Buhari fires 16 permsecs, opts for 25 ministries

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62625

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

House c'ttees: Dogara, Gbajabiamila's supporters exchange blows 8 AHEAD OF TODAY'S INAUGURATION OF MINISTERS:

Buhari fires 16 permsecs, opts for 25 ministries

By Soni Daniel, Clifford Ndujihe, Favour Nnabugwu & Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA — THE shape of the federal civil service, engine room of government, appeared in greater clarity, yesterday, as President Muhammadu Buhari fired 16 permanent secretaries, appointed 18 new ones and deployed a total of 36 permanent secretaries.

If the deployments are anything to go by, the President might work

•25 permsecs deployed to ministries •11 others to Presidency, OSGF, OHCSF, others FEDERAL PERMSECS: Who's Where 1. Shehu Ahmad – Agric & Rural Development 2. Sunday Echono – Communications 3. Sabiu Zakari – Transportation 4. Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba – Information & Culture 5. Danjuma Sheni – Defence 6. Dr. Shade Yemi-Esan – Education 7. Mrs. Fatima Mede – Budget & National Planning 8. Mahmoud Isa Dutse – Finance 9. Bulus Lolo – Foreign Affairs 10. Dr. Amina Shamaki – Health 11. Aliyu Bisalla - Industry, Trade & Investment 12. Bassey Akpanyung – Internal Affairs 13. Taiwo Abidogun – Justice 14. Dr. Habiba Lawal – Science & Tech.

15. Clement Illoh – Labour & Productivity 16. Dr. Jamila Shu’ara – Petroleum Resources 17. Mrs. Binta Bello – Women Affairs 18. Babatope Ajakaiye – Federal Capital Territory 19. Mrs. Rabi Jimeta – Water Resources 20. Dr. Bukar Hassan – Environment 21. Mrs. Wakama B. Asifieka – Niger Delta Affairs 22. Mr. Istifanus Fuktur – Solid Minerals 23. Mr. Christian Ohaa – Youth & Sports 24. Engr. A.G. Magaji – Works & Housing 25. Mr. Louis Edozien – Power 26. Mr. Jalal Arabi – State House 27. Mr. Mohammed Bukar – General Services Office, OSGF 28. Mr. Abbas Mohammed – Ecological Fund Office, OSGF 29. Dr. Ugo Roy – Council Secretariat 30. Mr. Aminu Nabegu – Special Services Office,

Continues on Page 5

Continues on Page 5

High liquidity brings down money rates to 5-year low 9

Mr & Mrs OBASANJO IN ASO ROCK: President Muhammadu Buhari (left) receives former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during a courtesy visit at the State House in Abuja, yesterday. See story on Page 9.

COLUMNISTS: Why traditional marriage is very important in Igbo Should religion and ethnicity play a role land in politics?

See Inside

C M Y K

•P.17

Buhari's ministers without portfolios •P.19

Saraki: House receives petitions against CCT chairman, Umar

9

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

—3

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—From left, Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr. Abba Yola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Linus Awute and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali discussing shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari met with permanent secretaries at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Buhari fires 16 permsecs, opts for 25 ministries Technology.

Continues from Page 1 permanent secretaries were deployed to ministries, while 11 were deployed to various offices in The Presidency, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Ministries that may have been scrapped or merged with others include Aviation, Lands and Urban Development, Trade and Investment, Police Affairs, Youth Development, Interior, Tourism and Communication

18 new perm secs

Those appointed included Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu and Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele.

Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

L

ACK of belief has aborted more destinies than all the hospitals in the world combined. You will never rise beyond the level of your belief. It takes guts to succeed and to believe you can is to conspire with the universe to work in your favour.

It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Sometimes good things will fall apart so that better things will fall together — Mack & Angel Hack

L

IFE is amazing, but sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge because of all the sticky situations and constant challenges on one’s path. Sometimes you think that something great is happening and then all of a sudden it feels like you are beginning all over again. How come it seems like some people have no problems at all. Do they really? The grass is always greener on the other lawn it seems but life is balanced.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE YOU can't run faster than your buttocks.

Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy. In the same vein, the President also approved the deployment of the Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Shehu Ahmad (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development); Arch.

Sunday Echono (Federal Ministry of Communications); Alhaji Sabiu Zakari (Federal Ministry of Transportation); Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba (Federal Ministry of Information & Culture); Amb. Danjuma Sheni (Federal Ministry of Defence); Dr. Shade Ye m i - E s a n ( F e d e r a l Ministry of Education) and Mrs. Fatima Mede( Budget & National Planning).

Also deployed to various ministries were Alhaji Mahmoud Isa Dutse (Federal Ministry of Finance); Amb. Bulus Lolo Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Dr. Amina Shamaki ( Federal Ministry of Health); Mr. Aliyu Bisalla (Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment); Mr. Bassey Akpanyung

(Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs); Mr. Taiwo Abidogun (Federal Ministry of Justice); Dr. Habiba Lawal( Federal Ministry of Science & Technology); Dr. Clement Illoh (Fed. Min. of Labour & Productivity); Dr. Jamila Shu’ara (Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources); Mrs. Binta Bello (Fed. Min of Women Affairs); Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye (Federal Capital Territory); Mrs. Rabi Jimeta (Federal Ministry of Water Resources) and Dr. Bukar Hassan (Fed. Min of Environment).

Others were (Mrs. Wakama B. Asifieka (Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs); Mr. Istifanus Fuktur (Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals); Mr. Christian Ohaa (Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports); Engr. A.G. Magaji (Federal Ministry of Works & Housing); Mr. Louis Edozien (Federal Ministry of Power).

Those deployed to

Federal permsecs: Who's Where Continues from Page 1 OSGF 31. Amb. Bamgbose Akindele – Political Affairs Office, OSGF 32. Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo – Economic Affairs Office, OSGF 33. Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi – Special Duties Office, OSGF 34. Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya - Career Management Office, OHCSF 35. Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun – Common Services Office, OHCSF 36. Mrs. N. Batagarawa – Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF

other offices included Mr. Jalal Arabi (State House); Mr. Mohammed Bukar (General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF); Mr. Abbas Mohammed (Ecological Fund Office, OSGF); Dr. Ugo Roy (Council Secretariat); Mr. Aminu Nabegu (Special Services Office, OSGF); Amb. Bamgbose Akindele (Political Affairs Office, OSGF); Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo (Economic Affairs Office, OSGF); Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi (Special Duties Office, OSGF); Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya (Career Management Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF); Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun (Common Services Office, OHCSF); Mrs. N. Batagarawa (Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF” A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina stated that the new appointments and deployments took immediate effect from November 10, 2015.

By this development, about 16 of the permanent secretaries have been sacked.

One of those affected is Mr. Linus Awute, the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

It will be recalled that some of the old permanent secretaries led by the new Acting Head of Civil Service of the federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem OyoIta, held a closed door with the President earlier yesterday.

At the meeting, it was gathered that the President intimated them of the sack gale.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that President Buhari during a meeting held with all permanent secretaries at the Presidential Villa in Abuja Tuesday, directed 16 permanent secretaries to proceed on retirement.

Oyo-Ita said that while thanking the 16 perm secs for their meritorious

service to the country, the President explained that the retirement, appointments and deployment of the Perm Secs were necessary to reposition the civil service.

Why Buhari removed permanent secretaries

The shape of government that will drive the change agenda of the present administration is to be unfolded by President Muhammadu Buhari as he inaugurates his cabinet today.

The President may formally announce a drastic reduction in the number of ministries, thus paving the way for an austere regime, which would not allow waste and leakages to thrive.

Vanguard learned that ahead of unfolding the new structure today, President Buhari made it clear to the permanent secretaries that his administration did not need more than half of the existing ministries.

According to the source, all permanent secretaries who had put in more than four years were dropped.

Similarly, those known to have questionable records of service were also not spared the sweeping changes effected just after a valedictory meeting the permanent secretaries had with Buhari yesterday at the State House.

The slash in the number of permanent secretaries is in line with the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee Report, which recommended that the Buhari administration should reduce the number of ministries and adopt cost-saving measures to revive the Nigerian economy. The Joda Committee had recommended that existing ministries should be pruned to only 19 while some Ministries, Departments and agencies, MDAs, not covered by law in Nigeria, should be scrapped.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—From left, Solicitor-General of the Federation, Mr. Abba Yola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Ezekiel Oyemomi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Linus Awute and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali discussing shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari met with permanent secretaries at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Buhari fires 16 permsecs, opts for 25 ministries Continues from Page 1 with 25 ministries, seven less than the 32 that his predecessor, Dr Goodluck Jonathan operated, as 25 of the 36 permanent secretaries were deployed to ministries, while 11 were deployed to various offices in The Presidency, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), and Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

Ministries that may have been scrapped or merged with others include Aviation, Lands and Urban Development,

Trade and Investment, Police Affairs, Youth Development, Interior, Tourism and Communication Technology.

18 new perm secs

Those appointed included Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba, Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, Mr. Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakari, Mrs. Obiageli Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu and Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele.

Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

L

ACK of belief has aborted more destinies than all the hospitals in the world combined. You will never rise beyond the level of your belief. It takes guts to succeed and to believe you can is to conspire with the universe to work in your favour.

It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Sometimes good things will fall apart so that better things will fall together — Mack & Angel Hack

L

IFE is amazing, but sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge because of all the sticky situations and constant challenges on one’s path. Sometimes you think that something great is happening and then all of a sudden it feels like you are beginning all over again. How come it seems like some people have no problems at all. Do they really? The grass is always greener on the other lawn it seems but life is balanced.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE YOU can't run faster than your buttocks.

Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy. In the same vein, the President also approved the deployment of the Permanent Secretaries as follows: Dr. Shehu Ahmad (Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development); Arch.

Sunday Echono (Federal Ministry of Communications); Alhaji Sabiu Zakari (Federal Ministry of Transportation); Mrs. Ayotunde Adesugba (Federal Ministry of Information & Culture); Amb. Danjuma Sheni (Federal Ministry of Defence); Dr. Shade Ye m i - E s a n ( F e d e r a l Ministry of Education) and Mrs. Fatima Mede( Budget & National Planning).

Also deployed to various ministries were Alhaji Mahmoud Isa Dutse (Federal Ministry of Finance); Amb. Bulus Lolo Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs); Dr. Amina Shamaki ( Federal

Ministry of Health); Mr. Aliyu Bisalla (Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment); Mr. Bassey Akpanyung (Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs); Mr. Taiwo Abidogun (Federal Ministry of Justice); Dr. Habiba Lawal( Federal Ministry of Science & Technology); Dr. Clement Illoh (Fed. Min. of Labour & Productivity); Dr. Jamila Shu’ara (Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources); Mrs. Binta Bello (Fed. Min of Women Affairs); Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye (Federal Capital Territory); Mrs. Rabi Jimeta (Federal Ministry of Water Resources) and Dr. Bukar Hassan (Fed. Min of Environment).

Others were (Mrs. Wakama B. Asifieka (Federal Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs); Mr. Istifanus Fuktur (Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals); Mr. Christian Ohaa (Federal Ministry of Youth & Sports); Engr. A.G. Magaji (Federal Ministry of Works & Housing); Mr. Louis Edozien (Federal

Federal permsecs: Who's Where Continues from Page 1 OSGF 31. Amb. Bamgbose Akindele – Political Affairs Office, OSGF 32. Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo – Economic Affairs Office, OSGF 33. Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi – Special Duties Office, OSGF 34. Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya - Career Management Office, OHCSF 35. Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun – Common Services Office, OHCSF 36. Mrs. N. Batagarawa – Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF

Ministry of Power).

Those deployed to other offices included Mr. Jalal Arabi (State House); Mr. Mohammed Bukar (General Services Office, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF); Mr. Abbas Mohammed (Ecological Fund Office, OSGF); Dr. Ugo Roy (Council Secretariat); Mr. Aminu Nabegu (Special Services Office, OSGF); Amb. Bamgbose Akindele (Political Affairs Office, OSGF); Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo (Economic Affairs Office, OSGF); Mrs. Obiageli Nwokedi (Special Duties Office, OSGF); Mr. Innocent Ogbonnaya (Career Management Office, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, OHCSF); Mr. S.K.Y. Adelakun (Common Services Office, OHCSF); Mrs. N. Batagarawa (Service Policy & Strategies Office, OHCSF” A statement by presidential spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina stated that the new appointments and deployments took immediate effect from November 10, 2015.

By this development, about 16 of the permanent secretaries have been sacked.

One of those affected is Mr. Linus Awute, the erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health.

It will be recalled that some of the old permanent secretaries led by the new Acting Head of Civil Service of the federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, held a closed door with the President earlier yesterday. At the meeting, it was gathered that the President intimated them of the sack gale.

Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita in a statement, yesterday, confirmed that President Buhari during a meeting held with all permanent secretaries at the Presidential Villa in Abuja Tuesday, directed 16 permanent secretaries to proceed on retirement.

Oyo-Ita said that while thanking the 16 perm

secs for their meritorious service to the country, the President explained that the retirement, appointments and deployment of the Perm Secs were necessary to reposition the civil service.

Why Buhari removed permanent secretaries

The shape of government that will drive the change agenda of the present administration is to be unfolded by President Muhammadu Buhari as he inaugurates his cabinet today.

The President may formally announce a drastic reduction in the number of ministries, thus paving the way for an austere regime, which would not allow waste and leakages to thrive.

Vanguard learned that ahead of unfolding the new structure today, President Buhari made it clear to the permanent secretaries that his administration did not need more than half of the existing ministries.

According to the source, all permanent secretaries who had put in more than four years were dropped.

Similarly, those known to have questionable records of service were also not spared the sweeping changes effected just after a valedictory meeting the permanent secretaries had with Buhari yesterday at the State House.

