. Unfortunately, the leader of the gang, who is now at large, is responsible for grooming them over the years,” the monarch said.

According to a resident, Mrs Agnes Ubong, who also spoke with Vanguard, the suspect was a brutal rapist who showed

NCDMB holds N-Delta stakeholders forum

no mercy to any of his victims as he stabbed them with his dagger after defiling them.

“After defiling my neighbour, Mary and her roommate, he stabbed both of them on the head and he also took their phones and N8,000 from them. They were both taken to the hospital this morning (yesterday),” she said.

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HE Nigeria C o n t e n t Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, will hold a one-day workshop for youths from the oil producing areas of the Niger Delta.

The workshop is to expose the youths to the operations of the Board and the oil and gas industry towards ensuring active participation by the youths in the oil and gas industry.

The forum with the theme, Local Content: Youth Involvement and Benefits, will take place in Benin City, Edo State on February 12, 2015.

About 100 youths from across the Niger Delta region are expected to participate.

VISIT: From left: Mr Emeka Okereke, Director-General, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, during a courtesy visit to Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Community urges FG to implement local content policy in oil industry

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE people of Oben, an oil producing community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State have appealed to the Federal Government to immediately commence the implementation of the local content policy to provide jobs for indigenes in the oil industry.

A statement by Chairman of the Nigerian National Fitters Association, NNFA, Mr. Uyi Omoragbon, after the inauguration of the new executive of the association, explained that if the local content policy was implemented, most of the work being done in the engineering sector by expatriates would be taken over by Nigerians.

He said: “We have competent and qualified welders and fitters, who have worked outside Nigeria and are working here presently.

They have been tested and are capable of taking on responsibilities “We are appealing to both the states and Federal Government to come to our aid by ensuring that something is done about the local content policy, so that something reasonable can be achieved

C M Y K

through our talents.”

He cited the case of the ongoing laying and construction of oil pipelines from Obe to other parts of the country,

insisting that the work was being done by Nigerians.

Inaugurating the association, Edo Zonal Secretary, Mr. Gabriel

Asuelimen, advised the new executive to operate an open door policy to enable it succeed.

Among those elected include

Uyi Omoragbon, Chairman, Joseph Oduware, Financial Secretary and Stanley Evbalu, Secretary.

Three Delta gov candidates for debate today

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—AHEAD of the April 11 governorship election, the three major candidates in Delta State will knock horns today in a debate.

The three candidates, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Chief Great Ogboru of the Labour Party, LP, will take on each other at the

debate slated for 6p.m. tell the electorate what they The debate, according to its have for them if elected. organisers, is to afford the The debate which will be candidates the opportunity to beamed live would also afford

Dr Ifeanyi Okowa

Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor

Deltans the opportunity to assess the intellectual capacity of the governorship candidates.

Chief Great Ogboru

Rights group opposes Shell’s bid to abandon Ogoni cleanup

T

By Ediri Ejoh

HE Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, raised alarm, yesterday, over alleged attempt

by Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, to evade cleanup of Ogoniland as recommended by United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP, report.

In a statement, the Executive Director, ERA/FoEN, Godwin Ojo, insisted that Shell be stopped from evading the implementation of the UNEP report and ordered to commence immediate clean up and remediation of the Niger Delta by the establishment of the $100 billion restoration fund.

“Shell must be held accountable for the decades of its

environmental rights abuses in Ogoni and the entire Niger Delta.

Aside halting this backdoor deal, officials of the company said to have a stake in Belema Oil must also be investigated to determine how much they have done to frustrate the implementation of the UNEP report through their Shellrun oil company that seeks to put potential profit first before people

and the environment.”

He noted that Shell had sold its oil blocks in Ogoniland to Belema oil, and drilling was set to commence as the company had reached agreement with some community chiefs, who were being used to collate signatures endorsing the sale of the oil in Ogoniland.

14 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—15

Enugu party chairmen, candidates sign pact for violence-free polls

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU —POLITICAL party chairmen in Enugu State and candidates contesting various seats in the forthcoming general elections have signed a peace accord, pledging to maintain peace with their supporters before, during and after the elections.

The exercise, which took place at the state police headquarters, was witnessed by the Assistant Inspector General of police A.I.G A.U.Gwary and the state Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Adamu Mohammed, among other senior police officers.

The peace accord signed by all the political chairmen and their candidates, read: “That we, the undersigned candidates and chairmen of political parties in the state contesting the general elections of 2015, are desirous of taking proactive measures to prevent electoral violence before, during and after the elections.

“That we are anxious about

the maintenance of a peaceful environment for the 2015 general elections, reaffirming our commitment to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“That we are desirous of promoting the unity and

corporate existence of Nigeria as indivisible entity; determined to avoid any conduct or behaviour that will endanger the political stability and national security of Nigeria.

“That we are determined to

place national interest above personal and partisan concern, reaffirming commitment to fully abide by all rules and regulations as laid down in the legal framework for elections in Nigeria.”

VISIT: From left, Executive Director, Renewable Energy, Federal Ministry of Power, Engr.

Abayomi Adebisi; Managing Director, Electricity Management Services Limited, EMSL, Engr.

Peter Ewesor; Minister of State for Power, Hon. Muhammed Wakil; Chairman, Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Limited, MEMMCOL, Engr. Kola Balogun, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mr. Godknows Igali, during a courtesy visit to MEMMCOL factory at Mowe.

Gov Obiano's LG, least developed in Anambra, says Reps candidate

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — The House of Representatives candidate for Anambra East and Anambra West Federal Constituency on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Peter Madubueze, has said that he was ashamed that his constitu- ency, which is also the federal constituency of Governor Willie Obiano, is the most backward in the state.

He said his ambition was to do everything possible to bring it at par with other parts of the state, if elected into the National Assembly.

Helen Okafor for burial

Shippers protest non-use of Onitsha river port

By Godwin Oritse

T

HREE YEARS after the Onitsha River port was commissioned, Anambra State Shippers Association has protested the unutilised facility

which has remained under lock.

The group has, however, suggested that the Federal Government should gazette Onitsha River Port as port of final destination for goods coming into the country, with a view to

making it viable for business.

The President of the association, Mr. Emma Akpaka, told newsmen about the negative effect of locking up the port, despite the deployment of modern equipment.

Nnamani flays moles in Enugu PDP

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU — Former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, has declared that Enugu State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had so many enemies within.

Describing such people as black legs and worst enemies of the party, Nnamani said “they are PDP members in the daytime but work and finance other political parties in the night.”

He made the declaration at Enugu-South Local Government Area of Enugu State at the party’s campaign rally.

“They are many; so many people; they will claim to be supporting PDP in the daytime but in the night they are involved in all kinds of antiparty activities. We should be mindful of such people,” he advised.

On some former members of C M Y K

the party who defected to opposition parties after losing primary election, he said, “don’t be deceived by those who say they have agreement with PDP. PDP has no subsidiary; PDP is not affiliated to any other political party.”

He urged members of the party to remain loyal, maintaining that he showed political courage when he was the Senate President, refusing

money.

“That’s why other people have the opportunity to serve today,” Nnamani said.

He told the people of Enugu State not to waste their votes on another party, insisting that “if you don’t support PDP but vote for all these mushroom parties, it will be a wasted vote. Any vote that is not cast for PDP is a wasted vote.”

"Onitsha River port should be gazetted as port of final destination for cargoes and containers coming from any part of the world," Akpaka said.

He explained that when Onitsha port became fully operational, it would ease congestion at Onne port in Rivers State He noted that millions of Naira and job opportunities were being lost to the unutilised Onitsha River port as some local government areas in both Anambra and Delta states would have benefitted had the port been functioning.

“A functional Onitsha River port will also assist in the development of the waterway transport system in the communities close to the River Niger,” he added.

NULGE tasks Anambra govt to implement contributory pension scheme

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA — ANAMBRA State chapter of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, yesterday, demanded an immediate implementation of the state law on workers' contributory pensions scheme.

President of the union, Mr. Jerry Nnubia, made the call while addressing reporters at the union secretariat in Awka.

He said the workers' contributory pensions’ deductions started in July last year, while the state government’s contribution had not been paid into the scheme.

Nnubia said: “Both the contributions of workers and that of government have not been remitted into individual bank accounts of workers, which means that the scheme, even though the workers have started contributing and those contributions have not been paid into their accounts which is why they have not received bank alerts."

Late Mrs. Okafor

M

RS. HELEN Okafor, is dead, aged 75. Mrs. Okafor, who died on November 20, 2014 will be buried on March 6, 2014 at her hometown, Ihite, in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Police rescue hotelier from kidnappers' den, arrest two

By Esther Onyegbula with the victim’s family.

L

AGOS—LAGOS State Command has rescued one Saheed Kolawole, owner of Scot Hotel, who was reportedly kidnapped at Ikorodu, Lagos on January 31, 2015.

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers, who initially demanded for $200,000 as ransom later settled for $100,000 after negotiating

The kidnappers, whose operational vehicle was a Toyota Corolla with registration number APP626BE directed that the money be brought to Igbolomu area of Ikorodu.

It was learned that two of the suspects identified as John Paul and Garba Adamu were arrested while attempting to escape after collecting the ransom from

the victim’s sister.

The victim was then rescued with the aid of the arrested kidnappers and the ransom money successfully recovered.

Confirming the reports Police Public Relations officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said investigation was ongoing, and efforts to arrest the fleeing members was in progress.

Polls postponement: ECCIMA shifts trade fair date

By Franklin Alli & Naomi Uzor

E

NUGU Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) said it has adjusted the date for the 26th edition of its international trade fair in the state, in line with the postponement of February elections by the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC.

Dr. Ifeanyi Okoye, the President of ECCIMA, told Vanguard, yesterday in Lagos that this year’s fair, which has the theme ‘Engendering the nation’s business climate for enhanced industrialisation, investment inflow and employment generation, initially scheduled to hold from March 27 through April 7, but due to the new election dates would now hold from 13th-23rd of

Polls: Motorcycle dealers plot against govts that banned okada

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA— MOTORCYCLES importers and spare parts dealers across the nation may have indicated their decision to cast protest votes against ruling parties in states of the federation which placed a ban on okada business.

Chairman of Nnewi Importers Association, Pastor L. O. Chukwuma, who disclosed this in Nnewi, Anambra State, yesterday, after a brief meeting of the association to discuss its stake in the forth-coming elections, said the decision to cast protest votes during the election was taken in Nnewi where the bulk of major importers and dealers operate.

He said the decision would be circulated to other parts of the country where dealers in motorcycles and their spare parts were domiciled.

Chukwuma said he importers observed that politicians had continued to use motorcycles as campaign gifts to Okada operators and other voters only to ban their business after being voted into power.

He said: “Politicians give their gifts with one hand and use another hand to collect them back from you after the electioneering campaigns.

“They give out motorcycles to Okada people in the name of poverty alleviation and once they are elected as governors, the next thing is to ban Okada riding and throw thousands of people out of job. That is wickedness.''

March 2015.

“Due to the announcement by the INEC Chairman, we have to move it backward because if we go towards the end of April we will be entering rainy season and that would somehow disturb the fair. We are aware of the current focus on political campaigns and scheduled elections and we have strategically designed our action plan for the fair so that the current campaign and upcoming elections would not affect it in a negative way.

“We are very much concerned on the issue of deepening our democracy as we are also aware that it is only with a thriving economy and a free enterprise that our democracy would be well sustained. We wish to reassure all stakeholders particularly exhibitors and visitors to the fair that adequate arrangement has been made to ensure a hitch free and successful fair notwithstanding the adjustments made in the date for the hosting of the fair,” he said.

Ngwa monarchs endorse Abaribe

By Faith Olatide

T

RADITIONAL rulers of Ngwa ethnic nationality have endorsed Senate Spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe as the sole Senate candidate for Abia South senatorial district. This took place at an enlarged meeting of the council held in Obingwa, Abia State, yesterday.

The Chairman of the Abia Traditional Rulers Council, HRM, Eze Eberechi Dick also conferred the revered title of ‘Ugo Ngwa II” on the Senator who is gunning for his third term in the Senate on the

platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking on behalf of the council, HRM, Eze Eberechi Dick stated, “Abaribe is our son who has internal love for Ngwa land and has made sacrifices for the political liberation of our people. He is also the most qualified now to receive the revered title reserved for our great sons and daughters in politics.

“He will be the only Senator representing Ngwa people in the next dispensation. We are announcing here today that we are unanimously endorsing him as Oha Ngwa, sole candidate.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 17

I

T never ceases to amaze me how we continue to play games with our future as a country. Our politics, like a soap opera or a badly written pantomime, is filled with awe- inspiring episodes which leave one both amazed and confused as we await the next instalment.

I was surprised when at a forum organised by Chatham House in London, Sambo Dasuki, the National Security Adviser, made a pronouncement about the possibility of elections being postponed to allow more Nigerians collect their Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs. That statement was not his to make.

After all, with the return of democracy, Nigeria was meant to have done away with the meddling of security agencies in affairs that, quite frankly, do not concern them. Government is a complex machine where each agency has a role to play and the independence and separateness of each arm of government is sacrosanct. INEC is “independent”, is it not?

So, why should security agencies, under the executives’ responsibility be allowed to comment on its operations? The path our Constitution clearly outlines, in terms of delivery of governments’ responsibilities, does not allow the executive to put pressure on any body whose independence is written into law to guaranty impartiality, in the interest of all Nigerians.

Why compromise this, if not because there is something sinister at play? This does not speak well of our interpretation of our Constitution or of our understanding of the workings of government.

I’m afraid for Nigeria. Foreigners wonder how, yet again, our civil society has allowed its rights and wishes to be flouted with such daring. Can one imagine this whole scenario happening in the United States or the United Kingdom? So why are these things still possible in Nigeria?

Agency's performance INEC had always assured Nigerians of its readiness and we chose to trust its chairman, Attahiru Jega’s statements as he (and no one else) would be best able to judge his agency’s performance. But in Nigeria, the “jack of all trades” syndrome has infiltrated even the highest levels of government, so one finds, very curiously, that one can be the head of one agency but freely speak for another; therefore, rumour, mystery and contradicting statements abound, turning our politics into entertainment for social media commentators and leaving our leaders to become figures of fun internationally.

Then we heard that the military chiefs had written to Jega to inform him of their inability to secure polling booths across the country, while simultaneously fighting Boko Haram. There is another issue here: Should security chiefs be writing to the Chairman of INEC at all?

In a democracy, there are protocols to be respected; that is a way of doing things which guarantees that no institution puts C M Y K

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Nigeria, a comedy of errors

•Prof. Attahiru Jega, INEC chairman undue pressure on another and to ensure institutions are not politicised. Reports say the service chiefs “demanded” elections be postponed. Service chiefs cannot “demand” anything of INEC, a would be independent body. In fact, it is the duty of the police and not the army to provide security for civilians during an election.

One would hardly see soldiers swarm the streets and polling booths during elections in the UK or the US. In fact, it is a rarity in most democratic countries to see the army out on the streets at all, as the police are sufficiently empowered to ensure citizens’ safety. So what has indeed happened to the Nigeria police? Are they not capable of ensuring our

Nigeria is being noticed in the world but for all the wrong reasons: our credibility as a nation has yet again, been dealt a serious blow

safety during these elections? Or is security just an excuse to shift the polls? Something doesn’t sound right here.

Nigeria is being noticed in the world but for all the wrong reasons: our credibility as a nation has, yet again, been dealt a serious blow. Why must Nigeria always be an exception to every rule known to man? Afghanistan was

at war and still managed to conduct elections. Are we lesser men?

Of course not. Simply put, we continue to lack the will to do what is right or to live up to our promises and Nigerians are left with the bitter impression that things are done without their consent or approval. This could be yet another strategic, public relations faux pas for the Jonathan administration

Swiss Leaks

als to court as it was revealed HSBC helped to conceal over five billion euros in taxable funds. In other climes, it seems

T

HE opaque nature of the Swiss banking system has garnered international attention, yet again. A team of journalists spanning several countries came together to publish its findings in French newspaper, Le Monde: a tax evasion scheme, with the knowledge (and apparent encouragement) of the Swiss government was conducted by banking giant, HSBC. Indeed, from drug to crime lords, to international personalities from the business, entertainment and political worlds, many have used Switzerland as a convenient destination to quietly deposit or launder funds, in order to escape their home countries’ taxes.

Nigerians will remember Switzerland as the country where much of our own politicians’ illgotten wealth still languishes till today. The French Finance Ministry is taking 72 individu-

whose image has been severely tainted. Generally, our public officials are poor communicators.

Perhaps this is a testimony to either a lack of regard for Nigerians or remnants of the military era ways where decrees rather than consultations were the order of the day. I, for one, would just like someone to bring back Nigeria, a country full of patriots, devoid of ethnic sentimentalism, a country that rewards discipline and hard work, where leaders inspire confidence, positive thoughts and actions. Nigeria must be rescued, her shackles removed.

Do we not see the danger of politicising our institutions? The lack of neutrality in most government quarters today is astonishing, the levels of sycophancy bewildering, the rumours flying about are disturbing. Nigeria and Nigerians deserve better. It has become obvious that a divided, unsafe Nigeria benefits some people in this country and there is almost no doubting that. \ Attahiru Jega remains a hero; not many in his shoes would have had his steadfastness and courage. It is simply sad to see that, yet again, the people’s will has been thwarted. However, Nigerians remain soldiers fighting for our nation and we will not just conquer the forces working against our unity and prosperity but prevail most gloriously.

We have not come this far to give up on our democracy: the patriots who have gone to rest look down on us and instil in us their courage, they feed us with their resolve and remind us of our values. What does it mean to be a Nigerian? Today, it might mean temporary embarrassment and disappointment at the sad state of affairs. Tomorrow, it will mean triumph.

I continue to believe in goodness and goodwill. All it ever takes for change is for a few good men to decide they have had enough.

We are close, so very close and it is apparent even to those sowing the seeds of disunity and discord.

To keep Nigeria one is a task that must be won. stealing from the public purse in whatever form is indeed corruption.

Foreign forces in Nigeria

W

HY are the Chadian and Cameroonian forces faring better against Boko Haram than the Nigerian Army? This is indeed cause for much concern.

This same Nigerian army fought wars under the Economic Community of West African States monitoring Group, ECOMOG, in Liberia. These same Nigerian soldiers, more recently, were successfully sent to Darfur, in Sudan. Nigeria has always acted as Africa’s Big brother.

Now, even Beninois President Boni Yayi is offering Nigeria military assistance. A country whose entire population is less than Lagos! Our international prestige has been greatly diminished.

•Kenneth Minimah-COAS

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 HOW much longer would the journey of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB that began in 2000 last? The bill deals with concerns about transparent management of the oil and gas sector.

The non-passage of the bill has put investments in the industry on hold. Aims of the bill include • Enhancing the exploitation of oil and gas in Nigeria • Commercialising government’s interests in the industry • Deregulating and liberalising the downstream petroleum sector • Optimising gas supplies to the domestic gas market (especially for electricity generation and industries) • Reforming the fiscal regime • Promoting openness and transparency in the industry • Encouraging the development of Nigerian content Noble as the objectives are, key issues for the oil majors are government’s control of the industry with the role the bill created for the Minister of Petroleum Resources and possibilities of new taxes. The most strident oppositions however are local.

The bill has polarised the National Assembly hence its long neglect. There appears to be more

Pass The Petroleum Industry Bill concerns with how provisions for a fund for the host community would affect resources that would remain in the common purse. It would have been expected that with all the devastation of oil and gas explorations in host communities, the National Assembly would have supported the proposed host community fund that would be utilised in provision of economic and social infrastructure in exploration areas.

The National Assembly is more fixated on how States used special allocations for oil producing

areas. The interest is cloudy. Instead of dealing with the imperatives of the funds, their mismanagement is considered a reason for opposing the bill. We should punish mismanagement of the funds without punishing host communities who are not the fund managers.

Benefits of the bill which include government’s divestments, more transparency in the industry’s operations, and the protection of the environment should be bigger considerations than the immediate benefits of more money for governments Oil and gas is so central to the operations of the economy that the over-dependence on it should not be the main issue in deciding the future of the industry. We expect managers of the economy would diversify, using resources from oil and gas.

Governments have fallen into the easier option of waiting for shares of oil revenues for their activities.

Those opposed to the passage of the PIB are neglecting the impacts of delay in its passage on the industry. Investors have remained tentative in the 15 years of the bill’s journey, stalling new investments. We ask the contending parties to place the interests of the country in context and pass the bill. Delays in its passage are hurting the economy.

OPINION

By Patrick Dele Cole

Continued from Viewpoint pg

A

yesterday's

MONG the Yorubas,the clutch bag is an essential accessory on the male because that is where he carries the money he will use to spray celebrants and others at the party.

Ogbomosho Yorubas Probably the most travelled Yorubas are from Ogbomosho and Osun communities; they are to be found from Ivory Coast down to Congo Brazzaville in all types of trade.

They specialize in gold trade, Kola trade and transportation; especially in taxi ownership in Nigeria – conquered that as surely as the Ibos have conquered the spare parts business.

From Sokoto to Kano, Maiduguri to Kaduna, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Enugu, Umahia, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Calabar- anywhere taxis are allowed to pay, most are Yorubas from Ogbomosho or nearby.

They also specialise in one type of vehicle which at anyone moment seizes their fancy – I believe at the moment it is Nissan. Before it was one kind of Nissan Datsun. The Japanese company has not spent a penny advertising their products – these Yorubas from Ogbomosho on their own have established these cars as the cars to use for taxis. State Governors sometimes have bought all kinds of other cars and C M Y K

The Y orubas (3) Yorubas the Ogbomosho drivers have watched those cars come and go.

The Kola trade is a massive enterprise in Nigeria. The fruit grew in the West, is harvested there and prepared for transportation to whenever the Hausa Fulani live who have, inexplicably, developed a liking for the kola nut. It is an ancient trade going back over 100 to 200 years.

I am not going to speculate on the original formula of coco cola, which historically has been linked to the Kola nut. There is another kind of kola nut which is traditionally used by Ibos, Urhobos and other tribes as fundamental symbol of goodwill and

The Churches have adapted to the needs and culture of the people, as a result of which people are now flocking into them. None of this would have happened without the Yorubas leading this Cultural Revolution in the Church

welcome. No traditional ceremony is complete without kola nuts.

The Yorubas and their Food Preferences, and Cultural Preferences in Religious Worship: The Yorbas have a class distinction as far as the meat they eat is concerned.

Consider how big a cow is: The Yorubas prefer to eat the extremeties, the unusual in a cow; but almost never the beef. If a Yoruba is to really host a visitor, he will serve cow tail (traditionally known as ox-tail), cow foot, cow tongue, and various parts of the entrails of the cow, like the liver, the kidneys, the cow belly, and a few other choice part of the intestines (like the tripe). He will rarely serve you the eye, rib steak, or the rump steak, the sirloin, or the T-bone steak. So beloved are the Yorubas of the skin of the cow (which is what would, if sent to the tannery, will be the hyde and skin), that they single handedly have killed a once promising hyde and skin (leather) industry by finding more and more ingenious ways to clean cook and eat what in local parlance is called kpomo.

This love of kpomo has, thereby, closed the leather and shoes factories of the defunct Bata, Lennards, Shoe Companies, etc.

Fiercely independent, the Yorubas are the ingrained strong cultural Yoruba traditions, which resulted in the break-

away of some of them from such Orthodox Churches like the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Baptist and Methodist Churches, to form the African Church. This latter Church gives communicants the Eucharist, even if they are polygamists – which would be an anathema to the Orthodox Churhes.

Furthermore, the African Churches did not believe, as the early Christians did, that all aspects of the African culture is necessarily pagan and must be expunged in the Liturgy of the Church.

The African Church protagonists wanted and introduced a wholesome embrace of African culture in the Church, more boisterous singing and dancing, the introduction of bands in the choirs of the Church, and singing in the traditional Languages. The African Churches were right, as most of their practices have now gradually crept into the service machineries of the Orthodox Churches. They and even, the newly established Pentecostal Churches have all been motivated by the African Church, as they all now sing and dance, virtually raising the roof in joyous thanks and prayers in the Church to God. The Churches have adapted to the needs and culture of the people, as a result of which people are now flocking into them. None of this would have happened without the Yorubas leading this Cultural Revolution in the Church.

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

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—19 —19

This election will be won and lost somehow

I

N just a matter of days, the much anticipated February 14 election would be history. Or so Nigerians thought. After much planning, scheming, deliberation and physical and verbal violence, even slander and libel of the most venomous variety, Nigerians thought they would have the chance to choose who would be their president for the next four years, and either of the two leading candidates of the ACP and PDP would win or lose the election. But it was a long journey to this point. An election that was long in planning, and for which there had been much assurance that all was set to make it happen, suddenly got stalled.

What started like a mere hint, then a suggestion to sound out the national mood, thereafter took on a sinister colour with calls for its postponement. It was like a violent repeat of history, a contrived reversion to the better-forgotten days of June 1993 when a cabal of career spongers, misnamed Association for Better Nigeria and their ilk at the corridors of power, embarked on a campaign to stop the June 12 Presidential election. The activities of these shadowy characters would

herald the annulment of that election.

In 2015, just a couple of weeks ago, it was the National Security of Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan that would raise the call for postponement of the February elections. It came, first, like a suggestion. But before any one knew what was happening Dasuki’s became something of a clarion call for others apparently waiting in the wings for such a call.

They echoed Dasuki and began a clamour aimed at putting pressure on both the electoral body, INEC, and, especially, its chairman, Attahiru Jega, to concede to a postponement. Some like Chief Edwin Clark and some old war horses went as far as calling for the arrest of Jega while yet others began the scare-mongering that the military was planning a takeover! For what really should Jega be arrested- doing his job?

The Dasuki suggestion is now reality with the postponement of the elections to March, announced by Attahiru Jega last Saturday.

It was and should be curious that any call for postponement of the election should come from a senior member of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. But

even more curious is the fact that those who backed Dasuki and became the arrowhead of the postponement call were mostly members of the PDP. It gave the impression that something was afoot. One could almost smell the bad odour of evil conspiracy reminiscent of that provoked by ABN and company in 1993. That representatives of foreign governments and electoral observers in the country were urging the Jonathan administration and INEC not to postpone the election convinced one that there were indeed powerful Nigerians who wanted the election postponed. The American Government, as are other observers, has since expressed its disappointment in the shift in date.

The main reason earlier touted for the proposed shift in the electoral date at this eleventh hour was the fact that many, literally tens of millions of Permanent Voters’ Cards, remain unclaimed at the various offices of INEC across the country. Rather than seeing this as, perhaps, a reflection of the true voters’ population of the country after unregistered and ineligible people had been bribed

It is no longer reassuring that President Jonathan had not himself made any call for postponement as those who have spoken have obviously spoken his mind

A ‘FeBuhari’ wind of change in March!

T

HE full title of my last column (27 January 2015) is “How Col. Dasuki Confirmed Nigeria as the Never-ready Country (and Why the Elections Must Not Be Postponed).” It was published without the second part in parenthesis.

But I had been expressing a vain hope.

The moment the National Security Adviser “announced” in London the “decision” of President Jonathan and his Peoples Democratic Party to postpone the elections, you knew that God would have had to incarnate himself again and come down a second time, thundering through the sky down to Aso Rock, “Jonathan, Jonathan, let the elections hold!

Jonathan, Jonathan, let the elections hold!!” for the President to have given a damn about the “independent” in Independent Electoral Commission.

President Jonathan has now set a frightful precedent: the final decision on when elections hold does not lie with the chairman of INEC but the Chief of Defence Staff, acting on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief. And all that the soldier has to do is write a letter saying that he cannot provide security in any part of the country during an election.

In other words, a soldier, speaking through the barrel of his gun, becomes the effective arbiter of our democracy.

And this under a president who, we are told, is such a thoroughbred democrat that he would rather be perceived as weak and inept that act in any way to portray him as yet another African strongman. This, too, under a ruling party whose slogan is power to the people, never mind all the earth-shaking

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revelations coming out of Ekiti State where the army deployed a brigadier to rig the 21 June 2014 election, working in collaboration with the Minister of State for Defence and the Minister of Police Affairs, among other curious and interested parties.

I may have argued against postponing the election, if for nothing else then to prove to the world that our word, for once, can be our bond; that we do not relish the reputation of the never-ready country.

I must now bow to the greater national interest purported by Chief of Defence Staff Alexander Badeh: national security. At first, that greater national interest was that no single citizen be disenfranchised due to INEC’s failure to distribute over 30 million voters’ cards.

But INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, promised every registered voter his

Like a hurricane gathering strength at sea, it may not arrive at the precise hour or on the expected day, though arrive it surely will, this wind of change, I hazard, has merely been given time to increase its strength

and bussed to register at electoral centres by politicians hoping to convert their votes for illegal purposes, or an indication of voter apathy in the face of their unchanged material circumstances after many years of voting, Nigerian politicians have chosen to see the incidence of unclaimed PVCs as evidence of attempt to deny millions the right to vote. What seems apparent now is that the Jonathan government and the PDP want to play for time in order to improve their chances at the polls or strengthen their ability to subvert the electoral process without detection.

One thing we must not forget is that if there must be any shift in the electoral date at this late hour, it should not be a key member of the Jonathan administration that should lead it. Aside being an indictment of the administration, it should be recalled that this was the same government that had been assuring Nigerians for many months, even within days of the call by Dasuki, that it had put everything in place and was ready for the election. It is, therefore, strange that it is a member of that administration that rose to sell a strange but familiar ware to Nigerians. Let Dasuki and his cotravellers know that Nigerians had been at this point before, and are wiser for it. Six weeks may seem far away but it is not forever.

The several shifts in the handover date of the Babangida and Sani Abacha regimes, as were similar regimes/administrations that dabbled in such subterfuge, were informed by reasons similar to the one hawked by Dasuki and members of the PDP. To have acceded to such demand is to wrongfoot the electoral process and ultimately lay the ground for invalidating both this process and the elections that would be its outcome. This

or her card before 14 February. He was well on course to fulfilling his promise, with over 70% delivery and a couple more days to go where the original window for card collection was three days when, realising that the game was up, the army was called in for a coup against democracy.

But with a heavy heart, I dance in the street as some of our impoverished and frustrated citizens were wont to do many a by-gone coup. By this very act, Jonathan has given an undertaking to rid Nigeria of Boko Haram. He will do in six weeks what he failed to accomplish in two years of the state of emergency he declared in North-east Nigeria. Oh, the beauty of elections! Our military, which has used the cry of lack of weapons to excuse its shameful inability to dislodge a band of criminals camped in Sambisa forest, now has all it needs, it seems, for battle. And joining forces with Cameroun and Chad, might quite possibly free the Chibok girls at last, as well as the many other captives of the enemy Boko Haram — as many as have not been forced into suicide bombing missions, been ruined for life as sex slaves, or sold as child brides. Six weeks only to solve a six-year-old problem. So help them, God! But then, the newly established Jonathan-Sambo-Badeh triumvirate of INEC chairmen (poor Professor Jega!) must know that they have just played their only hand. For what next? A hundred percent voter card collection before the elections can hold? That every Boko Haram terrorist be killed and buried

shift in date ought to have come well before now, not on the eve of the election and at a time members of the ruling party had been making panicky remarks about electorate in their putative strongholds not keen on collecting their PVCs. It is no longer reassuring that President Jonathan had not himself made any call for postponement as those who have spoken have obviously spoken his mind. He must now take responsibility for any unfavourable consequences of the shift. Once we thought that in the event that Goodluck Jonathan loses this election, it won’t be him but those who have sponged on his presidency and taken advantage of his person that would be worse affected by it. We saw Jonathan in this instance like President Shehu Shagari, given the manner the latter had gone on with his life after his government was overthrown by the same man seemingly poised to be Jonathan’s own nemesis on Saturday 14 February 2015.

Left to him, a loss in this election would, one thought, pluck no hair off Jonathan’s body. He would, it seemed, rather appreciate Nigerians for giving him the opportunity to serve and move on with his life.

It was such simplicity of character that the Jonathan personality suggested. Not the fire and brimstone rhetoric of the power profiteers that surrounded him; people whose scaremongering he is now fully sold on given their excuse of shifting a long-planned election in order to fight insurgency.

Jonathan, it is now clear, finds power too tasty to give up. He would do anything to hang on to it. Where that would lead him only time will tell.

beforehand? That the United Nations first declare Chibok the safest place on earth for the girl-child? Or perhaps that the National Conference (since its alumnae have become very powerful friends of the president and his party) reconvene to insert in its final recommendations a clause on the true test of federalism on which delegates could not agree — a fair and equitable derivation formula (defined as a minimum of 50% to the states from which resources are derived) —so that all issues plaguing the country can be declared resolved before we vote?

The wind of change set to sweep out of power a weak, inept and visionless government that finds it possible to distinguish corruption from stealing in a country being swallowed alive by graft was to arrive in February. I call it the FeBuhari wind of change. Like a hurricane gathering strength at sea, it may not arrive at the precise hour or on the expected day, though arrive it surely will. This wind of change, I hazard, has merely been given time to increase its strength. For the sake of our longsuffered country, I hope President Jonathan does not allow his inordinate will-to-power so thoroughly overwhelm him (the nation is waiting for him to deny his implication in the Ekiti tapes and order a judicial inquiry) as to turn this benign wind into a destructive storm. Our fragile, tottering country, it should be obvious, might not survive it.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Why I slept with my 11-year-old daughter — Confession of a father

By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi

H

OW will you feel as a mother if your husband sexually abuses your innocent daughter?

This is the question a woman in Bauchi State is trying to come to terms with as her husband, Abubakar Magaji, a resident of Liman Kagum in Bauchi local government, did the abominable act of having carnal knowledge of their 11-year-old daughter.

More shocking is the fact that it was not a one-act misadventure but a repeated one. But like a popular saying has it: Many days for a thief and one day for the owner, nemesis eventually caught up with the 45-year-old father when he was arrested and paraded along with others at the Bauchi State command for rape.

When VM sought to know why Abubakar will abuse his own child sexually, he confessed he was tempted by the devil.

He added that he could not resist defiling his daughter when his wife left him because of a misunderstanding between them.

Questions from journalists The father of four who was ashamed to lift his head while answering questions from journalists said: “I engaged in the ugly act because I had a misunderstanding with my wife and she left me. I am ashamed of my self because it was temptation that led me to do it.

“I divorced her mother and married another wife but unfortunately my wife also left me a month ago so I needed a woman to be with; so that was why I did it. I also have a problem with my sexual libido. It is so terrible that I desire any woman I see, but what stops me from approaching them is that people respect me as a married man. So I felt the only way I could relieve my sexual tension was to sleep with my daughter, since she is so young and had no knowledge about

*Abubakar Magaji sex.

“It was after I defiled her and I was arrested by the police that I understood the gravity of my offence.

I can’t imagine that I did this to my own daughter.

I regret my actions and I pray that God will forgive me”.

When VM visited the residence of the suspect at Liman Katagum, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis, a neighbour to Abubakar who did not disclose his name, said that he was shocked to hear that Abubakar was arrested by the police because he defiled his daughter.

According to him: “ I was shocked when I discovered that Mallam Abubakar who I had a lot of respect for will stoop that low and sleep with an 11-year-old child that happens to be his daughter.

“This is the highest level of abomination and Islam is against such an act. No matter the excuse, a man does not have the right to defile a girl outside the confines of marriage. This is unacceptable and he deserves to be punished by the law”.

He called for severe punitive measures to be carried on rapists in the country, saying that will serve as a deterrent to those contemplating on engaging in such an act.

Reacting to the development, the state Commissioner of Police, Lawal, Shehu expressed worry over the increasing rate of rape cases in the state and

I can’t imagine that I did this to my own daughter. I regret my actions and I pray that God will forgive me

vowed that all rape suspects will be charged to court and prosecuted. He said: “Since January, we have arrested over 10 suspected rapists, only this week we recorded over five cases. It is worrisome that among the suspects arrested is a 45-year-old man who raped his 11year-old daughter and two aged men who are between 45 to 54 years who raped teenage girls of between two years and four years”.

“This is why I’m sounding a note of caution to parents,especially mothers, to always monitor the movement of their female children. I particularly want to warn mothers to be always on alert because rape is on the increase and teenagers and little children between five and fifteen years are now the victims.

“Any suspect arrested in connection with a rape case will be charged to court and be prosecuted; they should also know that the offence is not bailable. Even when courts are on strike, the suspects will remain in detention till the strike is called off”.

Politics, a dirty game indeed!

By Ebele Orakpo

“I

T is indeed true that politics is a dirty game,” said a commuter by name, Ade, in the Apapa-bound bus as a radio commentator said something about General Muhammadu Buhari’s health.

“Na today? It has always been a dirty game – the mud-slinging, name-calling, bad-mouthing, back-stabbing, etc. It’s terrible,” said Emeka.

“I don’t think it is this bad in other climes,” said Ada. Replied Ade: “It is the same everywhere. It’s even worse in the so-called developed world. I remember vividly how the opposition wanted to stop former President Bill Clinton from contesting the election by raising the issue of his father not going for the equivalent of our National Youth Service programme.” ”What I don’t get is why somebody who has some cockroach in his cupboard would want to come out for an elective position knowing full well that the opposition will unearth every negative thing about him and use it against him.

For God’s sake, if I know I have things I would not want the public to know about me, I will live my life quietly,” said Rita.

“True, but that is you. The fact is that the lure of power and wealth will not allow them respect themselves,” said Ade. “No matter what anyone may say, I still believe politicians in other climes are better,” insisted Ada. “The only difference between us and those politicians in other climes is that at least, they don’t stop at just mud-slinging, they address issues of national interest.

Here, all we talk about is religion, ethnicity, whose turn it is, etc,” observed Rita.

Said Emeka: “Good observation, but Let’s wake up whose fault? It is the fault of the electorate and keep our who don’t even know politicians on what they want. They allow politicians to their toes and pull the wool over make them their eyes, using senaccountable to timent.”

Said Rita: “The the people politicians are all the same. Na the same papa born them. They are looking out for themselves. They don’t really care about us and things will not change until we realise that. Now, they are moving their families abroad in case there is violence after the elections and the foolish poor masses will still suffer.” “ And then, the politicians talk too much. Some just open their mouths and say things all in the name of politics, forgetting that someday, it will be used against them. People do keep records oo,” said Ade. Said Emeka: “We still have a very long way to go. We must learn to ask questions. They keep telling us that they will improve our lives, fight corruption, stabilise oil prices, create jobs etc.

How? What exactly are they going to do to bring about all these dividends of democracy? Let’s wake up and keep our politicians on their toes and make them accountable to the people.”

“I pray that any politician who plans to shed innocent blood simply to realise his ambition will pay with his own blood,” said Rita.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 21

Presidency hijacks recruitment exercise in NPA

By Godwin oritse

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HERE are allegations that the Presidency has hijacked the recent recruitment exercise at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, as over 160 of the 200 applicants who scaled through the process were influenced by officials at the Presidency.

Sources at the NPA told Vanguard that out of the 50,000 online applications received, only 5,000 were invited to write the aptitude test after which 200 of the applicants were penciled for employment However, Vanguard gathered that the newly recruited fire fighters are yet to receive their letters of appointment weeks after the exercise ended.

It was also gathered that after 160 slots were given to the Presidency, the remaining balance of 40 new recruits were further influenced by the management of the NPA, the Ministry of Transport and the National Assembly.

The source at the NPA also said that while the management was taking the invited applicants through the recruitment exercise, some of the well connected applicants kept coming in with notes and letters from the Presidency, a development that

The managing director that I know is a man that cannot be coaxed into such unwholesome arrangement.

changed the course of the entitre exercise.

The aptitude test according to the source, was written in the six geopolitical zones with a view to avoiding the ugly outcome of the last recruitment exercise carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, last year.

In a sharp reaction, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Maritime matters, Mr. Leke Oyewole denied the involvement of the Presidency in the recruitment exercise saying that “the current Managing Director of the authority is not a man you can push around, he has a mind of his own.

“The Managing Director that I know is a man that cannot be coaxed into such unwholesome arrangement.”

Oyewole who confirmed the fact that the Presidency was aware of the exercise, added that influencing the employment of certain people will be a disservice to other Nigerians.

$165.50 $2.845.00

$14.75

CURRENCY

-2.10 -22.00

-0.06

$58.30

-0.04

$52.39

-5.25

BUYING

DOLLAR 167 POUNDS 256.2114 EURO 191.8043 FRANC 180. 1316 YEN 1.4233 CFA 0.2722 WAUA 236.4102 RENMINBI 26. 7426 RIYAL 44.4954 KRONA 25.6816 SDR 236.6891

CENTRAL 167.5 256.9785 191. 1673 181. 6709 1.4276 0.2822 237.8232 26. 8232 44.6286 25.7585 237. 3978

168 257.7456 192.3768 181.2102 1.4319 0.2922 237.8258 26.9037 44.7618 25.8354 238.1064

CBN Exchange Rate as at 10/2/15

s NAICOM give condition on insurers’ oad r b a n o i s n a p ex

By Favour Nnabugwu

T

he National Insurance Commis sion, NAICOM, has said that in surance companies must have a minimum of four functional offices in Nigeria before they will be given approval to open an office outside the shores of Nigeria .

NAICOM has often encouraged insurance companies in the country to open businesses overseas as the commission permits underwriters to conduct life, non-life insurance and reinsurance businesses abroad.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr Fola Daniel had earlier said the regulatory body is definite about protecting the interest of Nigerian insurance companies operating outside the shores of Nigeria and it also has a duty to project the image of the nation, ading “ I have the national interest to protect.

“If you look at the top four insurance companies in this country, how many branch networks do they have? They are in Abuja for obvious reason, they are in Lagos and Kaduna and some of them in Kano but no insurance company is in Mubi even before Boko Haram activities got there. Is there any insurance company in Okene as big as Okene is? How many of them are in Ogun State where you have Bangkok University? They are not there” he lamented.

He continued “ So, we are encouraging insurance companies to open more branches as a matter of unwritten policy, any insurance company that is desirous to open office abroad will not be denied, but we will ensure that, that the company has at least, four functional branches in Nigeria.

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BRIEFING: From left: Kaodi Ugoji, Group Head, Strategy and Corporate Communications; Dipo Odeyemi, Divisional Head, Operations and Technology and Bola Onadele.Koko, MD/CEO all of FMDQ during a media briefing on FMDQ 2014 market review and outlook for 2015, in Lagos.

Samsung industry, Total working on FPSO contract despite order, plaintiff tells court

A

By Innocent Anaba

lawyer and plaintiff in the suit, challenging the multi-million dollar contract for the controversial storage and offloading unit FPSO in Egina Field within OML 130, Mr. John Owubokiri, has told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, that Samsung Heavy Industry Nigeria Limited and Total Upstream Nigeria Ltd were still working on the project, despite an order of the court for parties to maintain status quo.

Counsel to the Owubokiri, Mr Olukayode Enitan, at the resumed hearing in the matter, informed the trial judge, Justice Okon Abang, that despite the order of the court, Samsung Heavy and Total Upstream Nigeria were still executing the project. But the judge, said if he

(Enitan), was sure that the defendants were in breach of the order of his court, then he should know what to do.

Meanwhile, Samsung Heavy has challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the suit, contending that the court has no jurisdiction to hear same Meanwhile, the court adjourned till February 26, for hearing of all pending applications in the matter. Other defendants include the Attorney General of the Federation; National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NPIMS; Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, CDMB; Samsung Heavy and Total Upstream.

The court had ordered the defendants to “maintain status quo ante bellum as per the plaintiff ’s claims before the court pending the hearing and

determination of the motion on notice dated 19/11/2014.”

Justice Abang also ordered the plaintiff to serve on the AGF and Content Development Monitoring Board, the writ of summons, statement of claim, list of witnesses, list of exhibits, witness statement on oath, motion on notice and all other processes in the suit out of jurisdiction of the court.

The court noted that it was better to hear the defendants before taking any decision on the issues raised by the plaintiff in the ex-parte application.

Besides, the court took cognizance of the fact that since the matter was before it, hence parties should not do anything “that may frustrate the hearing and final determination of the suit.”

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 The pillars of NAICOM’s strategy have been to deepen insurance penetration; strengthen insurance institutions through effective regulatory framework

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NIA seeks to sustain enforcement of compulsory insurances

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HE Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, has appealed to the National Insurance Commission to sustain its efforts in the enforcement of the compulsory insurances listed in the Insurance Act of 2003.

The Association is also seeking the assistance of NAICOM in pursuing the amendment of the Companies Income Tax (Amendment) Act 2007 (CITA) to relieve insurance companies of the heavy tax burdens which are capable of inhibiting the desired growth of the market.

These issues among others were presented by the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Godwin Wiggle to the Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, during a meeting between the CFI and Chief Executive Officers of NIA member companies in Lagos recently.

The NIA boss who listed the giant strides the Association has made in recent times to include; sponsorship strengthening of Customer Complaints Bureau which is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism, awareness campaign to increase insurance education thereby bringing more people into the insurance net and the establishment of the Energy and Allied Insurance Pool to curb capital flight, increase retention and building capacity in Energy and Allied Risks underwriting, as well as sponsorship of a candidate to pursue a Master of Science Degree in Actuarial Science in a UK University as part of capacity building initiatives in that critical area of insurance practice, urged the CFI to assist the Association by supporting these and other initiatives in order to deepen insurance penetration.

Insurance penetration “We thank you for this visit and urge you to support the Association in the drive to increase insurance penetration in Nigeria. We have taken some bold steps and we believe that they will complement the reform initiatives you have introduced. Your support is critical to the growth and expansion of the insurance market in Nigeria” he stated In his response, Daniel noted that the Association had taken some giant strides in some areas but added that more effort needed to be made to shore up the fortunes of insurance companies.

He challenged insurers to key into the growth agenda espoused by the government as a fall-out of the Insurance Summit held in December 2014.

While appreciating the role of insurance in national development, the CFI said the major goals of the Summit were to enable the insurance industry deliver jobs and skills development, build consumer trust and public awareness, increase access to insurance and enforcement of compulsory insurances. He therefore charged underwriters to own the deliverables from the Summit and ensure attainment of set goals.

He urged the Association to help work out modalities at ensuring competitive and appropriate rates in the industry. The NAICOM helmsman commended the Association for setting up the Energy and Allied Insurance Pool and encouraged companies to key into the Pool arrangement in order to participate fully in the underwriting of Oil and Gas Insurance risks in the Nigerian market.

“I want to appreciate the industry for the success of the Insurance summit and also take this opportunity to request that insurance companies should key into the goals of the summit which include; enforcement of public interest/ compulsory insurances, deliver jobs and skills development, build consumer trust and awareness and increase access to insurance. I urge you to own the deliverables from the Summit and work towards its attainment. The Commission will support the Energy and Allied Insurance Pool and ensure that the market reaps the benefits maximally” he promised.

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INSURAN

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NAICOM leveraging on transformation agenda to change face of insurance Stories by Rosemary Onuoha

T

HE National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, said that the current Transformation Agenda is offering the insurance industry the opportunity to readjust its governance, operational structures and leverage on the interest and support provided in the policy direction of the Commission.

Director, Inspectorate of NAICOM, Mr. Barineka Thompson who made the assertion stated that it is expected that companies will begin to review their strategic business and operating models, overhaul product portfolios and distribution strategy, enhance ICT capability and other elements that can stimulate the growth of their overall business.

According to Thompson, the pillars of NAICOM’s strategy have been to deepen insurance penetration; strengthen insurance institutions through effective regulatory framework; improve communication with all stakeholders to ensure transparency, public trust and confidence; transform the commission’s processes, people and systems, and optimize revenue collection and effective management of assets.

While its regulatory and supervisory practice was subjected to an IMF/World FSA Preview in 2013, NAICOM has commenced action to address identified gaps in the areas of solvency framework, accounting and auditing practices in the industry, viability of insurance

companies, enforcement of compulsory insurance, long term investment instruments for annuities, consumer protection and industry tax challenges.

The changing face of regulation Thompson said that on-going initiatives include on-going transition to risk-based supervision; enhancement of solvency management framework including consideration of Solvency II equivalence and early warning system; review and consolidation of insurance laws; adoption of uniform financial reporting template for insurance reporting; consolidation of guidelines issued by the Commission; issuance of licence to applicants for microinsurance and takaful insurance; development of

regulatory capacity on microinsurance, takaful and risk based supervision; as well as ring-fencing of assets covering policyholders’ funds.

Others are review of investment guidelines to facilitate allocation of insurance and shareholders’ funds to infrastructure and mortgages; issuance of market conduct guidelines; implementation of on-going strategic objectives of the Commission; risk management approach; market conduct and consumer protection; aggressive publicity strategy; group wide supervision; digital transformation; restructuring of intermediaries and distribution channels; claims dispute resolution mechanism response of insurance companies, conflict resolution, use of Ombudsman, NAICOM complaint bureau.

It is expected that companies will begin to review their strategic business and operating models, overhaul product portfolios and distribution strategy, enhance ICT capability and other elements that can stimulate the growth of their overall business

Complaint bureau On risk management approach, NAICOM stated that the primary purpose of the RM regime is the protection of policyholders and beneficiaries while additional objectives are; to align capital requirements with the underlying risks of an insurer; to develop a proportionate, riskbased approach to supervision with appropriate treatment both for small insurers and large, crossborder groups; to provide incentives to insurers to adopt more sophisticated risk monitoring and risk management tools – this would include developing full and partial internal capital models and

VISIT: From left: Mrs Sa’adatu Bello, Executive Commissioner, Legal & Enforcement, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Mr Biodun Adebimpe, Head of Custody, Standard Chartered Bank & General Secretary, Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACN); Mallam Munior Gwarzo, Acting Director General, SEC; Mrs Kemi Adewole, Head of Custody, Citibank Nigeria and President, AACN and Zakawanu Garuba, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, SEC during a visit of AACN executives to the SEC, in Abuja.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015,

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CE & YOU increased use of risk mitigation and risk transfer tools; as well as to maintain financial stability.

Accordingly, insurers will be required to have:- a robust risk management culture and practice; an effective internal control mechanism; good governance system; transparent reporting systems and disclosures; an efficient IT and processes platforms for improved operational efficiency and low cost operations; NAICOM will adopt appropriate supervisory tools to be much more willing to intervene in management/board governance matters and use predictive analysis tools to monitor forward solvency positions. on market conduct and consumer protection, NAICOM said that solvency has been the primary focus of insurance supervisors for many years, particularly post the global financial crisis, as such policymakers are now beginning to place a greater focus on market conduct issues. New structures are being established to develop standards and best practices in consumer protection by NAICOM. Focus is on: product design, renewal pricing and governance; conflicts of interest; disclosure, privacy protection; complaints handling; dispute resolution, and ‘fair treatment of customers’.

newly elected executives of the Association of Assets Custodians of Nigeria (AACN) have confirmed their association’s commitment to support the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, and other trade groups in efforts aimed at further HE

N furtherance of the a g r i c u l t u r a l transformation agenda of the Federal Government through efficient and effective agricultural risk management, the Board of Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has put strategies in place to increase the corporation’s market penetration and premium income.

The company’s Chairman, Barr. Chioma Ohakim, who disclosed this in Abuja, said that the organisation has overcome the daunting challenges which hindered it from effective pursuit of its set mandate in the past.

After having introduced the Plant with Peace Programme (PPP) which was especially

NAICOM will remain focused on the issues relevant to the protection of policyholders, growth of the insurance sector and promote financial stability

developing the Nigerian Capital Market.

The executives made the commitment during a courtesy call on the senior management of SEC recently in Abuja.

Mrs. Kemi Adewole, President of AACN and head of Citibank Nigeria’s Custody

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NAICOM has commenced action to address identified gaps in the areas of solvency framework, accounting and auditing practices in the industry

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NAIC strategises to increase market penetration I

From left: Managing Director of Consolidated Hallmark, Mr. Eddy Efekoha; NIA Chairman, Mr. Godwin Wiggle; Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel; and Mr. Mohammed Kari, Deputy Commissioner for Insurance, (Technical) during a meeting with Chief Executive Officers of Insurance companies at the NIA House in Lagos. designed for small-scale farmers and backed up with adequate reinsurance programme in case of catastrophe. She stated that NAIC is concluding arrangements to develop Weather Index Insurance soon. Besides, , assuringthat concerted efforts would be made to achieve improved visibility and more public enlightenment campaigns, as well as strive to record increased returns on investment Similarly, she said plans are underway to achieve improved Corporate Governance and Open

Assets custodians pledge to partner SEC, capital market trade groups

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business, pledged that the custodians will work with SEC in the area of market process improvements to boost investors’ confidence in the Nigerian market. Other critical areas highlighted included reviewing the investors’ complaint management mechanism, collaboration with other trade groups in delivering quality investor experience, and a more active participation in Capital Market Committee (CMC) subcommittees, etc.

Responding, Acting Director General of SEC, Mallam Munior Gwarzo, stated the Commission’s support for empowering Capital Market trade groups to regulate and hold their members accountable as a way of ensuring quick complaint resolutions which will in turn improve investors’ confidence and reduce escalations to the regulators. Also representing the Custodians was Mr. Biodun Adebimpe, Head of Standard Chartered Bank’s Custody Department and Secretary of AACN.

Regional offices in frontline commercial cities of Lagos, PortHarcourt and Kano as soon as possible.

In the same vein, she noted that efforts would be made to achieve speedy completion of the Corporation’s computerization project, while also adopting concerted staff training and welfare using performance measurement system. The NAIC boss also spoke on some of the achievements recorded by the new Board in the last one year,

pointing out that a new vision, mission and core values as well as strategic business plan have been developed for the Corporation.

As a result of the concerted efforts employed at sensitizing the various stakeholders on the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) to create the needed convivial attitude, she said NAIC is now getting more businesses as well as receiving positive responses from some State Governments on outstanding premium subsidy.

IFC partners Aiico to expand insurance I

FC, a member of the World Bank Group, has announced an agreement to provide a $20 million convertible loan to Aiico Insurance Plc, to support its expansion activities across Nigeria.

The expansion of insurance services will help increase economic security; also create the development of new asset pools that can be invested in other to support economic development, including job creation. The transaction was signed recently at the Aiico Corporate head office in Lagos.

Edwin Igbiti, Managing Director, Aiico, assured that the company will use the loan facility to increase its agency network and retail centers. Also, Igbiti said that the loan will help the underwriting firm increase its reach and footprint across the country.

He said, “The facility will also enable Aiico further

strengthen its information technology platform to achieve greater efficiency in claims processing and customer services. “Aiico Insurance Plc offers life and non-life insurance products to individuals, households, and businesses with a focus on value creation.�

Igbiti also said that partnering with IFC will help Aiico expand its activities further to meet the needs of the consumers who require more options. “It will improve Aiico’s operational efficiency and strengthen the economic security and prosperity in Nigeria�, he added. Meanwhile, Eme Essien Lore, IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, said that IFC’s global insurance strategy is aimed at increasing penetration of insurance in underserved markets, promoting diverse products and developing long-term partnerships with institutions that can help expand its developmental goals.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

NB assures investors of commitment to enhance efficiency

By Peter Egwuatu

N

IGERIAN Breweries, NB Plc has assured the investing public of its commitment to enhance operational efficiency following the merger between it and Consolidated Breweries.

Chairman, NB, Chief Kola Jamodu, gave the assurance when the management of the company paid an official visit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE in Lagos He said: “We will continuously abide by the post listing requirement of the NSE. We are committed to enhancing operational efficiencies and maximize value for all investors of the merged company. We are at the NSE to formally introduce the enlarged company management to the NSE and investing public.

”He revealed that the new NB has 11 breweries strategically spread across the nation as against five breweries before the merger.

“We have two malting plants and 19 brands including the lagers-Heineken, STAR, Gulder, 33 Export, Goldberg, More and Life; The StoutsLegend Extra stout, Turbo King and Williams Dark Ale. “The non alcoholic malt drinks- Maltina , Amstel Malta , Malt Gold, Hi Malt, and Maltex. Other brands in the company portfolio are: Fayrouz, Breezers, Ace Passion and Climax Energy drink.”

Jamodu restated the company’s resolve to increase wealth for shareholders and other stakeholders.

He said: “This is expected to be achieved through major cost savings in the areas of interest expenses, distribution

/ administrative cost among other operating activities where duplication will be eliminated. Expenses such as annual general meetings, board of directors fees, and communication expanses to shareholders will be reduced.”

Other major benefits to be derived from the merged entity, he said include cost savings from consolidation of supply and distribution networks of both companies as a result of improved operational efficiencies arising from integrated operations.

His words: “The products of both companies will be manufactured more efficiently through their combined operational capacities. The legacy companies have maintained stable growth in sales revenue and profitability in fiove years.”

L-R: CEO/President, East, West and Central Africa of GE India Services Holding Limited, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo; Managing Director, the Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd. and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu; and Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria, Mr. Detlev Lubasch, at the inauguration of the Interim Board of the Nigerian Network of the Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Lagos.

Chams announces Aladekomo’s retirement, names new helmsman

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HAMS Plc, an information technology listed entity, has announced some changes in the management of the company in fulfillment of an orderly leadership transition required of publicly traded companies. Founded in 1985, Chams transited from a privately held company into a public liability company in 2008.

The founding Managing Director, Demola Aladekomo, who has served the company in this capacity for almost 30 years, would be retiring effective 18 September 2015 and the Board has approved the appointment of Olufemi Williams as Managing Director and Luqman Balogun

C M Y K

as Deputy Managing Director, respectively.

