Buhari queries diversion of $1.005b China loan

...towards a better life for the people

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Why Obasanjo didn't implement Abacha's Vision 2010 — ASIODU (2) •How cattle rearers stopped North from seceding in 1966

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Buhari queries diversion of $1.005b China loan

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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•Anti-corruption war: Sagay chairs Presidential Advisory Committee •Buhari to ex-AfDB President: Nigeria not a rich country

•Banks reduce withdrawal limits on ATMs

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B U J A — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, asked the Ministry of Finance to explain why the foreign loans obtained for various key rail projects by the Federal Government were diverted elsewhere under the watch of former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The President issued the query on a day he set up a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption headed by a prominent Continues on Page 5

Ooni's death to be announced tomorrow, says monarch When will Arole Oodua return?

.See Pages 11, 29&32

Mr & Mrs HAJJ—Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar (R) with the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Stakeholders Conference in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

COLUMNIST:

Teachers flee Cross River community school See Inside C M Y K

Hillary remains the person to beat •P.53

WAEC releases May/June results

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POCKET CARTOON

VISIT—From left, President Muhammadu Buhari (2nd-l), receiving some documents from the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Eze Duruiheoma, during his visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. With them are Director-General of NPC, Dr Graji Bello (R) and a board member of the commission, Alhaji Lateef Gbadamosi. Photo: NAN

Buhari queries diversion of $1.005bn China loan Continues from page 1 professor of law and rights activist, Professor Itse Sagay.

President Buhari also dismissed the general notion that Nigeria is a rich country, arguing that indices and parameters of evaluating a rich country such as economic advancement and improved social services are lacking in Nigeria.

The President, who spoke at the end of a presentation by the Ministry of Transport by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mohammed Bashar at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said it was disappointing to find out that foreign loans obtained in line with signed agreements were moved from one project to another.

According to a statement

by Mallam Garba Shehu, his Senior Special Assistant on Media &

Publicity, President Buhari was reacting to the specific instance of the diversion of a substantial part of the $1.005 billion loan from the Chinese Exim Bank, obtained for the construction of a standard gauge rail line linking Lagos with Kano but which was moved elsewhere.

The loans were obtained from China in 2012 under President Goodluck Jonathan, while Dr. Okonjo-Iweala served as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

The Permanent Secretary had informed the President that only $400 million of that loan remained with the Ministry of Finance.

The President then warned: “I hope that due process was followed before such diversions were carried out. Taking

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO EVER live your life based on the opinion of other people. Seeking counsel is good but let your guidance come from a place of conviction and an inner light. Men are disturbed not by the things that happen to them but by their opinion on the things that happened. (Epictetus). It’s up to you.

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TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

It aren’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to —W.C. Fields

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ANY people suffer needlessly from the negative labels attached to them: Lazy, weak, boring, slutty, and stupid. Some are trapped by labels that describe not their qualities but their roles, failure, class clown etc. The same can probably be said of you. That’s good news, because the problem has a simple solution. If you can figure out the label which has defined yourself and determine to know the truth, you can free yourself from unnecessary pain.

money from one project to another has to be done properly.”

The President regretted that government had, over the years, failed to meet its counter-part funding obligation on some projects, leading to such projects being left uncompleted or abandoned.

He added that there was a clear need to streamline, harmonize, and priortize on-going projects in the transportation sector.

The Permanent Secretary also briefed the President on some challenges facing the transport and maritime sectors such as encroachment on railway land, lack of security on inland waterways and some vague agreements between the Nigeria Ports Authority and ports concessionaires.

Buhari's directive Speaking to State House Correspondents after meeting the president, the Permanent Secretary said that the President directed that strict adherence should be paid to terms and agreements of various loans.

“Basically, what we did was to present to the President the various programmes, projects and the reform efforts that we have been undertaking in the last couple of years, the stages of the various projects, especially the railway rehabilitation programme and development in our seaports. Also some of the regulatory issues that we sought are due for review and attention.

“The President quite appreciated a lot of what has been achieved so far and he has indicated his willingness to continue with a lot of projects and programmes already on ground.

He has expressed his support, especially when we started talking about capacity building for individual operators in the country. He is really appreciative of the entrepreneur initiatives of Nigerians, an indication that government will continue to give its full support.

“There are issues that he thinks we should pay a lot of attention to, especially in the execution of agreements that we have entered into. He emphasized the need to adhere strictly to the terms of agreements and we are going to abide by that.

“Basically, those agreements are relating to the projects we entered into with the construction of railway, standard gauge lines and rehabilitation programmes.

“As you are aware, we have completed the Lagos-Kano and it is operational. Twice a week, people move from Lagos to Kano and back to Lagos. We have also recently commenced operation from Kano to Port Harcourt, and Port Harcourt to Gombe and from Gombe upwards we have some challenges.

“With regards to AbujaKaduna, track has been completely laid and we are now waiting for locomotives to arrive, which have been ordered and paid for. Our belief is that we will meet the deadline of December, 2015”, he said.

Sagay heads Advisory Committee Meanwhile, to demonstrate his seriousness in the war against corruption, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, set up a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption.

His government has also supported the establishment of an AntiCorruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund by three international development partners, namely the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation with $5 million fund to assist implementation of key components of the Action Plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee.

The advisory committee is to be

headed by a professor of law and civil rights activist, Professor Itse Sagay.

Other members of the committee include Femi Odekunle, a Professor of Criminology from Ahmadu Bello University; Dr. Benedicta Daudu, an Associate Professor of International Law, University of Jos; E. Alemika, Professor of Sociology, University of Jos; Sadiq Radda, Professor of Criminology, Bayero University, Kano; Hadiza Bala Usman, a civil society activist and Bolaji Owasanoye of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, who will also serve as Executive Secretary of the Committee.

The Committee’s brief is to advise the administration on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

It is also expected to develop comprehensive interventions for achieving other recommended reforms.

A statement from presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina added that the “fund will be managed by Trust Africa, an international development civil society organization with programme presence in more than 25 African countries.”

Nigeria not a rich country—Buhari In a related development, President Muhammadu Buhari has said that Nigeria is erroneously being regarded as a rich country, stating that indices and parameters of evaluating a rich country such as economic advancement and improved social services are lacking.

He, however, enjoined the elite to be prepared to make sacrifices to rescue the country. The President spoke when he received out-going

President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Donald Kaberuka and other officials of the bank.

According to him, the privileged and influential citizens clearly have to do more now than in the past to help the country deal successfully with its economic and security problems.

President Buhari also told Kaberuka that his administration will welcome more support from the AfDB for projects in versatile sectors like agriculture that can easily be explored to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.

He said: “With the shock of falling oil prices, lack of revenues, and insecurity, the Nigerian elite must now wake up and provide the right guidance in their communities, and also lead the economy on the right path more than they used to do.

“An impression has been erroneously created that we are a rich country but looking at the economic profile of the country today, you will see that this is not necessarily the case.

“Our social services have to be seriously rehabilitated. We need urgent attention in areas like education and health services, not only in the north-eastern part of the country, but all round the country.

“We will fall back on institutions like the AfDB for support in generating employment.

We have vast potentials in the agricultural sector that can be explored to create more jobs.

“We also have small businesses that need funds for expansion.”

The outgoing AfDB President, however, told President Buhari that some development institutions like the World Bank, German Development Bank and the European Development Bank have already indicated their readiness to provide long-term loan facilities to small businesses in

6—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Lawyer allegedly dupes colleagues of N4.8m

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS— A 60-year-old lawyer, Johnson Anumudu, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court sitting at Igbosere, for allegedly obtaining N4.8 million from two lawyers, who were seeking office accommodation, while presenting himself as owner of the property.

The defendant, who is facing a nine-count charge bordering on obtaining, stealing, impersonation and issuance of dud cheques preferred against him by the police, resides at 10 Freedom Street, Osapa London, in Lekki area of Lagos.

The prosecutor, Inspector Phillip Osijale, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences sometime in September 2014.

He said that the incident took place at 15B, Fatai Arobieke Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos in Eti Osa Local Government area of the state.

Osijale stated that the defendant fraudulently obtained N2.8 million from one Olufunke Afolabi and N2 million from one Adebisi Fajuyigbe, with the pretence of renting them an office accommodation at the said address.

He said trouble started when the complainants paid and started renovation of the property when the real owner surfaced.

When the complainants demanded for their money, Anumudu issued them cheques of N400,000, which were dishonoured due to insufficient funds in his account.

Magistrate M. Owumi granted the defendant N500,000 bail, with one surety in like sum and adjourned the matter to August 25.

Man kills 3 over ownership of bitter leaf plant

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—TRAGEDY struck Sunday at Ogo quarters, Ibillo, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, as a man, popularly known as Alhaji, murdered three persons, including a three-year-old boy, after a quarrel over the ownership of a bitter leaf plant in the compound.

The casualties included a man, identified as Mr. Aliu

Ademo, a girl, Favour and a little boy, Isaac, who died yesterday morning in hospital.

Vanguard learned that trouble started when Alhaji had a quarrel with the daughter of a co-tenant called Favour over the bitter leaf plant in the compound.

It was gathered that Alhaji went to harvest the vegetable without the consent of the owner, which angered the daughter of the woman,

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student of Ekiti State University, Olapade Ayo, 20, and three others were brought before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, yesterday, for alleged armed robbery.

Other defendants are Sese Demide, Franklin Akpobuwa and Ramon Salaudeen.

The defendants are facing a

looking for him.”

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Stephen Onwechei, said: “He will be arrested. He abandoned his cutlass and took off after the killing.

“That is barbaric. I understand he previously had quarrel with the mother of the child over the ownership of the bitter leaf plant in the compound.

“That is madness. But we must arrest him, no matter how far he tries to run. He must face justice for his wicked act.”

Nigerian returnees from Cameroon taking their meal at the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, transit camp in Mubi, Adamawa State. RIGHT: Red Cross officials with one of the returnees at the camp. NAN PHOTOS.

‘I slashed my girlfriend’s throat after sex romp’

By Emma Una

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ALABAR—A 30-year-old man, Richard Effiok, from Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State has

recounted how he slashed his girlfriend’s throat after a sex romp.

Richard, in an interview with Vanguard at Cross River State Police Command headquarters

yesterday, said he had been dating the girl, 23-year-old Bassey Udoh, who is from Akwa Ibom State, for two years, adding that she was always demanding for money from him

Couple killed, man's leg crushed by lorry in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—A couple, riding on motorcycle, were reportedly crushed, Sunday, while the leg of another was severed in Akure, Ondo State, by a lorry.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred when the lorry driver, identified as Friday Ambrose, lost control and rammed into the couple and a man by the road side,

in front of a popular primary school at Isinkan area in Akure. He reportedly escaped unhurt.

Eyewitness account said the timber lorry, marked Lagos, XN 968 AKD, was heading to one of the sawmills along Ondo Road from Arakale area of the town when it lost control, hit the median, swerved to the other lane and hit the persons.

It was learned that the

Ekiti varsity student docked for attempted robbery

By Bartholomew Madukwe

identified as Favour.

An eyewitness said: “Alhaji, who is from Igbira, came out with a cutlass and beheaded the girl. Mr. Aliu saw what happened and started shouting.

Alhaji then went after Isaac, but Aliu intervened. Alhaji used the machete on both of them.

“He decided to kill the man because he came to save the little boy. The small boy was rushed to the hospital because he was still unconscious. We later heard he died this morning (yesterday). Alhaji is on the run but the police are

three-count charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

Principal counsel to Lagos State Government, Mr. Afeez Owokoniran, informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 296 (2) (a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The defendants pleaded not

guilty to the charge.

Ayo said he was returning from where he went to buy fish when he was arrested.

He said: “I was arrested by the police on June 16, 2013 and taken to Isashi Police Station.

The police collected my phone.

I know Ramon (3rd defendant) because he used to repair our generator.”

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye adjourned the case to November 6.

couple died instantly with their bodies dismembered, while the man by the road side had his leg severed.

However, police spokesman, Wole Ogodo, denied that two persons died in the crash.

Ogodo said only one person died in the crash, adding that the man on the motorcycle, identified as Damilola Babutunde, died, while the passenger was injured.

He said: “Information reaching me is that the accident occurred when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle and ran over the motorcycle that was parked beside the road, injuring the driver and the passenger.

“The rider, Babatunde, 20, later died in the state Specialists Hospital, Akure, while the passenger, whose name and address are unknown, is still receiving treatment in the hospital.”

He said that the driver, Ambrose, had been arrested and is in police custody.

each time they made love.

He said on May 22 she requested for N5,000 and that what he had on him was just N1,000 which the girl rejected and a scuffle ensued between them.

He said: “She usually comes to visit me and we will make love. I do give her money. But the last time she came, we made love three times and after that she asked for N5,000. I had just N1,000 which I gave to her. But she rejected the money.”

Richard, who lives at Nelson Mandela Street in Calabar, said the girl rejected the money, held his boxers in anger and a scuffle ensued between them in his room.

He explained further: “I was angry when she tore my boxers.

I got hold of a kitchen knife and pierced her in the stomach and later slashed her throat and she died from bleeding.”

He said the young lady ’s scream, when he stabbed her in the stomach, attracted neighbours who forced the door opened, adding that before they could enter the room, he had slashed her throat.

He said: “They could not take her to hospital since she was already dead before they entered the room. So they only invited the police, who arrested me and took the body to the mortuary.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—7

Fake nurse, husband held lavish christening for stolen baby—POLICE

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—OGUN State Police Command, yesterday, disclosed that a fake nurse, Titilayo Adebola, who allegedly abducted a day-oldbaby, and her husband had thrown a lavish naming ceremony for the baby.

They had also allegedly christened the baby, Adebowale Malik Adeyemi, at the wellattended ceremony at their residence in Ifo, Ogun State.

Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the command had discovered that the suspect was not a trained nurse, but a trado-medical midwife and an Osun worshipper.

Adejobi also explained that

the real name of the suspect was not Titilayo Adebola, but Adebola Adebowale and had relocated to Ewekoro where she established a clinic.

The suspect was arrested by policemen a month after she had allegedly abducted the baby after she took its delivery.

She was said to have deceived the mother, saying she had a stillbirth. The baby’s mother was, however, tippedoff by the suspect’s neighbour, following her inability to breast feed the stolen baby.

Adejobi said: “This was revealed and established after police investigators in the case contacted and visited relevant government and professional bodies in the state to ascertain the status of the suspect.

“Further investigation has

revealed again that the suspect is Mrs Adebola Adebowale and not Titilayo Adebola.

‘She relocated from Lagos’

“The suspect was practising her business of midwifery at Meran area of Lagos State before she eventually relocated to her unregistered maternity home called Amazing Grace at 10, Akinhanmi, Street, Ifo, Ogun State, almost two years ago. She is also a worshipper of the Osun deity.

“It has also been established that the suspect and her new husband, a surveyor, have christened the baby Adebowale Malik Adeyemi at a well celebrated naming ceremony at Ifo, Ogun State.

“The Commissioner of Police Ogun State, Abdulmajid Ali,

has directed that the matter be properly investigated at the Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence, Eleweran Abeokuta, and be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

“The Commissioner of Police also assured the general public, particularly professional bodies in the medical profession, of his support in getting rid of such criminal cases and impersonation of all kinds, with a view to sanitising the system.

“He, therefore, urged the affected relevant professional bodies to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to tackle such cases of impersonation and quackery.”

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B E O K U TA — E I G H T persons, including a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, identified as Adekoya Emmanuel, yesterday lost their lives in multiple accidents at the notorious Onipepeye village, along Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The accident, which occurred around 1p.m., yesterday, involved an Abeokuta-bound Mercedes Benz SUV 500 ML, with number plates LAGOS KRD 933 BC, and two fullyloaded passenger buses: a white Mazda, OGUN XC 878 JBD, and NISSAN bus, OGUN SRA 229 XA. An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Tee Money, told Vanguard that the Benz veered off its lane and rammed into the oncoming vehicle.

He explained that the drivers

Eyewitness account

The eyewitness, who said he was also travelling on the dual carriage road when he met the accident, said the second bus also reportedly rammed into the

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OS—ABOUT seven people have been reportedly killed in three separate attacks carried out by unknown gunmen in Barkin Ladi and Jos South Local Government areas of Plateau State.

One of the attacks, which reportedly took place at Kassa village of Barkin Ladi, claimed three lives, while the second attack around Bukuru in Jos

30-year-old woman (names withheld) was allegedly raped yesterday in Lagos by four members of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC. A source said the woman was beaten and raped inside her shop located at Alapere area of Lagos.

The source said after raping the victim, the suspects threatened to unleash more harm on her should she attempt to report the incident to anybody.

The source, who also confirmed that the victim had reported at Alapere Police Station, told Vanguard that the victim was currently receiving treatment at Mirabel Centre.

However, at press time yesterday, police at Alapere denied having such a report.

two vehicles.

Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement agency, TRACE, Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the accident.

Akinbiyi, however, said he could only confirm the death of two people, including the MAPOLY student, and one of

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the drivers.

He further said that 12 of the critically-injured passengers were taken to a private hospital at Panseke area of Abeokuta, while four others, including a seven-year-old girl, were taken to the state hospital at Ijaye.

Adebiyi also said N150,000 was recovered from the scene.

7 killed in fresh Plateau attacks

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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By Esther Onyegbula

Eight die, many injured in Ogun multiple accidents of the Benz and the first bus and six passengers, including the student, died on the spot.

We're not aware—POLICE

Accidental discharge: Police avert crisis in Lagos

Abuja-Keffi Expressway, Mararaba, after an all-day down pour in Abuja, Sunday. PHOTOS: Abayomi Adeshida.

By Daud Olatunji

4 OPC members rape 30-yr-old woman in Lagos

South claimed one life, even as one other person escaped with gunshot wounds.

Spokesman of the Special Task Force, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, who spoke with Vanguard on phone yesterday in Jos, said: “On Sunday, some people were alleged to be missing and our men led a search which led to the discovery of their bodies.

“The three bodies were handed over to the Police today (yesterday) and our men are

carrying out intensive patrol in the areas to forestall any breakdown of law and order.”

He said the attacks were coming at a time the state government and the Assembly were intensifying efforts to return lasting peace to the troubled areas.

Residents appealed to security agencies to track the attackers and urged those involved in the criminality to give peace a chance, especially in Barkin Ladi.

AGOS State Police Command has averted what would have been a major civil disturbance at Iyana-Oba Bus Stop through the timely intervention of the Area Commander in charge of the axis.

Trouble started when a Policeman from Ojo Division, who was in pursuit of a suspected felon, shot at the tyre of his car. The bullet grazed the arm of a passer-by, causing instant tension and anger among some onlookers.

Vanguard gathered that the police leadership employed a combination of alternative dispute resolution and community policing tactics to calm frayed nerves.

The officer has since been arrested and detained, while the injured citizen who was rushed to the hospital by the police.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, has warned Policemen to uphold the highest standards of their professional calling.

8—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

By Clifford Ndujihe & Henry Umoru

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BUJA — NATIONAL leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, took a swipe at President Muhammadu Buhari, asking him and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, to urgently articulate an economic direction and stop appropriating the achievements of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The APC immediately countered that there is nothing to appropriate from an administration that misruled the country for 16 years, adding that President Buhari will not be distracted by paranoid people.

According to PDP, instead of trying to poach achievements to earn undeserved praise, the APC and its government should brace up, articulate a precise economic policy, assemble an economic team and urgently commence the delivery of their promises, for which they were voted.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP stressed that it was disappointing that a government, which came to power on claims of high moral ground, rather than focus on delivering its promises “is dancing around the achievements of the previous government in an attempt to make the public believe that recorded successes in critical sectors are theirs.

“The PDP counsels the APC to always be sincere and stop appropriating the achievements of the past administration as theirs. The APC and President Buhari should make haste and activate the various economic outlets which have been stagnated as a result of their obvious inability to articulate a clear-cut economic policy for the nation.

APC, PDP disagree over Jonathan’s achievements

On fight against insurgents

On refineries

“For instance, how do we explain APC’s spirited efforts to make the public believe that the equipping of the country ’s military for the fights against insurgency, the turn around of the nation’s oil refineries and the polio-free certification of Nigeria were products of their government even when it is common knowledge that they have not been able to find their bearing for governance since their election into office?

“If the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) had not been courageous enough to release those incontrovertible facts that the Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP administration actually fortified the country’s military before leaving office in May, the APC would have succeeded in its propaganda against that

VISIT: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left); Stuart Connal, Chief Operating Officer of Seplat (right) and Austin Avuru, CEO of Seplat (middle) during a courtesy call on the governor by the leadership of the company in Asaba, yesterday.

Stop appropriating PDP’s achievements,PDP tells Buhari There’s nothing to appropriate from PDP’s misrule – APC administration and led Nigerians to believe that the equipping was a product of President Buhari’s recent diplomatic shuttles.

“It is an obvious fact that before the May 29 handover to the APC, the Nigerian armed forces, using these equipment sourced under the watch of the PDP government, had already pushed the insurgents to the verge of surrender in the Sambisa forest, only for them to now resurge under the APC-led government due to apparent lack of direction and confusion that have characterized this administration.

“In the same way, this government has positioned itself to claim credit for the turn around and resuscitation of some of the nation’s oil refineries without reference to the past administration that initiated and executed the Turn Around Maintenance, TAM, of the facilities years back, which dividends the nation now enjoys and which we expect will result in steady supply of petroleum products in our nation.

“Similarly, informed Nigerians note with dismay how the APC administration has been celebrating the certification of Nigeria as polio-free in the last one year by the World Health Organization, WHO, without giving credit to the PDP-led government under whose watch the feat was achieved.

“While the PDP well understands the nervousness of the APC and its government in the challenge of fulfilling their bogus promises upon which they rode to power, such does not in any way rationalize the resort to deceit and flagrant appropriation of another ’s achievements, a thing no serious, credible and honest government will do.”

Govt without a cabinet Metuh, who noted that the PDP finds it unacceptable, not withstanding the reasons being adduced, for a government in a democratic setting to run for almost three months without a cabinet and any policy direction whatsoever, said: “This is the first time since independence that our nation has stayed without a complete composition of government for three months. Unfortunately, the negative effect of this anomaly, which has taken a huge toll on the country’s economy and the welfare of Nigerians will be with us in the coming years.

“We express this concern against the backdrop of information that unpatriotic persons close to government are already hounding civil servants for inflated concessions, allocations, jobs and other favours being unduly granted, making the system fertile for heavy financial sleaze in the absence of appropriate statutory supervising officers.

“This is in addition to the avoidable economic downturn now manifesting in the abandonment of ongoing infrastructural projects, crippling of foreign and domestic investments and continued slide in the money and capital markets.

“We want to reiterate our earlier call on Nigerians to continue to pray for President Buhari, who for obvious reasons is surrounded by people whose divergent personal interests have become a huge burden on our dear nation, the integrity of this government, the health of our economy and sustenance of our democracy.”

Orchestrated distractions won’t deter Buhari —APC Countering, the APC said the distractions being orchestrated by certain elements in the polity will not deter the Buhari administration from its avowed determination to rescue Nigeria from the clutches of those who are holding the country by the jugular.

In a statement issued in Lagos by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the people, including fringe elements, who have frenetically engaged in fault finding with the Buhari administration, are those who either have skeletons in their

cupboards or those who are acting at their behest, for a fee. ‘’These paranoid and skittish people daily run to the media to disparage the Buhari administration. Grasping at their straws, they condemn and criticize everything from appointments to the war against corruption and the battle against insecurity, even though the party to which they belong had 16 years to make things right for Nigeria but chose to suck the country dry, enthrone insecurity and pauperize the citizenry.

"Their design is simple: Make enough incoherent noise in the media with the hope that the administration will be distracted.

Unfortunately for them, they have failed in their evil machination, because this President can neither be deterred nor be distracted. While their dogs continue to bark, the caravan of the Buhari Administration proceeds on its steadfast journey."

APC said while a virile opposition is indispensable in any democracy that is worth its salt, no opposition can succeed by dwelling on the mundane or engaging in bare-faced lies, adding that only good research, strict adherence to the truth and a focus on real issues rather than frivolities can make the opposition relevant.

It wondered how the APC-led Federal Government can be blamed for the blatant refusal of the last administration to adequately equip the military to confront the Boko Haram insurgency, when even an appointee of the administration told the whole world that he was the head of a military that lacked the relevant equipment and motivation to fight an insurgency "What achievement is there for anyone to appropriate from an administration that will go down in history as the most rapacious, incompetent and clueless in the history of our nation?"

Buhari's achievements in 3 months APC said in less than three months of its existence, the Buhari administration has started off on a strong footing in many areas, including the fight against insurgency, the battle against corruption, the reorganization of the oil sector that was the private piggy bank of the last administration, the bailout of many states that could not pay the salaries of their workers, the revival of the Nigerian dream, the resetting of Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the global community and the overdue cleanup of the Niger Delta region, which was shockingly ignored by a President from that region. ‘’With its sure-footed efforts in all the listed areas already attracting national and international acclaim, does it not beggar belief that the same Buhari administration will be accused by the apologists of the failed regime of appropriating their dubious achievements?’’ the party said.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—9

WAEC releases May/June results, withholds 13 indebted states' results 38.68% obtain credits in English, Maths, 3 others Lost certificate owners can receive ‘Attestation of Results’

By Dayo Adesulu

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AGOS — THE West African Examinations Council, WAEC, yesterday released the May/June 2015 WASSCE results, even as it withheld the results of students in 13 states that are owing the council.

The Head of Nigerian Office, Mr Charles Eguridu, who disclosed this at its Yaba Office said: ”Of 1,593,442 candidates who sat for the examinations, only 616,370, representing 38.68 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects and above including English Language and Mathematics.”

Also, in what appears to be a new development, Eguridu said the council has resolved to issue ”Attestation of Results” to those whose WAEC certificates are missing and urged such students to visit WAEC office for it.

According to him, "due to the high incidence of lost or missing certificates, the council has introduced “Attestation of Results” which can be obtained on request, to serve as replacement for lost or missing certificates, since we do not issue certificates twice.’’

Justifying the slight improvement in the results from previous years, Eguridu said in 2013, the total candidates who obtained five credits in English and Mathematics were 639,760 representing 38.30 per cent. He said in 2014, 529,425 representing 31.28 per cent obtained five credits in English and Mathematics.

Withholds 13 indebted states' results

Meanwhile, Eguridu said that six states among the 19 states that were owing the council have paid their debt, remaining 13 states.

Eguridu, who refused to disclose the names of the indebted states, explained that he would not want politicians to use the information against their opponents. He, however, noted that if any of the states that are owing can get an advanced payment guarantee from any reputable banks, students’ results in such states will be released.

His words: “I alerted the nation on the challenges which the council was facing in Nigeria as a result of this indebtedness, and its adverse effects on our operations. I had stated then that the council may be constrained from releasing the results of governmentsponsored candidates of the affected states.

“After my pronouncement, two

weeks ago, a few of the debtor states responded by paying their debts fully or partially while a few others made promises, indicating their willingness to pay as soon as they are able to do so. Others have not made any efforts in addressing the matter.

“After reviewing the situation,

the council has decided that the results of governmentsponsored candidates of indebted states would be released if such states endeavour to produce bank guarantees, so that the council will be assured that the fees will be paid. This decision is in appreciation of the general

prevailing economic challenges in the country, and in order not to jeopardize the educational careers of the candidates of the indebted states.”

118,101 being withheld over exam malpractices

JUDGEMENT: From left: President, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Mr Ademola Olorunfemi; Tribunal Assessor, Mr Mohammed Lawal; President, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Mr Kashim Ali and National President, Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) during the COREN tribunal judgement in Abuja, yesterday.

He said that the results of 118,101 candidates, representing 7.41per cent are being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice. He explained that the cases of such students are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the Nigerian Examinations Committee, NEC, of the council in due course for consideration.

Giving a break down of the results, Eguridu said: “A total of 1,605,248 candidates registered for the May/June 2015 WASSCE, of which 1,593,442 candidates, consisting of 864,096 male and 729,346 female candidates sat the examination.

“Out of the total number of candidates who sat the examination, 1,498,069 candidates, representing 94.01 per cent have their results fully released, while 95,373 candidates, representing 5.99 per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors mainly traceable to the candidates and schools in the course of registration or writing the examination."

“Such errors are being corrected by the council to enable the affected candidates get their results fully processed and released subsequently."

“Candidates who sat the May/ June 2015 WASSCE will be able to check the details of their performance on the Council’s results website: www.waecdirect.org within the next 24 hours.”

Banks reduce withdrawal limits on ATMs Deactivate foreign transactions on existing cards

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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AGOS — THE battle for defence of the Naira value has widened, affecting existing withdrawal limits on Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and foreign transactions on all existing Naira debit cards (ATM cards).

In the new arrangement, all ATMs that were hitherto enabled for domestic and foreign transactions have been restructured to limit Naira cash withdrawal at ATMs to N60,000 per day while foreign currency is $300 per day. Hitherto, the domestic withdrawal limit was N150,000 per day.

The new arrangement has separated traditional ATM from MasterCard credit card where the former has now been deactivated and can no longer be used for transactions abroad.

Hitherto, a single ATM card serves for transactions for both domestic and abroad.

Also, the restructured cards now have spending limits on POS/eCommerce (online shopping) pegged at $300 (about N60,000) per day. Before this, the limit was N2 million per day.

In the new arrangement, a bank customer with multiple debit cards (ATM cards), only the one linked to the primary transactional account will be enabled for use abroad. Hitherto, such customers could transact with any of the cards that is funded.

However, banks are putting in place alternatives in these adjustments to address the concern of customers who are now being directed by their banks to reapply for a new card arrangement to suit their purposes.

For instance, Standard Chartered Bank has asked its customers to request a complementary ATM card for domestic use only so that the original N150,000 daily cash withdrawal limit can be restored and also reactivate POS/online purchase limit of N2 million per day.

The bank also required their customers to apply for a foreign currency denominated ATM linked to domiciliary account which would be enabled with no daily or annual international transaction limits.

Earlier, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc had informed its customers of its decision to reduce the daily

international spending limit on their Naira MasterCard to $300 with effect from yesterday.

In a communication to the customers, the bank explained: “In view of the increased difficulty in sourcing foreign currency to settle international transactions on Naira MasterCards, we have reduced the daily international spending limit on your Naira MasterCard to $300.This means that you can only spend up to $300 daily when using your GTBank Naira MasterCard for international payments via POS and online.

“You will, however, continue to have the option of paying for medical bills, school fees, mortgages and credit cards using Form A, as these are eligible transactions for foreign currency. Simply visit any GTBank branch to complete a Form A along with the required documents to make these payments.”

These developments were coming on the heels of Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) statement on Sunday that all legitimate requests for foreign currency for eligible transactions, normally referred to as “invisibles,” such as remittances for school fees,

student maintenance allowances, BTA, PTA, medical and other eligible transactions, shall be fully met at the official/interbank exchange rate.

A statement from the CBN added that already all the legitimate demands for such transactions through recognised channels have so far been fully met by CBN. The statement stated: “The CBN hereby directs all authorised dealers in foreign exchange in Nigeria to henceforth treat as top priority all legitimate demand for foreign exchange for eligible transactions.

“The CBN once again advises individuals that wish to source foreign currency for such eligible transactions to approach their banks with their legitimate demand as the CBN has made adequate provisions of foreign currency for all such legitimate and eligible purposes.

“Furthermore, holders of Naira denominated debit and credit cards shall continue to have access to the use of their cards at ATMs in any part of the world but subject to the annual limit of $50,000.

ATM withdraws shall continue to be a maximum of $300 per day.”

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

A’Court upholds musicians right to sue for infringement

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—THE a g o s division of the Appeal Court has affirmed that the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria, MCSN, has legal right to sue for the infringement of her works.

In a lead judgment of the court delivered by Justice Shagbaor Ikyegh, he held that the appellant (MCSN) as owner, assignee and exclusive licensee of the copyright, had the statutory standing to sue.

The lead judgement was supported by the two other JusticesAmina Augie and Jamilu Yammama Tukur.

Therefore, the court set aside the decision of the Federal High Court, Lagos delivered by retired Justice Tajudeen Odunowo, striking out a suit filed by the Society against Details Nigeria Limited for lack of locus standing to initiate the action.

Apart from that the appellate court ordered the remittance of the case file to the chief judge of the Federal High Court for re- assignment to another judge.

MCSN had demanded the sum of N100 million as damages from the company over alleged infringement of her musical copyright by the respondent.

However, after obtaining Anto Pillar Orders against it, Details Nigeria Limited (respondent) filed a notice of preliminary objection challenging the legal right of the appellant to institute the action on the ground that MCSN lacked the locus to bring the action, because it was not approved as a collecting society by the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

Upon hearing the preliminary objection, Justice Odunowo struck out the suit on the ground that MSCN did not possess the locus standi to institute the action.

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RANDY LECTURER: ASUU refers case to ethics committee ...He's a known rapist in LASU — Student

By Dayo Adesulu

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AGOS—THE University of Lagos, UNILAG, chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, the umbrella organisation for universities teaching staff nationwide, Dr Laja Odukoya, has disowned Dr Akin Baruwa, against whom aleged rape of an admission seeker was prefered, adding that the accused is neither a staff of UNILAG nor a member of the Union.

Odukoya told Vanguard in his office at UNILAG yesterday that :”I can tell you authoritatively that Dr Akin Baruwa is not our staff, but we have inaugurated a new Ethic Committee and their first assignment is to investigate the allegations tomorrow.

He said, if the lecturer ever taught he could have been engaged was the Distance Learning Institute, DLI. According to him, “Some people said, he is a lecturer in Accounting Department, but I can tell you authoritatively that , there is no part-time lecturer in Accounting Department. The only place that is possible is our Distance Learning Institute, DLI.’’ Asked if Dr Baruwa is a lecturer in UNILAG, Odukoya said; ‘’If he is a part-time lecturer here, which office was he using, because not every lecturer has an office in UNILAG. Or, could he be using the office of our colleagues? There is a big question mark that our ethics committee has to look into. We will get to the root of this matter.

As a part-time lecturer, even if he is not a member of our union, we can pressurise for sanctions.’’

Odukoya said he was not around when the incident happened, adding that reports reaching him however showed that the lecturer is known to many persons as a rapists.

The chairman’s communication with a parent and some students

AWARDS: From left — President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Aderemi Bello; former Ecobank Chair, Chief John Odeyemi; Vice President, LCCI, Chief Nike Akande and Director, Finance and Corporate Assets, Unified Payments Services Nigeria Ltd, Festus Ikediasor receiving an award for Unified Payments for winning the best Innovation in the Security of E-payment Platforms at the 2015 Commerce and Industry Awards in Lagos. through WhatsApp as shown to Vanguard reads in part: (Student) ”Dr Baruwa is a person I know very well. He lectures at Lagos State University, LASU, Agege campus, where he used to harass female students. ‘’He fondles female students inside his car at night at LASU Agege campus. He creates fear in the students' mind that he will not allow them to pass their exams if they refuse to give in to his immoral demands.

‘’He used to tell them that he must have sex with them or they will fail their papers. I know Dr Baruwa, he lectures Marketing in LASU.’’ Also, a female student at UNILAG, DLI, who identified herself simply as Damilola said that was not the first time the lecturer will rape students on campus. According to her, there were many students who are afraid to come out openly to testify against him. ''The only lady who testified

against him some time ago, did that after she graduated from UNILAG, by writing to one of the media houses exposing this man,'' she said.

Dr Akin Baruwa was last week accused of raping a 18-year-old female student seeking admission into the University of Lagos. The situation, had generated a lot of criticism against the lecturer and the university, leading to the arrest and detention of the lecturer.

We arrested Boko Haram members in Lagos – EX GOC

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—THE outgoing General Officer Commanding, GOC, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Victoria Island, Lagos, Major General Tamunomieidi Dibi yesterday said that dozens of Boko Haram sect members were arrested during his 18 months

yesterday handed over the leadership of 81 Division to the newly appointed GOC, Major General Isidore Edet at the headquarters of the division in Lagos.

According to him, “You are all aware of the challenges we are going through; the problem of Boko Haram. The fact that you are not in the North-east does not mean you are not fighting the war. ‘’ We are all involved in the war because wars of this nature do not have a front or a rear. So being a victim of sexual abuse, far, we are winning the war self defence and how to preserve and I want you to do more. Be evidence when physically or more vigilant and ensure security of your environment.’’ sexually assaulted”, she said.

service at the 81 Division.

He therefore charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army in Lagos and Ogun states to remain vigilant towards ensuring that insurgents do not infiltrate Nigeria’s economic hub and its environs.

Dibi spoke yesterday while addressing officers on parade as part of his farewell speech.

The General who completed his mandatory 35 years in service

Speak out, Lagos tells victims of domestic violence

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AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has said its committed to ensuring total eradication of sexual and gender based violence in the state.

In a statement, Coordinator, Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the state government enjoined victims of sexual and gender based violence to speak out.