The slash in the number of permanent secretaries is in line with the recommendations of the Ahmed Joda Transition Committee Report, which recommended that the Buhari administration should reduce the number of ministries and adopt cost-saving measures to revive the Nigerian economy. The Joda Committee had recommended that existing ministries should be pruned to only 19 while some Ministries, Departments and agencies, MDAs, not covered by law in Nigeria, should be scrapped.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Man, 38, arraigned for murder

Court acquits headmaster accused of raping 9-yr-old girl

By Esther Onyegbula

By Suzan Edeh

L

AGOS—A 38-year-old man, Jamiu Adedumoye, has been arrested and charged before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court for allegedly using hammer and wood to kill one Olayemi Matthew Eniola in Lagos.

The incident happened on April 9, at 7/8 Bus Stop, Ajao Estate, along Airport road during All Progressives Congress, APC, mega rally at Oshodi.

According to the police, Jamiu Adedumoye conspired with others now at large and killed Olayemi Matthew Eniola during the political rally in Lagos.

The case was reported and investigated by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, SCIID, Panti, Yaba, but no arrest was made, as the suspects involved in the murder were reportedly moving freely on the streets with illegal protection.

Subsequently, the case was transferred to Federal Anti-robbery Squad, Adeniji Adele, Lagos, which led to the initial arrest of one Murtala Aweniya, alias Horsepain, on April 17, who was charged to court.

However, his arrest led to the arrest of Jamiu Adedumoye, who hails from Okeraregba area in Ogun State.

During interrogation, he opened up and revealed that he participated in the APC rally at Oshodi where Eniola, alias Esi-Oluwo, was murdered.

He furthered revealed that he was armed with a 2”-by-2” plywood, which he used to hit the deceased on his body before other gang members attacked him.

He was charged to court on a three-count charge of conspiracy murder, and unlawful assembly under Lagos Criminal Code.

The presiding Magistrate, Ms Abimbola Awogboro, reprimanded him in Ikoyi Prison, while the case was adjourned till December 14.

B

SECURITY TROUBLE: Security personnel take on Okadaman at Otto Wolf Bus Stop, along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway during an inspection tour by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday. PHOTO: Bunmi Azeez.

27-yr-old lady dies from boyfriend's acid attack

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—A 27-year-old lady, Ladi Moses, allegedly bathed with acid by a young man suspected to be her male friend, has reportedly died from the attack.

Ladi died yesterday at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, where she was receiving treatment for first degree burns.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the deceased was attacked a few days ago by a young man, popularly called Baba, at the old Nigeria Prison

Service Yard, Wadata area of Makurdi town, where she lived with her parents.

The witness said: “We heard that her supposed boyfriend, popularly known as Baba, called her out of the house, saying he had something to discuss with her.

“When the lady approached him, Baba removed a bottle, containing substance suspected to be acid, from his pocket and poured it on the lady, who screamed and fell.

“As neighbours trooped out to see what was happening, Baba fled. The vigilante group

in the area mounted a search for him. He was eventually caught at one of the motor parks in town, when he was about boarding a taxi out of Makurdi.

“He was subsequently handed over to the police at ‘A’ Division, Wadata, where he is being detained for interrogation.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Matthew Oku, who confirmed the attack, said the command was yet to receive situation reports from medical doctors treating the deceased.

Pastor rapes 13-yr-old girl in Nasarawa I don’t know what came over me— SUSPECT

By Abel Daniel

L

AFIA—NASARAWA State Police Command, yesterday, paraded a 46-year-old pastor (names withheld) for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in One-Man village area of Karau Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, who admitted that he committed the crime, was said to have been hiding under the pretence of casting out demons from the girl’s family.

Parading the suspect at the Criminal Investigative Department, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sani Mohammed, said the suspect was apprehended, following a report by the father of the girl, Mr. Martins Ijiwo, on November 4.

According to the police, the pastor, who lives at Alikima, Mararaba, lured the girl into his

house, saying he wanted to cast out demons from her family. He committed the offence while conducting deliverance.

The commissioner said the suspect threatened to kill the girl if she reported the incident to any member of her family.

Items recovered from the suspect were bottles of anointing oil and bed sheet.

The suspect confessed to committing the crime and added that he never knew what came over him to have made him descend so low.

The police boss also revealed that the command apprehended four suspected kidnappers, said to have kidnapped a Taiwanese national, Mr. Chew Williams, on October 6 in his farm at Sabon Gida in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.

The command also arrested one suspected armed robber, who had been terrorizing inhabitants of Duduguru Agyaragu in Jenkwe development area of the state, while three other members of the gang escaped.

AUCHI—AN Assistant Headmaster of Jibril Aminu Model Primary School in Bauchi, who was standing trial for rape, was yesterday discharged and acquitted by Bauchi State High Court 7.

The Assistant Headmaster, Mr. James Dantayi, had earlier been charged with raping a nine-year-old pupil of the school (names withheld).

In his judgement, the Chief Judge of the State High Court, Justice Aliyu Usman, held that the accused was arraigned and charged for rape at the state High Court of Justice on December 23, 2013, punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code.

According to Justice Usman, under the provisions of Section 35(5) of the Nigerian Constitution (as amended), it is not the duty of an accused to prove his innocence.

He stressed that the onus of proof rested with the accuser.

The judge said: “It is not the duty of an accused to prove his innocence, it is the accuser that must prove the accused person’s guilt.

“Where there are gaps or conflicting versions in the evidence adduced by the prosecution, the court will take the version favourable to the accused.”

The Chief Judge maintained that the prosecution also failed to produce the police statement that the accused person made when he was arrested in 2013.

He held: “The prosecution also failed to prove that the accused was at the premises of the school at the time when it was said the act took place.

Accordingly, the accused is hereby discharged and acquitted.”

Estate agent allegedly dupes customer of $120,000

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—A 42-year-old estate agent, Olusegun Akogun, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court over alleged theft of $120,000 (N28

million.)

The defendant, who is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing preferred against him by the police, was docked before Magistrate Olanike Olagbende.

Prosecutor, Corporal

Cyriacus Osuji, said the defendant and others still at large, conspired to commit the offence on May 25, at about 1p.m., at Banana Island, Lagos, from one Lydia Donnelly.

Osuji said the money was meant to purchase a property

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—7

Man sets friend ablaze, injures another in Lagos ... as fires razes Sara Foam industry

By Evelyn Usman, Lucky Nwanekwu & Chiebuka Enwere

L

AGOS—ONE person was allegedly set ablaze during a brawl in a shanty in Lekki area of Lagos, yesterday.

Another, said to have sustained severe burns, was at press time receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the area.

This is just as Sara Foam industry in Kirikiri area of the state went up in flames, destroying property which monetary value could not be immediately ascertained.

On the Lekki death, Vanguard gathered that fight broke out between two friends

in Awoyaya Elefo area during which one of them was said to have set alight a shanty occupied by his rival.

South-West spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Ibrahim Farinloye, who confirmed the incident, said: “Another person that was severely injured is presently receiving medical treatment in the hospital.”

Sara Foam

No life was lost in the Sara Foam fire, said to have been caused by electricity surge.

Report said an explosion occurred from one of the firm’s air conditioners at about 1.30p.m.

Efforts by the members of staff to contain the fire, said to have started from the warehouse, failed and it spread to the administrative department and other buildings.

An eyewitness, Nelson Innocent Ibokwe, said: “I rushed to the company when I heard the fire alarm. Some of the staff tried to salvage some of the products. But the fire was massive.

“This is the second time this incident is occurring; it happened two months ago and it is not clear yet what caused the last one.

“The only water we got to use at first was the one from the gutter close to the

RAZED: A section of Sara Foam. PHOTO: Chiebuka Enwere. More pictures on Page 14.

company.

However, companies around, such as Ford Motors and an oil company, later assisted us with water. I thank God that my company evacuated their things before the fire spread.”

We lost over N1bn —Sara Foam MD

Also, Managing Director of Sara Foam, Mr. Mohammed Rana, a Lebanese, described the incident as devastating, particularly as it happened about a year after the demise of its owner.

According to Rana, “the fire was caused by a power surge.

It has no connection with what happened last month. It just happened and a spark from the air conditioner led to all these.

“Fire service from Julius Berger arrived 30 minutes after the fire started because the roads are very bad. Several persons sustained varying degrees of injuries during the ensuing stampede.

“We have lost over a billion naira. We are calling on the state government to come to our aid and those of thousands of Nigerians because our foam is a major product in Nigeria.”

Director, State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe, said three fire trucks were drafted to the scene.

He said: “Just as we were battling the fire, another distress call was received from Awoyaya Elefo Lekki.”

Policeman commits suicide for missing assessment exam

By Esther Onyegbula

L

AGOS—THERE was pandemonium, yesterday, at the Police Training School, Ikeja, Lagos, following the discovery of the lifeless body of Corporal Agi Elias inside his car.

It was gathered that the policeman, attached to Safer High Way Patrol, reportedly committed suicide at about 8p.m, Monday, after he missed an assessment exam held at the training school.

Empty cans of pesticide and some tablets, suspected to have been taken by the deceased,

for the complainant, but was diverted by the defendant for his personal use.

Magistrate Olagbende granted him N2.8 million bail, with two sureties in like sum, ordered him remanded in Ikoyi Prison, pending when he is able to perfect his bail conditions, and adjourned the matter to November 20.

were reportedly found inside the car.

Vanguard learned that Elias, who was part of the policemen undergoing a promotional course that ended Monday, was trapped in traffic on his way from Badagry.

He got to the school, only to discover that the assessment exam conducted by a Commissioner of Police was over. Report said passionate pleas to the examiners fell on deaf ears.

The distraught corporal, as gathered called his wife on phone and informed her not to expect him back home again.

He was also said to have told her to come and pick his corpse at the training college.

When Vanguard arrived the scene yesterday morning, Elias’ widow, family members, friends and colleagues were seen weeping profusely.

Colleagues’ stories

According to one of his course mates identified simply as

Sanni, “ we have been here together since Friday on a training course. Yesterday, Elias was coming from his division in Badagry when he got trapped in traffic, which resulted in his missing the assessment exams.

“He begged the officer in charge to help him but they told him it was late and there was nothing they could do because it was the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatia Owoseni, that conducted the assessment exam.”

Another policeman, who spoke to Vanguard on the condition of anonymity, said: “Even if he missed the assessment exams, that is not enough reason for him to take his life. His death is not ordinary.

“Elias was comfortable. He had two cars: an SUV and the Passsat in which he died and two houses in different parts of Lagos. He did not even think of his family, his wife and two children.”

His corpse has been deposited

in the morgue at Lagos State Teaching Hospital.

I thought he was relaxing—VENDOR

A newspaper vendor, Bekky Onabanjo, who claimed to have seen the deceased park his vehicle Monday night, said: “One of his legs was outside while the other was inside the car. He was there till we closed for the day at about 7p.m. I thought he was relaxing.

“It was this morning (yesterday) that we found his lifeless body already stiff inside his vehicle. There was also an empty can of a pesticide inside the car, suggesting he could have committed suicide.”

Police statement

Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesman, Mr. Joe Offor, said: “A policeman was found dead in his car with number plates 489 AY, parked at the entrance gate of High Barracks, Ikeja today (yesterday) at about 7.30a.m.”

Woman sells grandson to ritualists for N100,000

By Eric Ugbor

A

BA—POLICE in Abia State have arrested a woman (names withheld) for allegedly selling her daughter ’s three-year-old son and supervising his killing by ritual killers.

The woman, who was arrested and taken into custody at Umuobiakwa Police Station, said she sold the boy for N100, 000.

A source close to UmuAmukwu village, where she lived with her grandson, said the woman came back last week from where she sold the child, only to tell her landlady that the child was missing.

According to the source, her landlady then asked her how she knew that the child was missing. She replied that the boy was sleeping inside her apartment when she left, but that she returned to meet his absence.

He said the suspect’s landlady asked her if she had searched for the boy in the neighbourhood but was told to “leave off searching for him because that would be a waste of time.”

The source noted that the suspect’s response triggered suspicion in her landlady, who told older men in the village about the incident.

He said that on further inquiry, the suspect’s landlady and some men questioned her and then invited policemen to arrest her.

She later told the policemen before the elders that she wanted money for a lady's motorcycle before the end of the year, which prompted her to sell the boy for N100,000.

The source said that the suspect told them she sold the child to a native doctor in Akwa Ibom, who killed him in her presence, hence her reply that searching for him was useless.

When contacted, Abia State Police spokesman, DSP Udeviotu Onyeke, said the woman later changed her earlier confession, saying she gave the child to her sister in Aba, who she could not name.

The PPRO said the woman is still being held to determine her sanity.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

DOCKED: Former Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam (middle) at the Federal High Court premises, yesterday, as he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a nine-count charge of money laundering involving about N3.1 billion of the state’s fund. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan

House c'ttees: Dogara, Gbajabiamila supporters exchange blows Gbajabiamila camp denies plot to oust Dogara in USA No plan to remove House Leader —Chief Whip

By Emman Ovuakporie, Henry Umoru, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — THE agitation by the nation’s federal lawmakers for supremacy and juicy committee positions boiled over, yesterday, when two members of the House of Representatives exchanged blows minutes before the day’s plenary session.

The exchange of blows caused the legislators to defer sitting and resort to caucuses during which a resolution was taken by the mainstream of the House to bring sanctions on House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and his 23 loyalists who boycotted Monday’s inauguration of the House Committees.

That decision was, however, tempered following pleas at a closed door session between Gbajabiamila and some principal officers of the House in the speaker’s office.

Also yesterday in the Senate, muttering over the sharing of committee positions again reopened the fault lines as supporters of the Senate Presidency bid of Senator Ahmad Lawan accused Senate President Bukola Saraki of surrendering the chambers to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The melee in the House was upon the bad blood that followed the boycott of the inauguration of the 96 standing committees by House Leader, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, and his close

loyalists.