Chairman of the board, Ayo Richards, said: “Demola has been a very strong leader, the only Group Managing Director/CEO in the company’s great and nearly 30-year history, and one who has managed the company through challenging times and market transitions. The board is grateful for his innumerable contributions to the company and his distinguished tenure as CEO over the last 29 years. ”After almost three decades with the company as CEO, it is time to move on and transfer execution to a new generation of leadership. I

look forward to working with the chairman, board and management team during the seven-month transition period and to be available as an advisor to management after retiring as CEO. I am confident Chams has all its best days ahead.”

Aladekomo will proceed on leave in April 2015, handing over to Olufemi Williams as the Group Managing Director and CEO. Williams takes over from Aladekomo in alignment with the board of director ’s ratified succession plan, which emphasizes promoting capable internal candidates to leadership positions.

The Nigerian securities industry and the 2015 national elections (2)

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HE current controversies between a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the serving Minister of Finance have opened our eyes as to how policies are put in place and how they are implemented in Nigeria. If the electorate want a policy to be implemented, we must get the attention of the President, the VicePresident, the agency that would implement the policy and the National Assembly if the policy requires new legislation. One of the things that would require urgent action by whoever emerges as President on 28 March 2015 is the amendment of the Banking and other Financial Institutions Act, BOFIA. Following on the banking failures of the 1990s, BOFIA was amended to include provisions for criminal prosecution of bank officials who do not follow stated and prudent procedures when granting loans and advances.

The Minister of Finance should consider further amendments to BOFIA such that recovery of loans granted in contravention of the rules would be by civil action and a resort to criminal prosecution would be in cases of gross negligence on the part of the bank officials.

Criminal prosecution has not shown results in matters relating to bank loan recoveries and substantial government funds alleged to have been improperly removed.

However, prosecutions involving much smaller sums are readily brought to a conclusion. Anyone facing a criminal charge can ask for the charge to be quashed without a trial. If the request to quash the charge is not granted, the person can appeal against the decision of the court and the prosecution of the charge is halted until the appeal process is completed.

Democracy rests on the principle that legal processes must be open and public.

Laws are tolerable if people can readily discover what the rules are and if there is equality of treatment for all before the law. There is need for a constitutional amendment such that when there is a criminal charge, there must be a trial of the charge with the judgment delivered before there could be any appeals on any matters related to the trial of

the charge.

The CBN grants operational licenses to banks and it has limited its role to the protection of bank depositors. The result is that shareholders’ funds continue to be under considerable threat from loan losses. The presence of two jack-up oil rigs in the Lagos harbor is demonstration of the impact of the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON. The investments in these rigs were made from bank loans in 2007 and it is apparent that the investments have failed.

AMCON acquired from the bank the loans associated with these oil rigs thus making it possible for the bank that granted the loan to make a one-time loss rather than carrying the losses on the loan from one year to the next year. AMCON has now called into question the ability of the company

Why should an investment worth more than 10% of the bank’s shareholders’ funds at the time the investment was made fail within seven years? Did the bank not understand the risks it was taking? operating the rigs to remain in business, hence the rigs are in the Lagos harbor. The bank that granted the loan is also a major shareholder in the company operating the rigs. There would therefore be further losses for the bank’s shareholders. Why should an investment worth more than 10% of the bank’s shareholders’ funds at the time the investment was made fail within 7 years? Did the bank not understand the risks it was taking?

The Access Bank rights issue was mentioned in this column last week. I have had an opportunity to read the rights circular and there are no projections as to the future profitability of the bank with a rights issue that adds 20% to its existing shareholders’ funds. Is the future that uncertain?

TO BE CONTINUED

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 —25

DIARY zARTEMIS &ITEA Cosummit Berlin Mar 10-11, 2015 zTelecoDays

Prague Marriott HotelPrague Czech Republic Mar 23-24 2015

Preview Hoverbike, the flying motorcycle

I

NVENTORS say that they combined the simplicity of a motorbike and the freedom of a helicopter to create the world’s first flying motorcycle.

When compared with a helicopter, the Hoverbike is cheaper, more rugged and easier to use - and represents a whole new way to fly.

The Hoverbike flies like a quadcopter, and can be flown unmanned or manned, while being a safe - low level aerial workhorse with low ongoing maintenance.’

Although the current prototype is one-third of the futuristic one, inventors say they are almost ready to begin flight testing of the full sized version. The futuristic prototype has the potential to travel up to 92 miles or for about 45 minutes on one tank of fuel and is expected to come with a hefty price tag of more than £45,000.

So far the bike, which weighs 270kgs, has only been tested while tethered to the ground to prevent it flying too high. But plans to test it’s capabilities without any restrictions are set to go-ahead soon.

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Why Nigeria’s ICT innovation is weak •Poor link between govt, varsities and companies, says report more influence in local economies by working together to nurture innovation.

The study observed that growth in the sector would need more than few technology ideas to blossom, adding that infrastructure and capital remain critical elements to make the system thrive.

By Emmanuel Elebeke A SECTORAL study conducted by African Institute of Technology, USA, on Science& Technology Innovation in Nigeria, revealed that Nigerian’s economy has seen little innovation in information and communications technology, ICT. The reason according to the study was that a weak partnership exists between the companies, universities, and government laboratories and researchers in most clusters in Nigeria. The report evidenced its claim against the backdrop that when government labs or universities go on strike, it never immediately gives the companies any setbacks.

The report advised that such relationship should be structured in a way that schools must show

I N S I D E

Ekeh sees broadband as ‘freedom to succeed’

Shop online

Though, the ICT sector is dynamic and is growing

Though, the ICT sector is dynamic and is growing, the report also observed that its internet subsector will only grow, if the sector can encourage people to shop online or create credible, commercial digital platforms.

In the same vein, it added that education, quality workforce and collaboration can promote crosscluster opportunities because these three enablers are present in Yaba, Lagos with bright

Our people need a new dawn, says Ndukwe,

prospects of emerging as a dynamic ICT hub of Nigeria.

In the area of craft technology, the report observed that the subsector is strong but the growth is being stunted by participants who appeared unfocused to improve on their ingenuity, as further findings revealed that those who survived in the sector did so without planning to expand and build a strong business.

The report however, attributed the widespread of craft technology in Nigeria to the low demand of skills to perform in the country.

In terms of distribution pattern, the findings also showed that Science and Technology, S &T innovation is not evenly distributed in Nigeria, as it was

Continues on page 28

FG seeks external support on space technology

26— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA

By Agbolade Omowole @iamagbolade

Social media in 2015 elections

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OCIAL media allows candidates to communicate directly with citizens, keeping control of the content, distribution and timing of their messages, as well as reducing their dependence on traditional intermediaries. It also provides a way for politicians to monitor what is happening in the public sphere during an election campaign.

The potential impact of social media campaigning first became evident in the 2008 United States (US) presidential election. President Barack Obama’s campaign included the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. Others included podcasting and mobile messaging.

The election, dubbed by many, as the ‘Facebook election’, saw nearly 70% of the vote among Americans aged 25 years and younger going to Obama By 2011, Obama’s Twitter account – @BarackObama, which he used to promote legislation and support for his policies, was the third Twitter account in the world to have at least 10 million followers.

If Barack Obama’s social media team has taught us anything, it’s that images speak louder than words, with his most popular tweet (and the most retweeted tweet on the entire social network in 2012) consisting of a photo of him and Michelle Obama.

I believe that his Excellency, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ) has been active on Facebook hitherto. He has been engaging the younger generation through his Facebook fan page for at least 4 years now, and his status updates are commendable.

Nigerian politicians who are not integrating active social media campaign into their arsenal may miss the opportunity to connect with the 45 million internet users in Nigeria.

Their social media campaign should include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Google Plus, among others.

All over the world, old people do not embrace technology as compared to the younger generation. General Muhammed Buhari (GMB) may not be an exception. The way I see it, GEJ’s usage of social media to connect to, and build rapport with Nigerians is more targeted, innovative and effective. GMB may need to tighten his social media campaign, strategies and innovations.

Politics is all about connecting to the people, building rapport, and painting a mental picture of the future. I can call it a ‘mind’ game.

The goal of an effective election campaign is to influence people’s perception and their decision. I see election campaign as marketing.

Marketing guru, Jay Conrad, author of Guerrilla Marketing says that people need to hear about your product or services for an average of 27 times before they make a purchase decision. In the end, purchase decisions are made in the subconscious mind.

By Prince Osuagwu

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HAIRMAN, Zinox Technologies, Mr Leo-Stan Ekeh at the weekend charged a mammoth crowd, among them young Nigerian entrepreneurs, that gathered to participate in this year’s Nokia Networks Conference in Lagos, that the freedom to succeed lies in improved broadband penetration.

Apparently remembering the efforts of the Nigerian government in accelerating broadband penetration, there was loud ovation when the Zinox boss emphatically stated that improved broadband penetration has the potential of creating wealth and unlocking huge opportunities for millions of Nigerians as much as it would also fast-track the nation’s economic development.

According to him, “enhanced broadband access will equip majority of Nigerians with the freedom to succeed in today ’s digital society. With increased deployment of broadband and more equitable access for the majority, huge opportunities will be created for self-development in the country.

“Just consider the effect this will have on the cost of doing business and the unlimited resources it will place at our disposal. Presently, a lot of people do not see these opportunities due to the current infrastructural challenges being faced in the sector and the slow pace of ICT uptake in Nigeria,” he noted.

He added that Nigeria’s population and cultural realities make the country a potentially lucrative market for broadband deployment, while calling for a synergy of the government and the private sector in making this a reality.

“We must up the tempo because the market is a very huge one. The digital divide must be bridged and access must become a basic human right for everyone in this country. Government has a critical role to play in this regard.

With liberalized band-width allocation, investor-friendly policies and enabling

Ekeh sees broadband as ‘freedom to succeed’ environment for private sector involvement, the multiplier effect of broadband deployment is unquantifiable and will rapidly transform Nigeria into a digital economy.”

C i t i n g infrastructural deficiencies, security issues, multiple taxation and poor network quality as some of the factors hampering mobile broadband operators in Nigeria, Ekeh whose Zinox Technologies has deployed some of the biggest ICT projects in the country, encouraged the participants to see the current challenges as temporary obstacles which will be surmounted with

Just consider the effect this will have on the cost of doing business and the unlimited resources it will place at our disposal. Presently

•Leo Stan Ekeh

time, noting that Nigeria is a prime investment destination on the continent.

The conference, with the theme Connect Nigeria: Exploring ICT potential for growth, featured a panel discussion involving representatives of major players in the industry including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Mattew Wilsher; Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; MTN’s Corporate Services Executive, Mr. Wale Goodluck and Nokia’s Head of Central, East and West African sub-region, Mr. David Gaul.

In their submissions, the panelists were unanimous that Nigeria was overdue for 3G/LTE deployment in view of the massive opportunities it holds for unleashing human capital development. However, government intervention in eliminating impediments such as the high cost of broadband infrastructure deployment, spectrum allocation and issues with Right of Way, were also deemed crucial to this initiative.

Smart State Initiative: Broadband Council urges more states to join

By Emeka Aginam & Emma Elebeke

T

O accelerate the pace of broadband infrastructure rollout across the nation, the Broadband Council at its regular quarterly meeting held last week in Abuja has called for other States yet to join to do so.

Already, Bayelsa, Ondo, Katsina, FCT, Lagos and Cross Rivers State have signed on the smart state initiate while Anambra, Delta, Gombe and Osun State have agreed to become Smart States.

Accordingly, Council reiterated that the Smart States initiative geared at engaging authorities at the state and local government level to address the issue of multiple taxations would accelerate the roll out of critical infrastructure across Nigeria and help Nigeria meet its broadband target of a five -fold increase by 2017.

Reviewing the progress on the Ministry’s Smart State initiative aimed at getting concessions from State governments (right of way reductions, standardization on levies and charges on telco infrastructure), the Council commended States that had signed the

•Johnson MoU on the Smart State Initiative with the Ministry of Communications Technology.

In recognition of the crucial role broadband plays in inclusive development and in a bid to increase awareness and drive demand, the Council acknowledged the work of online market spaces in encouraging SMEs to bring their products/services online and urged SMEDAN to fund or

drive an awareness campaign that will get many more SMES online.

Recalling that the Broadband Council at its 4th meeting pushed for increased 3G coverage to 50% of the Nigerian population by the end of 2015, the Council commended the USPF for the timely completion of its ICT Access Gap Study and concluded this would further help operators to service latent demand.

Council stressed that the significant work by the USPF has given real empirical data to the issue of which areas of the country have connectivity.

The Council members scored overall progress as good but needing acceleration on items such as pricing and metro fibre. Following the recent announcement of the Infraco License winners the NCC’s work on Wholesale and Cost Based Pricing to improve the affordability of access to the internet would soon be available. Council concluded that progress was still too slow and challenged the ICT industry to see to it that the broadband plan targets were met.

The Broadband Council inaugurated on the 16th of July 2013 is made up of 19 members chaired by Dr Omobola Johnson.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 —27

Our people need a new dawn, says Ndukwe, ex-NCC boss Engr Ernest Ndukwe, immediate past Executive ViceChairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC is the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) senatorial candidate for Anambra South zone. A thoroughbred technocrat, he recently made the decision to seek further service through the political front and is now campaigning round his constituency.

One thing is clear, the wealth of experience he will be bringing to the legislature if elected, is something every Nigerian should look forward to. In fact, it’s reasonable to expect ICT-driven legislation to better the lives of people if elected, given his antecedents. He spoke to Adekunle Adekoya, General Editor. Excerpts:

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ZIOMA 2015 is your campaign slogan. What is it all about?

Ozioma 2015 is all about good news to the people and the fact that we want to provide a breath of fresh air, a new approach to the representation of our people in the National Assembly and also making it possible for a new dawn for the people of quality and integrity to be able to represent our people at the Upper chamber of the National assembly. Basically, I bring good news to our people, a new dawn for quality representation.

After your serial accomplishments, especially in the telecoms sector, why politics, and why now?

My motivation for coming out to represent my people is borne out of fact that so far we have not had quality representation.

Anambra state is a copiously endowed state in Nigeria in terms of manpower and human development.

Quality of representation It is from this state that we have the foremost politicians in the country like the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and other reputable politicians. But in the recent past we have had a situation where people are wondering what is happening to our state, to our politicians.

So the motivation is to see whether we can improve on the quality of representation, and by so doing bring development, infrastructure, hope to the citizens and work for a better tomorrow for our people generally and also reputation to the state.

What are those challenges which you are going to face for the betterment of the people?

What I have noticed since I started my campaigns is that

•Dr Ernest Ndukwe

there is widespread high level of poverty in our land. I used to think that Anambra State is where people don’t necessarily beg for bread.

As I have been going round there are some places things are not the way it’s supposed to be or expected to be and that has even motivated me more.

These things are not very difficult things to improve on; we are in a country where oil tends to be the main

On the elections, everything depends on how prepared INEC is for this job at hand

concentration of everybody. I think that Anambra State is in a unique position to take the lead and charge to turn things around in our country because the people of Anambra are very hard working people. You know in those days we believe that the Igbo man never believes in free money, he works hard for his money. We now come to the stage where people don’t have freedom which is to do what they want to do to the best of

their ability. People keep struggling for infrastructure. We don’t have electricity supply, water supply and other basic amenities and we also need massive orientation and reorientation. There is also a very big problem in our country today which is the high level corruption in our country. We also need to tackle that through basic orientation and I hope that if some of us will be able to go to the upper chamber of the National Assembly, we will stamp down our feet making sure that the cankerworm is dealt with; making sure that it is reduced to the barest minimum. Unless that happens, our country will keep on suffering all manner of setbacks.

What is your take on the forthcoming elections?

I personally don’t have big fears because I think that this election will go well. Nigeria has a way of solving her problems no matter how mighty they tend to be. God has always intervened in our affairs and made things possible for us.

But that doesn’t mean we should take things for granted and start doing things wrongly.

On the elections, everything depends on how prepared INEC is for this job at hand.

Once INEC is fully prepared they have to provide a proper orientation and put the right people in service then we could think of a successful election.

I think like we say in APGA, APGA is more of a movement. I am very happy to be part of APGA and what it represents for our people. It is a party that is well organized locally here in Anambra State.

We have today a governor who is fully committed to the development of APGA and to make sure that the dreams of our founding fathers will continue. I am happy running the flag of APGA because it is a disciplined and well organized party.

Siyabonga becomes Cisco’s first Africa govt affairs director

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ISCO has appointed Madyibi Siyabonga as Government Affairs Director for Africa. This is Cisco’s first Government Affairs position for the continent.

In this new role, Siyabonga, who has over 14 years’ experience in telecom policy, will lead Cisco’s government affairs and public policy strategy in Africa, engaging with top government officials and key policy makers in Africa. His remit will focus initially on South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria working in close partnership and alignment with Cisco’s Africa Leadership team, on policies and relationships that will advance Cisco’s business in Africa.

Speaking on his new position, Siyabonga said, “I look forward to leading Cisco’s Government Affairs program in Africa given its important and integral role in Cisco’s strategy for growth in the continent. With the technology market currently growing at an exponential rate and governments playing an important role helping to develop the opportunities that are being created, Cisco aims to actively partner with government departments to help drive this growth and build on these opportunities.”

•Siyabonga

CWG gets CBN payment terminal service provider operational license activities Payment Terminal

By Emeka Aginam

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AN-African ICT Company, Computer Warehouse Group Plc (CWG), has been issued the license to operate as Payment Terminal Service Provider (PTSP) to Point-of-Sale terminals (PoS) in Nigeria by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The PTSP license certifies that a company has the infrastructure to competently deploy, maintain and provide support for POS terminals in Nigeria.

A delegation of the apex bank had late last year visited CWG

to assess the company ’s preparedness to ensure that the company has fulfilled all conditions necessary to get license for Payment Terminal Service Provider in the country.

In a letter signed recently by Mr. Dipo Fatokun, the Director, Banking and Payment Systems Department, CBN noted that CWG “has successfully passed through the various stages of evaluation”.

“These include an inspection of the company’s facility and processes, an allowance of a test period, during which the company ’s products were carefully examined for quality and standard. CWG is “hereby licensed to perform the

Service Provider (PTSP) for Point-of-Sale terminals (POS) in Nigeria”, Fatokun explained.

According to the CBN, “A PTSP shall offer services to acquirers covering all aspects relating to terminal management support, including but not limited to purchase and replacement of spare parts, provision of connectivity, training, repairs, and development of value added services, amongst other things.”

Reacting to the new development, Mr. Austin Okere, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, CWG, said

that the license is a testimony to the capability CWG Plc to competently deployfunctional PoS terminalsto the market at a time when CBN is vigorously pursuing the ideal of making the Nigerian business clime a cashless model.

According to Okere, “Our track record in the financial services sector as indicated in the deployment of our Finacle core banking application to foremost banks in Nigeria, our technical platforms for Firstmonie and DiamondYello account, are pointers to our capacity to be instrumental to the actualization of a truly cashless economy.”

28— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

FG seeks external support on space technology

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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INISTER of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdu Bulama is seeking a collaborative support from Britain to fully develop and leverage on some key components of federal government’s Transformation Agenda as they affect Science and Technology in the areas of Space Technology Programme, biotechnology, agriculture and medicine.

The Minister stated this when he received the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock and his team in his office in Abuja.

He said there was need for consolidation and improvement of the accrued benefits from the mutual ties between the two nations, with the view to help the ministry in particular to achieve full implementation of its new

Revised Policy on Science, Technology and Innovation.

“We want to partner with you in the area of Science, Technology and Innovation which is our statutory mandate as a Ministry.

“Nigeria’s existing and fruitful partnership with Britain over the years according to the Minister has been beneficial and has yielded positive impacts,” he said.

The Minister said the ministry will leverage on the offer by the British Government through its Newton Fund which supports research and development outputs in the sector.

Bulama further called on the British Government to implement a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries to establish a West African Science Innovation Network in Abuja.

He said the establishment of

the National Research Council as an apex body for the coordination of all research activities in the country will draw support from the West African Science Innovation Network when it is put in place.

He stressed that Nigeria’s Space Technology Programme has come of age as it had launched three Satellites’ in the past which incidentally was supported by Britain.

According to him, the ministry currently through one of its agencies, National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) is developing a Synthetic Apperture Radar Satellite, which will be helpful in the area of security, mapping out our solid minerals deposit and, also to monitor the coastal areas of Niger Delta.

Responding, the British High Commissioner, Dr. Andrew Pocock said he was in the ministry with his team to encourage Nigeria to become an active partner in Science and Technology like South Africa.

Roll out services quick, Johnson charges InfraCo licensees

From left: Head of Wireless Network, Department of Technical Standard and Network Integrity, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Bako Wakil, representing Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah and Vice President, Head of Middle East and Africa Region, Nokia Networks, Mr. Bernard Najm during Nokia Networks Conference entitled: ‘Connect Nigeria:Exploring ICT potential for growth.’

From left: Chuka Mordi; Director, CBO Investment Management; Ayodele Elegba, Founder Comicpanel.org; Sulaiman Teslim, Founder Shopinfo.com.ng; David Ugoagbara, Founder Priceleaker.com, and Bex Nwawudu, Director, CBO Investment Management at the presentation of seed-funding cheques to the IT entrepreneurs, as part of CBO Investment Management’s CSR activities.

... as Nigeria gains 2% increase in broadband implementation

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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ESPITE the giant strides in Information and Communication Technology, ICT, low broadband penetration has remained the bane of the industry. However, there now seems to be light at the end of the tunnel as the Broadband Council has said that there had been a two percent increase in the broadband implementation plan within the past eighteen months.

The council, made this known at its quarterly meeting, held last week. It said that although progress is being made on the implementation of the plan, time demands that efforts be fasttracked to ensure acceleration of pricing and metro fibre across all the states in the country.

The Council chaired by the Minister of

Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson evaluated the outlined milestones of the broadband plan and called for accelerated implementation.

Johnson, while applauding what she termed the successful auction of the 2.3GHz spectrum, licensing of the first two Infracos for metro fibre rollout, called on successful bidders to quickly rollout to improve the pace of implementation.

Also considered by the Council was the need to increase the landing points of international submarine cables beyond Lagos to other coastal states, arguing that additional landing points in the country would not only reduce vulnerability and risks associated with a single point of failure but would make it faster and cheaper to lay terrestrial cable from these points to other parts of the country.

From left: Mr. Sadiku Yakubu, Assistant Manager, Banking & Payment System, CBN; Mr. Amir Adamu, Senior Supervisor, Banking & Payment System, CBN; Mr. James Agada, Chief Technology Officer, CWG Plc and Mr. Ademola Akintade, Team lead, POS Technical, CWG Plc during the PTSP Licence audit in Lagos.

Why Nigeria’s ICT innovation is weak Continues from page 25 obvious in the findings that vibrant S&T innovation clusters in Nigeria are concentrated more in the southern region than the northern region of the country, thereby lowering Nigeria’s chances of increasing ICT innovation.

Even, with pockets of inventive engineering and scientific activities, it was evident in the report also that most inventors operate within the informal sector and cannot grow their businesses.

Poor manufacturing sector On manufacturing, the study observed that the manufacturing sector in Nigeria is underperforming and needs to adopt labour intensive and lowtech approach to turn things around.

The study however, expressed

optimism that Nnewi could become the light manufacturing capital of Nigeria in the coming years, as soon as the electricity problem is fixed.

The Innovation cluster research

by African Institute of Technology funded by Tony Elumelu Foundation, conducted the research project to examine how science & technology innovation cluster can drive economic growth in Nigeria.

Understanding how clusters form The study proved that it is possible to understand how investment and economic policies can be used to develop clusters more fully, by looking at how these clusters form and exploring their relationship with infrastructure, which will boost Nigeria’s economic growth.

Trend of cluster growth in Nigeria is promising, particularly in the Southern region, which is attracting technical talent

A cluster is a geographically proximate group of interconnected companies and associates institutions in a particular field, linked by commonalities and complementarities.

Across the globe, clusters are recognized as more than just a collection of companies: they are also known for nurturing startups and stimulate technological innovation.

It is said that the entire S&T ecosystem grows up around a cluster. Clusters generally consist of small, home-grown businesses that have sprung up organically.

Though they are still growing, the report is of the opinion that Nigerian clusters may be invented and rich in ideas, but a deliberate effort must be made to make the

sector thrive.

The report had it that the trend of cluster growth in Nigeria is promising, particularly in the Southern region, which is attracting technical talent, superior management and foreign investment.

Strategic approach to growth Other Findings include that Nigeria lacks strategic approach for growth of companies. The report says that such companies die due to infrastructural challenge, whether they have grown up organically or due to policy mandates as shown in export processing zones spread across the country.

From the infrastructure quality stand point, the report showed that the level of infrastructural quality in a particular area goes a long way in determining the volume of companies that settle there

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—29

30—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Bleak future for orphans

ISO accreditation will ensure quality medicines— ORHII

...As finances dwindle for orphanages

By Gabriel Olawale

By Chioma Obinna

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RPHANS and Vulnerable Children, OVCs, in Nigeria face an uncertain future as the availability of funds for their care and support continues to dwindle.

The Association of Orphanages and Homes in Nigeria which raised alarm over the implication of lack of government support in operation of private homes and orphanages across the country, warned that failure of government to address the current financial predicament of orphanages over the next decade, could potentially spell doom for many OVCs who are likely to die off as a result of lack of placement and rescue opportunities.

Giving the assertion during an award ceremony of Good Home Quality Service Advocacy Project by the Embassy of France, Nigeria and “Sponsor a Child”, the Association’s President, Dr Gabriel Oyediji said if the problem is not addressed, there would be increase in mortality in existing orphanages for lack of good nutrition and medical care.

“Many abandoned babies in gutters and dustbins will also die due to lack of rescue opportunity. Many brilliant children in orphanages will have half education or will be out of school and facilities in homes will be deplorable for lack of funds to put them right."

Oyediji lamented that the little support available was from individual and private organisations but was not regular. "If you have about 30 children in your homes you will be spending nothing less than N2.5 million a month on their survival because you will have to provide nutritional support, educational support up to tertiary institution, medical support even surgeries clothing and all forms of psychosocial support, building maintenance, staff salaries, transportation among others, the money will not be enough.

“If government does not come in to provide financial grant many operators will be forced to close down and the question is what will happen to all these children?"

In 2008 UNICEF put the global popula-

N

• Orphans at an orphanage in Lagos tion of orphans at 143 million of which Nigeria has 17.5 million. Today, the num-

Without government’s intervention, many orphanages will close down and many abandoned babies in gutters and dustbins will die due to lack of rescue opportunity

ber of OVCs in Nigeria, is estimated at 25 million. According to Oyediji, 80 percent of the institutions taking care of orphans in Nigeria are private homes and orphanages while state owned orphanages are very scanty, putting the bulk of the burden of care and psycho-social support on the shoulder of the private homes and orphanages."

Oyediji commended the Embassy of France in Nigeria and Sponsor a Child for Good Home Quality Service Project that empowered their staff in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States to effectively implement home quality management, self-reporting, self auditing and value of good performance reward.

ATIONAL Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has declared that the accreditation of its Central Drug Control Laboratory, Yaba with ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and U.S Pharmacopeial Convention, USP, will ensure that only safe and quality medicines are available and distributed in the country.

At the presentation of the accreditation certificate recently, Director General of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhi, said the issue of fake, counterfeit, spurious and substandard medicines has been a great challenge to the pharmaceutical industry and the general populace.

Orhii, who recently obtained the USP Leadership award for exemplary and outstanding achievements in the fight against fake drugs in Nigeria, noted that the ISO accreditation has added another strong tool that will help in making accurate and reliable pronouncements on medicines within the country.

“The accreditation will also help The Pharmaceutical Inspection Cooperation Scheme, PICS, build confidence in NAFDAC as a regulatory partner not just in inspection programmes but in producing accurate and reliable laboratory results for medicines.

“It will serve as a good reference laboratory for the pharmaceutical industries seeking World Health Organisation, WHO, product and manufacturer prequalification since the laboratory test result will be globally acceptable”, he added Orhii who regretted that Nigeria is an easy target of counterfeiters, noted: “Market for anti malarial drugs is a big market in Nigeria, before now, local manufacturing capacity was very low.

That is why we started building national and international collaboration to stop counterfeiters at their borders before they come to Nigeria, “ he stated.

Acupuncture A

CUPUNCTURE is the insertion of fine needles into specific points in the body. The Chinese believe this restores the body's natural energy called "Chi".

Chi flows along invisible channels in the body called "Meridians".

The Chinese have used acupuncture as an effective form of treatment for over 3000 years.

The Chinese believe that when we develop pain it is because the flow of energy (Chi) is interrupted along the invisible channels. The needles help to restore this energy by "unblocking" the channels.