Mrs. Vivour-Adeniyi said in the past one month alone, the team has attended to about 50 cases in the state of which at least 30 were victims of domestic violence adding that the team is also currently

monitoring over 20 cases, which include child abuse, defilement and rape with key evidential medical and police reports. This however is excluding the total number of cases the Directorate of Public Prosecutions is prosecuting at the High Court.

“In terms of advocacy, DSVRT has trained over 800 mandated reporters who are State Government employees that have dealings with children on how to detect signs of child abuse and steps to take in reporting such cases. ‘’Also, over 2000 school children have been empowered through our rape prevention workshops on how to avoid

Four discharged over alleged environmental offences

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—THE Special Offences Court of Lagos State has struck out a charge brought against four persons alleged to have violated flouted environmental laws.

The defendants; Gbolade Onalaja, Yinka Agbabiaka,

Gloria Ocheme and Adeola Egbeyemi were charged on a three-count charge brought against them by AttorneyGeneral of Lagos State.

But, the defendants through their lawyer, Mr. Gbenga Ajala in a preliminary objection, challenged the jurisdiction of the court, to entertain the case.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 11

Ooni’s death to be announced tomorrow, says monarch

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE official proclamation of the demise of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, will be made tomorrow, the Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti, has said.

He disclosed this yesterday while speaking with newsmen on the preparation for the burial of the monarch, who died at Saint Mary Hospital in London in the evening of July 25th.

According to the traditional ruler who spoke for the first time on the reported demise of the foremost monarch, the Oro festival, which is the final rites of passage for the Ooni will hold between the hours of 9am and 4pm tomorrow.

Oba Adereti, who is also the head of Oro cult in the entire IleIfe land said that all residents of the ancient town, both males and females will be required to stay indoors during the Oro rite.

He declared that after the oro rite and proclamation, other rites will follow. He appealed to all residents of the community to heed the restriction order.

The monarch added that though only females were normally barred from the public

this time around, it has no respect for gender.

“This is an official statement from the palace of Awara of IwaraIfe, who is the head of Oro deity that on Wednesday, 12th August 2015, there would be official proclamation of the demise of Ooni of Ife. The proclamation will be made during the Oro festival,

being the final rites for the demise of Ooni of Ife. “The residents of the ancient town are therefore urged to keep away from the streets between the hours of 9am and 4pm during which the oro deity will be out.

“With the announcement, people are advised to stay in-door for the period.

Since the news of the demise of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade was reported in the media, traditional chiefs in IleIfe have continued to deny the report saying that the monarch was alive.

The traditional chiefs even after the close door meeting with Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Government House in Osogbo still denied the demise of Ooni insisting that he was still alive.

OSUN STAKEHOLDERS CONFERENCE: From right; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; his predecessor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin and Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam during the Osun Stakeholders Conference at WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo, yesterday.

I’ll never be a politician again – OBASANJO

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that he would never be a politician again in his life, declaring that he remains a “partyless” Nigerian and would continue to carry the toga of a statesman.

Obasanjo stated this yesterday while hosting Kogi State governor, Capt. Idris Wada, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Obasanjo was the former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to which wada belongs.

The former President said despite his not playing active partisan politics anymore, he would continue to work with any

Nigerian with good intention and leadership traits.

He said “Everybody is welcome but they must be with good leadership traits, and genuine intention to improve the country.

“We should understand first that, not the party makes the person, but the person makes the party. It is who you are that you bring into the party. Though, for now I remain a “partyless” Nigerian, but, I will continue to welcome any Nigerian with good leadership qualities.

“It does not matter which party you are, either, PDP, APC, Labour, APGA any party at all, as long as you a are committed, sincere and a purposeful leader, I am ready for you. And that is what our brother is doing. I pray that this country will never be short of this

Federal teachers protest unpaid salaries

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN—ABOUT 15,000 teachers from three South Western states working under a Federal Teachers’ Scheme yesterday protested in Ibadan over non-payment of their salaries by the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC. The teachers, led by Miss Lawal Bukola and Mr. Obayomi Gideon complained that the commission is owing them about N2. 6 billion.

They marched through Dugbe, Agodi Gate and later came to the State Secretariat of the Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, Mokola roundabout, displaying placards with various inscriptions pleading with the commission to pay the backlog of salary arrears.

Some of their placards read, “FG, please pay us our 11-14 months arrears; Please, Mr. President, rescue us; UBEC, we are tired of this; Mr. President, please come to our aid.''

type of people,” Obasanjo said.

Reacting, Wada explained that the visit to Obasanjo was coming on the heels of his recent award as the best governor in the country that took place in Lagos, saying,

“Since we were honored as the best governor yesterday in Lagos, we deem it appropriate to come down to Abeokuta to report to our father, the little recognition we got.''

Tribunal grants Isiaka’s plea over electoral material

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—THE Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, yesterday, granted the request of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Prince Gboyega Isiaka for more days to inspect electoral materials used for April 11, 2015 election.

The Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Henry Olusiyi, who granted the request as the case entered the trial stage, however, insisted that the three days sought would be within the 14 days available for the petitioners to prove their case.

Isiaka is contesting the victory of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, claiming that the election was marred by electoral irregularities and rigging in nine local councils.

Counsel to the petitioners, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN) who sought for the permission of the court argued that the seven days earlier granted by the tribunal was not enough to carry out the exercise.

Oyeyipo explained that the petitioners have not been able to access more than three out of nine local councils under contention.

OSUN FINANCIAL CRISIS: Aregbesola, Oyinlola, others chart way forward ...As group petitions EFCC

By Gbenga Olarinoye & Dapo Akinrefon

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SOGBO—FORMER Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday disclosed that the state is a brand that will outlast any government whether its performance is good or bad.

Oyinlola stated this at Osun Stakeholders’ Conference organised by Osun Legislators’ Forum, an umbrella body of House of Representatives and Senators representing the state.

But members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stayed away from the conference, instead while it was in in progress, they also gathered somewhere meeting on how to reposition the party for future elections.

Meanwhile, some concerned citizens of the state, who had earlier organised a summit over the state's financial problems, under the aegies of Osun Stakeholders, OS, yesterday

petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for alleged financial recklessness, corruption, money laundering and fraudulent application of the state’s resources.

Oyinlola, in his speech at yesterday's pro-government parley, said the conference became necessary in view of the current financial crisis bedeviling the whole nation which Osun is part of.

According to him, Osun as a state has a perpetual succession irrespective of the performance of any government in power either before or now.

He stated that the summit is right on target with a view to forging a survival strategies within the context of national economic crisis.

The former governor therefore described the stakeholders’ forum which was the gathering

of all indigenes home and abroad, as avenue to fashion ways out of the financial crisis facing some of the states in Nigeria.

Speaking earlier, Governor Aregbesola wondered how the nation got into this financial crisis.

According to him, the nation was already heading to the precipice but for the change of government that brought the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the centre.

Group petitions EFCC

The petition by the conveners of OS, Messrs, Niyi Owolade and Yinka Odumakin, to the EFCC, said; “We concerned citizens of Osun State having observed the profligacy, hypocrisy,corruption and financial decadence and recklessness of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State in the last five years hereby forward a petition detailing his atrocities for investigation by your Commission as mandated by the summit on the state of Osun state held on July 23rd, 2015.”

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Delta govt moves against land racketeers To revoke multiple government land allocations to individuals

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By Festus Ahon

SABA — G O V E R N O R Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said that his administration will revoke multiple government land allocations to individuals in Asaba.

The governor dropped the hint during the child dedication and thanksgiving service of Mr Amaju Pinnick, Chairman, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, at the First Baptist Church, Warri.

“In Asaba, when we find that a single individual has been allocated, four, five, six to 10 plots of land and we know that he needs just a plot or two and there are others who don’t have, that is the area we are saying no to.

“If you are allocated a plot of land, you deserve it because you are a human being, when somebody gets 10 plots of land and even some 15 and 20, and others don’t have and it is all from government, it is not right, if we find such situations, we will revoke them, so that others can benefit. We believe that is the right thing to do and that is the right way to go.”

He assured that the state

government will not revoke lands allocated to churches, saying “There is no way that the land that have been given to a church will be revoked by my administration, I believe that the church and government are partners in the development of the state for the common good of the people.”

He called on those who applied

for the different empowerment programmes to be patient, noting that while 60,000 applications were received, only 6, 000 persons would benefit in the first phase, while another set of 6,000 persons would be engaged every six months.

According to him, “As a people, we need to partner government,

because government cannot do all, it requires partnership, we need to continue to pray for government, we have started our empowerment programmes, when we brought the forms out about three months ago, 60,000 Deltans applied, they need to be patient.”

INSPECTION: Rivers State Governor, Mr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, during the inspection of the ongoing Rumukwurusi-Eneka road project in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

APC faults Wike on breakdown of law, order in Port Harcourt

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By Gbenga Oke

ORT HARCOURT—THE Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, described a statement credited to Governor Nyesom Wike of the state, claiming that the present breakdown of law and order in Port Harcourt was caused

by APC as laughable and uncalled for.

The party also maintained that Governor Wike was attempting to divert attention from the challenges of managing criminal gangs he allegedly created, activated and funded for politics.

In a statement by the state party Publicity Secretary, Mr Chris Finebone, he said that the claim

by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the governor was mind boggling.

He said: “Our attention has been drawn to a statement by Governor Wike signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Opunabo Inko-Tariah, claiming that the present breakdown of law and order in Port Harcourt and environs was caused by the APC. We consider their statement mind-boggling to imagine how any individual with full control of his faculties and who understands how the present government in Rivers State came into existence will make such vexatious, obnoxious, false and patently diversionary statement.

“On the eve and day of

swearing-in of Wike as governor of Rivers State, the various cult groups and criminal gangs in red, white and black uniforms took over the streets of Port Harcourt,

celebrating the ascendancy of Wike. Ever since then, Port Harcourt and environs have not known peace and the situation has degenerated to the point that

a couple of days ago, an armed gang stormed the Potts Johnson Street Health Centre, robbed patients and shot dead two security guards in broad daylight."

....As Rivers Gov restates commitment to tackle cultism

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has restated his administration’s commitment to rid the state of cultism and cult related activities.

Governor Wike at the Kingsway International Christian Centre, KICC, Port Harcourt during a thanksgiving service to mark the 2015 International Youth week celebration, noted that most of the crimes committed by youths in the

state were as a result of cultism.

Speaking through his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Wike urged youths to refrain from getting involved in cultism in the interest of their future, adding that the administration was poised to empowering youths through education and skill acquisition programmes.

He charged Royal fathers to partner government in the fight against cultism in their various communities.

‘’I encourage the youths, please have a teachable spirit.

As the Lord has said, remember Him in the days of your youth so that your destiny will not be aborted. I urge you to avoid cultism.

“I am sure that the youths will work with us to ensure that we fulfil all our election promises to the youths of Rivers State. We are going to empower them educationally and provide them with skills so that they too can be employers of labour.”

2012 FLOOD: We got N535m, not N15bn from a philanthropic the allegation to come up with —BSPMC organisation, Mike Adenuga

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—THE Bayelsa State Post Management Committee, BSPMC, yesterday, described as untrue the allegation by the All Progressives Congress, APC, that it received N15 billion as donations for victims of the 2012 flood that devastated the state.

The committee said it only received N500 million from the state government, being donation

Foundation and additional N35 million for logistics and administrative cost.

Chairman of BSPMC, Chief Francis Doukpola, who spoke in Yenagoa, following claims by the APC that the committee received N15bn as donation for victims of the 2012 flood, said it was wrong for any person or group of persons to make such weighty allegation without any iota of fact.

He challenged those making

proof of any transactions that led to the receipt of such amount by the committee or state government.

Doukpola said that the money received was used for positive interventions in most of the flood affected areas in seven local government areas of the state, including the distribution of cement to all the communities in the seven councilsaffectedbythefloodapartfrom BrassLocalGovernmentAreathatwas not affected by the flood.

Okowa, lawmakers to give account of stewardship

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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GBOR—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, will at Agbor, headquarters of Ika South Local Government Area of the state, lead other political office holders nationwide to give account of their stewardships to the people of Ika ethnic nationality.

The occasion is the 2015 annual gathering of the people of Ika ethnic nationality; ‘Ogwa Ika’ A statement by Onu Ika Nigeria (the mouth piece of Ika ethnic nationality), the organisers of the programme, said that political office holders in Ika nation at different levels of government would present their account of stewardship at the event.

According to the statement by Benson Melekwe and Joy Adoghe, the event to be held under the chairmanship of the Head of the Collective Leadership of Onu Ika Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Usifoh, and will be attended by sons and daughters of Ika nation both at home and in the Diaspora.

Pa Stephen Arubi for burial

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A Stephen Oye Arubi is dead. He died on June 14, 2015, after a brief illness aged 91years. There will be Service of songs on August 13, at his residence, 46 Mission Road, Sapele, Delta State.

Funeral service holds at St. Lukes Anglican Church, Sapele on August 14, at 10am and thereafter, interment at his residence, while the traditional wake keep will be at his residence the following day.

He is survived by many relations.

Late Stephen Oye Arubi

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—13

C M Y K

14—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

UNPAID SALARIES: NLC moves against debtor govs

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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VISIT: From left, Chief Executive Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyenma; National Director, Special Olympics Nigeria, Naomi SaliuLawal; Chairman, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Nigeria, Mr. Victor Osibodu; Head, Corporate Services, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Bola Adeeko, and Member, Board of Directors, Special Olympics Nigeria, Mr. Misan Eresanara, during the visit of members and athletics of Special Olympics Nigeria to the floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange in Marina, Lagos,yesterday.

IGERIA LABOUR Congress, NLC, has resolved to work with industrial unions and state councils to force state governors owing workers’ salaries to pay up, saying workers must be paid their legitimate earnings.

At the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, the Ayuba Wabba faction of NLC, decried reported action of some banks withholding the bailout fund, and mandated the leadership of Congress to identify the banks and take

Retraction

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N PAGE 51 of the Sunday Vanguard of November 20, 2011, we published a story captioned, 'Committee for the rite of passage of HRM Oreki II (JP), the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom.'

There is no controversy surrounding the passage rite of HRM Oreki II (JP), the Ovie of Oghara, which made certain imputations against the person of Chief Godstime O.A. Agindotan.

We hereby retract the said publication as it affects Chief Agindotan and apologize to him for any inconvenience the publication might have caused him.

—Editor

Hearing in Otti's petition against Ikpeazu begins

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—THE Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting

in Umuahia, yesterday, began proper hearing in the petition filed by All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate in the April 2015 election, Dr. Alex Otti, challenging the election of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, with three witnesses testifying for Otti.

This came as the tribunal ordered INEC to ensure that the APGA candidate was availed with the right electoral materials for inspection.

The witnesses, Goodluck Ezebuiro, Ferdinand Ajaegbu, and Chinyere Irechukwu, worked for APGA as collation agents during the election in Umuahia North and Osisioma.

In their separate testimonies, they claimed there were no elections in their areas during the general and supplementary elections in the state and that there were no results declared.

They alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not provide materials for the April 11 and 25 polls, respectively in their area of assignment.

After their witnesses, they were separately cross-examined by Messrs Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, and Emeka Etiaba, SAN, and Hagler Okorie, counsels for INEC, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, respectively.

whatever action deemed necessary to stop them from holding Nigerian workers to ransom In a communiqué by the factional President and General Secretary, Ayuba Wabba and Dr. Peter OzoEson, NEC members commended “the Federal Government for releasing funds to the states which were intended to assist states in meeting their overdue obligations, especially the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, some of which it noted, were in arrears of between two to seven months.

Pensions and gratuities arrears, in many cases, are up to 12 or more months.

"The NEC noted that the failure of these states to pay salaries and pensions is not due only to the paucity of funds, but mismanagement and wrong prioritisation. It, therefore, commended the recommendation by the Presidency that salaries should be put in first line charge in state budgetary allocations."

According to the communique, "NEC resolved to liaise with the respective state Houses of Assembly to ensure that salaries and pensions of workers are henceforth put on first line charge of state budgets. the NEC of Congress further resolved that the leadership should mobilize industrial union presidents and general secretaries to all the states

owing three or more months in salaries, to ensure that the indebted states are compelled to pay workers their legitimate earnings.

"Regarding the reported action of some banks withholding the bailout fund, NEC mandated the leadership of Congress to identify these banks and take whatever action it deems necessary to stop these banks from holding Nigerian workers to ransom.”

The communiqué added that “the NEC-in-Session, after reviewing the deteriorating purchasing power of Nigerian workers caused by the massive devaluation of the naira, as well as the fact that the Minimum Wage Act of 2011 has reached its statutory five year mark for review, mandated the national leadership to draw up a new proposal for the upward review of the current N18, 000 national minimum wage.

"This proposal shall upon completion, be tabled before the Federal Government, which shall empanel, as is the normal practice, a tripartite committee, comprising government, employers and organised labour to negotiate a new national minimum wage. NEC hopes that the negotiations will be completed in time for the new minimum wage to be reflected in the 2016 national and state budgets.”

Buhari cancels government delegation for 2015 hajj •Decision to save over $1 million for Nigeria stated that States were at

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—In his bid to cut cost in government undertakings, President Mohammadu Buhari has announced that there would be no federal government delegation for this year’s hajj operation in Saudi Arabia.

He however stated that the government shall play its traditional roles of providing consular, medical and security services to Nigerian pilgrims.

With the decision, the government is expected to save about $1 million and N30m in local expenses.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu who stated this on Monday quoted the president as saying that the decision was not targeted at any individual or group. He also

liberty to sponsor their respective teams if they so desired.

“The states can deal with that but this year at the Center, we will not be involved” Shehu said.

2016 national census to cost N273 billion Meanwhile, Nigeria would require a total of N273 billion to successfully conduct next year’s national census, National Population Commission, NPC said on Monday. This came as President Muhammadu Buhari charged the Commission, National Identity Management Commission, Federal Road Safety Commission, Independent National Electoral Commission, among others to ensure the harmony of the biometric data of all Nigerians.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—15

Enugu principal protests posting, alleges victimization •She is crying wolf —Management

By Austin Ogwuda & Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE School of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Federal Neuropsychiatric hospital, Enugu has been thrown into crisis with accusations and counteraccusations between the principal of the school, Mrs. Cecilia Oduburu and the management of the school, following her redeployment.

Vanguard gathered that there had been a running battle since the posting was carried out last month.

Investigation showed that the embattled principal, Mrs. Oduburu had since petitioned the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, accusing the immediate past board chairman, Mr. Acho Nwakanma, who was also a former Deputy Governor of Abia State, and the Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Jojo Onwukwe, of being responsible for her ordeal.

The petition entitled, ‘Wrongful Removal from the Office,’ dated July 17, 2015, addressed to the Registrar of the Council, Oduburu, claimed her ordeal began with her refusal to clear three students, who, according to her “ were not qualified for registration with the Nursery and Midwifery Council.”

According to her, “on the 20th of May, 2015, while I was still on leave, the board chairman called me on phone and told me that he wanted me to allow three of my students, who had refused to complete their compulsory two weeks community posting, which is one of the pre-requisites for the completion of their programme to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, N&MCN. I took time to explain to the Chairman how the three students refused to complete their posting out of the 30 students in the set. The board chairman after listening to my story affirmed that my action was right.

“Surprisingly, few days later, the chairman called me and was pressurizing me to wave the posting for the students even when it had been duly explained to him that it was against the N&MCN regulation, but he told me that one of the said students

had travelled to Australia, and mounted so much pressure on me.

"But I insisted that those students must complete their due posting and be cleared by the school before registration with the Nursing Council because that would amount to lowering the standard of training in the profession.

“My refusal to wave this posting for these students did not go down well with the Board Chairman, who felt I had disobeyed his instruction even when he knew it was wrong. Now the chairman wants to show that he can remove me and get things done his own way not minding the illegality and the adverse effect on the institution.”

She decried the punishment she was unduly subjected to by the hospital’s management for allegedly refusing to compromise her office to clear unqualified

students for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

The petition added: “It is shocking to perceive the determination of this clique to bastardize the nursing profession. I am worried that each time I cry out to you, no action has ever been taken to save the situation.”

However, addressing newsmen in Enugu, Mr. Emmanuel Idika, who spoke on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Mr. Onwukwe, claimed the removal of Mrs. Oduburu, was done in the best interest of the health institution, noting that the decision was taken at a board meeting on June 18, 2015.

He alleged: “This is not the first time Mrs. Oduburu has been asked to vacate her office. On March 2, 2015, she was asked to hand over to Mrs. Grace Anoliefo, who is the Assistant Director of Nursing as the Interim

coordinator of the School of Nursing by the Medical Director because she locked a male colleague in her office, which within the confines of law, is tantamount to false imprisonment.

“Each time she has been asked to hand over, she always refused, instead she runs around the whole of Nigeria complaining of maltreatment by the Management of the Hospital and in some cases, will lock the office for one week without handing over.

"Also earlier this year, the AntiCorruption Awareness Organization, has in a memo, petitioned the Management Board of Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, to the fact that Mrs. Cecilia Oduburu studied at the University full time for six years without official permission or release, while working full time

VISIT : Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress, APC, (right) and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-In-Chief, Vanguard, during his courtesy visit to the Head Office of Vanguard Newspapers in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye

Anambra PDP crisis deepens as scribe resigns

By Vincent Ujumadu AWKA—THE crisis rocking the Anambra State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, deepened following the resignation of the secretary, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, barely two weeks after his election.

Chief Uzodike, a former Commissioner for Information during former Governor Peter Obi’s administration, was said to be the candidate of former Governor Obi for the office as most of the major stakeholders were given the opportunity to nominate candidates for the various offices during the state congress in Awka.

However, a statement in Awka by Uzodike, said his resignation was due to personal reasons.

The statement, which was not addressed to anybody read: “I hereby convey to you, non-acceptance of my nomination for the position of State Secretary of PDP

Anambra State due to personal reasons. I shall continue to offer my services to our party, especially towards its total reunification, rebuilding, and reinforcing, thereby ensuring that we become one flock, one shepherd with a focus devoid of personal interest, but that of the party and our state, Anambra. Power must not only belong to the people, but must be seen to so do.

Thank you and God bless.”

However, the state chairman of PDP, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi said he was not aware of Uzodike’s resignation.

It was gathered last night that his resignation might not be unconnected with the crisis rocking the party in Anambra State, which had resulted in the emergence of two state chairmen.

and collecting salary and promotions for the same six years, which is a gross violation of the Civil Service rule.

"She obtained B.Sc in Nursing from the Department of Nursing, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus for four years full time and M.Sc in Community Nursing from the same university for two years, also full time.”

MALTREATMENT OF ROBBERY SUSPECT:

Nigerian army to punish erring soldiers Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—DETERMINED to ensure discipline in the force which the present Chief of Army staff has adopted as one of his cardinal policies, the Nigerian Army, yesterday, said it had identified and summoned some of its soldiers who were caught on camera maltreating a suspected armed robber at the Mararraba area of the FCT for disciplinary action.

“The act was unfortunate and at variance with military ethics and professionalism,” Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement.

The statement read: “The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a photograph of some soldiers maltreating a suspected robber at Mararraba, Nasarawa State, on the front page of Monday’s edition of a national newspaper.

"Sadly, it is also trending on the social media."

16 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

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Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 17

Like Nigeria, South Africa fails

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LDER statesman Dr. Tunji Braithwaite once recalled how his mother just six years into Nigeria's independence asked poignantly "when will this independence end?". That was how brutal the old woman could put the simmering signs of failure in such a short period. If you are perceptive enough ,you may not have all the tips on how to seed but you sure must identify the signals of failure.

God bless the soul of Commodore Francis Ademoroti, a very brilliant and walking encyclopedia. He had world history on his fingertips. He knew something about everything. When he engaged you in discussion even on the roadside he would use his walking stick to plot graphs in the sand to prove a scientific law. But the contradictions of Nigeria assaulted him at all major milestones of his life until he died a bohemian.

In 1962,he won a scholarship to go to Harvard.

That was truncated because a top official at the Federal Ministry of Education swapped his space for another boy from his own corner of the country who was not that bright to make it on merit.

Young Francis went to report the matter to his Uncle,Oba Adesoji Aderemi the Ooni of Ife. The monarch with uncommon gravitas asked one of his chiefs to accompany his nephew to the American Embassy in Lagos with a letter of protest. The Ambassador saw the injustice being done and took the duo to the education ministry. He wanted to know why a dullard should displace the brilliant.

To his chagrin,the "big man" who sacrificed merit at the altar on nepotism rolled in his chairs, puffed up and told the envoy "Nigeria is now an independent country and no longer takes dictation from anybody".

The white man surveyed his office, cast a furtive glance at the misfit and said to him as he fixed his gaze on the almanac hanging menacingly on the wall "This is August 1962,you people are not two years old and you have started this way,great nations are not built on the

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foundation of fraud". And to Francis he said: "Young boy, don't lose hope. You are bright enough to make it".

also taking its rightful place in the graveyard of failed countries. From the lofty height of "Giant of Africa" it

the type of struggles the Kenyans or South Africans engaged in to have self-rule.

That view falls flat today given what South Africa has become in just twenty years after the yoke of apartheid was broken.

I was at the office of one of the biggest suppliers of generators in Nigeria last week and overhead this conversation between an Arab guy and a European. The Arab said: "We are getting ready for the boom as South Africa is the next destination for generator business". The European said: "Yes,their power sector is collapsing as the present government is not planning at all".

That hit me bad. Like Nigeria moved from the generation of Awolowo, Azikiwe and Bello to the leadership of political touts,it has taken South Africa

No brains needed in Kuru Francis Ademoroti eventually went into the Nigerian Navy and shone brilliantly at the Royal Naval College, had the best thesis at Nigerian Institute Of Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru and rose to the rank of Commodore.

He was appointed a Principal Staff Officer by the No 2 man in a military administration. That was when the contradictions of Nigeria caught up with him again. His boss one day was with the leader of the regime and decided to flaunt his PSO. "Sir,this my PSO had the best thesis at kuru...". He was not allowed to finish when the maximum ruler asked: "And who told you we are looking for brains here?" Within a few months after he was kicked out of the Navy. He was not prepared for it and it disoriented him. He lived a reclusive life until he died a few years ago.

Nigeria did not allow him to make it as predicted by the American envoy just as it is

Nigerian president, Muhammadu

South African president, Jacob Zuma

The practical joke was that Nigeria was GIANT until South Africa emerged on the scene and removed the G and then the I

tumbled to the valley of Lilliputians. The practical joke was that Nigeria was GIANT until South Africa emerged on the scene and removed the G and then the I.

Mismanaged Independence Pundits on the failure of Nigeria in the past were wont to say that Nigeria could not manage its postindependence years well because we did not have to do

Buhari

less than two decades to descend from Mandela to Zuma.

The outcome is now a tottering state. The evidence of state failure in South Africa is all over. There are certainly signs that the military, the police and the public service have become dysfunctional, beholden to political interests or simply unwilling or unable to do the jobs for which they are paid. Infrastructure and the general provision of public goods are in decline, or in advanced states of disrepair. Consider the state of Eskom, the Post-Office, the increasing scarcity of water and sanitation, the increased uncertainty of the national carrier, South African Airways, the diabolical state archival system that has been stripping the country of institutional memory since 1994, and constant changing of the deck chairs in the country’s intelligence infrastructure, which would be laughable if it were not so corrosive.The high rate of unemployment has led to xenophobic attacks in recent times. And gradually goes down another promise of a country that works in Africa.

P.W Botha's thoughts about Africans Shamefully, one cannot but remember the speech of P.W Botha to his cabinet in 1985 at a time like this. Excerpts: "We do not pretend like other Whites that we like Blacks. The fact that, Blacks look like human beings and act like human beings do not necessarily make them sensible human beings.

Hedgehogs are not porcupines and lizards are not crocodiles simply because they look alike. If God wanted us to be equal to the Blacks, he would have created us all of a uniform colour and intellect. But he created us differently: Whites, Blacks, Yellow, Rulers and the ruled.

Intellectually, we are superior to the Blacks; that has been proven beyond any reasonable doubt over the years. I believe that the Afrikaner is an honest, God fearing person, who has demonstrated practically the right way of being.

Nevertheless, it is comforting to know that behind the scenes, Europe, America, Canada, Australia -and all others are behind us in spite of what they say. For diplomatic relations, we all know what language should be used and where. To prove my point, Comrades, does anyone of you know a White country without an investment or interest in South Africa? Who buys our gold?

Who buys our diamonds? Who trades with us? Who is helping us develop other nuclear weapon? The very truth is that we are their people and they are our people. It's a big secret. The strength of our economy is backed by America, Britain, and Germany. It is our strong conviction, therefore, that the Black is the raw material for the White man. So Brothers and Sisters, let us join hands together to fight against this Black devil. I appeal to all Afrikaners to come out with any creative means of fighting this war.

Surely God cannot forsake his own people whom we are. By now every one of us has seen it practically that the Blacks cannot rule themselves. Give them guns and they will kill each other. They are good in nothing else but making noise, dancing, marrying many wives and indulging in sex. Let us all accept that the Black man is the symbol of poverty, mental inferiority, laziness and emotional incompetence.

Isn't it plausible, therefore that the White man is created to rule the Black man? Come to think of what would happen one day if you woke up and on the throne sat a Kaff*ir! Can you imagine what would happen to our women? Does anyone of you believe that the Blacks can rule this country?"

To be Continued

18 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 HOUSING is a basic necessity of man. Indeed, all over the world, progressive and peopleoriented governments make housing a major consideration of their development policies as its adequate provision makes a beneficial impact on the well-being of the people.

Considering the importance globally attached to housing provision, it is unfortunate hat Nigeria’s housing profile since independence leaves much to be desired. Successive governments over the years have failed woefully to attend to this basic need of the citizenry in spite of several promises made during political campaigns and speeches by government officials.

The unfortunate consequence of this is that a significant proportion of Nigerian population is currently either not housed or living in accommodation that is far from decent or habitable.

Currently, Nigeria’s housing is put at 17 million, which translates to about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s estimated 170 million people. Yet it has been repeatedly argued by those in the position to know that government will continue to flounder in its quest to tackle the multifaceted problems crippling the nation’s economy until it squarely addresses the

Overcomin Our Housing Deficit prevailing housing challenges. A former President of the Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Mr. Bode Adediji, is of the conviction that government’s neglect of the housing, property and production sectors is responsible for our inability to revamp the ailing economy after many years of trying.

Against this backdrop, we feel strongly that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government should revisit the issue of housing and effectively address its challenges. This, it can begin by accelerating the process of the land

reforms.

A major impediment to the construction of houses in Nigeria is the high cost of land. In fact, it is estimated that Nigeria requires 17 million plots of land to meet its 17 million housing units need. To make this estimated land available for housing development government should make haste in ensuring that the Land Use Act on which the reforms are based is amended to remove every form of impediment.

There is also a need to make funding more accessible to qualified individuals through a sustainable mortgage system. Government, in partnership with professional private developers, should embark on mass housing programmes and plug in citizens to pay over a period and become homeowners.

The current grinding efforts of people embarking on building their own houses saps the middle and lowers classes of savings and generally predisposes people to corruption.

The entire housing approach in Nigeria has to change in tandem with best practices from around the world, whereby citizens can have easy access to housing and pay over time, irrespective of their economic stations.

OPINION

Corruption:Money now 'live' in houses?

By Chukwudi Enekwechi

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HE news trending in the social media about huge sums of foreign and local currencies being hidden in several mansions across the country by a former Nigerian leader gives most right-thinking Nigerians goose pimples. Can it indeed be true as we have read in various online portals such as face book, Nairaland and others that the much sought after hard currencies and Naira amounting to over one billion dollars are being hidden in various houses belonging to the wife, relations and concubines of one of Nigeria’s former leaders?

In most cases, such rumours in Nigeria turn out to be reality, as we are in a country where “wonders never end” as they say in ordinary parlance. Every now and then, our countrymen and women are regaled with news of one financial malfeasance or the other and one begins to wonder when we shall extricate ourselves from such damaging scandals that keep unfolding from time to time.

In the latest stories in the social media, its been reported of how some posh mansions scattered across different parts of the country are being stashed with millions of foreign currencies ranging from the dollar, Euro, pounds sterling, CFA and Naira. They are being hidden in fortified

safes constructed by major construction firms in Nigeria. The implication of this is that such safes and their places of abode will remain impenetrable.

From Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Yenogoa, the reports indicate that in several houses in those cities quantum amounts of foreign currencies “occupy” them rather than actual human beings.

Some of those houses are also furnished lavishly as a way of concealing the real “occupants”. This kind of decoy is meant to deceive the unsuspecting members of the public.

Obviously, what this implies is that the avowed commitment of the Buhari administration to trace Nigeria’s stolen money may have injected high level paranoia, fear and trepidation, that patronising conventional banking system has become a no go area for corrupt people.

As much as this serves the interest of those that perpetrate this act, it is not by any means a good omen for our society and

There is no period in our nation’s history when war against corruption has been more desirable than now

financial system generally, for those in positions of authority to continually rip the country off, just to serve their pecuniary interests. This is without doubt the highest betrayal of public trust and confidence. Irrespective of how demoralising this monumental sleaze appears, yet it is consoling that the war against corruption which the present administration has embarked on is making appreciable impact.

It is only hoped that as the government endeavours to recover all looted funds that Nigerians will offer them the requisite support to go the whole hog in sanitising the system. It is indeed regrettable the heavy toll that many years of sleaze has taken on our country, and the consequent hardships and privations associated with it. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to ensure that as a nation we don’t relent on the fight to reclaim Nigeria from the albatross of corruption.

In the latest instance as reported online we find huge sums of money being frittered away to relations, concubines, wife, etc.

The question is where does the redemption lie? Even more interesting is that locations where the monies are hidden are listed.

For example, mention was made of Lekki Phase 1, Ikoyi Victoria Island all in Lagos.

Equally mentioned in the reports are places like Port Harcourt, Abuja (Maitama and Asokoro), Bayelsa state (Yenogoa and an unnamed village). If the resources of the country are frittered away in this manner, obviously we are in for Armageddon.

All hope is not lost considering that security operatives have swung into action and Nigerians eagerly await the outcome of their investigations. The mere fact that two aides of the former Nigerian leader have stepped forward to spill the beans, or act as whistleblowers as the social media reports indicate, goes a long way to show that Nigerians are indeed sick and tired of a situation where a few revel in opulence with proceeds of corruption while majority of the citizens wallow in abject poverty, squalor and want.

There is no period in our nation’s history when war against corruption has been more desirable than now, considering the negative effects of the malaise in our national life.

The dilapidated infrastructure, unemployment, poor health care delivery, drop in educational standards and other ills bedeviling Nigeria are by-products of corruption.

Many observers have at different occasions attributed lack of visionary leadership for the propensity by those in authority to engage in corrupt practices, and this truly is the case, for visionary leaders usually plan ahead for their nations. In Nigeria, it seems that people entrusted with leadership responsibilities consider the interests of their immediate families as overriding than that of the entire nation. It is however gratifying that the Buhari administration has found it necessary to clean the augean stable by fighting corruption headlong.

*Mr. Enekwechi, a j ournalist, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015— —19

The challenge before Okowa

By Sunny Ikhioya

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HE curse that has afflicted the leadership of the Nigerian nation also extended to the states; greed, profligacy, corruption, mismanaged resources,etc. As it is with Nigeria, so it is with Delta state.

A multi ethnic group of people with abundant resources in solid, mineral and the very important human capital resources. Delta state used to be part of the old mid west region, which later became Bendel state. Much of the resources that helped to build the old western region in the fifties and sixties were derived from Delta state, then known as Delta province. We grew up in the neighbourhood of rubber plantations, palm oil plantations, cassava plantations, plantain/ banana and many others. There was also the forestry where various types of woods are sourced. We remember the biggest timber and plywood company in Africa (AT&P) in Sapele, Asaba textile mills, rubber crepe factories at Koko and Sapele. The Delta sea ports that includes Burutu, Warri, Sapele, Koko and others. We had also the fisheries reserves and different types of acquatic occupations like the Delta boat yards and inland waterways.

There were many viable business concerns that were run by the government of that period and

the good people of Delta state. It is therefore a paradox that a Delta state with all of these potentials still struggles to meet its obligations to the people. As I write, the local government workers are yet to receive salaries for five months and everywhere you ride through are stretches of abandoned projects.

The unemployment rate is increasing daily.

I have listed all the above revenue generating potentials that Delta state has without mentioning oil, the nation's wealth spinner. The point is that, even without oil or largesse from the federation account, Delta state should be in position to comfortably meet its citizenry obligations. That is the challenge of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

How does Okowa harness all of these raw materials and put them to efficient use? How can he make Delta state operate efficiently and independent of the federal government monthly allocation? That is his challenge as governor of the state.

As a state in the opposition at the federal level, he has to work twice as hard to ward off the intimidation of the APC led federal government in the manner Senator Bola Tinubu check mated President Olusegun Obasanjo in Lagos state between 2003 - 2007. This can only happen when the state grows its economy to an independent level.

That is the challenge of Okowa.

