Make corruption capital offence - LABOUR

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62491

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

ELECTROCUTION: FG Kaduna Rifinery dispatches technical resumes production in December — NNPC team to Unilag 7 8

Make corruption capital offence — LABOUR

By Our Reporters

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•NLC, TUC, others hold nationwide anti-graft rallies •Threaten to invade courts granting perpetual injunctions •FG lauds labour for joining fight against corruption

BUJA—THE anticorruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari got a major boost, yesterday, as organized labour staged a nationwide protest in support of the crusade, calling for death penalty for corrupt persons. The labour activists also threatened to invade any court where the judge grants perpetual injunction to frustrate antigraft agencies from Continues on Page 5

DONU KOGBARA KIDNAP: DAY 12

Mr & Mrs RALLY—Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, members during the rally in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday. INSET: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (in cap) with Mallam Nurudeen Asunogie, a guest speaker at the labour rally in Edo State. Photo: Barnabas Uzosike.

COLUMNIST: COUNCIL OF OBAS HEADSHIP: Osun monarchs scramble to succeed Sijuwade See inside

Pacifist Pope visits warrior nation •P.19

68.6% candidates pass NECO; debtor states' results withheld 43

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

FORUM—From left: President, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Ghana, Mr Ernest Bodiaka; Director, NAFDAC, Mrs Titilope Owolabi; Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr Okey Akpa; President, West African Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (WAPMA); Chief Bunmi Olaopa; Representative of President of ECOWAS Commission; Mr Salifou Tremtore and official of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Francis Alaneme, at the ECOWAS and WAPMA Forum on ECOWAS Common External Tariff held in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Make corruption capital offence — LABOUR Continues from Page 1

prosecuting corrupt persons.

The joint rallies by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and other affiliates of the labour union tagged: “National Rally on Good Governance and Corruption”, were held in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kaduna and other major cities across the country. Those who spoke at the Abuja rally included factional president of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, and President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge.

They called for the review of laws guiding

the conduct of public officers in the country, stating that the laws of the country as they are currently coded support corruption .

The Abuja rally took officials and members of the NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC and other affiliates of the labour union to the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Factional president of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, in his address at the rally said that Congress was set for a showdown with judges who were frustrating anticorruption agencies from prosecuting corrupt

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

D

EVELOP an affinity for building healthy relationships as they are the bedrock of successful living. Treat the people you meet on the journey of your life very well because they just might be the hinge on the door you need to open tomorrow.

It’s up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Happiness is not a goal…it’s a by-product of a life well lived —Eleanor Roosevelt

W

HAT can cause unhappiness? Some passions of the mind which are adverse to a person’s well-being; Anger, hatred, jealousy, arrogance, can contribute to unhappiness. They are like a chain reaction which invades our minds, the more you indulge the more miserable you feel. How do we become more grateful and peaceful?

Try to do something for another without recognition or thoughts of rewards. For love’s sake only. The act of selfless generosity can be given even from the distance, this is love in demonstration, and will bring inner satisfaction and peace.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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OUR are today where your thoughts have brought you, you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you.

individuals by granting perpetual injunctions.

Wabba stated that the NLC would no longer fold its hands and allow some members of the judiciary to frustrate the fight against corruption, but would instead insist that those who misappropriated public funds be made to return the funds while they are also made to face the full wrath of the law.

His words: “We will invade the courts of any judge that gives perpetual injunction to corrupt people. We can no longer allow them to frustrate the fight against corruption. Our laws are weak and lack the impetus to discourage corrupt practices. The laws make it possible for corrupt people to return only a fraction of what they stole, while they are given slight punishment as fines”.

He blamed the sorry state of affairs in the country at the moment on the loss of good governance, stating that the leadership of the country should be compelled to be responsible to the citizenry.

He further called on all political appointees to toe the line of the presidency by declaring their assets as well as their liabilities, if any, on assumption of office, at the middle of their tenure and at the end of their tenure.

Also speaking, President of the Trade Union Congress, Mr. Bobboi Kaigama, lamented that corruption has helped in no small measure to hinder the growth and development of the country, stating that for the country to move forward, people must be willing to fight and eliminate corruption.

He said, “We want everyone to turn a new leaf. We will henceforth expose corrupt persons.

This is not the time to trade blames, but the time to support the institutions fighting corruption, irrespective of party affiliations. We want people to account for their stewardship.”

Speaking in the same vein, President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Dr. Nasir Fagge, said that the fight against corruption can be achieved with a number of approaches, ranging from ensuring that workers are paid their dues, while the Federal Government must ensure a review of the remuneration system. He called for a deepening of laws that help in the fight against corruption, and the enactment of a legislation to protect whistle-blowers.

“We cannot fight corruption without adequate punishment. To this end, I will advocate strict punishment, especially capital punishment for corrupt individuals.”

FG lauds labour for joining fight against corruption

Receiving the letter on behalf of the Federal Government, Mr. Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, commended Nigerian workers for aligning with the present administration’s fight against corruption.

According to him, corruption is at the heart of every failure in Nigeria, and assured workers that their request to the President in terms of the fight against corruption would be given utmost attention.

Also speaking, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Mr. Francis Alimikhena, stated that the present Senate would take the issue of corruption seriously and will not relent until corruption is eliminated.

According to him, one of the numerous signs that the Senate is serious about this issue is the fact that the Senate has resolved that the Private Member’s Bill on corruption would be given accelerated hearing, while other bills bordering on corruption would be given fasttracked hearing.

On his own part, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, who was represented by Mr. Sani Zorro, representing Jigawa State in the House of Representatives, said the House is ready to strengthen the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act and is hopeful that through its activities, corruption would be

eliminated or greatly reduced in the country.

At the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office, labour gave the chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde a pat on the back for a job well done and warned corrupt elements in the country to stop distracting Lamorde and EFCC from doing their work, describing them as enemies of the people of Nigeria.

According to them, Lamorde was not only competent and committed to the work of eradicating corruption in Nigeria but was also on track to rein in those whose hands had been tainted.

Issa Aremu, Vice President of the NLC in a short speech during the visit, urged Lamorde not to be discouraged by the recent attacks by corrupt elements who are jittery about the Commission’s activities.

“I remember President Muhammadu Buhari saying that, if we don’t fight corruption, it will kill us. We are here today to strengthen the work of EFCC. As a matter of fact, over the years, EFCC has done its best. As we all know, if you fight corruption, it fights back. I know in recent times, corruption seems to be fighting back. I can recollect that in 2003 when the ICPC, under Justice Mustapha Akanbi was doing a very good job to fight corruption, the National Assembly, suddenly, watered down the system.

“The NLC and TUC stood up that time to defend the ICPC. So, I think we should commend both the NLC and TUC for standing up to join in the fight against corruption. We are witnessing almost the same thing now. I don’t know the details, but my brother, Lamorde, has done very well,” he said Speaking earlier, NLC factional president, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the rally was in support of the anticorruption posture of the Muhammadu Buhari administration and the

EFCC. “We are demanding good governance, accountability and transparency, so that we can have enough to cater for the nation’s development,” he said.

Wabba, who advocated that all hands must be on deck to stamp out corruption from Nigeria, pledged labour ’s continued support to the current leadership of EFCC in its fight against corruption.

“We urge you to recover all stolen Nigerian money and property. Our prayer is that the laws must be reviewed to make penalty for offenders to include capital punishment. We need to stand in unison and fight this evil called corruption. We must kill it before it kills us all.”

Comrade Wabba then presented a petition, containing the demands of organized labour, to Lamorde for onward delivery to President Buhari.

In a short remark afterwards, Lamorde, stated that the war against corruption would be fought with relentless vigour. He said: “I want to assure you that we are doing our best and will continue to do what we are doing, particularly as all the trade unions are behind us. I truly agree that the time is ripe for all Nigerians to speak with one voice because corruption has continued to slow down the pace of development in our country. We cannot afford to suffer this anymore.

Other countries that gained independence about the time Nigeria did are far ahead of us today.”

He further stated that the only way by which the government could function properly was to block all the loopholes through which corruption is perpetrated. ‘’I can assure you that my colleagues and I will always partner with you in the fight against corruption,’’ he said.

In Lagos, labour leaders stormed the office of the Continues on Page 9

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

UNICAL prof suspended over alleged rape of student

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By Emma Una

ALABAR—THE DEAN, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof.

Cyril Ndifon, accused of sexually assaulting a 20year-old 400-level student in his office was yesterday suspended by the panel instituted by the school’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivara Esu. Professor Ndifon, who is the first professor of Law from Cross River State, was briefly arrested and detained by the police and later released on Wednesday before he was suspended yesterday evening by the panel set up to investigate him.

The professor was accused by mother of the victim, Mrs. Irene Akpan, in a letter sent to the university, alleging that the incident happened between 3 and 5pm on August 29 at the dean’s private office on the top floor of the faculty building.

According to the lady, Professor Ndifon forcibly had sex with her daughter after a fierce struggle. The school authorities confirmed receipt of complaints from the victim, while the police also affirmed it but was quick to add that the matter was undergoing thorough investigation.

Narrating her daughter’s ordeal, Mrs Akpan explained that the dean had set a one-hour test for the students on that Saturday, assigning two lecturers to carry out the supervision.

She alleged that 20 minutes to the end of allotted time, Ndifon entered the hall and ordered the students to stop writing.

She said while the students were preparing to submit their answer sheets, Ndifon approached her daughter, tore her answer sheet and left the shreds on the seat.

Mrs. Akpan said: “He walked straight to my daughter’s desk, collected the script and tore it. He left the torn script on her seat, so the girl collected the pieces and put them in her bag.

According to her, you will still have to pass through the faculty before leaving the building.

“She said as they were leaving, the dean accosted her again and asked if she still had the shredded script, she saidyes.Heinstructedhertofollow him to the general dean’s office to recopy the answers on another plain sheet, which she did."

Trailer crushes 9-year-old in Onitsha 24 others injured

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—A NINE –year-old girl was yesterday crushed at Afor –Nkpo- New Tarzan axis, near Onitsha, Anambra State by a liquor haulage van, which injured 24 others.

The girl was said to be returning from an errand when she met her

death as her body had been deposited at Eyi Enu Hospital Mortuary, Ogidi.

An eye witness said the lorry driver was shouting from afar to alert people that his breaks were faulty, only for the vehicle to slam into a spot where people were gathered, killing the girl on the spot.

The eyewitness said: “The driver could not control the situation and he immediately jumped out alongside the conductor. The lorry hit one L300 inside the waterway; smashed the little girl and rammed into a hairdressing saloon.”

The lorry also trapped an aged man under its tyre, while the owner of the hair dressing saloon

managed to run away, leaving her five-year-old child behind.

The lorry, with number plate XA424-AAH (Anambra) had full load of lager beer beverage at the time of the accident.

The eye witness said that the people around managed to pull the old man out of the tyre, with his legs shattered, while the fiveyear-old child was rescued unhurt.

4 arrested for alleged murder of farmer over tubers of yam A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—DETECTIVES in Ondo State police command have arrested four suspects for the alleged murder of a farmer, Lamidi Adeyeye, over the theft of 10 tubers of yam at Idoani area of the state.

The deceased was reportedly matcheted to death in his farm after he met one of his killers stealing his tubers of yam.

Sources said that Lamidi on the ill-fated day, left his house at about 5am with his wife for the farm located at Odogbede, Ido-ani.

They were said to have harvested ten tubers of yam before returning home to attend to family matters.

Vanguard was informed by a family source that the deceased returned to the farm by 4pm with the intention of bringing home the harvested tubers of yam, only to meet one of the suspects, identified as Dayo, removing the tubers of yam.

The suspect was alleged to have removed six of the yams and was carrying the last four when the deceased caught

MARCH AGAINST CORUPTION: Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, during a march against corruption in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan. him in the act.

He was said to have struggled with the suspects but was overpowered.

Vanguard gathered that he managed to escape from the grip of the suspect who didn’t want him to raise alarm.

While he was running from the farm to the nearby village, Vanguard gathered that the suspect reportedly caught up with him, matcheted him to death and covered his corpse

with leaves inside the farm.

The wife, identified as Sherifatu, raised an alarm when the deceased failed to return home by 7pm and a search party was said to have been organized after a formal complaint was lodged at the police station.

Some detectives and hunters during their search reportedly discovered where he was buried inside the farm at about 12midnight.

2 shot in Ughelli cult clash as gunmen abduct one

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By Perez Brisibe

GHELLI—TWO persons were yesterday shot by suspected cultists, while a gang of unidentified gunmen abducted the wife of a popular business mogul at Ughelli, Delta State.

Though the state of the two gun shot victims could not be ascertained as at press time, a source told Vanguard that they were shot around Ughelli urban of the metropolis in what could be regarded as a revenge attack by members of a rival cult gang.

According to a source, one of the victims, identified as Josana, was shot in the stomach on Wednesday night at about 8pm, while the second, who is a welding apprentice, simply identified as Ejime, was also shot in the stomach early yesterday.

Ughelli and environs have been embroiled in series of cult related killings, leaving the security agencies helpless in tackling the activities of the cultists.

Meanwhile, the wife of an Ughelli-based businessman, Mr. Goodfriday Ukiure, was on Wednesday night abducted by unknown gunmen and taken to an unknown destination.

Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Celestina Kalu, said the victim, identified as Mrs. Ruth Ukiure, was abducted at about 7pm while on her way back from church at Dortie street, off Uloho Avenue.

“Mrs. Ukiure, aged 35, was driving in company of her children from church when the armed men blocked them with a black Volkswagen gulf

saloon car, ordered her into their car and zoomed off to an unknown destination.”

Acting on a tip off, police detectives discovered the blood stained clothes of one of the suspects, identified as Dayo, when his room was searched.

The suspect was said to have led the detectives to different locations in the state where three other suspects were arrested. They include Akanbi Adeboye, Baba Ejima and Olowo Johnson.

The corpse of the deceased was later taken to Idoani Specialist hospital mortuary by the detectives.

Contacted, the police spokesman in Ondo State, Wole Ogodo, confirmed the incident, saying investigation into the crime was continuing.

2 security guards docked for raping 15-yr-old girl

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—TWO security guards, Gabriel Vincent, 26, and Anthony Oguche, 25, have been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate's Court in Lagos, for allegedly gang-raping a15-yearold girl.

The accused persons, who reside at Akowonjo area of Lagos, were said to have lured the teenage girl into their room at their security post and held her hostage for several hours.

According to the charge, the

duo is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, abduction and rape.

However, when the charge was read to the accused persons before the Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi, they pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Osunsanmi granted the accused persons bail of N500,000 each and directed them to produce two responsible sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned to October 26 for further hearing.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—7

LAGOS FIRE: 8-year-old survivor dies in

hospital L

By Ebere Aham

AGOS—EIGHT-year-old Chidinma Onoja, the only survivor in the fire that claimed seven other members of her family Tuesday night at Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos, died yesterday.

Efforts by doctors at Gbagada General Hospital to save her life from the severe burns sustained on her face and other parts of her body proved abortive, as she reportedly died early yesterday.

Sources at the hospital attributed her death to her rejection by two hospitals and lack of immediate treatment at Gbagada General Hospital over payment.

It was reliably gathered that aside the severe burns on her face and arms, other affected parts of her body were reportedly also infected before she was eventfully admitted in the hospital.

When Vanguard arrived the Gbagada General Hospital at noon, extended members of Onoja’s family, sympathisers as well as some members of staff of the hospital wore an expression of gloom on their faces.

A woman who could not control her emotion was seen rolling on the floor, wailing.

A nurse, who spoke on condition of anonymity at the hospital, said: “The doctors tried all they could to save her life. ‘’At the time she was brought here and examined, doctors said she had a fifty-fifty chance of survival. Unfortunately, she could to make it. May her soul rest in peace.”

Dispute over where to deposit the body

Dispute over where to deposit the body arose between some of the relatives and members of the hospital staff.

While the relatives begged to deposit the body in the hospital’s morgue, the hospital said there was no space.

At a point, the staff called a private guard attached to the hospital to walk the relatives out of the premises if they tried to cause any uproar. The staff with an undisclosed identity, insisted that the body be taken to another morgue.

At about 1.27pm, the body of Chidinma was removed from the hospital to Myhoung Barracks Hospital morgue at Yaba, where those of other members of her family were deposited.

One of the relatives, Jude Ali, said in disbelief: “I cannot believe that Chidinma is dead. We thought she was going to survive in order to tell the world the story. ‘’Members of that family have been wiped out completely.

Whoever is behind this will know no peace. All we want is for a thorough investigation to be

Death attributed to alleged rejection by hospital, infection carried out to unravel the cause of the fire.”

Rejected by hospitals

A resident of Michael Ogun street, Mrs. Christina Faleti, disclosed that the late Chidinma could have survived had she received swift medical attention.

She alleged that the deceased was first taken to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, but was rejected on grounds that there was no police report.

According to her, the deceased was, thereafter, taken to a private hospital around the area from where she was referred to Gbagada General Hospital, after

about an hour without treatment.

She said: “Everything involves money in this land. They could not treat the girl until we brought the money contributed by the community. ‘’They did not place her on oxygen until we paid. The chairman of Surulere contributed more than N50,000. I was the one that raised the alarm on the fire, I woke up the entire community and collected money from members. ‘’At the hospital, I noticed that Chidinma’s head was swollen and when I asked the doctor why it was so, he disclosed that water had gathered in that area. He

also warned that the drip must not detach from her body in any way. ‘’I spoke with her by giving her soothing words. When I said sorry, she responded by looking at me calmly. She was a strong girl who was determined to live, even in the face of death. But treatment was not administered on her on time, else, she would have survived.”

The bodies of Mr and Mrs Onoja and those of his mother-in-law, three children and two other relatives, Vanguard gathered yesterday, would be taken to their village at Enugu Ezike, Nsukka, in Enugu State.

ELECTROCUTION: FG dispatches

technical team to UNILAG As students hold procession today

By Ebere Aham &Chris Ochayi

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BUJA—THE Federal Government has dispatched a high-powered technical team to the University of Lagos, where a 300 level Accounting student, Oluchi Anekwe, was electrocuted on Tuesday night.

This came on a day indications emerged that parents of the deceased planned to drag to court the university and the power distribution company in the area.

The technical team, led by Peter Ewesor, of Nigeria Electricity Management Services Limited, NEMSL, has arrived Lagos to commence its findings.

A Deputy Director in charge of press at the ministry, Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, who disclosed this in a statement last night in Abuja, said the team was at UNILAG to unravel the actual cause of the incident.

The statement read: “At the end of the exercise, the team is expected to find out what actually went wrong and which groups or individuals are culpable after which appropriate sanction will be forwarded to the regulator – Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC. “Furthermore, the report will also contain future mitigating measures that would prevent future occurrence of this kind of fatalities.”

It further quoted the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, as expressing the deep condolences of the ministry and stakeholders in the power sector to the bereaved family.

It will be recalled that the deceased was on her way to the hostel when she was killed by a high tension cable which snapped and fell on her, killing her instantly.

This came as the University of Lagos Students Union,ULSU, declared today a Black Friday in honour of the deceased 300 level Accounting student.

A family source told Vanguard that parents of the deceased were determined to ensure both the university and the power company were charged for the negligence which resulted in the death of the deceased.

T h e declaration of Black Friday was reportedly sent to all class pages in the u n i v e r s i t y, directing students to assemble at an open space, known as the Faculty of Business Administration quadrangle, clad in black.

Va n g u a r d gathered that lectures would not hold in the university today, as part of steps to honour the deceased.

It was gathered that the students would also proceed to the bereaved parents’ home to sympathise

with them.

The source also said that the first phase of the procession took place Wednesday, shortly after the protest.

....As Ambode urges resident to guard against fire

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed concern over incessant fire in the state and urged residents to be more safety conscious in handling sensitive materials such as fuel, electrical system and others in homes and offices.

Ambode made the appeal in a statement yesterday, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi.

He said it became necessary to imbibe the culture of safety, following recent increase in cases of fire across the state, which had led to loss of lives and properties.

He said: “The state government has noticed with regrets fire incidents caused by power outages, particularly at night as a result of high voltage supply from power Distribution Companies, DISCOs. “The Lagos State Government is deeply worried about these avoidable incidences which negatively impactonthesocio-economicactivities and lives of Lagosians.”

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Agagu memorial lecture holds

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HE second edition of the Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of late former minister and governor of Ondo State, Mr. Olusegun Agagu, has been slated for Sunday, September 13 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the Board of Trustees of the Olusegun Agagu Foundation, the keynote address at the event, which will be under the Chairmanship of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, will be delivered by former Prime Minister of Togo, Mr. Edem Kodjo, who was also a former Secretary-General of the Organization of Africa Unity, OAU, now African Union.

The address by Mr. Kodjo, who is the current President of PAX AFRICANA and a member of the African Union, AU’s Panel of the Wise, will centre on Resource, Policy and Economics.

Admittance to the event, according to the organizers, will be strictly by invitation.

NNPC TOUR: From left— Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu; Managing Director, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, Mrs. Esther Nnamdi-Ogbue, and Managing Director, Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited, Engr. Saidu Mohammed, during a facility tour of the plant by Dr. Kachikwu.

Kaduna Refinery resumes production in Dec— NNPC

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA—THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, disclosed yesterday that Kaduna Refinery will resume the production of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS (petrol), within

As FG sets up inter-agency monitoring c'ttee the next three months.

This was even as NNPC stated that it had lifted the embargo earlier placed on 113 vessels, banning them from engaging in crude oil and gas

Nigeria suffered lack of quality governance, says Asiodu

By Gbenga Oke

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OREMOST former Federal Permanent Secretary, Chief Philip Asiodu, yesterday in Lagos, stated that Nigeria had suffered over the years due to lack of quality governance and management of all sectors by successive governments.

He also said the poverty in the country was largely due to abandonment of core values of honesty, integrity, discipline, hard-work and fairness to others.