Western medicine believe that the needles stimulate the brain to release natural pain relieving substances eg endorphins, which leads to a reduction in pain.

Whatever the reason is, acupuncture does appear to work in a lot of cases, and usually with a delayed effect.

It may become more evident after several treatments.

The needles are extremely thin and do "puncture" the skin. However this is usually painless or has a mild temporary discomfort. The feeling is nothing like that of receiving an injection. The needles may be "stimulated" by twirling them; this may cause a mild tingling sensation.

C M Y K

All needles are disposable, sterile and used only once. They are left in place for a few minutes to about 20 minutes.

Any discomfort must always be reported to the therapist.

Side effects are minimal and rare. A feeling of relaxation and possibly drowsiness may occur.

Occasionally there may be a temporary fall in blood pressure leading to a feeling of dizziness or nausea, After the first treatment you may be asked to remain for 20 minutes for observation.

Almost everyone can have acupuncture without any problems. However extra care should be taken in people who: Are pregnant; have diabetes; have a pacemaker; have any heart conditions or are on anticoagulant therapy.

Others are taking steroids, are a blood donor, are allergic to any metals, have epilepsy and haemophilia, have a skin infection, are afraid of needles and have previous malignancy.

When the needle is removed minor bleeding or bruising occasionally occurs. This risk is increased in the presence of blood thinners like aspirin more than

doctor@lagospainclinic.com 75mg, warfarin, heparin, tinzaparin, or clopidogrel (plavix).

In very rare cases where a patient may be allergic to the needles, there are disposable sterile needles with coated steel. These are unlikely to produce adverse reactions.

You may be asked to avoid using oils, perfume or after-shave prior to treatment.

You may also be required to undress so, dress simply with separates.

Acupuncture is unlikely to cure your pain problems.

We use it to try to reduce pain in order for you to maintain or increase your activity.

It is a complimentary alternative modality (CAM) that we use in conjunction with physiotherapy, biofeedback, medications, injection therapy and pain management programs.

All, to relieve your pain, and give you a better quality of life.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—31

C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

C M Y K

VOL. 1 NO 21

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Ngwo community, firm locked in land tussle

PAGE 2

Voice read, “it is unfortunate that our client and his company rendered services to Chief Ikedi Ohakim but rather than be rewarded with due payment for job well done, our client was brutally assaulted to unconscious state. Save for the intervention of some bystanders, Chief Ikedi Ohakim literally opted to kill our client for demanding for his legitimate payment over the job he did for him.”

Earlier, Dr. Ajumbe said that he had been issued with a cheque of N500,000 as part payment by Ohakim for some expenses incurred during and after the PDP governorship primaries in the state but expressed disappointment that the cheque bounced at the Fidelity Bank.

•Chief Ikedi Ohakim

Expression of disappointment

•Chief Vitalis Ajumbe

ALLEGED BATTERING:

Ohakim denies using ‘ironrod'on Dr Ajumbe •Explains issuance of ‘dud cheque’

By CHINONSO ALOZIE

O

W E R R I — T H E immediate past Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim has denied ever injuring his friend, Dr. Vitalis Ajumbe on his head with an iron rod.

Ohakim also denied that he issued any dud cheque to Dr. Ajumbe who was his (Ohakim’s) party agent during the last Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship primaries in the state, saying that he gave him the cheque of N500,000 to settle some family expenses as requested.

Ohakim spoke with the South East Voice , through the Secretary of the Team Ohakim 2015, Sir Roy Iwuala, at Ohakim Campaign Office in Owerri, the state capital.

According to Iwuala; “Ohakim never assaulted Dr. Ajumbe either by word of mouth or with an iron rod or any other object which C M Y K

necessitated his passing out and becoming unconscious and being taken to a hospital for treatment.”

He further said that Chief Ohakim did not issue Ajumbe with any dud cheque as claimed by Ajumbe which was the bone of contention between them.

Ohakim had made some statements which he was not comfortable with during their meeting at his residence which led to his reaction, thus prompting his being flogged with an iron rod and wood

made available to South East

Also, Iwuala denied that there had never been any business relationship between Ohakim and Ajumbe, pointing out that the said, “N500,000 cheque which Dr. Ohakim issued to Dr. Ajumbe with was purely an act of benevolence following Ajumbe’s complaints to him over his wage-bill and children’s school fees.”

Meanwhile, Ajumbe had, through his lawyer, Frank Ugboma said that he had made a formal complaint to the Imo State police command against Ohakim over the issue, adding that he would further sue the former governor over alleged attempted murder.

A letter by Ajumbe which was

Ajumbe who represented Ohakim as his agent during the December 8, 2014 governorship primaries of the PDP said that he had been invited by Ohakim to his Owerri residence.

According to Ajumbe, who was the former Chairman of the Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, Ohakim had made some statements which he was not comfortable with during their meeting at his residence which led to his reaction, thus prompting his being flogged with an iron rod and wood.

•The alleged dud cheque

ALSO IN THIS EDITION BOUNDARY DISPUTE:

Ebonyi, Enugu communities sign peace pact

— PAGE 4

Monarch tasks FG On 9th Mile by — pass — PAGE 6

2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

•The burnt company’s van and the 25 tons mobile crane

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—NATIVES of Enugu Ngwo community in Enugu State are locked in a land tussle with the proprietor of Rico Container Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Eric Chime over the ownership of land which used to house Nigeria Coal Corporation, NCC, facilities at the bunker area of Enugu, the state capital.

South East Voice gathered that the Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, allegedly sold the property to Mr. Chime in the course of the privatisation programme of the Federal Government in 2012.

However, the Ngwo Community was alleged to have encroached into the land, saying that Chime went beyond the boundary of the land and began to erect structures on the community land.

According to Chime, “the land was sold to me by the BPE, in 2012. But the Traditional Ruler of Enugu Ngwo, Chief Innocent Ayalogu and his son, Charles have refused to acknowledge that I bought the properties for the take off of my companies.

“The Federal Government had sold the land to me in line with its privatisation agenda.

The supporters of the C M Y K

Ngwo community, firm locked in land tussle ...properties worth N340 million destroyed traditional ruler had on January 19, vandalised most of my equipment on the pretext that I encroached on their land.

“Some of the machines were cannibalised; they burnt the company’s van and the 25 tone mobile crane. This place is expected to create jobs for

The land was sold to me by the BPE, in 2012. But the Traditional Ruler of Enugu Ngwo, Chief Innocent Ayalogu and his son, Charles have refused to acknowledge that I bought the properties for the take off of my companies

several Nigerians. We had recruited over 200 employees before this development.

“The hoodlums they brought burnt the NYSC building, beat-up the expatriates and carted away valuables worth N320 million. The Police arrested about 21 of them the day they came. The community requested that I pay N8 million development fee

which I did.”

Community reacts

The President General, Enugu Ngwo Community, Mr. Japhet Okwor noted that Rico paid N5 million development fee as demanded by the community but revealed that the people that allegedly vandalised the factory were from a faction of the

community town union led by one Mr. Emmanuel Onoh.

Police angle

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in Enugu State, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu confirmed both the incident and detention of some suspects apprehended by the police.

He said,”the people alleged that Rico had encroached on their land. But the issue is that BPE sold the place to Rico.

Their allegation is that Rico extended bounds and came into their land. We are appealing to them to remain calm and ensure that break down of law and order is not experienced. As it is, it appears the matter has been transferred to Abuja.”

Abia community lauds lawmaker over scholarship, electricity project

By FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA — THE Ogbor Community Development Association, Aba North Local Government Area of Abia State has commended the member representing Aba North/ Aba South federal constituency in the House of

Representatives, Uzo Azubuike for providing an electricity transformer as well as granting over 30 university scholarships to the people of the community.

Speaking at his palace at Ogbor Hill, Aba, the Traditional Ruler of the community, Eze Azu Egege, flanked by some of his

village heads, said that this was the first time his community would get such dividends of democracy from any politician in the area.

He described Azubuike as a people friendly legislator who had contributed a lot to the development of the communities in the constituency.

“Ogbor Community is

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 —3

ABA: Time to

appreciate improvements on Enyimba City

By CHARLES AJUNWA

A

BA—AS the commercial and industrial nerve centre of Aba holds special attraction to people. The city has continued to draw a large number of people on a daily basis. Some flock into the city to reside and make their living there while others just come in to transact business. The burgeoning population and increased commercial and industrial activities have continued to stress the city’s infrastructure.

Sadly previous administrations both military and civilian had not given special attention to the rapidly expanding city hence the

present administration of Governor T.A. Orji inherited a city with huge infrastructural deficit.

But he was not daunted as he has faced the challenge head on within the limits of the state resources and competing demands.

The present government has covered a lot of grounds in the quest to transform Aba and give it a pride of place as a city of huge economic importance not only to Abia State but the South East zone and Nigeria in general.

Contrary to the expectations of some people, the transformation of Aba is not and can never be a 24-hour job. That is why those who could not appreciate the enormity of the work and

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State. proud of Azubuike because he has done a lot for us. He gave scholarship to over 30 of our sons and daughters to study in various universities and polytechnics. When we had problem with electricity supply, he donated a transformer to boost power in my community. We commend him for his efforts in remembering Ogbor people.

He has done a lot for Ogbor Community and Aba,” he said.

The monarch also said that

Azubuike had earlier built a secretariat for traditional rulers in Aba federal constituency and asked other lawmakers in the state to emulate him.

South East Voice spoke to some of the recipients of the scholarship award including Godstime Chidi, Ivory Emmanuel, Chibuikem Ogbonna,Azuka Uzoamaka, Felix Ahuruezenma, Ogbonna Christian and Stephen Austin who all expressed gratitude to the lawmaker and prayed God

The newly reconstructed Milverton Road, Aba resources required to build Aba to a city of our dream have continued to paint Aba in the worst mixture of colour. To them Aba is a static city without any improvement on its infrastructure. Some people keep referring to Aba of the present in the past sense. But that is very far from the truth and reality.

Unfortunately, even journalists have been drawn into the big conspiracy to make Aba the butt of vicious propaganda by the sworn enemies of the Ochendo administration. Their mantra has always been “nothing is happening in Abia; nothing is happening in Aba”. Can any discerning mind hold this type of mantra as gospel truth? Certainly not. Aba of today is not the Aba of yester years when residents grappled with insecurity and filthy environment.

People like Felix Ogbonna (if that is his real name) fell into the worn out path of fixated tendency of seeing Aba only through the old prism. In his story entitled “Fear of rainy season over Aba roads” published in the Vanguard edition of February 4, 2015, Ogbonna laboured hard to present Aba as a place of disaster.

Despite his exaggerated description of the aftermath of a rainfall as a disaster there was nothing in that story to suggest “wreaking of havoc” on the city.

If the writer has been staying in Aba he would have known that a massive road rehabilitation has been going on in Aba since 2012.

Even some of the roads described as “pool” are among the roads already rehabilitated. to bless him the more.

In his remarks, President of the Ogbor Youths Movement, Chijioke Dick, described Azubuike as a philanthropist and commended him for his concern for the development of the community.

“We are not surprised by this granting of scholarship to our youths. It is in the character of Hon. Uzo Azubuike to assist the less privileged. May God continue to bless him to do more.”

Did Ogbonna actually pass through all the roads he mentioned in his story before embarking on his journey into unbridled exaggeration?

Certainly, Ogbonna was paid to do the hatchet job. The pictures of Milverton Road and Port Harcourt Road published by Ogbonna do not depict the current state of these two roads.

It is to the credit of the administration of Chief T.A. Orji that Aba did not witness any flood disaster in the last three rainy reasons. This was achieved through the urban renewal programme of this government which led to opening of hitherto closed drainages and desilting of blocked ones.

At every point in time since the inception of his administration

It is to the credit of the administration of Chief T.A. Orji that Aba did not witness any flood disaster in the last three rainy reasons

Governor Orji has always placed Aba on the priority list. He has consistently tackled every environmental challenge that confronted Enyimba City. When Aba was on the throes of environmental degradation caused by mounting refuse heaps that spilled over from the preceding administration, Governor Orji gave the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, a marching order to clean Aba. The Abia chief executive not only provided the agency with the needed manpower and equipment but also decentralized its operations to specifically take care of Aba and its environs. Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, who is now the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was appointed the pioneer Deputy General Manager in charge of Aba zone.

He worked tirelessly to keep refuse out of the streets of Enyimba.

Perhaps the most significant thing about Aba is that Governor T.A. Orji fought insecurity in Aba to a standstill. Today, the city is very safe for people to live and do business in it. But in their mad rush to portray Aba in negativity people like Ogbonna deliberately forget how Ochendo fought and won the battle to restore security in Aba when criminals turned Enyimba City into a jungle city. Governor Orji did not spare any available resources to make Aba a city where residents sleep without keeping one eye open.

•The transformer C M Y K

4 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

BOUNDARY DISPUTE:

Ebonyi, Enugu communities sign peace pact ...caution indigenes

By BETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI—THE people of Ameze Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi State and those of Ndiaboh in Aninri Local Areas of Enugu State respectively last week signed a peace accord between the two border communities.

The communities had been embroiled in a land dispute.

Both had accused each other of alleged encroachment on their land by tampering with the beacons on the boundary between Ameze Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government of Ebonyi and Ndeaboh in Aninri Local Government in Enugu State.

At a peace meeting which lasted about three hours, the two communities however came together to resolve the dispute.

Eze Moses Okafor Ngele,Igwe George Okorie Ogbogu, the Echara II of Agbo-Echara Autonomous Community, Ndiaboh, Aninri in Enugu State led other prominent personalities from his area to the meeting which was graced by other prominent personalities from both sides.

During the parley, both parties resolved to live in peace

as they agreed that an atmosphere of crisis would destroy decades of mutual communal interests and the future of generations yet unborn in the communities.

As part of their resolution, they agreed to set up a Local Land Monitoring and Evaluation Committee, LLMEC, with the responsibility to locate the exact demarcation and or boundary of the affected land even as they cautioned their people to desist from doing anything that would thwart the peace agreement.

In his remarks, the Agu III of Ishiagu Kingdom, in Ivo; His Royal Majesty Eze Moses Ngele advised both

I want to warn each side to stop collecting OjiAli levy from strangers until further notice

HRH Igwe George Okorie Ogbogu, the Echara II of Agbo-Echara Autonomous community, Ndeaboh, Aninri LGA of Enugu State (lef) and his counterpart, the Agu III of Ishiagu kingdom, in Ivo local government Area of Ebony State.

The royal fathers shaking hands after resolving the land dispute. communities to forget the past and move ahead as peace was pivotal to the development and prosperity of any race.

He charged both communities to maintain peace and be law abiding within the boundary areas stressing that parents should guide their children who want to acquire land for any project, so that the peace, harmony and mutual understanding existing between them could be sustained. “Peace has come to stay in both communities. I

decided to visit my counterpart, Igwe George Okorie Ogbogu in Enugu State, so that we can both bring to an end the issue of land dispute that had existed between Ameze and Ndeaboh for sometime now. We have resolved it through dialogue and other communities should learn from us. I want to warn each side to stop collecting Oji-Ali levy from strangers until further notice,” he said.

His counterpart in Ndiabor, Igwe Ogbogu, the Echara II of

Agbo-Echara Autonomous community, Ndiaboh, said that there was no need for the people of Ameze community to be agitated over the affected land as the committee set up to look into the matter would assist both communities determine whether or not there was actual encroachment or shifting of the beacons in the area.

He stated that if the alleged land encroachment was carried out by the Enugu State government, there was nothing they could do about it; but that if it was done by indigenous people of Ndiaboh, the matter would be adequately addressed to ensure peace and stability of the affected communities. In their separate remarks, the Chairman, Ishiagu Elders Forum, Elder Ubani Okoro, aged 109, the Secretary of Ishiagu Traditional Affairs, Sir Felix Ochuba,96, Mr. Benjamin Okoro, 72, as well as Mazi Pius Nwaja and Chief Martin Onu who had witnessed lots of conflicts as a result of the boundary dispute, thanked God for giving them the person of the Agu III of Ishiagu Kingdom, Eze Ngele who believes in peaceful resolution of any matter.

Widows, indigents heave sigh of relief as Obiano launches Foundation

By NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA—WIDOWS and indigents at Igbariam Community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State are now heaving sighs of relief following the launching of the Elder Raymond Anikpe Foundation for the less privileged in the area. The foundation which was launched by the state Governor, Willie Obiano was aimed at providing succour for widows and other less privileged in Igbariam.

Performing the ceremony at Ugwuoji village in the area, Obiano called on the people of Anambra, both at home and in the diaspora, to think home in C M Y K

order to develop the various communities in the state.

Obiano regretted that the well-to-do members of the society were not doing much towards the eradication of poverty and the empowerment of the rural people.

He however commended Chief Lawrence Anikpe, who instituted the foundation in memory of his late father, Raymond and enjoined philanthropic organizations and individuals in the state to emulate him.

•Obiano at the lauch of the foundation. On his right is Anikpe

He then announced that inland roads in Igbariam would soon be constructed in line with his administration’s commitment to open up the rural areas and appealed to the people of the community, who he referred to as his brothers and sisters, to support his government to secure a good future for their children.

Also speaking, the chairman of the ceremony and a construction giant, Chief Ben Emeka, called on wealthy people in the Omambala area of the state to emulate Chief Anikpe to ensure the transformation of the lives of their people.

Earlier, the President of the foundation, Chief Anikpe (Onwa Igbariam) had explained that he instituted the foundation to give widows and

the less privileged ones in the community a sense of belonging by reducing their plight in the society. Anikpe said that a N100 million Skill Acquisition Centre would soon be commissioned in Igbariam

by Obiano, adding that the centre would be established, in collaboration with the Anambra State Government and other development partners.

He explained that the beneficiaries of the centre would be given grants to start the trade they had learned to improve themselves and also be useful to their families and the society at large.

Highlight of the event included the distribution of bags of rice and other gift items to widows and the less privileged persons in Igbariam town by Governor Obiano.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 5

Seventh Day Church holds camp meeting in Abia

•Wants politicians to rule with the fear of God

•The church faithful during the camp meeting He further noted that most political leaders in the country found it difficult to forgive people who offend them, describing such attitude as contrary to the teachings of Christ.

Earlier in his address, Abia State Conference Overseer of the church, Pastor Ahaoma Timothy who took his reading from John 17: 16 and 2 Timothy 3:1-5, reminded Christians that though they were ‘’not of the world, situations in the world will affect the church,’’ hence the need for fervent prayers.

“We are still experiencing alarming situations in Nigeria. Our country today

By FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA—THE Church of God Seventh Day, Abia State Conference, Nigeria has held its annual Camp meeting programme in Aba with a call on political leaders in the country to rule with the fear of God. In his homily on the occasion, the General Overseer of the church, Pastor Chijioke Alozie stated that if a good number of Nigeria’s political leaders had the fear of God in them, the country would have fared better than it was now.

Alozie called on Nigerians to ensure that the opportunity offered by the 2015 general elections was used to elect God fearing people into political offices as this was the only way to turn the nation towards God. He asked politicians and their supporters to turn from their wicked ways and seek the face of God. “If we want Nigeria to make the desired progress, our political leaders as well as followers must lead the way with the fear of God. Most of

•Pastor Chijioke Alozie (right) and other speakers on the occasion our political leaders today lack the fear of God in them; that is why things are the way they are. If they have the fear of God; why is corruption on the icrease in our country today?

Why would somebody given a contract to build a road, collect the funds for the project and fail to execute the job and yet walks free? Why is a greater majority of Nigerians living in abject poverty while a few others are richer than the

country itself? How many of our political leaders truly care for the people?

“We must seek the face of God and beg for forgiveness.

The Holy Bible in the book of 2nd Chronicles 7: 14 said, if my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and heal their land.

If we want Nigeria to make the desired progress, our political leaders as well as followers must lead with the fear of God

Obiano’s wife’s lifeline for women in labour *donates delivery bed to Eziowelle Health Centre

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE wife of the governor of Anambra State, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano has donated a new delivery bed to Eziowelle Health centre in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The donation, the governor ’s wife said, was in fulfillment of a promise she made to the centre last year.

During that visit in September, 2014, Mrs. Obiano was surprised to learn that women were delivering babies on the bare floor. They were therefore elated last week when she returned to the health centre with a modern delivery bed and other hospital facilities.

C M Y K

The power-driven delivery bed is designed to provide support for the mother and efficient functionality for the nursing staff, throughout all

stages of the birthing process.

Its flexibility and ease of use offers a practical solution for any modern, progressive delivery ward.

•Mrs Obiano handing over the delivery bed

The bed can be powered with electricity to gain height and it has backrest adjustment which provides support for the woman during labour. It is a standard bed that offers versatile delivery platform with leg rest, while its flexibility and ease-of-use makes it practical.

Mrs. Obiano said: “I remember that when I came sometime in September 2014, one of your complaints that touched me was that your facilities have gone bad and that you have resorted to undertaking delivery of babies on a bench.

“It touched me because I felt that should not be happening

Continues on page 7

happens to be the testing ground of all ills of our generation, there is galloping inflation, unending criminal activities, political riots, mutual suspicion among ethnic groups, Boko Haram insurgency, broken homes and floods and other man- made or natural disasters.’’

The annual camp meeting also featured other events like march past and lectures by renowned clerics among others.

REACH US DO you have any news of neglect or abandoned projects or your representative at the local, state or federal governments are not representing you well?

Do you have unique cultural activities coming up or any community news to tell us?

Emeka Mamah (Editor) 08033218645 AustinOgwuda( Enugu): 08037136440 Francis Igata 08033387069 Vincent Ujumadu(Awka): 08035804090 Anayo Okoli(Umuahia): 08034046839 Chidi Nkwopara(Imo): 08033391108 Peter Okutu (Abakaliki): 08032680756 Chinenyeh Ozor (Nsukka): 08185664011 Nwabueze Okonkwo (Nnewi): 08037794782 Enyim Enyim (Onitsha): 08169297179 Or: e-mail us at: easternvoice@yahoo.com

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

the construction of the new highway which by-passes 9th Mile Corner is long overdue

•Igwe Ken Onyia, the Agunecheibe II of Nsude and his wife

Monarch tasks FG On 9th Mile by-pass N

S U D E — T H E Traditional Ruler of Nsude in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Ken Onyia has tasked the Federal Government on the construction of the new highway linking the Eastern

heartland of Enugu with the Middle Belt and the Northern parts of the country.

Onyia who is the Agunecheibe II spoke in an interview with the South East Voice in Enugu, saying that the highway initiated by the administration of

•Plaque unveiled by former President Obasanjo to mark commencement of work on the road Olusegun Obasanjo in 2006, as a dual carriageway.

The new road which bypasses the problematic 9th Mile Corner in Enugu had not been progressing since the ground breaking ceremony by Obasanjo.

However, Prof. Onyia asked the Federal Government to make the road priority in view of its economic importance to the country.

He decried a situation whereby the government continued to tolerate the anachronistic bottleneck in the 9th Mile Corner which had been serving as the gateway into Eastern Nigeria since the 1950s.

The Monarch stressed that ‘’the construction of the new highway which by-passes 9th Mile Corner is long overdue’’ even as he regretted that the

perennial congestion in 9th Mile had resulted in an incredibly high number of deaths due to auto accidents on the sloppy and winding road.

Onyia recalled that since the former President Obasanjo inaugurated the new highway and by-pass, no meaningful construction has commenced there.

He said that the road which was graded to allow motorists bye-pass the congestion, had since been destroyed by erosion, making it impassable.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of trucks waiting to lift products from Nigeria Breweries’ at Ama Breweries and other business concerns in the growing industrial centre, have worsened the traffic situation in the area.

Every Christmas season, several families who could not manoeuvre through the congestion are forced to spend nights at the 9th Mile corner with the attendant risks.

Catholic group embarks on 50 guest rooms project for Awka Diocese

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—A group of Catholics from Awka Diocese in Anambra State residing in Lagos have begun the construction of a magnificent building containing 50 self-contained rooms at the popular Awka Retreat Centre to provide accommodation for pilgrims and priests who often visit the centre.

The leader of the Awka Diocese Support Group, Mr. Emma Nwakama, who led the 25-member organization to the ground breaking ceremony of the project in Awka said their decision to finance the project was due to an appeal by the Bishop of the Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor for them to always remember their home Diocese and assist in funding some of the projects embarked upon by the church.

As Nwakama observed, over 80 per cent of church projects in Lagos were financed by Igbos and there C M Y K

is therefore the need for them to also remember their home Dioceses and extend their goodwill to them, hence the decision to build the guest house in Awka.

He said that efforts were in top gear to increase the membership of the support group to 100, adding that with such large number, they would be able to embark on

One of the conditions for membership of the group is the ability of the person to donate a minimum of N200000 annually to the group for project execution

meaningful projects in Awka Diocese as part of their evangelization programme.

According to him, one of the conditions for membership of the group is the ability of the person to donate a minimum of N200000 annually to the group for project execution in Awka Diocese and expressed happiness that many indigenes of Awka Diocese in Lagos have indicated their willingness to join the group, South East Voice gathered there are also plans to establish branches of the support group in other cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Aba, Onitsha, among other areas.

The chancellor of Awka Diocese, Reverend Fr. Peter Akaeyi who represented Bishop Ezeokafor at the ceremony, described the Retreat Centre as a very important project in the Diocese and called on other individuals and groups to helpin solving the accommodation challenges facing the centre.

He said: “The over 500 priests in the Diocese are

•The guest house under construction at the Catholic Retreat Centre, Awka usually expected to be accommodated at the Retreat Centre whenever they gather for their retreat, but often times, there are not enough rooms to accommodate them.

“With projects of this

nature, there are hopes that accommodation problem in the centre will soon become a thing of the past and we commend the Awka Diocese Support Group for remembering that it is good to think about home.”

Quote Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 —7

19-year-old ‘helicopter, car builder’ vows not to be discouraged •wants assistance to continue with more innovations •The vehicle constructed by Ibada

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU

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NITSHA—CHIBUIKE Ibada from Nibo in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State has vowed never to be discouraged by comments from the Nigerian police or the hostile attitude of some politicians towards him believing that he would ask them for favour to enable him complete the construction of a five-passenger helicopter with three of his school mates among other innovations.

For this 19-year-old boy, designing and constructing objects is as simple as drinking water. Chibuike, who had just finished from the Government Technical School, Onitsha, Anambra State and now preparing to further his education in the university spoke with South East Voice in an interview.

He displayed the car he constructed and named G.S.S 362 Explorer, as a crowd gathered to watch the movement of the remotecontrolled car on the road.

“I started from childhood to built things, I have also been building houses, small helicopters, name anything I will design and build it; this is a talent I developed from child hood and today you can see that the only thing I need now is sponsorship and I will be challenging the white men that build the cars people drive here.

“You can see I am using remote control to operate this vehicle I built. Before I started, I bought the propeller engine…

It is the force of gravity that is at work here. I also bought some parts to build this car.

“I designed the car and after designing, I went to buy all the things that would help me to achieve my aim, but the wiring was done by my brother. I did not do the wiring aspect; my brother is also talented. He is an expert in wiring but the designing and construction I did all that in seven months,” he said.

He further said, “it cost me about N50,000 to complete and the money was borrowed from people. The tyres were from toy motors I bought in the market and pulled out to construct this one. I bought the engine in the Mechanics’ Village and the people I bought it from helped me to select the engine that C M Y K

•Ibada carrying the prototype car on his hand suited the design. This engine I am talking about is propeller engine that is found in gear boxes.” He said his greatest aspiration now was to entre the university to read Mechanical or Civil Engineering.

“I design buildings and build them, I design vehicles and build them, so I can read any of the courses and do well. All I need is assistance and encouragement.

“What I need now is to gain admission in the university. I also want to travel abroad to gather more skills from the white men. I know that if I get there I will even do better than them, my talent will develop better there.

“My father is a building contractor while my mother is a provision store owner. They have seen what I have been able to construct and build, but they are regretting that they do not have money to support me to carry on. I need to go outside

The attitude of some politicians to some people make me wonder if they actually care for the people or they need peoples vote to sustain their positions in the society

the country to join hand with white men to do what I am doing now and then come back to this country to establish, because what they are doing there, we can equally do here and even better,” he said.

Asked if he had made attempts to get the government or prominent people to support him, Chibuike’s mood changed, as he became agitated. He claimed that he had had some ugly experiences with some politicians at their campaign ground where he had gone to display some of the things he built. “The attitude of some politicians to some people make me wonder if they actually care for the people or they need peoples vote to sustain their positions in the society. I went

to some politicians (names withheld) but they all made promises they did not fulfill.

“Politicians should go their way. I know they cannot determine my destiny. It is only God that will determine my destiny. So I do not have any business with these politicians, they only care about themselves and what they will get from us.

“Police men who claim to give these rich men and women security which I know only God can give are even the worst enemies of the masses; they are the problem in this country, pretending that without God they can do anything.