And how can he achieve this, given the diversity of indigenes, plurality of cultures, youths restiveness and the near lack of infrastructure in the state?

Okowa should recall the Delta province days, the people were happy and inter ethnic rivalry was almost near absent. There were inter tribal marriages amongst the people and this ensured that everyone was part of the other's celebration. You were addressed as Warri boy, Sapele boy, Asaba, Ughelli, Agbor and so on, not by the language you speak or parental roots but based on your interactions with people around you. Tribal bias was very minimal. The oil wealth escalated the tribal differences, with a contented Federal government stoking the fire.

How will Okowa unite the various contending forces of ethnic diversity into a meaningful and beneficial programme for the state? How will he get them motivated enough to go back to their roots or source of their original existence? How can he make them to tap from their God given

Without an active youth commissioner, there is a gap and Okowa must fill that gap

LETTER TO GOVERNOR OKOWA:

Why Veronica Ogbuagu and Henry Ofa’s antecedents need review

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By Ben Etaghene

Y dear Governor, Am often amazed why most aides to Nigerian leaders are allowed in the campaign trails. The definition of aides in this type of political arrangement, is somebody has won his way into an office and the resultant search for capable hands to assist him to deliver. But no Nigerian leader has ever treaded this path. There is always a colony of political cronies. For example, my governor, all your press aides are people from your enclave. This is not the best policy in a state with over five outstanding ethnic groupings. When I raised this issue with someone close to you, his response was “these people worked for him.” I gave him the example of ex-President George Bush (Jnr) of the United States of America (USA) who in his last two years in office appointed his worst critic. A man who never saw anything good in him and his policies as his press secretary. They achieved results because the man became committed as he saw the inside intricacies of rulership.

Former President Bill Clinton (also of USA) inherited Robert Gate (*sic) as US defense secretary, a known republican from George Bush (Snr). Since then till Barack Obama, it has become Democratic Party presidents tradition to give that portfolio to a Republican party affiliate in a country where political division even rivalry between party divide is fierce and keen. Equally President Muhammadu Buhari missed the point of crossing line in Dr. Adewale Adesina esrtwhile minister of agriculture who was set on the threshold to transform Nigerian agriculture into modernity and the realm of canning, workable storage capability and

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massive export. Instead, he was traded off to AfDB for a higher personal profile though, but a loss to Nigerian agricultural development and growth. Those who would say he is to oversee a continental body and a higher position to assist Nigeria should have a mental recollection of why that office had eluded Nigeria over the decades.

These analogies have been illustrated above because of the names above and my personal conviction as an observer from the political periphery as a journalist. I have no political affiliation but beliefs in political actors. Based on this, the submissions are what I consider solid and what would be productive in an administration poised to go places. In a pluralistic state like Delta State, the question could be asked why this writer has taken on two people from the same ethnic group. These are people whom I have taken time to study; their works, writings and public utterances. I cannot write on past commissioners whom I observed compromising themselves with unionists or abusing contract awards.

I am kind of forced to write this seemingly rebuttal after reading a columnist description of the Veronica Ogbuagu era thus: “Dr. Veronica Ogbuagu who made a strong impact in her time was good only in the area of discipline

She waged a relentless war against examination malpractices; and Dr. Ofa who awarded 155 contracts and commissioned 130 under three years is a feat

talents? How does he wake them up to the realisation that wealth and contentment do not reside only in white and blue collar jobs? That a lot abound on our soil, our agriculture, our acqua culture and a rich reservoir of qualified personnel. That is the challenge.

Given the way he managed his campaign, effectively meandering his way through the various competing forces in the PDP and ethnic shenanigans, it is hoped that he will put this skill to work. It must be noted that Okowa was not the favoured candidate of the PDP hierarchy and the past governor but he played his politics right and won.

If the people understand and believe in your programmes, they will give you the maximum support, just show sincerity.

Because Delta state is high up in the nation's education hierarchy in this country, there is more than abundant of employable youths.

The development and future of the society is dependent on the quality of its youth. How does the Governor Okowa intend to handle the restive youths who abound in all the local government areas since they will determine the peace in the region? How can they be channelled to positive engagements? Those who have lived all their lives as militants, how would they be rehabilitated and absorbed into society? Again this is a big challenge for Okowa.

Unfortunately, in the list of commissioners released by the government, I did not see anyone specifically assigned to youth affairs. It is a big omission, the

but with no appreciable improvement in quality education in the public sector schools.” This is gross under estimation of all Veronica Ugbuagu did while she was commissioner for education in Delta State.

One, considers how long she stayed in office.

We are not talking of beautifying school buildings to crowd 40-50 pupils in a classroom.

When I suggested the solution of two teachers to a classroom to Professor Patrick Muoboghare as commissioner. His answer was deplorable and helpless when he said, “that will be two weeks on and two weeks off”.

This kind of helplessness was the root cause of this woman’s performance. She saw to sound teaching, inspection, punctuality and good behaviour of pupils and teachers. Here was a commissioner who paid unscheduled visits to schools, in instances locked out late comers both teachers and students inclusive. If you study in the US, this is one area where political and psychology authors refer to Governor David Ejoor of Mid West Region when he locked out civil servants in Benin City as a way of instilling discipline in most of their books then. Veronica Ugbuagu did not stop there, she entered the classrooms to inspect teachers lesson notes – the strongest weapon for any effective teaching.

She waged a relentless war against examination malpractices.

She introduced a dress code for teachers in Delta State otherwise hitherto, teachers went to school with bathroom slippers, bubas, et al. Just recently, Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole introduced dress code for teachers in his state. She separated education from religion. She stopped the practice of churches using schools for their services when it was first introduced for which many of the preachers came to praise her for the decision.

She reintroduced the practice of interhouse competitions in schools which many people describe as “catch them young

youth ministry must be well established, structured, funded and monitored to meet the realities on ground. When the youths are well taken care of, society will be at peace, which will create the right atmosphere for development. Their needs are channelled through the youth ministry and voluntary youth organisations, which keeps them focussed. Without an active youth commissioner, there is a gap and Okowa must fill that gap now.

He must keep his programmes simple, the SMART agenda appears okay at the superficial level but when broken down to small indices, it gets complex and muddled up with octopoidal tendencies, no straight direction.

Keep it simple: education, agriculture, youth employment, revenue generation, peace and conflict resolution. Happiness for all Deltans, that should be the focus and the people must be made to understand this. That is why he must improve on all of the state's media agencies by upgrading Delta Broadcasting Service. As it is presently, many parts of the state do not receive clear signals.

The public works department must be reactivated to take care of all the pot holes on the road and drainage channels. These can only be achieved through disciplined and dedicated personnel.

Let us hope Okowa will live up to expectation. *Mr. Ikhioya, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Lagos.

ones.” But in fact, it goes beyond that because games and athletics are key factors in the teaching of leadership, keen rivalry, healthy living, et al in the young ones. It will be difficult to list all her achievement in a shared article but suffice to say that there is a nostalgia for her era amongst many teachers in the state. Though she is longer in the PDP but for effectiveness across political line appointments are necessary. Am not even sure of her willingness because Chief Thompson Okpoko (SAN) turned down Ibrahim Kefa’s offer as attorney general and commissioner for justice in 1993. In fact, I have not met this woman a day but like late Dora Akinyuli –fair is fair. Delta State deserves the best.

The other person, Dr. Henry Ofa, I met when he launched his book: “The Unsung Legacy of Emmanuel Uduaghan” where he elaborated on the developmental strides of DESOPADEC in Ethiope West, Okpe and Sapele constituencies under his commissionership. Through for now there is a bill in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) requesting the dissolution of the agency. But we are reassured that it may for more effects and to extend the area of beneficiaries, to be modelled on the federal government Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

My dear governor, I am in no way recommending anybody to you because I am not in a position to. Already there is a panoply of names in your file awaiting perusal. All I am doing as a journalist is a mere exposition of what I know about people in the abstract, that is, without any interactive sessions. For a man like Henry Ofa as DESOPADEC insider, with the combination of intellectualism and productivity, writing two books on the area of his assignment awarded 155 contracts and commissioned 130 under three years is a feat in any clime and circumstance. *Mr. Etaghene, is the editorial director of The Bulletin, Sapele, Delta State.

20—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

MEETING: President Muhammadu Buhari (right), and CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele (left) during a meeting at the State House, Abuja. In the middle is out-going President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr Donald Kaberuka.

128 stockbroking firms scale recapitalisation hurdle

O

NLY 128 stockbroking firms out of the 220 active and registered stockbroking firms on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) met the capital requirement as of July, a management source of the Securities and E x c h a n g e Commission(SEC) has revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

This implies that 92 firms may not be able to meet the Sept.

30, 2015

$130.95

3.15

$3,076.00

-31.00

$10.45

CURRENCY DOLLAR

recapitalisation deadline.

The SEC source envisaged that between 140 and 150 stockbroking firms would likely meet the recapitalisation requirement at the end of the exercise on Sept. 30. He said that some of the stockbroking firms had commenced moves to reclassify their businesses, to avoid the commission’s hammer. He also said that many workers would be thrown into the labour market if the companies

-0.21

$49.88

1.27

44.82

0.95

BUYING

196 POUNDS 304.1136 EURO 214.326 FRANC 199.3896 YEN 1.5715 CFA 0.3087 WAUA 272.7319 RENMINBI 31.5575 RIYAL 52.2611 SDR 272.7144 KRONA 28.7142

CENTRAL 196.5 304.8894 214.8728 199.8983 1.5755 0.3187 273.4277 31.6385 52.3944 273.4101 28.7874

197 305.6652 215.4195 200.4069 1.5795 0.3287 274.1234 31.7195 52.5277 274.1058 28.8607

CBN Exchange Rate as at 10/ 08 /15

The apex capital market regulator increased the minimum capital base for brokers/dealers by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million

failed to scale through or reclassify their businesses on time.

SEC in a circular directed all capital market operators proposing reclassification to notify the Commission not later than July 31, 2015. It said that the directive also applied to capital market operators opting for mergers, acquisitions or any other form of business combination. The DirectorGeneral of SEC, Mr Mounir Gwarzo, said recently that the September 30 deadline for the new minimum capital for market operators would not be further extended.

According to Gwarzo, the commission had no plans to extend the new deadline, stressing that it had come to stay. SEC on December 19, 2013 issued a new capital requirement for capital market operators with December 31, 2014 as deadline for operators to recapitalise. The deadline was, however, extended to September 30, 2015 by the commission in December 2014 following pressure and protests by some stockbrokers.

The apex capital market regulator increased the minimum capital base for brokers/dealers by 329 per cent from the existing N70 million to N300 million. A Broke r, who cur rently operates with a capital base of N40 million, will now be required to have N200 million, representing an increase of 400 per cent. The minimum capital base for dealers increased by 233 per cent from N30 million to N100 million.

Oil workers picket AMCON over N5bn salaries, benefits

F

ORMER workers of SeaWolf Oil Field, yesterday, staged a protest at Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) office, demanding payment of N5 billion backlog of 23 months salaries and terminal benefits. Mr Victor Ogundayo, who spoke to newsmen on behalf of the protesters in Abuja, said they embarked on the protest to draw AMCON’s attention to their plight.

He said that 23 months was a long time for any worker to go without a salary.

In June this year when the workers staged a similar protest, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of AMCON, Mr. Chike Obi said that the workers’ union were simply blackmailing the corporation. He said that Seawolf was indebted to AMCON and it seized its assets in order to recover its money.

He said that AMCON has no direct

relationship with the said workers.

The protesting workers threatened to remain in the premises of AMCON until their demands were met by the appropriate authorities. The protesters blocked the entire Murjanatu House in Maitama, Abuja, where AMCON and other companies have their offices.

“AMCON took over our facility in 2013 because SeaWolf was indebted to a lot of commercial banks. They did so without settling the workers. The standard in the oil and gas sector is that for whatever reason a company is taken, workers must be paid their terminal benefits, which AMCON has refused to do. Before we came here, we took our grievances to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and to Ministry of Labour and Productivity.

— 21

Banks may pass subsidy risks to marketers —Forte Oil boss

By Peter Egwuatu

A

major marketer, o r t e Oil Plc has raised alarm that banks may start to pass on subsidy risks to the marketers if the federal government continues to delay payment of subsidy.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil Plc, Mr. Akin Akinfemiwa , disclosed this to Vanguard that “With the release of third quarter, Q3 import permit, there is potentially no deregulation in the short term, no subsidy payments yet and banks may start to pass on the subsidy risks to the marketers.”

He stated that performance of downstream sector of the petroleum industry for 2015 is being hampered by non payment of outstanding subsidies owed to marketers; Insufficient supply of foreign exchange; devaluation of the naira, resulting in reduced purchasing power; industrial actions by trade unions during the period under review; no clear policies on economic matters eg , deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s cash tightening policies resulting in tight liquidity and huge interest rates.

Meanwhile, in his presentation at the Forte Oil Facts Behind the figure at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Akinfemiwa said “Our company has taken strategic measures towards overcoming some of the obstacles in the industry.

According to him “We have entered into strategic partnership and alliances with technical partners to participate in the proposed Federal Government of Nigeria sale of marginal oil fields and divestment of International Oil Companies investments in local oil blocks. We have also completed major restructuring exercise to compete effectively in the upstream sector wherein the company’s name changed to Forte Upstream Services.”

Commenting on business segment overview, he said “There is increased local participation for indigenous companies due to enforcement of local content act.

Our company has one of the few mud plants in Nigeria where it stores and sell its products.”

F

22 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

The fact that somebody knows your BVN does not mean he or she can use it to access your bank account.

,

TOP 10 PERFORMING STOCKS

BY PETER EGWUATU

E

VANS Medical Plc, last week led the cream of gainers on Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE as thirty seven stocks appreciated in price during the week, higher than sixteen stocks of the penultimate week.

Specifically, the company topped the 10 most active stocks in terms of gains, rising by 38.89 per cent or N0.21 per share to close at N0.75 per share from N0.54 per share of the penultimate week. It was followed by Transnational Corporation of Nigeria, Transcorp which rose by 29.13 per cent or N0.60 per share to close at N2.66 per share from N2.06 per share. PZ Industries Plc appreciated by 25.26 per cent or N6.96 per share to close at N34.51 per share from N27.55 per share, followed by May & Baker Plc which surged by 14.50 per cent or N0.19 per share to close at N1.50 per share, while Continental Reinsurance Plc rose by 12.05 per cent or N0.10 per share to close at N0.93 from N0.83 per share.

Other gainers in the top ten which appreciated in share price include: Nigerian Breweries Plc rising by 11.57 per cent or N14.00 per share; Nascon Allied Industries Plc 10.93 per cent or N0.67 per share; Axa Mansard Insurance Plc 10.67 per cent or N2.27 per share ; Forte Oil Plc 10.64 per cent or N20.00 per share and Cutix Plc 9.33 per cent or N0.14 per share.

Meanwhile, in the result ended December 31, 2013 released recently by the NSE, Evans Medical Plc reported a decline in revenue by 23.9 per cent from N4.864 million in 2012 to N3.699 million. It also reported a loss after tax of N820.5 million from N284.5 million in 2012.

The company had reported a loss after tax of N401.1million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. Also, the company’s loss after tax rose by N340.5million from the N60.6million loss it declared for the third quarter of 2012 to N401.1million in the same period of 2013.

The company had witnessed a drop in its revenue.

According to the results, Evans Medical recorded a N344million drop from the N3.479billion revenue it generated in the first nine months of 2012 to N3.135billion in the same period of 2013.

Also, in the financial results for its first quarter ended 31 March 2015, Transcorp recorded Group Profit Before Tax (PBT” of N2.57billion for the period.

The results show: Revenue for the Group stood at N9.92 billion which represents a slight drop of 5 per cent from first quarter, Q1 2014 results of N10.54 billion. The company’s revenue increased by 39 per cent to N736 million from N528 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2014.

Group PBT for the period was N2.57 billion while the company made a profit before tax of N761.35 million compared to the Loss before Tax of N573.95 million in 2013.

Group Profit after Tax (PAT) for the period under review was N2.19 billion while the PAT for the company increased from a loss of N626.75 billion in 2013 to N687.74 billion Total assets for the Group grew by 3 per cent from N170.76 billion for full year 2014 to N176.32 billion for the first quarter ended 31 March 2015. The company’s total assets also grew by 3 per cent from N54.24 billion for full year 2014 to N55.92 billion for the first quarter ended 31 March 2015.

Meanwhile, PZ Industries Plc posted the first revenue growth of the 2015 fiscal year, albeit a marginal one. The company recorded a Year on Year, Y-o-Y growth of 0.56 per cent, to lift revenue N52.89billion n vs. N52.59billionn recorded during the corresponding period of the previous year. The company posted negative Y-o-Y growths in first quarter, Q1:2015 and first half , H12015, due primarily tothe operational difficulties resulting from the insurgency in the Northern part of the country, and more recently, the currency devaluation which dragged consumer spending in the period. On a Quarter on Quarter, Q-o-Q basis, revenue grew more substantially by 27.56 percent (N21.23billionn vs. N16.64 billion in Q2:2015), representing a 5.44 per cent increase over the preceding quarter.

INVESTOR' ,

Biometric Verification Number: Reality and benefits (2)

By Babajide Komolafe

O

ne of the myths about the Biometric Ve r i f i c a t i o n Number (BVN) erroneously created by the authorities is

the BVN Card.

After the decision to introduce the BVN, the authorities decided to complement it with a BVN Card. But due to lack of communication, and the

manner the cards were being distributed, they created a wrong impression about the cards.

In some quarters, it is believed that the card will replace existing electronic

From left, Convener, 1000 Leaders Meeting, Nsikak Daniel; President, WhiteHouse Group, Dr. Austine Avwero Eruotor and Guest, Mr. Oworinde Oyebanji, during a press conference on the state of the Tour PR Group in Nigeria, in Lagos.

MARKET NEWS

Stanbic IBTC shareholders approve scrip dividend option

By Nkiruka Nnorom

S

hareholders of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc have approved a proposal by the Board of Directors to allow members of the bank receive new ordinary shares, instead of the whole or any part of the interim dividend to be declared for the financial year ending December 31, 2015.

As part of the bank’s scrip dividend scheme, the new ordinary shares will be credited as fully paid, and shall rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares of the company, according to the resolution, which was unanimously adopted at the company ’s

Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, EGM, at Abuja.

Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr. Atedo Peterside, said the approval was required in compliance with resolutions adopted at the company ’s Annual General Meeting held on June 3, 2015, during which the Board was authorized to offer additional shares to shareholders, who so choose, instead of cash in respect of any dividends.

“Shareholders have a choice of receiving their interim dividends in cash and may periodically elect to receive future dividends as new shares in the company, for any scrip dividend proposed by

the Board,” Peterside stated.

The new scheme, he added, would help in boosting the bank’s capital base and its operational capacity.

In addition, the chairman magnanimously offered on behalf of the board to step down a general mandate resolution on related party transactions which is a requirement of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. This resolution could have been presented to shareholders for approval because the court injunction sought by shareholders to step down the resolution was not granted by the judge.

However, in stepping it down, Mr. Peterside said that

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 —23

payment card, such that those who do not have it, would not be able to access their bank accounts. But it is not so.

According to the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Ade Shonubi, the BVN card though meant to complement the BVN, is not and would not replace existing payment cards. The purpose of the card, Shonubi said was to help people remember their BVN. He said, this is to help customers overcome the challenge of not remembering their BVN whenever they need to submit it for transactions. Hence, they would just produce the card, or check the card for their BVN. This explanation however does not make the BVN card a necessity.

Otherwise, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would have directed banks to issue bank account cards to their customers, to help them remember their account numbers. If bank customers don’t need a special card to remember or produce their

This explanation however does not make the BVN card a necessity. Otherwise, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would have directed banks to issue bank account cards to their customers, to help them remember their account numbers.

it was better for more consultations to be held with relevant stakeholders on the matter.

Peterside stated that three years after the adoption of a holding company structure, the group is raising capital to drive the next growth phase, which is focused on consolidating its drive to become Nigeria’s leading endto-end financial solutions provider with distinctive edge in banking, stockbrokerage, asset and pension management, and trusteeship, among others.

The focus of staff and management of the group, Peterside added, will be to continue to deliver superior shareholder value and partner with Nigeria in its quest for economic development, while delivering exceptional financial solutions to its diverse clientele

account numbers, telephone numbers, PIN and other numbers, then they don’t need a special card to remember or produce their BVN. Thus the BVN card is not necessary and should be suspended. Off, course, except it is meant to serve any other purpose besides helping customers remember their BVN, the card is a distraction to a laudable initiative, and it should be scrapped.

Besides the distraction of the BVN card, it is obvious that many people perceive the BVN as a government project. This is reflected in the response of a reader, to last week’s edition.

“Can Nigeria actually run and maintain this BVN initiative?

I ask this question because this is exactly what happened with INEC’s voter ’s card issue where we recorded people coming to the polling units with more than one card, having the same face, verified by the card reader.

Also, with the level of corruption in the country, what is the assurance that identity theft will be eradicated when our leaders will always make a way even though there seems to be none?

In a nutshell, I Just wish the government could only invent things it can handle, not introducing one huge project today only to scrap it tomorrow thereby wasting the limited resources we have.”

(Richard Nwachukwu).

The BVN initiative is not a government initiative, and it is not funded by government. Secondly, it does not really need any special legislation to work.

It is an initiative of banks and the CBN, and they are the ones also funding and implementing it. Can the BVN be compromised to the extent that one person can have different BVN with same identity? It would be very difficult. This is because NIBSS is the only organisation generating the BVN. Hence for that to happen, somebody in NIBSS would have to be involved. Even if such happen, it should be discovered whenever any of the BVN is submitted for transaction. This is because the banks would do a search on the BVN database, and such search would reveal the fraud. The reality is that it would be very difficult to compromise the BVN initiative.

,

'S FORUM

The current state of Naira to the Dollar is a passing-phase and with the CBN determination of Purpose and Support of the Good-Citizens, we shall overcome soon

,

INVESTORS SPEAK

CBN must be steadfast to stabilise naira — Shareholder

By Providence Obuh

A

shareholder Activist, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, penultimate week, wrote investor’s forum via Email, calling on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to remain steadfast for the naira to stabilise. This is due to the recent depreciation witnessed by the naira against the dollar in the interbank market.

According to Gbadebo, “To be candid, there is no cause for the current alarm on the state of the Naira to Dollar; though it is not ideal, but they were caused by a lot of negative-factors within the citizens bad attitudes towards the nation’s economy.

“The economic saboteurs were very bitter with the CBN ban of some items and were seriously fighting dirty and were on the prowl and extremely prepared to destroy the economy, if possible the nation, if we fail to do the needful and give them the opportunity.

“The state of the naira being artificial is caused mostly by the dollarspeculators/thieves of our commonwealth. The naira will soon find its proper-level if the CBN remain steadfast with the support of the remaining good-citizens.

It is a pity that we were a society that lack social-ethics and need to be taught many society-behaviours because the privileged Nigerians were not patriotic, they lack discipline, morals and always turning round the rules in order to support their bad attitudes to the norms, be it the society, economy, patriotism and good-behaviour. They tend to forget that there is “No-TrueFree-Economy without regulation anywhere in the world” and always doing things in their own ways while we seldom look as zombies. Nigerians should wake-up because this country belongs to all of us and we have no other country.

Many of us lack decency of curbing our excesses in order to return to normalise at any given time, we love the “business as usual toga”, forgetting that no condition is permanent.

The CBN needs to be steadfast, extremely focus and very determined to see the naira stabilise because we are a disordered people.

The state of the naira being artificial is caused mostly by the dollarspeculators/ thieves of our commonwealth CBN should look for more areas of waste and block them, ban more wasteful and unnecessary demands and leakages, focus more on the economy than the noises of the economic-saboteurs, because those making the noise lack merit, economicsenses nor decency and mostly need to be put under watch always; they never believe in any of our values nor the nation.

The current state of naira to the dollar is a passing-phase and with the CBN determination of purpose and support of the good-citizens, we shall overcome soon because no nation allows deregulation of her economy; it has to be regulated to the benefit of her citizens.

24— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Marginal fields operators seek incentives for gas devt

By Ediri Ejoh & Prince Okafor

M

EXHIBITION: Eloghosa Iyamu, a student of the University of Benin (left) and former Adviser to the

President on Petroleum, Dr Emmanuel Egbogah, inspecting a car built by students of the institution for the Shell Eco-marathon competition at the 2015 conference and exhibition of the Society for Petroleum Engineers, in Lagos.

How to boost local content, capacity, by Offor … As Kaztec wins $84.5m Shell pipeline contract

By Clara Nwachukwu

C

hrome Group, a fast growing indigenous conglomerate has reiterated the need for more jobs to be given Nigerian companies to boost capacity development and technology transfer in the nation’s petroleum industry.

The Group said this is the only way to boost Federal Government’s objective in Nigerian Content development, even as its subsidiary, Kaztec Engineering Limited, recently won an $84.5million rehabilitation contract for Shell’s Trans Niger Pipeline, TNP, as part of the pipeline integrity fortification.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend, the Executive Chairman, Chrome Group, Sir Emeka Offor, argued that content development cannot be achieved by professional certification alone, but by job execution and hands on experience.

According to him, “If you have the professional qualification and no jobs, how are you going to gain the experience and transfer technology? But where we (Chrome Group) are now, we have the opportunity and the facility to boost content development and technology

transfer.

Capital flight

He noted that most of the fabrication jobs in the industry are still ceded offshore to fabrication yards in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and a host of others leading to capital flight, even while Nigerians have continued to demonstrate the capacity to do these jobs.

He said: “Most of the jobs are done by heavy fabrication countries like China, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, and if that continues to happen, there will continue to be foreign exchange flight every day, and which will impact negatively on the value of our Naira.”

He however, chided indigenous companies to prove their capacity, saying that getting jobs from the international oil companies, IOCs, is not about playing politics.

He said: “To get an IOC job, they must audit your company and certify that you have both the manpower and the facility to compete. You have to drag the bull by the horns to be able to compete with other IOCs like Saipem and the rest. And if we are not able to deliver it is also a problem because we won’t get more jobs; but we are getting the jobs because we deliver as

promised. The IOCs give you a target, and you must deliver and if you’re not able to, then you’re out. So getting jobs are tied to performance, not politics, and they don’t accept excuses because the jobs are tied to their production and output.”

Kaztec capacity Accordingly, he said Kaztec, an indigenous engineering, procurement, installation and construction, EPIC company, has done a number of works for Addax in its fabrication yard at the Snake Island, reputed as the biggest in the country.

He added that Shell and other IOCs have also come on board based on the company’s track record to deliver on schedule.

Expatiating on the Shell pipeline job, Kaztec Project Director, Mr. Tochukwu Odukwe, said, “The Trans Niger Pipeline is a 12.5km project, worth about $84.5m of 30 inch pipeline located in Ogoni, Rivers State.

arginal fields operators have urged the Federal Government to incentivise the production of gas in the country, as a way of harnessing the potentials in the sector.

The operators made this call at the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition, NAICE 2015, organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE, which ended in Lagos last week.

At a session on, Nigeria Gas Monetisation and Infrastructure Development, Indigenous Participation in the Value Chain, the operators argued that the country’s proven gas reserve estimated at about 181 trillion cubic feet, TCF, cannot be fully harnessed if the government is not committed to incentivising investors to expand their capacities.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Oil Limited, Mr. Dada Thomas, in his presentation disclosed that the presence of gas is not the opportunity to unlocking the potentials but using the gas.

He said, “Most of the gases available in the country are associate gas, which requires huge investment to compress. We are not truly adding value to the sector domestically, because more than 60 percent of the gases produced locally are exported. More gas should be made available for domestic consumption as part of ways of powering the power plants.

“Currently the country is challenged with the lack of adequate infrastructure to distribute the product to the end users. Some of these challenges impede the ability of harnessing the potentials of the gas industry.”

He however noted that there are huge opportunities in the sector available for the private operators to take advantage of, adding that government must speedily pass the Gas Master Plan, as well as addressing the fiscal regime in order to open the doors of opportunities to the investors.

According to him, this will reduce the cost of entry, noting that the present fiscal regime, which imposed huge tax on the investors, has made it difficult for marginal field operators to set up gas facilities.

He argued that government needs to deregulate the pricing model to give way for willing sellers and buyers, adding that the financing model for the Gas Supply Agreement, GSA, is not bankable.

FG, UNDP, others partner on sustainable energy

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA - The Federal Government and a number of international agencies are currently working out modalities for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All initiative (SE4ALL) programme in Nigeria.

The agencies include the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, NEPAD; the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP; and the ECOWAS Centre for

Renewable and Energy Efficiency, ECREEE, The Sustainable Energy for All is an initiative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, UN, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, to address the global energy challenge especially in the rural areas.

Consequently, the stakeholders had held series of meeting in Abuja with the Acting Chairman of NEPAD, Mr. Gregory Iyogun, commending members for their doggedness and resilience towards achieving these laudable objectives.

He also expressed optimism that the 2030 target is a reality and will improve energy system in Nigeria.

A statement signed in Abuja by the Communication Officer, NEPAD Nigeria, Mr. Olatunji John, said that “NEPAD as the flagship programme of the African Union (AU) is coordinating the platform to produce a National Action Agenda.

“The core team of stakeholders under the platform of NEPAD and UNDP are synergising to create a National platform for the actualisation of the Agenda in Nigeria.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 —25

By Michael Eboh

N

atural Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, has faulted past audits of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, describing the audits as questionable and marred by irregularities and lack of due process.

NRGI, an independent, non-profit organisation with focus on governance issues in oil, gas, and mining, in a report titled, “Inside NNPC Oil Sales: A Case for Reform in Nigeria,” stated that only national oil companies with strong audit and reporting requirements tend to realise better returns from their operations.

According to the report, “Periodically, though perhaps not regularly, audits of NNPC, its subsidiaries and corporate divisions do take place, but the quality of audit functions and management responses are questionable.”

The report noted that “In 2010, KPMG found that the NNPC board’s audit committee met just once in three years, the plan used for audits was not approved by directors, and the full board apparently did not discuss or approve internal audit plans or results at its meetings.

“The corporate audit division reported directly to the group managing director - a possible threat to its independence. Specific to oil sales, KPMG auditors examined reports from annual audits of Crude Oil Marketing Division, COMD, and found that management did not address red flags on transactions and financial movements worth $2.59 billion.

“Auditors also routinely complain that NNPC does

NNPC’s audits marred by irregularities, lack due process — NRGI not give them access to people or data they need to do their work. In their 2014-2015 review, PwC auditors concluded that ‘the lack of independent audit and reconciliation [for NNPC oil sales] led to over reliance on data produced from NNPC. “This matter is further compounded by the lack of independence within NNPC as the business has conflicting interests of being a stand-alone self-funding entity and also the main source of revenue to the Federation Account.”

Periodically, though perhaps not regularly, audits of NNPC, its subsidiaries and corporate divisions do take place, but the quality of audit functions and management responses are questionable

A

BUJA: The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen the development and growth of the power sector with a view to making it effective to meet the nation’s quest for the diversification of the economy to the non-oil sector.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Godknows Igali, said this when he met with the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Council, NIPC, Mrs. Uju Hassan Baba, in Abuja.

C M Y K

NNPC to regularly disclose detailed, cargo-by-cargo data on all of its crude oil sales, to include buyers, grades, vessels, lifting dates, destinations, financing banks, prices obtained and payment details.

According to the report, a good first step would be for the government to require the NNPC to issue an annual report for 2015. This will also include its audited financial

statements, operational data, the financial positions and earnings of its subsidiaries, and disclosures on quasi-fiscal and other discretionary spending.

The NRGI report further recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the Ministry of Finance, should also make more detailed reporting on oil sale revenues in their publications, including disaggregation by sales types.

CONFERENCE: From left: George Kalu (new Chairman,SPE Nigeria Council), Emeka Ene (immediate past Chairman, SPE Nigeria Council) and Helge H. Haldorsen (President, SPE International), at the Society of Petroleum Engineers, SPE Conference, in Lagos.

We can’t dictate terms on Badagry Dry Dock- NLNG ...Denies non-remittance of N2.32trn to Federation Account

By Michael Eboh

N

igeria LNG Limietd, NLNG, has said that it cannot dictate to the owners

FG strengthens power sector to diversify economy

By Chris Ochayi

The report further stated that the NNPC, like its counterparts globally, should be made to adopt good audit practices such as hiring external, independent firms to conduct audits, publishing the audit reports, hiring auditors through open tenders, and changing auditors periodically.

The report also called on the Presidency to compel the

He noted that the power sector must be strengthened as a means of guaranteeing seamless transition, adding that the NIPC is a key stakeholder in government’s dream to build a robust power sector.

He stressed that this can only be realised through inter agency collaborations, and enjoined the NIPC to reduce the time frame for processing permits and licenses by prospective foreign investors.

He said, “As the gate way to direct foreign investment in Nigeria, the role of NIPC is very important to us in the power sector.”

and investors in the Badagry Dry Dock project on the location to site the project, especially as it has no stake in the project.

This was even as the Liquefied natural Gas, company denied claims that it did not remit N11.6 billion, about N2.32 trillion to the Federation Account.

Commenting on the controversy generated by the proposed dry dock project, the NLNG, in a statement signed by General Manager, External Relations, Mr. Kudo EresiaEke, said that its interest lies only in encouraging investors to consider building dry docks in the country.

This, Eresia-Eke said, will help to save the nation’s foreign exchange and save local ship owners, the trouble of having to go overseas for dry dock services.

According to him, NLNG would thus be pleased to see more dry dock projects emerge in different parts of

the country, but will not be investing in any.

He said, “It is thus fair to add that not being an investor in dry dock, NLNG cannot dictate to investors where to site their projects.”

He disclosed that the owner of the proposed dry dock in Badagry is a consortium of other Nigerian companies under the name of Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company (BSMEC), adding that the NLNG is not a part of.

He also stated that Nigeria LNG has a singular business focus, which is the processing and exporting of LNG, noting that it has no interest in investing in a dry dock anywhere in the world.

To this end, he advised individuals and groups issuing threats based on wrong information on the ownership and the siting of the project to desist, henceforth, as it would only serve to discourage investors.

“Please be assured that NLNG remains a good and valuable corporate citizen

helping to build a better Nigeria,” he explained.

Also commenting on the allegation of non-remittance of monies into the Federation Account, Eresia-Eke, said the NLNG has remained responsible to its shareholders and pays dividends to them according to the shareholding structure.

“NEITI had in a previous announcement confirmed that NLNG had fulfilled its obligations to the shareholders and that an inter-ministerial committee had been set up to reconcile payments made to NNPC which it had confirmed had been received. These facts are also contained in the NEITI published report, which are also available on NEITI website,” he said.

Eresia-Eke further disclosed that the company had over the years conducted all its businesses in full compliance with the laws of the country and existing tax regulations, championing compliance and meeting all its applicable tax obligations to federal, state and local governments.

26— Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

BOI, stakeholders cooperate on solid minerals devt

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

BUJA- FOLLOWING the emphasis laid on solid minerals sector development by the Federal Government, the Bank of Industry, BoI, and stakeholders have resolved to turnaround activities in the sector.

This was part of a one day Solid Minerals Sensitisation Forum, with the theme, ‘Investment Opportunities in the Solid Minerals Sector’, organised the Bank of Industry in Abuja. The forum aimed at critically looking into the Road Map for Solid Minerals Development in Nigeria, and also to examine challenges negatively hindering investments inflow and performance of the sector.

In his welcome address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, BOI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, stated that the solid minerals sector deserves financial support to boost the sector as the bank has been doing in other sectors of the economy.

Olaoluwa re-emphasised the need for government to give the sector maximum attention and support, as the forum addresses the challenges affecting the sectornegatively.

Olaoluwa said: “The dwindling oil reserve in the country had made it imperative for Nigeria to refocus its attention on the abundant and existing solid minerals towards poverty alleviation, economic empowerment and job creation.

CONFERENCE: Head of Nigerian Content Development, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria (SNEPCo), Austin Uzoka (right) during a contractor engagement session at the 2015 conference and exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, in Lagos.

The dwindling oil reserve in the country had made it imperative for Nigeria to refocus its attention on the abundant and existing solid minerals towards poverty alleviation

“The bank had supported the mining sector by giving loans to the tune of N24.6 billion and was also structured to provide

Group commends moves to clean up Ogoniland …demands name change of NDDC, HYPREP

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

BUJA- THE recent move by President Muhammadu Buhari, to

NERC to penalise DISCOs for rejecting power allocation

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA: The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, has read the riot act to any Electricity Distribution Company, DISCO, that rejects electricity allotted it by the System Operators, SO, especially when there was no prior notification for such rejection.

The Commission in a statement issued weekend in Abuja, warned that it will impose financial penalties on any defaulting electricity distribution company.