Speaking at the inaugural public presentation of a nongovernmental organization tagged New Generation Change Education Foundation, NGCEF, Asiodu, who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the organization, said with high international standards of honesty and integrity maintained by officials in government, Nigeria will certainly make headway.

His words: “The security situation and stability has deteriorated so drastically over the past two decades that on the eve of this year’s election, some

international commentators and some Nigerians predicted disaster and disintegration of Nigeria. Thank God that prediction did not materialize.

“Some of us here are old enough to remember with nostalgia the days when the country enjoyed internal peace and order, when high standards of honesty and integrity was the watchword of government officials, executives and employees in the private sector and when appropriate sanctions were promptly visited upon any offenders.”

Rebirth inevitable — UTOMI

Also speaking at the event, the guest speaker, Professor Pat Utomi, said he believes change can happen in Nigeria even though it could be difficult.

According to him, “the challenge of change in Nigeria is a daunting one but it is a task that must be done by societies, organizations and each one of us.

“What has happened in Nigeria is such that this nation

has lost its relevance even in the comity of Africans and that is why a national rebirth is inevitable.

“Drivers of change in Nigeria has shown that our economy moves two steps forward and up to four or six backward.

So these are some of the reasons why society fail and it is our objective to restrategize for that change.

“What I consider as some of the challenges of Nigeria is paying less attention to human dignity and it is very unfortunate that some of our leaders today have used up all that is meant for this country.

“They have consumed what belongs to their children in the future and they still want to consume what should be for their grandchildren. This is very unfortunate and that is why our rebirth as a nation must start with the process of valuing lives.”

Executive Director of NGCEF, Sheri Ajasin, said the foundation's mission is to change attitude and value system of every Nigerian.

loading activities in any of the terminals within Nigerian territorial waters.

In a statement by NNPC in Abuja, Group Managing Director of the corporation, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, stated that the Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit, FCCU, and the fuel section of the refinery would be brought back to life within this period to ensure that Nigerians continue to enjoy uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.

Kachikwu, who stated this during a facility tour of the Kaduna Refining Petrochemical Company, KRPC, said the refinery will get a turn around that will make it commercially sustainable.

He said: “All the component units of the refinery, including the FCCU and the fuel section, will be fully rehabilitated for resumption of crude supply to the plant.

“You will soon have a different company; we must do all it takes to make this company a success.”

Need for more refineries

He stressed the need for the establishment of more refineries, especially in view of the low refining capacity of the country, adding that NNPC is planning to build additional refineries.

He said: “I am pushing to build new refineries next to our existing plants to boost the nation’s refining capacity for the common good.

“The new refineries will be

developed by private investors and NNPC’s role will be just to provide them with space close to the existing refineries to enable them share key facilities such as pipelines and storage facilities.”

Also speaking, Group Executive Director, Refining & Technology, Mr. Dennis Ajulu, expressed optimism in the ability of NNPC to rise above its challenges and reposition itself on the path of profitability.

Managing Director of KRPC, Engr. Saidu Mohammed, said staff of the company were fully aligned to the vision of commercialization and that they would support Kachikwu in that drive.

Conditional embargo lifting

On the embargo on the 113 oil vessels, NNPC stated that the lifting of the ban is subject to the receipt of Letters of Comfort from all terminal operators, oil companies and off-takers of Nigerian oil and gas as guarantee that nominated vessels, pending the outcome of investigation, are unencumbered and would not be utilized for any illegal activity.

The corporation noted that in view of the above, Federal Government had approved the establishment of an inter-agency committee comprising Department of State Services, DSS; Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Nigerian Navy, Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR and NNPC with the mandate to collect data and investigate the activities of the banned vessels within Nigerian territorial waters.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—9

Make corruption capital offence— LABOUR Continues from Page 5 Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, protesting high level of corruption in the country and expressing support for the anti-corruption war of President Buhari.

They displayed several placards with inscriptions such as,” Nigerians are not dullards,” Labour backs Buhari’s anticorruption campaign,” President Buhari stop smuggling,” among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, State TUC Chairman, Mr. Akeem Hakeem, who read the position of the labour while presenting a letter to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, noted that corruption in Nigeria had almost destroyed the country.

Lamenting the effect of corruption in the country, he said “In fact, corruption is mostly pronounced in the Nigerian political system and public sector. The belief is that once a person occupies any position, be it the smallest, they will use corrupt practices to enrich themselves".

Receiving the letter on behalf of the governor, Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, lauded labour leaders for their efforts to eradicate corruption and other vices in the country.

Similarly, in Edo State, labour leaders at a rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin called on Nigerians to join the anticorruption train to move Nigeria forward.

Led by Emmanuel Adedokun, the labour leaders said, “It is our conviction that the elimination of corruption will functionally be the beginning of our national prosperity.

“As an organization whose objective is to promote positive change in Nigeria, we are happy to be associated with the current national posture of the federal government led by President Muhammadu Buhari on the frontal attack against corruption.”

Responding, Governor Oshiomhole challenged Nigerian workers to insist on a review of corrupt government policies by past administrations, saying past misdeeds should not be swept under the carpet.

The governor who said the country was gradually returning to the right track under President Muhammadu Buhari said “until recently, I am sure it would have been so hazardous in the face of what appears to be a

direct state policy that not to be corrupt is to be endangered and the way to be safe was to ensure that you participate in corrupt practices and everybody kept quiet. We got to the point that those who raised their voice against corrupt practices were all unceremoniously removed from office and in some quarters people clapped.

In Asaba, Delta State, the protesters called on politicians in the state to be above board and avoid corrupt tendencies.

Led by factional chairman of state NLC, and state Chairman of TUC, they said the anti corruption protest was not against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa but a protest against corruption in the country, stressing the need for all hands to be on deck in the fight against corruption and corrupt practices.

Addressing the protesters, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said the war against corruption by President Muhammadu Buhari, was a welcome development and expressed optimism that the President would lead by example.

Noting that the political class alone could not perpetrate corruption without the cooperation of the civil servants, Okowa said the civil service should also purge itself of corrupt officers.

In Ibadan, Oyo State, organised labour used the protest to allay the fears of thousands of workers in the state over a rumour that Governor Abiola Ajimobi had finalized plans to sack some of them.

While assuring the workers, factional chairman of NLC, Mr. Waheed Olojede, insisted that pruning the workforce was not in the agenda of the governor.

“Unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and unrealistic minimum wage have led many workers to live in penury and suffer untold hardships, as a result of corruption. There is a need for self examination to know the place we are not doing well. We must join the train to fight corruption. I want to appeal to you all that the campaign against corruption must be sustained by all and sundry. “ Governor Ajimobi who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Moses Adeyemo, called for combined efforts to rid the country of corruption.

In Ilorin, Kwara State, scores of labour leaders in Kwara State, went round the major streets of Ilorin,

armed with placards denouncing the level of corruption in the country.

Led by factional chairman of NLC and state TUC chairman, Yekeen Agunbiade and Kola Olumoh, respectively, they said corruption had created bad image for the country and its citizens, pointing out that it had also led to factory closures, retrenchments and worsened unemployment situation in Nigeria.

Speaking in the same vein, state chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Kola Olumoh stressed the need for Nigerians to support President Buhari’s efforts in eliminating corruption in the country.

The rally which started at the Labour House, beside the State High Court, Ilorin took members of the organised labour union through Ahmadu Bello Way to Government House to submit a letter in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Anti-Corruption crusade.

Receiving the letter, Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, commended labour leaders for ensuring industrial harmony in the state despite recent challenges.

Governor Ahmed, represented by the Head of Service, Hajiya Zahra Omar, promised that the state government would continue to address issues affecting workers in the state and commended the labour for rallying support for the President’s anticorruption crusade.

She assured Labour that the letter would be forwarded appropriately to the presidency.

In Akure, Ondo State, labour leaders called on Nigerians to support the anti-cor ruption war, saying any Nigerian or group against the anticorruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari should be regarded as the country’s enemy of progress and development.

They said that corruption had led to the inability of many state governors to pay their workers salaries and marched through strategic locations in the state such as First Bank junction, NEPA area, State House of Assembly Complex and the Governor’s Office.

Addressing the workers, factional vicechairman of NLC, Amusa Bakare, said corrupt practices among political office holders had led to unpaid salaries and collapse of the nation’s economy.

POWER PROBE: Ministry blames NASS for power failure

By Victor Ahiuma-Young & Chris Ochayi

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BUJA—THE Ministry of Power, yesterday, blamed the management of the National Assembly, NASS, for the power outages which disrupted Wednesday’s sitting of the Senate ad hoc committee, probing the funds expended on the power sector since 1999.

This is just as organized labour in the nation’s power sector expressed fears that the probe might be another exercise in futility.

The ministry, in a statement by Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, Deputy Director (Press), said the cause of the frequent power outages experienced at the sitting was not from the distribution network of Abuja Distribution Company, DISCO. The ministry said NASS, with its alternative source of power supply, could have made use of its stand-by generator for an assignment of this magnitude.

According to the statement, “the official position about this unfortunate development is that it was the faulty internal electricity supply system that caused the frequent power outages and not from the distribution network of Abuja DISCO. “NASS, with its alternative source of power supply, could have put on the stand-by generator for an assignment of this magnitude, so the problem is with its internal supply system.”

Meanwhile, the organized labour, on the platform of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on Power headed by Ndudi Elumelu probed the same power sector and submitted its reports, but that till date, nothing came out of it.

ROUNDTABLE: From left—Chairman/Chief Executive, Phillips Consulting Ltd, Foluso Phillips; Chairman, Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia; Chairman, Heirs Holdings and board member of The Corporate Council on Africa, CCA, Tony Elumelu; and Vice President, CCA, Ambassador Robert Perry, at a roundtable with members of the CCA in Lagos.

Glo takes music, comedy to Abeokuta, Ikorodu

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LOBACOM has promised residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State, and Ikorodu, Lagos State, a memorable weekend of fun and entertainment as it stages its musical and comedy shows in the towns.

The national operator said in a statement in Lagos that it would hold its musical concert, Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, in Ikorodu tomorrow, and that this would be followed by the comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, to be held at the O. K. Centre, Abeokuta, on Sunday.

Globacom said it had concluded arrangements to ensure that its subscribers in the two towns and surrounding communities had a memorable weekend by lining up the best hands in the entertainment scene in the country.

The Abeokuta event, the company said, would feature first-class comedians such as Bovi, Seyi Law, Odogwu, Osama, Omo Baba, Mr. Latin, Pappy Luwe, Bash and Memory Card, with the Fuji sensation, Saheed Osupa, and the ‘katapot’ singer, Reekado Banks, adding music flavour to the show.

Glo ambassadors, Yoruba movie actor, Odunlade Adekola, and female comedian, Helen Paul, will attend Laffta Fest show as special guests.

MultiChoice assures CPC of quality service

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IGITAL satellite television company, Multichoice Nigeria, has assured the Consumer Protection Council, CPC, of its commitment to the continuous provision of top quality service to its subscribers.

The assurance was given yesterday in Abuja at the scheduled hearing into costumer complaints, which held at the head office of CPC. Recall that CPC announced its intention to investigate the challenges facing the operations of MultiChoice, with a view to finding solutions that would enhance the satisfaction of its subscribers.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, who led a team of experts to the hearing said: “We recognize the role CPC plays in consumer protection and we are glad that we have the opportunity to meet with them in order to achieve optimal customer satisfaction, which is our key objective.”

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 11

Don’t divert N9bn bailout loan, APC warns Fayose

By Rotimi Olaleye

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DO-EKITI–THE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti state has asked Governor Ayodele Fayose to make judicious use of the bail-out loans being facilitated by the Federal Government.

According to the party; ‘’ This call became imperative against the backdrop of his alleged misapplication of the balance of the N4 billion bond taken by former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo,’’ which the party said Fayose diverted in 2004 to other purposes different from the terms of the bond agreement.

Ekiti APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said in a statement that the people would want the governor to spend the loans for salary and other debts owed civil servants and former political office holders.

He said the disbursements and spending of the loans would be monitored to ensure compliance with the terms of borrowing to curb diversion.

He said: “Our concern is premised on the alarms Governor Fayose has been raising on the status of the state’s debts, particularly his condemnation of the Federal Government’s bailout initiative, which he dismissed as not a bail-out but a statutory allocation.

“It is gratifying that the

Federal Government again made available N9.6 billion to the state to offset salaries, allowances and other emoluments owed civil servants, pensioners and former political appointees, but we have our reservations on Fayose’s new move to access another N10 billion to be repaid in 10 years.

“Our reservations is premised on the evidence that the governor presented

no development blueprint before Ekiti people during campaigns,” Olatunbosun explained.

“We urge workers to insist that the loans should be devoted to the payment of their salaries as approved by the lending authorities.

Former political office holders should impress it on the governor to pay their severance allowances and other entitlements as

OONI SUCCESSION: Lafogido, Giesi ruling houses disagree

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN–AS the contest for the stool of the Ooni of Ife gets hotter, one of the contenders for the vacant stool, Prince Adetayo Oladele, has said it is the turn of his ruling house, Lafogido to produce the next monarch of the ancient city.

He said since Giesi ruling house had conceded its turn to Ogboru ruling house in 1980, it is now the turn of Lafodigo ruling house to ascend the throne.

His position, however, contradicts that of Giesi ruling house, which said since it had been denied throne twice, there is no other ruling house that is qualified to assume the throne.

At least 45 contestants are struggling to assume the throne after the death Oba Okunade Sijuwade

on July 28, 2015.

Prof. Adeoye Aderibigbe from Giesi ruling house had earlier said in an interview with Vanguard that taking cognizance of the fact that his ruling house, Giesi was denied when Oba Sijuwade ascended the throne and that it was elders in the town that prevailed on him to hands off a suit against the enthronement of late Sijuwade, it is ripe for his ruling house to produce the next monarch.

But, Prince Oladele, a US based real estate expert who hails from Adagba royal compound in the Lafogido Ruling House, in a statement yesterday argued that since the turn of Giesi had been conceded to Ogboru ruling house, Lafodigo is the next ruling house to produce the king if the 1957 declaration which arranged the ruling houses is strictly adhered to.

Labour, Osun govt differ over staff audit

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—THE organised labour and Osun State government are presently taking different stands on the current staff audit process going on in the state.

This followed claims by workers that the state government had asked them to present their primary school leaving certificates as part of the requirements for the

ongoing exercise.

The state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Mr. Jacob Ade komi who said that the circular to that effect was issued last Tuesday, noted that although the ongoing staff audit was an agreement between the two parties, presentation of primary school leaving certificate was never part of the MOU signed.

Mr. Adekomi described the directive as a joke and urged the workers to ignore it and remain calm,

maintaining that the verification exercise agreed upon has been finalised.

He further noted that what is expected of the state government now, is to pay their outstanding salary arrears as promised.

In a swift reaction, a former Commissioner for Integration And Special Duties in the state, Mr. Bashir Ajibola explained that contrary to views that the verification exercise is to retrench workers, its sole objective is to clean up pay roll.

Osun immortalises Bola Ige

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OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, yesterday alleged that the suspected killers of the former Attorney General and Minister for justice, Chief Bola Ige are the same set of people who have tried effortlessly to destabilise the state.

The governor made this allegation while opening C M Y K

the Bola Ige Mechatronic Institute, at the Osun State College of Technology, EsaOke. He noted that the Bola Ige Mechatronic Institute is a dream come true with the equipment alone costing N875 million and a befitting legacy in honour of the slain Chief James Ajibola Bola Ige who he described as a

leader, national icon and a citizen of the world.

Aregbesola regretted that though Ige was brutally murdered by those who thought they could silence him, his spirit has been restless and has been tormenting his killers who have been sinking deeper in what he called “the quagmire of infamy. ‘’

approved in the mandate of the loan scheme.

“Knowing the kind of man the governor is in money matters, we hereby put the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission and other Related Offences (ICPC) on notice to monitor disbursements of the loan to ensure that the money does not end up in private pockets,” Olatunbosun

concluded.

APC factions reconcile

Meantime, crisis rocking the Ekiti State APC may soon be over, as leaders and other stakeholders in the party have been meeting with a view to resolving their differences and forging a common front that will return the party to the forefront in the state.

At its meeting yesterday at the Ikere country home

of Bamidele Olumilua, former governor of the old Ondo State, the leaders lamented the self-inflicted pains they have caused themselves as a result of lack of internal democracy and cohesion resulting in the nose-diving fortune of the party of late.

They however expressed absolute trust in the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, both at the regional and national levels of APC.

BRIEFING: Executive Director, Technology and Operation, Nigeria InterBank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS), Niyi Ajao; Chief Marketing Officer,Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone and MD, NIBSS, Ade Shonubi during the press conference to announce the partnership between NIBSS and telecommunications service providers on USSD-BVN Query service in Lagos yesterday.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Rivers poll: Thugs ran away with election materials, Army tells tribunal

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Nigerian Army, yesterday, narrated before the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, how armed thugs invaded several polling units in the state on April 11, carting away election materials and ran into the bush.

Three senior Army officers who testified before the Justice Mohammed Ambrosa-led tribunal, yesterday, insisted that the governorship poll in Rivers State was marred by violence and sporadic gun shots by thugs, a situation they said scared voters away.

The officers, Captain Abubakar Mohammed, from Bony Camp, Lagos; Captain Fred Bala, from Maiduguri and Captain Isa Almakura, told the tribunal that they led different troops that were deployed in Rivers State during the governorship election.

Capt. Almakura, who covered Ikwerri Local Government Area, along with 30 other soldiers, told the court that the entire council was tensed up right from April 10 when his team arrived the area to provide security for voters.

He said that sporadic shootings in major towns of the

council scared the electorates and forced them to stay away from voting.

According to him, at a time, his team got confused by the "bombardment of phone calls" from ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,

who, he said were shouting for help and rescue from thugs that invaded their polling units.

"On our arrival at polling units in Osuala, Onuerelu, Omerelu and Alu, we found the INEC ad hoc staff, mainly youth corps members,

mercilessly beaten by the thugs", the Army witness added.

He said upon inquiry, his team was informed by the manhandled INEC ad hoc staff that the political thugs hijacked and made away with all the election materials.

GCUOBA WEALTH FORUM: From left; Mr Juro Haller, Vice Chairman, UBS; Mr Henry Erimodafe, Country Head, UBS [Nigeria] Representative Office Limited; Chief Joseph Akpieyi , Past President General, Government College Ughelli Old Boys Assocation; Mr Ade Adebajo, Executive Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, UBS Limited and Mr Cyril Ogude, Chief Executive, CY Incorporated, Logistic Nigeria Limited, during the Wealth Forum, organised by Government College Ughelli Old Boys Assocation, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

A-Ibom journalists demand PPRO's removal U

state as long as Nwawe remains the image maker of the Police in Akwa Ibom State.

The ugly incident occurred

By Tom Moses

barley five days after the new Commissioner of Police assumed duty in the state with a plea to journalists to

cooperate and partner the Police to enable the force achieve the objectives of modern day policing.

YO—THE cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police and the media in Akwa Ibom State, was strained, yesterday, with the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Democratic Party, PDP, of Cordelia Nwawe, walking campaign of calumny governorship primaries.

By Emem Idio journalists who were invited to against the APC. Addressing newsmen at the cover the parade of suspected He urged the public to E N A G O A — A L L party's secretariat in hoodlums out of her office. disregard the report, Yenagoa, Chief Timipa P r o g r e s s i v e s The journalists who were maintaining that the Congress, APC, Bayelsa Oruniminghe said: "The miffed by the PPRO's action, leadership of APC in the State chapter, has dismissed allegation is malicious and reminded her of her position as state remained committed the allegation that the capable of destabilising the the mirror of the Nigeria Police and focused on ensuring peaceful co-existence among leadership of the party in the Force . victory for the party in the state was involved in shady the old and new members of The visibly enraged PPRO, forthcoming election. negotiations and threats to the party.” claimed that the journalists were He accused the Peoples party delegates ahead of the trying to dictate to her on how to run her office and as such, ordered them to leave her office immediately or face u n p l e a s a n t consequences.

KWA Ibom State was as strong as ever in we are not disturbed by It was gathered that Peoples Democratic the case. the ruling." since Nwawe took over Party, PDP, has assured Oyetibo, while reacting the office of the state’s that it was on course in to the ruling by the PPRO in March this year, providing proof that tribunal which dismissed the cordial relationship Governor Udom the application by PDP for between the newsmen Emmanuel was validly additional witnesses, and her office has turned elected by the people of said the ruling does not sour.

Akwa Ibom State. diminish the strength of Based on the shabby Speaking with newsmen their case. treatment, the journalists after yesterday’s session The PDP counsel who are mostly of the Governorship explained: “Since the correspondents of Elections Petitions evidence we were national dailies have Tribunal in Abuja, counsel bringing is still along the vowed not to honour to PDP, Tayo Oyetibo, same line as the police invitations in the SAN, said that the party evidences we have led,

No intimidation of party delegates ahead of primaries —Bayelsa APC

Ayade’s intervention ends judiciary staff strike in C-River

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ROSS River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has resolved the more than eight months strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the representatives of the judicial body in Calabar.

The signing of the MoU at the Executive Chambers of the Governor ’s Office was performed by the Head of Service, Ekpenyong Henshaw, on behalf of the state government while the National Treasurer of JUSUN, Jimoh Alonge, who represented the National President of the union, Mustapha Adamu signed on behalf of JUSUN. In his remarks, Governor Ayade expressed appreciation to the state chapter of JUSUN for their understanding and assured that he will keep his side of the bargain.

Ajiyens for burial

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R. Lawrence Ajiyen, aged 80 and his wife, Betty Ajiyen, aged 67 are dead.

Service of songs holds today at Ajiyen-Efeturi Place,Lucky Omimi St, Off Scott Road, Ogharefe, Delta State.

Funeral service and interment holds tomorrow at Lawrence Ejenwino Ajiyen-Efeturi Villa,Ibori Express Road,Ogharefe.