Exchange of blows

It was gathered that trouble started when the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Rep Herman Hembe, representing APC, Konshisha/ Vandekiya, Benue State, a close loyalist of the speaker, engaged Rep. Magaji Aliyu, APC, BirninKudu/Buji, Jigawa State, a supporter of Gbajabiamila, over the sharing of the committees.

A slap was said to have followed when one of the two men could no longer control his emotion and the situation was said to have been quickly brought under control by the intervention of the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun.

Tempers also overflowed on account of alleged moves by allies of Speaker Yakubu Dogara and those of Gbajabiamila to effect sanctions upon the other.

At the closed door session of the APC caucus, it was gathered that members resolved to remove Gbajabiamila as House Leader and refer his 23 loyalists who boycotted the Monday inauguration of the committees to the Privileges Committee of the House.

That move was, however, rescinded after a peace meeting between Gbajabiamila and the speaker attended by some principal officers of the House.

Sources privy to the development said Gbajabiamila had entered the speaker’s office and requested for a one-on-one meeting with the speaker but the other principal officers

present were said to have refused and insisted on partaking in the meeting.

Among the principal officers present at the meeting were Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lashun; Minority Leader, Leo Ogor and Chief Whip, Ado Doguwa.

At the end of the interaction, the speaker was said to have promised to prevail on his supporters not to apply the sanctions as canvassed by the mainstream of the House against Gbajabiamila and his loyalists.

Gbajabiamila in an SMS response to Vanguard on the development said last night:“The Speaker and I, both know we will both look bad and no one will be the winner if there is ever another fight on the floor.

The numbers are simply not there to remove any principal officer.”

It was a meeting for APC family

Doguwa who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the APC caucus meeting said yesterday: “This was a meeting for the APC family, a meeting we intended to address ourselves that enough is enough of the misunderstanding among the APC family.

“I want to tell you precisely that by what we did yesterday, the flight of the 8th House of Representatives has taken off, it has not only taken off, it has taken off very successfully and it is a flight that is a four-year bound air flight, with Dogara as the pilot.

“I want to tell that we have maintained the status quo for

now and Femi (Gbajabiamila) is our leader in the House of Representatives and even the speculations made earlier on that there is a move to remove Femi as our leader is unfounded and it is not from the leadership of the House or the APC. “I also want to tell you that this morning I had a very close consultations with the leaders of the party, specifically Senator Lawali Shuaibu, who is the deputy leader of the APC in Nigeria and we have told them that there is no cause for alarm in the House of Representatives and we are moving as one.

“There is no two way about unity, this party was founded on the basis of unity and the House of Representatives as it is today is very much poised and ready to work with Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari, to deliver the change mantra we have promised Nigerians.”

Gbajabiamila camp denies plot to remove Dogara

Associates of Gbajabiamila were also quick to denounce alleged plots against Speaker Dogara, particularly an alleged meeting in Atlanta, United States of America.

“No such meeting was held in the US. Rather, the leader (Gbajabiamila) visited Brazil where he met his family. I repeat there is no plan to remove Dogara by Gbajabiamila men,” an associate of Dogara said yesterday.

“It was a concoction of Dogara’s men to get juicy committees. They have built a garrison around Dogara that only those close to him can advise him. In short, they have caged him.

However, a member of the House, Rep Mustapha Bala Dawaki, has denounced agitations for committee positions, saying that committee chairmanship is a privilege and not the right of any lawmaker.

He said “the primary responsibility of any lawmaker here in the 8th Assembly is to adequately represent his constituency not committee chairmanship.”

Dawaki, who represents Dawakin Kudu/Warawa, APC, Kano, described the move as in bad taste “as no lawmaker was elected by his people to come here to fight for committee chairmanship or the so-called elusive juicy committees.”

Saraki asked to apologise to Nigerians

Meanwhile, anger among loyalists of Senator Lawan in the Senate over the composition of the committees also boiled over at a press conference in the Senate building, yesterday.

Speaking under the aegis of Senate Unity Forum, spokesman of the group, Senator Kabiru Marafa, APC, Zamfara Central, however, shied away from saying any member of his group would resign from the committee positions assigned to him.

Affirming that tyranny had taken over the Senate, he urged Senate President Saraki to apologise to Nigerians for “abuse of the Constitution” and for increasing number of committees beyond the statutory provisions.

Trouble started shortly after Votes and Proceedings of the last Wednesday’s sitting was approved by the Senate. Senator Marafa, who cited a number of Constitutional Orders and the Senate Standing Order submitted that the constitution of the committees should be reversed as they failed to meet the benchmark.

According to Senator Marafa, the Senate Selection Committee chaired by the Senate President, was not duly constituted, in accordance with provisions of the Standing Order, saying as such, the committees they put together were null and void.

He also asserted that failure of the Senate President to comply with Section 100 of the Senate Standing Rules, which provides for Senate approval of the committees before they can go into operation, saying such development had also nullified the efforts of the Senate Selection Committee.

He insisted that the committees were not subject to the approval of all senators in plenary. He said that the Selection Committee was not properly constituted in that it was made up mainly of new senators, flouting the standing order, which specified that it should be constituted based on ranking.

Legislative tyranny

Hear him: “What we are witnessing today in the National Assembly and the Senate in particular is legislative tyranny, where impunity wants to be the order of the day.

“Laws are meant to be respected and if we can treat our Order with impunity, then we have no business being here.

“There is no committee. They are not legally constituted and they cannot function. Any further action is unacceptable to Nigerians and I have discharged that responsibility.”

Speaking in the same vein, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, APC, Kaduna North, said there were procedures for constituting standing committees.

Hunkuyi, who was appointed Vice Chairman, Federal Character Commission and InterGovernmental Affairs, said there was no resolution on the committees at plenary.

But reacting to the allegations, Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Abdullahi Sabi, said the committees were approved during the adoption of votes and proceedings.

According to him, no lawmaker had the power to declare any proceeding in the House null and void because they were not judges.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—9

High liquidity brings down money rates to 5-year low

By Emeka Anaeto

L

AGOS — MOVES by Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to influence money rates downwards brought down Federal Government bonds’ rate to a five-year low, yesterday, as banks’ liquidity position surged up to N850 billion.

Bond’s rates and other interbank interest rates mirror cost of funds in the money market which in turn determine interest rates on lending by banks to their customers.

Nigeria’s 2017 bond fell by 110 basis point to 6.9 percent, the lowest level since 2010, while the 2015 benchmark bond rate dropped by 72 basis point to 10.25 percent.

Similarly', banks’ overnight funds rate hovered at market average of 0.75 per cent yesterday, down from average 0.9 per cent opening rate on Monday.

But the CBN’s unannounced policy agenda of transmitting the low cost funds into economic activities in real sector and general lending appear to be at odds with the banks as their lending rates still remained high as at yesterday.

Prime lending rates stilled hovered around 20 per cent, the level it has been for several months now while other lendings have even attracted increased interest rates to as much as 30 per cent, all costs inclusive.

A treasury executive with a tier-1 bank told Vanguard that lending rates would not yet respond to the dropping bond rates and other inter-bank rates because other credit components such as risk content are still negative and are getting worse due to down-turn in the economic outlook.

The massive drop in inter-bank rates followed sustained high liquidity in the banking system orchestrated by CBN’s new liquidity policy which saw credit

balance of banks, yesterday, rising to N850 billion, almost 70 per cent from N514 billion opening figure on Monday.

Though the balance is expected to drop to about N600 billion by tomorrow following CBN’s debiting of banks’

A

BUJA—BARELY a month after former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, visited Presidential Villa, he returned, yesterday, to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari. Chief Obasanjo’s last visit was on October 12.

Upon his arrival at the Villa in a black Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, at about 11.45 am, the former president was immediately led upstairs by some protocol staff of the State House.

C M Y K

viable opportunities in the fixed income space given the unappealing state of the equities market at the moment.

They are also less optimistic that the lower rates at the inter-bank money market would soon translate into a decline in lending rates for economic activities.

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

L

FORUM: From left, Vice President, National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan; Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Union Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Okonkwo; Deputy Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Dauda Gotring; Chief Executive Officer, Beloxxi Industries, Mr. Obi Ezeude and Head, Treasury, Union Bank Plc, Mr. Chuka Emerole, during the bank’s Transaction Banking Trade and Cash Forum, in Lagos

Saraki: House receives petitions against CCT chairman, Umar

By Emmanuel Aziken & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA —The embattled chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Mr. Danladi Umar, came under more pressure, yesterday, when the House of Representatives received two different petitions, alleging impropriety and abuse of office in the discharge of his duties.

While one petition is requesting the House to investigate alleged acts of impropriety purportedly committed by Umar, another is

Buhari, Obasanjo meet again at Villa

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

accounts for foreign exchange bids, the liquidity surge would likely overflow N1 trillion by end of the week as more federal government maturing obligation.

Given the current liquidity levels in the system, money market operators expect bond market to remain bullish as investors continue to search for

Meningitis A elimination: WHO scores Nigeria, 15 others high

After about an hour, Obasanjo was seen advancing to his waiting vehicle, holding a file.

Journalists at the State House were barred from reaching the venue of the meeting for interviews as the meeting was said to be private.

Obasanjo, however, exited the Villa at about 12.50 pm.

Efforts to reach Buhari’s spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, for comments on why Obasanjo visited were futile as his phones were not answered.

requesting the House to investigate the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for its failure to act on investigations allegedly conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC which purportedly indicted Umar of corruption.

The two petitions were presented on the floor of the House by the chairman of the House Committee on Army, Rep. Rima Kwewum, PDP, Taraba State on behalf of the authors, Anti-Corruption Network.

In the first petition signed by Ajufo I. Ajufo, the executive secretary of the group, Umar is alleged by the group to have vitiated the due process mechanism in the discharge of his duties especially in the award of contracts.

He was accused of, among others, to have misused public funds by allowing to be paid to him, the sum of N1 million vide payment voucher CCT/ABJ/DC/ 206/11 on July 14, 2011 to organise his own wedding.

He is also alleged to have approved the payment of N4.2 million to Chinox Global Investment Limited for the “ replacement of external security light bulbs.”

“Not only is this monstrous amount a gross inflation of what may have been needed to replace light bulbs in the premises, it is an entirely fictitious contract. No replacement of external security lights were carried out,” the group alleged.

A separate petition to the House alleged negligence on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in prosecuting Umar as recommended by the EFCC. The group alleged that the erstwhile EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, on June 24, 2014, submitted the report of an investigation to the office of the AG with Ref. No.: EFCC/ EC/ JUS/07/117.

“That report was about evidence against Umar. The AG then instructed the EFCC chairman by minuting on the same letter to “ proceed to prosecute the suspects.” The letter from Lamorde was communicated in writing to the EFCC chairman vide letter ref HAGF/EFCC/2014/vol.1/19 dated 26 June 2014.

Alleging bias on the part of the Office of the Attorney General in passing over Umar and prosecuting only his personal assistant, the petitioners said: “This is in clear breach of the order of the AG. Since then, the office of the Attorney General has been silent on this failure to prosecute as directed.

"We believe this neglect is deliberate. This has led us to believe there is a cover-up in this matter. When the Nigerian public becomes aware of this fact, they would be very much interested to know the reason for this cover up,” the group said.

AGOS — THE World Health Organisation, WHO, yesterday, scored Nigeria alongside 15 other African countries high in the fight against the epidemics of meningococcal A meningitis.

Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord which has swept across 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa killing and disabling young people annually or cause severe brain damage within hours.

Making the commendation from findings reported in a special collection of 29 articles in the journal “Clinical Infectious Diseases,” with guest editors from the former Meningitis Vaccine Project, a partnership between WHO and the international health non-profit organization, PATH, the global health body noted that five years after an affordable meningitis A vaccine was introduced, its use has led to the control and near elimination of the deadly meningitis A disease in the African “meningitis belt.

The supplement, entitled “The Meningitis Vaccine Project: The development, licensure, introduction and impact of a new Group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine for Africa,” sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also revealed that in 2013, only four laboratoryconfirmed cases of meningitis A were reported by the 26 countries in the belt, which stretches across the continent from Senegal to Ethiopia.

In the opening article of the supplement, WHO DirectorGeneral, Dr Margaret Chan, together with public health leaders from PATH; UNICEF; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; and the vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India, among others, described the vaccine as a “stunning success.”

According to Chan, as of today, the vaccination campaigns reached more than 237 million people aged 1 through 29 years in 16 countries including Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, and Togo.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

OPS reaffirms commitment to boost creative industry

By Naomi Uzor

L

AGOS — The Organised Private Sector, through the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, yesterday, reaffirmed its commitment to boost the creative industry and make it a major source of income in Nigeria.

The Corporate Communication Manager of the LCCI, Mr. Segun Alabi, said to this end, the chamber in conjunction with the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, has put together”Eko Akete: The Lagos Creative Industry Fair,” aimed at showcasing the interesting talents in showbiz, fashion and lifestyle, music, poetry, artwork and film production in Nigeria.

He said: “The Lagos creative industry fair, Eko Akete, is aimed at reviving the Nigerian economy by focusing on the non oil sector, to which the creative industry belongs. Key areas to draw attention to but not limited to modelling, digital arts, social media, antipiracy, art promotion through technology, dance education, drama and literature, fashion and film making and other corporate exhibitions”

We’ll encourage investment, create jobs —NPA boss

By Godfrey Bivbere

M

ANAGING Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Habib Abdullahi, has said that the authority would support more investments in the maritime industry to create competition.

The NPA boss made this known when he paid a courtesy visit with his management team to the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, LADOL, at the Apapa Port Pilotage District.

Abdullahi explained that investment in the sector would not only impact positively on the nation’s economy but would also create employment for Nigerian youths. He assured that NPA would give the necessary support to LADOL and other operators to ensure that they succeed.

C M Y K

APAPA PORT LINK ROAD: Bring contractor back to site, Ambode urges FG L

By Our Reporter

AGOS — GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has appealed to the Federal Government to direct the contractor handling the construction of the container trailer park and the port link road in Apapa to return to site.