According to it, “The Order number NERC 139 entitled ‘Order on the Imbalance Application Mechanism during the Transitional Electricity Market’, was issued on account of high incidence of indiscipline by electricity distribution companies who reject load allocations by the SO. “Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) operates on the basis of a sharing formula approved by NERC, which the SO uses to allocate generated electricity to the distribution C M Y K

companies (DISCOs), many of which are lately rejecting allocation.

“Rejection of load allocation besides causing imbalance in the system is preventing electricity consumers from realising the maximum benefit of the recent increase in the electricity generation. Electricity generation in the country about two weeks ago notched 4,600 megawatts threshold.”

To curb such act of indiscipline, NERC in the Order said, “Where a distribution company has a constraint on its network that will make it unable to receive load, the DISCO shall declare such constraint to the SO a day ahead. Where a DISCO fails to give the required notice, it will be penalised.”

Besides, “Every DISCO is obligated to receive load as directed by the SO, even beyond its statutorily allocated load at any time. This additional load will not attract penalty. In allocating additional load to distribution companies, the SO shall take cognisance of historical data on Distribution Company’s ability to take power beyond their location.”

financial support as the leading financial institution in long term financing.”

He also acknowledged some successes recorded

in the sector, particularly in the conversion of limestone to cement, which has placed Nigeria as number one producer and exporter of cement in Africa, and 10th in the world.

He gave kudos to Dangote, Lafarge and other producers in the sector for making Nigeria achieve the feat, but urged the government and stakeholders to develop more mineral resources.

Declaring the Forum open, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Baba Farouk, represented by Director, Mines Inspectorate Department, Mr. Dauda Awojobi, said the Forum was a good platform for both government and investors to chart a new course for the sector.

“The Forum offered a platform for stakeholders to deliberate and generate new investment and mining business ideas and strategies necessary for the development of the sector in particular and the nation at large.

However, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, will be sanctioned if rejection of load allocation is caused by constraint in the transmission network.

Giving an insight into the background of the Order, which became effective over the weekend, the Commission’s Chairman, Dr. Sam Amadi, said it was aimed at eliminating existing imbalance and making Nigerians have maximum impact of the improvement in the generating capacity. It is also meant to incentivise operators to invest in their networks to take more power.

Amadi said most of the distribution and the transition companies have been using inadequacy of electricity supply as an excuse not to strengthen their networks. “The new threshold of power generation has exposed this weakness in their networks and we (NERC) have that responsibility to force them to invest in their networks,” he added.

commence the cleanup of Ogoniland has been commended by a nongovernmental organisation called Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF. This follows the refusal by former President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the recommendations of the United Nations Environment, UNEP Report by on the remediation of Ogoni land more than four years after it was released.

The commendation was made by Director, HOMEF, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, and also urged Buhari to include civil society organisations in the committee that will commence the remediation process of Ogoniland.

Bassey also acknowledged the doggedness and determination of the Ogoni people for their consistent struggle to ensure that their environment was given the deserved cleaned up, which the government has considered worthy.

The move also coincided with the 20th anniversary of the execution of late leader of the Movement of the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Ken Saro-Wiwa and other Ogoni martyrs.

Bassey expressed optimism that the President’s move will restore confidence of Ogoni people on the Federal Government and the

cleanup process.

He said: “The Health of Mother Earth Foundation, HOMEF, applauds President Muhammadu Buhari for signalling the real commencement of the cleanup of the devastated environment of Ogoniland. The delay in implementing the four years old plan was unconscionable by all standards. It is noted that the process leading to this had some consultations and that some structures have been established for its execution.

“There are rough edges that still require smoothing for a smooth take off of the cleanup project. A significant aspect is the non-inclusion of at least one representative of civil society in the structures set up by the President. The role and deep stakes of civil society in the struggle for the cleanup of Ogoniland and the Niger Delta cannot be overlooked. Their inclusion is essential for oversight reason.”

However, Bassey urged the government to change the names of the Hydrocarbons Pollution Restoration Project, HYPREP, and the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. According to him, “HOMEF, however, believes that the body saddled with the task of cleaning up Ogoniland should be renamed. Certainly government does not wish to ‘restore pollution’ as the name Hydrocarbons Pollution Restoration Project (HYREP) suggests. The object is to remediate the environment, not to restore pollution.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015— 27

•Eteng Abuja property

Why Abuja property rentals are over valued— Eteng

By Jude Njoku

H

AVE you ever given a thought to why exotic houses which adorn the landscape of highbrow areas of Maitama and Asokoro in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are hardly occupied? A front line estate surveyor and valuer, Elder Eteng Ibang Eteng seems to have an answer to this ugly development.

Eteng who retired as the Executive Director in charge of Estate Services in the Federal Housing Authority, FHA, says the valuation of these properties “are made in the heavens” hence they (properties) are for heavenly beings”. In other words, such properties are highly over-valued.

Eteng who addressed newly inducted estate surveyors and valuers in Lagos, explained that of all the cities in the world, Abuja has the highest rental value on properties.

Rental value According to him, it is almost impossible to rent an office accommodation in Abuja because of high rent in the FCT. “In valuation for mortgage, rental and other purposes, some practitioners have been induced by the dependence of their fees on the values assessed, to overvalue or allow clients to dictate values they want. Financiers have thereby been misguided to overlend and lose their investments.

Landlords are misguided to have excessive value expectations leading to failed or delayed deals.

Colleague practitioners who do the correct valuations become objects of ridicule,” he lamented.

Speaking specifically on property values in Abuja, Elder Eteng said: “These are values from heaven and are reserved for the heavens. Some property owners, based on these over-valuations, refuse to let out such properties for several years and some of them have even died as a result of hypertension”.

Another area where estate surveyors err, according to Elder Eteng in valuation for compensation purposes. “In compensation assessment, some practitioners over-estimate crops and economic trees numerically and overvalue improvements out of context with the provisions of the law in order to attract undeserved direct personal financial benefits from claimants. The outcome is bloated compensation claims that

In compensation assessment, some practitioners overestimate crops and economic trees numerically and over-value improvements out of context with the provisions of the law in order to attract undeserved direct personal financial benefits from claimants

result in escalated project costs to the public sector and a drain on government resources.

"This has lowered public confidence in submissions estate practitioners make on compensations and resulted sometimes in the transfer of compensation roles from our profession,” the former FHA director who harped on the need for integrity in professional practice, said.

Justifying these assertions at an interactive session with Vanguard Homes & Property, Elder Eteng explained that the underlying reason for over-valuation is the crave to make more more because the higher the value of a property, the more the commission that

surveyor will collect at the end of the transaction.

Speaking specifically on property values in Abuja, Eteng said: “What went wrong that are far too much of pursuit after wealth. People were after wealth in their pockets. Those who have property wanted to make money out of their property.

"Those who were helping them as agents were also trying very much to see how much more they can get because if you sold or let a property at a good price, so does your commission rise. So, there was a kind of rat-race and in that rat-race, persons who are not in the field, people who just plot

values from nowhere, no certified values, brought these values and imposed them on the public. And so, a lot of people found themselves bound because they needed accommodation.

Is your submission that Abuja has the highest rental value in the world based on empirical facts?

“Look, when we make statements like that, those statements are based on comparisons or comparables. You perhaps have gone to certain developed countries where you find the land use comparable to what we have here are below, then you can make these statements. When you again think about the infrastructure in the place for which so much is being paid and compare with the infrastructure somewhere else where slightly lower rents are being paid, you cannot but conclude that Abuja has the highest rental value in the world”.

Structural engineers canvass implementation of local content policy

By Kingsley Adegboye

A

PPARENTLY disturbed by Nigeria’s preference for expatriate engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE), a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, has called on state and federal governments to implement the local content policy.

President of the Institution, Dr Samuel Ilugbekhai who made the call at a press briefing to announce the group’s forthcoming conference which has “Structural Engineering Excellence in an Environment Inundated with Collapses” as its theme, posited that without Nigerians, no one will come from anywhere to develop our country for us. He regretted that structural

engineering jobs are being given to foreigners without consideration for Nigerian engineers.

According to Ilugbekhai, Nigerian engineers have the same experience as their foreign counterparts.

He stated that Nigeria has the advantage of getting engineering jobs executed cheaper if indigenous engineers are given the jobs being handled to foreign engineers. This is because the local engineers do not denominate their charges in hard currency unlike the expatriates.

“Let Nigerian engineers be given Nigerian projects to handle.

The nation is loosing by not giving Nigerian engineers projects to handle”, Ilugbekhai noted.

The NIStructE president said his

members are deeply touched by the loss of valuable lives and property as a result of avoidable incidents of collapsed buildings which have been become very rampant in the country in recent times. This development, according to him, necessitated the conference billed for October 27 and 28 in Abuja.

The two-day conference will offer participants the privilege to expand their frontiers in the development of safe buildings, correct use of standard building materials, structural engineering best practices, codes of practices, their interpretation and proper usage, structural engineering enhancement and structural integrity as well as reliability of structures.

28 — Vanguard, TUESDAY,

AUGUST 11, 2015

Guild seeks stakeholders' collaboration to stem cement re-bagging

By Kingsley Adegboye

A

GAINST the backdrop of alleged reduction of the contents of the 50 kg bag of cement by some dubious cement dealers and retailers who want to maximise profit, the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, BCPG, has called on stakeholders in the built environment to join hands and curb the menace.

President of the Guild, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, a builder, who made the call in a press statement explained that “the essence of packaging cement at 50kg quantity per bag is to ensure consistency in mix ratio on site”.

“However, when such quantity is deliberately reduced by some dubious cement distributors and retailers actuated by profiteering, structural defects in building become imminent,” Awobudu who is a former chairman of the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Institute of Building, NIOB, said.

Construction practitioners He explained that these sharp practices are more prevalent in the building material markets in Abuja and Port Harcourt. According to the BCPG boss, this illegal practice has been in existence for long without serious efforts to checkmate it, hence it remains a big headache for construction practitioners. The statement signed by Awobodu read in parts: “Head pans are the common gauge for batching aggregates and cement on sites. A head pan is designed to contain, conveniently, 25kg of cement.

For ease of transportation and lifting, a bag of cement is limited in weight to 50kg. That is, two head pans by volume. This gauge therefore becomes the basis for determining the quantity of the aggregates in a specific mix.

“For instance, a mix ratio of 1:2:4 which is traditionally expected to attain a strength of 20N/ mm2 at 28 days, the translation into practice is one head pan of cement (i.e. half a bag of cement) will be added to two head pans of fine aggregate such as sharp sand and four head pans of coarse aggregate that could be clean gravel or granite.

Then water of appropriate pro-

portion is used to mix the cement and the aggregates together in a workability and compaction that will eventuate in the required strength at 28 days.

“However, a reduction in the quantity of cement contained in a standard bag, which might not be easily noticeable constitutes a serious danger to the overall strength of a concrete.

The same is applicable to cement-sand ratio in screeding, rendering and block ‘moulding’.

It takes an eagle eyed construction professional to identify a slightly depleted bag of cement.

“It is only an experienced ganger or labourer that could sense a weight difference in a full cement bag and the re-bagged one that has been carefully opened, depleted and resewn.

The most effective way of checking the weight of cement supplied to site in order to separate the chaff from the grain, is to place

On-going housing project

Estate surveyor probationers to enjoy speedy registration in Delta

By Kingsley Adegboye

T

each bag weighing machine.

HE on new chairman, Delta State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Chief Efe Appih, has called on all probationers in the state to take advantage of the present administration’s policy of effortless registration, to upgrade their professional status.

Appih disclosed that the new leadership has put several measures and programmes in place for intending surveyors to benefit from when they become full fledged members of NIESV. He made this call when a group of probationers paid him a visit in Warri over the weekend .

Speaking earlier, the leader of the group, Mr. Kenneth Atseponu,

congratulated the Delta state NIESV boss on his recent election and thanked him for the warm reception accorded his group.

Mr. Atseponu, however, lamented the undue bottlenecks and frustrating protocols hitherto involved in the registration of intending estate surveyors and expressed optimism in the wake of the new change of development being entrenched by the new leadership in the state branch.

Appih therefore used the opportunity to appeal to all members of NIESV to cooperate with his administration in order to build the strongest professional body in the country, adding that, “We can no longer afford to sit on the fence. It is time to be committed. It is time to build our own. Coming together at this time of change will enable us develop a viable and upwardly mobile NIESV. This will surely nip in the bud our number one menace which is quackery,” he stressed.

Builders tasked on opportunities in construction sector

By Kingsley Adegboye

W

AYS to tap into the inherent business opportunities available in Africa’s construction sector and develop the appropriate skills to meet the demand for their professional services were in the front burner at the just concluded 45th Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The the three-day event tagged “Oluyole 2015”, witnessed the conferment of Distinguished Professional Life Time Achievement Award on the first President of the Institute, Otunba Fatai Ishola Osikoya, and Fellowship Award on Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi and his Osun State counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

In his welcome address at the opening section of the conference, President of the institute, Tunde Lasabi said the choice of the theme “Skills Development and Entrepreneurship in the Construction Industry” for the AGM was anchored on the firm need for builders to embrace entrepreneurship, as a lot of business opportunities abound for builders and African construction professionals.

“As builders, our foremost concern is that government provides an enabling environment for business to strive in Nigeria, and we are to harness the

opportunity to make a better nation”, he noted.

Giving his account of stewardship, Lasabi disclosed that the membership strength of NIOB is over 7,000 and that there is better awareness of the profession across the breadth and length of Nigeria much more than before.

He commended the immense contributions of members to the development of the built environment at various levels.

Chairman of the Organising Committee for the conference, Mr. Kunle Awobodu, pointed out that the increasing desire of prospective home owners to get functional buildings that meet their subjective perception has placed an enormous expectation on the performance of builders.

According to Awobodu, “Today, in Nigeria’s built environment, the relevance of builders in the building production process is no longer in doubt. But the worrisome dimension is the

Developing the skills of artisans will also put a check to the incidents of collapsed buildings that are now a common feature in the construction industry

increasingly dwindling opportunities for the cascading of construction skills, competence and knowledge by the fast ageing and depleting experienced builders down to the young and emerging builders for effective site management and successful building project delivery”.

Former Head of Service of the Federation and chairman of the occasion, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, said the theme of the conference is one area where Nigeria today has found itself colonised

by Ghanaians, Togolese among others, stressing that it is not enough for professionals to have the skill but they should use it for business.

“The challenge in contemporary time is like the professional bodies are becoming conservative. They are looking for you in Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, where you can colonise them because you have the skill,” he added.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was conferred with a Fellowship Award of the institute, said the conference is not only appropriate but timely.

Ajimobi, who commended NIOB for the award conferred on him said there is a need to develop knowledge and skill in the building sector.

“Developing the skills of artisans will also put a check to the incidents of collapsed buildings that are now a common feature in the construction industry. It is imperative for your institute and other professional bodies in the construction industry to come together to create a common platform and partner with government at all levels and tertiary institutions to develop a more robust master plan for skills acquisition and development,” he said.

Flood terrorises Cross River community PAGE 5

Land speculators grab govt schools’ lands in Rivers PAGE 8

VOL. 1: No. 61

TUESD AY, AAUGUS UGUS 1 , 20 15 TUESDA UGUSTT 111 201

By IKE UCHECHUKWU EKPRI IBAMI

T

EACHERS posted by the Ministry of Education, Calabar, Cross River State to the only primary school at Ekpri Ibami community, Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state, have deserted the school because of the dilapidated road to the village, lack of health facility, electricity and water.

The community used to be viable commercial hub decades ago and served as a connecting route to Calabar-Itu road. However, due to development, a new route came into existence and the area neglected.

Clan head of Ekpri Ibami community, HRH Michael Ako, who lamented the plight of the people, told Niger Delta Voice that government has totally abandoned the village.

He said, “There is no hospital in Ekpri Ibami, but there is a school. However, people in this area have to go urban areas or move to Uyanga and Netim to get education because there are no teachers to teach the pupils. I have made a lot of sacrifice on my own, all to no avail.”

I pay teachers from my pocket

“I have had to pay teachers from my pocket to come and teach in the school, which I constructed with my money just for the children to get little education but it still did not work,” he bemoaned.

HRH Ako said he had tried to reach out to the Ministry of Education, Calabar, on the posting of teachers to the school, but once a teacher comes to the community and stays about one week, you will not see him anymore.”

The dejected clan head asserted, “I do not blame the teachers, our inaccessible road makes the place too remote, even

in this area. This is quite unfair.”

“Only the NDDC too has been able to bring one or two things here but we are pleading with the government to assist them with funds so that they can finish our hospital.

“At my age, I still have to travel for between one hour to one and a half hours to get medical attention. It would have been a different story if NDDC has completed the hospital it initiated, but because of lack of funds, we still have to go to General Hospital in Akamkpa or Calabar.

“It is the pregnant women that suffer the most, we will be indeed grateful if that hospital can be completed and our road at least graded to the end,” Ako stated.

Villagers migrate too

Besides, he said many people have migrated from the community in search of greener pastures due to lack of basic amenities in the area, adding, “This is not good for our roots and origin as a people.”

HRH Ako asserted, “I call on President Muhammadu Buhari whom I know is there to make a name because he has a reputation to protect to come to our aid. I am also calling on His Excellency, Prof Ben Ayade, to see that our sufferings are alleviated as soon as possible, we have been neglected for too long.”

The school

We still live in Stone Age

Remains of the school built

by Chief Ako

Their stream

LACK OF AMENITIES:

Teachers flee Cross River community school *No accessible road, water, electricity, hospital in Ekpri-Ibami *No teacher stays here more than one week— Clan head *Community cries out to President Buhari, Gov Ayade something as pivotal as water is still like a dream.”

Over 100-year-old Ako said, “Back in early 40s and 50s, this place (Ekpri Ibami) used to be a major route to what is currently known as Akwa Ibom state before the Calabar –Itu road

was created, but I am surprised at the way we were totally forgotten.

There are no more roads, if not for what the NDDC has done; I do not think anyone can even enter the place anymore.”

Govt has failed us He grumbled, “Despite our plight, only few of our representatives have been able to do something for us, yet we vote, which is the only time that government remembers that there are human beings in existence

An indigene of community, Efiok Ekpeyong, also told Niger Delta Voice, “We still live in the dark ages, as you can see, NDDC has started something on our road but we do not have a school here and the hospital project has been halted due to lack of funds as we were told.”

“This is the reason why most people have left to Netim, Uyanga, Calabar and other urban areas, nobody wants his or her child to be an illiterate so we need government intervention,” he asserted.

He said that the clan head, Chief Ako has really tried for the community, pointing out, “But he is just one man, if others or government can assist him, a lot of things will change for the better .As law abiding citizens, we deserve better because we carry out all our civic responsibilities.”

Ekpeyong added, “A lot of individuals like Hon Dan

Continues of Page 7

2 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By OCHUKO AKUOPHA

I

RRI—IT was a moment of anguish, penultimate Wednesday, as the people of Irri community, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, marched towards the community’s town hall, venue of the interment service of five indigenes, slain in an intracommunal crisis that engulfed the community in 2002.

Commercial activities came to a halt in the town as soldiers and other security operatives patrolled with vehicles.

There was no other vehicular movement in the once-peaceful community, which is the largest town in Isoko with 14 villages.

By 8.30 am, villagers clad in dark attires have besieged the town hall.

Moments later, they broke into uncontrollable tears as five ambulances, bearing the remains of the Irri-5 in five caskets drove into the arena.

Besides a female victim interred in Oyede, a neighbouring community in Isoko North local government area, 12 casualties that spent 13 years in mortuaries at government and private hospitals in the area were also buried. Earlier on June 24, six were committed to mother earth.

Chairman of the Irri Community Development Committee, IDC, Mr. Goddey Igorigo, said the number of persons killed during the crisis was countless, adding, “Up till date, you cannot get a trace of so many people that were said to have travelled at that time.”

Ominous split Blaming the crisis on leadership tussle and the divide and rule tactics employed by a multinational oil company operating in the community,

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Una Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Brisibe Perez Theresa Ugbobu Ochuko Akuopha Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

How oil firm instigated crisis in Delta community — Goddey Igorigo, IDC chair *Slain 5 interred, countless others missing Igorigo told Niger Delta Voice, “Before now, Irri was the most peaceful community in Isoko land, Irri people love themselves, they love strangers, it was more or less a haven that was safe for everybody.”

“The place was developing gradually. At that time, the tussle for leadership was not there; we normally beg people to become president of the community. As soon as the oil company entered, greed now came in and there was now tussle about who will be at the helm of affairs.

“Before we knew it, the community broke into factions. Issue of recommendation now came in as to who will do this or that job and problem started creeping into the community. The company now brought a divide and rule tactics and there was tussle in the place. Even for us to hold conferences without security men was not possible. Soldiers will now surround the place,” he said.

Pointing out that there were silent killings until sometime around 2004 when it became very open, he said there a gang- up in the community with some youth being in possession of arms, adding, “Those youths broke into factions and those warring factions were the people that were now attacking themselves.

It was then killing started over issue of who will become youth leader.”

Govt intervention His words: “When the killings became very rapid, the state government intervened and stressed the need to set up a caretaker committee to pilot the affairs of the community pending when peace returns. The local government administration set up a caretaker committee as instructed by the state governor at that time.” “ It was then I emerged as the chairman of the caretaker in 2012 and we were charged with the responsibility of restoring peace to Irri so that people can go about their normal businesses, conduct

elections, then bury those that are in the mortuary,” he added.

Igorigo asserted, “When we started, we met with the warring factions, the landlords of the flow station, who were coming under the umbrella of resource control; that was when we started experiencing peace.

We started meeting with every person concerned for reconciliation and we now went to the second agenda which was the burial of those that are in the mortuary.”

Challenges “We had a lot of challenges because of financial constraint as at that time. Even the local government that promised to help us at that time found it difficult because of zero allocation. It was then we decided to meet with the oil company to assist us with money for the burial, but they refused on grounds that they had given money to some persons for that purpose in the past.

“We were not having money at that time and there was a court injunction that we cannot bury those people unless we had an order from the Inspector General of police. Even to secure that order was a problem and as a community we went to court

Chairperson of the community, Mr. Pius Okogba, said: “It was because of the oil that came that made us to experience the crisis.

Before now we beg people to take leadership positions.

They started jostling for power when oil came to seek that order and it was granted,” he said.

The IDC chair said, “We are of the view that we are brothers and we cannot continue to be in crisis, to kill your fellow brother is against the law of nature, so

Remains of some of the victims

we were looking at every means to put the crisis to an end and in doing that, we must bury the people that were killed. After we got the court order, to bury the people was a big problem and that was why we were appealing to the government to assist us.”

He said, “The money we have spent on the interment alone was over N20 million; we have not talked of taking care of family of the deceased persons; some left behind their wives and children of two to six years, who will cater for them, because the bread winners of the family were killed for no good reason. Some of them were just standing in front of their houses and they just shot at them. You can see that a big burden has been rested on the community.”

Loss “Throughout the period that the crisis lasted, business activities were all grounded, people deserted their homes, and our old women started running. If we take statistics of people that are still missing, it is uncountable.

“What we have lost in the community is unquantifiable; that is why we are begging the government to come to our aid. It came to an extent that they took jobs supposed to be executed here to other places. As I speak with you now, we do not have pipe borne water to drink, we are suffering, no electricity, and there is no government presence in the place.

We ve learnt our lesson “We cannot really blame government because no one will site a project in a place where there is crisis. To be frank and sincere, Irri is the largest town in Isoko North

and South as a whole. We have 14 villages but nobody from Irri town got appointment; nobody from Irri town has opportunity to serve in the House of Assembly. Nobody from Irri town has served as commissioner. That is why we are calling on our present governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to consider Irri sons and daughters for appointment,” he asserted.

Also speaking with Niger Delta Voice, vice chairperson of the community, Mr. Pius Okogba, said, “It was because of the oil that came that made us to experience the crisis. Before now we beg people to take leadership positions. They started jostling for power when oil came.”

“The crisis started in 2002 and it started escalating in 2004 and we lost a lot to the crisis. It was not an Irri man that killed these people; they brought in mercenaries to kill these people. Our brothers lost their lives. It also affected us economically.

“Our people have learned from this. We have seen what has happened for so many years, the place was deserted; so with what has happened, we all know that it is not good to fight ourselves; we are all brothers and sisters. We are happy that peace has returned to the community; sanity has now come.

Financial Secretary of the community, Mr. Simon Ezoh, also lamented the killings and the adverse socio-economic consequences of the crisis in the community. He, however, expressed happiness that some of the people, who moved out of the community have now started returning home due to the restoration of peace to the community.

CORRECTION In our last Tuesday edition, we published an interview with the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Benjamin Ikenchukwu Keagborekuzi, where we referred to Agbor as an Igbo town in Delta North Senatorial district, Delta State.

We have been informed for the record that Agbor is not an Igbo town in Delta State. The people are ancient people, who are indigenous to Agbor Kingdom and speak Agbor language. We regret the error.

Editor.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 3

AKWA IBOM…LAND OF PROMISE

A’IBOM 2014 TANKER FIRE INCIDENT:

Delay in payment of compensation sparks tension

By CHIOMA ONUEGBU

I

KOT AKAN- VICTIMS of the December 2014 tanker fire incident at Ikot Akan village Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, which razed about 40 buildings, have expressed worry at the apparent delay in the payment of compensation promised them by the state government.

One of the victims, Ufot Udosen, complained that since fire gutted his canteen, his family has been facing untold hardship, as he has not been able to start any other business since then.

His words, “I used to have a small kiosk along this road where I sell food and make small money to feed my family and send my five children to school. But since my kiosk was burnt down when a tanker carrying fuel fell down on this spot, last year and caught fire, I do not have any other thing I do to take care of my family.

“If you look round, you will see that fire destroyed everything here, some of the shops you are seeing here now, people just erected them recently, I am not happy because government came and said they will do something about it, but since then, we have not heard anything from them.

Request to govt “What we want now is for government to come and do something about this situation. I do not have money to repair that shop or start another business. My family has been suffering since that time,” he added.

Another victim and chairman of the Mammy Market, Nsikan Wilson, said, “You can see that almost all the shops around here were burnt down. We used to have those that sell shoes, those that make hair and other sections, but fire burnt their shops. That is why in this whole area, no business is going on again. We are asking government to come to our help, we need help, and we have been waiting for so long. The way it is, it seems government is not doing anything about our plight.”

Victims plan showdown A motorcyclist, who simply identified himself as Nnyong, said, “I am among those who lost their bikes in that fire, last year and some so many commercial motorcycles packed by the roadside that day were also burnt just like you

see a lot of shops burnt down.

In fact, we wanted to protest some months ago but the youth leaders asked us to calm down. For how long shall we continue to suffer?”

Contacted, the village youth president, Umoh Usen, told Niger Delta Voice that about 40 buildings and structures were affected by the fire disaster but no life was lost.

“As a community leader, I was able to contact the youth leader of Ukpum Ette clan and we immediately wrote to the state government and copied other relevant authorities like Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency and even NUPENG at the state and national levels, but there has been no response from them since then. The victims are frustrated because they have nothing doing. And they have been on my neck, which is why I am worried” Relief materials Youth leader of Ukpum Ette clan, Mr. Ubong Essien, said apart from the delayed compensation promised by the government, he expected that by now, the victims should have been given relief materials from relevant authorities.

“Our responsibility as community leaders is to make sure we convey whatever information or problems that affect our communities to the relevant government authority.

So far, the youth president of the area, Umoh Usen and I have been able to work together and written to SEMA, NEMA, House of Assembly and others to come to the rescue of these victims.

“And the driver of the tanker immediately ran to the police to turn himself in and also escape attack by the angry community when that incident happened. Afterward, the police invited the victims and they went and made their complaints. Unfortunately, since they lodged their complaint, nothing has been done about the matter,” he said.

His words, “We also sent letter to the past members representing Ikot Abasi at state and federal constituencies but the whole situation has remained like that, and the victims are still aggrieved. In fact, I called Niger Delta Voice because they have been disturbing the youth president, asking why government has not done anything. They had wanted to protest again and we said they should calm down.”

According to him, “This incident happened around December 2014 because I was

at a campaign rally when I was called, so the matter has taken a very long time. In fact, the victims have been itching to protest again to express their

AKWA IBOM… LAND OF PROMISE

I

KOT ODUOT- THE village head of Ikot Oduot community, Ibesikpo clan, Akwa Ibom State, EteIdung Obong Asuquo Obot, has called for the establishment of four tiers of government at federal, state, local and village levels to fast track development in the country.

Speaking to Niger Delta Voice in an interview, he said, “Government has not given due recognition to the rural community or to the village community. My proposal is that there should be four tiers of government; the federal, state, local and the village council government, funded by the federal government.”

His words, “There are two ways to do that. When they give money to the local government knowing that the local government consists of a number of villages, they should give 50 per cent of that allocation to the constituent villages. They should share the money per village based on the population of the villages

anger over the delay in payment of compensation but we told them that government would do what it promised.

“So we are using this medium to plead that government should look into the matter fast so that peace can be assured within the community. We do not know what is on their mind; you know as the saying goes

that a hungry man is an angry man.

Govt addressing the matterSEMA Contacted the Head of Department Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Mr. Udeme Umoren, said, “The State government is doing something in that direction.

You know that government decision over such matters is carried out in stages, but all I know is that government is working out something about that incident.”

Royal father advocates four-tier government

By TOM MOSES and give the other 50 per cent to the local government.”

“The villages will use their money to do their own projects though piece-meal because any annual allocation or any monthly allocation will not be able to execute a single project at once. If that takes place, the villages will develop faster and expand into other villages.

“Take for instance, a water project in a particular village that is to terminate in the next village, and the other village has its own terminating in the next one, the two communities may simply collaborate so that if there is something wrong in the water pumping system of one village, the other village will supply the water. Here, we do not have water from the federal government, the state or the local governments.

Therefore, it is not a good situation for the communities or villages,” he said.

Obot asserted, “Presently, the state government takes responsibility of everything because the villages do not

have money to execute projects. Villages are not governed as in the past where our fathers used the proceeds of palm fruits to execute minor projects they had and to build schools because that was one major project the villages had in the past. All the primary schools were developed by the village government.”

“These days, the government mostly comes to repair the primary school buildings, equip and pay the teachers,” he added.

He said, “We need water because this village has no water, our only source of water has been polluted by the drainage system from Uyo, they are all emptied here. If you want water, you have to dig your own borehole and that is what is happening here. Govern-ment should provide our communities with dependable sources of water and other amenities to make life in the community meaningful because we do not have anything in this village.”

4 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

BAYELSA… GLORY OF ALL LANDS

Youths allege shoddy training programme by Daewoo *NCDMB to invite Daewoo, SPDC

By EMEM IDIO

Y

ENAGOA- ANGERED by the abrupt termination of a transfer of technology and capacity building programme by Daewoo Nigeria Limited, some affected trainees, last week, stormed the office of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to complain about the haphazard training.

The aggrieved youths, trained in various skills such as scaffolding, riggers, instrument technician, welding and pipe fitting, blamed the NCDMB for not monitoring the training to ensure that Daewoo abided by the plan.

They argued that under the terms of the training, NCDMB, as a government agency had the responsibility of monitoring the training programme aimed at building skills and capacity to increase local content in the oil and gas industry.

Some of the placards displayed by the youths bore inscriptions such as, “NCDB come to our rescue”, “Daewoo has not complied with the training plan”, “Daewoo needs to be sanctioned,” and “Daewoo reduce 24 months programme to 18 months without certification.”

Our grouse- Trainees The leader of the group, Nathan Ebimowei, lamented that they were not happy with the manner Daewoo discontinued the training programme before the stipulated period, noting that the programme was to last 24 months while the company disengaged them some 18 months into the training. He said the company denied the trainees certificates after the training.

Ebimowei said, “The training is in accordance with the Nigerian Content Act under the Southern Swamp Gas Gathering Pipeline Projects, SSGGPP, to develop a transfer of technology and capacity building plan for trainees to be assigned to the project. It was based on this that we (trainees) were sent by the Shell Petroleum Development Company, (SPDC) to Daewoo Nigeria Limited and the

NCDMB was to monitor and supervise the training programme.”

“The training programme was for 24 months duration and was expected to build the Nigerian national capacity, create a skill base to increase local content, onthe-job training to be guided by well certified supervisors, and certification acceptable to

DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

W

ARRI- CHAIRMAN and entire members of the Ndokwa Neku Union, NNU, Warri Branch, have commiserated with the former Chief Justice of the defunct Bendel State and first president general of the union, Chief Justice James Adabika Obi (retd), over the demise of his son, Barr.

James Ikechukwu Obi, an assistant coordinator with the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC. Chair/president of the union, Mr. Emeka A. Enebeli, who led a delegation of NNU

AKWA IBOM… LAND OF PROMISE

I

KOT-ABIA ENYIE— RESIDENTS of Ikot-Abia Enyie community, Nsit-Atai Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, have expressed outrage over what they described as “sacrile-gious deaths and heart-rending calamities” in the community in recent time because of the overflow of River Atang.

Chair, Ikot-Abia Enyie Village Council, Chief Etop Umanah, who spoke on behalf of the villagers, said that eight primary school children returning from school drown-ed in the river, penultimate week.

The people, who have been thrown into uncontrollable mourning since the incident appealed to the state government to provide a permanent solution to the yearly catastrophe by sandfilling the river bank or putting barbed wired fence round the river.

The river is located in the middle of the community, but

oil and gas industrial standard. Currently, all the trainees have been thrown out of the training by Daewoo Nigeria Limited as against the December closure date, and besides we have not been issued any certificate to show that we underwent such training.”

Also lamenting, another trainee, Erekake Michael, said

besides not been certified after the training, they were not well equipped.

NCDMB sues for patience Addressing the protesting youths, Mr. Naboth Onyeso of the Public Affairs Division, described the complaints of the trainees as “legitimate and valid”, stating that the programme is a pilot project

of NCDMB that must be given all the attention its requires.

He, however, pleaded with the trainees to be patient and give the board time to sort out the issues, saying the board would invite SPDC and Daewoo to explain their roles and gave assurance on the payment of entitlements and benefits due them.

Ndokwa Union condoles Obi family members on a condolence visit to the former chief justice, described the passing of the vibrant lawyer as a rude shock to the union, urging the family to take heart and bear the irreparable loss with fortitude.

He said the late Barrister Obi lived an exemplary life, being a hardworking and an honest man, and still had more years to live, but the inevitable happened, no one can question God over the sudden demise.

FAMILY: Chief Justice James Adabika Obi, retd (middle),the first president General Ndokwa National Union and Mr. Emeka A. Enebeli (3rd right), chair, NNU Warri Branch,flanked by the other NNU and bereaved family members, during the condolence visit, at Justice Obi’s residence, Bendel Estate Effurun-Warri Delta state, recently.

A’Ibom villagers worry over deaths at River Atang

By TOM MOSES

public utilities such as health centre, primary and secondary schools in the town are located on the side of the river, while residential houses are mostly on the opposite side.

11 children, pregnant women perish Chief Umanah bemoaned that apart from the eight primary school children who perished recently, the people mourn every year the loss children and pregnant women to the river. He said the pupils drowned following the heavy downpour that led to overflow of the riverbank.

According to him, the youths of the village usually wait to assist the pupils and women at the bank of the river during the schools’ closing hours whenever there was downpour, but on this illfated day, before they could get there to rescue the pupils, the

water had already swept them away.

Umanah recalled with nostalgia that in the preceding year, three pupils returning from school and a pregnant woman, who was returning from a health centre perished in the same river.

His words, “The River is in the middle of the village, all the facilities of this village – a health centre, primary and secondary schools are all sited at the other side of the river while most of the villagers live in one side.”

“Since we cannot stop the children from going to school, we usually position some youths at strategic points to assist them and the pregnant women to cross over to this side whenever it rains, but unfortunately on this day, before they got there, the children had drowned,” he said.

Govt to take remedial measures

Reacting to the tragedy, the Commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Ekong Sampson, assured that the AkwaIbom State government would do something to put an end to the calamities caused by overflow of Atang River.

According to the commissioner, it was painful to the government to see Akwa-Ibom children perish in this manner. He assured that government would evolve remedial measures to end the carnage before starting and ending work on the bridge.

In his words, “That is why I have chosen to come here by myself; I am really touched by what I have seen. We will make every effort to bring infrastructure to this community and every other rural space in the state. Our approach is to go there and see things by ourselves in order to have a first-hand purview of their problems.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 5

Flood terrorises Cross River community CROSS-RIVER…THE PEOPLE’S PARADISE

By IKE UCHECHUKWU

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FUT IKWA—FLOOD is threatening to overrun the people of Efut Ikwa community, Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The village head, His Highness (Ndabu) Akamba Mutanda Kake, who appealed to the state governor, Prof Ben Ayade, to come to the rescue of the villagers, said residents use canoe to access their homes whenever it rained heavily.

“Besides flood, we are faced by a lot of challenges in this locality and you know that living life without basic things like potable drinking water, access road, electricity can make life very difficult,” Kake stated.

He said the people executed most of the projects in the community through self-help, adding, “We are not saying that we are tired but we need a little intervention from the government and its agencies; we have been making efforts to reach out to them through letters but we have not gotten any response.”