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A-Ibom PDP assures on Emmanuel's victory at Tribunal

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Late Mr. & Mrs. Ajiyen

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015—13

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—15

Buhari’s lopsided appointments, a breach of Nigeria’s constitution —Anambra Regent

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—NIGERIANS, especially from the South East part of the country, have continued to condemn the recent key appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari with the latest coming from the regent of Mbosi Community, Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, Prince Okey Joe

Onuakalusi.

In a press statement from his law chambers, Onuakalusi said such lopsided appointments are not only actionable but also showed the extent of the President's dislike for Ndigbo and a letdown to Nigerians and the 1999 constitution.

He said this is also capable of derailing the course of unity and frustrate the one people, one nation hallmark of Nigeria.

He expressed surprise that

Buhari could not abide by the oath of office which he swore to as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2015 whereby he pledged to uphold the unity and spirit of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He quoted the President as pledging when he was being sworn-in, to ”not allow my personal interest to influence my official conduct on my official decisions; that I will to the best of my ability preserve, protect and defend the

ACTIVE USERS: Facebook ranks Nigeria,

Kenya top in Africa

By Favour Nnabugwu

F

ACEBOOK HAS ranked Nigeria and Kenya top among the countries in Africa as the number one frontiermarket for the medium in terms of mobiles to like, share and upload content on the social network.

Nigeria has monthly users of 15 million on Facebook and following behind is Kenya's 4.5 million users in 30 days.

The numbers, the first Facebook has published show the two nations as important entry points on a continent of

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nearly one billion people.

“Mobile is not a trend; it’s the fastest adoption of disruptive technology in history of communication,” said Nunu Ntshingila, Facebook’s Head of Africa, in a statement.

“Facebook said its active user population in Africa grew 20 per cent to 120 million in June from 100 million in September last year. A large portion of these users were in North Africa.

“Nigeria had 15 million monthly active users as of June 30 this year, all of them using mobiles to like, share and upload content on the social

network. In Kenya, 95 per cent of the 4.5 million monthly active users did so via mobiles.

“Facebook has nearly 20 million users in major African markets, Nigeria and Kenya, statistics released by the social network showed, yesterday, with the majority using mobile devices to access their profiles.”

Facebook opened its first African office in Johannesburg in June as a growing population and relatively low levels of internet access present a large untapped market for the social network to earn advertising revenue.

constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; that I will do right to all manner of people according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

Onuakalusi declared: “Today, what is happening to the oath, the people and their constitution as sworn to by President Buhari ?"

He quoted the 1999 constitution as saying that, “the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few state or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government or in any of its agencies.”

According to Prince Onuakalusi, “suffice it to state unequivocally that Mr. President has made appointments into several sensitive positions that touch the socio-economic life of the nation in total nonconsideration of this basic principle engrafted with special emphasis on sections 14(3) and 147 of the 1999 constitution.”

Mariam Omonibeke passes on

Late Mariam Omonibeke RS. MARIAM Omonibeke, who hails from Ughelli South Local Government Area of Edo state is dead, aged 46.

The service of songs holds at her residence, 159, Uzor Street, Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos today.

She will be buried tomorrow, September 12, 2015, at Aton Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos, and thanksgiving service at Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, will hold on September 13, 2015.

She is survived by husband, aged mother, daughter, brothers, sisters and other relatives.

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16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015—17

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 ON the heels of startling revelations from the presidency on how public funds were wantonly looted by some public officers in the last administration, President Muhammadu Buhari recently set up a Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption. Its major mandate is to identify alleged treasury looters with the aim of bringing them to justice.

Beyond this, the Committee’s Chairman, Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) revealed that selected judges handling anticorruption cases are under surveillance. The action is aimed at monitoring them on moral, professional and ethical grounds.

It is trite law that the power to prosecute criminal cases, including looting of public funds, lies with the state. This power is however expected to be

enable them conduct forensic and water tight investigations that will ease convictions in corruption cases.

Beyond the search for upright judges exercised within the ambit of applicable criminal law and constitutional provisions of fundamental human rights.

Our criminal justice system demands that a person is innocent before proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction, no matter the gravity of the offence. This process is a circle that begins with proper and thorough investigations by relevant investigating agencies.

While we acknowledge a

creeping rot in the judiciary and the need to sanitise the bench, we submit that it requires more than upright judges to convict and sentence looters of public funds in the absence of unassailable evidence. Anything short of this will amount to persecution and not prosecution.

We therefore recommend that the investigative and prosecutorial capacities of anticorruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC should be enhanced to

Judges are not miracle workers. They require the support of the system to perform. Unless we provide them this support, even the “upright” judges, when selected, may find themselves in great difficulties. We, therefore, urge the Sagay panel to be painstaking with this assignment and ensure that a workable paradigm to fight corruption is established.

The Buhari administration should not play politics with the war on corruption, otherwise, the patriotic purpose of it will be lost. We believe that the Sagay panel should be allowed to do its job professionally to lay the groundwork for the campaign, while the federal government provides the required financial and logistical support for the anti-graft bodies to carry out their duties according to the law.

OPINION Her

Excellency,

By Ugochukwu Ejinkeonye

T

HE title of this essay is not original.

The credit for its invention should go to one of the military governors during the Babangida or Abacha military era. He was at an event organised by his wife in the state and when it was time for him to make a speech, he began by saying something like this: “I want to thank Her Excellency, my wife, for organising this programme and inviting me to be part of it.”

When I saw the headline in a national newspaper last weekend indicating that the federal government had “abolished the office of First Lady,” I hastened to read the report thinking that President Muhammadu Buhari has finally gratified the wishes of many Nigerians by terminating the overly wasteful, distractive and illegal position usually assumed by the spouses of our leaders.

Anyone familiar with my writings would easily recall that I have remained unrepentantly opposed to that illegal “office” behind which many spouses of Nigerian presidents, governors and even council chairmen hide to squander public resources, wield obscene influence and almost run a parallel administration. You could, therefore, imagine my excitement on seeing a headline that seemed to suggest that an end has finally been put to the whole revolting glamorisation of illegality and frivolity.

my

wife

But I was brutally disappointed. What Buhari did was merely to “abolish” Six and replace it with Half-Dozen. His wife will now assume the “Office of the Wife of the President” instead of that of the “First Lady.” It is, however, doubtful if a mere name-change would introduce the slightest hint of departure from the notorious preoccupations that have over the years distinguished the contraption referred to as “First Ladyship” in Nigeria .

Perhaps, we were all expected to applaud this new chapter in the book of “Change,” but if you ask me, I think that somebody is merely trying to imply that we are a country of numbskulls, quite incapable of realising when we have been fooled.

As we left the airport in Owerri on that sombre Friday evening the recently, I saw extraordinarily large banners welcoming the president’s wife, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, to what they called “August Meeting” in the Imo State capital. As we got into Owerri proper, it became clear that Mrs. Buhari’s “August Meeting” had unleashed a gridlock in the city and we had some difficulty passing through.

Maybe, because the nuisance was created by the “Wife of the President”instead of the “First Lady,” the media chose to ignore the additional stress

People would be interested to know how much this obviously jamboree cost the government of Okorocha

imposed on an already unduly stretched populace by Mrs. Nneoma Okorocha and her guest in Owerri. There were crowds of obviously weary women clad in diverse uniforms milling around or leaving the venue of the event, which I suspected was over by the time we got there.

In saner climes, the people would be interested to know how much this obviously jamboree may have cost the government of Mr. Rochas Okorocha in a state where civil servants have embarked on an indefinite strike due to non-payment of arrears of salaries and allowances.

Announcing the new title for the president’s wife , presidential spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu said: “President Buhari [had] promised that there would be a clear difference between the role played by his wife during his tenure and that played by many previous First Ladies. All that ostentation, ubiquitousness and arrogance we have come to expect from the office are over and done with. Change has come.

The ideal platform from which she will be useful to Nigeria ’s women and children is still being thought out. Once this has been concluded on, Mrs. Buhari’s role will become clearer to all Nigerians. There will be nothing shady or hidden about it. There will be no access to public funds. It will be purely private and voluntary.”

The problem, however, is that there is nothing new in Mr. Shehu’s beautifullycrafted rhetoric, even though he also fell into the same error of according recognition to an “office” that is totally alien to our laws. He should have recalled that even more tantalizingly-crafted texts

have been articulated about the roles of previous presidential spouses, yet, what we ended up seeing were even more atrocious displays, extreme profligacy and sundry perpetration of illegalities.

Mr. Shehu is promising Nigerians a clean break from the hideous past, but how exactly would he explain and situate Mrs. Buhari’s disruptive outing in Owerri on that Friday.

When asked the role his spouse would play when he was elected president some years ago, a former president had replied: She would just be my wife! But at the end of the day, his wife became in the opinion of many the very epitome of all the revolting extremities we have ever associated with presidential spouses. So, why is Shehu expecting us to believe him, even when one of the basic promises of his boss, namely, that he will publicly declare his assets and compel all those working in his administration to do so appears to have been scornfully waved aside and swept under?

It does seem that in this part of the world, we are most adept at creating grotesque legitimacy for the totally absurd which we go on to advertise with indecent fanfare, even to our own hurt. I am not bothered, for instance, if the president's wife is swamped by a battery of special assistants, senior special advisers, and even press secretaries attached to her "office," so long as their salaries and allowances are paid from the private purse of her spouse. *Mr. Ejinkeonye, a journalist, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Pacifist Pope, visits warrior nation

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OPE Francis, born, Jorge Mario Bergoglio and known widely, as a pacifist, is visiting the United States, a famous warrior nation, for six days from September 22. Just as the hood does not make a monk, so does a papal regalia, not make a pacifist. There have been warmongering Popes like Pope Urban II who militarily, mobilised Europe in 1095 to attack parts of Europe and the Middle East in the name of a crusade. The wars ignited by that Pope, raged for over two centuries leaving massive destruction, wasted lives and horrendous massacres of Judaists, Muslims and Christians.

But Pope Francis is a pacifist who encourages political and inter-faith dialogue. The Pope’s visit to ‘God’s own country’ where the motto is: In God We Trust, would have been like St. Peter visiting the militarist Roman Empire. He is Head of State of the tiny Vatican State, visiting a huge country which is the economic, political and military power house of the world. Where his hosts have a huge military; the Pope has not a single division he can command. But he is the

spiritual commander of the estimated 1.254 billion Catholics in the world who are said to constitute 48 percent of the Christian populace and 17 percent of world population.

So Pope Francis goes to America with enormous moral authority. His visit promises to take the shine off the Republican and Democrat campaigns. People like Donald Trump and Sarah Palin who love the din of their own voices, will be forced to listen to a pacifist. This may be more frustrating as the Pope will have no trade, arms sale agreement or Defence Pact to sign during his visit.

He will be playing an away match in the very heart of some of the world’s most infamous warmongers like former American Vice President, Dick Cheney who is releasing another poison into world peace, titled Exceptional: Why the World Needs a powerful America.

Uncle Dick had been instrumental in manufacturing the fiction that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction.

Under that pretext, America and its NATO allies had destroyed that

country and transformed it into a poor, failed state with sectional divides, unimaginable suffering and haven for terrorists of the ISIS hue. While Pope Francis is advocating peace and a shared world, Cheney wrote that only America can preserve “ peace and freedom”. In the manner of a fascist, he declares that the US was born great, achieved greatness and had greatness thrust upon her.

While the Pope is likely to emphasise world peace especially when he addresses the United Nations during his visit, Cheney, talks war and about the need for American dominance. He argues that America has “…to be safeguarded (and) her supremacy maintained”. He then lists Iran, China, North Korea and Russia as countries posing “increasing threats” over which America must ensure its “pre-eminence and strength”.

The Pope’s visit to ‘God’s own country’ where the motto is: In God We Trust, would have been like St. Peter visiting the militarist Roman Empire

Leaders and shameless lies

By Clement Udegbe

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EOPLE lie for many reasons. Some lies are claimed to be benevolent, when they bring no harm in particular, to the hearer. For example, when you asked to go and tell your eldest brother, that his beloved father is dead, you look at him in the face and tell him to come home urgently.

He asks you if everything is alright ? You respond ‘ Yes mama and papa are all well’.

You lied to him, but they say that is a benevolent lie, because it was calculated to help the recipient cope with the reality waiting for him. A benevolent lie is told in the best interest of the hearer.

In Nigerian politics, there is no benevolent lie. Our leaders lie to us day in day out, with impunity, and we don’t seem to hold them accountable. Some conduct themselves in such lies, while some choose to do things capable of shattering the unity of the nation, on top such lies. Let’s look at few of the lies told by leaders in recent times.

Section 40 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution as amended states “ A person elected to the office of the President, shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed by this constitution, and he has taken Oath of Allegiance--------“ What do they do? They get into the office, start performing, and much later declare their assets and back date the whole forms.The Assets Declaration Forms ought to have been given to the elected official the same date he received his Certificate of return from INEC, so that the man understands that he must neither C M Y K

lie to the people under the constitution, nor take any portion of the constitution for granted. The result of this lie against the constitution is we have a president like Goodluck Ebele Jonathan,GEJ, who said he would not declare his assets, while another like President Muhammadu Buhari, PMB, does so 100 days after, and in so doing lie again! In December 2015, during the presidential campaigns, Buhari told his audience, that he had only one million Naira in cash, and my reaction was; here is a good man, who is relatively poor, and may indeed stand for the common man.

My friends told me how he returned excess monies given to him as a member of the Council of State, it could have been rumours, but I was moved.

Last week, newspapers screamed that he had N30 million in cash meaning he was also a rich man. He may not be superrich, I honestly did not expect him to be, but right now, I do not know what to believe. As

Oshiomhole looked Nigerians in the face and deliberately misinformed them!

He lied against everybody concerned, from the project managers and coordinators to the target society, Ndigbo!

He wants America to repudiate the international nuclear deal with Iran and re-impose sanctions because as he claims in his cold war mindset, Iran is “the world’s worst state-sponsor of terror”. If Cheney does not know that Iran is in the forefront of the war against ISIS and their like, then he must be living in the moon. His claims are a continuation of the type of fabrications he and his business partners made against Iraq, just to get at Iraqi oil. In contrast to Cheney fanning embers of war, Pope Francis has been working hard to unite nations for peace. His most successful so far, is the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and US after over half a century of broken ties.

One of the most horrific acts in human history was the 1945 dropping of atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The two bombs killed over 105,000 people, injured at least 94,000 and destroyed 70 percent of the buildings. Cheney sees this war crime as some heroic deed which American children must be taught. He wrote: “They should learn why America was right to end the war by dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki…”.

He is so fascinated with Weapons of Mass Destruction that he attacks President Barrack Obama for allegedly not understanding “ the importance of ensuring the supremacy of America’s nuclear arsenal”. This kind of mindset will surely horrify the Pope and all with human conscience.

Adolf Hitler believed that Germany was chosen by God to lead the world. So does Cheney;

if to hit me blind and blank, he then made his recent appointments into his kitchen cabinet.

Section 171(5) of our Constitution states “ In exercising his power of appointment under this section, the President shall have regard to the federal character of Nigeria, and the need to promote unity.

PMB flagrantly breached this provision in his recent appointments of key officers of his administration, which skewed to overwhelmingly, in favour of the north, to the chagrin of other regions of Nigeria.

He did not consider the need to promote unity in these appointments, talk less of federal character, whether this is a gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office or not will be left for the opposition politicians to consider and decide on what to do.

I prefer a peaceful, united Nigeria, that fights corruption, than a fractionalised, atomicitic, highly incensed people at war, in a nation that is corruption free.

At the States’ level, Governor Oshiomole of Edo State, told the world from his high office, that N140 billion had been expended on consultancy services for the second Niger Bridge project, and that $700 million was surreptitiously moved from the Sovereign wealth Fund for the same bridge. Last week, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority declared that it had only spent about N14 billion on the project and that the money includes N10 billion as part of the N18.3 billion so far released by the Federal Government for the project, which had been disbursed for early construction work on the bridge. It had also spent about $2.2 million as consultancy on the project, including feasibility studies, legal due diligence, environmental impact assessment, traffic studies, and engineering design.

His Excellency looked Nigerians in the

he believes America has the divine right to rule the world.

So he writes that after Obama, “America needs a president who recognises that everything the nation must do requires having a US military with capabilities that are second to none-on land, in the air, at sea, in space and in cyberspace”.

I believe that human beings are changeable, but so long as men like Cheney are not held to account for their crimes against humanity especially in Iraq, they will never change. So I think, during his visit, the Pope will need to speak above the heads of such people, directly to the American people, who like all human beings, desire peace, bread, freedom and social justice.

The Pope is not going to be intimidated by the might of his host as his guiding principle, based on the teachings of St. Ignatius, is a world vision “not to be limited by the greatest, and yet to be contained in the tiniest”. He chose the papal name, Francis, after St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. So I expect him to speak for the poor during his visit. He is likely to espouse his position that unbridled capitalism makes people miserable; that market forces, is tyranny and that the imposition of austerity measures by international institutions is “new colonialism”. He may reiterate his submission that the poor should have the ‘sacred “ rights of labour and shelter and that “Poverty is at the centre of the Gospel”. He is likely to reject homosexuality, make a case for environmental protection and refugees, condemn pedophile priests, defend celibacy and demand a better world. God Bless the Pope. Amen!

face and deliberately misinformed them! He lied against everybody concerned, from the project managers and coordinators to the target society, Ndigbo! Oh, I am sorry, I forgot that he has immunity to talk and do, as he likes.

Last month, the workers in the services of Imo State, went on a peaceful protest against non-payment of salaries from last year. The government came out to point accusing fingers at their opposition politicians, and claimed that they owed only a few months salaries.

But just yesterday, it was announced on the radio, that His Excellency had just approved the payment of salaries to workers from the month of November 2014, to date while the salaries of the workers in state parastatals would be sorted out in due course. It follows then, that workers were actually owed over eight months salaries in Imo State, and they all knew it, but chose to misinform the people, and politicise the livelihood of Imolites ! You just need to imagine what these families have gone through in the past eight months, Christmas inclusive, and some are still swimming in the slurry!

When roads that were built at some huge costs do not last for up to six months before falling apart, someone ought to be held responsible. At present, there is work on a bridge across the Njaba River at Okwudor, and there are no pillars.

It looks like a mere culvert in spite of the heavy traffic on that road, and those doing that job, did not seem to have considered the good one built by Julius Berger at the Awomanma end of the same Njaba River.

Our leaders must stop taking us for granted especially this APC government.

*Mr Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

— 21

Agbami partners plan increased investment in agriculture, education

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By Michael Eboh

TAR Deepwater Petroleum Limited and its co-venturers in the Agbami field have announced their plans to increase their investments in the agricultural and educational sector and also boost the capacities and capabilities of Nigerians in the oil and gas sector.

Speaking during the handover of a science laboratory to Benue State and the official launch of the Agro-Economic Empowerment Programme in Katsina State, Mr. Jeffrey Ewing, Director, Deepwater and Production Sharing Contracts, stated that the investments are aimed towards developing the Nigerian economy.

Ewing, who was represented

by Mr. Sam Otuonye, Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, stated that the commitment of Star Deepwater and its co-venturers in the Agbami field the development of Nigerian capacities and capabilities in the oil and gas industry was geared towards ensuring maximum positive impact on the economy.

“These deliberate efforts have resulted in employment generation, higher local contractors’ participation in the design and fabrication of facilities for the project and training,” he explained.

He stated that the Agro-based

CURRENCY DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL SDR KRONA

Teaching and learning

Ewing noted that the laboratories are fully equipped with modern apparatus and reagents to ensure it is conducive for teaching and learning, while he commended the government and people of Benue State for their collaboration in ensuring the success of the project.

Continuing, he said, “Apart from the science laboratories we are handing over, several projects by the co-venturers are either on-going or completed across the country.

The projects, mainly chest clinics, libraries and science laboratories constitute an aspect of the stra116.20 0.35 tegic interventions by the Agbami co$3,226.00 58.00 venturers.

‘It would interest $11.28 -0.15 you to know that we have built and donated 24 fully $47.75 0.17 equipped, modern science laboratory 44.43 0.28 complexes and also trained laboratory BUYING CENTRAL technologists and 196 196.5 197 science teachers to 300.958 301.7258 302.4935 run these facilities.

218.3636 218.9207 219.4777 We have also built 200.3885 200.8997 201.4109 and donated 24 chest 1.6209 1.625 1.6292 0.3144 0.3244 0.3344 clinics to different 274.3605 275.0604 275.7603 states, while over 30.7259 30.8047 30.8836 12,000 Nigerians are 52.2388 52.3721 52.5053 currently beneficia274.89 275.5913 276.2925 ries of our scholar29.259 29.3336 29.4083 ship programmes.”

CBN Exchange Rate as at 10/ 09 /15

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Economic Empowerment Development Project, which involved the provision of storage and Vegetable Preservation Processing Centre at Ajiwa community in Batagarawa Local Government, was designed to enhance the capacity of farmers and boost agriculture in Katsina state.

He disclosed that the project has started yielding the desired results, as it has helped farmers within the community and other nearby communities to improve their capacities on modern irrigation techniques and business skills for entrepreneurial development.

He further stated that the science laboratory which was donated to Government College, Makurdi, Benue State, would help bring about an increase in knowledge in the areas of physics, biology and chemistry.

From left, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers' 2nd Vice President, Mr. Dapo Adekoje, Acting President, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe and Registrar/Chief Executive, Mr Adedeji Ajadi during press interactive session in Lagos

Corruption robs Nigeria of its revenue — Omotosho

By Richard Udofia

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HAIRMAN of Stan dard Chartered Bank of Nigeria limited, Sir Remi Omotosho has stated that corruption has robbed Nigeria of its revenue .

Omotosho made this statement during National Institute of Management, NIM’s, Association’s Awards, Fellows and spouse day lun-

cheon, where members received awards, and new fellows inducted.

He said corruption remains the vehicle through which the managers of various departments in government ministries employ in milking the nation, adding that the role of professional managers as major agents of real change in Nigeria is not only critical but indispensable, he noted.