Ambode spoke shortly after inspecting some traffic points in Lagos.

The inspection took the governor to Apapa, Ladipo and Isolo areas of the state. He said the completion of the projects would ease the traffic gridlock in the area and other parts of the state.

“I am pleading with the Federal Government to make sure Julius Berger comes to site to ameliorate the challenges motorists are facing,” he said.

According to him, it is important to accelerate the return of the contractor to site.

Ambode expressed optimism that once the link road is completed, the trailer terminal will be used, saying: “The terminal can take 1,000 container vehicles and that itself will improve the traffic in the state.”

The governor promised that the Paleko Road in Isolo area would be completed in the next nine months.

“In the interim, palliative will be done so that we can have motorable roads toward the festive period,” he said.

Ambode urged motorists to be law-abiding and obey the state’s traffic laws, adding: “We do not fine offenders just because we want to generate revenue. There should be law and order in the city.”

Says FG owing Lagos N51bn for repaired roads

TOUR: From left, Mr. Chris Olakpe, CEO, Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA); Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Mr. Hyginus Omeje, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos State, and others, during an inspection tour of Mile Two-Apapa road, Lagos to assess the traffic situation in the area, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

FG owes Lagos N51bn

Meantime, Ambode said the state government will not hesitate to fix any road in the state regardless of its status, adding that it would do so if a structure that would ensure that the Federal Government reimburses the state is in place.

He said: “Yes, it’s true that the Federal Government is owing Lagos N51billion, but also the

On Ladipo canal

Speaking on the situation at

the Ladipo canal, he lamented the environmental nuisance that the traders within the area have constituted, warning that the state government will no longer condone such activities.

Governor Ambode also called on motorists to comply willingly with the traffic law, saying the state government does not take joy in generating revenue from traffic offenders, but that the government would not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law where necessary.

Lagos Assembly speaker announces c'ttee chairs APC— 28, PDP —3

As Tejuosho rejects Judiciary c'ttee headship

Olakpe's agenda to address traffic situation

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, Mr Christian Olakpe, who was also on the inspection team, said a ninepoint agenda had been articulated to address the traffic situation.

Olakpe, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, said henceforth, LASTMA officers must be visible and accessible on all roads between 6.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m.

He said: “Officers must be on ground until everywhere is calm, cleared and people are safe to go to bed. In the area of enforcement, anyone who violates the law will not go free; now we are using a tripartite functional system of arrest, impound and prosecute.

"LASTMA will work in collaboration with Nigeria Police, Vehicle Inspection Officers,VIOs, and other stakeholders to ensure free flow of traffic."

Federal Government is saying that some conditions must be met and some part of the money is actually under contention, but the part that is free from encumbrances, which is about N30 billion, if the Federal Government gives that to us, I will be able to do more roads.

L

By Ebun Sessou

AGOS— THE All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday got 28 slots with juicy committees and People’s Democracy Party, PDP, three as the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, announced the names of the constituted committees and their chairmen.

While the returning members got 17 positions, the new lawmakers got 14 chairmanship positions, as 29 male lawmakers and two female lawmakers were announced as committee chairmen.

Accordingly, the Speaker is to head the Selection Committee while Business Rules and Standing Orders will be chaired

by Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade, as well as Ethics, Protocols and Privileges by the Chief Whip, Rotimi Abiru.

Also, House Service will be headed by Rasheed Makinde, Public Accounts (State) to be chaired by Moshood Oshun, Public Accounts (Local) by Bisi

Yusuff, Agriculture committee

by Kazeem Raheem as well as Economic Planning and Budget by Rotimi Olowo Others are Education committee to be chaired by Lanre Ogunyemi as Science and Technology will be chaired

by Nurudeen Solaja and Establishment, Training and Pension by Adedayo Famakinwa Others are: Energy and Mineral Resources (Folajimi Mohammed), Waterfront Infrastructure Development (Gbolahan Yishawu), Physical Planning and Urban Development (Setonji David).

Transportation to be chaired

by Fatai Mojeed, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (Oladele Adekanye), Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (Moji Lawal), Works and Infrastructure (Tobun Abiodun).

Wealth Creation and Employment (Sola Giwa), Finance (Yinka Ogundimu), Health (Segun Olulade), Home Affairs (Olayiwola

Olawale), Tourism, Arts and Culture (Desmond Olusola Elliot).

Youths and Social Development

by Kasunmu Adedamola, Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions, LASIEC to be chaired by Adefunmilayo Tejuosho while Lands committee was given to Bayo Oshinowo and Housing by Ibrahim Layode.

Information and Strategy by Tunde Buraimoh, Central Business District by Victor Akande, Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations to be chaired by Sokunle Hakeem, Local Government and Community Affair by Kazeem Alimi

Tejuosho rejects Judiciary c'ttee headship

But, a mini drama came up after the a former Deputy Speaker, Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, rejected the chairmanship of a committee given her.

However, as the speaker made attempt to rise, Tejuosho quickly took to the microphone saying: “Mr. Speaker, before you rise, I need to let you know this; I want to turn down that Committee on Judiciary."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—11

Ekiti Assembly rejects Omirin’s request on impeachment

VISIT : From left— Managing Director, Microsoft Nigeria, Mr. Kabelo Makwane; Microsoft Vice President, Sales Marketing and Service Group MiddleEast and Africa, Mr. Burak Gokmen, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during a courtesy call on the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

By Rotimi Ojmoyela

E

Court remands 7 suspected abductors of Falae

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—TWO new suspects were, yesterday, arraigned before an Akure High Court over the kidnap of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Olu Falae. They are Abdulkadir Umar and Babawuro Kato.

The suspects were arrested by the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja while the five suspects earlier charged to court were apprehended by a special Police team put together by the Inspector General, Solomon Arase.

The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, yesterday at the resumption of the case, informed the court of his decision to withdraw the earlier charges preferred against the suspects and replace them with new one.

Charges

The charges preferred against the seven suspects read: “That you, Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed, Idris Lawal, Abdulkadir Umar, Babawo Kato and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did give information for the purpose of kidnapping and abducting Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“That the suspects and others, now at large, on or about the same date, at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did aid the kidnapping and abduction of Chief Samuel Oluyemi Falae.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, Abdulkadir Umar, Babawo Kato and others now at large, on or about Monday, September 21 at Kajola/Eyinala Community in

Akure Judicial Division did kidnapped Chief Oluyemi Falae, the former Secretary to the Federation Government of Nigeria and did not release him until N5,000,000 ransom was paid.

“Abubakar Auta, Bello Jannu, Umaru Ibarahim, Masahudu Muhammed and Idris Lawal, Abdulkadir Umar and Babawo Kato and others now at large, on or about the same date, at Kajola/Eyinala Community in Akure Judicial Division did rob Chief Olu Falae of N15,000 and his handset while armed with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.”

The offences, according to the prosecution, are contrary to

Section 2 of Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 5(1) (a) of the Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Laws, Section 3(11)(b) of the AntiKidnapping and Abduction Law, Section 6(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act, Cap R11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 1(2)(a) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R11, Vol. 14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

‘Not guilty’

The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were translated to them in Hausa language.

Six of the suspects requested that government should provide lawyer for them.

One of them, Abubakar Auta, was represented by Ochai Jonathan Ogaba.

The prosecution team, led by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Akinladapo Ogunleye, asked the court to give them few days to enable them present their witnesses.

Presiding judge, Justice William Olamide, adjourned the case to December 2 and ordered that the suspects be kept in prison custody until the adjourned date.

Deposed Akure monarch dances after court appearance

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—DEPOSED Deji of Akureland, Prince Adesina Adepoju, yesterday, caused a stir in Akure, Ondo State capital, when he danced publicly through the streets five years after he was banished.

Adepoju's public appearance was at the instance of a case he instituted against the new Deji of Akure and the state government at a state High Court sitting in Akure.

He drove in a convoy of vehicles to his family house located at Odo Ijoka in Akure metropolis.

Some members of his Osupa ruling house equally danced through the streets.

Adepoju had approached the high court challenging his dethronement by the state government and the

installation of Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo as the new Deji of Akure.

The embattled prince claimed that he was wrongly deposed as the traditional ruler of the town by the state government and he is asking the court to declare him as the Deji of Akure.

He was dethroned on June 10, 2010 for allegedly assaulting his late wife, Bolanle, publicly.

Prince Adepoju was subsequently banished, following recommendation from an inquiry set up by the state government and the Council of Traditional Rulers.

He later relocated to the United States of America when the late Oba Adebiyi Adesida was installed.

After Oba Adesida joined his ancestors, his first daughter Princes Adetutu Adesida became the regent after which

the new Deji Oba Aladetoyinbo ascended the throne.

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olaseinde Kumuyi who presided over yesterday's case, adjourned further hearing on the matter till December 8.

KITI State House of Assembly has rejected the request of the ex-Speaker of the fourth Assembly in the state, Mr. Adewale Omirin, for the reversal of the impeachment carried out by a faction of the immediate past Assembly against him.

The Assembly said it had no power under the law to reverse Omirin’s impeachment.

The Assembly, in a letter dated November 9, being a reply to Omirin’s letter, where he requested that his impeachment be reversed, said the requests that the tenure served by factional Speaker, Dele Olugbemi also be obliterated, are purely constitutional matters, which go beyond the purview of what the House could handle.

Omirin had , however, assured that he would get justice in the court of law, even if the Assembly turns down the request, adding that it could have been honourable for the lawmakers to accede to the request for posterity’s sake.

The reply, read by the Speaker, Mr. Kola Oluwawole, in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said Omirin, had in suit FHC/CS/1823/ 14 at the Federal High Court, Lagos, challenged the impeachment before it was later dismissed upon withdrawal.

He said since the impeachment had been challenged in court, it was a serious impediment to the House’s acceding to the request.

Ambode appoints Hassan-Odukale as Trust Fund boss

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

G

OVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, approved the appointment Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale as the new Chairman of the State Security Trust Fund, LSSTF, Board of Trustees though subject to the ratification of the State House of Assembly.

Hassan-Odukale succeeds Chief Remi Makanjuola, whose tenure as Chairman of the Board of Trustees expired after serving two terms.

Ambode, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello, also appointed former Deputy Chief Whip in the State House of Assembly, Dr Abdulrasak Mobolaji-Balogun as Executive Secretary of the Fund.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Bayelsa gov poll: Dickson, Sylva, others sign peace accord Y

By Emem Idio

ENAGOA—AHEAD of the December 5, governorship election in Bayelsa State, Governor Seriake Dickson and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former governor Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, committed themselves to ensuring a peaceful and violence free governorship election with the signing of a peace accord at the Creek Motel in Yenagoa.

Eighteen other governorship candidates and their party chairmen also signed the peace accord witnessed by the Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, represented by INEC National Commissioner representing North-West, Mrs. Amina Zakari, Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State, Mr. Nasiru Oki, State Director of Department of State Services, DSS, Ade Oluseso, state Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Baritor Kpagih, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

INEC chairman, Professor Yakubu, in his address presented

by Mrs. Zakari said, that the Commission has been closely monitoring the activities of the

parties, candidates and supporters pursuant to the mandate of the commission, adding that the majority of activities and campaigns have been going on peacefully and in accordance with extant laws, rules and regulations.

He, however, pointed out that there have been reports and unsubstantiated allegations of breaches of peace.

On the significance of the accord, Yakubu said: “This peace pact is not the idea of

INEC or the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, it is the initiative of the good people of Bayelsa State, and INEC is only the facilitator.

We are not unmindful of the fact that the success of this peace accord depends on the zeal and commitment of the signatories to see it work.”

He admonished the candidates to live up to their commitment and obligations to the accord.

In their separate remarks,

Governor Dickson, of the PDP and Chief Timipre Sylva, candidate of the APC, while thanking INEC and the facilitators for the initiative, expressed their disapproval of the wave of violence orchestrated by supporters of the contending parties. They reiterated their collective resolve and commitment to abide by the peace accord, and promised to sensitize their supporters on the need for a peaceful and violencefree election.

A

BUJA—FORMER military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday dismissed insinuations that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was wooing him for 2019 presidential election as its candidate, saying that he has no such intention as he would clock 78 by 2019.

Reacting to his appointment as Chairman of the proposed PDP National Conference slated for tomorrow, Babangida urged the PDP to count him out of the conference saying that he had quit partisan politics four years ago when he marked 70 years. He said he had friends in the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC and playing the expected role would amount to partisanship.

Meanwhile, PDP Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday admitted that the party made mistakes in the past and begged Nigerians for forgiveness.

Secondus, who spoke yesterday when he met with leaders, stakeholders, elders of PDP, led by former Senate President Ken Nnamani, said that politics was about the people and election.

According to him, Nigerians should forgive the party for the

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—FIRST Lady of Edo State, Iara Oshiomhole, yesterday, kicked off the 7th anniversary celebration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in office with a party for the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Uhogua, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Meanwhile, Benin City is agog with the governor's 7th anniversary which is scheduled for November 12, 2015.

Mrs. Oshiomhole, who had in July donated N2 million and food items to the displaced persons, said she decided to move the party to the camp since it would be difficult for the children to travel to Benin for the main occasion tomorrow.

She fed and danced with the children who were excited with her presence. Mrs Oshiomhole said, “This week is my husband’s seventh anniversary in office. We are celebrating with the people of Edo State and we felt it will be difficult for these kids to come to Benin City for the celebration, so we decided to bring the celebration to them."

SWEARING-IN: Cross section of Special Advisers being sworn in by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

Excuse me from your conference, IBB tells PDP

By Henry Umoru & Wole Mosadomi

Edo First Lady fetes IDPs

many mistakes it made while in power, assuring that PDP was repositioning and restructuring for the youths to take over and deliver on the vision and mission of the founding fathers.

At the meeting yesterday, were former PDP governors, former ministers, special advisers and governorship candidates, among others.