Residents access homes with canoe “Look at the bridge, it is still wooden even the other culvert was built from our little contribution, the drainage is also by community effort and there are no roads. During the rainy season, there are some compounds you cannot have access to and their occupants cannot come out unless they use canoe, it is that bad,” he lamented.

The monarch said, “The people of Efut Ikwa are very responsible citizens and also law- abiding, we have about three polling Units in this place and we perform our civic duties and responsibilities, so I believe we should also be included in the scheme of things by the current administration.”

His Excellency is an action governor and I believe he will do something if he gets this appeal because my people here are really suffering, we still live life as if it was in the 30’s,” Ndabu submitted.

An indigene of the community, Effiong Ekpeyong, told Niger Delta Voice that the youths of the community have really put in a lot as they work almost on a weekly basis to make sure that flood did not submerge their homes, which is always the case when it rains.

Hear him, “We are just fortunate that this year’s has been a little bit dry and its not been heavy like the previous years, even at

*Inhabitants cry to Gov Ben Ayade that, you cannot enter this place when it rains because no matter the degree of the rain, once the drainage are filled, this whole place will be submerged by flood.”

Way out “We stay close to the creeks and a bit swampy, if only the government can help construct a road with

drainage, this flooding challenge will disappear. You can imagine coming out from your house with a canoe just because there are no roads it is quite awkward,” he said.

One of the landlords, Mr. Moses Antigha, asserted,” Our major problem here is lack of access road and good drainage system, we have

DELTA...

Apostolic Church empowers indigent members with tricycles

FINGER OF GOD

By FESTUS AHON, PEREZ BRESIBE & OCHUKO AKUOPHA

U

GHELLI—SUCCOUR came the way of five indigent members of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria, Warri Area, as they were empowered with tricycles during the 19th Annual Area Men’s Movement Convention of the church.

Speaking at the Apostolic Church, Ughelli venue of the convention, chair, Men Action Committee of the Warri Area of the church,

Overseer W. O Aboki, said the gesture was at the instance of the men in the area, who deemed it necessary to empower some of the less privileged men in the church.

Disclosing that the Warri Area of the church comprised of the Warri, Ughelli, Effurun, Ovwian and Agbarho districts, he said, “In every convention, we always buy keke, vehicles or motorcycles and today, we

really tried to do the little we can collectively as inhabitants in this community, but we still need government’s intervention as soon as possible.”

A top official of the state Ministry of Works, who preferred anonymity, said, “The current administration believes in action, His

are in the turn of keke, which we are presenting to them through balloting. We have interviewed the people and today, we are going to do open ballot. Every year, we do it.”

“The only refund that is made is that the beneficiaries have to be paying back in instalments. We arranged it in such a way that anybody who won will be paying N2, 500 daily and weekly, N15, 000 and that covers nine

Excellency is someone who matches action word with actions, I believe in no distant time, most of these places will be evaluated with a view to developing them as well as improve the living standard of the inhabitants.”

months of the year which is N540, 000 each.”

He expressed delight that those that have benefited in previous convention “have been doing well and they have been paying back and that is what has been motivating us to do more every year,” explaining that beneficiaries “must be a full time member of the Apostolic Church, who have been participating in all activities of the church.”

6 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

PODIUM…

Residents task Gov Dickson over dilapidated road, lack of amenities

*Snakes, reptiles take over rickety bridge, link road * Inhabitants cut-off from other parts of the state “It appeared ours is a forgotten settlement. The road is not motorable and it is even terrible walking on the road after rainfall because of the slippery nature. We are used to the situation but what about visitors, who will like to visit you in this type of environment,” she lamented.

By SAMUEL OYADONGHA YENAGOA—RESIDENTS of settlements across the Epie Creek in Bayelsa State have cried out to the state governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, to provide them with basic amenities, especially road.

The hapless residents, who have been compelled to construct make shift bridges across the neglected creek to link the Mbiama-Yenagoa road to save them the tortuous trip of going through the Etegwe-Tombia road to get out of their settlements, said their plight was getting worse with the rainy season.

At the old Etegwe road settlement, the inhabitants would have been completely cut-off, but for the makeshift wooden bridge built by the Jehovah Witness religious organization.

A resident, Tari, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice, described the road as an eyesore, saying, but for the makeshift bridge, it would have been difficult for them to visit other parts of town.

Makeshift wooden bridge across Epie creek used by residents of old Etegwe road to reach Edepie side of Yenagoa Bayelsa State capital.

Snakes, reptiles take over bridge Another resident, Tonye Adams, said, “As you can see, the makeshift bridge is old and is gradually collapsing due to the high volume of traffic. We face a lot of risk passing through this route; sometimes you see snakes and other dangerous reptiles on the bridge on a sunny day.

It is also difficult for land developers to bring in materials here due to the absence of motorable roads here.”

While appealing to the state government not to concentrate only on the old Yenagoa city, he pleaded with the authorities to shift attention to settlements across the Epie creek many

Anxiety in Ekpan over tankers’ parking

By AKPOKONA OMAFUAIRE

E

KPAN—FEAR of petrol tanker explosions and the horrid consequences have engrossed the residents of Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State, following the arbitrary parking by tanker drivers, especially at NigerCat road and environs, off the Nigeria Port Authority, NPA expressway.

Residents, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice, said they were afraid because of the manner the drivers drive and park their tankers in the area given the recent incidents at Lagos, Onitsha and other parts of the country.

Tanker drivers don’t respect other road users

According to Mr. Moses Pedro, “There is a tanker park in Ekpan, but most drivers do not like going into the park, obviously they are doing that because they are in a hurry to get to the loading depot to load their products.

“But most times, as a resident of the area said, is that the tanker drivers drive recklessly

and not minding that there are other road users, you see them dragging the road with other road users and they use their huge size to push the smaller vehicles off the road most times.”

“The drivers do not seem to have respect for other drivers, they drive the way they like and because the products they carry are inflammable, smaller vehicle drivers avoid them, thereby putting them into great inconveniences most times.

This is why we are scared that we may have horrible incidents because of what had happened in other parts of the country,” he said.

Govt should call them to order His words, “I have a feeling that if government gives an order, tanker drivers will comply because over the years when Delta State government is expecting the President or other high powered delegations, it issued warning to the tanker drivers to clear the road of tankers and

Continues on Page 7

of which are lacking roads and other basic amenities.

“We are appealing to the government to come to our aid by constructing befitting bridges across the creek at designated places. This will save residents from being bitten by snakes and other dangerous reptiles,” he added.

A source told Niger Delta Voice, “If the Bayelsa State Government had adhered to the plan of dredging the Epie Creek from Igbogene to the Yenagoa waterfront at Ovom and making it navigable all year round, it would have saved the several settlements on the other side of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road the current hardship they are facing.”

Proposed Yenagoa plan abandoned The proposed Yenagoa plan, presented to the administration of former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, when he was governor of the oil and gasrich state in 2006 would not only have changed the landscape and aesthetic beauty of Yenagoa, but also eased the pressure on the road and the attendant gridlock.

Government displayed the plan, earmarked with several bridges with whistl-ing palm plants to link the several anticipated settle-ments expected to spring across the Nbiama-Yenagoa road to some prominent Bayelsans at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Yenagoa.

Sadly, nine years after that audacious show off, the creek, which could have served as natural drain in the capital city after heavy downpour, has been taking over by weeds and also converted to refuse dump by residents.

“Those alluring bridges put on show that fateful day, which many had looked forward to seeing have turned out to be a mirage,” the source added.

Dickson’s efforts not good enough Despite the fact that Governor Seriake Dickson had replaced the rickety old iron bridge built about four decades ago by the AngloDutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, with a modern bridge, which now links the Tombia-Amassoma road to mainland Yenagoa, the situation is still appalling for residents residing far away from Etegwe-Tombia road.

A government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said government was desirous of taking development to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

He, however, noted that due to the dwindling resources, the government prioritized projects and called for understanding of residents.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 7

RIVERS...

THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NA TION NATION

By DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

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UMUODARA – THE people of Rumuodara community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, have peacefully enthroned a new paramount ruler two years after the demise of the former king, Eze Ahia Chukwu.

Elders, chiefs, youths and

Rumuodara gets new paramount ruler women of the community turned out in large number to witness the coronation.

The community expressed satisfaction with the emergence of the Eze John Amadi as the third paramount ruler and called his attention to the numerous needs of the community.

Palace secretary, Chief Joe Onukem, asserted, “This type of event has led to crisis

in several communities but in our own community the reverse is the case. We are very happy that Amadi emerged the next paramount ruler of the community.”

“Everybody in the community unanimously accepted him to succeed the late HRH, Eze Ahia Chukwu as the paramount ruler because of his legacies in the community. When he was the Rumuodara town chair, he

took the advantage to build a bus stop, renovate the community market and school.

Responding, Eze Amadi and Nyewe Eli Rumuodara the III, who spoke to Niger Delta Voice at his palace said, “I am happy with the community for the trust reposed on me. I will not disappoint the community.”

“I have made a vow that I will work for the progress of

Anxiety in Ekpan over tankers’ parking Continued from Page 1 within the stipulated time, you will not see tankers on the road.

But as soon as the visit ends, you will see them coming into the road again.”

“Therefore, if the government can give an order like the case of Lagos, where the Lagos state government gave a 48- hour ultimatum for tankers to be evacuated from the road and they complied, a similar instruction should be given to the Ekpan tanker drivers to properly park off the road and into the provided tankers park.

“They should be directed not to park along the NigerCat road too because they are the ones who destroyed that road with their tankers, they should also be monitored and not just given the instruction,” he said.

Pedro insisted, “The tanker drivers were the people who destroyed the road with their

heavy tankers; this led to the collapse of the road. Today, they are running away from the road because it is in bad shape and are now parking indiscriminately along the express road; this portends great danger to other road users.”

Way out- Bebenimibo, Amromahwe, others Chair of Peak Table Waters, Delta state, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo and Delta state coordinator, Special Marshal, FRSC, Road Safety Commission, Mr. Dickson Amromahwe and others suggested how the state government could prevent calamity in the area.

According to Bebenimibo, “When the sad incident in Onitsha and Lagos occurred, what came into my mind was that residents of NigerCat area are sitting on a keg on gun

powder as far as petrol tanker explosion is concerned with regards to Ekpan Tankers Park.

Presently, the road that leads to the tankers park is in a very bad shape, the attitude of drivers parking indiscriminately is another source of concern, leadership of tanker drivers not taking charge of the control of the actions of the drivers is also an issue”.

Bebenimibo said that to avert this looming danger, government should hasten up and address the poor state of the road and also call the leadership of the tanker drivers’ unit of NUPENG to order by interfacing with them on some safety steps to take while they are doing their work.

He said, “Due to the bad road, residents are finding it increasingly difficult accessing their homes now, it becomes

worse whenever there is a downpour, it is usually over flooded and residents have to park far off from their homes, irrespective of your car, be it SUV or a small car.”

“Because of the continued suffering occasioned by the road, some persons are parking out and relocating to more accessible areas to stay. It is a very big community of residents, so there is an urgent need by government to take care of that road.”

FRSC’ll go hard of tanker drivers- Amromahwe FRSC’s Dickson Amromahwe said in a radio programme in Warri that tanker drivers should avert any act that would lead to loss of life by taking all safety precautions and have value for life of others.

He also warned tanker drivers parking indiscriminately along the expressway to

Teachers flee Cross River community school We’ll find out what happened- SUBEB official

The only brige in the Ekpri Ibami Continued from Page 1 Asuquo have brought in some development into the area to see how young people in the area can be gainfully employed, we wish other Cross-Riverians will

borrow a leaf from him and do more for the society.”

Former commissioner representing Cross River State on the NDDC board, Hon Paul Adah, in a recent interview with Niger Delta Voice, appealed to the

Federal government for increased funding for the commission to enable it complete projects it initiated in the Niger Delta region.

Ekpri Ibami is one of the communities affected by the financial challenge.

When Niger Delta Voice contacted the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, a management official, who preferred anonymity, disclosed that it was unthinkable that the board would post a teacher to the school and he or she abandons his/her duty post.

According to the official, “It is likely that the school was not properly handed over to us because if it was, we will surely have it on our master list or probably the documentation was not completed. I can assure you that we will take a cursory look into the matter.

“We know we have a school at Akwa Ibami but we do not know if we have Ekpri Ibami in our records, if need be, you can still check with the local government officials to confirm the information,” he added.

the community. Under my watch as the paramount ruler of the community, the people of Rumuodara will not experience lack, especially in the area of peace and unity.

“I will take care of the welfare of my people and ensure that everybody is carried along and treated equally in the community to the glory of God. I promise not to disappoint the hope my people have in me.”

desist from such act, insisting that their action was making life unbearable and of great concern to the FRSC. Amromahwe also suggested that tanker driver should drive at night and early mornings to avert accidents. He also warned tankers drivers to abstain from taking drugs and hard drinks before and while driving. He stated that his commission would go hard on offenders to serve as deterrent to would -be offenders.

Residents blame tanker drivers A resident of the area, Mr.Ogaga Oluku, described the activities of the tanker drivers as worrisome, saying, “The tanker drivers are the real cause of the damaged road at a time, residents contributed to sand fill the road but it did not last. If only the Chairman could prevail on his members to stop using the back gate where government gave them to use and use and only the front gate, it will help to save the road from further damage.

Why we don’t use tankers’ park

A tanker driver, who simply identified himself as Anthony said: “We are not happy to be parking on the road side, what is happening is that we have been forced to do it.

“The road to the tankers park is in terrible shape. If one is not careful, your tanker can cause severe accident, it can even lead to explosion if the tanker is loaded.”

He explained that tanker drivers were willing to make use of the park, but the road leading to the park was not motorable, which was why tanker drivers park along the road.

Anthony admitted that many tanker drivers take drugs and drink heavily, but is out of frustration, as they had to wait endlessly and sometimes sleep under the tankers for days before getting the chance to load.

He, however, pleaded with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to complete the ongoing repair of the park and fix the road.

8 — Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

RIVERS...

THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NA TION NATION

By DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

P

ORT HARCOURT— LAND opportunists and locals have encroached on the premises of several public primary schools at rural communities in Rivers State.

In some of the schools visited, it was glaring that people have appropriated lands belonging to schools and erected residential buildings close to the classroom blocks.

This development is not going down well with the affected schools as it has affected academic activities.

SOS to govt The situation at the State Primary School 2, Aluu, is quite pathetic, as residents of the area have taken over a part of the school, molding blocks and building houses on the school land.

Mrs. Letisha Wizor, who spoke for the head teacher of State School 2, Aluu, on the poor infrastructure in the institution, also told Niger Delta Voice that people were seriously commandeering the school’s land.

Wizor said, “It is not in our hand to renovate this school, else we would have done it to reduce the plight of these pupils. People have taken over the school’s land and are building on it.”

“We want the government to intervene because people are taking over the land that belongs to the school. They attacked the head teacher, so we are afraid of confronting them.

We use this opportunity to call on government to come and reclaim their land from people who have encroached on it. We called on the community for help some time ago, but till today no assistance.”

Environment not secure for learning The head teacher of State School 1, Aluu, Mr. Steven Wali, confirmed the encroachment.

He asserted, “Our experiences here are terrible; they are not suitable for a school. The environment is not secure at all; people come into the school at will. To a point, some people in the community have taken over some portions of the land belonging to the school.”

Similarly, the vice principal, administration, Community Secondary School, Rumuj, Emohua local government area, Mr. Nmom Ndukwe, complained, “We have problem concerning accommodation for the students and the staff. There is no office for the teachers to do their office work, so they hang around, under the trees and at the veranda, but in this rainy period, all of us manage the small office.”

“But the school is not secure

Land speculators grab govt schools’ lands in Rivers * Beat up head teacher, scare teachers and pupils * Build houses, make blocks in school premises * Wike warns intruders

Classrooms at the school, Aluu. at all, it is not fenced, people now walk into the school at will. They drive motorcycle by the classrooms even when academic works are on. It is a big distraction to the teaching and learning process. Even some people are encroaching.

to decongest the classes and to enable us have a free learning environment we will be happy. We call on the government to help the community to provide staff offices and reclaim its land.”

W i k e represented by his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, said the state government w a s committed to ensuring conducive learning environment.

B a n i g o advised those that have encroached on public school lands to remove their structures in their own interest.

LG not lending hand “The local government has not been helpful but they are meant to be of help to this school because community schools are supposed to be established from the agreement between the community and the local government. I have not seen the input of the local government in this school,” he asserted.

Ndukwe said, “We are calling on them to please put up another classroom block

Wike steps in Meantime, the Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has warned land speculators and private property owners in the state to desist from encroaching on public school lands or face unpleasant consequences.

Wike gave warning while speaking at the 2015 synod of the Evo Diocese, (Anglican Communion) held at Archdeacon Crowther Memorial Girl’s Secondary School (ACMGS) Elelenwo, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

RIVERS...

Ogoni celebrate 3 years of self-governance

THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NA TION NATION

By DAVIES IHEAMNACHOR

O

GONI—THE Ogoni Central Indigenous Authority, OCIA, has celebrated the third anniversary of the declaration of an indigenous Ogoni selfgovernment.

The yearly anniversary, which held at the Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Centre, Bori in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, witnessed a large turnout of supporters of the selfacclaimed government of Ogoni nation.

Recall that some Ogoni freedom activists in 2012 proclaimed an indigenous self-government, OCIA, based on United Nations Declaration on the Rights of

Indigenous People.

In an address presented on the third anniversary of the Ogoni self-government, the president of OCIA, Dr. Goodluck Diigbo, said the indigenous selfgovernment of Ogoni has come to stay, maintaining that it was legal.

“Our self-government, which was born three years ago, like a new born baby has come to stay, of course, today, it is singing and also dancing.”

“Following the swearing in of our democratically elected leaders on January 4, 2015, our self-government continues to slowly mature and has gained momentous ground.

Documentation “We have carried out significant documentation in all the villages of Ogoni. The documentation is essential for the development and

Mrs. Letihsa Wizor, a teacher in State School 2, Aluu.

maintenance of our distinct political, legal, social and cultural institutions,” he asserted.

His words, “We are in accordance with the choice which is offered to us, by Article 5 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The documentation is to continue, after which we will turn a new page.”

“Today, we announce the establishment of Ken Saro-Wiwa Peace and Freedom Centre Endowment. The endowment will receive donations in kind and cash for the ongoing development of the Peace and Freedom Centre and established in pursuant of articles 17, 22 and 31 of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—29

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11

When will Arole Oodua return?

By Leke Adeseri, South-West Regional Editor

A

MONG Yoruba people of South West Nigeria, even those in the Diaspora, kings don’t die. They join their ancestors.

You can’t even announce their departure until certain traditional rites have been performed. That is why there has been much controversy over whether or not Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11, had truly died, days after the media was awash with reports of his demise.

The Ooni reportedly died in a London Hospital, after a brief illness, on the evening of Tuesday July 28, 2015.

His reported death brought to the fore a certain conflict between tradition and modern technology.

Since the death of the Ooni was reported and subsequent dismissal of such by the Royal Traditional Council of Ife led

by Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, Ile Oodua, as the Ooni Palace is called, has been receiving numerous visitors from C M Y K

far and near.

Oba Sijuade, who ascended the throne, succeeding former governor of the defunct Western Region, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, in 1980, was probably one Nigerian whose death has been announced many times over.

He had repeatedly read his obituary and consequent upon this, any time the news of Oba Sijuade’s demise graced the media, it was often disregarded.

As stated by the Secretary, Royal Traditional Council of Ife, High Chief Odesola, Ooni Sijuade was first declared dead in 1984 then, in the year 2000, the story of his death also made the rounds.

The story then was about the ill- health of Oba Sijuade and his reported death, only for the monarch, like the proverbial cat with nine lives, bounced back stronger.

The question on the lips of Yoruba people worldwide and their admirers is: "When will the Arole Oodua, as the Ooni is known, return to his palace, the Ile Oodua?’’

30—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

SPECIAL REPORT ON OONI OF IFE

The true Oduduwa story by Oon This interview was conducted in 2010 when Oba Okunade Sijuade clocked 80 years Obviously, Gbenga Adefaye, Bisi Olatilo, Dare Fatube and Yemi Ogunbiyi got more than they bargained for! He hardly looked his age, even if he gently reminded them that while he may not look it, he felt 80! The Ooni did not hold back as they reproduced, almost verbatim, the thoughts and the inner workings of the mind of one of the most colourful and flamboyant figures in contemporary Nigerian history, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the 50th Ooni of Ife, the true descendant of Oduduwa, the Inheritor and Custodian of the Source of Yoruba culture and heritage, an accomplished businessman, an endowed leader of men, father, husband and a remarkable being.

T

ELL us about your childhood, we understand you were born in Abeokuta?

Kabiyesi: (Cuts in). No, I was born in Ife. What was growing up as a child like?

I was born in Ile Ife, but at an early age, we were moved to Abeokuta to start our education.

Both at Mrs. Kuti's class and Igbein elementary school and later at Abeokuta Grammar School, before some of us moved back to Ife to attend Oduduwa College. Some of us moved down to Lagos into different colleges. I started working with my father, a few years later.

Before then, I was invited to join the Nigerian Tribune. I worked there for about three years before I left for the United Kingdom to study Business Management. After a successful course, I joined the Leventis Group in Manchester.

Advanced management Leventis Group organised two to three years of special training in different countries of the world and also training in advanced management for us. They brought me back to Nigeria in 1959 as one of their managers in charge of Leventis Motors in Ibadan.

That's where I started in Ibadan.

When you went to work at Leventis, how old were you?

Maybe 29 or perhaps, 30.

And you were trained as a manager there?

Yes. I came back in 1959, I was transferred to Ibadan as a manager of Leventis and that's how I started life.

What about the Nigerian Tribune?

I was not a reporter! I was a manager at The Tribune in charge of business and advertisement. I was not an ordinary reporter at The Tribune!! Having worked with my parents, I had gained much experience and so, I was considered qualified to do any job on a managerial status. But going into The Tribune was to know a bit about the world and to be nearer to Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his family. That was why I went to The Nigeria Tribune and I spent two to three years there. From there, I proceeded to London.

When you were at Leventis, those who remember you, recall your association with C M Y K

cars?

(Cuts in) No, no, I was the first Nigerian manager in Leventis and I was in charge of Leventis Motors. I was also in charge of Western Nigeria and from there, a lot of promotions came up.

Was that when you met Chief Gabriel Igbinedion?

Chief Igbinedion was in the Nigeria Police. He came to see me in Ibadan and on one occasion, I invited him to join Leventis. He (Igbinedion) resigned and came to join Leventis.

We have asked this question because Chief Igbinedion speaks highly of you. He says that most of what he has become today is because of your help. What did you do for him?

You want to be fair and straight forward in anything you do in life.

He (Igbinedion) was younger than me. I invited him, gave him an offer. He accepted it. He was properly trained. He worked with me. He was transferred to Benin and he made good of everything.

He became fabulous, following the footsteps and the training we had given him. He was very straight-forward with us.

But what exactly did you see in Chief Igbinedion?

It was hard work. If Igbinedion was not a hard-working man, he would not have established what he has established. It is not easy.

If you have a Cambridge degree and a doctorate degree and you are not a hard-working man, you cannot do what Igbinedion has done. It is not easy to be successful in life. Igbinedion is a

In 1957, I was the one who arranged that the Awolowos be guests of A.G Leventis in Manchester and Paris, during their constitutional conference

very hard working man and God is on his side.

Let us return briefly to Chief Awolowo. Tell us about him. What kind of man was he and what was your relationship with him like?

Chief Awolowo's ways were nearer those of Oduduwa. Chief Awolowo was not a common man. If you were looking for a very straight forward man, you found that in Chief Awolowo. He gave everybody an opportunity to express and explain himself.

Chief Awolowo was a very decent man. You don't find two Awolowos at the same time and that is the problem the Yorubas have as at today.

You also had a special relationship with Chief Awolowo, who loved you like his own child. He was said to be biased towards you.

What kind of relationship did you have with him?

I was very straight forward with Chief Awolowo and I followed the foot steps of our own revered late father, Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the former Governor of the Western region and Ooni of Ife because Pa Adesoji used to lecture us on Chief Awolowo.

Constitutional conference It will interest you to know that when I was getting married in 1959, the first couple to get to the Church was Papa and Mama Awolowo. In 1957, I was the one who arranged that the Awolowos be guests of A.G Leventis in Manchester and Paris, during their constitutional conference.

You know, Chief Awolowo was a man. You knew where you stood with him. He was not a double dealer; he was unlike the men we have today. He came at a wrong time.

Sir Aderemi also loved you like Awolowo loved you and was also considered to be biased towards you too!

What kind of person was he?

Our own traditional father, Sir Adesoji Aderemi was like any child of God that was straight forward and brilliant. The same thing applied to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. If you are straight forward and brilliant, any father will like any child or daughter, for that matter. If you are straight forward in your dealings, you can be creative.

Those who have made names

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II in the world have used their brains to create a thousand and one things. If you use brain for creative purposes, people will respect you. That was what happened in the case of myself, Sir Aderemi and Pa Awolowo.

When did it occur to you that you could one day become the Ooni of Ife? At what point did you think it was possible?

Before God and man, I did not think it would be possible and I had ruled it out of my life that I will become the Ooni until Sir Aderemi Adesoji died. I had moved to London because the headquarters of our company was in London.

Another telephone call

When Sir Aderemi died, there was a telephone call from the late Chief M. A. Omisade who told me what had happened at exactly 6a.m. By 10 in the morning, there was another telephone call that came when I was in my car. I was then taking the late Alake, Oba Oyebade Lipede, to the airport because he was my guest in London. He was returning home. We were on our way to the airport and it was my secretary who said that Chief Awolowo had been looking for me and that he had given him the telephone number in the car.

So, when we got to the airport, I had reserved the VIP lounge for Oba Lipede and just as I was about to sit down, a call came through and one of the hostesses came to me and said, ''Sir, there's one Chief on the line who would

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—31

SPECIAL REPORT ON OONI OF IFE

ni of Ife

Ooni-in-waiting!

That was on the lighter side for a young man with lots of money and a retinue of friends carrying your bags! (Laughter) There was not much to that!!

As a young Prince, you were also close to other Princes, like Prince Adeyemi before he became the Alaafin of Oyo and Alhaji Ado Bayero?

(Cuts in) No. I was close to Alhaji Ado Bayero and not Adeyemi the Alaafin. Prince Adeyemi was brought to me by Chief Ashamu to help him ascend the throne. I had never met him before that time, but I was told he was working as a Clerk at the Great Nigeria Insurance company. They brought him (Adeyemi) for me to help because I was the closest friend of the then Governor of the Western region, Governor Colonel Robert Adeyinka Adebayo at that time. I did my best, not really for him (Adeyemi) but for Ashamu, who was a friend that brought a young man for help.

So, it shows clearly that at a point, you were also close to the present Alaafin?

No, I was never close to him.

But you knew him?

They brought him to me; I met him once and I helped him. I was at his installation because I was invited by the Governor. For ten years, I did not see him until December 16, 1980 when I was appointed as Chairman of the traditional rulers in Oyo State by the late Chief Bola Ige; I met him again.

Traditional rulers

like to speak to you.''

It was Chief Awolowo, who called to ask if I had heard what had happened at home. And I said, ''Yes.'' He later said, ''Prince, Ileya'' (Home beckons) '' It's time to return home'' •I replied, ''No sir. I was not going home.'' He repeated it a second time and I insisted that I was not returning home. By that time, I was already making good money; spending nine months in London and three months in Nigeria. He (Awolowo) said: ''Prince, you cannot quantify the position of Ooni in terms of money." . He said, that if there was a problem in Nigeria, the leadership would call the Ooni and the Sultan; that whatever the two of them decided was what they politicians would do.'' Ile ya.'' I argued that, '' Baba, you want to put me in

trouble! You want me to return to Ife where there is no infrastructure, where all the roads are bad.'' He (Awolowo) further said that whatever was required of Ile-Ife would be done; everything that you need. ''Prince, Ife is the natural capital of our race.''• Ile ya (Home beckons)!!

Chief Awolowo said that?

He (Awolowo) said there was no more leadership among the traditional rulers since Oba Adesoji Aderemi passed on and that I had to return home.

Awolowo forced me to return otherwise, I didn't want to come back.

But some people had also said that as a young man with lots of money, you lived like a prince in his own right and played the role of a future Oba! People saw you as an

We were never friends because he is junior to me.

What's your relationship with him today?

With me there is no problem.

If he (Alaafin) comes in here today, I will entertain him. I don't know what he thinks about me, but here, every traditional ruler is welcome.

There have been happy moments for you and sad moments, such as when your first wife died. Tell us about Mama Tokunbo. What kind of woman was she?

Kabiyesi: She was my mother.

She was more than a diamond.

She was more than a diamond to me. So, whatever adjective you can give your mother is what you can give to Mama Tokunbo. You see, she was not an ordinary woman and by her training as the daughter of a Bishop, she had everything.

You have also had some difficult moments in your life. One of them was when you were suspended by the Buhari/Idiagbon administration along with your brother and friend, the Emir of Kano. What actually happened?

It's an interesting story. The

Emir of Kano had been thinking of going to the second holiest Mosque for a very long time. And every year, I go to Israel twice for prayers on Mount Zion. My first visit to Mount Zion was in 1962 and I had been going twice a year to pray. So, on this occasion, we decided, first of all, to spend two days in Athens and Cyprus with the Leventis family and from there, to Israel.

Unfortunately for the Emir of Kano, he spent only 24 hours because he went to the second holiest mosque for prayers and he left me to go to another holy ground, somewhere in Switzerland. I was there for two, may be, three days. When I flew to London, I think it was Alhaji Odunewu (Allah De) who rang me from Lagos that it was on the television that we went to Israel without informing the Federal Government.

Further embarrassment As God would have it, I was planning to have a big farm and I had a friend, a German, that had a big farm in Germany. But God works in mysterious ways.

When I got home in London, I met a letter from the then Colonel Oladayo Popoola, the Governor, asking me to attend a ceremony being organised by the then Colonel Nwachukwu, then the Governor of Imo State, establishing the Council of Traditional Rulers and that the Chairman to be appointed in Imo, insisted that he wanted the Ooni of Ife to be there.

So, Nwachukwu got in touch with Popoola and Popoola sent a message to me in London saying: "Papa, please honour this invitation''•. That was why I did not go to Germany. My not going to Germany saved me from further embarrassment, which I will explain to you presently.

So, seeing the Governor's letter, I jumped into the plane and I came home to attend the ceremony. The late Professor Biobaku, Dr. Otolorin and a few others, joined me here and we

It was the Alaafin, who went to Abiola to sell to Abiola that I went to Israel and that I took the Emir of Kano to Israel as a camouflage and that I had earlier gone to Germany to recruit some killers

went to Imo State. When we came back, the problem started.

Just one fine morning at 6.00 a.m., my receptionist told me that Colonel Popoola was at the reception. Anyway, the Governor came and told me what had happened in Ibadan. He asked me how soon I could get to Ibadan because they had given him a certain instruction from Dodan Barracks. I was in Ibadan at 8:30am. I was to see the Governor by 9.00 a.m. and I was leaving my home, the Governor called me and said: ''Baba, don't come here, I have an unexpected guest''•. At 9:30 a.m., he rang me. I went there and they brought the letter of suspension by the Secretary to the Government, who did not even know what had happened earlier in the day.

I read the suspension letter and I told the Governor, this was alien to Yoruba land because nobody can suspend the Ooni.

So, I asked the Saarun (traditional aide-de-camp) to sign for the letter and we left.

That was instructive because history would ask whether the Ooni was blind folded to commit an abomination of signing for a suspension letter!

Three days after that incident, somebody from Dodan Barracks came to see me. The Director General from SSS sent a senior staff here to collect my passport from me and I gave them the two passports that I had - diplomatic and ordinary.

The third day, he came back, and said: ''Sir, in our record, you have another passport''•. That was the one I took 40 to 50 years ago! So, I wrote to my financial director in Lagos to look into my files for my other passport and hand it over to the Director General of the SSS, which he did.

Suspension letter So, after four weeks, somebody came in from Dodan Barracks and said: ''Sir, we are sorry for what we've done.

Apparently, some people told a big lie against me and the Emir of Kano. It was the Alaafin, who went to Abiola to sell to Abiola that I went to Israel and that I took the Emir of Kano to Israel as a camouflage and that I had earlier gone to Germany to recruit some killers and that I had taken them to the MOSSAD in Israel, to be trained specially and to be brought back to Nigeria to wrestle power from Buhari for Awolowo!! That's why we were suspended.

Who told the story? Was it MKO Abiola?

No, it was someone who came from Dodan Barracks. They sold the dummy to Abiola; Abiola sold it to Babangida and Babangida sold it to Dodan Barracks.

To be concluded

32—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

SPECIAL REPORT ON OONI OF IFE

How the next Ooni will emerge — PRIEST

By Gbenga Olarinoye

V

anguard met the Chief Priest of Ile Ife, Chief Olajide Farotimi Faloba, who stated how the next paramount traditional ruler of the ancient Ile-ife would be chosen, if Oba Olubuse had joined his ancestors.

Four ruling houses

Vanguard investigations revealed that the next Ooni would emerge from any of the four ruling houses after the chief priest might have consulted the Ifa oracle.

Said Falob, the Obadio Agbaye of Ile-Ife: “I am the chief priest and king-maker to the Ooni stool because I am the mouthpiece of the gods.

So, if there should be coronation, I will be the one that will pronounce it.

“There are 401 Yoruba deities and temples scattered worldwide, 201 of them are in Ife. Among these deities, the only speaking one is the legendary living Ooni. If an Ooni dies, there are sacrifices and signs that will be performed. Part of them is the closing of the palace main gate. Also, the messenger will go around the town with a gong to announce the demise, while the trees in the ancient town will be cut down, markets will remain shut to customers and the entire Ife city will be thrown into mourning. There will not be any form of ceremony of burial while other traditional rites and rituals will take place as the oracle reveals. ‘’ Also, if an Ooni dies, the 201 deities’ temples will be duly informed.’’

Selection process

On the selection process, the chief priest said the kingmakers would pick one person from all Ife Princes that show interest in the stool and Ifa oracle would be consulted on the choice before the final ratification by the chief priest.

It was gathered that there are four ruling houses that could be enthroned as the Ooni of Ife and they are: Osinkola, Ogboru, Lafogido and Giesi.

He added that before being presented to the public, the new Ooni may have to spend some days in Ile Oduduwa, which housed the first Ooni and other past Ooni with the priests where other rituals C M Y

would be performed.

“When ever there is a demise of the Ooni, the kingmaker and the Ifa Oracle will pick the next Ooni. About 10 to 20 princes may contest after they might have been presented by their families, but the Ifa priest will consult the oracle that will choose while I as the kingmaker will perform the necessary rituals that will certify him to mount the throne of Ooni. Without these rituals, such potential monarch would not be Ooni,” the priest said.

Rich tradition

Yoruba has a rich tradition.

The age-long culture gives form, content and predictability to the beliefs of its people. The custom has

When ever there is a demise of Ooni, the kingmaker and the Ifa Oracle will pick the next Ooni

been inherited from generation to generation. The symbol of the unity of the race is kingship. Its cradle is Ile-Ife, the cherished sacred abode of its progenitor, Oduduwa.

Whenever any Owooni (Ooni) Adimula joins his ancestors, the news is not broken without following the due process of culture. Ooni is the property of Yoruba race.

He is the custodian of the household of Oduduwa, its shrine and the protector of its legacies. Therefore, it is absolutely a taboo for any prince, royal family and palace chiefs to break the news without clearance or approval from the appropriate traditional quarters.

After ascertaining that the Ooni has waja (died), the palace chiefs are expected to inform the other Oduduwa children, especially the Alaafin, the descendant of Oranmiyan Akinorun, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Oba of Benin, the Onipopo of Popo, the Onisabe of Sabe, and the Owa Obokun Adimula.

The news would also be broken to other towns and vassal towns. Days of mourning will be declared. The attention of the towns and

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11 villages will focus on Ile-Ife, the Orirun, where their kings obtained their legitimate crowns.

THE LIST OF ALL 50 OONIS OF IFE TILL DATE 1ST ODUDUWA 2ND OSANGANGAN OBAMAKIN 3RD OGUN 4TH OBALUFON OGBOGBODIRIN 5TH OBALUFON ALAYEMORE 6TH ORANMIYAN 7TH AYETISE 8TH LAJAMISAN 9TH LAJODOOGUN 10TH LAFOGIDO 11TH ODIDIMODE ROGBEESIN 12TH AWOROKOLOKIN 13TH EKUN 14TH AJIMUDA 15TH GBOONIJIO 16TH OKANLAJOSIN 17TH ADEGBALU 18TH OSINKOLA 19TH OGBORUU 20TH GIESI 21ST LUWOO (FEMALE) 22ND LUMOBI 23RD AGBEDEGBEDE 24TH OJELOKUNBIRIN 25TH LAGUNJA 26TH LARUNNKA 27TH ADEMILU 28TH OMOGBOGBO 29TH AJILA-OORUN 30TH ADEJINLE

31ST OLOJO 32ND OKITI 33RD LUGBADE 34TH ARIBIWOSO 35TH OSINLADE 36TH ADAGBA 37TH OJIGIDIRI 38TH AKINMOYERO 1770-1800 39TH GBANLARE 1800-1823 40TH GBEGBAAJE 1823-1835 41ST WUNMONIJE 1835-1839 42ND ADEGUNLE ADEWELA 1839-1849 43RD DEGBINSOKUN 1849-1878 44TH ORARIGBA 1878-1880 45TH DERIN OLOGBENLA- He was a powerful warrior!