Three Nigerian banks rank high on digital media ByFavour Nnabugwu

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hree banks in the country have been rated high among the top ten commercial bank that employ the use of digital space in Nigeria by Africa’s largest Digital media company, Terragon Group.

The banks are Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Zenith Bank and Wema bank among the top ten commercial banks.

Terragon Group in its report which highlighted digital insights in the Nigerian banking industry, was based on analysis conducted over a period of three months and which focused on key activities carried out by the banks using digital media, their innovations and what impact these activities have on their overall business achievements.

Head of Strategy and Research at the Terragon Group, Juno Kurian, who spoke on the report stated

that the digital media offers an endless array of opportunities which banks can use to attract new customers, engage existing customers and sustain their relevance in the ever evolving digital space.

The report also focused on elements of their online presence while providing insights on Website traffic, Search Engine Optimisation, Bounce rate, Web mentions, Social Media Assets, mobile speed and user experience.

The report findings ranked GTBank, Zenith Bank and First Bank high on the index of website country ranking, while the GTBank and Fidelity Bank websites were judged to be the most engaging.

According to the group, this analysis has made it clear that the banks are aware of the advantages of digital marketing, as seen in the ways in which they have latched on.

He argued that the country cannot wait for a change in the eradication of corruption in all sectors as positive change in government’s attitude to employment, protection of lives and properties, quick dispensation of justice without fear or favour, reawaken the civil service sector, change in the mode of the distribution of the nation’s wealth, where minority of Nigerians share 99% of the wealth as against the prevailing practice of less than 5% of the population, a tiny cabal, cornering close to 90% of the wealth of the nation among others.

Power generation “During the 16 years of post military regime, Nigeria was only able to generate about an average of 2,500 mega watts of power for about 170 million Nigerians whose power requirement was estimated at 40,000 mega watts.

Funds estimated at $16 billion was released for power supply improvement but very little of it was utilised for the purpose and even to this day power generation remains at about 4,500 mega watts” he stated.

On the addition to the demands of our professional ethics and internal benchmarks and controls, he advised that Professional Managers, particularly those in leadership roles, should encourage whistle blowing and use it positively to keep people and the system continuously on their toes.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015 — 23

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

There's no short cut to obtaining visa —Pompermaier The Italian Consul General in Nigeria, Mr. Andrea Pompermaier, has said that one of the things that are topmost to him as the Consul General of Italy to Nigeria is offering both Nigerian visa applicants and Italians resident and or doing various businesses in Nigeria, the best of consular services.

Pompermaier, who advised visa applicants to stay away from patronizing embassy touts, pointed out that it is wrong for applicants to believe that there is a shortcut to obtaining visa. In this session with Victor Gotevbe and Vera Samuel Anyagafu, the Italian Consul General also discussed NigeriaItaly bi-lateral relationships, culture, politics among other issues. Excerpts

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IGERIA-Italy relationship: The most i m p o r t a n t task here is offering Italians and Nigerians the best of possible consular services.

Although, sometimes we are unable to deliver the services in the way we would like, our corner-

stone are transparency and integrity which are important to us. In other words, we are really doing our best and are constantly seeking ways to improve the way we work and the way we interact with the people who need us.

I am delighted to state also that the Italian community in Nigeria

is about one thousand in number, although smaller than the Nigerian community in Italy, it is very active and rooted in the Nigerian society, culture, etc. The Italian community in Nigeria do not only rely on the services of the Consulate but also on the Italian International School of Lagos,

•Italian Consul General Mr. Andrea Pompermaier, “Erico Mattei” where the children can follow the Italian curriculum.

Applying for a visa: It is imperative for applicants who are applying for various categories of visa to Italy to attentively read the instructions found on our website and secondly to stick to the rules. The worst thing they can do is to believe that there is a shortcut, or a hidden way. It is

possible to bargain or believe that there are people who can help, but these are by far, the worst possible ways to approach us.

Diplomatic experience: It has been very inspiring and interesting. Although this is my first time in Africa, I repent not coming earlier, and I must add that I really enjoyed the years spent in the other Italian Embassies in Europe and in Asia. My last posting was Rome, where I worked in the European Union Department, but I am particularly delighted to be here in Nigeria and working with this wonderful people of Nigeria.

Major challenges at Consulate: The major problem for the Consulate General of Italy is to be able to efficiently deliver the required services. But this is not easy at all, considering the increasing interest of the Italian business in the Nigeria economy and if we also consider the growing number of Nigerians who want to visit Italy. In addition, Italy is attracting millions of visitors from the entire world to the Milano Expo and we are working hard in that regard.

Consulates assistance to Italians, Nigerians: We have a good number of Italians in Nigeria, and it is difficult to quantify them. Italy like Nigeria is a diversified country and the Italians request all kinds of assistance from the consulate, therefore our activities have basically no limit. I must tell you that this is also the fun side of our job because we are in touch with all possible issues. However, we are committed to ensuring that all consular services sort for by both Nigerians and Italians are met.

Stereotypes between Nigeria and Italy: Unfortunately, I often have the feeling that in both countries there is the tendency to simplify the reality and to believe that Nigeria is just an African country and Italy is just one of the European countries.

In reality both countries have a unique cultural heritage and a unique way of life. By knowing each other we have a lot to learn.

Improving and promoting Italian language and culture in Nigeria: To this light, we are offering Italian courses and various Italian delicacies to interested Nigerians. This is so because we believe that culture must be accessible to everyone which is why these courses are done at no cost. We are also involved in intra-cultural activities and participants in our various programs are encouraging.

Suggestions to the Lagos State government: The Lagos State Government has experts in urbanization and city planning and they must be real experts to organize a town of the dimension of Lagos.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—25

Between actor Odunlade Adekola and MAPOLY students: The true story

By Tofarati Ige

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OPULAR Yoruba actor, Odunlade Adekola has finally opened up on what transpired between him and some students of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State,MAPOLY, when he was accused of ordering thugs to beat up the latter.

Adekola was reacting to the report, three years after it went viral on the internet in April, 2013. He allegedly threw caution to the wind when he and his thugs beat up a civil servant and some students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic,after the students insisted that they should put-off the generating set, which they were using to shoot a film, “because it was disturbing the neighbourhood.”

The handsome actor described the report as “a set up”, adding that “as a celebrity, I’m sure you know that the report was false. It’s not possible.

It’s a ploy by my haters to tarnish my image.

There are ups and

downs in life, and no matter what you do, there will always be people who will want to cause problems and say bad things about you. That’s what happened then. Apart from that, I’ve never read any negative report about myself in the national dailies.”

When asked why he has not featured in an English movie, the handsome actor quipped, ‘I have acted in a lot of English movies, and very soon, they will hit the market. Some are already making waves in the market. I am currently involved in a lot of projects.

I need my fans prayers which is the most important thing for me.”

On what it feels like being signed to Glo again as an ambassador, the thespian who is currently studying Business Administration at the Lagos State University,LASU, said, “It’s a great thing for me because Glo appreciates my work. Like I always tell people, it is only Glo that really appreciates the arts, entertainment, and celebrities in this country. I was glad when Glo renewed my contract as Glo ambassador.’

Odunlade Adekola

g n i y d n a f k o o b e c Fa y d n a c o r f for A A

FAN of US-based controversial Nigerian actress, Judith Mazagwu, popularly known as Afrocandy, Frank Anton Jr. has confessed his undying love for the porn-star.

The fan took to his Facebook page during the week to pour out his heart to the soft-porn actress.

“Judith Mazagwu a.k.a AfroCandy is the best woman I have ever met in my life. She is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters.

She is a sharp independent business woman.

She is a Nollywood screen star. She writes and produces her own Afro pop music. She is a great cook. And she is a tigress in bed. All you Haters and Bible thumpers are just jealous of her success.

I stand by her. Now. And forever. She is the love of my life. And I worship her and the ground she walks on. I love her madly. And always will. So Haters you all go to hell and leave her be,” Frank Anton Jr writes on his Facebook page. You can’t beat the feeling!

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Patoranking

Patoranking ready for US tour R Afrocandy

EIGNING dance-hall star, Patoranking is set to storm the United States of America for his musical tour.

The singer has announced that his ‘What Ya Say Tour’ packaged by Big A entertainment is set to kick off this month where he’ll perform at major US cities like Dallas, Washington, New York, Atlanta and other cities.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

When Glo thrilled fans with Lafta fest 2

By Innocent Onoja

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AST Sunday, Globacom dazzled Lagosians with entertainment unlimited as it paraded top Nigerian comedians and musicians in the second edition of Glo Laffta Fest, which held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Anchored by the hilarious Basketmouth, the Lagos edition of the show had the likes of Funny Bone, performing alongside other top comedians like Okey Bakassi, Bovi, I Go Die, Seyi Law,and Ugandan-born comedian, Salvador among others.

While the show lasted, the audience danced, rocked and sang along as the artistes thrilled them with their performances.

Jimmy

Jattkkkkkkkk

Electrifying performances Okey Bakassi raised the roof with jokes, while describing himself as one comedian that has come of age. He exuded mature confidence when he gradually led the crowd through a maze of complex jokes in a way that only a master could do and still got the crowd roaring in delight at the end of it.

His joke about the biblical King Solomon and his wives was a clincher.

But it was pop singer and Glo ambassador, Burna Boy who stole the show. He stirred the audience with his breathtaking performance of one of his hit tracks, “Follow me run my Race”, which kept the fans yearning for more.

The climax of the show was when Wizkid mounted the stage and performed some of his evergreen songs.

While his performance lasted, the Ojuelegba crooner got the audience dancing and singing along with him.

Star arss ssttorm D’banj’s cocktail par ty ffor or Bono party

By Juliet Ebirim

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*Funny Bone

OLLOWING the a r r i v a l of U2 band leader and ONE.org co-founder, Bono in Lagos, the circus came to town. Top celebrities had a feel of

Jide Kosoko, Keira Hewatch, others in Anger

By Anozie Egole

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Jide kosoko C M Y K

FTER the successful release of one of his blockbuster movie, Diana’s Verdict, which was released in March this year, one of the Nigeria’s finest movie producers, Ideh Chukwuma, a.k.a , Onesoul, has concluded plans for the release another flick, titled, “Anger ”, into the DVD market.

The Edo State-born film maker, is still working very hard to make his mark in the movie industry. According to him, “In Africa, there are so many talented youths with

great ideas and skills but not too many of them have the opportunity to express themselves and put these skills into play.

I come from a very humble background where I had to work extremely hard for anything I ever wanted.

If I wanted to eat, I had to work for it. If I wanted shoes, I had to work for it. If I wanted clothes and a roof over my head, I sure did have to work hard for it. I also strove to get the education that I got because I knew that if I wanted to be successful, I had to work

twice as hard for it. I didn’t get anything on a platter of gold so I know that I have to give everything the best that I have got. I feel blessed with the opportunity given to me by 2wice As Nice Studio. It is hard to see people who believe in young talent like myself, but they strongly do and are investing so much for my career to be a success and I owe everything to them,”The movie features Jide Kosoko, Keira Hewatch, Kunle Remi amongst others.

honour and excitement, while major media platforms had the news buzzing and were eager to discover what business the legendary rock star came to Nigeria to conduct.

He surely had a great time and experienced the Lagos life as one of Africa’s biggest stars D’Banj hosted the legendary rock star and the ONE.org team at the Osborne Foreshore Boat Club in Ikoyi last Thursday evening.

Working on the remix Stars and celebrities were all in attendance at this event as there were musical performances from D’Banj, Waje, Seyi Shay, Victoria Kimani, Diamond Platnumz.

Other stars present include M.I, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, DJ Jimmy Jatt amongst others.

Bono alongside other top African acts are working on the remix of ‘Strong Girl’, the campaign anthem for the ONE.org’s ‘Poverty is Sexist’ campaign against abuse and injustice towards women and the girl child.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—27

How secured are you on wireless network connections

Twitter Women: 5 Interesting Nigerian women to follow on Twitter

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By Maximilian Anosike

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ONNECTING to WIFI better known as “piggybacking” has been the only free way for internet users perusing into categories of websites without being charged for internet service.

However, as users find it difficult to stay offline, this has specifically exposed their files to an unsecured wireless network. Now comes the question, is it safe connecting to an unknown wireless network? Here comes some safe method of handling such problems Ground Ad hoc networking The network allows the user to share files from one system to the other. When your ad-hoc networking is turned on, it gives room for malicious users hacking into your system leaving you with nothing but to put your system at risk.

Turning of your ad-hoc network will restrict users form altering connections.

Disable automatic connections Browsing via WIFI connects users to different online connections. The danger here is when your setting is enabled to connect any network which may be designed by rogues taking up leverage of spying into your files without the user’s awareness.

Automatic connections It is of great advantage for internet users restricting automatic connections to avoid cyber-bullying.

Install firewall software This prevents unauthorized access to your device, its defensive in screening incoming access and as well ensures that incoming connections are legitimately approved by the user.

Turn file sharing off Users connects to WIFI network without knowing that their file sharing is turned on, when a user is connected to any network his files are being exposed to different users which was as a result of enabling his file sharing being turned on. However joining allows others to have access to your files. Turning it off will serve as the only way out for such a user.

Get encrypted The use of virtual private network (VPN) secure

C M Y K

connections among users is advised to have an encrypted code which keeps off hackers away from your files when being connected to a WIFI

network. However, most hackers find it easy to connect to unencrypted devices.

Having an encryption code

keeps users away from being hacked.

Cooking in a whole new method with Lightwave Oven

HERE’S always the saying that what a man does, a woman can do better. Much as chauvinism may not allow the male folk to easily admit that, recent developments are proving the cliché right. What with the rise of female empowerment worldwide?, Today, just like men make waves on twitter, many women also, actually hold their side on Twitter so tight.

But see top Nigerian women making waves on twitter Tiwa Savage: @TiwaSavage, is @MAVINRECORDS’ first lady. Whilst also being the first female Pepsi ambassador in Nigeria, she is an inspiration for Nigerian women, whether young or old.

Her music aims to encourage and motivate young female artists and she uses her Twitter handle to share her journey and lifestyle to her followers.

Seyi Shay: @iamseyishay is one of the leading female artists in the Nigerian music industry. With her charming smile and beautiful voice, she has worked her way up to the top in the entertainment industry. She doesn’t fail to keep her followers updated with her music, tour dates and lifestyle through her Twitter handle.

W

ITH all new features and improved cooking power, the LG’s Lightwave Oven released recently, looks the perfect balance between work and life which most working- class women crave for.

Some of these ladies spend as much as nine solid hours at work and coupled with the crazy traffic situation of Nigerian roads, for example, getting home to cook can only be tiring.

Even when she manages to perform that marital obligation, there must be a price to pay- the taste may be compromised.

This is apparently why LG electronics says its Lightwave Oven technology is women friendly. It enable them enjoy the speed and energy-saving offering of a microwave, without forfeiting the taste, texture and flavor of traditional cooking in convection ovens. This is all due to its core technology.

Speaking on the core technology behind the microwave oven, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, said: “With the expansion of Lightwave technology into our latest over-the-range microwave ovens, cooking is now easier than ever before so families can spend more time doing things that matter most.”.

The product is touted to be an innovation so easy to use, and great additions to any kitchen.

With simple features like onetouch controls and child lock

protection, LG helps users create perfectly cooked meals without the hassle.

LG’s says the Lightwave Technology is a multi-heating system designed to cook healthier, tastier, gourmetstandard food with the minimum of fuss. By letting food retain its natural flavors, Lightwave makes dishes that are crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside.

Besides this product, LG also released SolarDOM and other Lightwave ovens, which it said make dishes crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside. It uses a powerful halogen heater to give instant intense surface heat which also penetrates deep into the food so inside of the food is cooked at the same time. This form of cooking is fast and efficient, keeping food moist, tender and bursting with flavor. The upper and lower heaters allow the user to simply grill both the top and bottom of

the food resulting in browned toppings and crispy bottoms.

The LG SolarDOM Microwave Oven is three easy to use kitchen appliances in one. Cooking in an LG SolarDOM presents you with a number of cooking options including Microwaving, Grilling and Convection Oven.

Twitter handle Asa: @Asa_official, the wellknown Nigerian-French singer is a very influential artist in Nigeria, especially for her debut single ‘’Jailer”. She uses her Twitter to give a peek into her world of music, as well as fashion and photography.

Oluchi: @OLUCHI described as a ‘’fashion mini goddess” is one of Nigeria’s most well- known models. Oluchi has graced the covers of Italian Vogue, ELLE, Untold and others magazines.

On Twitter, @OLUCHI keeps admirers updated with her photoshoots, lifestyle and travels. @bilikiss is the CEO of @realwecyclers , Nigeria’s only recycling venture with a focus on community engagement. A truly inspirational entrepreneur, @bilikiss is constantly raising awareness about social impact in Nigeria and women power.

28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED GERMAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Enoh German, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Enoh Marcus.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BABADUSI—I, formerly known and addressed as Babadusi Temitope Magaret, now wish to be known and addressed as Ojo Temitope Magaret. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SANNI—I, formerly known and addressed as Sanni Abun Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Orawemen Abun Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGODA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agoda Florence Onome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Erhini Florence Onome. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O L U B O D E— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Anuoluwapo Jane Olubode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anuoluwapo Jane Ottah Chie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

LASISI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lasisi Adefolawe Rasidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olisa Mojisola Adefolawe Rasidat.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENEMUWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enemuwe Augustina Etuwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sampson Augustina Etuwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Addition of Name PRAISING—I, formerly known and addressed as Praising Haruna, now wish to be known and addressed as Bature Praising Haruna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EWHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abosede Agbeke Adija, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abosede Agbeke Adija Ewhe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ETINAGBEDIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Etinagbedia Kesiena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Duru Kesiena Maureen. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNMUYIWA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunmuyiwa Janet Nike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyenowo Adenike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGUEZE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agueze Rita Omogor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuji Omogor Rita. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name AMINU—I, formerly known and addressed as Aminu Jimoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Jimoh Hassan Aminu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABAZUWA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abazuwa Rachel Amarachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rachel Amarachi Emmanuel Maduka.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Pearl Olanma Agwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pearl Olanma Umeh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N D U K W E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinonyerem Esther Ndukwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinonyerem Esther Awa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SAKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing O. Agbuke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing O. Agbuke Sakpa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Ada Akor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mercy Ada Jonathan.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obiechina Ngozi Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoro Ngozi Mercy.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODOLE-ADEYEMI — I, formerly known as Odole-Adeyemi Bisola, now wish to be known as OnanugaOdole Bisola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHARLES—I, formerly known and addressed as Aleke Linus Charles, now wish to be known and addressed as Aleke Linus Nnanyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odo Lawretta Ngozika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amuluche Lawretta Ngozika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ode Josephine Omah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekeh Josephine Omah. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, NYSC, EBSU, and general public please take note.

ARTHUR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uko Grace Arthur, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Offia Grace Joseph. All former documents remain valid. Fidel Polytechnic Gboko, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and general public please take note.

L AW R E N C E — I , formerly known and addressed as Chinwendu Lawrence, now wish to be known and addressed as Okanume Angela Chinwendu. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc and general public please take note.

EBUEHI LINDA—I, formerly known and addressed as Ebuehi Linda Nugwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Ejidoh Jody Nugwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKHIDENO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akhideno Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kolade Oreoluwa Jennifer. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ERHURHU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejovwoke Victory Erhurhu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ejovwoke Omajuwa Eme Ejueyitsi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DICKSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Nonye Dickson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Nonye Dandison. All former documents remain valid. National Open University and general public please take note.

ARIYO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ariyo Oluwawalaaye Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. A d e o y e Oluwawalaaye Mary.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name

public please take note.

JIMOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Jimoh Raliat Olabimpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebimpe Raliat Olabimpe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKRODHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salome Bernard Okrodhe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Salome Uyoyooghene John-Itoje. All former documents remain valid. Imo State University and general public please take note.

I KW U G WA L U — I , formerly known and addressed as Ikwugwalu Maureen Amaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwokolo Maureen Amaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AG B E FAW O — I , formerly known and addressed Agbefawo Kafayat Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Iyoriobhe Damilola Kafayat. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

EFFIONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Bassey Asuquo Effiong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Bassey James Essien.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEKACHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Onyekachi Paul Smith, now wish to be known and addressed as Uwalaka Albertius Nnamdi. All former documents remain valid. Embassies and general public please take note.

JOHN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ejiro John, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Whitely Ejiro Rejoice.

All former documents remain valid. Delta State University Abraka, NYSC and general public please take note.

ILOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Emeka Hillary Iloh, now wish to be known and addressed as Oguebe Emeka Michael. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MOKWUNYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss M o k w u n y e Fumnanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okigbo Fumnanya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SOLOMON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Solomon Edidiong Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Blessing Ifeyinwa Nwabukwu. All former documents remain valid.

Benue State University, Makurdi and general public please take note.

EMENE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eno Deborah Emene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Deborah Eno Chinedum. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, Akwagu Helen Nkem and Ogbe Helen Nkem is the same person. All former

documents

remain valid. Wema Bank and general

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015 — 29

Vanguard CLASSIFIED HARRISON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oritsemaitosan Deborah Harrison, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oritsemaitosan Deborah DayoIbironke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWABUDE— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwabude Franca Ekwutosi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anya Franca Ekwutosi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKPUKPU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Josephine Ohwobevughe Grace Ikpukpu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbogidi Grace Josephin. All former documents remain valid.

Delta State Primary Education Board (S P E B), Asaba and Local Government Education Authority Ughelli, First Bank and general public please take note.

IMARHIAGBE— I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Imarhiagbe Betty Omoariagbon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bekederemo Betty Omoariagbon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMAME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omame Rachael Ejiroghene, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Njubigbo Rachael Ejiroghene .