General Babangida, in a statement he personally signed and tagged PDP Rebranding Conference: Count me out, said: “I wish to make some clarifications concerning the invitation extended to me on the scheduled PDP rebranding conference slated for November 12, 2015, aimed at repositioning

the party after its poor outing at the last elections.

“While I welcome the invitation to the event as a mark of respect as one of the founding fathers, I want to be excused on the grounds that I have long bid bye to partisan politics.

Four years ago, at an elaborate event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotels Abuja, I announced my retirement from partisan politics after my failed attempt to contest for president and having attained the gracious age of 70, in a society where life expectancy stands at a ridiculous 47 years.

“In appreciating what Allah has done for me in life, seeing me through many challenges,

stabilizing me during periods of tribulations, and safeguarding me through the thick and thin of political risks, I did state at that event that journalists would not push me around again.

“Attaining the age of 70 in 2011 was to me a great accomplishment for which I remain eternally grateful to Almighty Allah and my family who have shown tremendous support and encouragement throughout my political trajectory. Since 2011 till date, I have been playing my role as an elder statesman and “consultant-in-chief” to political office seekers and other likeminds who want my input in their aspirations."

Oil Spill: Court orders firm to pay N68m fine

By Funmi Olasupo

A

BUJA—A Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has ordered Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Ltd, SEEPCO, to pay the fine of N68 million imposed on it.

The fine was imposed on the firm by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, for failure to report the oil spill incident that occurred at the Okwuibome

location C (OPL 280) on March 5, 2011, but when the oil firm refused to pay, it was dragged to court.

Trial judge in the matter, Justice Olatoregun-Ishola upheld the submissions by the counsel to NOSDRA. The court held that SEEPCO was in breach of Section 6 (2) of the Agency’s Act when it failed to report in writing the oil spill incident at OKWC and that the agency had the powers under

its enabling Act to impose the fine of N68 million.

It will be recalled that NOSDRA commenced the legal action against SEEPCO on February 17, 2012 by seeking, amongst others, a declaration that the defendant was in direct breach of Section 6 (2) of the Plaintiff’s enabling Act when it failed to report in writing the oil spill incident of March, 2011 at Okwuibome location C (OPL 280).

Community leader warns against breach of peace

W

A R R I—THE leadership of oil rich Deghele, in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has said that it would not tolerate any act capable of causing a breach of the peace and disregard for constituted authority in the area.

Pa Prince Batesone, eldest man of Iye Descendant Union, in a statement, yesterday in Warri, also warned against unwholesome acts that could truncate the existing peace in the community.

Batesone, who was reacting to a statement bordering on the alleged dissolution of the Community Trust Executive, explained that the current trust was still in place.

According to him, the current community executive committee was still in office, adding that its tenure was still running till when the elder’s council decides otherwise.

Calling for peace in the area, Prince Batesone denounced the purported dissolution of the old executive which was alleged to have taken place on October 30, 2015 by the OlaraAja Pa Samson Amola (Community head).

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—13

Olu of Warri-designate to be crowned Dec 12 As predecessor’s final funeral rites begin Nov 20

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—THE Olu of Warri designate, Prince Godfrey Emiko, will be crowned the 20th Olu of Warri on December 12, 2015.

Chief Yaya Pessu, Ojomo of Warri Kingdom and Chairman, Warri Traditional Council, who disclosed this to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, yesterday, said that Abiloye's coronation would be preceded by the final funeral rites for his predecessor, HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse II. Chief Pessu, joined by the Funeral/Coronation Publicity Committee, headed by Prince Yemi Emiko, said: “The final funeral rites for the late Olu will last 14 days from November 20. The day before, we will have a commendation night.

“And by December 12, coronation of the Olu designate begins with a regatta at the Warri Club jetty before the rites at Ode-Itsekiri. We are expecting dignitaries from far

and near and we enjoin all to cooperate with us throughout these special moments.”

The release of the programme of events further raised the excitement among the Itsekiri in Warri Kingdom,

yesterday, as various communities and families intensified preparations for robust participation in the coming events.

Y

E N AG OA — B AY E L S A State governor, Mr Seriake Dickson, has told nonindigenes in the state to regard themselves as indigenes and feel at home.

He made the remarks, when the non-indigenes, comprising the South-South, Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa communities resident in the state endorsed him for a second term.

The event, which took place at the Peace Park in Yenagoa, the state capital, had in attendance thousands of men and women who unanimously gave their support to the reelection of the governor.

Dickson, who was elated by the endorsement, said the nonindigenes were good people doing well in their various endeavours and should not harbour any fear of discrimination.

He said: “I always tell you people not to call yourselves non-indigenes. For me, you are all indigenes. Anybody living here, doing business with his family, living life normally like Bayelsa people, especially being a Nigerian, we are all one. We welcome all our brothers and sisters here doing things normally in peace. You are all indigenes of Bayelsa State.”

Dickson acknowledged the support of the non-indigenes to the his aspiration, saying he was aware that they had been supporting his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, C M Y K

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

DINNER: From left: Director and President/CEO of Woodrow Wilson Center, Mrs Jane Harman; Secretary of Defence, United States of America, Mr. Ash Carter; and Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu, at the dinner in honour of Secretary of Defence, Ash Carter, at the Wilson Centre in Washington DC, USA.

Bayelsa is your home, Dickson tells non-indigenes

By Samuel Oyadongha

Ogoni demand release of Saro-Wiwa's memorial sculpture

which he also noted was their party and hence should continue to do so.

He told the people not to be intimidated by the antics of the All Progressives Congress, APC, but come out on election day to cast their

votes at their respective units and wait for the votes to be counted and results declared.

The governor said that the APC was no longer campaigning, because they do not have any meaningful message to tell the people,

adding that Bayelsans have rejected them and that the message should be taken home to let everybody join what he said was “Operation reject APC and Sylva” at the election.

I'm ready to govern Bayelsa again —Sylva

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—FORMER Governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the December 5, election, Chief Timipre Sylva, yesterday, said that the painful experience of his exit from office in 2012 and his travails in the hands of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had toughened and made him a better person to govern the state.

Sylva said that though his political experience outside the Government House could be likened to the “wilderness” in which several challenges came his way, he survived because God has destined him to lead the people of the state out of the era of poverty under the PDP and into prosperity and infrastructural development under the APC. He spoke at a separate interactive session at Obogoro community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state, where he met with some aggrieved pensioners and later visited the palace of the paramount ruler.

According to him, these experiences had made him more matured and ready to deliver to the people of the state good governance and development.

“In 2012, God, through some persons threw me into the wilderness. These people sent snakes after me, I killed the snakes. They sent sharks after me, I swallowed them up. I am matured and ready to govern Bayelsa State. I am the Ark of Noah. You all need to come inside as we are about to sweep away the PDP from Bayelsa,” he said.

Sylva who visited the palace of the paramount ruler of the community, King Godwin Igodo, urged traditional rulers in the state to support the APC and his candidature for more prosperous years.

He said, “ S o m e people say t h a t traditional rulers should not be partisan. But

would you not be partisan if your son is contesting an election? I am your son and am contesting.”

ORT HARCOURT— THE Federal Government has been told to urgently release a sculpture depicting the struggle of Ken Saro-Wiwa that was impounded by men of the Nigeria Customs Service in Lagos.

Speaking, yesterday in Port Harcourt at a joint press briefing organised by the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, Ogoni Solidarity Forum, Friends of the Earth of Nigeria and Social Action and Environmental Rights Action, ERA, to mark the 20th anniversary of SaroWiwa's killing, they said Shell should be made to pay the full cost and for the pollution of Ogoniland.

Executive Director, Friends of the Earth, Dr Godwin Ojo, Celestine Akpobari of Ogoni Solidarity Forum, Ken Hensaw and others who spoke, accused Shell of allegedly demonising Sarowiwa before the military government that hanged him over unsubstantiated charges.

The groups called on the Federal Government to prevail on Shell to stop the pollution of the environment and clean up the areas, adding that it should also pay compensation to those affected by its pollution.

NOSDRA assures on clean up of oil spills

N

ATIONAL Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, said yesterday that it would continue to ensure that best practices were used in oil spill clean-ups, rehabilitation, protection and remediation of the environment.

Sir Peter Idabor, NOSDRA’s Managing Director, stated this while speaking at the Mandatory Workshop for NOSDRA accredited consultants in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The theme of the workshop is: ‘’Ensuring Best Practices in Environmental Consultancy Services in Oil Spill Management in Nigeria.”

Idabor, who was represented by Mrs Uche Okwechime, Director of Finance/Admin, NOSDRA, said that the thrust of the workshop was to assist technocrats in the effective management of oil spill response.

He said that oil spill incidences and responses were as old as oil production in Nigeria.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

NARTO to hold AGM/ election of national officers in Abuja THE NATIONAL Executive of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners has resolved to hold the 16th Annual General meeting and election of the Natioal officers of the Association on 19th and 20th of November, 2015. This was the outcome of the NEC meeting held at the National secretariat of the association.

According to the Executive Secretary of the association in a press release, Mr. Aloga Ogbogbo, the Annual General Meeting will be held on November 19 while the election is for the 20th at the Royal Tropicana Hotels in Abuja and to be concluded with Dinner and Gala night later in the day.

Mr. Ogbogbo election would be attended by ten delegates from each state.’

The elective positions to be contested for are National President, Deputy National President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Zonal Chairmen (6 Zones)

Rice investors groan, as smuggled produce flood market

By Ikenna Asomba

T

HE NATIONAL Rice Millers Association of Nigeria, NRMAN, has expressed worry over smuggling of rice from across the Nigerian borders which it said has reached prohibitive levels, with hundreds of trailers plying back and forth from neighbouring countries carrying illegal shipments of the staple food.

NRMAN stated that the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, erred in its decision to lift the ban on importation of rice through the land borders. Chairman of the association, Mohammed Abubakar, chided the NCS for allegedly overreaching its statutory mandate as an enforcement agency in taking such a policy decision.

Mr. Abubakar said if the customs succeeded in its decision, it would destroy Nigeria’s rice value chain attained by the previous administration.

He attributed the problem of hamstringing rice investors to the Central Bank of Nigeria ban of foreign exchange for rice imports, among other products, which he noted is choking the importation supply chain.

The nation’s supply gap was estimated at around 3 million tonnes by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

and half that number by the FG earlier this year.

It will be recalled that in 2013, the Federal Government increased the importation tariff to 110 per cent as against zero duty

regime administered in Benin and Cameroon.

However, legal importers paying full tariff of 70 per cent have not been able to compete with smugglers who enjoy a free

Enugu govt laments delay on bail-out funds release

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—PERTURBED by Federal Government’s delay in the release of N14.2 billion bail-out funds to the Enugu State,Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi,yesterday, disclosed that the construction of eight roads embarked upon by his administration will proceed smoothly even though the state is yet to receive the funds.

The Federal Government through the Central Bank of

Nigeria had approved N10 billion for the state for infrastructural development and N4.2 billion for payment of pension arrears and gratuity inherited from past administration.

While flagging off Abakpa Nike/ Abakpa road,9th mile corner bypass,Ameke Ngwo-9th mileNsude road,Ugwuanyi revealed that,”during our campaigns and upon our inauguration, we did promise to devote the resources of the state to better the lot of our people.

"We pledged to accomplish this by aggressively addressing all issues militating against the development of the state and by taking necessary steps to ease the difficulties and hardships encountered by our people as they go about their daily activities, in all nooks and corners of the state.

“I specifically, mentioned Abakpa Nike and other satellite towns as places that we must develop in order to create fresh economic opportunities for our people and reduce pressure on Enugu metropolis.

DIGITALISATION: Broadcasters strategise on compliance

T

HE BROADCASTING Organisation of Nigeria, BON, has urged its members to sharpen their new technologies and computer skills as the compulsory switch to digital broadcasting is around the corner.

The immediate past Zonal Chairman, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga, at the South-West zone meeting of the organization, hosted by Lagos State Television, LTV8, in

Agidingbi, Lagos, said digitisation and re-equipment had been the biggest challenges facing BON members, urging members to face digital age realities which had become the vogue all over the world.

Explaining, the Executive Secretary of BON, Mr. Segun Olaleye, said the idea of digitisation came up as a result of the emerging trend in technology, adding that

Fire razes Sarafoam in Apapa, Lagos

C M Y K

ride into the market, aided by negligible tariffs in neighbouring Cameroon and Republic of Benin, taking advantage of porous borders.

Fire burning at Sarafoam, a foam manufacturing firm inthe Kirikiri Industrial Layout, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Akeem Salau, Chiebuka Enwere & Nwanekwu Lucky.

Total devastation.

Part of the expansive destruction

Sympathizers at the scene.

when full digitisation commenced, many of the stations would be compressed into channels.

Olaleye said: “We need to strategize to become relevant in the broadcasting of the future. When the policy begins, no station will own a transmitter and everybody will have to broadcast through a signal distributor and everyone will be on a single platform."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—15

30 wounded, 10 vehicles destroyed as govt officials, traders clash in Anambra

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—No fewer than 30 people sustained injuries yesterday, while goods worth about ten million naira and ten vehicles were destroyed, when traders opposed to imposition of Caretaker Committee at the New Auto Spare Parts market Nkpor clashed with government officials who were said to have been sent by the Anambra State government to inaugurate a Caretaker Committee appointed to run the market.

About ten vehicles parked in the market premises had their windscreens smashed, while goods worth about N20 million were allegedly looted by thugs who cashed in on the clash to help themselves by looting goods and drinking bottles of wines displayed for sale in the market.

The traders had, last week, protested against government imposition of Caretaker Committee, suspension of their election, and alleged refusal by the former market administration to render account of over ten years of their stewardship. They appealed to Governor Obiano to prevail on the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade and the Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS to allow them conduct their election according to their constitutional provision.