1880-1894 46TH ADELEKAN (OLUBUSE I)- He was the first Ooni to travel outside Ile-Ife to Lagos in 1903 when he was invited by the then Governor General to settle the“dispute involving Elepe of Epe. Olubuse was nicknamed 'ERIOGUN'; Akitikori; Ebitikimopiri. 1894-1910 47TH ADEKOLA 1910-1910 48TH ADEMILUYI (AJAGUN) - He also was reputed to be a powerful Monarch. 1910-1930 49TH ADESOJI ADEREMI- Very intelligent with good foresight, he was invited to be“minister without portfolio when he ruled from 1951 to 1955. He was the first“indigenous governor of Western Nigeria. One of his most laudable achievements“was the establishment of the GREAT University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) at Ile-Ife. 1930-1980 50TH OKUNADE SIJUWADE- He is the grandson of Olubuse l (The 46th Ooni) from Ogboru Ruling Family.

In ancient times, a celebration will be proclaimed, with its characteristic visitation to the cradle by monarchs, accompanied by their chiefs and families. The palace chiefs will play dominant roles during the burial ceremony.

They will also play dominant roles during the selection of a new prince for the prestigious throne.

After the new Ooni is crowned, Yoruba monarchs will accord him automatic recognition and respect. He may visit selected palaces of his brother obas in the spirit of brotherhood. As a prince, the history of the race must be on his lip. He is expected to be factual. In the days of yore, the Ooni was the custodian of knowledge.

Thus, during the early days of colonial era, Owooni Derin Ologbenla, the Ooni of Ife, who doubled as the Baale of Oke-Igbo, was the only son of Oduduwa, whose testimony could be trusted when the foreigners were trying to resolve the rift between the Awujale of Ijebuland and the Epe monarch over land. The Ooni declared that Epe and Ikorodu were extension of Ijebuland. His evidence was upheld by the British.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGSUT 11, 2015—33

Kia restates commitment to auto industry •Assembles nine models locally

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HE Chief Commercial Officer of Kia Motors Nigeria, Mr. Sundeep Malhotra, has reiterated the company's commitment to the development of the country’s automobile industry.

Mr. Malhotra, who was speaking during a facility tour of Kia multi-billion assembly plant in Lagos by the journalist, said that the company remains committed to the long term investment in the auto industry despite the short term challenges currently facing the sector.

According to him, “for the industry to be revolutionalised and contribute immensely to the country’s internally generated revenue, government needs to stay true to the new auto policy and clamp down on the unchecked influx of imported used cars.

The Chief Commercial Officer, who disclosed that the company is currently producing nine new Kia models at its plant in Lagos, noted that the company was yet to break even with its investment as the demand for new cars in Nigeria was relatively low compared to pre-owned vehicles.

Prices of used cars He argued that if the policy holds sway, wherein 70 percent increase duty is implemented and prices of used cars soars higher, there is will be an attendant shift in demand and customer preference, which will directly impact on the supply of locally assembled new cars in the country.

The Kia COO, however, explained that the new plant has since April 2014 rolled out over 2,500 new Kia cars of different models, adding that the plant has the capacity to produce 27,000 vehicles annually.

According to him, the plant also has the provision to increase production line depending on the demand.

Some of the new Kia cars assembled at the new plant include the Picanto, Rio, Cerato, Optima, Sportage, Soul and Sorento, while the Cadenza and Quori will join before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Malhotra noted that the setting up of

•Kia Sorento, assembled in Nigeria the assembly plant has started yielding fruits as prices of their cars have been reduced drastically to the benefit of customers.

Objectives

He said: “Against all odds and to make owning its vehicles affordable to all without compromising on the brand’s renowned quality standard across the globe, the company sells its best-in-class and widely accepted Rio for N1.98 million, a quantum leap by the auto company to present a new car for less than N2 million.”

Also speaking to the press during the tour of the plant, the COO in charge of the Kia assembly plant, Mr. Gitesh Yagnik, describe the plan as modern and comparable to most plants in advanced countries.

He said: “The sprawling complex has been built to high standard of Kia corporation.

“Months of construction, installation of technologically advanced equipment and the training of staff have snowballed into its first assembly lines that assembles Kia models, such as its best-selling Kia Rio, Cerato, Optima, Sportage and the all-new 2015 Kia Sorento recently unveiled globally, among others, are all products from the plant.”

He explained that in tandem with all automobile as-

sembling/manufacturing plants in new market practice globally, the plant kicked off with semiknocked down, where painted and trimmed bodies are shipped from an established plant in one box, mechanicals in another, join the two, add some locally sourced transmission fluids, air conditioner gas and a host of others.

With no prejudice and utmost transparency to

help in alleviating the rate of unemployment in the country, over 85 percent of the employees are sourced locally from top Nigerian universities.

Speaking at the tour, the Chief Operation Officer, Gitesh Yagnik, pointed out that the plant houses over 100 engineers drawn from Nigerian universities and had undergone top-notch intensive training programme and capacity de-

velopment before being employed into the plant.

In his words: “We now have 150 trained and qualified engineers that can be compared to international standard and over 50 support staff running the operational and assembly process cycle of the plant.”

At the end of the tour, it’s apparently lucid that there was no compromise on the quality and the high standard of the plant and it re-

mains one of the best in the country. It’s highly ventilated facility and its environmental worthiness bring the auto company to the fore of the Nigerian auto industry. The excitement emanating from the plant cannot be overemphasised as the employees are passionate about their work and are committed to producing made-in-Nigeria Kia vehicles the preferred choice in the country.

VIP unveils Mahindra two-wheelers

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IP Merchandise Enterprises Ltd, representatives of Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd in Nigeria, has launched the Mahindra range of motorcycles in the Nigeria.

The launch was attended

by Mahindra officials from India, captains of industries, the Indian High Commission and some traditional rulers.

Speaking at the occasion, Mahindra Two Wheelers Ltd Head of Exports, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Singh, noted that the Mahindra Two Wheelers were made for Nigeria and African.

“They were carefully designed to meet the customers’ needs as far as two wheelers are concerned,” he said.

According to Mr. Singh,

the Mahindra Two Wheelers are very strong, durable, reliable, easy to maintain with affordable and available spare parts.

Compared to other motorcyclesinthemarket,he said, there are 17 additional features in the new motorbike.

For now, he said the Mahindra two-wheelers, Arro, which comes in different variant, is being introduced while the other models from the company will be joining later.

Features

Some of the unique features of the Mahindra Arro motorbike include the 110cc Mci 5 advanced engine, double cradle chassis as against one by other makers; big round

headlamp, longer comfortable seat and bigger wheels.

Other include, strong high capacity rear suspension, bigger fuel tank with petrol tank pad, stylish LED tail lamp, and twin-pod modern speedometer console.

Mr. Singh further pointed out that the customers stand to gain by using the Mahindra bike because it is a product of careful research

by Mahindra.

“It is a very rugged bike being offered at a very affordable price,” he said.

He also explained that their delayed arrival into the Nigerian market was because they wanted the best for their Nigerian customers.

He said: “The idea of coming late was that we wanted to be sure that the

product we are offering to Nigerians are tried and tested.

“That was why we created this product, the Arro. We wanted the riders to graduate to a better bike.”

With two plants already in operation in Lagos and Kano, Mr. Singh said that they have trained over 10,000 mechanics to ensure that the customers get the best from their Mahindra Motorcycles.

According to him, Mahindra has the capacity to meet motorcycle needs of Nigerian, promising that they will increase production if demand increases.

“Arro covers 60 kilometres with a litre of petrol, which makes it one of the most fuelefficient bike around at the moment,” he said.

34—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

By Theodore Opara

US shows interest in Nigeria's auto policy A

S a follow-up to the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States of America, USA, officials of the Economic Affairs Department of US Embassy in Nigeria visited the headquarters of National Automotive Council, NAC, in Abuja recently to make enquiries on the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan, NAIDP, with a view to informing the investment decision of American government and its business community.

NAC Director-General, Engr. Aminu Jalal and

Director, Policy and Planning Department, Mr. Luqman Mamudu received and briefed the visiting embassy officials led by the Counsellor for Economic Affairs, Mr. Alan R. Tousignant.

Tousignant said that there had been an upsurge in the amount of business enquiries from America shortly after the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States.

He stated that in recent times, quite a lot of the business enquiries from potential American investors related directly to the Nigerian auto industry, and therefore he

needed to know more about applicable tariff structure, incentives, availability of skilled personnel, current total installed capacity, local value addition, industrial clusters and infrastructures, applicable safety standards, annual national vehicle demand, export potentials to other countries, among others.

NAC boss'comments

The NAC boss expressed appreciation to the US officials on their visit, presented them copies of NAIDP and answered all questions and enquiries on the auto

From right— Mr. Luqman Mamudu, Director, Policy & Planning; Mr. Alan Tousignant, US Counsellor for Economic Affairs; Engr. Aminu Jalal, DG NAC, and Mr. Joel Kopp, Economic Officer, in NAC DG’s Office. policy and general investment climate in Nigeria.

Jalal noted that he was

happy with the keen interest shown by American companies and

Mobile waterless car wash debuts •Cleans, waxes, leaves no scratches

The car washing machines.

N

OT a few of the auto dealers, car owners, intending car wash operators and curious members of the public, who watched the demonstration of Green Machine, the mobile waterless car wash system making its debut in the country, were amazed at the new product’s efficiency and innovative features.

With unique characteristics, such as environmental-friendliness and use of very little volume of water, the mobile car wash works by simply spraying on, wiping off and buffing, the body of the car to a shine, as against the use of large volume of water in the normal car wash system which leaves the surrounding wet, and flooded in some cases.

Guests at the demonstration session held in the Ajayi Aina area of Gbagada, Lagos, watched with keen interest as one of the operators, trained by Green Machine Nigeria,

importers and marketers of the machines, used car wash products with a small can of water to comprehensively clean a Nissan Almera in a few minutes.

“The Green Machine uses waterless carwash products that lift the dirt from the vehicle by a process of emulsification; meaning that the spray breaks down the dirt into molecules, surrounds and coats the dirt molecules, lifting them off the surface,” explained the Chief Executive Officer of Green Machine Nigeria, Kemi Koyejo.

This method, she said, results in longer lifespan of the car paint and prevents corossion of the body.

Koyejo, who has decades of experience in the auto market, explained that the machine is very easy to move around, and could be taken to homes, offices, auto dealerships, hotels, churches and other places, to “conveniently clean as

many cars as possible within a short time” with very little water, and

without messing up the surrounding.

Apart from running a car wash service at the location in Gbagada, Green Machine Nigeria said it is targeting auto dealers, the hospitality industry and corporate organisations with fleets of vehicles.

It was also learned that the marketer plans to appoint dealers for Lagos and parts of the country to ensure that the “huge benefits” are enjoyed by Nigerians wherever they may be.

The Chief Executive Officer also hinted of the possibility of using the mobile waterless car wash

as a tool for empowering the youths, stressing that Green Machine Nigeria would be favourably disposed to partnerships with state governments, local government councils and other interested organisations.

Describing the idea as a means of providing dividends of democracy to the youths and reducing unemployment and crime, she explained that while her company would train the benefiting youths on how to operate the system, the other party would buy the machines for them at discounted prices.

businessmen in the Nigerian auto industry, pointing out that already, two American auto giants, Ford Motors and General Motors had confirmed their interests to start vehicle assembly operations in Nigeria early next year.

He explained that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa with a very huge market for automobiles, stressing that the auto industry policy is intended to transform Nigeria into a major vehicle manufacturing hub for leveraging on Nigeria’s abundant trainable labour force and material resources, especially petrolchemical-based.

He pointed out that with a population of over 170 million, Nigeria cannot continue to run an import dependent economy.

FRSC flags off retraining for tanker drivers

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OLLOWING the recent recurrence of road traffic crashes in the country, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, recently met with the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ unit of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, PTDNUPENG, to obtain the body’s cooperation for a valuable certification training for tanker drivers in 12 locations across the country.

According to Commander Bisi Kazeem, Head of Media Relations and Strategy unit, FRSC, “the Corps Marshal and Chief Executive of FRSC has directed that the training of PTD workers becomes an annual exercise, where intensive road use education will be taught,

as well as registration of new and young tanker drivers’ personal details and biometrics undertaken.”

Commander Bisi Kazeem further revealed that among other issues that were considered for the planned programme of action are registration of driver details and their tankers, medical tests of varying kinds and production of safety stickers to be affixed to the tankers of the trained PTD workers.

Others are use of driver’s licence as a form of identification before training commences, and the units and zones, where the tanker drivers operate will also help in the process of creating and maintaining a

reliable database.

The programme, which is tagged Annual Tanker/ Trailer Drivers’ Certification is scheduled to Commence on August 5, at Orile Lagos State.

Certification programme The itinerary, location and date of the training are: Orile (Lagos State), August 5; Oghere (Lagos State), August 6; Eiyenkorin (Kwara State), August 7; Suleja and Taffa (Niger State), August 8; Mararaba-Jos, August 10; Port Harcourt Refinery (Rivers State), August 12; Lobanta, August 13; Calabar (Cross River State), August 14; Oghara and Warri (Delta State), August 17 and 18; and

Benin (Edo State) August 19.

The Head of Media Relations and Strategy stated that a representative of PTDNUPENG remarked that at least 75 percent of tanker drivers will be trained and captured during the training, not excluding the motor boys of such drivers.

The certification programme, which is aimed at orientating and reorientating drivers and their motor boys, as well as educating and reeducating them on road use, is a significant measure the corps had taken to complement its enforcement programme, in order to reduce road traffic crashes in the country.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—35

Mixed reactions trail passage of DESOPADEC amendment bill As Ika gets knocks over attempt to be part of the commission

By Festus Ahon, Egufe Yafugbori, Akpokona Omafuaire, Perez Brisibe & Ochuko Akuopha

A

SABA—MIXED reactions have trailed the passage of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESPODEC amended bill, by the state House of Assembly, with some Deltans, describing the failed attempt by the Ika people to get their ethnic nationality into the bill as fraudulent and an act of desperation.

The amended DESOPADEC bill was passed by the House, last week, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Tim Owhefere and seconded by the member representing Patani constituency in the House, Mr Tonye Timi.

The unsuccessful attempt to list Ika as one of the ethnic nationalities that make up the commission was sequel to a motion on the floor of the House by the member representing Ika South constituency, Mr Festus Okoh to amend section 2, which was rejected by the House.

Those who reacted to the bill's passage include Mr Emmanuel Orosue, Mr Oghenejabor Ikimi, Olorogun Amos Itihwe, Mr Sam Mariere, Mr Eric Omare, Alowei Broadrick Bozimo, Alhaji Unagha Mumakai, Mr Solomon Edoja, Olorogun Ejiro Ohwovoriole and Mr Sandys Uvwoh.

Mr Orosue on his part, said: “What surprised me was the attempt made by the Ika people to be part of oil bearing ethnic nationalities in the state. I see that attempt as fraudulent and

desperation on their part to reap from where they did not sow.”

Orosue said the commission was set up strictly to address the development needs of oil bearing communities and “not political patronage.” He commended the state House of Assembly for its doggedness to fight injustice and do what was right in the interest of all Deltans.

On his part, Olorogun Itihwe urged the political class and community leaders to be mindful of their statements against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the amended DESOPADEC bill, adding that the governor was out to reposition the commission to serve the people better.

Noting that the state belongs to all Deltans and not a “selected few who call themselves 13 per cent.”

Itihwe said: “These groups of old hawks should know that their era is over as their ideologies do not match the present realities.”

Mr Sam Mariere who represents Ughelli North one constituency, said: “The bill is a good one; it is restructuring the administration of DESOPADEC to make it more productive. A situation where we have so many sole administrators handling the different ethnic nationalities was the reason why we found ourselves where we were before now but with this new bill, we have a management team led by the Managing Director and the Executive Directors from each senatorial district."

Spokesperson for Ijaw Youth Council and Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Community Development, Mr

Eric Omare, advised that competent and transparent individuals should be appointed to manage the commission.

On his part, Alhaji Unagha Mumakai, said “I have said it before now and I will repeat it again that the bill as amended is not in the best interest of the oil bearing communities, especially the Urhobo people.

Why should it be that when it is the turn of Urhobo to produce the chairman the bill will be amended; I am totally against it.”

On his part, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, said: “It is victory for common sense and visionary leadership of our House of Assembly and the SMART agenda of Governor Okowa and indeed for all of us Deltans. God bless Delta State, the Finger of God.”

CONFERENCE: From left: Chief Operating Officer, Seven Energy, Mr. Jeff Corey, former lecturer, Department of Petroleum Economics, Louisiana State University, USA, Prof. Wumi Illedare, Chairman/MD, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, and General Manager, Operations, Technical, Surface, OTSS, ExxonMobil Nigeria, Mr. Cletus Egbuzie, at the 2015 National Annual International Conference and Exhibition organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Bayelsa govt hails Buhari on UNEP report

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE Bayelsa State Government has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme, UNEP report on the clean up of Ogoniland.

The state Environment Commissioner, Mr Iniruo Wills, in Yenagoa also called on the President to extend the gesture to all oil polluted Bayelsa State communities.

He said: “The President’s approval of steps to fast track the clean up and restoration of Ogoniland in line with UNEP’s recommendations is a great positive signal for the hitherto relegated environment sector and for the Niger Delta geopolitical region.

“This is elixir, coming at the fourth anniversary of the release

of the UNEP report, which happens to be the first anniversary falling within President Buhari’s tenure. We congratulate the Ogoni people and the entire Niger Delta people.”

While making a case for Bayelsa and other states in the Niger Delta impacted by oil pollution induced by oil and gas exploration and

production, Wills, said: “We are very hopeful that the President and relevant Federal Government authorities will correct the crucial omissions in the measures approved, especially the nonincorporation/representation of other pollution ravaged states in the Niger Delta.

“For example, Bayelsa State is

currently under the burden of more than 1000 recorded oil spills per year. The state of Bayelsa has been suffering the same fate as Ogoniland for 60 years, dating back to the start of Nigeria’s commercial oil production which took place in Oloibiri area in present day Bayelsa State.”

Anioma media professionals task Kachikwu on accountability in NNPC district of Delta State, charged

A

SABA—ANIOMA Media Professionals, AMP, has congratulated Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu on his appointment

by President Muhammadu Buhari and assumption of office as Group Managing Director, GMD, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. It also lauded the President for putting competence and

merit above other considerations in making the appointment, saying that this would help drive the Federal Government's change agenda and bring sanity to governance and government-owned institutions.

In a statement in Lagos by its spokesman, Ken Ugbechie, AMP, made up of media practitioners from Delta North senatorial

Kachikwu to bring his wealth of experience in the oil and gas sector to bear on the corruptionridden state-owned company.

Describing his appointment as apt and well deserved, the organisation charged the new NNPC boss to ensure accountability, due process and transparency in the corporation in line with the President’s anticorruption posture.

‘Diversion of oil, gas cargo, economic sabotage'

By Godfrey Bivbere

L

AGOS—SOME operators in the maritime industry have described the alleged diversion of oil and gas cargoes to neighbouring countries as an act of economic sabotage by those involved in such practice, adding that the Nigerian government was losing $4.4 million per tonne of oil and gas cargo not discharged at the designated Nigerian terminals.

A maritime expert, Kolawole Olatunbosun, noted that the decision by some importers to divert Nigeria bound oil and gas cargo was dangerous and in defiance of the Federal Government’s directive, which in itself constitutes economic sabotage.

“This is very unfair to the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is pushing for more funds for developmental programmes in Nigeria," he said.

LG boss lauds Buhari on Kachikwu's appointment

A

SABA—CHAIRMAN of Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr Chuks Oseme has applauded President Mohammadu Buhari for the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Kachwuku as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. Oseme noted that the appointment was a further confirmation that Aniocha North was endowed with abundant human resources.

He said: “I feel very proud that one of our own has been elevated to such an enviable office. Aniocha North people have always made great impact in the society. Dr. Kachikwu is a further confirmation of the endowed human resources in the area.”

Oseme is optimistic that Dr. Kachikwu will bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.

36—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

N2bn Adada Dam to be completed next year

COURT'S VERDICT: Onuorah loses Njikoka

LG chairmanship to Okafor

By Enyim Enyim

By Francis Igata

O

E

NITSHA—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Enugu, has sacked the chairman of Njikoka Local Government in Anambra State, Chief Emeka Onuorah.

Presided by Justice M. A Oredola, the court, consequently declared Col. Bude Okafor, retd, the winner of the January 11, 2014 council poll in the council.

In a dramatic twist, the sitting council chairman, insisted that he would not vacate the seat on ground that the court judgment did not order him to vacate office and hand over to any person.

Okafor contested the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA local government chairmanship primaries with Onuorah, who was announced winner by the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission, ANSIEC. Delivering the judgment on the court of appeal suit No.CA/E/640/ 2014, brought before it by Okafor, challenging the ANSIEC declaration of Emeka Onuorah, as the candidate of APGA at the poll, the appeal court, set aside the judgment of Hon. Justice H.O. Ozor in suit No. A/9/2014,

N U G U — THE Federal Government has said the over N2 billion Adada River Dam embarked upon by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, located in Nkpologu,Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, is expected to be completed and delivered for use in July next year.

When completed and commissioned, it will generate not less than 1.3 million cubic metre of water all year round.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, who inspected the project, also inaugurated a network of rural electrification projects started last June and executed by the state’s Rural Electrification Board.

Representative of the Water Resources Ministry, Robert Umezulike, assured that when completed, the facility would power the greater Nsukka water scheme on the pipeline in the past decades.

delivered on October 8, 2014, at the High Court, Awka.

The appellant had dragged the respondents, namely Tony Nwazojie, APGA, Chief Emeka Onuorah, and ANSIEC before the Awka High Court headed by Hon. Justice H.O. Ozor.

However, on October 8, 2014, the High Court at Awka, dismissed

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State governorship candidate on the platform of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the April elections, Dr. Alex Otti, has condoled with traders in Ariaria International Market, Aba and the family of late Master Onyinyechi Awuzie, who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet during last week’s shootout in the market involving

officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The remains of the 23-year-old apprentice trader was laid to rest, weekend, in his hometown, Umuaka, Orlu in Local Government Area of Imo State.

In a condolence message presented at Onyinyechi’s funeral service by a delegation from Abia State, Dr. Otti described the incident that led to the young man’s death as “tragic and unfortunate.”

seat as APGA candidate for the Njikoka Local Government Election held on January 11, 2014, having satisfied the provisions of Section 87 (5) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), and section 141 of the electoral Act 2010 (as amended), and Article 24 (6) of the APGA constitution.

Nigeria Railway begins implementation of modern train control system

By Jonah Nwokpoku

I

N A bid to enhance efficiency and safety in rail operations, Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, has commenced a trial run of Safe Train Control, STC, system.

The STC, the first of its kind to be implemented in Nigerian rail system, is an automatic train control system which will help the corporation in “monitoring and controlling train speed both for avoiding derailment and collision and enhancing fuel economy. It will also ensure adherence to journey time by drivers, minimizing damages to rail infrastructure and keeping

Otti condoles with traders, family of slain boy in Ariaria Int'l Market shoot-out

By Anayo Okoli

the petition, and upheld the election of Emeka Onuorah as the party flag-bearer at the LG poll.

Not satisfied with the judgment, Okafor headed to the Court of Appeal, Enugu Judicial Division to seek redress.

In its judgment, the Appeal Court declared the appellant as the winner of the chairmanship

According to Otti, no life was worth losing in the manner Onyinyechi was killed, saying that his death was a painful reminder of the sufferings traders in the commercial city went through on a daily basis to earn a living and support their families.

Onyinyechi, who was said to be the only son of his parents, according to Otti, left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill in the family and Umuaka community in general.

comprehensive record of data to assist in improving operational efficiency and accident investigation.”

The STC also has the capacity “to increase frequency of train movement and consequently increase in revenue for NRC and in the long run, provide support for smooth liberalization of train operations by making it possible to have more operators run trains on the single track narrow gauge network of NRC.” Managing Director of NRC, Engr. Adeseyi Sijuade told journalists during the demonstration of the control system in Lagos where journalists witnessed train movement in real time, that the technology would contribute significantly in digitizing rail operations, increasing efficiency and enhancing safety.

He said: “Before today, we relied solely on mobile phones for communication between the head office in Ebutte Metta and all our trains all over the country.

With the installation of this safe control system, we are now in a position to communicate with our trains through the satellite link and with the onboard computers installed in our locomotives.

From the operations control centre we have here, we cannot only communicate with the train drivers, but we can actually

monitor train movement.

We can monitor the speed of trains across the country from here in Ebutte Metta. We can monitor the drivers, the locations and all incidences on our tracks. But in addition to that we can also control the trains. What that means is that from here, in the control centre, we can, when the need arises bring trains in safe manner to a halt with or without the driver’s consent.

“The benefits of these include: Operational efficiency in terms of having better throughput, better frequency in terms of our train operations and most important, safety. This means that with this system and with the communication and monitoring, through the effectiveness of the satellite link, it’s almost impossible to have train collisions.

"This system is one which will totally eliminate lack of coordinated movements within the trains. It is a system which means that even the train drivers can actually reach us easily when they need further directions as to how to react to incidences. It is an innovative thing and the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria Railways, where you can actually sit in the control room here in Ebutte Metta and visualise through the screen the train movements all over our rail network in Nigeria.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

...on President Buhari's planned reduction of ministries

T

he merging of ministries together is for the betterment of our dear country. It is a nice move. We have to start somewhere. I am fully aware that majority of government agencies do absolutely nothing and are allocated huge budgets. -Mr. Collins Ojomah, Worker

M

y view on merging EFCC and ICPC is that it is a welcome idea from President Buhari.

Things have to change; it is not going to be business as usual. Some ministries are absolutely a waste of tax payers’ money. We are tired of waste. -Mr. Chuku Oparadike, Entrepreneur

I

support this move. I have always thought that it does not make any sense having ICPC and EFCC. Issues will always arise when security agencies work separately or deliberately hoard information from one another. -Miss C h i o m a Emele,Businesswoman

E

FCC and ICPC ought to be left alone. I think what they need is for them to be reconstituted and well funded. President Buhari would need to delegate power and set up people to watch EFCC and ICPC, that is the most important thing. -Mr. Okie Darlington, Communicator

I

t is an action long overdue; we are waiting for the committee for the downward review of remunerations to submit the report for implementation. I know that employment is a function of economic growth and development.

-Miss Mabel Ogechi, SelfEmployed

S

ome ministries should be merged. What is the justification for full Departments of Reforms and the General Services Office when they can function as divisions in the department of administration and human resources management. -Miss Anne Kelechi, Fashion Designer

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 37

Kwarapoly suspends 3 students over alleged cultism

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—THE Authorities of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, has approved the immediate suspension of three students for their alleged involvement in secret cult activities.

The suspended students are Adeyemi Ayodele Iretiola ND/13/PA/FT/1545, Alimi Sikiru ND/13/PA/FT/1640 and Abu Abdulrahman ND/ 13/PA/FT/1752, all of Public Administrations Department.

This is contained in a statement issued and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar (Academic), Mr Ahmad Yahaya, in Ilorin yesterday.

Begin preparations for 2019, groups tell INEC

By Agaju Madugba

K

ADUNA—THREE civil society groups have urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to begin preparations for the scheduled 2019 general elections to enable it propose as well as follow up on additional amendments to the constitution and the Electoral Act. “It is also important for it to start early to put in place plans for additional use of technology in the electoral process, the creation of additional polling units and constituency delimitation,” the groups said in a joint statement released in Kaduna yesterday.

Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor, Festus Okoye, Anyakwee Nsirimovu, Executive Director of Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and Priscilla Akau, Programme Director, Centre for Gender Rights Initiative, signed the statement which also demanded that President Muhammadu Buhari should appoint a substantive chairman for INEC in order to drive the process of reforms needed for credible elections in 2019.

Yuguda lied, we collected 25 cars from his wives — COMMITTEE

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—THE Recovery Committee of the Bauchi State government has clarified the controversy surrounding the vehicles collected from the wives of immediate past governor of the state, Mallam Isa Yuguda, saying it had so far collected twenty five cars from the wives of the former governor.

Chairman of the committee, Air Commodore Ahmed Tijani (retd.) disclosed this to Vanguard while reacting to media reports by the media team of Yuguda that the former governor handed over all government properties in his possession to the present administration.

He said the committee was not set up by the government to witch-hunt anybody but to recover all illegally acquired properties of the state government.

Tijani said: “There were certain controversies surrounding the cars collected from the wives of former governor, Isa Yuguda, which the committee wishes to clarify.

“We learnt that the former governor through his media team debunked that of the 22 cars, claiming that the committee lied.

I want to state categorically that

RCCG ANNUAL CONVENTION: From right — Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG; his wife, Foluke and other senior members of the church during the church's 63rd annual convention at Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele. the committee has in its possession all the valid documents in connection with the retrieved vehicles.

“Currently, a total of 25 cars have been collected from the wives of the former governor. We collected seven vehicles from his fourth wife, Hajiya Nafisa Yuguda, which include a Toyota Camry L.G, Camry C.E, Land

cruiser V.8, two Peugeot 406,Toyota Hilux and Peugeot 307.”

For Hajiya Abiodun Yuguda, the committee retrieved a total of 10 cars, including a Camry L.G, Land Cruiser V.8, Peugeot 406, Peugeot 307, Peugeot 406, Peugeot 407, two Peugeot station wagons, a Toyota Hilux ford and a Ford Ranger Hilux.

“Five vehicles were collected from

his fist wife, Aisha and they include a Toyota Camry L.G, Land Cruiser V.8, Peugeot 406, Toyota Hilux and Peugeot 504 station wagon. ‘’We also collected three vehicles from his third wife, Hajiya Maria Yuguda, which include a Toyota Hilux pickup, Toyota Land cruiser V 8, and a Honda Civic, making a total of 25 cars collected from them,” he said.

Bauchi revokes land belonging to Nigeria Civil Service Commission

By Suzan Edeh

the Nigeria Civil Service Union, saying that the union AUCHI—BAUCHi State illegally reallocated the land government has revoked to individuals for residential a portion of land belonging to purposes.

B

State chairman of the recovery committee, Air Commodore Ahmed Tijani (retd) who disclosed this during an interview in Bauchi yesterday, said the government

Firearms Possession: Magistrate refuses to bar journalists from covering case

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—MAGISTRATE I. O Omotosho of an Igbosere Magistrate Court has refused to grant an oral application to bar journalists from covering the ongoing trial of Sulaiman Sanusi who was arraigned before the court over alleged illegal possession of fire arms.

The defendant’s lawyer, Rotimi Seriki, told the Magistrate to stop journalists from covering the matter, saying stories reporters had been reporting were untrue.

He said that each time the court adjourned the matter, journalists would publish it and that it was becoming embarrassing for the defendant. “ Right now, as I am talking, journalists are inside the court and even camera men are outside waiting to video. ’The last time, when the court didn’t sit, camera men came to the court room to video the court room,” he said.

Seriki also stated that the defendant had been receiving

threatening messages from unknown persons.

However the magistrate said she was not going to stop reporters from covering the proceedings as the court was a public place.

She asked Seriki to formally file

an application in that regard before her at the next adjourned date.

The defendant, 48, is one of the sons of late Lagos business mogul, Chief Abdul-Rasak Sanusi, and he is facing a count charge of unlawful possession of fire arms preferred against him by the police.

Baby factories: ASOHON to hold national conference

By Chioma Obinna

O

PERATORS of homes and orphanages in the country have concluded plans to hold a national conference to arrest the phenomenon of baby factory.

This is in a bid to combat the emerging menace of illegal orphanages which had led to disturbing operations of baby factories in the country.

The operators, under the auspices of the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, ASOHON,

in press statement by the national president, Rev. Dele George, and General Secretary, Dr Gabriel Oyedeji, said the conference would bring together all operators of orphanages in Nigeria to deliberate on how to improve social intervention services in the country.

According to the group, the parley will seek to harmonise the activities of orphanages, with a view to abating incidences of malpractices inherent in the sector, while looking into the common challenges faced by home operators nationally.

was apparently unhappy with the manner lands belonging to public institutions were carved out and given to individuals by the previous administration.

He said the committee had ordered beneficiaries to evacuate the land, pointing out that the state government’s intention was to preserve the integrity of lands belonging to public institutions such as schools, hospitals, banks and courts.

In a letter of acknowledgement on February 29, 2012,with reference number NCSU/BSC/ CSG/ VI, written to the office of the head of civil service, the union, through the Nigeria Labour Congress, requested from the government a portion of the land for residential purposes.

The union in another letter dated January 4, 2012, with reference number GO/GA/LAN/3/ll , applied for statutory right of occupancy for residential purposes to a government official.

The letter read: “The portion of land belonging to civil service located along Sam Njuma, old G.R.A, Bauchi, is quite large for the union and has been lying fallow for a very long time.

“In our bid to implement the owner-occupier housing policy and government’s commitment to build befitting structures in Bauchi metropolis, we identified part of this plot of land as a suitable area for reallocation to serve the public.''

38 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

BIRTHDAY: From left— Celebrant's wife, Adebimpe; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Mr. Najeem Salaam, celebrant and Speaker, Osun House of Assembly; Mr. Sanusi Garba, Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly; and celebrant's wive, Muibat, at Salaam's 50th birthday celebration.

DHL AWARD: From left— Mrs. Heather Frankle, Managing Director, DHL Global Forwarding Nigeria; Otunba Adenike Wole-Ajibode, Chairman of the company, and Mr. Olusola Pearce, a Director of the company, when the comapny was honoured with Reliability in Freight and Logistics award, as the best company of the year, from Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, at the 2015 Commerce and Industry awards by LCCI, in Lagos.

NAFDAC: From left— Mrs Comfort Emmanuel, Assistant Director, Pharmaceutical; Mr. Kingsley Ejiofor, Director, E&C, and Mr. Francis Ononiwu, Assistant Director, Intelligence & Analysis, all of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, at a briefing on the recent arrest made over some fake products in Lagos. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

INAUGURAL SERVICE: From left— Minister Oyinkan BadejoOkusanya, Kate Henshaw, Mrs. Helen Prest Ajayi, Pastor Femi Paul, Minister Evelyn Femi-Paul, Mrs. Yemisi Oyewole and Pastor Yomi Badejo-Okusanya at the inaugural service of Grace Assembly, The Island Church.

SAMSUNG ACTIV: From left— Mr. Parikshit Chandna, Head, Consumer Electronics; Mr. Brovo Kim, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa; Mrs. Taiwo Baju-Adesuyi, Product Manager, Washing Machine; Mr. Sunil Kumar, Director, Consumer Electronics; Mr. Jay Lee, Business Development Manager, Home Appliances, and Mr. Chuck Ofoma, Head, Channel Management, Consumer Electronics, all of Samsung Electronics West Africa, at the launch of Samsung Activ DualWash Washing Machine, a one-stop laundry solution with a sink in Lagos.

ANNIVERSARY: From left—Hajiya Hadiza El-Rufai, wife of Kaduna

State Governor, and Special Guest of Honour; Ranti Daudu, Chairperson, Sacred Heart Primary School @ 50, and Alhaji Mansur Ahmed, Chairman, Sacred Heart Primary School Board of Governors, at the pre-50th anniversary briefing/cocktail of the school in Kaduna. PHOTO: Olu Ajayi.

C M Y K

Representative of the Orodje of Okpe, Chief Flag Odiete, Izomo of Okpe Kingdom (left), performing the groundbreaking for 100 housing units at Okuodiete, Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State.

BRIEFING: From left— Dosunmu Yemisi, Admin Manager; Dr. Afoke Isiavwe, Project Coordinator Diabetes Podiatry Initiative Nigeria and Medical Director, and Dr. Akaeme Gregory, Senior Medical Officer, all of Rainbow Specialist Centre, at a briefing on podiatry and diabetes foot care workshop organised in collaboration with the Podiatry Institute USA the World Diabetes Foundation in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 39 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

VIRGO; It’s true you’re willing to work harder but you just have to drop both aggression and mental arrogance to allow things to roll accordingly. Then, you’re accident prone within your working arena.

Respect the law and its agents today.