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CHIGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Doris Nkiruka Chigbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkiruka .D. Chigbo OmorodionOsagie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BENI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Hope Ejiroghene Beni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hope Ejiroghene Erhieyovwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBONMEROH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith peace Agbonmeroh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Peace Azeta. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

E H WA R I E M E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss E h w a r i e m e Oghenevwaire Julie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Otu Oghenevwaire Julie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKERUVBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Obakpororo Ekeruvbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Esigbone. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EGBOSI-OWHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Egbosi-Owho Hannah Favour Ovuokerie, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Egbosi Hannah Favour Ovuokerie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABDULKADIR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abdulkadir Bukola Fatima, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sayi Bukola Fatima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ike Ebube Gloria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nnaji Ebube Gloria. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, IMT Enugu, and general public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Chika Abel Okonkwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Chisong Chika Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKOGHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Beauty Esiri Ikoghe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Beauty Esiri Innocent.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AWOYEMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwadamilola Eliana Awoyemi, now I wish to be known and addressed as Oluwadamilola Eliana Adeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MESSIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Frances Erhuvwu Messiri, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Frances Erhuvwu Oghenejode. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANOCHIRIONYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Praise Chinenye Anochirionye, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Praise Chinenye Cyriacus. All former documents remain valid. FGGC BwariAbuja and general public please take note.

ARIKHON—I, formerly known as Miss Arikhon Aimeya Belinda, now wish to be known as Mrs. Okpebholo Aimeya Belinda. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Law Reform Commission and general public, please take note.

OKOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Miracle Oluebube Okoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Miracle Oluebube Orji. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AY E T U O M A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Victory Onoriode Ayetuoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victory Onoriode Onyeolu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O N Y E M A — I , Onyema Helen Ifeyinwa married to Ibe Victory Chinonso, wish to henceforth be known as Ibe Helen Ifeyinwa. Every other credentials and documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLODI —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olodi Onome Ruth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akalusi Onome Ruth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA N D U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ginika Regina Mary Nwandu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ginika Regina Mary Chinonso-Anikpe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSUDIBIA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akudo Mary Osudibia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Inyama Mary Akudo.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JOHNSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet Onyinyechi Johnson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Juliet Onyinyechi Kingsley Wele. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ZEISI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zeisi Mary Ozioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mary Ozioma Z. Okafor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EMENOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Emenogu Geraldine Uchechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Justice-Iboh Geraldine Uchechi. All former documents remain valid.

Enterprise Bank and general public please take note.

SIDO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edirin Patience Sido, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Edirin Sido Omoko.

All former documents remain valid.

University of Benin, SMEDAN and general public please take note.

NDEDAJUO— I , formerly known and addressed as Ogomegbunam Ndedajuo, now wish to be known and addressed as Franklin Cyprain Amuzie. All former documents remain valid. U.B.A and general public please take note.

IGWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwe Comfort Ngasha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omah Comfort Ngasha. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKORONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Ginikachi Okoronkwo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ginikachi Elvis. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMAECHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amaechi Joy Chinonyerem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nebolisa Ikenna Joy Chinonyerem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GREEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Green Biebele Happiness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Boogerd Biebele Happiness. All former documents remain valid.

UNIPORT, Angelic Friends, The Great U2006 House, and general public please take note.

S I M E O N — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogolo Boma Simeon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Boma Damiete Korubo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

HART—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sodienye Hart, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sodienye Hart Ombu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SOBAJO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwatoyin Titilope Sobajo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatoyin Titilope Oluwadare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Winnifred Adanna Agbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Winnifred Adanna Joshua ChibuezeAgbo. All documents bearing former names remain valid. General public please take note.

SULAIMAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sulaiman Mariam Iyabode, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fanu Mariam Iyabode.

All documents bearing former names remain valid. LASU, banks and general public please take note.

ONYENAUCHEYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Onyenaucheya Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Onyenaucheya Chidi Innocent Uche. All former documents remain valid.

Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria, FMC, Yenagoa and general public please take note.

JUSTICE— I , formerly known and addressed as Justice Samson Princewill, now wish to be known and addressed as Ofolo Denis Princewill. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Okwaraononuju Chinemerem, hereby confirm that the names Okwara Judith C. and Okwaraononuju Judith, refer to one and same me.

All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank PLC and general public please take note.

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

How to beat child kidnappers

Teach children to report friendly strangers Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

T

HE kidnapping of underage children is becoming the new gold mine for some people, who are gradually losing their humanity and have totally lost compassion for parents and their offspring. So disastrous is the trend that hardly a day goes by without a report of child theft in the media. The trade in children seems on the rise globally too.

One of the most popular this year was that of Lagos-based Orekoyas, who almost lost three children in April to a 23-year-old nanny they had hired via a popular online marketing platform.

In Cross River State alone, over 20 children are reportedly kidnapped every nine months.

The number might be relatively small, but the implications and effects are heartbreaking.

Civil society According to a civil society group, coalition of Prevent Abuse of Children Today, PACT’s report, victims could be canon fodders for rituals, used as source of cheap labour, trafficking for prostitution purposes or subjects of illegal adoption.

In Abuja, six children were, in July, rescued from kidnappers by police officers from Force Headquarters. Earlier in the week, the ceaseless cry of a fourmonth-old baby was reported to have saved three children from a woman later identified simply as Eno, in Lagos. While Eno claimed to be their mum, the oldest of the kids, a four-year-old, denied knowing her. The case is

currently being investigated by the police.

However, the onus is on parents, caregivers and the children to be watchful, careful and factor in God’s grace for protection when perpetrators employ spell or coercion. With perpetrators continuously innovating new ways of doing business, every concerned parent need to be a step ahead.

A few tips will help: Let your child be aware It is so unfortunate that children, who should be taught respect for adults and value for human life, have to be exposed to societal ills too early. But since birds have learned to fly without perching, men also have got to shoot without missing (apologies Achebe). So, without mincing words, say it as it is to your child.

Let them know there are young, old men and women out there whose chief aim is to ‘steal’ them.

Establish a password: Pretending to be sent by parents to pick them tops the list of strategies employed by kidnappers. But the bubble burst for one of them recently when the child approached threw this question at the kidnapper: “What’s the password?” The kidnapper could not answer the question and the child immediately took to her heels.

Apparently, the parents had established a password which the child must require from anyone who claims to have been sent to pick her from school or wherever.

Use the school bus: If your child’s school has got a bus, then use it.

This is because history has proved that children are less likely to be kidnapped on their way to and from school if taken by their official school bus. This is especially as most children now form

the habit of wandering carelessly with friends on their way to and from school.

In situations where the child schools very close to your home, never have too much confidence in proximity for their safety; many have been abducted right under their parents’ nose and even on the same street where they live. Except very old enough to discern, defend and protect themselves to a reasonable extent, do not let the child go to and return from school without the company of a trusted

adult. Also, never leave your child totally in the care of another minor.

Teach house addresses, phone numbers With a little training and practice, it is easy to teach children this vital information.

Children, who can recite their house addresses as well as emergency phone numbers, are less likely to be lost forever as it is easier to deliver them from potential abductors.

Sadly, history is replete with cases of rescued children who could not make available these vital information. Meanwhile, there are plenty of fun ways to teach children their house addresses and phone numbers.

One of them is to let the child draw a picture of him or herself in front of a house on a sheet, and then recite repeatedly and write his address on it. As early as they can learn numbers, let them begin reciting your phone numbers.

No edibles from strangers Except your child is a street kid begging for alms, he or she should be taught never to accept unsolicited gifts, particularly edibles, from strangers.

Kidnappers have repeatedly employed such means to lure children to destinations of no return.

The earlier a child is taught to avoid even going to meet strangers who beckon at them, the less prone the child is to being a victim.

Tell them to report friendly strangers In some cases, prospective kidnappers groom target victims by becoming friendly with them.

It could happen on social media platforms. Neighbours and total strangers can begin to act ‘uncle’ and ‘aunty.’ If your child is (inevitably) on any social platform, be his or her friend. And put parental control on that birthday mobile you bought for that child.

Nannies from online marketing platform?

It is a no-no. Children are too delicate and trusting to put in the hands of a stranger ‘yanked’ off a computer in the name of technological advancement.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015—31

Gov candidates flay arrest of Rivers INEC boss P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— COALITION of 2015 governorship candidates in Rivers State has condemned recent arrest and harassment of the Rivers State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dame Gesilia Khan.

Speaking, yesterday at the Rivers State headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, in Port Harcourt, the governorship candidate of KOWA party, Mr Kemka Stanley-Elenwo, said that most of the candidates who contested the governorship election congratulated the winner, Governor Nyesom Wike because of the credibility of the exercise.

He recalled that previous elections in the state were characterised by all forms of rigging and manipulation, adding that the last governorship election was unique as it was conducted in accordance with the electoral guidelines, a situation he said informed why they congratulated the winner.

“It takes somebody like Khan to conduct elections in Rivers State because she followed the rules. We must say that the election was better than previous elections. The way she conducted

the election was why we did not waste time in congratulating the winner. We are not talking as praise singers but as people who spent money to participate in the election,” he said.

Chairman of the Coalition and governorship candidate of United Progressive Party, in the last governorship election, Deacon Akwu Parker, said that they were convinced that the election was well conducted, adding that they had resolved to work for the interest of the

state because they knew from day one that only one person will be elected governor of the state in the election.

“We are convinced that the election was well organised. We appreciate the winner. There is time for everything. The purpose of our coalition is to serve the state and inspire faith in our followers, we want to work with the governor that has won for the good of the state,” he said.

Dame Khan commended the six candidates for their spirit of

sportsmanship.

She recalled that she hesitated to resume in the state when she was redeployed from Delta State but she was told to see her posting as a sign of trust and confidence.

Other governorship candidates that were Citizens Popular Party, Mr Royal Enhida, National Conscience Party, NCP, Mrs Tepikor Anatasia, New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Engr Godwin David and Prince Uche ChukwuoftheAllianceforDemocracy.

BIRTHDAY: From left: Mr. Foluso Phillips, Chairman, Sickle Cell Advocacy, Ms. Toyin Adesola, celebrator/founder, Sickle Cell Advocacy, Mrs. Oyebola Adesola, celebrator's mother and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, chairman of the occasion, at the 50th birthday reception and launch of a new book by Ms. Toyin Adesola in Lagos, yesterday.

IYC worries over alleged stoppage of work on Maritime varsity A

By Emma Amaize

SABA—IJAW Youth Council, IYC, complained, yesterday, that President Muhammadu Buhari administration has ordered a stoppage to on-going constructions for the take-off of the Maritime University, NMU, Okerenkoko, Delta State, which groundbreaking was performed by former President Goodluck Jonathan in May. IYC in a statement by its spokesperson, Mr. Eric Omare, also accused the Buhari government of frustrating the resumption of the Nigerian Maritime Administrative and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Science and Technical College, Okoloba, Delta State, describing same as “political victimization taken too far.

“Since assumption of office, all steps taken by President Buhari and his kinsmen with respect to NIMASA, are all geared towards frustrating the Maritime University, Okerenkoko, NIMASA Science and Technical College, Okoloba, Delta State and any project or programme perceived to be of benefit to the Niger Delta region.

“President Buhari’s administration has ordered all ongoing projects, programmes C M Y K

for the take-off of the Maritime University, Okerenkoko to be stopped, whereas other tertiary institutions in other parts of the country where maritime programmes are being sponsored

by NIMASA are allowed to continue.

“These institutions are Ibrahim Babangida University, Minna, Niger State, University of Lagos, Federal University of Technology,

Gombe, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the approval for the maritime programmes in these institutions were given at the time same with the Maritime University, Okerenkoko."

Ex-miilitant leader tasks Buhari on better handling of amnesty programme

B

By Onoja Innocent

OMADI—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to handle the amnesty programme better than the outgone administration in order to bring its dividends to the Niger Delta and its youths who are in various training programmes within and outside the country.

Ex-militant leader under Phase 3 of the amnesty programme, Mr.

Preye Ekpebide, who made the call, pointed out that the programme according an agreement between government and the Niger Delta ex-agitators was to terminate this year, but with the ongoing training of youths within and abroad, government should extend the termination date for a logical conclusion of the programme.

The ex-militant leader also made

case for successfully trained exmilitants, noting that proper reintegration was necessary without delay as ex-agitators would never want a situation where trained youths would go back to their former life style due to frustration arising from failure on the part of government to find them work to do.

2016 GOV POLL: Group tasks Edo people on credible candidate

B

By Simon Adewale

ENIN—THE Edo League for Good Governance, has called on Edo State people to show serious interest on who succeeds Governor Adams Oshiomole comes 2016 governorship election.

Briefing newsmen in Benin, its Coordinator, Mr. Henry Okpamen, urged Edo people to

show more interest in who succeeds Oshiomole in the forthcoming election, noting that the people knew where they were before Oshiomole came to their rescue.

He said: “Oshiomhole may not have succeeded in meeting all our desires and expectations but he is certainly not leaving us where he met us. When he bows out in 2016,

his landmarks and legacies will be manifest before us.

“Our concern is that the turkey projects like the storm water projects designed to check once and for all the perennial erosion problem in the state capital started by Oshiomole should continue even when Oshiomhole bows out."

Burutu LG legislative arm leader impeached

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—LEADER of the Legislative arm of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Mr. William Elagha has been impeached for alleged gross misconduct and incompetence in the discharge of his duties.

It was learned that the motion for the impeachment was moved by and seconded by Mr. Owotorufa Pereotubo and Mr. Asiayia respectively.

Reacting to the impeachment, Elagha said he was not impeached, noting that he resigned after 12 of the 20 councilors in the legislative arm moved against him.

He added that a motion for his impeachment was not moved by anyone, adding that that it was a motion without notice that was moved.

Urhobo College old students meet

U

RHOBO College Old Students Association, UCOSA, Lagos branch, will hold its monthly meeting on September 12, 2915 at White House hotel, Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA, Ikeja, by 4p.m. All old students of the college are invited.

Govt College Ughelli Old Boys hold wealth mgt forum

G

OVERNMENT College, Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, Lagos branch will hold a one-day wealth management forum at its secretariat 22, McNail Road, Yaba, Lagos on September 10, 2015.

The forum with the theme “Managing Wealth in a Changing World,” is in partnership with UBS, Nigeria.

Prof. Itse Sagay will deliver the keynote address, while Henry Erimodafe, Country Head of UBS, Nigeria and Jurg Haller, Vice Chairman of UBS wealth Managements are to be facilitators at the forum.

32 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 ARIES; Both yourself and other important personalities to you are beginning to see things from same point of view making it easy for you to eliminate unnecessary rift.

TAURUS; Venus moves into a positive angle to your Star and encourages peaceful settlement. Exhibition of maturity on your part will favour you better.

GEMINI; Gradually you are dropping aggressive approach you have adopted in the last few days to the betterment of your cause. Remain practical till after 10.15pm.

CANCER. Other people will continue to have their says and if you try to indoctrinate them tensed atmosphere will be aggravated. Be patient.

LEO; Entrance of romantic Venus into a positive angle will enhance your prospects. Both financial and love related success are possible.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

The Weather

A

lady recently said to me - This weather is just not friendly. The sun is too much. Let the sun subside before I do it.

And I looked at her and said, supposing it starts raining now what will you do? The

truth is that the weather has never been friendly. Of course, it is not the business of the weather to be friendly to you. But your duty

TERROR MUDA

is to do everything within your power to be able to use the weather as it is. Tell me, have you ever seen a perfect weather? Whether

in “Scavenger Elite”

rain or sun, people have always complained. Yet, some people are making fortune from it, rain or sunshine. You too must do the same.

For he that must succeed does not need to look at the weather.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO; This is not the right time to rely on promises made by others. Continue to take matters-of-the-heart seriously. Reason with your reliable associates.

LIBRA; Better than yesterday; however that is not to say you should throw caution to the wind. Improvement on your love life indicated. Try to comport yourself.

SCORPIO ;After the am period you will become more aggressive. However your best way to success is to seek and reason with opinion of your spouse and/or important partners.

SAGITTARIUS; After a few days of fun you may need to settle down to serious business. Those of you working till very late evening will need to be more careful till after 10.15pm. Reason with your tried and trusted old hands(friends).

CAPRICORN; Venus moves into positive angle and boost your sparkling personality to the betterment of your cause. Could be a nice day for the-young-at-heart.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS; It is important you don’t allow your mind to wander unnecessarily so that minor but costly mistakes would be averted. Avoid late evening confusion.

PISCES; Recent tension generated by controversy over money will start to ease off. Be more vigilant if you are working late in the evening. Yet you will need to watch what you do within your base till after 10.15pm tonight.

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,

Good future for me?

Dear Joshua, I want to know about my future, especially what I should expect from my love life both in the immediate and far future. However that is not to say I am not interested in good financial standing.

Adegbite, Abuja.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Adegbite, Although there will be a particular time you will need to be more careful so that you will not gamble with love as predicted under your love life.

Major challenges for you here is inability to hold on to your gains (profits) partially by the contact made between your natal Saturn and Venus and some other times by your love of LUXORY (easy life). Although the Saturn influence can be mitigated, the love of luxury comes from your Taurus – Stallion which must not be totally discouraged but should not be allowed to go beyond your control. Yes envy and jealousy can creep in as indicated by the oppositions between your natal Venus/Saturn in Taurus and Jupiter in Scorpio, but that is not enough excuse for either failure or manipulation of occult powers against you. Whatever anybody says and/or does GREAT FINANCIAL SUCCESS is your portion.

The most influential planet during your birth hour is Venus-the planet of MONEY and LOVE. You are the romantic type whose magnetic personality and open handedness are sources of big trap to his members of opposite sex. As handsome as you are you truly crave stability in your love life, /home and the happiness you desired will be yours. You will need to watch carefully around and during your 44th year on earth as you may be tempted to gamble with matters-of-the-heart.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 , 2015— 33

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Hard times to hit businesses in Imo

NLC, TUC anti-corruption rally holds in Abia

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—ABIA State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC ] and the Trade Union Congress [TUC] held the anti-corruption protest as directed by their national leadership in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s war against corruption.

Led by the State chairmen of NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe and his TUC counterpart, Chris Okpara, the workers assembled at their Secretariat located on Aba Road, from where they proceeded to the Abia State House of Assembly where the NLC chairman read the address of the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba which he handed a copy over the the Speaker of the House, Mr. Martins Azubuike.

Addressing the workers, the Speaker who described them as the engine room of the economy commended their action and urged them to join hands with the State government to rid the State of corruption.

Azubuike noted that corruption has robbed the nation of enormous resources and urged them to ensure aggressive fight against the menace.

At the Government House, the workers were received by the

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—ALL business concerns in Imo State, including private schools, hospitals and clinics, are in for hard times, as the task forces set up by Governor Rochas Okorocha, have fine-tuned arrangements to slam extra taxes on them.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the principal reason behind the establishment of 37 task forces by the Okorocha administration, was for them to beef up the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.

Already, most of the task forces had not only swung into action, but had also held town hall meetings with businessmen, operators of private schools, clinics and hospitals.

It was also gathered that following the new arrangement, operators of private schools, clinics, hospitals and other medical establishments, including laboratories in rural or urban centres, are now expected to pay stipulated taxes to government.

The business concerns will be compelled to show evidence of payment of their operational permits from 2011 till date or be prepared to clear the backlog whenever members of the task forces come knocking.

A member of one of the task forces told Vanguard in confidence that even private borehole owners, would be compelled to part with varying sums of money as tax.

Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Okochukwu, who commended them for the orderly manner they carried the exercise.

He said that Labour and the Ikpeazu government were on the same page in the fight against corruption as according to him, the administration was committed to the eradication of corruption.

Okochukwu particularly

praised labour for the exercise saying, “coming from you, it is now a case of bottom-top approach,” which he hopes would urgur well for the fight against cooruption.

The Deputy Governor told the workers that the administration has begun the fight against corruption in earnest due the passage of a law on due procurement and

that the government was committed on due process.

The workers displayed some placards some which has insrciptions: “Abia NLC say no to corruption," "Corruption leads to brain drain," Embezzle the nation’s fund and go to jail," "All looters of our resources should be brought to book," "Be a proud Nigerian, shun corruption," "Corruption is worse than Ebola,” among others.

UNPAID SALARIES: Paid protesters fighting

me, says Enugu council boss

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—FOLLOWING the protest staged by alleged council employees,Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Victor Agbo, has dismissed with a wave of the hand, the protest by the group, who had claimed to be the council’s workers.

The protesters had stormed the Enugu Government House few weeks ago, where they alleged that they were being owed over six months salary arrears.

However, addressing journalists who were on a factfinding tour to the council, the chairman said he never owed six months salary arrears, stressing that by the time the

protest was on-going, “my workers were rejoicing over two months salary we paid them at once”.

Agbo said, “those people cannot be our workers because we have never owed up to six months salary arrears.

“By the time the protest was on-going, we were merely owing two months salary arrears. Even the NULGE, the umbrella body of workers in this council disowned the protest.

“So, up till now, we don’t know where those people came from; we don’t know who rented them. We are appealing to the media to help us investigate and find out the sponsors.”

Agbo further disclosed that

his administration had embarked on the construction of an international building materials market, with modern facilities along Enugu Port Harcourt Express Road.

According to him, the new market covering about 26.67 hectres of land when completed, would help to decongest the over crowded building materials market at Kenyatta and Amawbia street.

He added that they had so far constructed 200 shops out of the expected 1,500 shops and offices in the market.

He explained that the facilities in the new international building materials market would include, police post, banks, toilets, restaurants and other facilities.

Recover N1.8bn stolen from LGAs coffers, Umahi tells council chairmen

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI— GOVERNOR Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, wednesday, directed the newly sworn-in Caretaker Committee Chairmen of the 13 local government area of the state to immediately recover the N1.8 billion allegedly stolen from the coffers of the local government areas during the last administration in the state.

The governor gave the directive while swearing-in 13 Caretaker Committee Chairmen, their vice chairmen, secretaries; a permanent secretary and giving of staff of office to some traditional rulers at the International Conference Centre, Abakaliki.