The traders accused the former executives of the market, whose

tenure of office was said to have expired, of plotting for tenure elongation, by deceiving the government with claim of constitutional crisis to pave way for constitution of Caretaker Committee to run the market.

The market vigilante was said to have been withdrawn earlier before the clash by their leader, who posted them to the market, and was sighted with the government and AMATAS officials that invaded the market

P

R O P H E T E S S PATRICIA Rachael Nwosu (nee Onuado), who died on September 26, 2015, aged 89, will be buried on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Nwosu family compound in Umuawam Amauburu, Ubomiri in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

A devout Christian mother and leader, Mrs. Nwosu until her death was a senior minister with the Assemblies of Yahweh, Umuawam Amauburu, Ubomiri in Imo State.

She is survived by many children, grand children and numerous sons and daughters inlaw.

Late Prophetess Nwosu

who resisted the inauguration of the members they claimed were mostly members of the former executives.

Over thirty traders were alleged to have sustained injuries during the clash, including Mr. Fidel Anyaoha who is a close friend of the Chairman of Board of Trustees, BOT, of the Market, Chief Mike Emerah who was seen as one of those opposed to the imposition of Caretaker Committee.

FLAG-OFF: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, flanked by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; SSG, Mr. Gabriel Ajah (right), and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Patrick Ikpenwa; Chief of Staff, Sir Victor Atuonwu; Amb. Fidelia Njeze (left), as he cuts a tape to flag off the construction of Amankwo-Ameke Ngwo-Ama Brewery Road by-pass, yesterday

NDLEA convicted 22 suspects in Abia in the last three months —Commander

By Eric Ugbor

Prophetess Nwosu

goes home

for the inauguration of the Caretaker Committee.

Trouble was said to have started yesterday, when the President General of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS, government officials and operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante,AVS, led by Chinenye Ihenko stormed the market to inaugurate the Caretaker Committee, but were said to have been confronted by some traders

A

BA—THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Commander in Abia, Mr Bamdele Akingbade, has said the command successfully prosecuted 22 drug suspects in the last three months.

Akingbade disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in his office in Aba. He said that among the 22 convicts, four were given an option of fine while 18 were put away in jail to serve between six months and fiveyear terms.

The commander said that 69 drug suspects were arrested within the period with suspected psycho-

Aisha Buhari urges APC not to renege on N5,000 campaign promise

T

HE WIFE of the President, Aisha Buhari has appealed to the ruling party, All Progressives Congress, APC ,not to renege on its campaign promise of paying N5,000 to 25 million unemployed Nigerians and giving school children one free meal a day.

This comes after the senators from the party voted against the senate moving a motion calling on the presidency to pay the N5,000 allowance.

Speaking further, Mrs Buhari said the APC is a party of integrity and had assured Nigerians during the campaign that it would pay 5,000 Naira monthly to 25 million most vulnerable citizens.

The wife of the president asked Nigerians to be patient with the APC government as the change they had been yearning for has come to stay.

tropic substances consisting of cocaine, heroin and Indian hemp weighing a total of about 161.282 kgs.

He said that the accused persons were convicted after a successful trial at the Umuahia Federal High Court.

“However, we have noticed with dismay the involvement of hotels especially in Aba as the base for drug couriers. We are currently working on a project with hoteliers to sensitize them on the need to cooperate with the NDLEA. “This is because, apart from the 147 kg of cannabis seized in one of the hotels in Aba, the command raided another hotel in Aba which resulted in the arrest of eight boys suspected to be cultists or kidnappers on October 6, 2015."

NGO to create 1.2m jobs by 2020

By Prince Okafor

I

N A bid to ensure that the Nigerian youths attain necessary innovative training that can support the country’s economy, the Young Business Leaders of Nigeria, YBLN, a NonG o v e r n m e n t a l Organization, NGO, has disclosed its plan to work out ways of reducing unemployment to the barest minimum by creating 1.2 million job in 2020.

This was disclosed by TemitayoEtomi, a 33-year old graduate of the United States Mandela Washington Fellowship for YBLN, an entrepreneur and founder of the NGO that has currently employed and training more than 100 Nigerians.

“The Young Business Leaders of Nigeria is a network of entrepreneurs and young professionals committed to reducing unemployment in Nigeria by at least 25% in the year 2020 through creation of jobs and improving the skills capacity of unemployed Nigerians,” she said.

The event took place at the United States Consulate Office in Lagos where Participants of the 2015 Budding Entrepreneurs Programme of the Young Business Leaders of Nigeria were received by the Acting Consul General, Dehab Ghebreab.

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BIAFRA: Ohanaeze to meet with protesting youths •South-East govs to meet in Enugu, Friday •Protests continue in Port Harcourt, cause gridlock •Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youths ....Igbo leaders agree —Ikokwu

By Clifford Ndujihe, Jimitota Onoyume & Ugochukwu Alaribe

W

ORRIED BY the increasing and dangerous dimension that the pro-Republic of Biafra protests are assuming, the umbrella body of Igbo socio-cultural organizations, Ohanaeze Ndigbo will meet with leaders of the protesting groups soon.

A leader of the Ohanaeze told Vanguard, yesterday, that an allinclusive meeting is being worked out, adding that the meeting would be a follow-up to the one being organized by SouthEast governors.

The South East governors' meeting, Vanguard gathered, will now hold in Enugu, the regional headquarters of the zone, on Friday, and not in Owerri as earlier permuted.

For about two weeks, members and supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and a faction of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, have been protesting in several cities of the South East and SouthSouth geo-political zones over the continued detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra, by the Federal

Pa Oloye for burial

P

A JACOB Oloye, according to the family announcement, will be buried on Saturday, November 14, 2015, at his residence, 24, Olurowo Street, Ehin Ogbe Quarters, Owo, Ondo State, after lying in state and wake-keep the previous day, at his residence.

Reception holds immediately after interment at Methodist Church compound, I, Fajuyi Road, OKe Ogun, Owo. Traditional burial rites begins tomorrow, November 12.

Late Pa Oloye C M Y K

Government.

Indeed, pro-Biafra protesters, yesterday, again disrupted economic life in several parts of Port Harcourt and adjoining local councils in Rivers State as they continued their protest.

This is as Second Republic politician, Chief Guy Ikokwu, who called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, said Igbo leaders are unanimous on the call for urgent restructuring of the country.

Protest in Port Harcourt...

The Rumuola portion of the ever busy Aba Road was shut down by the protesters as their activities disrupted free flow of traffic for several hours.

Adjoining roads were also affected as motorists had hectic time on long queues for hours.

The protesters, who stormed the streets under the aegis of IPOB, reportedly broke into about four groups with each chanting proBiafra songs.

Residents said one of the groups was around Rumuokwuta area of Ikwerre Road while the others were spread along Aba Road down to Obigbo local council.

The protesters had been carrying on in the state since Saturday, demanding the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

PROTEST: Protest march by members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, during their Free Nnamdi Kanu protest, in Port Harcour, yesterday. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

Activist wants IGP to effect mass transfer of policemen in Aba Meawhile, Convener of Save Aba Group, St. Moses Ogbonna has called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to effect a massive transfer of policemen serving in Aba, Abia State over the closure of markets in the city by IPOB, on Monday.

Ogbonna, in a chat with Vanguard in Aba, said the Police in the city failed in their duties to protect lives and properties by allowing protesters to shut down markets which caused untold hardship to residents. ‘’Police terrorize residents including mounting of road blocks and checkpoints against the directive of the IGP as exemplified with what is happening at the Ogbor Hill Waterside Bridge and several locations on the old Aba Umuahia highway,” he said, and hoped that the transfers would inject new blood in the system with fresh ideas to fight insecurity in the city.

stated this in an interview with journalists in Aba, said Buhari would write his name in gold, if he frees Nnamdi Kanu, dialogue with Ndigbo and address their grievances.

“We advise that this is the time for President Buhari to do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu. We make bold to warn that Nigeria is treading a dangerous path, which must be halted without further delay. Ohanaeze is appealing to IPOB to cease further protest to give room for dialogue. Having brought attention to the marginalization and untold hardship caused by several years of neglect, they should sheathe their swords.

“We call on the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the South East to wade in. We know President Buhari as a man of honour and conscience, who would give ears to the grievances of the group. All hands should be on deck to stop this raging fire,” he said Isiguzoro continued: “Let President Buhari emulate the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s magic in resolving the militancy problem in the Niger Delta. If President Buhari can free Nnamdi Kanu, start rehabilitating federal roads and the Second Niger Bridge in the South East, accommodate more Igbo people and allay their fears that they are endangered species in Nigeria, the yearnings of the Ndigbo would have been met.’’

Opportunity to restructure Nigeria –Ohanaeze youth The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use the opportunity of the protests embarked by members of IPOB to address injustice meted out on Ndigbo and restructure the country.

National President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who

....Igbo leaders united on restructuring of Nigeria — Ikokwu Speaking on the protests, Ikokwu said restructuring the country and implementing the 2014 National Conference report will go a long way in ending the protests because apart from Igbo leaders, the South-South, NorthCentral and South-West zones are in a favour of restructuring

Nigeria.

His words: ‘’The founding fathers of our nation’s two protectorates of the North and the South preferred the chant of “unity in diversity.” They opted for a federal rather than a unitary structure politically.

They were such leaders as Engr.

Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, Sir Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Herbert Endeley, Chief Dennis Osadebe, Dr. Michael Opara, Mallam Aminu Kano, Hon. J. S. Tarka, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim and many other notable leaders.

Notable leaders ‘’Most of the above leaders made innumerable sacrifices for Nigeria to remain united as one country, but events of the past 55 years had left Nigeria depleted of its vital economic potential, political will, aggravated poverty, malnourished populace, high level illiteracy and Almajirism, hypocritical leadership, abject colonial mentality and inferiority complex;, religious fanaticism, criminal tendencies, drug abuse, anti-social behaviours and the myopic anti-national and antidevelopment strategies. ‘’Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, former military governor of Imo and Lagos states (and a notable pro-democracy activist) stated thus at a public lecture: ‘…only someone foolish would have failed to realize that no matter the time spent on travelling on a wrong road, and the distance covered along this road, the only remedy is to turn back and begin on the right road. Otherwise, the intended destination will never be achieved…’ ‘’It was the result of the activities of the various pressure groups from the South and Middle Belt and in some parts of the upper North that led the last President, Goodluck Jonathan to convoke a

National Conference in 2014 aimed at finding acceptable formula for our constitutional amendments and restructuring.

The report of this confab was endorsed by the Federal Executive Council, FEC, and handed over to our new President Buhari and the 7th Senate President David Mark for an exercise that will boost our development stride and ensure more justice, equity and development. It is necessary at this point of the increase of the call of true federalism and proper fiscal federalism, to implement it. ‘’Within the last three months, our South East and South South geo political zones have witnessed our youths strategizing their own ways for a restructured Nigeria and some of their engaging techniques have become technological aparati.

Such an incidence is that of the so called radio Biafra which some Nigerian authorities have resorted to very strong measures of suppression. In some cases, people have threatened such digital engagements as treasonable. ‘’In the North-East, the Boko Haram insurgency has made government and a lot of people to bring $3billion for the rescue, restoration and repair of property destroyed. In the South-East and parts of South-South, after the civil war, which claimed about three million lives, there has been no reparation and rebuilding. The Igbo apex body claims they are owed over N3 trillion in reparation. The non-creation of an additional state in the South East since 10 years now has cost them over N1 trillion revenue from the federal coffers! ‘’We will find that the Afenifere, Ohanaze Ndigbo, Ijaw National Conference, Middle Belt socio cultural pressure groups, even the far North social cultural pressure groups have a lot in common in their effort and to bring about justice, equity and more developmental strides across the nation".

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 17

I

f one is to believe Section 10 of the Nigerian Constitution which reads: “The Government of the Federation or of a state shall not adopt any religion as a state religion” then it is clear that Nigeria is a secular state. Section 14(2) (a) further states: “sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom Government through this Constitution derives all its powers and authority”. Indeed if the people are the nation’s top authority and it is through them that a secular government derives its power, then said power and authority belongs not to religious or even traditional leaders but to the people themselves. Section 15 of the Constitution also states “discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion ... shall be prohibited.”

The Constitution is clear on certain things but for political reasons, we have chosen to ignore the very ideas that make a multicultural, multi-ethnic nation possible.

In the usual illogical manner we have become used to, policies strayed from the Constitution in order to promote certain agendas: indeed if discrimination on the basis of place of origin and religion are prohibited, how was federal character allowed to eschew meritocratic promotion in favour of selecting candidates based on their state of origin?

Qualified candidate Why must we have a minister from every state? What if the more qualified candidate is not from the state the position has been zoned to?

Isn’t that discrimination? And does having a minister from your state guarantee that he or she will favour that state? Isn’t that contrary to the very idea that Ministers because they work at the federal level, should work to empower and develop all of Nigeria not just their home town?

Nigerians have been manipulated by politicians for too long, made to fight their battles when their interests are contrary to ours. If ministers are to work for their states, what then is the point of having governors? We shouldn’t have 36 ministers, one for each state and also have 36 governors while the average Nigerian remains so poor.

In other climes, portfolios are combined to reduce the cost of governance: in most developed nations, the ministries of aviation and transportation are run by one person.

Information and communication should go together and why separate mines from petroleum resources (both are natural resources) if not to create space and employment for jobless politicians who cannot survive and compete in the society due to their lack of natural talents and abilities?

We must decide what exactly it is our Constitution stands for or rather, we must go back to its original spirit, before public office became a quest to provide “jobs for the boys”, meaning we must revert to observing the Constitution’s initial provisions to

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Should religion and ethnicity play a role in politics? enable justice, fairness and stability, and forget twisted interpretations which allow a greedy political elite to get its way.