“I took this car to Princess Stella Odua's house to see if she can assist us in getting our major project which is the helicopter

that I am building with three other school mates but the police did not allow me to see the woman, I told them to please call the woman's attention that I am waiting to see her and I was very sure that if she saw what I brought to show her she would encourage us but the police men refused, they did not only prevent me from seeing the woman, but they started abusing me.

“The policemen were making jest of me. They said carry that nonsense out of this place, yeye man, you want to build car in Nigeria; which one did your father build? I felt so disappointed with the mentality of the people we call police men.

They did not allow the woman see me nor welcome me. They rained abuses on me. It is unfortunate,” he added.

He named his other school mates involved in the helicopter project as Ibe, Chibuzor and Tony, pointing out that, “we have almost completed it. I cannot remember their surnames now. We schooled together at Government Technical School, Onitsha.

“If people want to meet me for any assistance for our helicopter project let them call my phone number, 09031706018, we live at 16 Anyaeji Omenwa Street opposite Agip Bustop Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, and whatever they want to give us will be made public and my friends will be there. We are genuine young men who want to take Nigeria to the next level of development.”

Obiano’s wife’s lifeline for women in labour Continues from page 5 in this century, especially in our state.

That is why I promised you a bed and went ahead to procure a standard delivery bed, but didn’t find time to present it to you before now. I am sure it will go a long way in ensuring safe delivery by women in this area.”

Mrs. Obiano told the women that she is always touched by things concerning the welfare of children and women, hence her decision to set up the Caring Family Enhancement Initiative, CAFÉ, a non-profit, non-partisan pet project which has mandate to care for the less privileged and reduce women-child vulnerability, while maintaining the dignity of the physically challenged.

She explained that through CAFÉ, she

would make suggestions, and if necessary, contribute to ensure that such beds should actually be the minimum standard for all health centres in Anambra State. She also told the management of the health centre that she has made case with the state Ministry of Health for the refurbishing and repair of their leaking roof, adding that she has been assured that there is an on-going state-wide repairs and refurbishing of all health centres in the state.

Chairman of Idemili North local government area, Mr. Emmanuel Idemobi, while commending the governor ’s wife for the donation, promised that the council will take special care of the first child to be delivered on the new bed.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

•One of the air-conditioned railway coaches that ply Enugu- Port Harcourt route

Excitement as eastern rail line comes alive ...runs Enugu-Port-Harcourt twice weekly

By FRANCIS IGATA

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NUGU—THE people of South East geopolitical zone have heaved a sigh of relief following the resumption

of railway services between Enugu, capital of Enugu State and Port Harcourt, in Rivers State. The operation of intercity passenger service by the Nigeria Railway Corporation,NRC, along the

Enugu-Rivers State route has drastically affected movement of passengers through auto mobile as the price of travelling by rail was much more cheaper than through the roads.

Travelling by road through

commercial vehicles cost between N3,500 while the air conditioned railway coaches cost N300.

South East Voice also noticed that it was cheaper to transport goods through the railways on the six hour journey than

commercial vehicles.

The NRC was said to have deployed five 68-seater air conditioned coaches which it acquired for the Enugu - Port Harcourt route.

According to sources, passengers who leave Enugu by rail at 7am arrive Port Harcourt by 3pm. The train, however, does not return to Enugu same day as it sleeps over in Port Harcourt and leaves for Enugu the next day.

The Railway District Manager, RDM, Eastern zone, Mr. Donatus Ogbodo, confirmed the story saying, “We acquired five 68-seater air conditioned coaches. They were all sent to eastern division. “We have already deployed them for use in the intercity passenger services. We also acquired two 16-seater rail buses and 18 fiveseater motorised trolleys. The operation will reduce the pressure on Nigerian roads and provide safe and cheaper transport services to Nigerians.

“We have first, second class coaches attached to the train.

The first class is air conditioned with constant power supply. A power car is equally attached to the train to provide power. It is expected that we will be plying the Enugu - PortHarcourt services daily in due course.”

The Federal Government had in 2010, awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of the eastern rail line which had been moribund to ESER West Africa.

The contract completion date which had a 10 months duration was, however, delayed over alleged paucity of funds until late last year.

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NITSHA—MANAGING Director of Metro Digital Mobile, M.B.M, Nigeria limited Mr. Oliver Uzochukwu and Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of Onitsha Main Market Traders Association have accused some traders of sabotaging the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to ensure adequate security in the market.

Uzochukwu, an engineer and Mr. John Bean, Managing Director of IPX Voice Limited, had on the directive of Obiano installed the security gadgets in the market as pilot project, as there were plans to install same in other markets and black spots in the state to ensure security.

The state government had in its efforts to provide security in the markets and check the activities of violent criminals, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to provide digital satellite cameras for security in the markets.

The MoU was signed for the government and the 49 major market leaders in the state, under the umbrella of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Trader Association, AMATAS, by the former Senior Special Adviser on Markets and Parks to the state Governor, Chief Sylvester Nwobu- Alor, while the Metro Digital Mobile Limited and IPX Voice Limited, was represented by Mr. Uzochukwu.

M.B.M Nigerian Limited and IPX Voice Limited, were subsequently engaged by the Anambra State government to install the digital security cameras, free of charge in the market and the traders told to pay a C M Y K

•Images captured by the surveillance camera

Onitsha main market chief accuses traders of sabotaging govt’s efforts on security

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU paltry sum of N200 monthly as maintenance fees by the government.

However, the traders have reportedly refused to remit the amount directed into the accounts of the companies for over four months after the digital security gadgets were installed.

Angered by the traders breach of the tripartite agreement they entered with the state government and the leaders

•The control room

of the traders, the companies were making effort to shut the market indefinitely unless the debt was paid before the end of this month.

Sources told the South East Voice that the companies were currently working to have the state government shut the market as they cannot approach the courts now that the judicial workers in the state were on strike.

Uzochukwu alleged that there was a grand plan by the traders to tarnish

the image of his company and that of its foreign counterpart by deliberately failing to remit the N200 paid by the traders each month.

“The Wireless Digital Video Surveillance Camera project is aimed at using the High Definition Technology Wireless Digital Video Surveillance Cameras to give the markets and subsequently the state a veritable platform for combating violent and other criminal activities in the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015,

C M Y K

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— V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, FEBRU ARY 11, 2015 VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA FEBRUARY

I need my mistress for the sex only Dear Bunmi, turned 60 last year and have been married for over 30 years. My wife and I have grown apart and haven’t had much sex in the last five years. Whenever we had an argument, she always threatened she would leave and go and stay with one of our two married children. About two years ago, I met this single mother of two at the computer company I run with a friend. She’s one of the staff and we fell in love. Whenever we could, we would have sex in my office.

Last Christmas, she made an indiscreet phone call to my mobile and my wife answered. She was jabbering on before she knew who was at the end of the line. Needless to say, my wife was horrified. I was so embarrassed, I had to apologise over and over that it wouldn’t happen again. What she doesn’t know is that this lady works in my office and we still have sex. Recently, lady asked where our relationship was leading and I told her marriage was out of the question at my age.

After we patched up our differences, my wife began initiating sex.

I tried to respond but I couldn’t. Yet I’m always rearing to go with my lover. I can’t leave my wife and I can’t waste this nice lady’s time.

What should I do?

David, By e-mail.

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Sex with him is addictive Dear Bunmi,

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HEN I first met my current boyfriend, I knew he was untrustworthy.

We met at a party he attended with his girlfriend and he hit on me. When I went to the toilet, he followed and

virtually armtwisted me into having a quickie with him. We then started seeing each other on and off. He is a charming rogue and sex with him is addictive.

At first, it was a bit of fun.

After close to a year, I still feel fantastic when we’re together,

My family disapproves of my husband even think of going back. What Dear Bunmi. met and fell in love with a man who is a couple of years younger than I am; then married him shortly after. I’m in my early fifties and my four grown-up children were against him from day one because they didn’t feel enough time had passed since their dad died.

My current husband is not an easy man to get along with. He was made redundant just after we got married and is into contractual business that doesn’t seem to be bringing in anything substantial.

Sometimes, he frightens me, accusing me of staring at other men when we’re out or insisting I’ve said something when I know I haven’t. If I disagree with him, he goes berserk. Most of the time, I take it, but every now and then, I have to run away. Then we miss each other and I end up getting back to him.

We’ve split up some eight times already because of the rift between him and my family. In fact I’m currently staying with my eldest daughter as I write. My family says he’s dangerous and spineless and that I shouldn’t

I

do you think?

Uju By e-mail.

Dear Uju, don’t think you should go back to the life you were living, but that’s not to say your marriage is over. It sounds as though its never really had a chance and your husband’s tendency to control everything may be worse because of your family threatening to come between you.

It’s time for a new start for you all. Begin by getting your family together and telling them that you’re going to try and sort things out and need their help and not their interference. Then make an effort to talk to your husband or arrange for people he respects to counsel him.

If you can’t live together, then you should move to a neutral residence away from your family. In the meantime, make a vow that you will be happy whatever it takes.

Since your first husband’s death, you’ve been hounded by everyone, now start making your own decisions and abiding by them.

I

but I am unsure about us when we’re apart. I know the affair is becoming unhealthy for me but I can’t bear to end it. And because I’m always at his beck and call, I know he never will.

Help!

Anjola, By e-mail.

Dear Anjola, ou are at the mercy of the age old conflict of head and heart. Your head must be winning for you to realize there is no future or long-term happiness with this adventurer. But how do you get him out of your life? The less you see of him, the easier it will be. He’s an addiction, so getting rid of him will be painful in spite of the fact you know he’s not good for you.

You could try what experts recommend as aversion therapy. Such men are free with their affections. Consider the huge infection risk you run. How many girls has he had this month? Ten, twenty, 100? Think of all the things about him that turn you on, and imagine those things being switched on for every girl he meets.

Put one of your low moods to good use. Scrub his name out of your diary and delete details about him from your mobile. Avoid places where you will meet, and don’t answer the phone if you know it’s him. Find something to replace him, a new pastime to give your confidence a boost.

And if you do run into him, remain cool and impervious to his charms. Sooner or later, you’ll meet someone else you’ll be comfortable with.

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Is he a commitment phobe?

Dear Bunmi,

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O you think a person’s past can tell you what they’ll be like in the future? I’ve just met a smashing guy but was shocked to find out that he’s never been in love before and he is over 30!

He hasn’t even had a relationship that’s lasted more than four months! He says it’s because he is a workaholic but I’m a bit nervous about taking this relationship further.

Do you agree that by now he should have had something longer lasting? Is he a commitment phobe, if so, should I run?

Lade By e-mail.

Dear Lade, larm bells would be ringing for me too, if I were in your shoes. Generalising, I’d i if a man’s half decent to look at, with reasonable social skills, I’d expect someone at his age to have had a few relationships, some lasting a year or so. Not having been in love is not that important.

We all have different definitions of love and he may mean he hasn’t met a woman he wants to stay with for the rest of his life.

As for his being a commitment phobe, no commitment at all to any long-term relationships after 30 usually does mean he could have unrealistic expectations, be a commitment phobe or a rather unsavouring combination of the

A

two. It looks as if you’ll be this guy’s first proper relationship and since he hasn’t anything to compare it to our learn from, he’ll make his first-time mistakes with you. Are you prepared for that to happen, being more experienced in love than he is? It all depends on whether you’re prepared to be patient and willing to take a risk.

So what’s this career of his? If it really requires intensive concentration, long working hours and extensive travel, he might be telling the truth.

The question you really need answer to is this: Is he willing to change his focus to include a relationship in his life now?

The answer to that will tell you all you need to know.

Dear David, t must be thrilling to you to find out that you are attractive to a much younger woman but you need to restore the trust between you and your wife. As things are now, you need to protect the happiness of two women: Your wife and your mistress. To continue to have sex with your mistress would be unfair to all of you as you have no wish to become a husband to her.

What you urgently need to do is get out of the rut of your marriage by restoring trust between the two of you. She is the love of your life and the mother of your children - you need to protect her now more than ever because of the number of years you’ve been together.

As painful as the knowledge of your affair must be to her she forgave you. You need to move on and let your mistress fix By making a clear end to your infidelity, you will permit your marriage to repair slowly. Trust and passion would then return.

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My own mother and my friend’s dad!

Dear Bunmi, have just finished at the university and have a circle of friends I had in my undergraduate days,and I cherish their friendship. My mum is one of these go-getting sophisticated women who see nothing in having affairs. My dad has affairs too, as you can see they have an open marriage.

My mum has been a source of embarrassment to me. She drinks like a fish, dresses young and wants to be part of our discussion whenever my friends come over.

A few weeks back, one of my friends phoned that his mum was almost out of her mind because my own mum was sleeping with his father. I refused to believe him because both families are close.

He then came over and showed me a copy of the love note my mum wrote his father. I was really ashamed and when I accused my mother of being indiscreet, she told me not to be silly. That people in her circle sleep with each other‘s husbands all of the time. I felt sick.

She can do whatever she likes but how can I make her leave my friend’s father alone? His mother is more of a mother to me.

Victoria, By e-mail.

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Dear Victoria, ou have already had a talk with your mum and that’s all you can do, I’m afraid. It takes two to tango. Why don’t you ask your friend to have a word with his father?

Open marriages are alright if that’s what a couple wants out of life, but flaunting your affairs recklessly in front of the children is not only irresponsible, it is gross.

Unfortunately, women like your mum abound. Find time to talk to her again without sounding judgemental. Who knows? She might decide to cast her net somewhere else if she sees how uncomfortable you are with her current affair.

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Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 35

Business owners do not utilise funds – Ogbolu O MD/CE g e h t s i u . Havin ns, Ogbol d i t l o L k s n N o oti atio Mrs aft Prom media organis ustry r c e g a t d t of S differen e advertising in n i d e k r wo ce in th ness she e i n s e i u r b e a p p h her ex her set u car ving her nic or d e l b a n s ment has e eside o B t . e g n m i i t o enjoys d wise, she takes not all about s is busines usiness to her n line might i B youths. oney, the marg e important. r m making her staff is mo ut count b .

Read on

By Anino Aganbi

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OW was your past working experience able to help you build your business?

When I left the Universi ty, I worked as a journalist for a magazine. My boss used to be the publisher of Central Bank Newsletter until he started his magazine called Nigerian Enterprise Magazine and Beauty Guide.

Beauty guide was a soft sell for women. We were recruited to be advert representatives for the magazine. We had to cut our teeth on jobs we may not have made a career in but it helped in boosting our CV. I worked for an advertising firm as a copy writer, audio-visual Manager and I also produced TV commercials.

At some point things became rough.My husband felt I should look for jobs in the oil and gas sector but I knew God wanted me in the advertising industry so my creative spirit would grow.Luckily, I got a job with Rosabel in 1987 where I worked for 12 years as a senior copy writer.I thank God that all of this helped me start up on my own business in 2003. It was very rough at first but I have been

at it for twelve years. It has had its ups and downs. My spirituality is very high and I don’t believe anybody can do anything for me except God. What is your organisation about?

At Stagecraft Promotions, we create and do advertising.

You cannot refer to me as that type of advertising practitioner that goes for pitches . Whatever we do, we do differently. In our own small way, we want to create that impact.

•Nkoli Ogbolu that you have and then creating so much good will that it returns to you .It is like a return on investment. So, you can quantify that in kind or in cash.

There are people who will pay for your services in kind.

How does your business stand out from other advertising businesses?

You have to identify who your competitors are. Basically, we are a think tank. We look at the society and see what needs to be communicated to the society for the public good. We fashion out a campaign and go about selling these campaigns to the government. We just finished one and we called it a-z of safety on the road. It was a massive bill board campaign we ran for government. People have to learn to use money wisely.

In advertising practice, a lot of advertising agencies go under because they do not know how to utilize money. this cannot

Impacting people's lives We do a lot of below the line stuff. When we do it above the line, we do it fantastically. As a copy writer, ideas determine the work. When we prepare a proposal, we look for who we can sell these ideas to for the good of the society.

We look at ways in which we can benefit people differently through communication. People do not know the gifts they have. It is just like what we do now, publicity for publicity sake.

There are ways in which you can publicize yourself without shouting.

I like making in-ways into peoples lives, impacting peoples lives, through the skills

In advertising practice, a lot of advertising agencies go under because they do not know how to utilise money.

It is not every time that big money for campaigns can come your way

be restricted to advertising alone. If business owners do not utuilise funds well, that business is bound to crumble. It is not every time that big money for campaigns can come your way.

What is important is that when it comes, you harness it so that when one does not come quickly, you still have enough to tide you over. It is not only in advertising, especially if you are a small or medium scaled business owner. When that money comes, there are bills to pay, and you invest.

Hallmark of sanity Business climes are not easy at all but if you understand that, you must be swift to ensure that your business stays afloat and you are able to pay those working for you. Simplicity is the hall mark of sanity. You must be kind and compassionate to people around you.

How has creativity improved you as a business woman?

The creative process already lends itself to improving people because as you go along thinking and creating; you see new things. You are creating for a target audience and not just for yourself. You create to suit the purpose of the people whether they are hot tempered, rich, poor or nice. In doing so, you are automatically learning new things and improving on your self. You will take all kind of things into consideration when you are creating. You do not just create off the cuff. You must create that advert within context knowing what the people want.

Business wise, if you are able to create a message and reach out to people, you create an impact on them. Your clients may

say this message was very effective, we will retain these people or increase their advertising spend. That way, you have improved the bottom line.

How does the economy tend to affect your business?

When I first stared out, I started small from my home. I made my staff understand it was more important I paid their salaries than to open a big office. As time went by, our bottom line increased so we rented an office.

We ended up paying a whole lot of our hard earned revenue to the landlord. We did all that was humanly possible to put the office together. We were going out to look for business but they were not forth coming. We were forced to leave the corporate office and started operating from the house.

Challenges?

There has been the challenge of people stealing your ideas which is a very popular one. You take a proposal and it is been used without recourse to you or that it has been worked on and used without anybody informing you. They use your ideas to process money and don’t get back to you. It has become a case of knowing someone to safeguard your work for you.

Growth There have been set backs but right now we are thankful. The business grew, dipped and is growing again. Global economy has affected business,even the local economy at the micro and macro level also affects the business. The advertising business is highly intellectual. It s not like buying and selling where you can see your returns every day.

When you make your pitch , there is a waiting period for who will get the job. The person who gets the job is the lucky person.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

I will restore illegally acquired land to owners —Agbaje •As Bode George, Tajudeen Olanrewaju say gov candidate best for Lagos

By Bashir Adefaka

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EOPLE'S Democratic Party, PDF, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr. Olujimi Agbaje, has urged the people of the state to vote for him to enable him to address areas bothering on their social and economic welfare, which had suffered for close to 16 years under the watch of the All Progressives Congress.

Agbaje made the appeal, Sunday, at a rally in Ajah, hosted by the Eti-Osa Local Government branch of the PDP. He promised the Eti-Osa people that he would return to their original owners all the parcels of land illegally acquired in the area under the guise of the APC-led administrations, if elected.

Agbaje also promised to pay adequate compensation to those

whose lands were acquired for L-r: Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chairman, Lagos State chapter, Navy Captain Tunji Shelle; Lagos State PDP government governorship candidate, Jimi Agbaje; his deputy, Alhaja Safurat Olayinka Abdulkarim; PDP leader, Chief Bode projects but were George; PDP chieftain and former Minister of Communications, Maj. General Tajudeen Olanrewaju retd.and not adequately Chief Kamal Giwa, during the governorship campaign in Ajah. Photo: Bashir Adefaka. compensated. He said, “Some of the lands around. That way, the PDP acquired were turned into candidate said, the turn-around rights of participating in the the fact that he is educated. private property of some would translate to an ocean elections.

“He is knowledgeable and has In his speech, leader of the officials including the ones economy capable of party and former Minister of a come-on and not a go-on style designated as cemetery. I will transforming the lives of the of leadership. His is a ‘comeMajor not only take the land and give indigenes. Agbaje said the toll- Communications, on-with-me and let’s do it them back to you but also I will gates that have been the General Tajudeen Olanrewaju together ’ and not a ‘go-on ensure that a Muslim cemetery albatross of people of the area (rtd), described Agbaje as doing it while I watch you’ style is created along this road (Ajah- would be abolished if they vote “come-on leader” that has the of leadership. He is engaged interest of the people at hearts Epe express road). with the people. He knows their for him. all the time. language and speaks their Also speaking at the rally, In an interview with Translation of national leader of the party, Vanguard at the rally, language I have said it before ocean economy Chief Bode George, said a vote Olanrewaju said, “Agbaje has that if he can get the ‘undecided voters’ to himself, that is it, for Agbaje would mean a great “Some of these lands were also deal of better lives for the Lagos got a winner mentality and he where election is free and fair. acquired in the guise of people and, therefore, urged has the ability to connect with And so, to me, Agbaje is industrialisation but ended up that they should collect their the electorate. He is competitive somebody who can change the as private estates,” he said, Permanent Voters’ Cards and his commitment to duty is face of Lagos State, not only for adding that he would take (PVCs) being their keys to excellent. He has a social good of the state but also for the advantage of the aquatic nature being able to exercise their synergy that can magnetize good of the people.” people to vote for him apart from of the area to turn their economy

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—37

“The card readers are being configured by the commission and would be distributed to local government offices for onward distribution to polling units,” he said.

Halilu further disclosed that the commission has so far carried out 445 inter state transfers and 332 intra state transfers, saying that the commission is determined to ensure that all those that register for the election carry out their civic duties.

EBONYI The INEC office in Ebonyi has distributed a total of 797,112 PVCs out the 1,712,073 received in the state.

And 3,366 PVCs were snatched from INEC staff who were distributing PVCs in Eka Awoke Registration Areas of Ikwo and Igbeagu III in Izzi local government areas of the state.

He pointed out that the Commission had put in place less than 10,000 staff and a number of non-sensitive materials have been received from INEC headquarters, Abuja, which had been distributed to LGAs and it has organized trainings at officers of different levels in preparation for the election.

Postponement:

Jega's unending headaches IN claiming insecurity as the direct reason for the shift of the elections, the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega may have stated the obvious. However, many stakeholders are not ignorant of the internal failures of the commission, principally, the alleged failure of the commission to deliver important materials needed for the election according to schedule.

The most notable of the election materials in this category is the Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, which INEC has failed to deliver to all voters four years after the commission expended more than N50 billion on the data capture exercise.

This report reviews the situation in some of the states.

By Peter Okutu, Boluwaji Obahopo, John Mkom, Tom Moses, Marie-Therese Nanlong & Abel Daniel

K

ADUNA A substantial proportion of voters in Kaduna State are yet to receive their PVCs according to a survey conducted by Vanguard over the weekend.

The worst affected areas are in the Southern parts of the state, where it was estimated that 150 out of the 1,750 polling units in the zone were as of weekend still waiting for the PVCs. In Soba and Zaria urban, it was gathered that majority of those who got their PVCs were those

that registered late.

But officials of the INEC, who asked not be identified, denied ploys to deliberately disenfranchise some voters, said the delay was caused by logistic problems.

TARABA Over 90 per cent of the PVCs meant for Taraba State have been distributed to their owners across the 16 local government and the development areas.

The administrative secretary INEC Taraba office Ahmed Baba disclosed this to Vanguard, adding that the INEC state office also extended the distribution of the PVCs from local government areas to the wards to fast track

the process.

Baba further disclosed that the state office has completed training of Supervising Presiding Officers SPOs who have been deployed to the local government areas to train the presiding officers.

At the Taraba state INEC office it discovered that the list of adhoc staff for elections has been pasted and the office was crowded with applicants who were there to verify their names.

AKWA IBOM The Akwa-Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner-REC Mr. Austin Okojie, confirmed the distribution as at last Friday of 1,338,413 PVCs out of the 1,640,780 PVCs sent to the state

by the commission representing 95 per cent distribution as of Friday.

He also said that the commission was in possession of 3,600 ballot boxes required for the 3,823 Voting Points in the state. The state INEC office has also received 2,721 Card Readers.

The REC was, however, disappointed with the theft of some PVCs saying that the theft was of no value to the thieves.

KOGI The INEC office in Lokoja has distributed 800,000 out of the 1,317,095 meant for the state the REC, Hussain Halilu Pai, told Vanguard.

According to him the commission has received 3,029 smart card readers.

Officials of the INEC, who asked not be identified, denied ploys to deliberately disenfranchise some voters, said the delay was caused by logistic problems

RIVERS The Rivers State REC, Mrs Gesila Khan, disclosed that about 80 per cent of registered voters in the state have collected their PVCs, adding that she received 2,990,056 PVCs and distributed 1,869,379.

About 14,000 PVCs, she also said were stolen.

On the stolen PVCs she appealled to.those holding them illegally to return them, stressing that there would be no way they could use them to rig the elections.

“I'm appealing to Rivers people because we have lost a lot of cards. We have lost more than 14,000 PVC’s and it’s one of the highest figures in the federation”.

PLATEAU INEC in Plateau State had as of last weekend distributed 78.9 per cent of the PVCs meant for the state according to the Head, Electoral Operations, Mr. Yagba Kumdu.

The Commission has also had series of dialogues with politicians, government officials, security agencies, the media, civil society organizations among others to sensitise them on the elections.

The Commission’s Head of Department, Voter Education/ Publicity, Osaretin Imahiyereobo also disclosed the training of over 19,000 personnel including Supervisory Presiding Officers for the 274 Registration Areas in the State on the use of Card

Continues on page 38

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

RIVERS: Amaechi’s good legacy is my inspiration — Peterside HIS emergence as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC from a field that comprised equally strong contenders underscored his own strong potentials. Among the competitors were Senator Magnus Abe and the outgoing deputy governor of the state, Mr. Tele Ikuru.

By Gbenga Oke

I

N the end, the party favoured Dakuku Peterside largely on account of some factors that were brought to play, including the agitation of the riverine population that the governorship ticket be zoned to them. The last two governors, Peter Odili and Rotimi Amaechi came from the Upland.

The fact that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP picked its candidate, Nyesom Wike from Ikwere land in the Upland has also helped to galvanise momentum for Dakuku from those in favour of power shift.

Remarkably, Peterside is, however, not surrendering the Ikwere vote to his challenger as he has in recent days moved deep into the heart of Ikwere land including the traditional institution to canvass support for his governorship aspiration.

Responding to questions from Vanguard at the end of a campaign tour of the state, he maintained that his campaign in Rivers state is about restoration of hope.

“This campaign is about creating employment and lifting

the livelihood of our people. We cannot do all these unless we attract investment into our state and there is a relationship between investment and job creation. For you to attract investment, you must deal first with the issue of security and you must deal with the issue of infrastructure. If you don’t deal with the issue of infrastructure and security, investment will not flow to your state. Those are some of our priorities”.

•Peterside: Favoured by powershift

I have been involved in community organisation all my life and what it simply means is that we are coming with rare skills at governance

He went further, “Beyond the issue of infrastructure and security, the issue of human capital is very key to our development. If you don’t have skilled persons, when you create the opportunities, your people will not be part of it. They will be excluded from it because they cannot take part in the economic boom we envisage. For them to take part, they must have the right set of skills and they must be educated. What kind of education are we giving to our people? Are we factoring in

vocational, technical and entrepreneurial education to what our people are doing?”.

Speaking on his community services which he said prepared him for the task, he stressed that his involvement with community organisation will influence his government as Governor of Rivers state.

“I have been involved in community organising all my life and what it simply means is that we are coming with rare skills at governance. If you notice, one skill that is lacking in our

POSTPONEMENT: Jega's unending headaches Continues from page 37 Readers.

Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers were as at weekend undergoing training. The commission has also organized a one-day capacity workshop on gender, persons with disabilities and youths to educate them on the roles they need to play for successful elections.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Godwin Kwanga, said the effort is an attempt to bridge the gap and create mutual partnership with all stakeholders in the electoral process.

ADAMAWA INEC officials in Yola claim that a sizeable number of PVCs for the state have been distributed , even as more cards are yet to be collected.

Public Affairs Manager of the Commission, Mrs. Rifkatu Duku, told Vanguard in Yola at the weekend that Yola North and

Yola South have the largest number of uncollected PVCs in the state.

She also disclosed that the commission had trained all its Electoral Officers, Supervisors, Presiding Officers and Assistant Presiding Officers for the election.

Mrs. Rifkatu Duku added that non sensitive materials have been distributed to all the 21 local government areas of the state ahead of the election.

PVCs, not to come to the polling stations on the day of the election to avoid being manhandled by security operatives.

ANAMBRA THE Anambra State REC, Mr. Edwin Nwatarali, claimed that the state has achieved 74 per cent PVC collection as of February 5, 2015, four percentage up from the preceding week.

The exercise has been decentralized in the state and following frequent announcements in the churches and market places, the rate of collection has increased.