The governor warned the chairmen to shun acts of corruption as the present administration has zero tolerance for corruption and financial misappropriation.

“The caretaker Committee Chairmen should recover all the N1.8 billion stolen from LGAs during the last administration. That money must be recovered. It is not going to be business as usual.

We want to change the plight of the women at the local level.

You are going to be monitored as this administration has zero tolerance for corruption.

“Don’t divide our people; forgive and carry everybody along; the plight of the people

is uppermost in our minds; your appointment is predicated upon the need for peace, forgiveness, agricultural development of the state and zero tolerance for corruption.

“Ensure that no child of Ebonyi is loitering about instead of being in school. You are going to embark on monitoring and supervision of educational activities of your areas as there is going to be joint project between state and LGAs in the construction of 10 kilometre roads in the LGAs," the governor said.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On President Buhari’s anti-corruption war

I

trust Mr. President.

The only thing that I ask of him is that he should not forget to probe Bukola Saraki, Amaechi, Tinubu, Atiku, Kwankwaso, among others. If he probes them, then he is serious in his anti-graft war. -Mr. Olawale Oyebode, Self Employed

C M Y K

I

f Buhari can take up Obasanjo, Atiku, Tinubu, Amaechi and Rochas, then he will do well in fighting corruption. But if he cannot, it means that he is just beating about the bush because Obj is the alleged reason for Nigeria's under-development. -Mr. Ernest Aneke, Worker

W

hat I can say about President Buhari’s anti-graft war is that Nigerians should not be in a hurry. There is no hiding place for the corrupt. Zero tolerance to corruption is our goal. Princess Bolanle Aladesanmi, Businesswoman

O

ur president must be very careful, so that those people surrounding him, including serving APC governors, especially the ones from S/East and S/South, do not corrupt him.

They all know themselves.

Presido, we need to expand our prison first o! -Mr. Kazeem Aremu, Worker

I

do not know how PMB would prosecute his party henchmen, who are alleged to be corrupt.

Most of these people helped him to come to power and Nigerians know them well. To me, I do not think it is going to work. -Miss Sandy Faith, Student

P

resident Buhari’s antigraft war is going to rock the boat and I pray he does not sink with the corrupt ones. He will step on many toes. I just wish him success because I totally agree with him that there must be cleansing. -Mr. Nelson Nwamara, Entrepreneur

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 35

Troops kill 10 suspected terrorists, arrest 64

I’m alive and’ll will keep demolishing illegal structures – EL-RUFAI

By Luka Binniyat

By Luka Binniyat

K

A D U N A — TROOPS of One Division of the Nigerian Army have killed no fewer than 10 bandits and suspected terrorists in Operation Restore Peace II in the North.

The Deputy Director, Public Relations of One Division headquarters in Kaduna, Col. Usman Abdul, said yesterday in a statement that during the operation, 64 terrorists and bandits were also arrested and handed over to the police and Department of State Services, DSS, for further investigations and prosecution.

He said 7,119 cattle, sheep and goats were also recovered from rustlers and bandits who had been terrorising people from the zone.

He said the operations were carried out by a combined team of Nigerian Army, Nigeria Air Force, Police, DSS and Customs personnel, among others.

Security expert condemns Terrorism Act

By Evelyn Usman

L

A G O S — RENOWNED security expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, has condemned Nigeria’s Terrorism Act,ATA, of 2011, which prescribes a term of not less than 20 years imprisonment for any one charged with the act of terrorism, describing it as a weak and bad piece of legislation incapable of deterring profit kidnap.

Ekhomu also urged government ministries and parastatals and corporate organisations to develop ‘’contingency planning protocols’’ in order to successfully manage kidnap for ransom.

Presenting a paper titled ‘The Theory and Practice of Managing Kidnap incidents’ at the ASIS African Security Conference in Lagos, yesterday, Ekhomu stated that the punishment prescribed for kidnapping by the ATA was too lenient, pointing out that prosecutors often used other statutes, such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Act to prosecute kidnappers to get longer jail terms.

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ADUNA—AFTER about two weeks of absence from public appearances, Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State yesterday showed up at a peaceful rally of local labour unions in the state and announced that he was alive and healthy, saying he would go on with the demolition of all illegal property erected on public school lands in the state His response came against the backdrop of wide spread rumours

that the governor was afflicted with a curse which made him sick and rushed abroad for medical attention as a result his demolition of property of powerful persons in Zaria, and his resolve to do same in Kaduna.

As if to prove the rumour mongers wrong, El Rufai, his deputy, Barnabas Bantex, and a coterie of aides walked half a kilometre from his Kaduna State Government House office under the blazing sun, down the entry gate where he met a crowd of

Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, members singing labour songs and carrying placards and banners bearing friendly messages.

El-Rufai listened to the praises showered on him and President Muhammadu Buhari and the demands by the NLC and TUC. In his response, El Rufai said: “I want to appreciate your support. I am grateful for all the suggestions you have given me. ‘’I have listened to your demands and I am going to take

your message to President Buhari. I am happy to be your messenger because I am just your mere servant and President Buhari is the number one civil servant in Nigeria. He is working for all of us.

“As for me, and my team, we are serious about making Kaduna a better place for all and very uncomfortable for a minority who grab school lands.

“They said I have died, some said that I have collapsed. They said all kinds of things but look at me here today. No one shall distract us from our goal of making Kaduna great again. We must make sure they lose these lands, no matter what it takes.''

Delta Assembly tasked on planned budget amendment

A

WORKSHOP: From right, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr Ekpo Nta; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Suraju Adekunbi and his Deputy, Hon Akintunde Adegboye, during a capacity building workshop on Transparency and Accountability for Speakers and lawmakers in South West geo-political zone at ICPC headquaters, Abuja on Wednesday.

LG boss, bank officials quizzed for aiding ex-minister to launder N4.4bn

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

former local government chairman in Kaduna State is in trouble for aiding and abetting a former minister to launder a whopping N4.4 billion.

The huge sum was moved from various sources into the account of former Chairman of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Yusuf Danjuma Akuso, between December 2014 and March 2015.

The account, which is domiciled in a new generation commercial bank, has also been placed under scrutiny by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. A team of interrogators has also quizzed the former chairman and top officials of the commercial bank, which assisted the suspect to move in and disburse the funds within the period.

The rapid lodgment and transfer of cash from the suspect’s account raised the suspicion that the man was providing a vent for the said top politician to ferry huge cash from the public till and forced the operatives of the EFCC to move

against him and the bankers.

But by the time the EFCC operatives moved in to block the account, the suspect and the bank had successfully aided the unnamed former minister to move N4,488,432,000 out of the N4,588,857.

But he also helped himself with the lodged funds by transferring some to himself.

When confronted by EFCC on the 26th of August, Akuso, reportedly claimed he merely

provided his account for a politician, who used it as conduit to move funds to various individuals and organisations.

The anti-graft agency is also said to have grilled officials of the new generation bank involved in the suspicious transactions that borderered on money laundering.

Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, could not be reached for confirmation, despite several attempts by our correspondent.

SABA—A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain in Delta State and Chief Executive Officer of Henrienco Construction Ltd, Mr. Odugba Ochuko, yesterday, called on members of the Delta State House of Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the 2015 budget amendment for the smooth implementation of various developmental programmes in the state.

He spoke with newsmen at the end of a stakeholders’ forum on Investment in Asaba the Delta State capital.

According to Ochuko, “The current budget amendment bill of the year 2015 is before the House of Assembly and I use this opportunity to urge the honourable members to expedite the process of consideration of the budget so as to enable Governor Ifeanyi Okowa deliver on his campaign promises as encapsulated in the S.M.A.R.T agenda of his administration.”

It will be recalled that the last Assembly had passed the 2015 Budget before the present administration came on board.

Tribunal admits INEC evidence that Melaye didn't participate in primary election

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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OKOJA—THE National Assembly and Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lokoja, Kogi State, yesterday admitted as exhibit documents from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which include the commission’s manual and guideline for the election, original ballot papers used for the disputed units, form

EC8c1 for Kabba/Bunnu and the INEC report on the conduct of the primary election by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the senatorial district.

The document contained the certified true copy of failure of Dino Melaye to participate in the APC primaries and the challenges of some votes which Adeyemi’s counsel said was wrongfully computed by INEC for him (Dino) to become winner of Kogi West senatorial election.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the election, Senator Smart Adeyemi, had challenged the declaration of the candidate of the APC, Dino Melaiye, as the winner of the election, claiming that the exercise was fraught with irregularities in 21 polling units of the senatorial district.

Apart from the allegation of irregularities, Adeyemi also told the tribunal that the APC did not conduct primary election before Melaiye was picked as candidate.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

AQUAFINA MODELS: From left (sitting)— Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Zaid Malouf; Managing Director, Mr. Sunil Sawhney and General Manager, Human Resources, Mr. Yinka Adesina, all of Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc; (standing from left) Mayowa Nicolas and Victor Ndigwe, past winners, of Aquafina Elite Model Look; and contestants, during a visit to the company's Ijora and Ikeja plants.

UNVEILING: From left— Executive Director, Mr. Feyi Agagu; Managing Director, Mr.Tunde Badejo, both of Soft Alliance and Resources Limited; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Mr. Olumide Oduntan; Managing Director, NPA, Malam Habib Abdullahi; and Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Engr. David Omonibeke, at the unveiling of the fully-integrated revenue invoicing management system in Lagos.

BURSARY: From left— PS, Teachers Establishment & Pensions Office, Mrs. Sewanu Amosu; bursary beneficiary receiving her ATM Verve card; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, and Director, Lagos State Scholarship Board, Mrs Omauton Jegede.

COMMISSIONING: From left— Industrialist, Mr. Sherif Gbadamosi; Chairman, Ashmart Superstores, Mr. Tony Ashama, and Engr.

Femi Ajibola at the dedication and commisssioning of the Ashmart Superstores Limited, Ogba, in Lagos.

RED STAR: From left— MD/CEO, Mr. Sule Umar Bichi; Chairman, Dr. Mohammed Koguna, and Company Secretary/Legal Adviser, Frances Akpomuka, all of Red Star Express Plc, at the company's annual general meeting in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

VISIT: Mr. Andrew Elijah, Chief of Staff to Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Mr. Joseph Evah (left), and General Paul Boroh, Presidential Coordinator, Amnesty Programme, during a visit to Abuja.

BA PROMO: From left— Trade Account Manager Nigeria, British Airways, Juliet Ihaibe; Ticketing Supervisor, American Express Travel, AMEX, Folashade Malik; Supervisor, Rewards Travels & Tours Ltd., Donald Ullah; Reservation Officer, Beekay Travels, Olubunmi Kasali, all winners of British Airways Front Line Staff Incentive promo; and Trade Account Manager Nigeria, British Airways, Bodunrin Olowolagba, at the presentation of prizes to winners in Lagos.

WEDDED: From left— Mr. Andrew Uviase; Mrs. Elizabeth Okotete, sponsor; Mrs. Margaret Barovbe, mother of the groom; Mr. & Mrs. Ovie-Johnson Barovbe, newly-wedded couple; Mrs. Patience Uviase, mother of the bride; Mr. Emmanuel Okotete, sponsor, and Chief Johnson Barovbe, father of the groom, at the wedding ceremony at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 37

Secretary to Lagos State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello (2nd right), State Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Kazeem (middle), CPS to the Governor, Mr. Habib Aruna (2nd left), Coordinator, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Olaitan Isiaka (left) during a solidarity rally to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode by CDHR to register their support for President Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War at the Lagos House, Ikeja, yesterday.

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, TUC, Kaduna State council marching in support of the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari for sustainable national development along Independence Road, Kaduna, yesterday. Photo by Olu Ajayi.

From left: Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Labour Matters, Alhaji Hassan Gobir, Kwara State Head of Service, Hajia Zahra Omar, Chief of Staff Govt House, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulwahab, Chairman, TUC, Kwara State, Kola Olumo and Chairman, NLC, Yekeen Agunbiade during presentation of Letter in Support of President Muhammadu Buhari's Anti Corruption Crusade at Gov House, Ilorin, yesterday.

TUC/NLC solidarity march in support of President Muhammadu Buhari's anti-corruption campaign led by Comrade Chika Onuegbu, Rivers State TUC chiarman yesterday in Port Harcourt. Photo by Nwankpa Chijioke.

38—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

The gladiators on ground

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

THE significance of the outing of former President Goodluck Jonathan last Tuesday would not be lost on anyone. For the first time since he lost the presidentialelection, Dr. Jonathan appeared in a public ceremony and came out wholly to endorse his protégée, Governor Serikae Dickson for a second term. Also presentthat day was his wife, Patience who had been alleged to have fallen out irredeemably with Dickson.

Her presence underlined the threat that is facing thePeoples Democratic Party, PDP as it battles the All Progressives Congress, APC in the governorship election due in December.

Remarkably, Dickson is being challenged for the ticket of the party by Senator Paulker Emmanuel, a third-term senator, close associate of Dr. Jonathan and his blood relative on the maternal side.

The drums of the APC are being beaten by former Governor Timipire Sylva, who has bounced back to reckoning after helping President Muhammadu Buhari to his historic election.

Sylva was forced out of office after Jonathan in an unusual act of political brinkmanship in 2011 led the Abuja forces to deny his governor the ticket of the PDP. Sylva’s advantages in the APC contest are obvious to all having been the one that determined the election of virtually all the delegates that are going to vote inthe primary election. Sylva, it was alleged resorted to the contest after reading the body language that Buhari may not factor him in his permutations in thefederal cabinet.

Given the fact that Sylva entered the contest reluctantly and lately, it is not surprising that the opposition APC is surfeit with aspirants many of who defectedfrom the PDP, the most formidable being Timi Alaibe, who has serially made

BAYELSA DECIDES his bid and at one time had the most imposing political structure in the state.

Besides them many other aspirants said to be in the contest include former Nigeria ‘s Envoy to Japan, Emmanuel Otiotio; former Housing and Lands Commissioner, Austin Ogionwo, former state PDP chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Warman Ogoriba and formerSecretary to Bayelsa State Government, Senator Felix Oboro.

Others include former Commissioner for Local Government, Chief Godknows Powell, former Chief of Staff to Gov. Seriake Dickson, Chief Dikivie Ikhiogha,former member, House of Representatives, Christopher Enai and the immediate past senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial district, Senator Clever Ikisikpo.

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Ido

come from an obscure background.

Dickson immediately swung to work on assumption of office, and within a space of two years; the state became a huge construction site, with various infrastructural projects ranging from roads, public buildings among others littering the state.

Dickson’s enthusiasm for development in his first two years greatly endeared him to the people.

To assert himself, he capitalised on the shortcomings of his predecessor. First, he sent packing the infamous security outfit codenamed “Operation Famou Tangbe” known for its notoriety and alleged extra-judicial killings and alleged state-sponsored terrorism and replaced it with a more people friendly “Operation Doo Akpoo” .

T

HE race to the exalted Creek Haven, the seat of power of Bayelsa State government, certainly favours the incumbent governor, Henry Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. If the flurry of endorsements from the party hierarchy that have come his way in the last couple of days is anything to go by, it is as good as saying the party ticket is already a done deal for the Toru Orua born politician.

Reuben Okoya, a protégé of former President Goodluck Jonathan rumoured to have been the latter ’s anointed candidate to govern the state if Jonathan had won the last presidential poll last Wednesday withdrew from the race. The action was indicative of the former president’s support for the governor.

Landmark projects

Commanding height The PDP having been at the commanding height of affairs in the last 16 years in the riverine state, has a strong presence in the 105 wards of the state.

The party controls the eight local government council areas as well as 21 of the 24 members of the state House of Assembly.

The governor by virtue of coming from the ruling party, has the advantage of a large assemblage of political appointees who will work for him.

To some party members, the election is essentially a PDP versus APC or 'we and them' contest with many indigenes seeing the election as another opportunity by the political rivals of the Ijaw nation to again humiliate the race after sending

•Dickson: Wins support

DICKSON: Dogged doer their most famous son out of the Presidential Villa.

Dickson before his surprise

Dickson came on board at a period when governance in the state was at its lowest ebb, with the people disillusioned with the sorry state of underdevelopment

emergence as governor in 2012 had been chairman of the state chapter of Alliance for Democracy, former state Attorney General and House of Representative member. He essentially rode to power on the goodwill of the power brokers in Abuja and the state.

He was like the proverbial figure whose palm kernel was cracked by benevolent spirits.

With Sylva ousted from office through the judiciary and barred from seeking re-election by the Abuja forces, Dickson went ahead to become the fourth elected civilian governor

polmag 10/09/15

of the oil rich state.

Dickson came on board at a period when governance in the state was at its lowest ebb, with the people disillusioned with the sorry state of underdevelopment.

Conscious of the mood of the state, he was able to play on their psyche as he took the sobriquet: “Countryman Governor” and “Talk Na do Governor ”, ostensibly to endear himself to the people and garner support and goodwill from the grassroots.

He wanted them to see him as one of their own, having

Similarly, he stepped up the construction of the three senatorial roads, landmark projects which were started by former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the state but almost left abandoned by Timipre Sylva.

Today, some communities which hitherto could not be reached by road are now motorable.

To his credit, Dickson has also tackled the inefficient civil service with the introduction of clocking aimed at checking the menace of ghost workers and the culture of absenteeism, a development that has helped reduced the state wage bill.

Though the odds favour Dickson as the incumbent governor, he needs to do more to convince the people on why he should be re-elected given the public perception of his stringent fiscal policies.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—39

BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP: Paulker’s points

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

S

ENATOR Paulker Emmanuel sense of loyalty and devotion to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was one that had almost been wholly unquestioned since the advent of the Fourth Republic. So, when the third term senator picked the governorship form for the Bayelsa State election due this November, it immediately set tongues wagging.

It was especially so given his consistent loyalty and support for former President Goodluck Jonathan in his good and bad times. However, when the former president made his first public political outing last Tuesday at the public declaration by Governor Serikae Dickson for a second term, one conspicuous absentee was Senator Paulker.

What could have happened?

A day before the governor made his public declaration, Senator Paulker had picked his own form to contest the governorship indicating the first time in years that Dr. Jonathan and Paulker would walk different paths on issues especially in Bayelsa.

It is a controversy that has left many associates of the two men confused.

Interest in service It is not as if Senator Paulker’s interest in service to his people is strange. He has for three straight terms represented the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District. He is indeed the first and only Bayelsa senator to serve three consecutive terms in the Senate.

Opinion about Paulker’s bid is divided. Some are seeing his outing as a payback to the opposition the governor raised against him in his bid to win reelection to the Senate.

Though it was believed that the governor sought to allow a new face or in the phrase of the governor and his associates to allow democratic culture to prevail, willy-nilly, Paulker triumphed and again won the ticket of the party for the Senate election and prevailed.

Another school of thought is of the opinion that Paulker who is yet to give his vision believes that the governor has underperformed and believes that his entry into the race is the only way the PDP can retain the office in the face of the political insurgency being mounted by the once inconsequential All Progressives Congress, APC. It was perhaps the reality of the threat against his political foothold that former President Jonathan came out firing at the public declaration of Dickson last

•Paulker: PDP aspirant Tuesday as he came out boldly to endorse Dickson to wipe away the seeming notion that governors of the state do not serve two full terms.

All of Dickson’s predecessors, Dipereye Alamieyeseigha, Goodluck Jonathan, Timipire Sylva all had their tenures cut short either for good or for bad.

Speaking at Dickson’s rally, Jonathan had said: “Bayelsa is not a cursed state. On the notion that governors in Bayelsa cannot do eight years, it slows down development and except there is continuation in government, development will be truncated.

Performance is not about satisfying individual needs, and

so we need to encourage Governor Dickson to go for the second term.”

“If you compare what has happened in other parts of the country, you will praise Dickson.

People should think more of about the way the state is being run and prepare for our future generation.

“Bayelsa is not a cursed state.

On the notion that governors in Bayelsa cannot do eight years, it slows down development and except there is continuation in government, development will be truncated. Performance is not about satisfying individual needs, and so we need to encourage Governor Dickson to

go for second term.”

President Jonathan’s open support for Dickson has understandably vexed some in the state who thought that he should have taken a backseat in the primary contest. Concern has also been expressed by the open partisan support of some leading party figures and governors who defied the principle of neutrality to show their support for Dickson last Tuesday.

Given the kind of rapport that had existed between Paulker and the Jonathans, many are still puzzled by the kind of politics that could unfold as the primary contest approaches.

Besides Jonathan and his wife who looked beyond Paulker to Dickson is Alamieyeseigha, the first civilian governor of the state under whom he served as commissioner of lands and housing. Paulker was to emerge as the country ’s best commissioner of lands and housing in 2001.

One strength Paulker may be counting on is the capacity he has built over the years both in Abuja and in his native Bayelsa.

A political associate of the senator, Timothy Ogbotobo said:

One strength Paulker may be counting on is the capacity he has built over the years both in Abuja and in his native Bayelsa

“At the home front, Senator Paulker has continued to provide a profitable answer to our bagging questions. As far back as 1995, he established the Central Epie Secondary School Opolo that now serves as a base for our youths to further their quest for knowledge. He did same to the Yenagoa Rural Development Authority, Opolo (2006) that was denied us in the first instance by the state Government. Today, that singular act has provided jobs for the Epie/ Atissa extraction.

“As we speak, Senator Paulker has constructed over 60% of the concrete road with composite drainage at the new Opolo 11 layout and work is still ongoing including a solar street light system.”

Related facilities “Furthermore, very recently, Distinguished Sen. P.I. Emmanuel facilitated the squadron Security Outfit; a federal Government sponsored project vested with the responsibilities of security of our pipelines and its related facilities in the riverine areas of Bayelsa State. It is pleasing to note that this very programme has absorbed over one hundred and fifty BayelsaYouth predominantly in the Central Senatorial District.”