LIBRA; Serious thought may be giving to matters of the heart but it’s better you tarry a while. Joint ventures of short duration today may be an invitation to avoidable trouble SCORPIO; If you back your financial plans with concrete and positive actions things’ll go according to your desire. If you fail to realise importance of your spouse you would work your way into avoidable trouble; aren’t you tired of crisis?

SAGITTARIUS; Your intelligence, competence and level of concentration may today bring you envy, which you don’t deserve within your working arena in a negative form but.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

T is not uncommon to find man reeling out a catalogue of why he could not do anything. It is an abnormal condition, he will say. But if we must face the

Is any condition normal? truth, man will be nothing without challenges confronting him. Do you think God couldn’t provide everything for us?

TERROR MUDA

Why do you think God commanded us to have dominion over all things?

Everyone of us have a huge sense of satisfaction any-

in “Scanvenger Elites”

time we overcome a major challenge.

That is the joy.

There is no normal condition anywhere. But the condition will be normal when the man is normal.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN; The Moon highlights your Solar second house of money which is good but, if you try to buy true love with money, you’ll be disappointed AQUARIUS; The Moon in your Star sign’ll gives you new confidence and with new supports from the powers-that-be, it’s like you are now un-stop-able.

But be cautious, especially with the veterans within your base of operation PISCES; Better days are ahead of you but, you will today need to do away with non-productive argument and/or agreement. Try to be more diplomatic now.

ARIES; If what you’re doing today’ll depend on tomorrow’s event it’s better you’re more careful now.

Even things may not go according to your personal plans today. Yet it’s important you plan both your immediate and far future carefully now.

TAURUS; If you take to aggression, your ego would be deflated by your superior colleagues, but your being co-operative in a civilised way’ll prevent trouble

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Shey”

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; Those willing to put you to shame one way or the other’ll be disappointed with the turn of things today. It’s good to secure support of your spouse.

CANCER; You’ve had enough of fun in the recent times and it’s now time you settle down for hard work in order to prevent avoidable trouble. Be patient please.

LEO; Your concentration level and determination are the pillars of your success today. Yet you’ll need to respect your senior colleagues and protect your image.

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

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s is my Success?

Dear Joshua, I am interested in your Astrological counselling. Kindly tell me everything about myself, especially my finance and career; would I be rich eventually, if yes what should I do to make it happen quickly.

Jackson, Ogun.

Dear Jackson, There are indications of financial success for you but you can not change what Almighty God Has designed for you talking about the timing (the quickness you talked in your letter) Certainly however no failure for you.

Mercury –the planet of education and Accountancy, together with mighty Sun at positive angle to planets in Virgo (another Accounting Star sign) attracted you to both Accountancy profession and the academic world. Truly you did not make wrong choice of career.

Money will eventually come along this line but it’ll not be as faster as if you take to OIL RELATED BUSINESS. Because Neptune (the planet of OIL) was very comfortable when you were born. It will not be out of place if you have filling stations as time goes by, because you are basically a GAS PERSON. Another money spinning vocation for you include writing either along your line or for film making industry; it is important you exhibit the higher quotient of creativity in your innerself. Yes your dream of becoming A Professor will come to reality. Politics is another area you are not looking at now but will surely come. Do you say why? Because Aquarius is equally political.

Venus that was powerfully placed when you were born is all about MONEY. Thus you have special ability to make money. And as it was at positive angle to disciplined Saturn, you are not giving to serious frivolity. One major challenge here is envy by others but you will eventually overcome.

Another source of challenges is your love life which looks not totally balanced.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

40—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—41

C M Y K

42—VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

How cattle rearers stopped North from seceding in 1966 — ASIODU Being, the concluding part of the interview with elderstatesman, Chief Philip Asiodu. The first part was published yesterday.

Continues from yesterday E started assembling before South Korea, today we import Korean cars.

This is what happens when you do not stick to the discipline of planning. We then negotiated in reducing 100 percent concession with the oil companies. We later reduced it to 45 and 50. I was a principalnegotiator.Thatwasgoing to give us more money, but Gowon was removed within four months.

The trillions and millions you hear about today, did not come under Gowon. But under Gowon, the Ring Roads, new airports and other things were built. There was expansion of schools also.

Remember that oil was about 14 dollars per barrel before Gowon left.

What have we done since Gowon left? Maybe the road infrastructure in Abuja.

We heard the President saying that 150 billion dollars was stolen, it may be more than that. The point is that we did not have a proper independent public service as a guardian of national interest. In a developing country we don’t need different think-tanks, we are supposed to have a limited pool of people, and these people are to be found in the civil service. They are to analyse and offer the best policy advice.

Can you now proffer solutions to the economic difficulties confronting the nation?

Our economic challenges are over stated. We live in the world and we are not alone in that crisis.

W

Stimulating the economy When I first got to the ministry of petroleum, oil was two dollars per barrel. It rose to three dollars. What happened from 2000 to now when oil rose from over 100 dollars before slumping to 50dollars, is very unusual.

I personally believe that if we reined in corruption, inflation of cost of public procurement and try quickly to make proper power available at constant prices, things will get better. We should also try to stimulate the economy even at 50 or 40 dollars per barrel, Nigeria will have enough money to run a good and accelerated developing economy.

How many of our neighbours are exporting oil? Are they not existing?

Some are even flourishing more than us. So, I think the key is to serve a notice that we would not condone this unsustainable level of corruption.

other things to the US because we are closer to America than Asian countries. We had textile industry that was employing millions of people until 20 years ago, but it was destroyed by unfavourable government policies.

We also had a booming textile industry in Aba which was destroyed. With our genius, the Aba andAbiribatailorswouldhavebeen making clothes that can be sold in European and American markets.

So, our economy is just waiting to be stimulated.

We have to fight corruption frontally bearing in mind that the first coup plotters of 1966 had denouncedthosecollectingfiveand 10 percent as kickbacks. There are some international reports that said that in public procurement, Nigerians were inflating what they were doing by a factor of 200 and 300 percent.

Reduction of corruption

•Asiodu: We have turned public service to a looting place The kind of corruption going on the country is competitive. I was a memberofthePresidentialAdvisory Council set up when Jonathan became President. We disbanded ourselves when he won election.

And so I know that the budget of the National Assembly in 2000 was probably about N19 billion both recurrent and capital expenditure.

By 2010 it had become N141 billion with same number of legislators.

Some figures we saw at that time made us know that a senator earnedN47millionaquarter.When that is multiplied by four, then you will know what it was. When put together, a Nigerian senator was earning a salary that is four times higher than the salary of the American President, who is the President of an economy that is 20 times the size of the rebased Nigerian economy.

That is scandalous! This same manner of wasteful use of money applies to the executive. I cannot understand why the recurrent expenditure has been accounting for 75 percent of the federal government expenditure. At a retreat with the President and some political office holders, I proposed asalarystructurethatstartswithN30 million. That should start from Mr. President while it will eventually cascade down.

The US President is drawing about half a million dollars while per capita income in America is about $45, 000. What is the relationship?Inanycase,70percent

of Nigerians are living on less than $2 a day.

Making the Forbes list should not be through public service.

Secondly, our people should know that history of great men is not history of the richest men. It is the history of those who have transformedthesocietyforthebetter.

If they want to be so rich they can leave government and do business.

If we follow my suggestions, we can reduce the cost of governance by 30 percent. No American state has so many appointees.

Let us as politicians and party people create an economy which is developing and let that be where we make our money and not drawing from the public purse. We

Some cattle rearers who heard of the plans to break up met some top northern civil servants and cautioned them against war against brothers.

They wanted an assurance that after the breakup, they will still be able to take their cattle to Enugu and sell

are only in this condition because we have turned public service into a place for looting.

So what was President Jonathan’s reaction to your observation on the National Assembly budget?

We addressed him in even strongertermsthanIamaddressing you. We advised the bar association to take the National Assembly to court.

Constitutional matter For two years the case was constantly being postponed until finally one judge said the NBA had no locus in a constitutional matter.

Surprisingly, the man who succeeded the then bar association president did not appeal the judgement.

I have volumes of the reports we gave Mr. President. We will present the report, which he will give to his chief of staff and that was the end of it. None of us in the committee was one day invited by the president to discuss any of our recommendations. And so, we disbanded ourselves.

In 1975 we were becoming a middle income economy. Our economy was growing at 11.5 percent for five years until the coup.

We would have grown in subsequent years.

We have the unique geographical advantage to be supplying the plastic shoes and

Therefore, this means that if we are able to reduce corruption, Nigeria will do well. The government should ensure that those found corrupt are punished accordingly. That will send a strong message across the country. And thegovernmentmustliveaccording to what it preaches. We are eminently governable.

Buhari and Idiagbon brought War Against Indiscipline and people queued but as soon as they left people started becoming disorderly. So we are eminently governable.

So the man who sets the law must live by what he says. And I hope that with Buhari, we will be lucky this time because I believe that President Buhari has learned from his first experience. He should monitor his lieutenants so that what he says should go down to the lowest apparatchik.

You, Gen Yakubu Gowon and three other super-permanent secretaries were accused of starting some of these things you have mentioned led to Nigeria’s current quagmire. How true is that?

It is one of those unfortunate things people say. And when you do not correct falsehood, it begins to take a life. When the coup happened in 1966, they wanted us to become ministers but we refused because we said the army was not in power to be permanent. And we pleaded that we must get the leaders whom the world knew to join his government. It was based on our recommendation that Awolowo, Arikpo, Tarka, Briggs, Aminu-Kano and others were brought in. We were those, who helped to plan that Gowon should go by 1976. No civil servant that I know was a party to Gowon abandoning the 1976 handover date. As a matter of fact, it was some militarypeoplethatwerepressuring him that they wanted to become governors. And I believe he gave them the impression that he will do so, but he did not implement it Continues on page 43

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—43

Why Obasanjo didn't implement Abacha's Vision 2010 Continues from page 42 for about three years. He kept postponing. The last postponement happened because he had worked out the names of people he wanted toappointgovernors,buthewanted the queen to visit in October before doing that.

Those of us being blamed worked quietly to get things done properly.

Gowon may have his reservations for not appointing, and some were good reasons because some of the military people pressurising him then, had done heinous things at the war front.

And you cannot imagine him making some of them governors.

At that time, we also gave names of about eight governors who should be changed. And the governors got to know but did nothing to us.

Interest of politicians Thepoliticiansfeltthatwithoutthe support of the civil service, the military people would not have remained. We saw the need to support the government of the day.

And as far as we were concerned, keeping Nigeria was more important than the interest of the politicians.

We even produced a memo telling Gowon that he may not last for six months if he did not start a consultative parliament and stop decrees from being promulgated without debates. Those documents are still available. And later on when he was removed they must have found the documents there.

And when we thought things were drifting against the tenets of the civil service, we arranged a meeting at the Supreme Headquarters to be presided over

by Admiral Wey, who was the second in command to him and Gen. Gowon got to know and he left his office to attend the meeting uninvited. We still discussed our agenda particularly, the necessities of the changes we wanted him to make.

How did he react?

Gowon is a very pleasant man.

He was not angry. He wanted to hear what we would say. He knew us very well because we had been with him before he became the Head of State.

When the second 1966 coup happened, we had no government for two days. When the army pushed him forward (as head of state) we had a meeting with him at the Police Headquarters which was the best place. We told him that since he had been chosen, he needed to meet the press. We gave him the questions that will be asked and when he met the world press there was no question that was asked that he didn’t know about.

That was the bond between us. We were serving the country and not individuals.

How true is it that the initial aim of the second coup was for the North to secede and that Gowon had a change of mind later?

Gowon was not among the coup plotters. But the people who planned the coup wanted to correct the marriage of 1914. They wanted to blow up the Cater Bridge and then secede. But civil servants like the late Abdulazeez Attah and Daggash sat down to question that secession plan.

He said it would be disastrous for Nigeria to break up then because there was no authority in the country.Meanwhile,somenorthern civil servants were consulting then.

Oneofthemtoldmethatsomecattle rearers who heard of the plans to break up met some top northern civil servants and cautioned them against war against brothers.

They wanted an assurance that after the breakup, they will still be able to take their cattle to Enugu and sell. During those two days when there was no government, people did not know because the permanent secretaries and other civil servants kept working.

You had another opportunity to serve under Obasanjo, who was among those who truncated the National Development Plans.

What were your inputs then and how did he receive them?

In the meantime, under Abacha, we had the Vision 2010. Although I was an aspirant in 1999, the PDP manipulated the process and gave the ticket to Obasanjo. He did not win even in his local government and under the PDP rules he should not have been a candidate.

After he won he invited me to moderate a seminar (for his policy team). The invitation was for myself and the late Awoniyi. For four days and four nights we brainstormed with Obsanajo on what each ministry should do. We also treated theprofileofwouldbeministersand the calibre of ministers. And in that group, more than 10 of us were academics.

He accepted our proposals. So

Although I was an aspirant in 1999, the PDP manipulated the process and gave the ticket to Obasanjo.

He did not win even in his local government and under the PDP rules he should not have been a candidate

•Asiodu: Gowon was not among the coup plotters when he invited me as the chief economic adviser, I agreed thinking he was going to implement the proposal. He did not like the Vision 2020 because he did not like the Abachaconnectiontoit.ButAbacha did not read even one paragraph of that report.

As far as Abacha was concerned, if that was what we wanted, we could have it while he was doing what he was doing. In fairness, things were set out and it was advised that we should have an implementation council with about 15 ministers and 15 non ministers.

I was one of them. He knew my views but did not refuse my appointment. Before Abacha died, he was coming to the meetings, I don’t know what would have happened if he did not die.When Obasanjo came to power, I thought the 2010 recommendation should be followed. What has killed this country is the refusal of any new government to build upon what the predecessor had done.

Unfortunately I failed. He refused to pursue vision 2010.

When Jonathan came, he came with transformation agenda which was 2011-2015. To me, it was unfortunate because once policy thrusts are personalised, it leads to discontinuity. I hope that Buhari will go back to the era of having things done along the principles of collective responsibility.

Government must be synergistic.

Do you think Buhari should continue running the government withcivilservantsgiventhatthings seem to be working?

I am not privy to the fact that he is

running the government with only civil servants. It is true that there are no ministers in place. And when the minister is not there, the permanent secretary stands in for him. Buhari also has some friends and advisers, who may also be advising him.

Signal for the future So I would not give 100 percent credit to the civil servants. Now, can we continue like this? The answer is no. It will be unconstitutional to do so. We are practising a democracy.

The executive is produced by the political class, who are supposed to be expressing the will of the people. Orderliness must be respected and I am sure the President would sooner or later appoint his ministers. I support the President in his insistence that in appointing ministers, as a signal for the future, Nigeria needs people who have no baggage. I hope that the process of getting the background of those to be appointed would yield good results.

I am wishing the President better luck this time than when he was a military leader.

He left office not self enriched, so hisministersandappointeesshould also see him as a model. We know that some who served under him in the past enriched themselves, he should make sure that those who will work with him now should be accountable. He should also right size most appointments that were done before him because many

were not appointed on merit. I must stress that I am all for limiting the number of ministers maybe to 18.

The American government is governed by 12 departments. To further get things right, states in America also do that. Governors in our states should not also be seen as sole authorities. There is also no need for full time legislature.

Are you still a member of the PDP? I ceased being a member when they came up with revalidation exercise. I left government in 2001 and did not attend any meeting since then. I have always maintainedthattherearenopolitical parties in Nigeria. I am non partisan and I have been trying to see if we should form a non partisan movement and recruit young people. Our message will focus on how to make Nigeria great without looting the public treasury. You can’t add to comfort, you can only add to statistics.

Howmanyofthefamousgenerals that made money during the military era, lived up to 60?

Buhari has limited the scope of his anti-corruption fight to Jonathan’s administration. Are you satisfied with that considering the fact that systemic corruption predated that administration?

Did he say so? The President knows that crime is not time bound.

Supposing tomorrow the Americans demand the extradition of somebody who was mentioned in the Halliburton scandal, will the President say he will not allow the person to be extradited?

International friends As far as I am concerned, there is no time and energy for a holistic probe of Jonathan’s administration.

There are one or two glaring cases like the NNPC scandal and procurement in the defense sector that should be focused on so that positive signal will be sent across.

What we need in this country is not to have all corrupt people in court; rather two or three cases should be focused on and positively pursued to get justice. But in the meantime, any case stumbled upon or raised by our international friends, we should not hesitate to let the law take its course otherwise there will be endless probes. And we have many lawyers who are ready to bring out technicalities that will delay the cases. I am for some obvious cases being pursued immediately and I repeat that no cow should be seen as scared. And anyone who is mentioned in a reputable jurisdiction abroad, the person should be allowed to go abroad to defend himself.

Whatisyourpositionontheback log of civil servants’ salaries being owed by most states?

Owing of salaries is very unfortunate and should not happen especially when you look at the things they do in government. The amount of money they waste is alarming. People should be paid their salaries.

44 —Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Ex-militants protest alleged deductions from allowances P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— HUNDREDS of ex-militants, yesterday, disrupted traffic for several hours on Olu Obasanjo Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as they protested against alleged deductions from their N65,000 monthly allowance by their leaders.

The protesters accused a new generation bank of allegedly conniving with their leaders to rob them of a large portion of their entitlements.

According to them, sometimes their leaders pay them N20,000 or N15000 instead of the N65,000 approved for them.

They said that after their training at Obubra in Cross River State, they opened individual accounts but surprisingly their monies were paid to a single account operated by their leaders at the end of which the leaders pay them peanuts.

The protesters caused a gridlock on some parts of Port Harcourt as motorists were forced to seek other routes to their destinations.

Meantime, the Rivers State Police Command has said that it had uncovered alleged plot by

some persons to disrupt the peace of the state with a protest over the murder of a bus driver last week Friday.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Chris Ezike in a statement, yesterday, said the Police will not fold its arms and allow anyone plunge the state into crisis.

“Information and intelligence

available to the Rivers State command indicate that some unpatriotic elements whose identities are yet unknown have perfected plans to carry out massive demonstration/protests under the guise of venting their anger in the unfortunate killing of a bus driver by a policeman on August 7, 2015.

“Against this background therefore, the Command cannot fold its arms and watch hoodlums/miscreants and all manners of person for whatever motives and/or interests take over the streets, molest innocent Citizens, cause damage to property and endanger the lives of law abiding citizens," he said.

VISIT: From left: Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo, the newly appointed Executive Vice Chairman, Prof. Umaru Dambatta, and Executive Commissioner, Technical Standards, Mr. Ubale Maska, during the visit of the EVC to the NCC head office in Abuja to resume official duties.

OGONI CLEANING: HYPREP council to run for 4 years

A

By Favour Nnabugwu

BUJA—DETAILS of the arrangements put in place by the Federal Government to clean up the oil spill in Ogoniland, Rivers State emerged, yesterday, last night with indication that the Hydrocarbon Pollution Restoration Project, HYPREP, Governing Board will run for four years in the first instance.

A strategic document on the project, which was obtained exclusively by Vanguard, indicates that the HYPREP Governing Council will have one representative each from the ministries of Petroleum Resources and Environment, states classified as “Impacted” by the degradation, specifically Rivers and United Nations Systems.

Ogoniland will nominate two representatives while oil companies prospecting in the affected communities and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC will nominate four members into the committee.

Following a meeting held on the directive of President Buhari, it was also agreed that a contribution deposit of N2.1billion ($10million) will be made by stakeholders within 30 days of the appointment of members of the Board of Trustees for the Trust Fund who will be responsible for collecting and managing funds from contributors and donors.

As a prelude to the take off of the operations, the Federal Government is expected to

C M Y K

amend the Official Gazette establishing the HYPREP to reflect a new governance framework comprising a governing council, a board of trustees and project management.

A breakdown of the composition of the council is as follows: Ministry of Petroleum Resources

(one representative), Federal Ministry of Environment (one representative), Impacted States (Rivers) (one representative), Oil Companies and NNPC (four Representative), Ogoniland (two representatives), United Nations (one representative) while the secretariat would be headed by a project manager.

Similarly, the composition of a Board of Trustees for the HYPREP Trust Fund also involves the Federal Government, NNPC, one representative; International Oil Companies, one representative, Ogoniland, one representative and the United Nations with one representative.

Experts task FG, AU on persons with of PWD. disabilities bill on disabilities in their countries inclusive He said: “Government should

L

By Amaka Abayomi

AGOS—EXPERTS and members of the Local Organising Committee of the recently held International Conference on Disabilities have called on the Federal Government to speedily assent to the Nigerian Disability Bill.

They also called on leaders of member states of the African Union to pass national legislation

for the advancement of Persons With Disabilities, PWD. Stressing the urgent need for member states of the African Union to craft and implement policies on disabilities that are linked and cross cutting in health, education, employment, social welfare and entrepreneurship, the LOC Chairperson. Mr. Ani Bassey-Eyo, said that the time was right for government legislations and policies be fully

establish a national Disability Trust Fund to cushion the effects of disability while tax concessions are made for disability-inclusive businesses and organisations. Government should develop a national policy for inclusive education and all examination bodies should provide reasonable accommodation to enable PWD fully participate in all examinations."

Court adjourns Amaechi's suit challenging probe non-execution of the of his administration construction of the Justice

P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT—A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, has adjourned till August 20, for ruling in the suit by former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, challenging the powers of Governor Nyesom Wike to set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate his administration.

Trial judge in the matter is

Justice Simeon Amadi.

It will be recalled that Governor Wike had set up a commissioner of inquiry headed by Justice George Omereji to look into allegations around these issues” sale of Omoku 150MW Gas Turbine, Afam 360 MW Gas Turbine, Trans Amadi 136MW Gas Turbine and Eleme 75 MW Gas Turbine, the sale of Olympia hotel, the monorail project, the

Adolphus Karibi Whyte Specialist Hospital after the payment of alleged $39.2,000 to the supposed contractor, the disbursement or use by the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture of the sum of alleged the N2 billion Agriculture Credit Guarantee Scheme fund, the withdrawal of expenditure of the accrued N96b from the Rivers State Reserve Fund Law No 2 of 2008.”

I'm not surprised by allegations of nonperformance —WADA

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By Iheoma Nwanyanwu

O K O J A — GOVERNOR of KOGI State, Capt. Idris Wada, yesterday, said he was not surprised of being accused of under performing in the state, noting that he never expected commendations from his opponents.

Wada at an interactive session with newsmen in Lagos, said Kogi was now in a better condition than he met it four years ago.

The governor noted that having taken the state out of the poor condition, the chances of being re-elected in the f o r t h c o m i n g governorship poll in the state were bright.

He recalled that some of those who contested the last primaries with him and lost still felt bitter over the incident, insisting that he has touched every sector of the state.

NGO seeks FG’s intervention in NAUTH crisis

A

WKA—A nongovernmental organisation, Concerned Progressive Professionals, CPP, has called the attention of the Federal Government to the protracted crisis over who is the substantive Chief Medical Director, CMD, of Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, Nnewi, Anambra State.

In a statement by the Chairman, Bonny Obinadike, the group urged President Muhammadu Buhari to resolve the issue before it got out of hand.

According to the group, “The leadership imbroglio has left the health institution running without a substantive CMD even when a substantive one was said to have been appointed since 2013 by former President Goodluck Jonathan."

The group also appealed to President Buhari to resolve the matter and allow the substantive CMD assume duties.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—45

46 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

• CLO m

embers

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EFCC ng at the

Lagos off

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CRISIS ROCKS YABATECH: Drama as EFCC reacts to petition against Rector

By Ikenna Asomba

T

HE reaction by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that it was already investigating the petition of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) , over alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office by the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, Lagos, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, caused a mild drama at the Lagos office of the anti-corruption agency, last Tuesday.

Members of the civil society organisation, led by its President, Igho Akeregha, who protested at the EFCC office, along Awolowo Way, Ikoyi, at about 11.30am, said they were protesting to remind the agency of the urgent need to conduct a detailed impartial investigation into alleged mismanagement of public funds, abuse of office and sundry acts of corruption levelled against YABATECH Rector, by some senior staff of the institution.

Akeregha, whose members initially met stiff resistance at the commission’s main gate by security operatives manning the gate, noted that despite writing to the EFCC in 2014 and again in June 2015, the anti-corruption agency was allegedly footdragging in inviting the

institution’s management for interrogations.

A mild drama, however occurred when two senior officials of the EFCC Media and Publicity department, Lagos office, later came out to address CLO members, as there was argument over the passivity of the EFCC in probing the matter, following several letters of petition sent by the CLO.

Petition and response Akeregha said: “We are here to meet with officials of the EFCC to sought reasons why a petition we wrote since 2014, to draw the attention of the Commission to the alleged fraud and abuse of office by the Rector, Yaba College of Technology.

Since the Commission has not responded to any of our two petition letters, we decided to take the bull by the horn to come here with some of our members.”

However, in a swift response, an official of the Media and Publicity department of the EFCC Lagos, who pleaded anonymity said: “No, you are missing it. The EFCC is aware of your petition letters and we have been on it.

To show that we acknowledged your letters, that was why they

bore our official stamp, when you sent them to our office. That is how we operate, when we get petitions from concerned Nigerians.

“The only problem we have is communication lacuna. Our method of handling civil matter is different from the way we handle matters of financial impropriety. I can assure you that we have invited the Rector for interrogations. So, we need not make noise over it,” the EFCC official said.

Still not satisfied with the explanation of the agency, Executive Director of CLO, Comrade Ibuchukwu Ezike said:

A mild drama, however, occurred when two senior officials of the EFCC Media and Publicity department, Lagos office, later came out to address CLO members, as there was argument over the passivity of the EFCC in probing the matter

“We have lost patience with the EFCC with the way it has treated our petitions. If you say, you have been treating our petitions, why have we not heard that the Rector of YABATECH had been invited?

If the EFCC says it needs not make noise over its operations concerning our petition, why did we hear about the invitation of the wife of the Senate President, Toyin Saraki, and other recent cases.”

Meanwhile, a petition dated August 4, 2015, signed by Igho Akeregha and Ibuchukwu Ezike and made available to Vanguard read in part: “In 2015, the National President of the CLO, Igho Akeregha sent a reminder and additional grounds to investigate the Rector to the ICPC, EFCC and Federal Ministry of Education.

This action followed series of media publications highlighting series of incidents of mismanagement of public funds, abuse of office and sundry acts of official corruption against the Rector and management of YABATECH, yet the EFCC and Ministry of Education, remained in slumber for inexplicable reasons.”

The CLO alleged that issues against the Rector are: “exceeding approval limits; late and non retirement of estacodes allowances collected for foreign trips but which were not made; ownership and control of limited liability compa-

ny while still retaining her position as Rector; award and execution of contracts through selective tendering in clear breach of extant circulars prescribing competitive tendering samples such as Retreat contract to Jack Kay Hotels Limited forN11.3millioninDecember2013, Convocation contracts to Mallala Animation for over N6 million in October 2013, bloated contract for repair of Generators by Commint Nig. Limited in May 2010 and questionable purchase of Generator by Commint Nig. Limited in March 2010.”

Security vote Others are “N60 million security vote payable to the Rector, Dr. (Mrs) Ladipo personally through her account and excessive and illegal allowances to Council members to exonerate her from financial mismanagement which they did.”

Meanwhile, at the time of filing this report, efforts to speak to the institution’s Rector was futile as her phone was switched-off. Also, Vanguard made efforts to speak to the institution’s spokesperson, Charles Oni, but he failed to pick calls made to his phone, neither did he respond to text message sent to his phone.

However, in a related development, Vanguard gathered that the Head, EFCC Lagos office, Iliyasu Kwarbai, met with officials of the CLO, reiterating that the commission was not sleeping over the matter.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 47

Pollution: Lagos declares war on violators •May shut Computer Village this week over pollution •Re-opens Kanu’s Hotel 4 days after

By Dotun Ibiwoye & Monsuru Olowoopejo

a third of the nitrogen oxides, and a quarter of the hydrocarbons were emitted from rickety cars into the atmosphere. Worried by the extent of petition before the House committee on Environment, Lagos State House of Assembly raised concerns over the level of noise in the state, and the strategies adopted by LASEPA. In response to the vote of no confidence passed against LASEPA, the agency swung into action and shut 40 religious houses, industries, night clubs and others for contravening the State guidelines on noise and air pollutions.

Notable among the business outfits shut by the agency was Hardley Apartments, Victoria Island, owned by ex-Super Eagles Player, Kanu Nwankwo, shut for air pollution. Also shut were Aguda Central Mosque; a branch of Christ Embassy was sealed for using 13 speakers out-

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AGOS State Government last week commenced immediate clampdown on religious outfits and companies that violate the 2010 environmental law of the state especially on air and noise pollution.

The violators according to the State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA contravene sections of the 2010 law on air and noise pollution, designed in compliance with the 2007 World Health Organisation Conference on noise pollution.

At the conference 10 years ago, it was agreed that residents who live in noisy environment would be faced with mental health problems, sleep deprivation, hearing impairment, high blood pressure, and many other diseases.

Vanguard gathered that the noise from religious outfits and industries is meant to be at 90 decibel in the day and at night, 80 decibel. While in areas described as mixed (residents and industry), the noise pollution is expected at 65 decibel while at night it should be 55 decibel.

But in Lagos, these sections of the law have been violated by residents. The violation of these sections of the law was not limited to any particular area in the State, as it was rampant in communities closer to major markets in the state.

Vanguard learned that about two-third of the carbon monoxide,

Excessive exposure to noise pollution could lead to deafness and eye defect. You cannot open mosques and churches in residential areas and disturb others, we can’t take that

side its premises and New York cable wires in Baruwa axis of the state.

Speaking on the action taken by the agency, the General Manager of LASEPA, Engineer Rasheed Shabi lamented that noise pollution had been giving the state government serious concern, saying that his office received between 10 and 15 petitions on noise pollution on daily basis.

The general manager said “In the last four years, we have been receiving lots of complains from the residents of Lagos state complaining over the increase in the level of noise pollution in the state especially from religious house and club houses.

Hazard of pollution He explained that on realizing this, the agency embarked on “sensitizations across the state to inform residents on hazard of pollution but residents have failed to comply. So, we decided to enforce the law establishing the agency. And when we seal, we tell the owner of the outfit to correct certain things before such outfits could be reopened.”

The general manager stressed that shutting religious houses is not to witch-hunt but to correct the anomalies in the society. “and that was why we don’t ask them to pay fines but they are mandated to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the state government, stating that they will comply with the laws.”

His words “When we did the

•Speakers of a religious outfit noise pollution audit in Ikorodu, we discovered that iron and steel companies contribute over 80 percent of the pollution load in that axis. But through our continuous monitoring, it has reduced to 50 percent pollution load.

“There were about 33 water receiving points in Lagos State. All are highly polluted. We need to give out a cleaner environment to the next generation; we have to work together as government cannot do it alone. We also need to work with volunteers who can give us information on how to reduce pollution.

“Excessive exposure to noise pollution could lead to deafness and eye defect. You cannot open mosques and churches in residential areas and disturb others, we can’t take that.

The impression people have out there is that we are not working.

People have to collaborate with the government. The federal, state

and local governments must work together.

He added: “At almost all the markets we have in Lagos State, we have people using trucks to sell their products with speakers disturbing the peace of Lagosians.

I can assure you that very soon; we will tow as many trucks as possible to get them off the streets.

“The local government should call all these people together and use the language they understand to pass the message across to them.”

On Kanu hotel Speaking to Vanguard on Sunday, Shabi said that the outfit was re-opened last Thursday, August 6th, 2015 and was given seven days to correct the anomalies. He said “We have directed the management of the outfit to replace their generator and do power audit to know the quantity of power they will need.”

Alade Market: Traders get 60-day quit notice

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

T

HE Ikeja Local Government Council, has issued a 60-day ultimatum to traders of the controversial Alade Market to vacate the market, to allow the commencement of re-development of the market.

The ultimatum was issued at a stakeholder’s forum held at the council secretariat, where all parties agreed to relocate from the market on or before October, 2015.

Also a 16-man committee, representing all stakeholders was constituted. The committee headed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Prince Oluranti Olufon, was saddled with the responsibilities to ensure relocation of the traders.

The Executive Secretary, of the council, Mr. Adekunle Adeokun presided over the stakeholders’ meeting where all parties agreed to relocate from the market to allow commencement of re-development.

According Adeokun, “We have waited for

•Alade market five years. We agreed to build 200 more shops to accommodate all legal traders in the alternative market. We plan to reconstruct two roads to avoid traffic congestion in the area within the time frame. We have agreed to build a bridge that enables customers and traders to enter and exit the market from Oregun Road.”

However, the executive secretary pointed out that few concerned traders “are still resisting our plan to re-develop Alade Market to the true status of Africa’s model megacity despite all we have put in place to ensure their successful relocation.”

Adeokun explained that the council had already directed all the owners of shops

and concerned traders “to quit within a period of two months. The concerned traders are not owners of shops in the market. They simply rent shops from the shop owners. So, they cannot stop us from re-developing the Alade Market.

Managing Director of Master Reality Int’l Concepts Limited (the concessionaire), Mr. Lai Omotola said the government “has given 60-day extension for the traders to vacate the market. The deadline will elapse on October 7 and all the traders, except few concerned ones, have agreed to relocate to their new market.”

Omotola added that the IyalojaGeneral of the Association of Market Women and Men, Mrs. Shade Tinubu-Ojo after a meeting last Thursday, pleaded with the concessionaire “to make the alternative market habitable and comfortable for all the traders.’’

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

THIS WEEK August 12-15, 2015 NORWHO 2015 The Nordic World Health Organisation Simulation, Norwho 2015, is an opportunity open for students who want to put their negotiation skills to the test and experience how international guidelines on global health are reached within the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The event simulates the debating and decision-making processes surrounding the annual World Health Assembly of the WHO by incorporating several key aspects of the real-world meeting into an exciting three-day programme hosted in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Science World Research gives insight towards preventing suicide attempts

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HILE the risk of suicide by offenders in prison has been identified as a priority for action, understanding and preventing suicides among offenders after release has received far less attention.

A study undertaken by Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula (CLAHRC SWP/ PenCLAHRC), addresses this issue for the first time.

Published in the journal Sociology of Health and Illness.

The research team interviewed 35 male offenders from a Category B medium secure prison in the South West of England.

The research team found that those who had attempted suicide fell into two groups: those who had tried multiple attempts; and those who were 'one offs'.

The multiple attempters tended to feel less in control of their situation and used less violent methods. Those who tried 'one off' attempts often used violent methods most likely to result in a fatality, with more premeditation than the multiple attempting group.

AT RISK OF MALNUTRITION: A mother and her infant.

MALNUTRITION: Nigeria’s silent crisis

By Sola Ogundipe

A

SILENT crisis is raging in Nigeria. Each year, no less than one million Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday. Malnutrition contributes to nearly half of these deaths.

In Nigeria, malnutrition remains a great challenge, particularly for mothers and children. It contributes to the deaths of about half a million children each year — or about 1 out of every 2 child deaths — and imposes a staggering cost to the nation.

Health experts at a media dialogue on child malnutrition with the theme: “Spend More Money on Nutrition”, organised

by UNICEF in collaboration with its partners, said the first 1,000 days represents a critical window of opportunity.

Adequate nutrition They said adequate nutrition during this period can avert malnutrition by ensuring that children have the best possible opportunity to grow, learn, and rise out of poverty.

Head, Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, in a presentation entitled “Nutrition Situation in Nigeria”, described a child’s

nutritional status as the reflection of overall health and a cornerstone for survival, health and development.

“Malnutrition among Nigeria’s children is a serious problem throughout the country. Isokpunwu declared, explaining that an undernourished child has lower resistance to infection and is more likely to die from illness.

In addition to increasing mortality risk, poor nutrition in the first two years of life leads to stunted growth, which is irreversible and associated with impaired cognitive ability and reduced school and work performance.

Although the global target is to reduce stunting by 40 percent and reduce and maintain wasting below 5 percent by the year 2025.

Key indicators: In an investigation of the three key indicators for monitoring the nutritional status of a child under 5 years of age - underweight, stunting and wasting, data from the Summary of Findings of National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted from 9th February to 5th May, 2014, indicated that the country has a stunting prevalence of 32 percent among children under 5 years of age; while about 21 percent and 9 percent are underweight and wasted respec-

tively.

“Almost 30 percent of Nigerian children are underweight, meaning they don’t weigh enough for their age. This is more than double the proportion of neighbouring Ghanaian children who are underweight.”

New Survey Report of a new survey, titled “Malnutrition: Nigeria’s Silent Crisis,” presents the reasons why proper nutrition for women and children is so important, especially in the first 1,000 days from the start of a woman’s pregnancy until her child’s second birthday.

The survey notes as a sad commentary that the rates of

In Nigeria, malnutrition remains a great challenge, particularly for mothers and children

stunting in Nigeria have stagnated for more than a decade.

About 2 in 5 Nigerian children are stunted, with rates of stunting varying throughout nationwide.

Among factors that contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with malnutrition include lack of adequate information by parents and caregivers who are not well-informed about appropriate feeding practices and have little understanding about the essential types and varieties of foods that children require to grow up healthy.