In many ways, religious organisations in Nigeria have made themselves the mouthpieces of powerful individuals and preach the gospel as interpreted by or as suitable to said individuals’ interests in society. The Constitution says in Section 23: “The National Ethics shall be discipline, integrity, dignity of labour, social justice, religious tolerance, self-reliance and patriotism”. How ironic given the fact that many so-called spiritual leaders today preach fear and intolerance of others and speak only of quick gains and fast money which amounts to making it into public office. What should be the

The Nigerian Constitution, the laws it supports, are perhaps not clear enough in terms of what exactly religious organisations are permitted (or not) to do

sanctions for any organisation which not only preaches hate (in other climes there are fines for proven and offensive”hate speech” against any religion or ethnicity) but also encourages derogatory remarks against members of another faith or community?

T h e politicisation of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, under Ayo Oritsejafor hasn’t enabled much peace or unity, quite the opposite in fact. Rather than being the voice of the voiceless (of all faiths), CAN has often been seen as an arm of the PDP. The Nigerian Constitution, the laws it supports, are perhaps not clear enough in terms of what exactly religious organisations are permitted (or not) to do. CAN recently kicked against the banning of school prayers and it seems all actors involved have forgotten Nigeria is a secular state: there can be neither Muslim nor Christian prayers said in any official building belonging to the Federal Government.

Yet, conferences, dialogues

Reserves for herdsmen

officiated by governors, senators, ministers, etc, are often opened by prayers. Before my inbox is inundated by those who will try to misunderstand my point and call me a heathen, let me say, categorically, that it is not religion or prayers in themselves, that are the problem but rather, their utilization as a tool to antagonise citizens, pit them against each other, destabilise the polity and even, in the case of the insurgency in the North East, undermine government. Which is why governments usually stay well away from any outward show of support for any religion.

In a country as fractured as Nigeria, where citizens are so alienated from government and hostile towards each other, any small spark can trigger major

Governor Amosun

H

E reportedly had a blogger arrested for making corruption allegations against his wife, even after a court granted the man bail.

Where is this blogger now?

This is not military rule.

Not only is freedom of speech sacrosanct, neither the police nor the military exist to do private individuals’ bidding, no matter how powerful they may be. Defamation of character is indeed an offense, but so is taking the law into one’s own hands.

•Dele Momodu

Dele Momodu

I

•Gov. Ibikunle Amosun

S journalism dead in this country? What was the point of the Diezani interview?

The mix of celebrity gossip,

disagreements.

The problem with religious thought and morals is that depending on who preaches or who heads an organisation, dangerous ideas can be emitted.

Nigeria must develop secular morals: one does not need to be a practising Muslim or Christian to know it is wrong to kill or to steal.

Ethics, civics, not religion should be taught in government owned classrooms. Those who wish their children to further their religious studies have the option of private schooling, as is done all over the world.

As for the uncharitable comments CAN has made about giving Fulani herdsmen land for their cattle to graze, they are an example of why religious leaders should stay away from governance. Conflicts between nomadic groups with their roving cattle and settlers occur over land, which the settlers use to grow crops.

sycophancy and the attempt to constantly prove one knows “big people” distracts from serious issues at hand. #BringBackJournalism.

From the World Bank to any sentient human being with common sense, all agree the solution is to give the herdsmen their own reserves therefore prohibiting them from going into farms. So is it simply because they are Muslim and from the North that Mr Oritsejafor believes their needs should be ignored?

Infractions such as destruction of property should of course be punished, but let us look at the root causes of problems to solve them.

Bridges between religions and ethnic groups are constantly being destroyed, particularly by the same religious organisations that should be working to protect them. The Constitution allows every Nigerian to propagate their religion but rather than manifest conscience and spread goodwill, our religious pronouncements are now almost warlike.

From jihad in the North East to an evangelism that now reeks of bigotry, Nigeria is at war on so many fronts.

The hostilities are unnecessary.

Yes, we are all competing for scarce resources but we can develop a sharing formula without killing each other with guns or with evil words. Nigerian clerics, across board, spread xenophobia, scapegoat members of other faiths, without seeing the humanity in those they cruelly disparage.

The Pope addressing the United Nations told politicians to seek for others the same possibilities they seek for themselves.He might as well have been speaking to Nigerian clerics. The Pope also said: “Real human beings take precedence over partisan interests.” Now, that is Christianity.

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

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 DARK clouds are appearing over the campaign promise of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to pay a monthly stipend of N5,000 to unemployed poor when voted to power. In a recent outing, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, had reiterated the readiness of the Federal Government to implement this along with the programme of providing meals for school children.

However, in a surprise move on Wednesday, 4th November 2015, a motion by a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Senator, Philip Aduda, calling for a debate to compel the government to start the payment of this monthly stipend was unanimously shouted down with a voice vote by the majority APC senators.

This sent ripples, especially through the social media, where the youth and other concerned Nigerians see it as an indication that the new ruling party is about

The APC promise on N5,000 stipend to distance itself from yet another campaign promise. This may not necessarily be so, since the nation’s Number Two citizen, speaking for the Presidency, had already reassured that the programme is still on track.

The APC senators blundered by so vehemently refusing to entertain the motion. They missed a great opportunity to confirm their readiness to partner with the Executive in actualising the relief programme. It was very unwise for elected members of a political party to treat one of their campaign

promises in such a cavalier manner, even if there were elements of politics behind the motion by members of the opposition party.

The unanimous and vehement manner in which the APC senators knocked out the motion has made some to allege that they were pushing the party’s position, which it may or may not be.

The APC, as a political party, needs to come clean with Nigerians regarding campaign promises and debunk the growing impression that the party intends to back out of some of them.

We are, however, positive that with the expected inauguration of the new Federal Executive Council (FEC) any time from now, the Buhari administration will unfold the full gamut of its programmes of action and provide more details on how it will tackle the welfare components, which obviously helped in getting it elected into power.

Gone are the days when politicians made empty promises to voters with the hope that once in power they can choose to do whatever they like. This is the age of the social media, when information, once put in the public domain, is within easy reach. Even those with short memories can no longer forget.

We concur with Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, that issues bordering on the welfare of citizens should not be reduced to a political circus show.

OPINION In defence of Garba Shehu

By Chukwudi Enekwechi

A

N attempt by the Senior Special Assis tant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, to do a post mortem of the March 2015 presidential election, and the campaigns leading to it has unexpectedly elicited a negative reaction from DAAR Communications Plc, owners of AIT. In what many Nigerians consider to be an overreaction by the broadcast house to an appraisal of the events that took place during the presidential contest between President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress and former President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP, DAAR Communications Plc chose to denigrate the Presidential Spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu.

Despite the attempts by the media outfit to rewrite history, by denying obvious facts, the point remains that Nigerians know the truth.

As a mass communication expert, I can say that a content analysis of the advertorials and editorial materials used by the broadcast outfit tilted in favour of the then party in power.

Though the campaigns are over, yet it is in the realm of scholarship for us to scrutinise the performance of the media during the period under review. The reason why such issues should be put in perspective is to draw the attention of the media to the need to ensure balance in their reportage and coverage.

So many pundits and analysts have attributed the victory of APC in the presidential election to the ingenuity and leadership qual-

ities of Mallam Shehu who coordinated the media and publicity directorate of the campaign. With his background as a mass communication guru, journalist and editor of over 30 years, former president of Nigeria Guild of Editors and media manager, Garba Shehu was able to navigate successfully with his team during the campaign on account of his knowledge, expertise and experience in the media world.

Till date, it continues to amaze me that this man is endowed with such sterling qualities, and managerial acumen. To many, that MallamShehu was able to run a superlative media campaign for President Muhammadu Buhari, is an unprecedented feat in the annals of political campaigns in Nigeria.

It is also public knowledge that some global organisations, including the US State Department’s Political Communication and Public Diplomacy units are now understudying the media strategies that Mallam Garba Shehu was able to deploy in ensuring favourable media image for President Buhari.

One does not need to be a prophet or a seer to know that the PDP government used enormous government resources, including

This is not the time for bickering, but a period for sober reflection and introspection

Federal Government owned media organs like NTA, Radio Nigeria, VON and the privately owned media to unleash hate campaigns against the Buhari candidature.

It is to the credit of Mallam Garba Shehu and his team, that they were able to prove to Nigerians the failure of PDP government over the last 16 years, and hence the need for a change. Despite all attempts by the PDP to digress from the cogent issues of the moment, mainly sleaze in high places, Garba Shehu and his team, using mass communication channels such as newspapers and magazines, radio, television and social media, were able to stay focused on the issues of the campaign which were corruption, security and economy.

There was no doubt that Nigerians were sick and tired of the malfeasance in government, and insisted on realising the “change” agenda.

In the light of the above, it can be said that there was no justification whatsoever for DAAR Communications Plc to condescend to the level of ascribing innuendoes on the person of Mallam Shehu Garba for a remark that many consider innocuous.

For instance, it is unbecoming for the company to describe legitimate requests for discounts in placing advertisements as “unusual requests for discounts”. It is common knowledge that discounts on advertisements vary from medium to medium and in real business transactions which advertisements fall under, there is no cap to the level or amount of discount a client can request. So, what is unusual about normal requests for discounts?

The prerogative of acceptance or refusal for such request lies with the media outfit. In any event, APC Presidential Campaign was hamstrung in terms of funding, and any avenue through which savings could be made was out rightly welcome. In contrast, PDP had a limitless budget for the presidential campaign, but what mattered to Nigerians most was to be rescued from a system enmeshed in crass opportunism, impunity and drudgery in governance.

In the aftermath of the campaign, it is expected that we bury the hatchet, and join hands with the Buhari administration to restore Nigeria to its past glory. As Nigerians and foreigners alike acknowledge that the future of Nigeria is bright, it behoves all stakeholders to put all hands on deck at ensuring that they don’t rock the boat, and that the ship of state continues to navigate progressively. This is not the time for bickering, but a period for sober reflection and introspection.

Nigeria is lucky that we have a president who is determined and focused towards redirecting the affairs of the nation to the path of rectitude and rediscovery. It is equally gratifying that Mallam Garba Shehu has remained a part of the epoch in nation building and development and for media outfits, it is only expected that they descend from their high horse and key into the “change” agenda.

The task of nation building is a herculean one and it requires all hands on deck. Therefore, media houses should refrain from playing games and rededicate themselves to the task of making Nigeria a better place for all Nigerians. *Mr Enekwechi, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja

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

Buhari’s ministers without portfolios T

HIS week, perhaps on this very Wednesday that you are reading this, President Muhammadu Buhari would assign portfolios to the ones that must be considered lucky of the 36 ministers-designate. There have been media reports of anxiety among the ministers-to-be as to which of them would be lucky to be assigned portfolios. This followed the President’s remark that not all of the 36 would be assigned offices. While the Constitution recommends that the presidential cabinet must have at least one minister from each of the 36 states of the warped federation that is Nigerian, the president argues the Constitution does not compel him to assign portfolios to all of them.

This is Buhari’s not-too-ingenious way of keeping to his promise to run a lean administration while respecting the constitutional stipulation of one minister per state.

That this constitutional provisional is a ‘federal character’ requirement to give all Nigerians from different parts of the country a sense of belonging is not in doubt. What has never been tested, until now perhaps, is the continued relevance of this provision in the face of gross abuse by Nigerians. Of course Nigerians deserve

to be given a sense that they are all part of any government of the day. This is especially important now that people from different sections of the country display a heightened sense of dissatisfaction with the present structure of the Nigerian state. This sense of neglect that finds expression in cries of marginalisation swings from one part of the country to another.

Following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, it was the Yoruba that spearheaded the marginalisation movement. After Obasanjo emerged president, the HausaFulani took over with their call for the implementation of sharia while militants of the Niger-Delta fought their own battles on the side. After Umaru Yar'Adua took over as president the militants of the Niger-Delta moved into the vanguard of the marginalisation clamour. But they would soon be supplanted by a reinvigorated movement of misguided fundamentalists that would in due course scale up its activities into the murderous Boko Haram insurgency that our military is now doing its best to send into oblivion. But since Buhari emerged president six months ago, it’s the Igbo of the South East that are

now belting the marginalisation song with a rather extremist wing within the region taking up the separatist call of a return to a hitherto comatose Biafra nation.

These therefore are desperate times requiring that all be given a sense of belonging. It would seem therefore that Buhari’s move to cut down on the number of persons in his administration was not well thought through. But the step the president has taken to appoint ministers without portfolios may not be as foolish as it may appear placed side by side of the kind of questions it would raise; namely, the wisdom of running a large cabinet at any time at all, to say nothing of a time of austerity. Yes, to name ministers without portfolios may seem a blind adherence to the letter of the law (in this case the Constitution) that the Bible in a related context tells us ‘killet, rather than the spirit of it'.

But Buhari has taken this apparently ridiculous option in a bid to drown out the more damning accusations of unjustifiable violation of a constitutional provision that the opposition would be too pleased

Buhari is on the right path provided he ensures that those of his ministers assigned portfolios work for Nigeria and not their little enclaves

Financing development under Buhari: The role of Pan-African DFIs

By Roberts Orya

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has prognosticated a possible economic recession in 2016. This possible worst outcome of the present slump is something I am sure President Muhammadu Buhari would do everything to prevent. No president wants to be known in history as a ‘Recession President.’ However, this undesirable economic situation can sometimes become a reality, even in spite of the best efforts of a well-meaning leadership.

Exploring the worst case scenario, the following are the factors that, if they conspire together, a recession might become a reality.

The most crucial factor is oil price. If the price of oil falls below $40 a barrel for a stretch of time in the coming months, we would have a very serious economic crisis. Some might say why should this be the case, if the economy is as diversified as the rebased Gross Domestic Product, GDP, showed in 2013; and if oil constitutes just about 15% of the GDP? Therein lies the unfinished work of the diversification of the Nigerian economy. The diversification we have achieved so far is from the standpoint of a wider base of production, with some new sectors admitted into the GDP calculus for the first time in 2013. From the standpoint of government revenue, however, oil still accounts for 70 per cent of total receipts and over 90 per cent of external earnings.