Given the apprehension by the mainstream of the PDP over the increasing potency of the APC to the PDP in the state, Paulker is being offered as a potential alternative to deflect what party members perceive as the deficiencies of the incumbent.

But how strong and potent Paulker can be is another issue.

He has to convince and not just convincingly convince sceptics that he is a better option to Dickson.

SYLVA: Saint or sinner?

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Ido

F

OR Chief Timipre Sylva, what has worked for him is that he is a politician who knows when and how to be at the right place at the right time. This gives him a larger than life status among his teeming followership.

After he was booted out of office through a high-powered conspiracy, and with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC hovering over his neck, it appeared Sylva’s political career had hit the rocks, with some of his political loyalists and associates ditching him.

With the merger of the New PDP, a splinter group from the PDP where Sylva had pitched his tent with the All Progressives

•Sylva: APC chieftain Congress, APC, soon, Sylva joined former Rivers state governor Rotimi Amaechi and

thus, began a new political life even in the face of stiff condemnation from the home

front, which labelled them rebels.

The change of power at the centre following the defeat of the PDP turned things around for Sylva.

The once demonised Sylva now became an instant hero commanding a cult-like followership among his supporters especially those that served in his administration.

In no distant time his popularity which had almost vanished soared. And now the reality is that Sylva has some prospects in the ensuing contest.

However, many had preferred Sylva to play the role of a party leader instead of throwing his hat in the ring for a fresh shot at the Creek Haven. It was reliably

Continues on page 40

40—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Dickson and the two Timis

By Lekan Bilesanmi

T

HE date of the coming bayelsa state governorship election may have been announced - December 5,2015.

The would-be candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, may have been known - Seriake Dickson, the incumbent governor, who has already been endorsed for a second term by his party. What, however is not certain is who would represent the opposition party in the state, All Progressives Congress, APC, in the forth coming election.

At the moment, more than twelve aspirants have shown commitment by buying nomination form. Among the twelve, Tony Apraela is the only female.

Popular aspirants However, what would have been a smooth ride for one of the most popular aspirants in the pool for the primaries, Timi Alaibe, was altered when the former governor of the state, Chief Timi Silva, last week, suddenly announced his entry into the race.

He has since submitted his nomination form. While not fore-closing the chances of the other aspirants, one can safely say that the race is entirely between Dickson and the two Timis.

Former Governor Sylva decamped to ACN, now APC from PDP when it became apparent that he was no longer

•Alaibe: Running for governor needed, more so that it was the same party’s controlled federal agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, that stripped him of his property allegedly acquired while superintending as governor. He defected to APC when the party was not known in the state. His four year reign in the state saw the state’s federal allocation on the rise, just as there were pockets of developments here and there.

According to his critics, Sylva was more known on the pages of newspapers around Nigeria than his state. Perhaps, that is why he was more of a celebrity governor. True, he may have been popular. He may also be the party leader in the state.

Like other aspirants, he has the right to contest for any elective position.

If APC is serious about winning the governorship of Bayelsa State, it should ensure

SYLVA: Saint or sinner?

Continues from page 39 learnt that the former governor cum leader of the APC in the state was initially not disposed to running for the Creek Haven but was egged on by his supporters and close associates many of whom believed that he operated under a suffocating atmosphere with Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as Vice President and later President.

But a Sylva vs Dickson contest which according to the latter’s camp would be an easy lunch for their boss, some concerned APC members have argued could spell doom for the party.

Youth friendly programmes Sylva, according to sources, is banking on his control of the APC structure to clinch the party ticket for the December 5 poll due to the fact that he has the state party structures in his pocket as all the party officials from the state to ward levels were handpicked by him or his cronies.

As it were, Sylva still commands some level of followership especially from the youths who benefited while he held sway.

During his stay, Sylva’s youth-friendly programmes and policies were benefited many of the younger generation. He offered many young persons’ opportunities to serve in various leadership positions while he offered some mouth-watering contracts. He also played a major role in the success of the disarmament and amnesty programme.

His shortcomings, however, included the excesses of the defunct “Operation Famou Tangbe” a security outfit established by his administration which though was under the control of the state police command.

The special security outfit was known for its notoriety and extra-judicial killings and alleged state-sponsored terrorism, and many Bayelsans are yet to forget their iniquitous activities.

The recent defection of many PDP chieftains to the APC that was tagged as a revolution in the state may yet be a snare.

With many of the same people now contending for the ticket and interest in the APC, the fear is that the APC could well enter the contest as a divided house.

that Alaibe emerges the flag bearer. It also implies that if the party cannot persuade Sylva to step down, Bayelsa APC delegates who will vote at the primaries must ensure that the more popular of the two aspirants emerges the winner.

There is also another joke that since Alaibe, just like Muhammadu Buhari, has been in the race more than once, although at other times, power wielders in the PDP always advised him to step down for either Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha or Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, this may be his chance. Buhari tried four times before an incumbent lost for him to win.

It would be recalled that in 2003 when he made the first move, President Olusegun

Sylva was picked. Alaibe was rejected.

Many were shocked. Others sat confused. It was a questionable decision that people believe has continued to haunt Bayelsa State non-stop

Obasanjo personally intervened and asked Alaibe to allow Alamieyeseigha a smooth chance for a second term.

Alaibe, though obviously hurt, played the traditional party man role and stepped down but not without a fight.

In 2007, he stubbornly entered the race again, participated in the primaries, only to realise that the carpet had been pulled from under his feet.

Again, he was persuaded to step aside for Jonathan. When Jonathan was eventually handpicked as a vice presidential candidate, it was natural to assume that Alaibe would become the crown prince having been the most authentic contender for the throne; next to Jonathan.

During a midnight meeting in Abuja, Jonathan, according to those who should know, was given a chance to decide between Alaibe and Sylva as candidate for the governorship race.

The then vice presidential candidate decided that “the devil you do not know is better than the one you know.”

Sylva was picked. Alaibe was rejected. Many were shocked.

Others sat confused. It was a questionable decision that people believe has continued to haunt Bayelsa State nonstop.

Historical might When Jonathan, as president, got tired of his choice, he moved and eventually ensured that Sylva was not re-elected.

The upcoming Bayelsa election is crucial. More crucial however, is the courage and foresight of the delegates during the primaries to elect a politically buoyant contender with the needed pedigree and grassroots connection that would confront and probably uproot the historical might of the incumbent.

In his view, Bayelsa people have become wiser. He even hoped aloud that Sylva himself will read the handwriting on the wall and withdraw from the race so that APC, as one house with one destiny, can muscle up against the PDP in December.

If that be the case, then Alaibe will accomplish on December 5 what Buhari accomplished in March this year.

Therefore, if the people of Bayelsa indeed want continuity (in any form imaginable), they should look to Dickson or Sylva. But if they want change, Alaibe brings a breath of fresh air.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015—41

From left: National President, Prime Women Builders Foundation (PWBFN), Mrs Olofinkua Adekemi; Assistant National Sales Manager, Nobel Carpets and Rugs, Mrs. Bunmi Odunoye and Mr. David Akai at the just concluded PWBFN Empowerment Day where Nobel carpets was presented with a Recognition Award for its outstanding support for women empowerment.

Stoc kbr oking ffirms irms record 1 00% ockbr kbroking 100% compliance with regulat or ilings regulator oryy ffilings

By Bisola Ologunde

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has said that the dealing member firms have recorded 100 per

cent compliance rate in their regulatory filings for the second quarter ended June 30, 2015.

A statement signed by Olumide Orojimi, Head, Corporate Communications of the Exchange quoted Mr. Oscar

Onyema, CEO, NSE, as saying that the achievement is a reflection of the Exchange’s collaborative approach to regulation, with a strong emphasis on relationship management within an ethical

problem solving prism.

He added that ‘this approach is key to developing a strong and sustainable capital market’.

Onyema further explained that ‘this landmark achievement serves to remind us, not only that we have come a long way in our journey to transform the Nigerian capital market, but also that our great hopes and aspirations for this market are not a pipe dream no matter how daunting the challenges ahead of us’.

He also commended the dealing members for the achievement, saying that the milestone is underpinned by dealing members buy-in to the Exchange’s vision to be the foremost securities exchange in Africa driven by regulation, efficiency, liquidity and innovation.

“The Exchange is keenly aware of the burden of regulation on the dealing member community and therefore they deserve the kudos of their high sense of compliance despite the challenging times’ Onyema declared.

The Exchange’s bold steps towards creating a fair and orderly market have received both local and international recognition.

It was recently named African Regulator of the year, 2015 by the African Leadership Magazine UK and also received the 2015 Award for Promoting Best Practice Reporting and Corporate Disclosure from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Half year result boosts UBA share price by 27.3%

I

NVESTORS and financial analysts have responded positively to the impressive audited half year results of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc as its share rose by 27.3 per cent.

The bank’s shares consecutively led the price gainers' chart, gaining 27.3 per cent within three trading sessions to close at N4.20 per share on Monday.

The appreciation of the bank’s share price is well above the 4.25 per cent appreciation in the All Share Index (ASI) in the same period. This is an indication of the strong demand for UBA shares, after the positive results announcement. UBA shares also ranked among the top three most traded stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) within the period, thus reinforcing the liquidity of the stock.

More importantly, most analysts believe that UBA is trading at significant undervaluation to its intrinsic value, as both foreign and local analysts believe the stock should trade between N6.59 and N8.50 over the next 12 months.

According to C M Y K

Bloomberg, Analysts like Rencap value the stock at N8.00, whilst their colleagues at CSL Stockbrokers value UBA at N7.20/share. One notable consensus is that all analysts believe that the stock is grossly undervalued and investors may soon realize the true intrinsic value of the stock, as the Bank consistent delivers superior return to shareholders.

UBA on 3 September released its audited half year results showing earnings grew

strongly by 21 per cent to N166.9 billion during the period, compared to N138.2 billion in the same period of June 2014.

The Bank’s profit before tax (PBT) also rose 35.1 per cent to N39.0 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) was up a significant 40 per cent to N32 billion within the same period. As a reward to shareholders, the Bank announced the payment of an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share.

Further analysis of the UBA

2015 half year results showed significant improvement in operational efficiencies. The Bank’s net operating income rose 21 per cent to N108.7 billion in June 2015, compared to N90 billion in the comparable period of 2014. The Bank has continued to focus on operational efficiency, with a cost to income ratio of 64 per cent; as against 68 per cent in the same period in 2014.

Diageo to increase equity stake in Guinness Nigeria

By Bisola Ologunde DIAGEO Plc, the parent company of Guinness Nigeria Plc, has announced plans to increase its equity stake in Guinness from 54.3 per cent to a maximum of 70 per cent.

In a statement signed by the company's secretary, Sesan Sobowale, the company noted that Guinness overseas will launch a partial tender offer at a price not higher than N175 per share in cash, noting that it would give the shareholders the opportunity to elect to sell some or all of

their shares in the company. ''At the maximum offer price, the proposed offer would represent a premium of 36 per cent to the 30-day volume weighted average share price and 40 per cent to the company's closing share price on 8th September 2015'' Sobowale said.

Sobowale noted that Guinness Overseas may also seek to acquire shares in the market at a price not higher than the offer price of N175 per share. “Diageo will encourage those shareholders

that wish to divest their holdings in Guinness Nigeria to make contact with StanbicIBTC Stockbrokers Limited', the company stated.

The proposed partial tender offer would be subject to requisite regulatory approvals, including those of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the company said, adding that Guinness Nigeria would remain listed after the transaction.

Rights Issue suspension: Stanbic IBTC to engage regulatory authorities

By Nkiruka Nnorom & Bisola Ologunde

S

TANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc has pledged to engage the relevant regulatory agencies undertaking enquiries into its account to ensure that issues leading to the suspension of its planned rights issue by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are addressed in a timely manner.

The SEC had in public notice yesterday said that it has put the proposed rights issue by the bank on hold following receipt of letters from the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTP), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as well as the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

The commission noted that the suspension became necessary due to notification from the FRC of an ongoing investigation on the financial statements of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc. The suspension took effect on September 7, 2015 and would remain effective pending conclusion of the ongoing investigation and proper resolution of all issues raised, the SEC said.

The bank, however, in a statement assured that it is “ well capitalised and has adequate liquidity”.

The bank said “Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC (“Stanbic IBTC”) notes the suspension by the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission of its proposed rights issue, pending the resolution of enquiries from certain relevant regulatory bodies.

“The management of Stanbic IBTC will continue to engage with the relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that these enquiries are addressed in a timeous manner. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, the banking subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, remains well capitalised and has sufficient liquidity.”

It will be recalled that Stanbic IBTC holdings had in June revealed its intension to raise N20.4 billion via a rights issue.

It said that it would issue 800 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N25.50 each on the basis of two new shares for every 25 held.

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Ugwuanyi assures on equitable devt

By Francis Igata

E

N U G U — GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has assured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to the principles of justice, equity, and fairness in the distribution of basic amenities geared towards the development of the state.

The governor gave the assurance through the Chairman of the Nsukka Urban Renewal Committee, Chris Offor during a public consultation in Nsukka organized by the committee to seek the views of the people of Nsukka on how best to develop the area for the socio-economic benefits of the state.

Offor stated that the committee was constituted in line with the vision and principal policy thrust of the governor to “open up rural areas, create more urban areas in Enugu State, boost economic activities and reduce unemployment.”

No new exco inaugurated in Omadino community — Saniyo

W

ARRI—THE O m a d i n o community of Delta State, yesterday, in Warri, said that they have not inaugurated a new executive committee for the community.

They said that the tenure of Ambassador Austin Oniyesan has not elapsed.

In a statement by Mr. Peter Saniyo, they also stated that the tenure of Mr. Oritsema Aguarabueye-led Employment and Development Association (youth body) remained functional, saying that the only authority saddled with the responsibility to make a valid nomination on behalf of Omadino community "is the Community Trust whenever the need arises.

“The purported new executive being promoted and credited, does not exist anywhere and should be discountenanced in its entirety by the public and all oil firms operating in Omadino community."

Mr. Saniyo said the promoters of the new executive "purely want to create unrest and social disorder in Omadino."

2ND NIGER BRIDGE: Igbo leaders, civil

society groups beg FG to continue work

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—AS reactions continue to trail Federal Government’s posture on the Second Niger Bridge project, some prominent Igbo personalities and market leaders have urged President Muhammed Buhari not to abandon or delay the project longer than necessary.

The Ogirishi of Igboland, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, said it would be a political and economic miscalculation for the Federal Government to stop the project, adding that the bridge is the only connecting link between the South East and other parts of the country.

According to Ezeonwuka, “politics aside, that bridge will help to boost the economic base of this nation because without it,

there will be no economic link between the South East, South South, South West and the rest of the North."

The Campaign for Democracy, CD, South East Zone, in its own view, warned that human rights groups would not tolerate a situation where the Second Niger Bridge project would be abandoned just because of change of government.

Chairman of the CD in the zone,

THANKSGIVING: Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi (left), some dignitaries, during the church thanksgiving service by Justice C. C. Nweze of the Supreme Court.

Uzor A. Uzor said they will give Buhari up till September ending to constitute his Federal Executive Council, as he said, adding that by the end of November, if no tangible work is executed at the site, all the human rights groups would mobilize themselves and embark on constant protests against the Federal Government.

Traders in Anambra State, under the aegis of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS, in their own voice, urged Buhari to change the contract arrangement from PPP to government sponsored project, if "he really wants to do the project for the sake of Ndigbo."

AMATAS President, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, who spoke on their behalf, said government financed construction of bridges across the country without mounting toll gates and wondered why the Second Niger Bridge project should be handled under PPP arrangement which also entailed mounting a toll gate to start collecting money from motorists as soon as the bridge became operational.

He asked rhetorically: “Is it because the project is located in Igbo land or what?”

TRIBUNAL: Umeh, Ekwunife to know their fate soon

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Awka has adjourned indefinitely for judgment on the petition filed by the senatorial candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the March 28 election, Chief Victor Umeh, challenging the election of Mrs. Uche

Ekwunife of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for Anambra Central senatorial district.

The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Nayai Aganaba announced the adjournment following the adoption of addresses by parties in the suit yesterday.

Adopting his address, counsel to the petitioner, Mr. Patrick

Ikwueto (SAN) urged the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Ekwunife on grounds that she was not duly nominated by her party.

Ikwueto argued that the PDP committee which conducted the party’s primary for nominating Ekwunife as the senatorial candidate of the party was not authorized to do so.

According to him, Ekwunife was nominated through an invalid

process and was therefore not legitimately sponsored by the PDP. Ikwueto argued that Ekwunife who is the 11th respondent in the case admitted under cross examination that she emerged candidate from a faction of PDP, other than the faction that produced delegates to the congress that elected the party’s senatorial candidate.

Don’t collect money to investigate petitions, Abia CP warns policemen

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—ABIA State Commissioner of Police, Habila Joshak, has warned policemen in the state against collecting money before registering to investigate a matter brought to the station.

Joshak, who issued the

warning during a town hall meeting convened by him at the Central Police Station, Umuahia, said the policemen are meant to protect the public and should not be seen to be working against the interest of the people.

He said: “It is illegal for any policeman to ask for money to register a matter. It is also illegal

to ask for money to investigate a matter or collect money to close a matter brought to the police.

"I want to say this before the public that bail is free. We want the public to tell us the things we do wrong. Policemen are meant to serve the public; we should not be seen to be working against the interest of the people we are paid to

IMSG takes 100 Imo people to Turkey

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—IMo State government said, yesterday, that it has moved more than 100 indigenes of the state to Turkey on what it called “industrial trip at the instance of the Governor Chief Rochas

Okorocha."

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, who disclosed this in a,press statement made available to newsmen in Owerri, also explained that those on the trip are mainly industrialists and few other personalities, including select

media practitioners and businessmen.

“The industrialists, who constitute the bulk of the contingent, are men and women whose vocations have been in various aspects of industrialization, including agro-based ventures,” Onwuemeodo explained.

protect.

The CP said the meeting which is the initiative of the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, was convened to find ways in which relationship between the police and the public can be improved upon and threatened to sack any policeman caught collecting money from the public.

Corrigendum

O

N PAGE 30 of Vanguard, Thursday, September 10, we advertently presented the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Sir Ude Chukwu, FCA, as Mr. Chris Akomas, in the story headlined: '2nd term: And Jonathan steps out for Dickson.'

The misrepresentation with the attendant embarrassment is highly regretted.-Editor

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 43

NCC denies owing staff salaries

By Dayo Benson

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HE Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude, has denied reports that the commission owed staff salaries.

Speaking in Abuja, Ezekude, a lawyer, said the allegations by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, that NCC had stopped paying salaries were false.

The NCC boss said all staff of the commission had been paid salaries through the Federal Government’s Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, IPPIS, “except few staff that have absented themselves from work for three consecutive months without any form of permission.”

Ezekude noted that the commission was relying on government’s Rule of Law and that no one or organization would get away with impunity.

Ezekude alleged that he was being vilified because he insisted that due process be followed in the formation of union within the commission.

C&S celebrates 90th anniversary

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HE Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim is celebrating her 90th anniversary in Lagos and other states of the federation.

The celebration, which commenced on September 7, featured a courtesy call on government officials, traditional rulers and press conferences.

The celebration also featured tours of historical sites visited by the late founder, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase on Wednesday, September 9.

They recreated the struggle, dedication and contributions of the late founder in the early years of the church.

It also chronicles his strides and divine call to take the church to all nations as exemplified in his missionary journey out of Ikare, his homeland, in 1915 to Lokoja, Jos, Zaria, Kano, Ilorin, Oshogbo until he finally arrived in Lagos in July 1924.

68.6% pass NECO; again, debtor states' results withheld

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—NATIONAL Examinations Council, NECO, has released the 2015 Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, with candidates scoring 68.56 percent with five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, which is an appreciable improvement over the past, especially last year’s result.

A total number of 975,991 registered for the various examinations out of which 969,491 sat for the papers with 664,747 or 68.56 percent passing with five credits and above; in 2014, by comparison, 978,886 sat for the examinations with 511,931 or 52.29 percent passing with five credits and above.

The new Registrar/Chief Executive of the Council, Professor Abdulrashid Garba, who announced the release at

NECO’s head Office, Minna yesterday, said the results were an improvement of 12 percent compared to that of last year.

Centres de-recognized

He remarked that though the examinations were not completely devoid of malpractices in some centres and schools, where such cases were established, results of such schools or centres were either withheld or cancelled, while those apprehended will also be prosecuted to show the council’s zero tolerance for examination malpractices and add credibility to the examinations in future.

Professor Garba stated that besides the cancellation, the centres and schools already established to be involved in the malpractices, had been derecognized indefinitely, while some were suspended or totally de-recognized.

Seven centres across the country have been discovered and sanctioned accordingly.

He said already, some of the ad hoc staff linked to any form of malpractice or for other negligence had also been disengaged from the services of the council.

On debtor states

The Registrar, while answering questions on debtor states, said results of such schools were being withheld and would be released if commitments were shown by the affected schools.

Garba said: “It is not only government schools that owe.

I can tell you that only 13 schools, including private schools, owe us and already most of them are showing commitments to settle and we will release such results once we reach an agreement.”

Tribunal postpones judgement on Nasarawa governorship

By Abel Daniel

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AFIA—THE governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, under the chairmanship of Justice Halima Mohammed, was yesterday forced to extend the long-awaited judgement over the petition filed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, challenging the outcome of last April’s governorship election.

Justice Halima, while giving his closing speech after the final submission of all written addresses by both the petitioner and the respondents, said: “Looking at the sensitivity of the cases, I cannot fix the date for judgement, but will communicate the parties who will, thereafter, inform their clients so as to have minimal attendance.”

Arewa community commends Deltans

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BRIEFING: Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone (left) and Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Service Plc., NIBSS, Christabel Onyejekwe, at a briefing to announce the partnership between NIBSS and telecommunications service providers on USSD-BVN Query service in Lagos, yesterday.