Nwatarali said the commission was ready for the election and warned those who do not have,

Appropriate centres

NASARAWA The head of voters’ education and publicity, at the INEC office in Nasarawa State, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi disclosed that the state office had received all the non sensitive materials and a substantive number of card readers.

At so many centres visited, people were seen collecting their cards spending less than 10 minutes while those who could not access theirs were directed to the appropriate centres.

At the INEC Office in Chanchaga local government area collection centre in Minna, an INEC official who was simply identified as Hauwa said that the turn out has been very impressive but that they are still

EKITI 498598 out of the 732,598 PVCs earmarked for voters in Ekiti State had been distributed as at last weekend.

INEC in the state has equally taken delivery of all 2,653 card readers it would use for the conduct of the coming general election in the state in the entire 2,311 voting points in the state.

The Ekiti REC, Mr. Sam Olumekun, who disclosed this

NIGER The two day public holiday (Thursday and Friday) declared by the Niger state government to enable eligible voters collect their PVCs from designated centres has yielded positive result as those concerned turned out en mass to collect the cards.

expecting more cards.

She said “as you can see, the crowd has reduced, people are willing to exercise their franchise. Although, most people have travelled but we have given out over half of the cards”.

governance institutions is the fact that people who have interest in leadership are never given the opportunity. But here we are; somebody who has interest in leadership, somebody who has lived and practised leadership, somebody who has been involved in organising the community, now being given an opportunity to do what he has been professing and teaching all along. What it means is what could be termed preparation

Continues on page 39

said the 9,244 polling officials to be used for the election had also been prepared.

The Public Relations Officer of the commission, Mr Taiwo Gbadegesin said INEC is more than prepared to conduct a free and fair election asserting that the June 21, 2014 governorship election conducted in the state has given the state INEC an edge over others “We don’t have serious challenges, the last year governorship election conducted in the state has given us an edge over others JIGAWA The REC Halliru Tsmbuwal disclosed that 86.9 per cent of the 1,801,158 PVCs earmarked for the state have been received and distributed to the various local government areas for distribution.

He maintained that the commission has equally recruited 16,701 ad hoc-staff to complement the existing INEC staff to work for the 2015 general elections.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—39

Why I want to represent my people in N/Assembly — Ogun

•Ogun: I will generate employment

we can equip the clinics here, provide doctors’ quarters in the 21 wards, and these things are no big deal.

Secondly, we have land all over the constituency; we do mechanized farming to produce enough food that can crash the prices of food in the market and then, the excess food we produce will be processed. Now, how do you process? You set up factories and these factories will provide jobs for the young ones. Now, you are producing food and you are also employing.

The other one will be education. My plan is to get science graduates from this constituency and pay them higher than government is paying the teachers.

I will use private resources to pay these teachers and they

somewhere and you have to come and meet that need. That was how it all started.

What informed your choice of political party to launch your ambition?

A round 2005 when I came home, the only party then was PDP and the people who I know here, like the leader of the party here, who is my elder cousin is a PDP chieftain.

So I had to associate with them, even though some of them left the party for some reasons, but I did not see any reason to leave because I was not vying for any elective position then. I couldn’t say the party hasn’t done enough for me. I did not rely on the political

I will generate employment and provide for the people the basic things of life which I think is not rocket science to do. People are dying needlessly

BARRISTER Sergius Oseasoghie Ogun is the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for the House of Representatives for Esan North and South Federal Constituency of Edo State. In this interview, he gives an insight into his life as a businessman, politician, Christian and why he wants to represent his people in the House. Excerpts:

By Chioma Gabriel

N

OT much has been heard about you before this time, what have you been doing?

I run an oil and gas company which is a service company in the oil and gas industry. Our core business is running pipe in a drilling rig. It’s like when you are digging a borehole and as you dig deeper, you begin to put rings around it so that the well will not collapse.

That is what I do in the oil industry. As you are drilling and going deeper, we will be called in to case it using pipes so that the well will not collapse. I have been doing that for the past 25 years.

You are said to be into philanthropy, what informed this?

Some years back, my mother said we should start coming back home and know our roots and that was when we came back and rebuilt this house and sank a borehole.

Sinking of a borehole My mother said we should bring out pipes outside the fence so that people in the community could fetch water from it and when I did that, the people in the community celebrated it like a carnival and that was what touched me. It was never planned.

They showed me so much love and I said okay, the thing that can easily tie me down is to have a farm. I asked for a piece of land and they gave me a massive land to go and farm and I planted rice.

The manager of the farm was not able to harvest all the proceeds and the people on their own, youths, men, women and children mobilized to do the harvest. I did not give them a dime and I marvelled at the love they showed me?

The point I am trying to make here is that I never sat down one day and said I wanted to be a philanthropist. It’s just that there is always a need

party to feed myself, my family or fuel my car. I didn’t need anything from them to make me jump ship.

If elected, what major changes will you bring to the people?

The Agbazilo constituency is where I come from and they are the ones I pray to represent. First, I will generate employment and provide for the people the basic things of life which I think is not rocket science to do. People are dying needlessly. It is unnecessary and those things can easily be checked.

I want to collaborate with our brothers in diaspora, donor agencies, to try and see how

will in turn help the government teachers to teach our younger ones.

If you do this for two to three years, you will see a dramatic change in those leaving secondary schools and that will be a solid foundation as they go the universities and make good grades and become relevant in the society.

What are your chances against a formidable opponent like the APC candidate, Comrade Irabor?

I don’t consider him formidable. He was a unionist and I have worked for 25 years and have a business experience.

Business experience When people say you are not a politician, I don’t know what they mean. That somebody has not gone to read political science or what?

I am talking like a business man because I have been a businessman all my life and there is not much difference between politics and business.

You have to let them know what you intend to do, you have to let them check your records, your antecedents. When these things are in place, they will accept you. The politics I don’t believe in is sharing money and blackmailing people, which I will not and cannot do.

I am a born again Christian and I want to keep my faith.

Lastly, what will be your advice to your supporters as the elections approach?

I will tell them to be focused, check my records, look at what I have done even when I was not in government and that I can do more if elected. They should also vote wisely.

RIVERS: Amaechi’s good legacy is my inspiration — Peterside Continues from page 38 meets opportunity”.

Asked why Governor Rotimi Amaechi has not been regularly seen during his campaign rallies, Peterside said “I will not deny the fact that part of the platform on which I am running is the performance of Governor Rotimi Amaechi. It is a good legacy, nobody can deny that, it’s a fact.

We are running on a good legacy that will project the vision which will take Rivers state to its glorious future”.

On the allegation that the PDP governorship candidate in the state copied his roadmap which he had earlier presented to the masses in Rivers state, he said “I have said that my opponent in the PDP clearly copied my roadmap and while they were in the process, my people raised the alarm. It was in the media that these guys were about to clone

our roadmap. We dismissed it as one of those things. What he called his manifesto was a surprise to us.

"There is consternation among us that they could have the temerity to copy, word for word, most of what was in our programme. But you see, if it is not original, it is not original and anybody holding the two copies can clearly distinguish between the original and the photocopy”.

Roadmap to prosperity On his roadmap to prosperity for Rivers people, he said the plan has four cardinal programmes which includes; Public sector accountability and security of lives, physical and institutional infrastructure development and food security, social and human

development and empowerment, employment, generation and wealth creation.

Peterside’s prospects were said to have been brightened after his aspiration was endorsed by the council of traditional rulers from the four local government areas making up Ikwere land.

The council members were said to have endorsed Peterside to allow the riverine area produce the next governor. By their action, they said no other governorship candidate would receive the council’s endorsement. To this end, they’ve asked all Ikwerre persons to support Peterside.

In approaching the council for support, Peterside said: “Ikwere as an ethnic nationality has a very critical role to play at this point in time in the life of Rivers State. As custodians of Ikwere culture, Ikwerre values, at a time of national morale crisis, we

expect the custodians of our culture and value system as traditional rulers and fathers to lend their voices of reason so that the people can take the right path.”

The council it was learned reciprocated his early entreaty by endorsing him even ahead of their son, Wike.

The Vice Chairman of the council and traditional ruler of Akpor kingdom, Eze Orlu Oriebe, who represented Eze Iriebe of Nye Weli Akpor kingdom in acknowledging Peterside’s wisdom in reaching out to the council, said: “You are the only person (governorship candidate) who saw the need to visit the Traditional Council, and that you cannot go out there to tell our people anything without paying homage.”

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Obiazor hopes to shine at Heartland H

•Obiazor

eartland new goalkeeper, David Obiazor has said it is his time to shine at the Naze Millionaires in the upcoming 2014/ 15 Glo Premier League season.

The Super Eagles shot stopper recently switched allegiance from El Kanemi Warriors to the camp of the 2009 CAF Champions League finalists.

Obiazor said with the quality of coaches as well as players in the fold of the Owerri-based outfit he and his colleagues are certain to hit a landmark achievement in the coming league season.

“I’m confident that my mission to win laurels at Heartland will be achieved with the quality of coaches and players on ground.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen so far upon arrival at the Naze Millionaires camp few days ago and I believe with hard work and cooperation of everybody the mission to win titles as well as return the side to the continent will be achieved at the end of the coming season.

“I believe I’ll enjoy a stand out performance at Heartland in the upcoming league season,” said the former El Kanemi Warriors goaltender.

Obiazor said despite the presence of talented goalkeepers on ground at Heartland he is sure to command regular shirt.

“The goalkeepers I met at Heartland are good, talented and young I strongly believe with hard work and dedication to duty I won’t have any problem earning a regular shirt.

Drogba pays tribute to the Elephants

F

ormer Elephants’ skipper and Ivoirian legend Didier Drogba went through a storm of emotions while watching Côte d’Ivoire claim their second continental crown in Bata on Sunday night. The Ivoirians defeated Ghana in a penalty shootout in the final of the 2015 AFCON, with their greatest supporter witnessing the event with family and friends in London.

The Chelsea striker, who retired from international duties last summer after enjoying 106 caps for his country, was part of the sides that went all the way to the final of the African showpiece in 2006 and 2012 before falling to Egypt and Zambia respectively. And while the 36-year old was thrilled with the outcome following the C M Y K

dramatic shootout, he was a bit disappointed to miss out on the historic journey.

“Disappointed not to be part of this adventure, but happy and relieved that I left at the right time to allow you to grow!!!! Make this day Your day, Your victory, and the rest will be history,” Drogba said on his Twitter account, before paying tribute to his old brother in arms, Copa Barry who proved decisive against the Black Stars. “Boubacar Copa Barry, you made my sister-in-law scream! I love you my brother. Critics made you grow to become a national hero! After Alain Gouaméné (former Côte d’Ivoire keeper who helped the Elephants to their first AFCON success against Ghana in 1992, NDLR), Copa!!!

•Wolves

Warri Wolves FC set for B/Faso W

arri Wolves Football Club will depart the Oil city for Lagos today enroute to Burkina Faso tomorrow to begin their campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup competition. In a brief release made available to Sports Writers in Warri by the Media Manager, Etu Moses, the team made up of 18 players and 9 officials will leave Lagos by 15.00 hours.

According to Etu, the team has been in close camping in

Otu- Jeremi, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State after the Super Six in Abuja where the Coaches led by Paul Aigbogun have been perfecting their strategies for this crucial match.

Etu further revealed that some of the players that will make the trip are Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and Okiemute Odah, Goodluck Onamado, Eyimofe Joseph, Semiu Liadi who joined from Enyimba, Monday Osagie, Oke

Egyptian FA to compensate for Sunday’s deaths

T

•Drogba

he Egyptian Football Association (EFA) have said they will compensate families of the victims who died in Sunday’s stampede in Cairo a sum of US$3,500 each.

Nineteen football fans were killed as they tried to enter the stadium to watch Zamalek’s game against ENPPI when police tear gassed them outside the Air Defence Stadium.

The match went on and ended 1-1 despite the tragedy that ensued outside.

“We have decided to pay 500,000 pounds (US$65,000) as compensation for the

victims’ relatives. Every family will get 25,000 (US$3,500),” the EFA stated on its official website All league games have been indefinitely suspended since the tragedy and an official three-day period of national mourning is currently being held.

Meanwhile, the EFA have stated that a decision on whether to resume the league will be made later this week.

“There will be a meeting after the three days of mourning between the all concerned parties to discuss the possibility of resuming football activities,” the statement added.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 41

EPL Matches Today Chelsea Man Utd Southampton Stoke City C/Palace W/Brom

v v v v v v

Everton Burnley West ham Man City New Castle Swansea

7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 8pm 8pm

Ayew: Ghana deser ved more deserved G

hana deputy captain Andre Ayew believes the Black Stars “deserved” to

Pinnick: AFCON 2015 would have been better with Nigeria T

he just concluded 2015 Africa Cup of Nations would have been a bigger commercial success if Nigeria had participated, according to the Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnck.

The 44-year old was in Equatorial Guinea as a CAF official and reckoned that even though the tournament didn’t have powerhouses like Morocco and Egypt, it was a success, but added that it

Ogagotewho and Ibenegbu Ikechukwu. Others are Micheal Egbeta, Michael Okoyoh, Joseph Osadiaye, Stanley Dimgba,Abu Azeez and Bright Akpojuvwewo.

Also, some of the team’s U23 players like Ichull Lordson, Austin Amutu, Omoforman Freedom and Achibi Ewenike have been released and may make the team depending on the Coach’s plan.

Etu however disclosed that Oghenekaro Etebo was not released because the National team Coaches sent a word that he is nursing injury. Speaking on the match, Coach Paul Aigbogun is confident that he has enough materials to prosecute the match and called on Nigerians to pray for them.

would have been a bigger commercial success had Nigeria qualified.

“In football anything can happen and you never can say. Angola was not there, nor were Morocco and Egypt, so it wasn’t just Nigeria and I would say it went well all the same.

“But they (CAF) would have made more money if Nigeria had been present, and the Nigeria Football Federation would also have made a lot of

I’m a lucky coach – Renard R ecord-making Cote d’Ivoire coach Herve Renard has admitted to being on the better side of luck after winning the 2015 Afcon trophy on Sunday.

The Frenchman became the first coach to guide two nations to the cup feat, guiding Cote d’Ivoire to their second Afcon trophy after a 23-year drought.

He had also guided Zambia to clinch the trophy in 2012.

“We were lucky. We were down 2-0 and came back from behind.

I tried to tell them that even on penalties, it will be okay for us but you have to persuade them it will be our time because it is the same like in 1992. I believe in the history and I’m a lucky coach,” Renard told

SuperSport.

“The game was very tough; I think the two teams were a bit tired after five games and nobody wanted to attack so I feel it’s coming from God, coming from the luck but you have also to be strong.”

“Everybody worked very hard. Maybe we were not

•Renard

C

•Fabregas

C M Y K

strong like before because we missed some talents. You know a big player like Didier Drogba didn’t win this cup with Ivory Coast. It is a shame he is not here but I will like to give him a part of this c u p because h e deserves it.”

•Ayew

Fabregas returns to boost Chelsea’s charge helsea manager Jose Mourinho has been handed a major fitness boost after revealing Cesc Fabregas will be back in his side for the visit of Everton today.

Spain star Fabregas came off during the Blues’ League Cup semifinal victory over Liverpool with a hamstring injury and missed the draw with Manchester City and Saturday’s win at Aston Villa. But Mourinho confirmed Fabregas will be back in midfield for the showdown at Stamford Bridge as the Blues aim to maintain their seven-point lead over City at the top of the table.

“I think he (Fabregas) plays Wednesday (today) because on Saturday it was a decision to protect him,” Mourinho said.

“We didn’t want to risk two players at the same time. We risked with Willian and to start two players with a risk is a big gamble and we gambled with only one.” In the absence of Fabregas, Ramires had been selected in midfield, alongside Nemanja Matic, following his own return to full fitness and Mourinho admitted it was a great help to have such quality back-up.

money if we had qualified,” Pinnick claimed.

Pinnick also added, however, that Nigeria must qualify for subsequent Africa Cup of Nations starting from the 2017 edition.

“We now have to sit tight and make sure that we qualify for every Africa Cup of Nations starting from the next one, and as far as I am concerned, it’s going to be a priority for this football house and it’s starting today,” he stressed.

lift the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunday’s final defeat to Cote d’Ivoire left him in emotional turmoil.

Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the decisive penalty in this weekend’s shoot-out as the Elephants ended their 23-year wait for the continental crown by winning 9-8 on penalties after 120 minutes finished goalless.

Before netting the decisive goal, veteran Barry had set up the match-winning chance by diving to his left and pushing away the spot-kick from Ghana counterpart Razak Braimah.

After Barry ’s goal, Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard spent several minutes trying to console Ghana forward Ayew, who was in a state of despair.

However, the Marseille striker, who won the Golden Boot at the tournament with three goals, still believes the trophy was supposed to land in Ghana.

•Ivory Coast

42 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRURY 11, 2015

pected and leave the rapists behind bars. Apart from that, parents of the children will tell us to drop the case even when a rape case is established.”

Rape, sin against God; deserves death penalty-Religious leaders

Rapists on rampage:

Shocking stories of how minors have become endangered (2) IF recent reports are anything to go by, these are indeed strange times, especially in a country where there is an upsurge in girl-children being abused and robbed of their innocence by randy men who have become specialists in taking advantage of them and traumatising them in the process.

Last week, Vanguard Features, VF, began a report of the pathetic stories of several minors in Plateau State who were raped and left with emotional wrecks by some unrepentant rapists. The stories are as shocking as they are confounding as the reader is left wondering the kind of base instinct that could move a full grown man to have forceful carnal knowledge of a child as young as four or three years. But while the focus of last week’s report was Plateau State, it has since emerged that rape of minors or under-aged girls is actually on the increase across Nigeria, even approaching alarming proportion.

Continues from last week

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By Marie-Therese Nanlong, Jos

URIOUSLY, there have also been cases involving fathers and their biological daughters, stepfathers with stepdaughters, uncles with nieces, ‘trusted’ neighbours taking advantage of innocent girls and some security personnel philandering with young girls in their areas of operations as well as male teachers and their female students.

Beside the accompanying trauma, some of the victims have also in the process been infected with sexually transmitted diseases; some are left with unwanted pregnancies which result in their dropping out of schools.

Many parents and guardians attribute the rise to poverty, ignorance, influence of drugs, rit-

uals, inadequate punishments for assailants, drunkenness, lack of care and excessive intake of traditional medicine. Some believe that if you have HIV and you sleep with a girl who is a virgin, you will be cured.

Authorities confirmed that though many of the cases are not always reported due to several reasons, an average of 10 cases had been recorded in a month in the past six months. They assured that effort has been intensified to sensitize the people to know that rape of whatever kind is a crime against the state and must be reported.

Why rate of rape of minors is high, alarming The failure of the state in getting justice for the victims usually embolden prospective rapists to engage in this act knowing the chances of paying for their crime

is minimal.

It is against this backdrop that many have come to raise alarm j and condemn the rise in rape incidents in the State. Among them are the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Sarah Yusuf, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, the Plateau State ViceChairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Ibrahim Chindo, the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Balarabe Daud, a gynaecologist with the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, Prof. Olufunmilayo Para-Mallam who had researched extensively on genderbased violence as well as the Long Kwa, Miskagam Ignatius Didel. They have also agreed that it was high time that perpetrators were severely punished for the crime.

Mrs. Yusuf told VF: “The rape

of minor is really high. The rate of reported cases of rape of minors in the State in recent months is alarming. We never really had this problem in the past; this is a new phenomenon and it is becoming a problem for us. We have received so many cases of rape of minor in the State.”

Blame lawyers, judges--Police But in response to this, a policeman who did not want to be named said: “Let me tell you the truth, Police is frustrated with the issue of rape because people don’t even like to report it; when they do, a lawyer will come and say this and that. The lawyers will defend obvious suspected rapists and through superior arguments the judge will set them free.

“The judiciary should assist when such cases are charged to court; they should do what is ex-

Speaking on the issue, the State Vice-Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Ibrahim Chindo said: “To the best of my knowledge, such crime has not been reported to us. Rape is sin against God and a crime against humanity.

Anyone caught in the act should be prosecuted and no sane person should condone that.”

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque, Sheikh Balarabe Daud said rape is a very serious crime in Islam, which could attract death penalty if confirmed that such occurred. He warned parents to be on the watch to prevent their children from falling victim to rapists.

For Para-Mallam, a Professor of Gender and Development Studies and the Coordinator of Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society, CWEENS: “From what we in CWEENS have observed, I must confess there is a shocking increase in the incidents and prevalence in violence against women and girls, most specifically against minors. In time past, many people used to say that women get raped because of the way they dress, they get raped because they go out late at night.

Too often, people blame the victims for being raped.

“If a woman claims to be raped, they ask her what did you do, what were you wearing? But now, it is increasingly coming to the fore that little girls, girl children as young as 10 months old, 11 months old, 15 months old, two years, three years, four years are being raped.

“I tell you that one of the problems contributing to this is the high level of societal tolerance for violence against girls and women in general.

“Not only is there a high level of societal tolerance, there is also a situation whereby when girls and women experience rape, there is no adequate system in place to give them redress; so there is a very serious level of impunity where men know that they can do it and get away with it. There is a kind of nonchalant attitude by the society.

Raped by her father, disowned by family

If a woman claims to be raped, they ask her what did you do, what were you wearing?

“For instance, one of the ladies that came to us was raped by her own biological father not once but twice. When she dared to voice out what her father had done to her, her parents and the entire family turned against her and she became an outcast in her own home; in her family.

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2014 —43

Shocking stories of how minors have become endangered Continues from page 42 “She had to leave and so suffered a double jeopardy. Not only had she been abused and violated, she faced the injustice of victimization because she dared speak out. People are forced to keep silent.

“Another situation that came to our attention, all of them happening in Plateau State, a family living in a compound setting with another family and both of them are relatively poor, especially the family of the victim. Unknown to them, one of the men in the compound had called their daughter, a minor of 14 years, and began to entice her with money and sleeping with her.

“This girl got pregnant, he took her and aborted the pregnancy, the parents got to know but he begged and gave them some money, and it ended as a hushhush affair. The second time it happened, the girl got pregnant again, he took her for abortion and it developed serious complications. An NGO was called in and they came to us to look into the situation they were dealing with.

“What we have found out and like the Commissioner of Police had told us, there is a large level of complicity where families themselves fail to protect the girlchild and when the girl-child is even abused, they fail to ensure that she is given trauma care, counselling, justice through the apprehension and prosecution of the perpetrators. In many instances, these girls have to continue living with the perpetrators either in the same home or same compound.

“The tragedy of the situation is that where girls are supposed to be the safest, that is where they are being violated: by stepfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins, even friends of families.

It is a very serious problem.”

Conflict as a factor Giving reasons for the increase, she added: “There are several reasons like violence in society.

One of the after-effects of a society that has experienced conflict is the increase in violence against women and girls. During conflict situations, women often experience rape and other forms of sexual violence such as forced prostitution, sexual slavery, and forced marriage as we see with the Chibok girl, etc.

“During conflict situations, girls face this problem from security agents posted to communities to keep the peace and they end up stealing the peace of women and girls in this very insidious and horrible way. We also have an increasing culture of violence.

Though I am not justifying rape but very often men are not taught how to handle anger and frus-

•Dr. Soja Bewarang, Plateau State chairman, CAN tration so they turn it on the vulnerable and the weak.

“Another explanation is that in a patriarchal culture such as ours, too often, the rights of women are trampled upon; women and girls are not protected at all. In fact, they are totally denied. Men are brought up to feel that ‘I am the boss, I am in charge, I can command and control and have whatever woman I desire’. In such culture, women are often seen as sex objects; not only when a girl or woman is dressed half-naked, but women are objectified and seen as good for her reproductive capacity and sexual allure.

“Overwhelmingly, our culture is very derogatory and condescending, very discriminatory, very belittling of girls and women. This culture of looking down on the woman and objectifying her as a sex object contributes.

The poverty question

“Another reason which is so obvious is poverty. We have seen some cases where parents are induced to keep quiet because they were given financial incentives. They were told, ‘Okay, I am going to give you this money, don’t tell of what I did’ and many of the parents being poor will say, well let us take this money and see how we can help our daughter. A lot of girls also make themselves vulnerable for men to exploit them because they are looking for money. I remember a girl who I heard went to military checkpoint and told a soldier, please just do anything you want with me but just give me lunch.

“Recently, there was a little girl who was hawking groundnut in Abuja and a man came down from a Keke(tricycle) and said come, my oga is calling you, he wants to buy groundnut. Initially she did not want to go but the man asked don’t you want to sell your groundnut and she went.

Both the man and his partner raped the girl. She went to the police station but a policeman told her she was a fool to have followed the man. The victim ended up getting blamed and

nobody asked who these men were and how to arrest and prosecute them.

Difficult rapists

prosecuting

“The laws do not protect the woman, when we started investigating rape; we were shocked to discover how difficult it is to prosecute rape. According to law, a woman or girl or whoever is raped has to have a medical report from a public not even a private hospital; she has to prove beyond all reasonable doubt that she was actually raped. For so many people who have been raped, the last thing on their mind is taking themselves to hospital; they just go and hide in shame; there are no awareness, people don’t even know that they have to go and get tested immediately, it is really sad.”

An Investigative Officer of Child’s Rights Brigade International, CRiB, Dahot Yusuf said counselling of victims could reduce the trauma but many parents of minor always frustrate investigations processes because they don’t want to face what they call shame.

According to him: “Most times, evidences are not just enough to prosecute suspects because of

As he was trying to rape me, I bit him and he left me alone; because he locked the door, I could not go out, so he started begging me not to tell anyone and he gave me N500

•Sheikh Daud, Chief Imam of Jos Central Mosque

but such incident is not commonly heard among the natives.”

Dr. Patrick Daru of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH stated: “The rising cases of violation of children by adults, called paedophilia, deserve strong measures to address as a significant number of patients (minors) have been •Prof. Olufunmilayo Para-Mallam examined in the hospital and lack of proper awareness. Parents confirmed to have been raped but should know that when some- the recent strike action by health thing like that happens, they are workers might have discouraged not to bathe the children but get people from coming to the hosto a General Hospital for report pital as no recent case is registered and verification before the in large number.” evidences are lost.

“Another issue that hinders Enlightenment, parental prosecution of suspects is when care to the rescue the suspect and victim are from To stem the menace, the state different religion and culture. Ministry of Women Affairs and Recently in Kantoma, Mangu Social Development said it has local government area, because embarked on enlightenment camof the differences in languages paigns to alert parents and their and culture, relatives and friends children to this crime and how to of the suspect ganged up against avoid being violated. Yusuf said: the victim who is from a differ- “Parents also have to spend more ent tribe. time with their children, be clos“Medical personnel should er to them and teach them about also be sensitized because they sex education early in life and sometimes feel reluctant giving have interest in who their chilout the report because they don’t dren’s friends are and get the want to appear in court to testify. children positively engaged to Men mostly don’t sympathise avoid idleness.” with victims of rape but either Furthermore, Prof. Para-Malblame them or become lam advocated that: “Adequate indifferent.” laws should be put in place to Meanwhile the Acting Chair- protect girls. Doctors, teachers, man of Qua’an Pan Traditional religious leaders, parents should Council who is also the Long be compelled by law to speak out Kwa, Miskagam Ignatius Didel but whoever covers up rape, estold VF: “In Qua’an Pan, the case pecially of minor, should be punis not wide spread, but we only ished by law. record it around Namu area be“Police should be trained not to cause of the Fulani who migrat- re-victimize the victims and since ed from Nassarawa State to stay Plateau State has domesticated with us there. They seize things the Child Rights Law, it should belonging to farmers, kill them be applied where appropriate to and rape girls and women. We protect girl children and the pride are trying to arrest the situation of womanhood.”

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Philosophy, humanities and the national question in Nigeria (2) This is the second instalment of this discourse which was first published on January 30, 2015 of a perceived misinterpretation

By Tunji Olaopa of the humanities’ essence. Yet it EARNED people do not ask would be utterly wrong if we the question of relevance? think the humanities should not That is very strange! Robert contribute to the need to ‘bake Heilbroner, the US economist, bread’ or the collective effort to notes that ‘Less and less are we build a virile nation in Nigeria. I able to locate our lives suspect that I am on the same meaningfully in the pageant of page with Prof. Dukor and history. More and more do we Ifeanyi. find ourselves retreating to the However, and this is really sanctuary of an insulated crucial: it doesn’t appear as if my individualism, sealed off in our interlocutors understand the private concerns from the larger urgency of what is required of events which surround us.’ It is the humanities. The humanities so easy to see how Ifeanyi will eventually die unless we rejoiced in Professor Tatum’s begin to rethink the issue of outline of classical studies but it relevance. In this regard, my seems to me that he fails to see argument against the Nigerian the import of the professor’s philosophers still stands: I point. Or maybe he saw it but consider them surprisingly didn’t know what implication to invisible essentially because they draw from it. have, for long, refused to face up This is because Mr Ifeanyi to the relevance of their agrees with me that Plato’s intellectual enterprise in the assessment about the need for a national scheme of things. philosophical intervention in Socrates drank the hemlock political and national affairs is because the Athenian states exactly what classical studies is could not face up to his critical all about. Yet, he went on to submit scrutiny of Athens’ so-called that learned men don’t ask the democratic experiment. Plato question of relevance! My worry wrote the Republic because he with Ifeanyi’s submission goes believes, among other things, deeper. In the quote above, he that the philosopher cannot seems to draw a tight dichotomy escape living in the polis, and between ‘thinking to live’ and hence that his responsibility must ‘living to think.’ Is that dichotomy be assessed by the extent to a legitimate one? Isn’t that which he is able to use his critical distinction at the root of the many capacity to make that polis a troubles of the humanities today? better place to live.