Investments:The publication prepared by the Nutrition Division, Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, with assistance from the Population Reference Bureau, PRB, also features the consequences of malnutrition, how investments in nutrition can improve health and economic outcomes, and which interventions are known to be most effective.

In general, the survey found that malnutrition prevalence in the North West and East regions are higher than in the South of the country.

From the findings, the percentage of children in Nigeria who are wasted, or too thin for their height, has steadily increased over the last decade, rising from 11 percent in 2003 to 18 percent Continues on Page 50

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—49

50—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Buhari’s govt too young to experience doctors’ strike — AWUTE

By Chioma Obinna

T

HE Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr Linus Awute, has condemned the protracted strike embarked upon by the Association of Resident Doctors of some Federal hospitals, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital,LUTH, saying the current administration of President Mohammadu Buhari is too young to be experiencing strikes from doctors.

Awute, who spoke in Lagos weekend while commissioning the Societe Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie, SICO, Education Centre at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, NOHIL, Lagos, said the strike was untimely and opined that the resident doctors should have created room for dialogue with government before embarking on the strike.

"This is a new government and this type of strike is wrong. There are many things we ask in our prayers when we are speaking to the Almighty Creator, but not all the things we want that we get. But responsible people still remain gratified that they are alive and that they have the gift of life.

"First of all, you have to tow the line of dialogue. But so far, I have not seen any moment of dialogue that preceded this strike under this present administration.

Second, we have not seen anything that threatens the existence or the foundation of the resident doctors to warrant a strike of this magnitude." he said.

Urging the striking doctors to remember that everybody in the health system and

every worker in the health system have one problem or the other, he stated that "you don't just embark on strike as a means of solving that problem.

"You are demanding for payment that is not in the budget of 2015. The solution is simple. You wait so that 2016 budget articulation will embrace all these demands. That will you require to call off the strike.

"As far I am concerned, it is the life of the patients that matter. So, sacking them from the hospitals, and going on strike, or remaining on strike perpetually for this

number of months, is also a disservice to Nigerians," he stated.

On the SICOT centre, Awute said that the gains are enormous and said it would advance the practice, skill and knowledge in orthopaedics which he said, is a very critical service demand angle in the health system.

He said the SICOT Centre, fifth in the world and second in Africa, was built in partnership with the NOHIL, to advance skills and knowledge of orthopaedic and trauma training in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

SICOT is an international non-profit association incorporated under Belgian law with the aim of promoting the advancement of the science and art of orthopaedics and traumatology at international level, in particular for the improvement of patients' care, and to foster and develop teaching, research and education.

The Lagos SICOT centre is equipped with wet laboratory, cadaver preservation room, administrative offices, a 40-seat lecture room and dry laboratory among others.

Speaking, the Medical Director, NOHIL, Dr Olurotimi Odunubi, who praised the initiative, stated that the Centre would assist in providing educational materials and visiting lecturers, adding that fellowship will be given to trainees from the education centre to visit international institutions of excellence in exchange programmes.

The National Delegate, SICOT Nigeria, Dr. Wahab Yinusa, said: "Today's ceremony opens a new page in the history of SICOT Nigeria and that of NOHI", adding that Nigeria will benefit immensely from the education centre.

Malnutrition Continues from Page 48

COMMISSIONING: L-R: Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos, NOHIL, Dr Olurotimi Odunubi and Permanent Secretary, FMOH, Mr. Linus Awute officially commissioning the newly built Societe Internationale de Chirurgie Orthopédique et de Traumatologie, SICO, Education Centre at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, NOHIL, Lagos last week.

in 2013. At least 1 million Nigerian children under the age of 5 are affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition, SAM, each year. The children have severely low weight for their height and are at risk of dying unless given urgent attention. About 4 out of 5 Nigerian children do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, while 70 percent of children ages 6 to 23 months are not receiving the minimum acceptable diet.

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She is not available to comment but as far as I know she is not complaining. This is the third time I have bought it for her – Chinedu You people are behaving like MTN now. Only phone companies call to ask if you are satisfied with their services. I have bought many things from you. I like the movies especially and Magic Mike erection drug.

My wife buys your lingerie. We are fine and thanks for asking – Kayode I used your cream for premature ejaculation many years ago. I don’t like applying it when a woman is waiting for me to come to bed. That is my only complaint but it helped me so I use it when I need to - Yusuf That is all we have space for now. You are welcome to call us when you have any questions and we will also appreciate feedback on the products you have bought. As usual, the names of people mentioned here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08171912551 or 08027901621 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

VANGUARD, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 51

Malaysia to probe debris from Maldives plane M ALAYSIA’s govern ment said yesterday that debris has been found in the Maldives and that it will send a team to the Indian Ocean island nation to determine whether it came from a plane.

Last week, Malaysia said a wing fragment found on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion was confirmed to be from Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The plane went missing March 8, 2014, with 239 people aboard

while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

The search was continuing on Reunion. Local municipal workers combed the island’s eastern shore, hefting bags they filled with whatever they found: old cloth, part of a tire, plastic bottles and other objects they found washed up on the rocks and sand.

But Malaysia’s Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said it was premature to

speculate whether the debris found in the Maldives is connected to Flight 370.

He said the Malaysian team will first try to determine whether the debris is from a plane before proceeding further. He didn’t give details on what kind of debris was found. Media reports in the Maldives indicate the debris was found in recent weeks and came to authorities’ attention after the discovery on Reunion.

Ex- PM Mohamad says democracy is dead’ in Malaysia ALAYSIA’s former leader Mahathir Mohamad launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Najib Razak yesterday, saying democracy in the country is dead and that he should be questioned by police about the country’s troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad [TERRN.UL].

Najib has been under growing pressure over accusations of financial mismanagement at the fund, known as 1MDB, and his leader-

•Mahathir Mohamad ship of Malaysia’s faltering economy.

Last month he sacked his deputy, Muhyiddin Yassin, replaced the country’s attorney general and transferred officers involved in

S

AHARA-based Is lamist militant group al-Mourabitoun has claimed responsibility for a hotel siege in central Mali at the weekend in which 17 people died, Qataribased television network Al Jazeera reported yesterday.

The attack began early on Friday and ended nearly 24 hours later when security forces stormed the building in the city of Sevare, some 600 km (375 miles) northeast of the Malian capital Bamako.

The Malian government said four soldiers, five UN workers and four “terrorists” were killed. Among the victims were two Ukrainians, a Nepalese and a

Bullet holes in the walls of the Hotel Byblos in the central Malian town of Sevare, on August 8, 2015, following a deadly seige South African, according to the UN mission in Mali.

Investigators said there were “strong suspicions” the hostage-takers were from the newly-formed

Macina Liberation Front (FLM), an Islamist extremist group drawn from the Fulani people from the centre of the country.

Mugabe rages against killing of Cecil the lion

Search for MH370 debris continues

M

Mali siege: Group linked with AlQaeda claims responsibility

an investigation into 1MDB. He has also suspended two of the country’s newspapers and blocked access to a website, Sarawak Report, that has been reporting on the graft scandal.

“Democracy is dead. It is dead because an elected leader chooses to subvert the institutions of government and make them his instruments for sustaining himself,” Mahathir said, writing on his personal blog.

Z

IMBABWE’s Presi dent Robert Mugabe yesterday criticised the killing of Cecil the Lion, saying the animal was a key part of the country ’s heritage.

“Our wildlife, all our animals, belong to us.

They should not be shot with a gun or with an arrow,” Mugabe told thousands who gathered at a shrine on the oustkirts of the capital Harare to commemorate Heroes’ Day. “Even Cecil the lion is yours. He is dead. He was yours to protect and he [was] there to protect

Zimbabwe hunter Theo Bronkhorst has been arrested and charged with failure to prevent the illegal lion hunt

you,” said the ageing president, who is often the target of condemnation over the country’s human rights record.

Cecil was killed in early July by American dentist Walter Palmer who paid a local safari company owner $55,000 (50,000 euros) to shoot the beast with a bow and arrow.

The hunt provoked worldwide outrage when it emerged that Cecil was a well-known attraction among visitors to Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park — and was wearing a tracking collar as part of an Oxford University research project.

The local guide Theo Bronkhorst was arrested and charged with failure to prevent an illegal hunt.

Trump’s plan for Islamic State: ‘Put Ugandans celebrate Gay pride a ring around it’ Ugandan beach got court overturned the mosexuality.” Previous

R

EPUBLICAN presidential candidate Donald Trump said yesterday he supported the use of U.S. ground troops to fight Islamic State in the Middle East.

Speaking on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program, the billionaire businessman said it would take American soldiers to target the militant group.

“They have great money because they have oil,” Trump said. “Every place where they have oil I would knock the hell out of them.”

“I would knock out the source of their wealth, the

primary sources of their wealth, which is oil. And in order to do that, you would have to put boots

on the ground. I would knock the hell out of them but I’d put a ring around it and I’d take the oil for our country,” he told MSNBC.

Obama predicts wider acceptance of nuclear deal US President Barack Obama has predicted that opposition to his nuclear deal with Iran will erode as the agreement is implemented and a “parade of horribles” fails to materialize.

In an interview recorded before Obama left on vacation Friday, he said Ronald Reagan

faced similar Republican criticism when he decided to talk to the Soviet Union’s Mikhail Gorbachev.

“His conservative supporters wrote some really rough stuff about him as appeasing the evil empire,” Obama said, framing a very immediate Congressional fight in broader historic context.

A

a colorful makeover on Saturday, as dozens of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people—and their supporters—marched with rainbow flags and umbrella just outside the country’s capital, Kampala.

The event was the culmination of a week of pride festivities, including a transgender awareness day and film screenings. The celebration comes just one year after the country struck down one of the harshest antigay laws in Africa.

Last August, Uganda’s constitutional

Anti-Homosexuality Act, which contained a life sentence for those found guilty of “aggravated ho-

versions of the bill included the death penalty.

Heat wave kills 21 in Egypt

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WENTY-one people have died and 66 others were hospitalised with exhaustion as soaring temperatures and high humidity hit Cairo and other parts of Egypt, the health ministry said yesterday.

The victims, who all died on Sunday, succumbed as temperatures reached highs of 47 degrees Celsius (117 Fahrenheit), in conditions made less bearable by elevated humidity levels.

Fifteen people died in Cairo, four in the western province of Marsa Matruh and two in Upper Egypt’s Qena province, the ministry said in a statement.

Those who died, including seven women, were all aged over 60.

Sixty-six people were admitted to hospital after suffering from exhaustion, including 37 who are still under observation, it added.

52—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

As Buhari plans his cabinet

By Obi Nwakanma

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Soyinka to Oshiomhole: You’ve not let us down

By Louis Odion

N

OBEL laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, weekend, showered encomiums on Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for being “a worthy ambassador ” of the nation’s progressives community. Professor Soyinka’s plaudit was delivered at an exclusive dinner he hosted to toast the Edo governor and his new wife, Iara, at his Abeokuta home, assisted by his wife, Mrs.Folake Soyinka, on a night filled with jokes and reminiscences over sumptuous food and choice wine.

The Oshiomholes, whose union was sealed in a brief but colourful ceremony at Iyamho (Edo State) on May 15, 2015, were accompanied by Edo Information Commissioner, Mr. Louis Odion, the Executive Director, Governor’s Office, Ms. Esohe Adams and celebrated writer and Chairman Editorial board of The Nation newspaper, Mr. Sam Omatseye. Early callers at the event included the immediate past governors of Lagos and Rivers, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and Rotimi Amaechi respectively, and renowned scholar, Dr. Asani Edo Omozuwa.

Activist streak In a veiled reference to Comrade Oshiomhole’s perceived activist streak for accountability even while in public office, the literary giant, often described globally as the conscience of the nation, said: “Adams, I must use this occasion to thank you for your courage, for not forgetting your roots and for not letting us down,” sealing it up with a vigorous handshake with his guest.

On a lighter note, Professor Soyinka added: “I’ve always believed that people should try and remain themselves and not allow themselves to be blinded by power. Which is why among the favourite photographs I keep today is the one where you were shown really digging it down at a public concert with your two fingers pointing to the ground like arrow, without any inhibition. I think the picture was taken sometime in 2012.

“When I saw it splashed on the front page of the newspaper while driving on a Lagos street, I grabbed a copy from the vendor and I told my wife ‘Yeah, this is the Oshiomhole that we’ve always known’.” The Edo governor has been most vocal in the clamour to make top officials of the past administration account for I’ve the nation’s trillions of naira always stolen from the nation’s oil believed receipts.

On her part, Mrs. Soyinka, that an alumni of the Maria people Gorreti Secondary School in Benin City, praised should Oshiomhole’s transformation try and of public schools in Edo State since coming on board in remain 2008: “I’m sure the governor themselves does not know this; I attended Maria Goretti in the 70s and and not graduated in 1979. In our allow days, it was a beautiful school. But many years later, themselves the school was completely to be run down. But when I blinded checked recently, I was quite impressed with what I saw. by power

Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole The school had been completely transformed.”

Her words were echoed by the next speaker, Dr. Omozuwa, incidentally an Edo indigene based in Benin City: “It is the same story at Idia College and hundreds of other public schools across the state. I say this as someone who is based in Edo State myself. We can’t thank the Comrade Governor enough for his good works in our state.”Responding, the Edo governor, in a voice suffused with emotion, thanked the Soyinkas for honouring him and his wife with the lavish dinner, adding that whatever modest achievements recorded under his stewardship in Edo would not have been possible without the critical solidarity of the anonymous counselors like the Nobel laureate.

Said Oshiomhole: “Prof, I am eternally indebted for the support and inspiration you have provided me over the years dating back to when I was in the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Some would limit themselves to just being a critic or commentators on the pages of the newspapers.

Policies and programmes But you are different, sir. You are not just a man of words but also a man of action. The other day, I happened to have seen a couple of photographs taken during our public protests against the policies and programmes of President Olusegun Obasanjo more than ten years ago.

One of the photographs that stuck out is the one in which you were in the front-line, hand-in-hand with me, wearing the NLC apron. For me, it is a mark of your statesmanship and a testament to your commitment to fight and speak for the masses of Nigeria. Like it has been said time and again, you are indeed a living legend and the conscience of not just the nation but the continent of Africa at large.”

An inexhaustible bag of humour, Professor Soyinka constantly set his guests laughing for the four hours the interaction lasted. To the Edo First Lady, he said: “By now, I’m sure Adams must have tutored you on the difference between ‘swallow’ and ‘swallow’ in Nigeria’s manner of speaking, particularly whenever it is your duty to host guests at home. Here, to swallow does not just mean eating some thing, it also means eating something concrete like Eba (cassava flour) or Iyan (pounded yam).”

When Dr. Omozuwa popped another bottle of wine and topped the glasses of the guests, Kongi remarked with a chuckle: “That’s one of my good students”, to which everyone burst into another round of laughter. While shaking hands with the Edo commissioner on arrival, he exclaimed: “Louis!, Louis!!”, then facing the governor asked matter-of-factly, “What have you been feeding Louis with; he has added so much weight.”

HE president, Muhammadu Buhari, pledged to present his cabinet in September, all of four months after his inauguration as president. The president has so far led the nation without an executive council, and with little more than a small presidential staff.

The absence of a parliament, embroiled in a long conflict of succession, has given the president an unprecedented executive power unchecked by parliament. It is four months of the imperator - that is the position Buhari has assumed - in combining military, administrative, and in large part, parliamentary duties under presidential powers.

Nigerians hope that as the National Assembly finally resolves its conflicts and returns to the business of law-making, that this temporary absolutism will be contained, and the democratic order re-established. I frankly suspect that this president, with a background in military governance, knew no other way to govern, but by the command-andcontrol means; a government of

President Muhammadu Buhari quick and dissoluble task forces, rather than of long-standing, deliberative committees that, by their very nature take their time on the fine details of procedure and rules of conduct, in accord, of course, with the law.

The president has taken all of four months to orient himself; feel the high of absolute control, and prepare himself for the more deliberate rule of governance, anchored on process and accountability. The president has argued for time in planning and appointing his cabinet. “I should not be rushed” - he pleaded with Nigerians.

He has pledged to seek out and appoint only “honest and capable Nigerians.” A Tribune story three weeks ago, and I suspect this to be

That age of nationalism and nationalist renaissance is gone with the generation that grew up when Nnamdi Azikiwe was whipping up a panNigerian nationalist philosophy dying out

bush-whacking journalism on behalf of the president, claimed that Buhari had reconsidered the appointment of ministers because those whom he and his party, the APC originally penciled down for appointment and confirmation, failed to live up to their worth, in the background checks.

Well, the president must be told this: maybe he is looking in the wrong places, but a nation cannot produce a humanity different from the moral climate of an age. This is the Darwinist stage of Nigerian history - which produces the condition that the Igbo called, ikekete-orie - the survival of the fittest.

Given the distortion in the macrocultural reality of this nation; the lack of a sense of national belonging, only less than one per cent of people in Nigeria currently believe in Nigeria as a historical imperative; as the anchor of their being.

There is no nation, only a vast prison-yard of poverty, disease, and social injustice. Without economic and social justice, this nation is doomed, and will be subverted by Nigerians themselves. This is what the president must bear in mind: that he can no longer find Nigerians. He is likely to find Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Berom, Fulani, Ijo, Ibibio, Gwari, Igala, Kanuri, and so forth.

A new dimension has also been added to this fragmentation of nation - the religious dimension: two broad alien religions bent on the conquest of the Nigerian soul have grown fangs and sowed the militant spirit among its Nigerian adherents: the age of serene and private adherence to religion, with its need for toleration under a secular order is gone from Nigeria. The president’s demand, just last week, for the inclusion and deepening of Islamic Studies in Federal Government Colleges, is a throwback to this contradiction.

As far as many Nigerians see it, we have two religious fundamentalists in office as President and Vice-President, and the battle of the future will be staged on these two lines - the battle of values between the West (Christianity) and the East (Islam). In such a situation, with its secular moorings slipped, the president is unlikely to find any NIGERIAN untainted by self, partisan, or group consideration.

We labour now under three fundamentalisms: the fundamentalism of the self; ethnic fundamentalism, and religious fundamentalism.

That age of nationalism and nationalist renaissance is gone with the generation that grew up when Nnamdi Azikiwe was whipping up a pan-Nigerian nationalist philosophy dying out.

Azikiwe’s vision was ultimately defeated by the skeptical and cynical forces who felt that he was far too much of an idealist to imagine the coherence, into a single national purpose, of the fragments of nations that were forcefully amalgamated to construct Nigeria.

To be continued

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015—53

Hillary remains the person to beat

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HEN Republicans last week held their kitchen-table “debate” for candidates who did not make the top ten in the polls according to Fox News that hosted and televised the event, you would have thought the occasion was specifically designated as a bash-Hillary Clinton affair.

Later the same night when the top ten candidates virtually traded insults among themselves, their common theme was how to mount a serious attack at Hillary Clinton’s bid for the US presidency.

From Donald Trump who dominated discussions, to Ben Carson, the only African American candidate on the stage who at one point wondered if the Fox News panel of moderators forgot about him, all but two of the candidates tried hard to demonize Hillary and inadvertently paid her tribute as the person to beat in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. The only debaters who avoided the name “Hillary Clinton” were Chris Christie, governor of New Jersey and Ohio governor John Kasich.

Here is the post-debate analysis by the National Public Radio (NPR), regarding the “Hillary Clinton” phenomenon during the debate. According to NPR, “Trump got the most call-outs from his fellow GOP hopefuls, but the five times Trump was named by others onstage paled in comparison to the number of times candidates mentioned Democratic primary front-runner Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama. Candidates mentioned Clinton or Obama a combined 44 times, according to our count.

The debate nearly flew off handle when one of the candidates brought up the idea that Trump had in past given money to the Clinton campaign as well as to the Clinton Foundation. Trump did not deny making the donations and went ahead to say that in return, the Clintons were prominent on the guest list at his wedding.

The truth is that Trump and the Clintons have been friends for decades. Last week, it emerged in the news that Trump had called Bill Clinton before he announced his intention to run for the presidency under the Republican banner.

President Clinton allegedly returned the call. And that information set the news media abuzz about the purpose of the call. The political rumour mill is full of suggestions that Trump is indeed a mole in the Republican camp; that he is being set up by the Clintons to divide the party in order to pave way for a Hillary There is victory.

These suggestions no doubt about Trump’s real interest that in running for office were not defused when, during Hillary is the debate, the the main moderators wanted the candidates to pledge that obstacle none of them would run on the as an independent Republicans’ candidate if not nominated as the march to Republican Party ’s the White choice. Only Trump raised his hand in House in objection to the pledge. 2016 C M Y K

He maintained that he was not ready to make that commitment now, to the chagrin of the moderators and his co-contestants.

That stance has fueled the rumour that Trump got into the race as a spoiler for the Republican Party because by running as an independent candidate, he will chips off the party’s votes and indirectly hand over victory to Hillary.

Ordinarily, the GOP political machine is quite adroit as finding a way to ease out candidates who might pose a danger to the party’s electoral victory. One of the ways to do so is to subtly impress upon donors to cut off money for that candidate’s campaign.

But, Hillary remains the focus of the Republican Party. According to a (July) report by Real Clear Politics which calculated the average of six national polls that pitted Hillary Clinton against top Republican candidates, she will beat each one of them in the 2016 presidential election.

Presidential election Here is what the report shows about Hillary vs Bush (47.2 - 43.0); Hillary vs Walker (47.8 - 41.2); Hillary vs Trump (51.8 - 37.0); Hillary vs Rubio (48.0 - 41.4); Hillary vs Paul (46.8 - 41.3); Hillary vs Cruz (48.3 - 40.7); Hillary vs Huckabee (48.3 - 40.3); Hillary vs Carson (48.3 - 38.0); Hillary vs Christie (50.3 - 39.0); Hillary vs Kasich (48.5 - 39.5).

There is no denying the fact that the Republican Party is far more worried about Hillary than any of the Democratic Party candidates. They must be counting on their luck for Hillary to falter somewhere along the campaign route so that they can pounce on, and discredit her. Seeing no tangible area to attack Hillary, Republicans, both those running for office and those in and outside Congress, are struggling to dig up dirt against her.

Two issues are frequently used as bullets in their political armory. One is the Benghazi affair where they want to link Hillary with culpability over the death of four US diplomats when some bandits and terrorists invaded the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012.

The next “hot” issue is about Hillary’s use of her private e-mail system for official work when she was secretary of state.

Republicans are insisting that Hillary’s use of her private e-mail system is the equivalent of treason, and have vowed to make this a big issue in the 2016 presidential campaign. And, Fox News, which you can arguably call the media wing of the Republican Party, is also at the forefront of promoting and publicizing all forms of calumny aimed at bringing Hillary down to her knees. And, poll after poll, especially those commissioned by or are associated with conservatives, are bent on showing that Hillary has a huge problem of trust among American voters.

There is no doubt that Hillary is the main obstacle on the Republicans’ march to the White House in 2016. That is why the party is doubly incensed that Donald Trump is making the issue of beating Hillary more complex than it should be, as it is not wise to simultaneously fight Trump and Hillary and hope to have an easy ride to the White House.

54 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 2015

We don’t trust IAAF on doping, athletes cry out W

ORLD athletics governing body IAAF came under more pressure yesterday, as a group of concerned athletes claimed that the IAAF cannot be trusted on the doping organisation.

This was after the body strongly denied accusations of sloppy handling of dope case by the media in Germany and England.

The athletes led by Olympic discus champion, Robert Harting released a video message criticizing track and field’s world governing body over recent doping allegations.

“Dear IAAF, we cannot trust you anymore,” Harting, who is from Germany, said in the Englishlanguage video posted on YouTube. “We have to act now.”

Harting, a three-time world champion who won Olympic gold in London in 2012, has been a vocal critic of the International Association of Athletics Federations. He declined to be considered for the IAAF’s Athlete of the Year award in 2014 because he did not want to appear alongside candidates who have served doping bans, including U.S.

(From right) Kerron Stewart, Blessing Okagbare-Ighoteguonor and Shelly Ann Fraser- Pryce during a race. Athletes want a level playing field. sprinter Justin Gatlin.

The video comes after reports by German broadcaster ARD and The Sunday Times newspaper in Britain that blood doping was rampant in the sport, citing leaked test results from an IAAF database.

The IAAF has strongly rejected suggestions that it had failed to follow up on the suspicious tests and that it wasn’t doing enough to uncover doping.

The media reports examined the results of 12,000 blood tests involving 5,000 athletes from 2001 to 2012, and concluded that 800 were suspicious. The reports said that 146 medals — including 55 golds — in

disciplines ranging from the 800 meters to the marathon at the Olympics and world championships were won by athletes who have recorded suspicious tests.

“You damage our sport,” U.S. shot putter Eric Werskey says in the video.

Harting’s girlfriend, discus thrower Julia Fischer, holds up a handwritten message saying: “You broke my childhood dreams.”

“You put money over athletes,” says hammer thrower Kathrin Klaas, while 800-meter runner Robin Schembera adds: “I want to run against clean athletes, not monsters.”

FIFA Under-17 WC: Amunike steps up Eaglets’ preparation

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OLLOWING the release of the FIFA Under-17 group draw, Golden Eaglets coach Emmanuel Amunike stated that their preparations have been stepped up with their opponents in mind.

Nigeria, is drawn in

•Amunike

group A alongside hosts Chile, USA and Croatia in the tournament scheduled to run from October 17 to November 8 in Chile.

The Eaglets are the defending champions and according to Amunike the team is working hard to post good results when they begin their campaign against the USA on October 17 in Santiago. They will play their second group match against Chile on October 20 and then face Croatia on October 23.

“We would be working specifically with our opponents in mind. We would step up our preparations for the World Cup. “We are going through the process and when the time comes, we hope to be ready. Preparation is the key for us and we would keep working

hard,”Amunike told Cafonline.com.

“We don’t want to box our minds that we are going to play the host team, rather we want to work well and be ready to have good results against all our group opponents. Playing against Chile, USA and Croatia is not going to be easy but the most important thing is for us to keep working hard and prepare well.”

Amunike who was assistant to coach Manu Garba when they won the world cup in Qatar, stated that his team’s failure to retain the African title in Niger will not affect their output.

“I’m not the type that dwells on what is gone; rather I look forward to the future. The most important thing is that we are working and we would continue to work very hard.”

CAF renames six competitions T

HE Confederation of African Football Executive Committee have renamed six of their continental competitions.

The competitions affected are as follows: the Africa Women Cup of Nations (formerly African Women’s Championship); Africa U-23 Cup of Nations (formerly African U-23

Championship); Africa U-20 Cup of Nations (formerly African Youth Championship); Others are Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (formerly African U-17 Championship); Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations (formerly African Beach Soccer Championship) and Africa Futsal Cup of Nations (formerly

African Futsal Championship).

Meanwhile, the draw for the 4th African Nations Championship scheduled for Rwanda between 16 January and 7 February, 2016, will take place in Kigali on November 18.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso over two legs in October for a place in the championship.

Egbe tasks Ayade on Rovers, Pelican Stars

BY JACOB AJOM

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HE Chairman of the Cross River State Football Coaches Association, Itta Egbe has made a passionate appeal to the governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade to see to the immediate turn around of the fortunes of Unicem Rovers Football Club of Calabar and Pelican Stars also of Calabar.

Speaking from his base in Calabar, Egbe an exinternational and a former Rovers goalkeeper, observed that the two clubs were passing through hard times, “so hard that they don’t even have boots to play with.”

He was bitter that the situation had deteriorated to the extent that Pelican Stars, once the flagship

club in women football in the country have become the whipping team in the country. “Can you imagine that Pelicans lost 3-1 to Sunshine Babes of Akure in Calabar at the weekend? This is unheard of in Nigerian football; but that is the reality,” Egbe lamented.

He called on Professor Ayade to take urgent steps in arresting the situation, adding that it was the only way to motivate the players.

“When I think of these two clubs and what they represent to the average Cross Riverian, my heart bleeds. Professor Ayade must look into this and ensure the clubs get back to winning ways. He must not allow them collapse during his time,” Egbe counselled.

Ighalo Continues from BP to the end,” Ighalo told Hornets PlayerHD, according to the club’s website.

“I’m happy with the performance of the team, it will give us more confidence going forward to help us do

well.

“We just have to learn from this, and try not to concede late on next time, but we really worked hard.”

Next up for Watford is a home game against Brown Ideye’s West Brom.

•Ayade

Ibe

Continues from BP gathered that the player has also spoken with his 42-year-old Nigerian father, David, on the prospects of featuring for the threetime African champions.

“He has consulted with his family and he now wants to wait a little longer till when he’s 21 and that will be in 2016 before he decides on the direction of his international career,” a top source informed.

The Nigerian-born forward will be 21 in December 2016.

Observers have suggested this position could also buy time for the Liverpool ace to establish himself at his EPL club as well as leave the door open for the England Three Lions.

Ibe has already represented England at U18, U19 and U20 levels.

Tanzania coach

Continues from BP Mkwassa voiced optimism that his boys will put their Afcon campaign back on track at the expense of the Super Eagles “I am optimistic that the two warm-ups against Libya and Kuwait will give my players the much needed exposure for the Nigeria match,” Mkwasa said.

Hassan Sembi from South Africa’s Santos FC and Adi Yussuf from Mansfield Town of England were named

for the first time and will join Mrisho Ngasa from Free State of South Africa and TP Mazembe duo of Mbwana Samatta and Thomas Ulimwengu in the squad.

Youthful Orgenes Mollel from Aspire Africa camp in Senegal and Azam’s new boy Farid Musa have also been included in the team that face a must win situation against Nigeria to revamp their hopes of making it to the 2017 AFCON finals.

Taifa Stars lost their first group match 3-0 to ‘Pharaohs’ of Egypt, forcing the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to overhaul the team’s technical bench, whereby Dutch trainer Mart Nooij was replaced with Mkwasa.

The team will stay together in Dar es Salaam for one week before departing for Istanbul, Turkey on August 23, to set up a ten-day camp to prepare for their second match of the qualifiers.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 — 55

Amokachi assures Ifeanyi Uba of continental ticket

By John Egbokhan

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EW Technical Ad viser of Ieanyi Uba FC, Daniel Amokachi has assured that the technical crew will strive to pick a continental ticket at the end of the ongoing Glo Premier League season.

Speaking during his unveiling at the Rojenny stadium in Oba, Anambra state , Amokachi said he was confident that the good times would start rolling in for the club, adding that he was happy to be deemed worthy of the job by the Chairman of the club, Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and Gas. Amokachi, who was unveiled alongside former Super Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, who is now the team’s goalie coach and former Flying Eagles coach, John Obu, who now acts at the Technical Director, said that with the experience and depth of the trio that Ifeanyi Uba FC will soon be a force to be reckoned with by other

teams.

“This is a great honour for all of us and I believe that we have the experience and technical knowledge to lead the team to great heights. We thank the chairman for saddling us with this great job and promise not to fail him and our teeming fans.

“Our immediate target is to make the club strong so that we can finish well and get a ticket to play continental football next season.

I am so passionate about our league, which made me to join Ifeanyi Uba FC. I was the first exEagles player who came back to coach a team in the league, Nasarawa and my records are still there, because I got a continental ticket for them”, said Amokachi.

Speaking earlier, Uba said Amokachi was chosen on merit, urging him and his technical crew to overhaul the team to achieve peak success.

Uba assured the technical crew of adequate support to achieve their

UNVEILING — Ifeanyi Uba, John Obuh, Daniel Amokachi and Ike Shorunmuat the presentation of the coaches in Oba set targets.

“You have been chosen to make this club great and I assure you of full support In any area that you consider will help make this team a reference point in the country”, said Uba.

Shooting get first away win against Heartland S Ikhana happy with top

HOOTING Stars FC on Monday recorded their first away victory of the season in the Nigeria Premier League as they stunned Heartland FC 13 at the Rojenny Stadium in Anambra.

It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Shooting Stars, who now return to their base unscathed after posting an eye-popping result Tope Orelope gave them the lead in the 36th minute.

However, Heartland gave a brave fight back and they restored parity in the final minute of the first half as their new signing, Fortune Omoniwari, scored in his debut match for his new team.

It turned out to be a different kettle of fish in the second half as Shooting Stars outshone their hosts in the second half scoring two more goals which saw them running away with a 1-3 victory.

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status

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FEANYI George and Ifeanyi Anaemena ensured Enyimba returned to the summit of the league after they both scored on Matchday 22 against Lobi Stars and this has left manager Kadiri Ikhana pleased.

The manager started Anaemena in place of suspended Chinedu Udoji and the centre half got the second goal that gave the team a comfortable 2-0 lead going into the break.

Despite Anthony Okpotu’s late goal from the spot for Lobi, the two Ifeanyis had done just enough to give the six time champions full points on the day.

“It was an important victory for us,” Ikhana told

•Ikhana EnyimbaFC.net. “Some parts of the game were not that good and we should have scored more, but the important thing is we gained all three points.”

“I believe the officiating could have been better too,” he added.

“Games like these can be tricky so it was vital that we converted our chances and defended well. We can now travel for our next game with confidence and hope to do well again.”

Sunshine Stars stay second

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UNSHINE Stars quest to go top of the table yesterday suffered a setback at the Rojeny Stadium in Oba, Anambra State, when Ifeanyi Uba played out a barren draw with the Akure-based side.

Yesterday ’s game which could not hold on Sunday as earlier scheduled due to heavy rain which left the Rojenny Stadium pitch unplayable and water-logged was not lacking in drama as both sides exhibited great soccer display but were not lucky as far as finding the back of the net was concerned.

Sunshine are now second on the league table with 40 points from 22 games, while Enyimba have 41 points. It was a game of misses at both ends of the pitch by both teams. In the 77th minute, league leading scorer Tunde Adeniji fired a free kick poorly at the wall.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

Ibe delays Eagles decision L

IVERPOOL winger Jordon Ibe has told Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh he will take a decision on his international future in

2016, when he would be with the Super Eagles 21 years old. and so has gone ahead Oliseh is a big fan of to sound out the exciting Ibe, who he believes will winger in England. fit nicely in the type of It was further football he plans to play Continues on Page 54

We'll stop Eagles — Tanzania coach A

S Nigerians continue to wait for the arrival of new coach Sunday Oliseh this week, Super Eagles foes for the September 5 Afcon 2017 qualifier, the Taifa Stars of Tanzania moved into camp in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

Stars head coach, Charles Boniface

Mkwassa last week named five foreign based players in his 29-man squad, to prepare for the match.

The Tanzania coach has been sounding tough even as the Stars lost the first match of the qualifiers 3-0 to the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Continues on Page 54

•Oliseh

We could’ve beaten Everton, says Ighalo

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•Ighalo

•Mkwassa

DION Ighalo has reflected on Watford’s 2 - 2 draw with Everton in the Hornets first game of the season on Saturday.

With the Nigeria international opening his Premier League account in the 83rd minute, Watford were poised to snatch all

three points, only for Arouna Kone to net the equalizer three minutes later.

“We could have come away with the three points, but we were unlucky and we must learn that when we are playing in the Premier League you have to fight Continues on Page 54

Amokachi assures Ifeanyi Uba of continental ticket — Page 55 •Ibe

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S ANSWERS FRIDAY'S

ACROSS: 1 Hot (6) 5 Firm (6) 9 Biscuit (5) 10 Roof-beam (6) 11 Deserved (6) 12 Shrill (5) 14 Spoke (4) 17 Parched (3) 18 Present (4) 20 Animal (5) 22 Exhausted (5) 23 Plagiarised (7) 24 Club (5) 26 Principle (5) 29 Revise (4) 30 Suitable (3) 32 Location (4) 33 Clergyman (5) 35 Recover (6) 36 Marionette (6) 37 Yielded (5) 38 Smelled (6) 39 Give (6)

DOWN 1 Torment (6) 2 Concern (6) 3 Pitcher (4) 4 Challenged (5) 5 Shabby (5) 6 Salver (4) 7 Prohibited (6) 8 Furnished (6) 13 Wandering (7) 15 Leading (5) 16 Storehouse (5) 18 Hell (5) 19 Readjusted (5) 21 Gain (3) 22 Spout (3) 24 Carrier (5) 25 Thrill (6) 27 Pinched (6) 28 Examiner (6) 30 Penalised (5) 31 Candle (5) 31 Candle (5) 33 Evil (4) 34 Discourteous (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS

ACROSS: 1, Pail 4, Ask 6, Also 9, Nip 10, Derisive 11, Gear 14, War 16, Order 18, Anteater 21, Defer 23, Deceived 24, Deter 27, Rod 31, Part 33, Presence 34, Due 35, Beer 36, Dry 27, Rude.

DOWN: 2, Aver 3, Laid 4, Agitated 5, Keep 6, Anger 7, Lie 8, Spate 12, Rapid 13, Stout 14, Wad 15, Refer 17, Delve 18, Ready 20, Recovery 22, Red 25, Evade 26, Enter 28, Sped 29, Bear 30, Acid.

How to Play Sudoku Place 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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