Flood destroys 7,000 houses, 2,000 farmlands in Jigawa

By Tina Akannam

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UTSE—TORRENTIAL rainfall has destroyed no fewer than 7,000 houses and over 2,000 farmlands in Jigawa State, rendering thousands of families homeless.

Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Alhaji Yusuf Babura, who disclosed this in an interview in Dutse yesterday, said the victims of the flood were scattered across different camps in the state.

He said no life was lost, adding, however, that a few persons sustained injuries.

Babura said the downpour, which lasted for hours, destroyed mud houses at Musari village in Guri Local

Government Area of the state.

He said the state government had assisted the victims of the flood with N4 million, noting that each family was given N20,000.

Babura said the state government was still compiling a list of those who

lost their houses and farmlands for further assistance.

He added that the Federal Government observed that the flood disaster was caused by the blockage of drainage and other water ways in the affected areas.

HE Arewa leadership in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State has expressed appreciation to HRM Emmanuel Ekemejewan Sideso, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom and the various government security agents for the peace and prosperity being enjoyed by the Arewa people in the area.

The Sariki Uvwie, Alhaji Suleiman Jauru, expressed the opinion of the Hausa community during the swearing in of the new executives of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Dealers Association in Effurun.

The new excos are Ibrahim Yunes, President General; Alhaji Ibrahim Saiad, Vice; Saleh Ramat, Chief Security Officer, and Alhaji Jubrim Haruna, PRO.

Ortom alleges large number of illegal arms in Benue

By Peter Duru

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A K U R D I — GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has raised concerned over alleged large number of illegal arms in circulation in the state and urged security agencies to assist his government to mop up the weapons.

He spoke, yesterday, when the new Zonal Commander, Zone 'H' of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Assistant Commandant General, Madu Kelechi, visited him in Makurdi.

Ortom , who lamented that the arms were brought into the state by thugs engaged by politicians during the last

general election, explained that the development prompted his administration to introduce an amnesty programme to enable those in possession of such arms surrender them.

He said: “That is why we need the assistance and cooperation of NSCDC to fish out the criminals who have rejected the arms mop up programme.”

44 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 that going to the prophet’s grave in Madinah and asking him for help is useful, for it will gain them his intercession. The prophet (s.a.w) is dead and as such he cannot help anyone in our life time . If we do good, obey Allah and obey Allah’s messenger , then we may gain the prophet’s intercession on the Day of Judgment .

Our duty towards prophet Muhammad (s.a.w): Is to obey His orders and follow his example . Obeying the prophet means that we obey Allah , Who sent His prophet and inspired to him divine revelation.

The Qur’an is very clear that obeying the prophet of Allah is a sign of belief and a sign that we indeed love Allah: “ Say : “ if you do love Allah follow me : Allah will love you and forgive you your sins , for Allah is often forgiving , most-merciful . “ AlImran 3:31 .

Shawwal 29, 1436 A.H.

Learning from Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) (3) A

S a leader of a nation and a statesman , he taught us the importance of diagnosing the ills and problems that face and afflict our community , then coming up with the right solution . He put into action a plan that solved many of the problems that faced the Muslims in Madinah and his plan was ingenious .

Instead of adding more economic burden on Madina’s meager resources , he placed the burden on individual Muslims and asked each one to adopt a brother and help him and treat him as such .

The resources were used efficiently and cooperation , friendship and love developed , rather than mistrust or enmity or division . The Mosque became the focal point in the lives of Muslims ; the place where they would meet, pray together , know one another and help each other . Law and order and equality governed the lives of Muslims .

They cooperated with their nonMuslim neighbors who were guaranteed the same rights as Muslims and their freedom and liberties safeguarded , as long they lived in peace and cooperated with their Muslim brothers As a teacher he placed emphasis on teaching by example and spreading useful knowledge

Useful knowledge He was particularly interested in nourishing up young minds and preparing them to take their place as future leaders . Most of his companions were young men and women eager to learn and apply what they learned . He encouraged questions and spoke in short clear sentences , easy to understand and remember . He encouraged us to seek knowledge and to teach others , starting with our families .

As a judge in disputes among contenders , he taught us to listen to both sides and not jump to conclusions and to always seek the truth and be just and wise .

We should not favor those whom we love , or rule against those whom we may dislike , but judge according to the merit of the case and be objective .

We should remember that one day we too have to answer to Allah and await His judgment . He gave us the example of the three judges : two in Hell and one heaven : those in Hell are those who ruled in ignorance or followed their desires and not the truth .

The one in heaven is he who

Proper behaviour

Dr. AbdulGaniy Enahoro, Naibul Amir, South East Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in a chat with Malik Navid, Jamaat member & Diplomat with responsibilities for African Affairs, US State Department Washington. learned and followed the truth .

Muhammad ( PBUH ) was human: There is a tendency to glorify leaders and make them more real than life . In the case of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) some ignorant Muslims have elevated his status to above that of a prophet and even almost worshipped him .

The Qur’an is very clear that Muhammad is only a human being and as such is subject to all the laws that govern human beings . He was born and he died ; he reacted to events around him . He made the best possible judgment when he received no divine inspiration . His judgment was correct most of the time , but

The focal point in the lives of Muslims; the place where they would meet, pray together, know one another and help each other

on few occasions he erred . An error of a prophet is always corrected by Allah , otherwise his action becomes law . The Qur’an mentions few instances in which divine inspiration came down to correct the prophet’s action . For example accepting ransom from the captives of Badr , or allowing the hypocrites to join in the battle field , or frowning upon the blind man , or staying away from his wives for a long time . Obviously these are minor mistakes . Under no circumstance does a prophet commit major mistakes or indulge in sinful acts .

The prophet was very keen on guiding his people and was deeply hurt that they did not believe in his message. This shows his humanity and how much he cared . Allah stresses in the Qur’an that He sends to each community one of their own . Someone they knew and trust.

He applies the message in his behavior and becomes an example to follow . Allah does not send angels as messengers o human beings otherwise they are held to standards beyond their ability .

Some ignorant Muslims believe

We are also commanded in the Qur’an to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) character and proper behavior ; and to send peace and greetings on Allah’s prophet as a sign of respect .

Another important duty is to study his life story and his sayings and use them as guidelines in our life . He was a mercy from Allah to the worlds . He is dead , but his example and teachings are alive Then it is our duty to spread the message of Islam that prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) started . His message is alive and contains many answers to the ills that afflict mankind today . We will be asked on the Day of Judgment whether we delivered the message of Islam or not “ Say : “ This is my way , I do invite to Allah with knowledge and conviction , I and those who follow me . “ Yusuf 12 : 108 .

Prayer: ‘O Allah make our hearts believe; our tongues always remembers You; and make our deeds good and acceptable to You. Give us knowledge that is useful; and make our souls to be contented and blissful.’

From Left, Sadr, Lajnah Imaa ullah Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Hajia Basirst Olajumoke Dikko; Alhaja Fatimo Oluboyo, Representing the Deputy Governor of Ondo State; and Chairperson FOMWAN Ondo State, Alhaja Fausat Aliu, during the 38th Oyemekun 2015 Annual National Ijtema of Lajnah Imaa ullah (Women Servant of Allah) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, at Akure, Ondo State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 45

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46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

Edith zooms into semi-final in boxing without a punch

Warriors bow out fighting

BY JACOB AJOM

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E

DITH Agu-Ogoke, a National female boxer, who would be fighting in 75 kg class, has gained a semi-final ticket at the ongoing 11th Africa Games in Brazzaville on account of her continental rating, an official said.

Although National Chief Coach, Tony Konyegwachie, did not disclose Agu-Ogoke’s rating, but confirmed that the boxer had drawn a bye into the semis.

Agu-Ogoke, a corporal in the Nigerian Army, represented the country at the 2012 London Olympics, where she reached the quarter-final, having been stopped by Russian Nadezda Torlopova.

She later went on to win a bronze medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. AguOgoke, said that she was optimistic of winning gold medal at the event. “I am here for a gold and I know I can do it. I believe in myself and my ability.

“I also know that by God’s grace I will fulfill my dream and desire in Brazzaville”. The Games, which commenced on Sept.

4 would end on Sept. 19.

•Edith Agu-Ogoke

CBN partners ex-internationals for NFF are extending annual championship invitations to a crop of

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has concluded arrangement to partner with some notable exinternationals for the organization of the 2015 edition of the Annual All Financial Institutions Football Competition

Ladipo Continues from BP brighter chance. But President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo has posited how the Super Eagles, who are two points adrift of the leaders can stop the Egyptians.

“The Eagles can still qualify if we do our home work,” Ladipo started. “I will advise Coach Sunday Oliseh to work hand-in-hand with his U-23 counterpart, Samson Siasia. Some of the U-23 players can play in the Eagles.

Oliseh must strengthen his team with some of them.”

Continuing, Ladipo who was in Tanzania to mobilise support for the Eagles said the only way the Nigerian team can stop Egypt from qualifying for the 2017 Afcon is, “beat Egypt here then go to Cairo and hold them. Nothing matters again if we can achieve this, plus a

victory over Tanzania here.”

He said the team’s poor outing in Tanzania should not be used to judge either Oliseh or his players. “We are always in a hurry to judge. You don’t judge a player by just one match. Both Oliseh and his players should be given more time to gel.

Thank God they played a friendly soon after the Tanzania match. They need more of such friendlies.”

Ladipo said the Tanzania match brought up a new discovery, which should be something to cheer about.

“In every situation, there are gains to be made. The Tanzanians could not score majorly because of inexperience and the excellent work by our goalkeeper.

The discovery of Carl Ikeme changed the Tanzania story,” Ladipo concluded.

slated to kick off across the country on Sunday.

Director of Corporate Communications, Ibrahim Mu’azu represented by Martins Ogwuda told a press conference in Abuja yesterday that the decision to invite some former Nigerian players is to give the tournament the desired flavour and glamour.

He added that the presence of the former footballers will serve as a moral booster for the participating players to also aspire to be like them in future.

“The CBN and the

ex*soccer internationals who featured for Nigeria on numerous occasions locally and internationally.

NFF expresses confidence in Pinnick

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HE Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday explained why the members always cast their vote of confidence in the leadership of its President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Speaking in Abuja, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon.

Siasia

Continues from BP he is also mindful of the threat, his Congolese counterpart Claude Le’ Roy poses.

Siasia was at the stands watching the Congolese muscle out Burkina Faso on Thursday. As he took his notes, he was also concerned about his team’s seeming lethargic showing in front of goal as was shown in the game against Ghana on Wednesday.

“Our aim is to win the gold and Congo is one of the major teams in contention. Of course we still have one more game to play before the final and we are ready for that test,” said the coach.

He submitted that his

R E TOURNAMENT favourites and defending champions of the Med-view/NUJ Games, football event, the Kirikiri Warriors bowed out of the competition fighting.

The Warriors were unfortunate to have met a much younger team, The Source, whose displays bellied their non-professional status.

Even the spectators who included President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, openly doubted the credentials of the team which made the Warriors look inferior in every department of the game.

The match began with the Warriors, obviously the crowd’s favourites dominating the early exchanges. But the tide changed towards the end

of the first half, when the Warriors goalkeeper mistimed a short from close range. That resulted in a goal for The Source.

The second half commenced with Coach Prince Osuagwu effecting some changes in The Warriors’ line up.

The new comers obviously brought some stability in the midfield and more bite in the attack. Pressed as they tried, the Warriors were unlucky to concede a second goal just when they needed an equaliser. A late rally by the Warriors could not yield any dividend as the winners sat back and defended their two-goal lead till the final whistle.

“In sports, you don’t win all the time. You win some and lose some,” those were the philosophical words Prince Osuagwu used to describe his team’s exit from the competition.

team was still a work in the progress and that it was important that they do well.

“In our last game against Ghana, we missed a couple of chances. But there is nothing much, our strikers will continue to work on their scoring abilities.

Nigeria’s next match is against Senegal on Saturday.

The last time Nigeria won the soccer gold was in 1973, when the country hosted the Games. In 2013, the Under-23 team was humbled 2-0 in the final

by Cameroon.

In yesterday’s games Congo beat Burkina Faso 2-1, while Sudan piped Zimbabwe 1-0.

Suleiman YahayaKwande, stressed that the Executive Committee is enamoured at the quality of ideas, energy and drive of the former Chairman of Delta State Football Association.

“If you patiently take stock of the list of achievements of the NFF in the past one year that Mr. Pinnick has been President, you would give him immense credit. The beauty of it all is that he carries all the members along in everything he is doing, and invariably listens to superior argument.

“Personally, I enjoy the meetings and I always make sure to be present, because the President makes everyone feel a part of it, he brings up excellent ideas and allows these to be debated. Everyone contributes.”

•Pinnick

Team Nigeria Continues from BP Glory Odiase, Gripa Tombrapa, Happiness Okafor and Rosemary Marcus (pictured here with their gold medals) finished the 25km race in a time of 37.11 secs against Team South Africa’s time of 37.15 secs to clinch the gold medal.

Team South Africa women’s cyclists went home with the silver while Ethiopia consoled themselves with the bronze medal.

Thursday ’s gold medal brings to three the number of gold medals Team Nigeria have won as the All Africa Games entered day seven on Thursady.

In the men’s Team Time Trial event, Team Nigeria’s quartet of Eyo Effiong, Ajibade Quadri, Innocent Emmanuel and Khalis Izebe finished a distant ninth.

The cycling event continues on Friday with the event expected to end on Saturday.

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 — 47

Falcons, Cote d’Ivoire women reach AAG knock-out stage Stories by Ben Efe

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IGERIA and Cote d’Ivoire have booked their place in the semi final stage of the 2015 All African Games football event in Congo Brazzaville.

Super Eagles secured a 3-0 win against Tanzania courtesy of a brace from Desire Oparanozie and Esther Sunday to confirm qualification as from Group A. Cote d’Ivoire, meanwhile, ensured their place in the next round having piped hosts Congo Brazzaville 1-0, after a first half strike from Rita Akaffou.

C h r i s t o p h e r Danjuma’s ladies will now face the west African side in the last group game of championship at the Stade Municipal de Kintélé, Brazzaville to determine who wins the group.

•CHALLENGE...Super Falcons player challenges her Tanzanian counterpart during their game.

Sokari wants AAG glory N IGERIA U23 mid fielder, Kingsley Sokari insists the Dream Team VI will not take their foot off the gas in the football event of the

ongoing 2015 All Africa Games.

Sokari scored an audacious goal on Wednesday as Nigeria subdued Ghana 2-0 in their opening game in Group B. The Enyimba man nonchalantly lobbed past the Ghana goalkeeper,

Richard Ofori in the 87th minute at Stade Municipal de Kintélé, Brazzaville as the Dream Team VI stormed to the top of the Group.

“I am happy I scored but the most important thing was the victory for the team. We want to win the Gold at the All Africa Games,” Sokari said."

Kaijage admits Falcons superiority

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WIGA Stars of Tan zania coach, Rogasian Kaijage has admitted that his team were inferior to Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the ongoing All Africa Games in Brazzaville, Congo.

The East Africans suffered a 0-3 loss to the reigning African champions in the group’s match day 2 clash at the Alphonse Massamba Debat Stadium in Brazzaville.

Kaijage said the Tanzanians can only kneel down to Falcons when it comes to women’s football on the continent.

“We are not ashamed of anything Nigeria is a super power not only in African women’s football but in the world.

“For us losing to the Falcons is not a big deal because we are not anywhere near them in standard.

“We can only compete with teams like Congo and not even Ivory Coast.

Nigeria and Ivory Coast are the strongest teams in African women’s football."

“So losing to Nigeria is

not a worry to us because we know they are far too much ahead of us and we cannot compete against them,” said Kaijage to completesportsnigeria.com.

Falcons who lead the group on superior goals on six points same as Ivory Coast will contest the ultimate in Saturday’s last group match against the West Africa rivals.

•Kaijage

Badminton claims silver, 5 bronze medals

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Ben Efe reporting live

Amuwo Odofin LGA, Patek Fitness team up for Independence Fun Walk

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HE first 8km Independence Half Marathon Fun Walk will hold October 1, 2015 in FESTAC Town, organisers have said.

The event which can also go by the acronym, October 1 Wellness Race is being put together by Patek Fitness in conjunction with the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council.

According to the initiator, John Paul, a fitness consultant, the participants could run, walk or even crawl because the essence is “for keeping fit and healthy living.”

John Paul said, “we are expecting over 500 participants, including the top executives of the Amuwo Odofin Local Government Council to be led by the Executive Secretary, Deaconess

Modupe Ajibola-ojodu.”

Paul disclosed that efforts were on to woo communication network MTN and other corporate bodies to identify with the race. “We have contacted them and the prospects of their collaborating with us are bright,” Paul said.

Explaining further, the consultant said the 8km race would take off from the Cynergy Hotel Junction, routed through Apple Junction and terminates at the take-off point.

“It is a move aimed at popularising fitness training and encouraging healthy living in Amuwo Odofin. It will also offer participants the opportunity to socialise and network. There will be a photo shoot with celebrities such as Sound Sultan, among others.

•Sokari

HE Badminton event of the ongoing 11th Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville ended on Wednesday with Nigeria winning a silver and five bronze medals.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in the Congolese capital covering the Games, report that this was poor, compared to the three gold, a silver and two bronze

Coach blames exit of 5 boxers to new rules

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ATIONAL boxing coach, Tony Konyegwachie, has attributed the early exit of five Nigerian boxers at the ongoing 11th Africa Games in Congo to the newly introduced rules into the sport.

Five of the 10 boxers fielded by Team Nigeria have since crashed out the Games, because of the application of new rules.

According the new rules, any cuts sustained on the face, results in automatic stoppage of a bout and the fight awarded to the opponent.

Coach Konyegwachie, who expressed disappointment at the early exit of the five because of injuries, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that it was sad that his boxers lost merely on technical grounds.

The coach said he was, however, optimistic that the remaining boxers would be up to it.

Konyegwachie also said the absence of Nigerian technical officials at the Games was also to blame for the country’s troubles at the boxing event.

medals the team won at the 10th edition of the Games in 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Team Nigeria fielded four players at the semi-finals stages in the male and female doubles, the singles and the team events and placed a lowly fourth, after succumbing to the top teams from South Africa, Egypt and Mauritius when it mattered to settle for bronze in the events.

It was only Grace Gabriel that made it to the female singles finals, but lost to Seychelles to settle for the lone silver medal won

by Nigeria at the Games.

One of the players said the team should be commended for the result “I think we have done well, based on the two months training we had prior to departure for the Games.

“The players gave their best but we also realised that we are still lagging behind in terms of the technicality of the game.

“We cannot be compared to the quality of play by the Congolese team, because we heard that the team was in China for about a year preparing for this event."

•ON POINT...Nigeria Badminton players on duty at the All Africa Games.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

AAG: Team Nigeria women win gold in cycling T

EAM Nigeria on T h u r s d a y afternoon clinched a

gold medal in the cycling event of the ongoing 11th All Africa

Oliseh needs Siasia’s players to qualify for Nations Cup – Ladipo

Games here in Congo Brazzaville.

The gold medal was won by Team Nigeria women cycling team in the Women’s Time trial event as the cycling event got underway at the Conference Center in Masamba.

Nigerian quartet of Continues on Page 46

BY JACOB AJOM

T

HE senior national team, the Super Eagles are in Group G of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, alongside Egypt, Chad and Tanzania. So far, Egypt are the run away leaders with 6 points from 2 matches, while Nigeria, with four points from the same number of matches are placed second. Tanzania have 1point and Chad are in the rear with no point.

Of the four countries, only Egypt and Nigeria have hope of qualifying, with the Pharaohs having a Continues on Page 46

Siasia keeps an eye on Claude Le’ Roy’s Congo

BY BEN EFE, Brazzaville Congo

N

IGERIA’s Under23 team coach, Samson Siasia has his eyes on the All Africa Games soccer gold and Continues on Page 46

AAG Boxing: Edith zooms into s/final without a punch— Pg.46 •Siasia

GOLDEN QUARTET: Happiness Okafor, Rosemary Marcus, Gripa Tombrapa and Glory Odiase display their medals after winning the women's time trial cycling event in Congo yesterday.

Falcons thrash Tanzania 3-0 — Pg.47 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S PUZZLE

YESTERDAY'S ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Loathe (6) 5 Save (6) 9 Might (5) 10 Overlook (6) 11 On land (6) 12 Reel (5) 14 Clothed (4) 17 Permit (3) 18 Shrewd (4) 20 Of tides (5) 22 Fire-raising (5) 23 Rest (7) 24 Yawned (5) 26 Lukewarm (5) 29 Frozen (4) 30 Deed (3) 32 Cube (4) 33 Quoted (5) 35 Stagger (6) 36 Inherent (6) 37 Storehouse (5) 38 Dashed (6) 39 Controlled (6)

DOWN 1 Flaw (6) 2 String (6) 3 Rushed (4) 4 Sum (5) 5 Respond (5) 6 Gaelic (4) 7 Flower (6) 8 Team (6) 13 Disregard (7) 15 Shrub (5) 16 Challenged (5) 18 Belief (5) 19 Pick-me-up (5) 21 Guided (3) 22 Insect (3) 24 Talented (6) 25 Plague (6) 27 Wing (6) 28 Rely (6) 30 Ventilated (5) 31 Singer (5) 33 Yield (4) 34 Fruit (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Match 7, Entrap 9, Sad 10, Per 12, Lucid 13, Flea 15, Repel 17, Arrive 19, Tiff 20, Romeo 22, Eat 24, Alerted 27, Ewe 28, Aimed 31, Solo 33, Entree 35, Perch 37, Tall 38, Sewed 39, Ear 41, rep 42, Wailed 43, Began.

DOWN: 1, Heifer 2, Stream 3, Rap 4, Male 5, Adult 6, Coifure 8, Peri 11, Reverence 14, Area 16, Peat 18, Role 21, Obsolete 23, Tear 25, Ewer 26, Diet 29, Meanly 30, Delude 32, Opera 34, Thaw 36, Eden 40, Ran.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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