We can, therefore, ask the Many troubles of critical question: Are there Nigerian philosophers who can the humanities dare to be like Socrates? Are there According to Cicero, ‘Socrates Nigerian philosophers who could was the first to call philosophy stand to be counted like Gani down from the heavens and to Fawehinmi, Wole Soyinka, place it in cities, and even to Claude Ake, Yusuf Bala Usman introduce it into homes and and several others who dared not compel it to enquire about life only to query the theoretical and standards and good and ill.’ foundation of our national but invaded Why do we think Socrates existence brought philosophy down from its esoteric ruminations about metaphysical issues?

Essentially because we just don’t live to think alone, however much that is good for what Professor Tatum calls ‘the formation of the self.’ We also significantly convert our thoughts to the issues of life and existence.

Living to think and thinking to Are there Nigerian live constitute, for me, two significant sides of the same coin. philosophers who When we fail to see it this way, could stand to be then we make the same mistake that Prof. Dukor and many other counted like Gani philosophers make that Fawehinmi, Wole philosophy does not bake bread.

I know Dukor and Ifeanyi meant Soyinka, Claude Ake, well. Both are dedicated to the Yusuf Bala Usman overall status of the humanities and several others in a world that thought them who dared not only to useless.

The fate of the humanities on query the theoretical the globe today is not envious.

In fact, the humanities are foundation of our endangered. And it would be national existence? wrong to keep quiet in the face

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constructively its fissures, social formations and forces.

Intellectual rebranding of the humanities: In this second part, I attempt an outline of the crucial challenge that the humanities face in Nigeria and a plausible methodology for responding to this challenge. The third part, sub-titled ‘Need for Marketing and Prodigal Projection of the Humanities’, will be dedicated to a strict advocacy of some policy recommendations that can kickstart specific pedagogical transformation to jumpstart the already waning national interest in the humanities.

Imagine you’re a marketer.

Further imagine that the public perceives your product as not worthy of spending their hard earned cash on. What are you supposed to do? There are three options available to you. First, you could move on to another product the public will like and buy.

Lack of insight Two, you could lament the public’s lack of insight in failing to see the significance of what you have to sell. Third, you could repackage your product in a manner that will convince the public of its worth. Globally, and since the dissolution of the significance of the liberal arts as a broad educational programme which prepares the students for existence, the humanities and the sciences have been involved in a protracted intellectual war. And the sciences are winning both the battles and the war.

The sciences are winning because they are perceived to be relevant. They pursue knowledge not for knowledge sake. Rather, science transmutes knowledge into technological breakthrough and we see the consequences all around us: television, telecommunication, transportation, computers, the Internet, better healthcare, and even the food we eat!

Science has become a brand that sells anywhere. When a student enters the university to study medicine, engineering, dentistry, nursing, laboratory technology, nutrition, radiology, biochemistry, microbiology and even mathematics or physics, the parents don’t worry as much as they do when their wards gained admission to study Yoruba or Linguistic or Religious Studies or Classics or Philosophy or even History and English Language.

No wonder my poor parents thought I was foolish or ignorant when I insisted I wanted to be a philosopher! Their most

immediate thought, like most good parents, was: how does being a philosopher put food on the table? If you don’t consider that a legitimate query, then you make yourself as unrealistic as the ostrich.

Human character And yet the humanities have placed their relevance, for far too long, on their supposed formation of the human self, of human character, and of the scrutiny of human cultures and societies.

These are noble and sublime subject matters and concerns.

And it is in precisely this shape that the humanities are facing the most crucial challenge on the globe. In other words, the humanities have been selling a product that has lost its allure for a long time.

And the idea of an intellectual rebranding has not occurred to many humanist scholars. This isn’t any longer the Renaissance period, the heyday of the humanities. We now live in the Age of Capital! Everything boils down to its cash value. No discipline can afford any longer to be insular or glory in the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Such a discipline will atrophy. And the humanities are weakening faster than their custodians can understand.

While students want to study disciplines that will add value to their life prospects, nations want disciplines that will facilitate the onerous task of nation building.

It seems logical therefore, within this context, that such nations will massively fund those disciplines they perceive as being relevant and starve those that seem irrelevant. I know this is a critical and sensitive matter. And I stand the risk already of being misinterpreted.

I stand the risk of being labelled ‘a sell out.’ But the humanities have been fighting a losing battle all over the globe - Europe, America, Asia, the third world.

Our intellectual predicament in Africa is worse. Any attempt at intellectual playfulness or grandstanding will doom us. Let me give an instance I am familiar with.

In the late 80s and early 90s, the emerging discipline of African Philosophy was embroiled in a wasteful debate about whether or not there is anything that qualifies as ‘African Philosophy.’ What could be more

frivolous! I have also heard of Derridean deconstruction. This intellectual strategy, however, significant as a theoretical instrument, would be utterly useless to scholarship in the third world if it doesn’t enable us deconstruct our national predicament in a manner that facilitates living the good lives for the people.

The charge of relevance requires that all disciplines, including those in the humanities and the social sciences, must readily dirty their disciplinary hands in the murky penumbra of national affairs. If the humanities see to the development of the whole man qua man, then they must help us in rethinking man as a good citizen too.

And this is the catch: the national question is too significant to be left to the machinations and arrogance of the sciences or other professional disciplines alone.

The humanities and the social sciences have a huge and critical role to play. That, essentially, is the imperative of relevance. Yet, we have been shying away from it for too long. Intellectuals can’t neglect praxis; the humanities must be redeemed by the practical.

As far as I am concerned, if a nation is listless, first ask its intellectuals; and specifically, ask its humanistic intellectuals.

Gerald Brenan, the British writer, says damningly, that ‘intellectuals are people who believe that ideas are more

important than values.’ Consider that an indictment. Yet Thomas Mann, the German writer is prescient. According to him, ‘every intellectual attitude is latently political.’

It is always oriented towards a deconstruction or a reconstruction of what we can call the national architecture. In the original article we are revisiting, I indicted the Nigerian philosophers precisely for making their intellectual attitude too latent to make a mark on the Nigerian political space.

In the Republic, Plato calls all philosophers to political action: the nation requires urgent philosophical assessment and intellectual redemption. Here, I indict all humanistic scholars. We have all refused, too overtly, to interject our disciplines into the national space.

To be continued

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015—45

Fraud allegation against me politically motivated —EX-EDO COMMISSIONER

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—MR Dennis Idahosa, who recently resigned his position as the Edo State Commissioner for Investment, Public/Private Partnership and other Related Matters, has denied allegation by the state government that he left the state Executive Council following petitions of alleged fraudulent activities levelled against him by some groups in Nigeria and abroad.

Idahosa recently resigned his position and defected from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, last week.

The state government, through the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louis Odion, had said that the governor had received series of petitions, mostly from overseas, alleging that Mr. Idahosa was engaged in fraudulent activities. The petitioners, purporting to be his victims, alleged that they had been swindled of huge sums of money.

However, Idahosa, who

Sapele NBA holds sensitisation rally on elections

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HE Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Sapele branch, has held a sensitisation rally across Sapele and environs to educate the electorate on how to exercise their franchise in the forthcoming general elections, warning that the bar will not tolerate electoral malpractices and other social vices in the various elections.

The lawyers, led in the campaign by their Chairman, Mr Gabriel Kerewi, marched through major streets in Sapele, imploring voters to ensure that the elections were free of violence, corrupt practices, rigging, electoral malpractices and thuggery, adding that the electorate have their inalienable rights to vote for candidates of their choice.

They urged the voters to ensure that their votes count, urging them to choose God fearing leaders with the power of their voters cards which they must not sell or exchange for any form of gratification.

addressed journalists, yesterday, said: “There is no truth in that. I have never been involved in any criminal or fraudulent act in my life both in Nigeria and abroad nor have I been arrested or tried by law enforcement agents within and outside the country.

“Basically, I will say that is Nigerian politics for you and I find it very laughable and I

know that you know too that when strange friends are fighting they don’t use sweet words for each other like you have in the case of couples undergoing divorce; they will never say good things about each other. As you can see for yourself, this is my residence where I live, you can see how transparent the whole compound is.”

Asked why he decided to dump APC for the PDP, he said: “There were no serious contending issues that led to my resignation. It was the decision of both myself and my people for us to move from the present government to another platform under the able leadership of our President and Commander-In-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan."

MEETING: From left: Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Eugene Juwah; Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson and Secretary-General, African Telecommunications Union, ATU, Mr. Abdoulkarim Soumaila, at the Third African Preparatory Meeting of ATU in Abuja.

‘UPU's endorsement of Emerhor, to actualise Uvwiamuge declaration'

By Onoja Innocent

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HE recent adoption of the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Delta State, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, by a faction of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, as the consensus Urhobo candidate for the 2015 governorship election, has been described as the right decision in line with the Uvwiamuge declaration aimed at producing a credible governor.

The APC Campaign Media Director, Dr. Fred Oghenesivbe, in a statement, said that the factional President-General of UPU, Chief Tuesday Onoge and his executive were men of impeccable integrity, who deemed it wise to align with the yearnings and aspirations of the Urhobo nation.

He said that Emerhor and the campaign team received the news of the consensus endorsement with joy, adding that even though the APC had made solid preparations for the governorship elections as a result of its winning structures in Delta State, the UPU endorsement of Emerhor will further facilitate victory for the

APC in the April governorship elections in the state.

Oghenesivbe said that the misrule of the past and the inability of the Federal Government to decisively tackle the problems of insecurity, poverty and dwindling economic fortunes of Nigeria have to a large extent earned Nigeria a bad image in the

international community.

He called on the Federal Government to stop the spate of media propaganda and attacks on the APC and its presidential candidate, pointing out that Nigerians were today wiser than in 1999 and so no amount of scheming and politics of hate can stop them from voting for change.

SURE-P trains 400 graduates on computer in Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—NO fewer than 400 graduates in Edo State are undergoing computer training under the Technical Vocation Education Training, TVET, facilitated by the Subsidy Reinvestment Programme, SURE-P. Former National President, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Peter Esele, who visited the trainees in Benin, yesterday, told newsmen that the aim of the training programme was to ensure that those trained would be able to stand on their feet as well as fend for themselves at the end of the training.

“What we hope to achieve from this programme is very clear. To ensure that those being trained stand on their feet and fend for themselves,” he said, adding that apart from the beneficiaries getting the computers used for the training, they are also being paid N20,000 allowance monthly throughout the duration of the training.

He added that as the person directly responsible for the TVET aspect of SURE-P on behalf of the Chairman, Gen. Martin Luther Angwai (rtd), “this training will last for 12 weeks and it is costing us about N400 million.”

Warri-North group endorses Diden, Ebosa for DTHA, DESOPADEC

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GROUP, Warri North Eligible Voters Assembly, has endorsed Michael Diden, for Delta State House of Assembly, Warri North constituency seat and Godwin Ebosa as the next commissioner to represent the Itsekiri ethnic nationality on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC. The group, in a statement

by Chairman of the group, Ekpen Olu, said that Diden had no match in an assessment carried out by the group, adding: “After a painstaking deliberation, it was obvious that Diden’s achievements towered over others.”

The group debunked insinuations that Diden was not capable of the challenges of the House of Assembly’s job, adding that all other aspirants who contested the Warri North constituency seat stepped down for Diden during the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, primaries in Koko.

Urhobo group drums support for Okowa

By Perez Brisibe

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G H E L L I — AHEAD of the coming general elections, an Urhobo group, under the auspicious of Urhobo Solidarity Forum, USF, has declared its support for the Delta State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.

Rising from its meeting at Ughelli, the group in a statement by its Chairman, Chief Asorho Smith, described Okowa as a detrabilised Deltan, who would continue with the Delta Beyond Oil policy of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan administration.

He said that Okowa’s grassroots reach and enormous contribution to the growth and development of the PDP and the state in general, make him the best material to take over as the governor of the state.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Why APGA wants Jonathan re-elected— UMEH

NAFDAC now Africa Regional centre for food safety

By Vincent Ujumadu

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W K A — N AT I O N A L Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has said the party threw its weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election bid to get the rights of the Igbo.

Addressing reporters at Aguluzigbo, his home town, Umeh, who is the party ’s senatorial candidate for Anambra Central, said APGA was mobilizing adequately for the re-election of President Jonathan.

He also said the party was vigorously campaigning for its candidates for national and state assembly elections.

He expressed optimism that APGA candidates were on course to win their seats and commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for heeding the popular opinion for the postponement of the elections to enable it prepare adequately.

He said: “Within the provisions of the law, the postponement is valid. The issues of security and others cited as the reasons for the shift were beyond INEC and it, therefore, had no other option than to the general opinion.

“Also, the issue of noncollection of the permanent

By Chioma Obinna

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HE International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, has designated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, as Africa Regional Designated Centre, RDC, for food safety.

To this end, a team of experts from IAEA, University of Nairobi, Kenya and National Laboratory of Support Agriculture Development, Cote D’voire, yesterday, arrived Lagos to undertake audit of the agency’s food laboratory at Oshodi.

Director of the Agency, Dr. Paul Orhii, who enumerated the benefits of the centre to Nigeria, added that it would now provide training to other member states in the region.

He said the selection meant NAFDAC would no longer take any food samples for test abroad, adding that it would generate revenue for the sustainance of the food accreditation laboratory.

voter cards, PVCs, by many eligible voters is a cogent reason, especially as millions of Nigerians were yet to

O fewer than 500,000 people of Ijaw ethnic nationality, yesterday, converged on Warri, Delta State, and vowed to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan’s reelection.

They contended that the president had done well in meeting the yearning and aspirations of Nigerians,

irrespective of tribe and party affiliations.

Addressing the gathering, President of Izon-Ebe Oil and Gas Producing Communities Association, Mr. Moses Edougha, said President Jonathan had been able to bring relief to every Nigerian through his transformation agenda.

finances, it was better to get it right before conducting it, than cancel it later due to poor preparations.

... as Ekweremadu tells INEC ‘no more story'

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—DEPUTY Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on Nigerians to accept the shift of the general elections as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and admonished the commission to ensure there was no further story on the rescheduled dates.

Ekweremadu stated this while speaking at a civic reception organized for him by the people of Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He said: “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. So if we need to do elections, we have to do it in the best of international practice.

“The whole of Africa looks up to Nigeria. So if we are

going to hold elections in Nigeria, the whole world wants us to see a transparent, free and fair election.

“Therefore, if the postponement will guarantee that standard, I believe that it is the best to do.

“We are hoping that the elections will hold according to the rescheduled dates. I am appealing to INEC to ensure that there is no further story on the rescheduled dates.”

TREASON: Feb 19 for hearing on bail application for Biafra 11 The accused persons, the “Biafra Zionist Federation is

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—JUSTICE D. V. Agishi of a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, yesterday, reserved ruling on the treason case against 11 members of Biafra Zionist Federation, BZF for February 19.

The suspects had attempted to declare a separate republic in Nigeria in Enugu, when they were arrested.

Ijaw hold rally for Jonathan in Warri

N

collect their cards.”

He added that though the postponement would impact negatively on candidates’

While calling for a nonviolence campaign and election, Edougha, however, frowned on the various attacks being unleashed on the President’s campaign team, adding that it was capable of heating up the polity.

Edougha, however, reminded Ijaw of the need to have their permanent voter’s cards.

currently held at Enugu Prisons will, on that date, know their fate, following the bail application by the accused lead counsel, Mr. Olu Omotayo, during yesterday’s sitting.

The application was, however, vehemently opposed by the Federal Government who is prosecuting the case.

Prosecution counsel, Mrs. A. G. Ezedigbo, on behalf of the Federal Government, had asked the court not to grant them bail on the ground that BZF is a violent movement seeking to restore the Biafra Republic, a political structure earlier disbanded by the Federal Government of Nigeria and cited the case between the ex-Niger Delta warlord, Dokubo Asari and the Federal Government.

However, the defence counsel, Mr. Omotayo countered and submitted that

a peaceful movement for the liberation of the entire Biafra people of former Eastern region of Nigeria and is not an outlawed organization in Nigeria.”

He stated that the instant case should not be likened to the case between Dokubo Asari and the Federal Government, which prosecution relied on in opposing the bail application.

“No two cases are exactly similar and even if they are, the court is not bound by a previous decision, because that would be putting an end to the discussion; no discretion in one case can be precedent for another.”

He further submitted that Asari’s case “is inapplicable because the prevailing circumstances in Niger Delta region are different from that of South-East now.

“The activities of the Biafra activists have not in any way created the situation obtainable in Niger Delta region then.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On elections' postponement

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HE elections should have held. Nigeria has never shifted the presidential election since independence in a democratic government.

Why now? If it is only three people that have the PVC, let them vote: whoever gets two votes is the winner.—Mr. Christian Ozor, Businessman.

E

LECTIONS should have gone on as scheduled on February 14 and 28. Under no circumstance should we have accepted the notion of elections postponement. This should not be a topic of debate at all in this country. But here we are. It is done.— Mrs Joy Emeh, Worker.

I

NEC should have made sure the polls continued as planned.

FG should declare public holidays so people can go get their Permanent Voter ’s Card, PVCS. They must also know that not everybody will vote or get their PVC.— Miss Nana Lawrence, Student.

A

LL the enemies of the country should realize that the people have resolved to take their destinies in their hands and under no conditions shall we allow any party to manipulate the process in their favour. Power must change hands.— Mr. Kazeem Aremu, Self Employed.

E

IGHT days to elec tion and millions of people do not have their PVCs. Ready or not ready, this postponement or not, the result will be the same whenever it is conducted— one candidate will emerge winner and the other, loser.— Miss Chika Dike, Graduate.

I

think other states should emulate the steps taken by Lagos State government, which is declaring a public holiday for voters to collect their PVCs. If that is done in all states, then the election can comfortably take place any time.—Miss Mabel Ogechi, Model.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015— 47

Teachers protest 11 months unpaid salaries in Bauchi B

By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—PLACARDcarrying secondary school teachers yesterday, stormed the Government House in Bauchi State to protest against 11 months of unpaid salaries.

The teachers, who arrived the Government House around 9am refused to leave despite the scorching sun.

Vanguard gathered that most of those being owed arrears of salaries consisted mainly of those newly recruited by the state government.

The protesters carried placards which had various inscriptions which read; “I cannot feed because I have not been paid salary; How can you work without salaries and We cannot feed our families, we are suffering.”

The protesters who lamented over their plight since their recruitment stressed that they could no longer cope with the trend and urged the government to address the situation.

Mr Tijani Abubakar who spoke

on behalf of the protesters, lamented that since the state government employed them on April 16, 2014, they had not been paid.

He said: “In the spirit of

leadership by example, we want Governor Isa Yuguda to intervene and address this situation because we are suffering.

“The situation is even more pathetic for those of us who were posted to remote areas in the state as they have to transport

themselves to and from work.

“For 11 months now, all we have been hearing from the ministry of education and the Accountant General is that we should be patient. But we discovered that the situation has continued to deteriorate."

BRIEFING: From left: National Coordinator, Children of Africa, Kunle Alaba, Brand Manager, Omo Unilever Nigeria, Sarah Adoki, a pupil Eniola Ogunbayo of Carol Primary School and Assistant Category Manager, Unilever Nigeria, Adetayo Adesokan at the Omo Imagine and Achieve competition briefing at the Carol Nursery & Primary School, Lagos.

Photo: Akeem Salau.

Gov Yari, Shinkafi urge supporters to remain calm over polls postponement

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By Salisu Maradun

USAU —GOVERNOR Alhaji Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar of Zamfara State and the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA in the state, Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, have asked their supporters to remain calm and avoid anything that could cause unrest in the state.

They spoke during an emergency meeting of Zamfara State Elders Forum with political party leaders, against the backdrop of the postponement of the February 14, presidential election in the country to March 28. Yari who is a member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is the candidate of his party for

the governorship election in the state.

The elders, under the leadership of the former NSO Boss, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi

L

By Boluwaji Obahopo

conferences, the two governorship candidates expressed disgust over the postponement of the elections but warned their supporters to shun violenceandremaincalmforpeaceto reign in the state.

....Postponement prone to suspicion —LCCI

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By Naomi Uzor

AGOS—THE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has said, that the postponement of the February 14 elections is prone to suspicion.

In a release by the President of LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, he said, the circumstances and sequence of events leading to the postponement could undermine the credibility of the

PAN debunks bird flu rumour OKOJA—THE Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Kogi State chapter has said that it had not witnessed any bird flu in the state since the out break of the epidemic last month.

Chairman of the association, Chief Sam Bello who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Lokoja yesterday said so far non of his members had recorded any incident of bird flu in their farms.

Bello attributed the absence of the disease in the state to the state government technical assistance and workshop on the said matter which helped them to take precautionary measures before the spread of the disease.

“Government interactions with organised poultry farmers in the

had appealed to politicians in the state to caution their supporters against violence or any action capable of undermining the security situation in the area.

In their separate news

state have been of tremendous benefits," he said.

electoral process.

He said the credibility of the electoral process is critical to the sustenance of political and social stability as well as economic progress of the country, adding that, the process needs to be managed in a way that would

Kaduna North PDP leaders mobilise support for Jonathan

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ADUNA—LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna North Local Government Area have said that they would mobilize majority votes for President Goodluck Ebele

Nwaobi commences DTHA election campaign

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SABA—MR. Emeka Nwaobi, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the Delta State House of Assembly, Aniocha North Constituency, has commenced his campaign tour of the various communities in Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The campaign train visited Onicha-Ugbo and Obior where Nwaobi received royal blessings from Obi Kingsley Ofuokwu, the Obi of Obior and Obi Henry Chukwumelieze of

inspire the confidence of all stakeholders.

“Business cannot take place in an environment that is socially and politically unstable.

This is another reason for investors to worry about current developments” he said.

Onicha-Ugbo during a courtesy call on the monarchs, while they prayed his success at the April elections.

At Obior, the team was received by the former commissioner for works, Chief Paul Osaji, who gave the assurance that the people of Obior will vote Nwaobi and all PDP candidates in the elections.

Also at Onicha-Ugbo, Chief Ifeanyi Nwaozo, Mrs. Ada Kachikwu and Mrs Beatrice Maidoh expressed the determination of the people to ensure the electoral victory ofNwaobi.

Jonathan because of the confidence he has in Vice President Namadi Sambo.

Speaking during the presentation of 12 vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws and other materials to 200 people in the local government area by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Vice President and founder of the Umar Sani Foundation, USF, Alhaji Umar Sani, the Sole Administrator of the Kaduna North Local Government Council, Hon. Rilwanu Abdullahi said the local government area belonged to the PDP adding that they would intensify efforts to make sure that the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, had no single vote during election.

According to him, they were prepared to match the opposition in allways,”peaceforpeaceandvotefor vote.”

ELECTIONS:

Youths march agaInst violence in Edo

B

ENIN CITY— HUNDREDS of youths in Edo state under the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, yesterday embarked on a peaceful rally in Benin City, sensitizing youths in the state against being used by politicians to perpetrate crisis following the postponement of the general elections to March 28, 2015.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Youth and Students Affairs, Comrade Jude Imagwe, admonished the youths at the rally against violence, just as he urged them to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan whom according to him, has better plans for the youths of the nation.

Imagwe noted that under the Jonathan's administration, the Country have witnessed transformation in key sectors of the nation's economy such as the transformation in the aviation, agriculture and transportation sectors adding that education has received more attention more than any other administration in the country.

“So I want to thank President Jonathan who has given our youths the opportunity to excel and the needed empowerment to succeed.”

Madam Monica Ugwu dies @ 91

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ADAM MONICA Nwoye Ugwu, 91, is

dead.

Her funeral ceremonies will take place at her home town, Olido Enugu Ezike, Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State on Saturday, February 21, beginning with a church service at her compond, Awokwuru Olido by 10 am.

She is survived by children and many relations, including her first son and former Principal Public Relations Officer Deputy Registrar, WAEC, Lagos, Chief Ignatius U. Ape.

Late Monica Ugwu

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

RETREAT: From left, GMD/CEO, UAC of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Larry Ettah, GMD/CEO, Flour Mills of Nigeria, Mr. Paul Gbededo; Executive Director, Corporate Services UACN, Mr. Joe Dada, and Managing Director, UPDC, Mr. Hakeem Ogunniran, at UACN’s 2015 Business Retreat, at the Golden Tulip, Festac, Lagos.

PRESENTATION: From left, Vanguard Administration Manager, Victor Gotevbe; South African High Commission's Consul General, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa; Vera Anyagafu, and Prisca Sam Duru, both of Vanguard, during the presentation of an award to the South African envoy, in Lagos.

AWARD: From left, Mrs. Oluwatosin Dokpesi, MD, African Independent Television, AIT; Simon Ebegbulem (Edo State Vanguard Correspondent) & President of the Initiative For Youths Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration, IYAMIDR, Solomon Okoduwa, during the conferment of Award of Excellence on Mr. Ebegbulem, in Abuja.

GRADUATION: From left, John Divine, Tommy Akai, Udeme Essien, and Samuel Offiong, all Masters of Arts graduates from Light of the World Bible College, and Theological Seminary, during the 6th matriculation and graduation ceremony of the seminary, in Lagos. .

PRESENTATION: Mr Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria (right), presenting car key to Mr. Abiodun Adio, a truck driver and winner of 2015 Range Rover model car, during the Airtel Red Hot Promo Star Prize presentation, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

MEETING: From left, 2nd National Vice President, University of Lagos Alumni, Mr. Lai Alabi; National Secretary, Mr. Tunde Fadahunsi; President, Olorogun Sunny Kuku; 1st National Vice President, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, and 1st Assistant National Secretary, Mrs. Tega Aiyenuro, during the address of Olorogun Kuku, at the Alumni general meeting.

C M Y K

VISIT: Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, presenting a souvenir to Governor Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom State, during the FOC’s courtesy visit to the Governor as part of his familiarisation tour to the Naval formations in Akwa Ibom State.

WEDDING: From left, Mother of bridegroom, Mrs. Dorcas Alao; Mr. Andrew Owunna, his wife, former Miss Ifeoluwa Alao, and the father, Professor Dayo Alao, during the wedding ceremony, at Seventh Day Adventist Church of Babcock University, in Ilisan Remo, Ognu State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 51

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52—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Buhari: Trivializing the irrelevant

By Adamu Gwazuwang

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S Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka put it the other day, ‘this intervention has been provoked, not so much by the ambitions of General Buhari to return to power at the head of a democratic Nigeria, as by declarations of support from directions that leave one totally dumbfounded.’

Nothing best describes the upsurge of vociferous but futile calls for Nigerians to forcefully swallow hook, line and sinker the arrival of a long awaited messiah in Buhari.

If political irredentism is a fixation, then we become quite familiar with this journey to perfidy, having travelled along same route in 2003, 2007 and 2011. Familiar in the sense that long before elections hold, celebrations begin that opposition has won. Then comes election day, results are announced and Election Tribunals here we come, etc, etc.

But perhaps this year’s election victory celebrations have never had so much grandiloquent exhibitions as the APC is demonstrating in the current campaigns.

Grandiloquent exhibitions To be sure, the APC whether individually as AD, ACN, CPC or ANPP have never been able to produce a presidential candidate of their own, in the real sense of the word. In 1999 when it became obvious to the socalled and self-called progressive parties of the left wing capitalist orientation that they could not go it alone, they hurriedly shopped for a presidential candidate in Olu Falae to challenge Olusegun Obasanjo of the PDP. All the other parties must have realised the master stroke of the PDP’s decision to allow its candidate come from the south west to appease frayed nerves in the region following the annulment of the June 1993 election. Added to the annulment was the death of Chief M K O Abiola, which singular event was capable of throwing national political stability overboard.

The PDP guessed right and chose Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and as it turned out, the choice fitted the political mood of the nation as he beat Olu Falae fair and square.

Then came 2003, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari comes on board the presidential race with the purposeful ambition of dethroning Gen. Obasanjo at the polls. He got C M Y K

his politics mixed up and following a series of discordant vibes coming from his ANPP campaign organisation, he suffered a huge defeat in the hands of the old war horse, Obasanjo who quickly moved to appoint some of the leaders of ANPP including its then national chairman to positions in his new Government.

That effectively put the ANPP out of contention and dealt the party a severe political blow from which it never recovered. It was not surprising, therefore, when in 2007, Gen Muhammadu Buhari emerged again as the ANPP candidate and he sought to actualize his presidential

dreams. Again, he failed as the PDP flag bearer Umaru Musa Yar’Adua defeated him at the

The Buhari campaign is travelling a familiar path which in his quiet moments does not appear to be in tune with his character traits

elections in what was regarded as not too free, fair and credible elections.

In 2011, Buhari said his presidential pursuit was an idea whose time had come this time under his quickly formed platform, CPC. Again Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan who had just risen to the office from a most controversial and intricate cobweb of political intrigues to succeed late President Yar’Adua, took the General to the cleaners at the polls after which Buhari himself vowed it was his last attempt ever at the presidency.

Now in 2015 Buhari has been forced to eat his words and he is not only in the race but is already celebrating victory because of their erroneous belief that President Jonathan is still a political delinquent and has too many problems to grapple with.

Not a few have bothered to ask Buhari exactly what convinced him to go back on his vow not to

run for the office of President.

Instead, he is being led around the country by discredited politicians of all shades and colours under the guise of being modern day progressives whose sole ambition is to grab the Presidential villa at all cost even before they decide what to do when they eventually do not get there.

The Buhari campaign is travelling a familiar path which in his quiet moments does not appear to be in tune with his character traits. Accompanied with so much dancing and merry making, we are yet to see Buhari himself dance or show any form of body language indicating he and his sponsors are on the same page. Time will tell and there is not much time left anyhow as the Buhari campaigns have suddenly assumed the notion of trivializing the irrelevant.

•Gwanzuwang writes from Abuja

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 53

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54 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

ELECTRONIC LOADING SCHEME:

NDA partners NTI on capacity building

PEF registers 13,600 trucks

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T

HE Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, has sought the collaboration of the National Teachers Institute, NTI, in the area of professionalism and capacity building.

Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy in company of the Provost and the Adjutant made the declaration at the office of the Director-General of the Institute Dr. Aminu Ladan Shehu during a courtesy visit.

The Deputy Commandant of the Academy, Air Vice Marshal ABC Nweze, said the Nigerian Defence Academy was established in 1964 with the mandate of recruiting and training young Nigerians into the Armed Forces.

In 1986, the Academy introduced degree programmes into its system, thus enabling it to offer both military and academic training to graduating young and professional military officers. In view of that, the Academy cannot but run by efficient and well trained workforce.

According to the Deputy Commandant “teaching itself is a living profession; things keep changing, new things are introduced and it is important to keep in touch with new developments”.

He said NTI is the only well known and recognized teacher training institution in Nigeria, thus the reason for their visit to discuss and see areas of interest and collaboration.

He further emphasized “The Nigeria Defence Academy decided to come around and seek for advice and ways of collaboration especially as we are a training institution and you are expert in teacher training”.

In his response, the Director-General/Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute, Dr. Aminu Ladan Sharehu thanked the visitors for coming while relating the mandate and scope of coverage of the Institute; “ the National Teachers’ Institute is everywhere in Nigeria, we have offices in all the 36 States of the Federation including the Federal Capital Abuja”.

The DG disclosed to the visiting officers that NTI is in the business of training and re-training of teachers across the country.

MEETING: From left, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sarafadeen Ali; Oyo State Labour party governorship candidate, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala; Chairman Oyo State Labour party, Mr Gbenga Olayemi and Senatorial candidate, Mr Olu Abiala during a meeting with teachers in Ibadan,Oyo State.

Boko Haram abducts 20 in Borno village

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—NO fewer than 20 persons, including women and children were, last Sunday abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists at a village in Bama local government area of Borno State, security sources said.

The villagers, according to a security source who spoke on phone, said the people were abducted at AkadaBanga village in Bama local government area of Borno State, while traveling to another village in Chad.

A top security source who usually speaks anonymously

NEMA committee probes alleged rape, child trafficking in IDPs camps

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BUJA—THE National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, says it has constituted a committee to investigate allegations of attempted rape and child trafficking in some Internally displaced Persons, IDPs, camps in the North-East.

A statement signed by Mr Sani Datti, NEMA’s Senior Information Officer, and made available to newsmen yesterday in Abuja, said that the move was in reaction to an online publication entitled “Grim Tales of Rape, Child Trafficking in IDP camps”.

According to the statement, the report was written by one International Centre for Investigating Reporting (icirnigeria.org), and republished

by Premium Times, also an online based news organisation.

It stated that Alhaji Muhammad Sani-Sidi, the NEMA Director-General, had met with stakeholders in Abuja on Monday during which the committee was set up.

According to the statement, the terms of reference of the panel

which takes two weeks to conclude its investigations, include verification of the allegations by the centre.

It is also expected to interact with all stakeholders, hold town hall meetings in all the camps mentioned in the report, interacting with the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, NEMA North-East Zonal office, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMAs, Department of State Services, DSS, Red Cross, Arm, and the Police, among others.

Membership of the committee comprise representatives of the State Security Service, the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Red Cross Society and Office of the National Security Adviser.

Other members from the National Human Rights Commission, National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons, Journalists against Disaster, NEMA, SEMAs in Borno, Adamawa, and Gombe, Civil Defense Corps and the International Organisation for Migration, IOM.

because he is not allowed to speak to the press directly, said: “The information we received yesterday from our personnel in the area revealed that the abducted commuters were coming from Walasa village in Bama local government area where they went to attend a weekly market.

“The Boko Haram terrorists attacked Akada-Banga village on February 8 and in the process waylaid a passenger bus conveying some villagers, among who were women and children.

“They abducted all of them by taking them to an unknown destination. They abandoned the bus in the village.”

The source described AkadaBanga as an agrarian community located north east of Bama in Amchaka District.

BUJA—THE Petroleum Equalisation Fund, PEF, (Management) Board said that it had registered 13,600 trucks in the second phase of its electronic loading scheme tagged “Project Aquila 2”.

The Executive Secretary of the Fund, Mrs. Adefunke Kasali, announced this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday.

Project Aquila is an automated electronic loading scheme aimed at providing accurate data for petroleum products distribution, ensure transparency and efficiency in the management of bridging claims to marketers.

Kasali said the exercise entailed the registration and tagging of trucks used for the transportation of petroleum products across the country to ensure proper monitoring and delivery of the products.

She said that the second phase of the scheme was an improvement on Project Aquila 1 which only tracked products from loading to delivery at destination depot.

“Project Aquila 1focused on depot to depot activities but “Project Aquila 2” is to track products movement from depot to outlets to check diversion.

“It is to ensure that any product that is meant for particular outlet actually gets to its destination.

“With the new scheme which has large capacity more than the old one, it will be difficult for anyone to steal products while in transit,” she said.

According to her, the second phase of the scheme’s tag is engraved to the body of the truck, it is a more permanent system that cannot be tampered with.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 55

Kogi owes teachers N1.6bn—SUBEB

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—THE Kogi State government has admitted owing its teachers N1.6 billion as arrears of salaries for November and December last year.

Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mallam Nuhu Ahmed, who spoke In Lokoja yesterday while addressing journalists in his office, however gave the assurance that effort was being made to clear the backlog of salaries.

Nuhu listed Ajaokuta, Ofu, Okene, Omala, and

Olamaboro Local Government Areas as the places where teachers were yet to receive their November, 2014 salaries while all the teachers in the state were being owed their December salaries.

His words, “The board is working with finance experts to ensure that no teacher is left unpaid, though teachers may not be paid their full salary owing to the dwindling allocation from the Federal Government.

“We do not want a situation where some teachers will be paid while others are not paid. We are working to ensure that all teachers are paid,

even if it means that they will not collect full pay.

“We will commence payment of the teachers salaries this week starting from the January salary and other entitlements.”

He urged teachers in the state to be patient with the government as everything was being done to guarantee steady payment of their salaries.

Nuhu, who commended the teachers' leadership for their understanding and cooperation, stressed that the state government was working very hard to make life better and more meaningful for their members.

Power tussle btw registrar, director rocks NECO

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—UNLESS the Federal Ministry of Education intervenes in the power tussle at The National Examinations Council, NECO, is now engulfed in crises following the alleged power between the registrar and a director in the council.

Following the development, some unknown people Monday, invaded the headquarters

of the council in Minna, the Niger State and embarked on a protest demanding the immediate final disengagement of the Registrar from office.

As a result of this, some police personnel were invited to intervene in the matter for sanity to prevail.

However, addressing reporters at the NECO office yesterday, the Chief Executive/Registra of the Council, Professor Promise Okpala said he was still in charge of the office and had not handed over to

Customs nabs 246 smugglers, seizes N8.79bn contraband in 2014

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it made 246 arrests and seized 7,519 contraband worth N8.79 billion during its anti-smuggling campaign in 2014.

This is contained in the Service’s Annual Report released by the Enforcement, Investigation and Inspection Department in Abuja.

According to the report, out of the arrests, 26 persons have been convicted during the year under review.

It also stated that the seizure during the year decreased by 697, while the Duty Paid Value (DPV) on seized goods increased by N285.73 million from N8.50 billion recorded in 2013.

A commodity analysis of the report showed that 241,278 units of 50kg bags of rice worth N1.41 billion in 2,719 were seized

recorded during the year.

The report showed that 1,702 vehicles worth N2.14 billion were seized in 1,672 operations, while 115,216 cartons of poultry products worth N622.52 million were involved in 510 operations during the year.

It added that 1.75 million dollars, an equivalent of N281.26 million, was seized, while 38,628 bales and sacks of textile materials worth N743 million were seized in 338 operations.

The report said other goods worth N3.66 billion were seized in 2,265 operations; 1,030 bundles/ pairs of camouflage as well as 122 units of arms and 32,622 rounds of ammunition were recorded.

According to the report, the Service has recorded some milestones in capacity building of officers during the year, adding that 919 of them were trained in weapon and 550 in military police training.

any director.

“I am still in charge and still remains the Registrar of the Council as I have not handed over to any director. I still have all the instruments granting me permission to be on this seat until my tenure elapses,” he said.

Okpala explained that he actually received an official letter from the Federal Ministry of Education that he should proceed on terminal leave but that he drew the attention of the authority to the fact that his appointment is political as he was not a civil servant which he said was corrected.

“I actually got a letter from the Federal Ministry of Education asking me to proceed on terminal leave but I quickly replied by drawing the attention of the ministry to the fact that I am not supposed to comply until my tenure is over and another letter came immediately directing me to continue in my capacity as Registrar.

I am not a civil servant but a political appointee.

I am here on tenure and I have less than two months to go and I will leave only at the expiration of my tenure more so when I have all the official instruments that keep me here and I want to tell you that if am not armed with the instruments, I would have left,” he further explained.

The Registrar wondered why a group of people were so desperate to remove him unduly from office especially where he had stayed for almost eight years with good records to show.

56 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11 , 2015

US Islamic State hostage Kayla Mueller confirmed dead

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Ukraine conflict: Battles rage ahead of peace talk today F

IGHTING has surged in eastern Ukraine as government forces and pro-Russian rebels try to make gains ahead of expected peace talks today Rebels carried out rocket attacks on a key military base and a residential area in Kramatorsk, officials say, killing at least seven civilians.

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s volunteer Azov battalion has launched an offensive against separatists around Mariupol.

More than 5,400 people have died since the conflict began last April.

The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, France and Germany are due to meet in the Belarusian capital Minsk today to hammer out a peace deal after months of fighting.

Russia denies Western and Ukrainian accusations of sending troops and arms to support the rebels and has warned the West that sending arms to Ukraine would worsen the crisis.

US President Barack Obama said on Monday that he had not ruled out

Residents in Kramatorsk gathered to examine a rocket stuck in the ground after yesterday’s shelling supplying “lethal defensive weapons” to Ukraine if diplomacy failed.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko told parliament that the

government’s military headquarters at Kramatorsk airfield had been shelled by rebels.

Syrian government launches offensive against rebels in south

S

YRIA’s army yesterday gained ground from rebels in the south in what a monitoring group described as a large-scale offensive in the region backed by Lebanese

Hezbollah fighters against insurgents including al Qaeda’s Syrian wing.

The south is one of the last remaining areas where mainstream, nonjihadist rebels fighting

President Bashar al-Assad have a foothold. Just a short drive to Damascus, the area remains a risk to the Syrian leader, who has otherwise consolidated control over much of the west.

HE US has confirmed the death of aid worker Kayla Mueller, the last American hostage known to be held by Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.

Her family said they were “heartbroken” to learn the news, and released a letter written during her captivity.

Paying tribute to her, President Obama said “she represents what is best about America”.

Last week, Islamic State said she had died in a Jordanian air strike, without providing proof.

Ms Mueller, 26, was abducted while working in Aleppo, Syria in 2013.

“Our hearts are breaking for our only daughter, but we will continue on in

Ms Mueller studied at Northern Arizona University peace, dignity, and love for her,” her family said in a statement.

In a letter written in 2014, Ms Mueller tries to reassure her family, saying that she had been treated with “utmost respect and kindness”.

Putin, Sisi vow to fight threat of terrorism

U

NITED by a deep hostility toward Islamists, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russia’s Vladimir Putin said yesterday that they were both committed to fighting the threat of terrorism.

The general and the former KGB officer found common ground on security at talks in Cairo that signaled a rapprochement between their two countries, at a time when relations between Egypt

and the United States have cooled.

Sisi, who is fighting a raging Islamist insurgency in the Sinai region, said Putin had agreed with him that “the challenge of terrorism that faces Egypt, and which Russia also faces, does not stop at any borders”.

Putin, making his first state visit to Egypt in a decade, said they agreed on “reinforcing our efforts in combating terrorism”.

Boko Haram crisis: Niger to send troops to Nigeria N

IGER’s parliament has voted to send troops to Nigeria to join the fight against militant Islamist group Boko Haram.

The vote took place after Boko Haram attacked a prison and detonated a car bomb on Monday in the town of Diffa, near Niger’s border with Nigeria.

MPs said parliament unanimously authorised deploying 750 soldiers with a regional force battling Boko Haram.

The Boko Haram has increasingly drawn in Nigeria’s neighbours.

On Saturday Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin agreed to establish a 7,800-strong force to fight the group.

Boko Haram launched its first attacks in Niger last week, and has vowed to create an Islamic state.

Niger’s President Ma-

hamadou Issoufou, a Muslim, vowed to defeat Boko Haram.

“All the Nigeriens know

that these guys are not Muslims. On the contrary, what they are doing is not helping Islam,” he said.

S/Sudan on brink of famine, UN warns

A

ID workers in South Sudan are finding it hard to operate because roadblocks are suddenly being erected in some areas, the UN’s top official for humanitarian assistance has said.

The UN warned two and a half million people are on the brink of famine, and food stocks in some places could run out by next month.

The organisation also said more than six million people, over half of South Sudan’s population, need aid.

The situation is “ worrying” as demands are being made of humanitarian workers before their convoys are allowed to proceed, Valerie Amos told reporters in the capital Juba on Monday.

“Roadblocks are just being suddenly established and demands being made of humanitarian workers that they pay to allow the convoys to go through,” the AP news agency reported her as saying.

Niger is expected to contribute 750 soldiers towards a regional force

Tutu remembers Mandela's release from prison called that many people no The Archbishop lauded

S

OUTH African Arch bishop Desmond Tutu yesterday hailed the day Nelson Mandela was released from prison 25 years ago as a “massively significant moment” freeing a man of “extraordinary magnanimity”.

Marking the February 11, 1990 liberation of the anti-apartheid leader and South Africa’s first black president after 27 years of imprisonment, Tutu re-

longer remember what Mandela looked like when he walked out of Victor Verster Prison, near Cape Town.

But those hazy memories, he said, did not diminish the palpable importance of the day.

“We felt it was a massively significant moment for South Africa and the world, and time was to prove us right,” said Tutu in a statement.

Mandela for his commitment to creating a non-racist society, and for his lack of bitterness towards his former oppressors.

The cleric — who was among the first people to see the freed Mandela — said the apartheid government had not only imprisoned the iconic activist, but also unsuccessfully sought to scrub him from public memory.

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Orgy of killings grip Imo as assassins go on rampage

By Chidi Nkwopara

T

HESE are not the best of times for people living or passing through Imo State. To put it mildly, bizarre things are happening in the state. Imo is gradually but, steadily turning into a killing field. The way the pendulum is swinging, is most disturbing.

Victim No. 1: On the evening of Sunday, January 25, 2015, a gang of blood-thirsty hoodlums decided to splash precious human blood at Ugwu-Orji, Owerri North local council area of the state.

These criminals descended on an innocent citizen and generously sprayed hot lead into the fragile frame of a serving Commissioner in the State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Tobias Onyekele.

The hapless Onyekele, who formerly served as Chairman of Ihitte-Uboma Local Government, was said to be driving in his Sports Utility Vehicle when the dare devils overtook his vehicle and forced him to stop. It was also gathered that Onyekele stoutly refused to comply with the instructions of the rampaging armed hoodlums and was subsequently shot at close range.

Stomp on dead body Crime Alert gathered that the rampaging hoodlums tauntingly stomped on the dead man’s head, possibly to reconfirm that he was dead before jumping into their getaway car and zoomed off into safety.

Police angle: Confirming the sordid incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, said “The hoodlums wanted to kidnap the deceased at a point near the fly-over bridge at Ugwu-Orji. He refused to comply with the assailants’ orders and in an attempt to escape after alighting from his vehicle, the hoodlums shot at him severally. The police has deposited his remains at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, morgue.’’

Victims No. 2 & 3: Before the gruesome murder of Onyekele, there were other instances. A cash supply officer in the office of the state's Accountant-

•GovernorOwelle Rochas Okorocha General, Mr. Augustine Nwugo, was reportedly murdered during the last Christmas festivities.

This sad incident came on the heels of the reported assassination of a former member of the State House of Assembly, Kingsley Nkemka, who until his death, was Special Adviser to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly on Administration. The story weaved around this incident was that he was mowed down in his Mbieri, Mbaitoli local council area country home.

Another sad aspect of Nkemka’s death was that he became the SA Administration, after the occupant of the seat and fine gentleman, Pastor Adoba, was similarly murdered.

Official duties Late Nkemka, it was gathered, was angling to represent Mbaitoli/Ikeduru federal constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. He was said to be visiting with one of his coordinators within the constituency, when the daredevil gangsters struck.

Victim No. 4: Imo people have equally not forgotten too soon, the case of the Protocol Officer in Government House, Owerri, Mr. Laz Anyanwu. He finished his official duties for the day and was retiring to his private residence when the hoodlums struck.

His assailants reportedly laid siege close to his residence and when Mr. Anyanwu noticed some unusual happenings around his compound, he released his Alsatian dogs.

The dogs immediately charged at the intruders but they were summarily despatched by lethal fire from the attackers. With the dogs out of the way, the hoodlums bundled Mr. Anyanwu out of his compound. He never came back alive. His lifeless body was later discovered where it was abandoned.

•CP Imo, Abdulmajid Alli ever-busy Owerri-Onitsha expressway. Giving details of this later incident after displaying the lifeless bodies of the robbers, Mr. Enwerem said that the patrol team was still tracking the fleeing kidnappers when they received a distress call that

Bereaved family The bereaved family later picked and buried whatever remained of him. They are still grieving till date.

Victim No.5: The case of the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Emenike Ihekwoaba, an architect by training, is most disturbing.

He was kidnapped in 2012, on his way to Nkwerre, his country home. Nobody has seen him till date. Nobody can convincingly tell if he is alive or dead. His family has remained in the dark and is not sure whether to mourn or continue hoping for his eventual return.

Police onslaught: As news of the murder of Onyekele spread like wild fire, the PPRO confirmed the killing of two suspected armed robbers at “No Man’s Land”, along the

armed robbers were operating along Owerri-Onitsha express way.

“The police quickly moved in and on sighting the patrol team, the robbers opened fire.

During the exchange of fire, one of the robbers was gunned down and others escaped with gunshot wounds,’’ t he said.

The Police spokesman also said while the police was still combing the area, they picked the second suspect, stressing that he however, died on the way to hospital.

“Items recovered from the hoodlums included one locally- made shotgun, two machetes, three expended cartridges, torchlight and a toy gun. The Command is still investigating the two cases,’’ the PPRO said.

CP on the offensive

The dogs immediately charged at the intruders but they summarily despatched the dogs, with the dogs out of the way, the hoodlums bundled Mr. Anyanwu out of his compound and he never came back alive

Crime Alert gathered also that based on this development, police authorities have swung into action with a view to unearthing the motive for such killings, whether it was murder, assassination or contract killing, who the perpetrators and their financiers are, etc.

It was reliably learnt that the state police boss, has since set up a crack team of detectives with marching orders to unravel the mysteries surrounding the killings and bring the perpetrators to book without delay.

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Heroic welcome for the new African Champions. Photos: AFP

*CELEBRATION... (L-R) Ivory Coast’s defender Kolo Toure, forward Gadji Celi Junior Tallo and midfielder Yaya Toure celebrate at the end of the penalty shootout.

HAIL THE CHAMPIONS... Ivory Coast’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2015 African Cup of Nations final. Ivory Coast ended a 23-year Africa Cup of Nations title drought by winning 9-8 on penalties against Ghana.

*SUPPORTERS... Ivorian Supporters hold a replica of the African Cup of Nations trophy as they welcome their heroes at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

*ALL-4-ELEPHANTS . . . Ivorian dancers perform during a welcoming ceremony at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium to greet the heroic Ivorian national football team in Abidjan last Monday.

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*THE PASSION... Supporters of Ivorian football national team scramble to climb a barbed wire iron wall to enter the Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan to welcome their heroes.

*MAN OF THE MOMENT... Ivory Coast’s national football team coach Herve Renard and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara wave at the crowd during a welcoming ceremony.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015 — 63

Directors of Sports commend NOC

D

•Lt Col Joseph Eduoku, Commandant of the Army Day Sec Sch, Military Cantonment, Ikeja presenting the opening address at the school’s Inter House Sports competition recently.

NFF Continues from BP Stephen Keshi to the executive committee of the federation.

Speaking to journalists yesterday after his committee’s meeting, Chief Agwu said a coach for Super Eagles will be named before the friendly matches scheduled for the FIFA free window in March.

He observed that since Keshi had done a lot for the country in the past, there is nothing wrong in sticking with him.

On reports that Stephen Keshi had complained that he rarely gets information from the NFF in respect of his alleged unpaid wages as well as his supposed employment as the coach of the national team, Agwu denied the reports,

Black Continues from BP Stars for finishing runners-up at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea.

The Black Stars came close to winning a fifth continental title but missed out to Ivory Coast who triumphed 98 on penalties in Sunday’s final played in Bata.

Ghana were on the brink of early elimination at the tournament when they lost their opening Group C match to Senegal.

But Avram Grant and his charges dusted themselves off that slow start and won their remaining Group matches against Algeria and South Africa to

IRECTORS of sports from across the country who succesfully completed the international Olympic Committee/ Nigeria Olympics Advanced Sports Management Course held in Lagos have commended the Nigeria Olympic Committee for bringing the course to Nigeria.

The commendation was made during the closing ceremony of the fifth session of the course that ended at the weekend at the Board room of the Nigeria Olympic Committee when the participants were presenting their project.

Course facilitators, Professor Clement Fassan of the Lagos State University and Jonathan Dyagas, account at ANOCA Headquarters Abuja equally commended the executive committee of the Nigeria Olympic committee led by Engr.Habu Gumel for the good initiative and prayed for more of such courses which they believe will put Nigeria Sports administrators in their right frame of mind as well as place them at the zenith of their career.

Assistant Professor, Akeredolu Oluwole who joined the facilitators in acessing the project defence, pleaded with the NOC to increase the number of participants during the next stage of the course having seen it as a big plus for country.

saying that the federation held the former international in high esteem even as he agreed that a man who has worked deserves his wages.

“I have been communicating with Keshi, in fact he is a personal friend and we have been working together. I also want to tell you that I am more anxious than you people are in this quest to get a coach for our national team”.

The chairman of Enyimba International, however, refused to disclose whether the discussion of the technical committee centred solely on Keshi or some other coaches were also discussed, even as he insisted that the job was always open to every qualified Nigerian.

Continues from BP

reach the knockout round.

They then clinically dispatched Guinea 3-0 in the quarter-final and replicate that scoreline against hosts Equatorial Guinea in the semis.

“And for achieving that feat, we are grateful to the team and this is a team for the future and the sky we know will be the limit,” Mahama confirmed after meeting with the players at the Flagstaff House in Accra on Tuesday.

“Government is pleased to announce that we are giving each one of you an amount of US$25,000 for going that far.”

Ghana players pocketed US$ 50,000 each for reaching the final of the Nations Cup.

congress.

The change in the rule follows success in recent years in adapting the statutes to limit potential opponents to Hayatou’s rule.

Caf previously brought in a rule that candidates for its presidency can only come from the ranks of its own executive committee, a tight-knit club closely controlled

by Hayatou. Fifa does not have the same restriction.

Cameroon-born Hayatou, a former athletics official, is already the longest serving senior member in Fifa structures, where he acts as vice president, and has had few challengers for power in Africa.

Hayatou

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015

Black Stars get N4.3m each P

RESIDENT John Mahama of Ghana has announced a US$ 25, 000(N4.3m) for each member of the Black Continues on Page 63

Why Keshi should stay — NFF Tech. Comm.

By Jude Opara, Abuja

A

S Nigerians await the appointment of a substantive coach for

the senior national team the Super Eagles, chairman of the technical committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Chief

Anynsi Agwu says his committee had passed its recommendations on the reappointment of

Continues on Page 63

TRIUMPHANT RETURN: Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara and Elephants captain Yaya Toure wave to the crowd during Afcon trophy parade in Abidjan.

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

•Ayew

Hayatou wants to stay on

C

ONFEDERATION of African Football president Issa Hayatou wants to change the body ’s rules on age limits so he can continue into the next decade.

Caf requires officials who reach 70 to step down but a change will be proposed and discussed at a congress in April.

Hayatou, 68, is in his seventh term of office, having been elected in 1998.

“Fifa does not have age

Pinnick: Afcon 2015 would have been better with Nigeria — Pg 41

limits for its committee members so Caf wants to bring this in line with them,” executive committee member Kwesi Nyantakyi said.

Hayatou’s current mandate ends in 2017 and he is seeking four more years until at least 2021, when he turns 75.

The Caf statutes state that “at the time of their election, all candidates nominated to the Caf Executive Committee must be “Bona Fide” members of their national associations and must be under

seventy (70) years of age.”

But this will be scrapped if passed, as expected, at the

Continues on Page 63

•Hayatou

EPL Matches Today Chelsea Man Utd Southampton Stoke City C/Palace W/Brom

v v v v v v

Everton Burnley West ham Man City New Castle Swansea

7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 7:45pm 8pm 8pm

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: DOWN: 1 Behaviour (6) 1 Drifting (6) 5 Production (6) 2 Astringent (6) 9 Cylinders (5) 3 Group (4) 10 Beam (6) 4 Dependable (5) 11 Thicker (6) 5 Bygone (5) 12 Fastened (5) 6 Employed (4) 14 Enthusiastic (4) 7 Minister (6) 17 Lair (3) 8 Bird (6) 18 Roof (4) 13 Dismissal (7) 20 Restorative (5) 15 Fabric (5) 22 Display (5) 16 Journal (5) 23 Examination (7)18 Nymph (5) 24 Intelligent (5) 19 Manufacturer (5) 26 Trims (5) 21 Sever (3) 29 Refute (4) 22 Snake (3) 30 Impede (3) 24 Guidance (6) 32 Missile (4) 25 Hire (6) 33 Men (5) 27 Sword (6) 35 Pictures (6) 28 Platforms (6) 36 Mending (6) 30 Foundation (5) 37 Furious (5) 31 Repair (5) 38 Contests (6) 33 Liquefy (4) 39 Fishes (6) 34 Surface (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Film 7, Relief 9, Gap 10, Boa 12, Reeds 13, Tuft 15, Older 17, Fondue 19, Arcs 20, Haste 22, Man 24, Stained 27, Tin 28, South 31, Slab 33, Mitten 35, Ensue 37, Seam 38, Ledge 39, Mat 41, Axe 42, Reveal 43, Stun

DOWN: 1, Wretch 2, Cliffs 3, Web 4, Mare 5, Opera 6, Indecent 8, Food 11, Aluminium 14, Tots 16, Dean 18, Nett 21, Affluent 23, Nest 25, Aims 26, Does 29, Uneven 30, Humble 32, Began 34, Tear 36, Next 40, Tee.

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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