As a result, the price of oil still wields an outsized influence on overall economic fortunes of the country.

At this stage of Nigeria’s economic development, low oil price will definitely depress asset values, nonoil sectors’ performance and overall production. A sharp decline in oil price will generally sap business confidence in Nigeria. The subsisting dependency, under our worst case scenario, would also erode liquidity and consumption.

The second determining factor is located in the fact that the current weak price outlook of oil is in a loop involving weaker growth in China and weaknesses in economic data from the matured markets. Given that before the current slowdown, the global economy was only at a slow pace of recovery from the last financial crisis, a sharp upward inflection in the global economy is very unlikely in the next two years. Thus, the protraction of a slowdown would have adverse effects in develop-

ing economies, including Nigeria.

The third factor is that President Buhari is fighting an insurgency. The insurgency may have all along been underrated because of its unconventional tactics and the need to project national security. Therefore, the value in the resolve of Mr. President to end this ugly, growth-sapping insurgency as quickly as possible is well-considered. So, defence will continue to receive a sizeable chunk of the budget until Boko Haram is thoroughly degraded. For Nigeria, defence spending will cease to be zero-sum for growth only as victory is attained against Boko Haram and post-insurgency reconstruction kicks in, or if the budget is spent on military hardware manufactured in the country.

The sum of these is that, with ill-luck, Nigeria can indeed slip into a recession, even if briefly. While leadership may not be able to prevent it, leadership can definitely inspire an economic turnaround that will lift growth above the pre-recession level.

So where should we start and what is the latitude we have in reversing the current negative trend of economic fortunes?

Where we have to start is where President Buhari has started and maintained focus. We have to raise the level of efficiency in the system. We have to plug revenue leakages. And, of course, we have to rein in corruption. President Buhari’s holy indignation against corruption cannot but be applauded, and it has been widely acknowledged. These are critical measures that will help economic performance, especially if we assimilate the culture of high efficiency and integrity. But these measures require complementary strategies.

One of the strategic accompaniments is provision

We have to raise the level of efficiency in the system; we have to plug revenue leakages; and, of course, we have to rein in corruption

to trumpet. We may also need to ask ourselves the significance of appointing people into office simply on account of their ethnicity irrespective of whether they are true representatives of their ‘people’. Perhaps, this latest state of affairs may force us to reconsider the idea of a large administration of public servants that end up serving their personal interests while increasing our national overheads. When we have ministers without portfolios who function as leeches on the national treasury, we may need to question their continued stay in government.

Buhari is on the right path provided he ensures that those of his ministers assigned portfolios work for Nigeria and not their little enclaves. His determination to cut down the cost of governance is one that should earn national support. For many years now the very cost of governance, of maintaining the jet set lifestyles of public officers, has been identified as one of the main sources of wastage of public funds. While countries far richer than us put strict limits on the amount to be spent for the upkeep of public officers, we adopt the irresponsible position of squandering our limited resources on government officials. People now go into government simply to partake of the loot that is guaranteed in public office. Our presidents envy and ape the extravagance of the American presidential system, and the apparent comfort that an American president enjoys in total ignorance of the disparity that exists between the American economy and the Nigerian state whose national budget for a year is probably less than what an Ivy League University appropriates for a year.

Things were taken to the worst possible extent under the PDP government that was sacked by

of depth for the nascent sectors of Nigeria’s economic diversification. For Nigerian Export – Import Bank, NEXIM Bank, these sectors are manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals and services. If we disaggregate what NEXIM Bank has in the past five years promoted as the MASS Agenda, we see the strengthening of both manufacturing and agro-processing. The services sector, has literally exploded, while the solid minerals sector is the weakest of these four sectors that can help create jobs and non-oil export revenue.

The multi-billion dollar question is: where are we to source the financing for the various programmes?

But equally important is how to channel the financing. I believe development finance institutions, DFIs, have the aces in providing workable answers to both the “where” and “how” questions.

Over the next 15 years, global resources would be mobilised in funding the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. The SDGs will provide the focal points of global financial interventions. A total $500 billion of innovative financing will be needed every year to finance the SDGs between now and 2030. This effectively means we now have a new paradigm for development cooperation.

Under SDGs framework, we will see more emphasis on governments’ collaboration with global and regional DFIs on one hand. On the other hand, DFIs are expected to ramp up cooperation with the private sector. This would be the pattern for mobilising resources to finance projects whose value would increasingly be seen in terms of poverty eradication, promoting inequality, mitigating environmental risks and supporting inclusive societies. This places DFIs at the forefront of finance in the years to come.

Nigeria is in a unique position to tap into the emerging global finance that would increasingly promote sustainable development. Nigerians now lead the two frontline Pan African Development Finance Institutions. Erstwhile Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. AkinwumiAdesina, assumed the leadership of African Development Bank, AfDB, on September 1.

Later that month, another Nigerian, Dr. Benedict Oramah, became President of Africa Export – Import Bank, Afreximbank.

These Nigerians were appointed to work for the entire continent. But their nationality provides Nigeria an opportunity for closer affinity with these institutions beyond being the biggest financial contributor to them. There are important values these institutions offer. The AfDB and Afreximbank – compared to their global or foreign cousins – are better placed to understand the local context to our

Nigerians last March. Under that administration, we had a president that had what must rank as perhaps the largest fleet of presidential aircraft in the world. Aside billions of Naira spent to maintain the presidencyon food, fuelling vehicles, buying newspapers and maintaining the fleet of presidential limousines, ministers had their own sets of hangers-on, advisers, personal assistants and others without definite designation beyond their association to the ‘Oga patapata’.

And these surely had their own sets of advisers and personal assistants too. You can imagine a personal assistant to a minister with his own personal assistant and advisers, all directly or indirectly paid from public funds.

That was what governance and public office, corrupted beyond words, was reduced to- personal service.

But now we hear ministers will have to make do with far less.

Gone, hopefully, would be the long list of security guards, convoy of vehicles and the general atmosphere of 'bigmanism’ that is built around public officers. We need to return to our modest past when public officers rode Peugeot cars to office. There is no reason why a public officer who lives in a house provided by the state, uses guest houses reserved for both legal and illicit purposes; rides fleet of vehicles provided and fuelled by the state, is fed by the state and enjoys many benefits on the bill of the state- there is no reason why such an individual should earn a salary more than an average senior civil servant. This belt tightening measures should be extended to our idle National Assembly that spends more time on recess than on making laws.

Public office should be for service, not a means for wealth acquisition.

development and support country-owned initiatives. This point is validated by Adesina’s pledge to focus the interventions of the AfDB on supporting power reform, agriculture, SMEs and youth empowerment in Africa. This is missile-accurate.

Adesina, like his predecessor, Donald Kaberuka, is poised to making the AfDB catalytic for African growth and for solving Africa’s development challenges, based on deep knowledge of the local context. His work in reforming Nigeria’s agriculture tells how much help he can lend from his new vantage position.

Another area of benefit is expansion of Nigeria’s network within the global community of Development Finance Institutions. I have seen firsthand the importance of this point since my ascension to the presidency of the Global Network of Exim Banks and Development Finance Institutions, GNEXID, earlier this year. Nigeria needs to network better with the global development community.

The AfDB and Afreximbank are important institutions in expanding capacity for the country’s national DFIs. This would naturally cover sharing project knowledge, joint project development and transfer of funding capacities by the regional DFIs to the national DFIs through establishment of lines of credit. This will help in channelling interventions more sharply to the areas of need and impact, as national DFIs even understand the local needs better.

Afreximbank has a suite of products and services to help Nigeria facilitate international trade. Nigerian banks and corporates can benefit from the trade support facilities of the Bank. NEXIM Bank has been in collaboration with Afreximbank to unlock more resources in the critical area of growing Nigeria’s non-oil exports. A number of Nigerian export manufacturers have benefitted from this cooperation.

In concluding, one of the greatest economic challenges Nigeria faces is how to economically empower the youth. The answer to this is support for entrepreneurship. Nigerian youths have been actively engaged in business creation. They control the entertainment industry and are expressing themselves in the technology sector. If we managed to unlock funding for these and other sectors, the doldrums that a recession symbolises would become a possibility farfetched for Nigeria. The good news is that the DFIs are well-focused and increasingly resourced to support the commercially viable enterprises of our vibrant youths to complement national efforts.

•Mr Orya is Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export – Import Bank.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Succour for IDPs: Women dare Kilimanjaro •Seek financial support

Six nights expedition

their decision to embark on this perilous expedition, not as a protest to the situation, but as a passionately symbolic gesture to embody and surmount the mountain of hopelessness. They hope, by this campaign, to get every single Nigerian involved in catering to the needs of these women and children, especially as the Christmas and New Year holidays are fast approaching. “We are calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to donate clothes, beddings, toiletries, food, and other essential supplies to the women and children in these camps, whilst urging corporate organisations to support these women and children with their products.

Offering her own passionate support, Mrs Amosun said “the horror of the abducted Chibok girls, the realisation that they could have been my girls, the thought of what they must be suffering right now, has inspired me further to assist those in similar predicaments, no matter the inconvenience”. She declared

Mrs Abere told Vanguard Metro that as a demonstration of concern about the situation, six Nigerian women will soon embark on an expedition tagged “Climb with Remi”.

The seven days and six nights expedition entails climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, between November 28 and December 5. The essence of this adventure, she informed, is to raise more awareness of the plight and conditions of victims of insurgency in Northern part of Nigeria, who are presently living in various IDPs camps in the country.

Mrs. Abere, 50, and a mother of five, said the planned mission was not a matter of rhetoric because she had reached the peak of Mountain Kilimanjaro earlier in June, stressing that attaining such such height amounts to a herculean task but certainly not insurmountable.

She informed VM that these brave women are resolute in

I am resolute to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to assist in raising funds towards alleviating the hardship, poverty and psychological trauma of women and children that have found themselves in IDP camps

By Fredrick Okopie

F

OLLOWING persistent attacks and atrocities carried out by the dreaded Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram, in Northern Nigeria, the number of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, has continued to rise, at a point to alarming proportion.

Experts put the number at an estimated 3.3 million persons, of which 70 percent are women and children.

The gravity of this development was poignantly brought to public attention during a recent gathering in Ikeja, Lagos under the aegis of Mrs. Remi Abere, the Project Ambassador of an intervention programme for the IDPs. In attendance were the First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun and former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa in attendance, among others.

C M Y K

Meal time....

Children at an IDP camp

further: “I am resolute to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to assist in raising funds towards alleviating the hardship, poverty and psychological trauma of women and children that have found themselves in IDP camps through no fault of their own.”

Telecommunication giant, Airtel Nigeria’s P u b l i c Relations Office, PRO, Mr Femi Adeniran, s a i d : “Through the ‘Climb with R e m i ’ intervention, Airtel Nigeria has joined t h e s e committed, compassionate and selfless women and mothers to sensitise m o r e Nigerians on the need to give as well as extend love to underprivileged p e o p l e , including women and children who are victims of unfortunate social menace in our society.

“By defying height and o t h e r unfavourable conditions known with climbing M o u n t Kilimanjaro, these women have shown

that as individuals or collective groups, we can overcome challenges when we unite,” Mr. Adeniran said.

Other women to join in the climbing expedition are Mrs. Joke Olanipekun, an entrepreneur; Mrs. Uzo

Nwani, IBM Executive; Mrs. Debo Laditan, a legal practitioner. In one voice, they reiterated that they were motivated by the noble desire to alleviate the pitiable conditions of the IDPs.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

— 21

NACCIMA, LCCI advocate marketing board to boost non-oil exports

By Franklin Alli

T

HE Nigerian Associa tion of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), has called for the reconstitution of the defunct marketing board for farm produces saying “ it will boost the export of gum arabic, natural rubber, cocoa, sesame seeds and cashew nuts.”

Similarly, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said the need for the marketing board is further buttressed by the National Bureau of Statistics data which indicated that the non-oil sector contributed 90.20 per cent to the national GDP and grew by 3.46 per cent in the second quarter of 2015.

NACCIMA in its quarterly analysis of non-oil exports made available to Vanguard, stated that the sector has been boosting the inflow of foreign exchange into the domestic economy and can do better if the board for commodities is revived to ensure proper documentation of the products.

Proper documentation According to the document, Certificate of Origin (C of O) issued NACCIMA to genuine exporters of non-oil products exported in the first quarter of this year alone, facilitated a total of $64,84m inflow of foreign exchange earnings into the domestic economy when compared with the corresponding figure of $55,55 million for the period, January to March 2014. The value represented an increase of

ROUNDTABLE: From Right: Guest Speaker, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Nigeria and West Africa (ECOWAS), Mr GU Xiaojie; President/Chairman of Governing Council, IoD, Mr Yemi Akeju and 2nd Vice President, IoD; Chief Chris Okunowo, during a diplomatic roundtable organised by IoD in Lagos. Photo: AKEEM SALAU 16.723 percent.

A breakdown of this figure showed that cocoa recorded an increase of $36,58 million as against $30,55 million; this represented an increase of 19.735 percent for the same period.

Similarly, sesame seeds recorded an increase of $18,14 million as against $15,98m representing an increase of 13.517 percent for the same period, while cashew nuts recorded an increase of $2,06m as against $1,05m for the same

method,” said NACCIMA. Remi Bello, President, LCCI, in his presentation during the opening ceremony of the 29th Lagos International Trade Fair, themed ‘Enhancing Value Addition in the Non oil Economy’, at Tafawa Belewa Square, said the ongoing trade fair was designed to highlight the nation’s potential in the core non-oil sector and the numerous human capitals to drive diversification and industrialization.

“As a policy advocacy group, we will continue to offer advice, inputs and partnership on strategies and measures to facilitate the realization of economic development programmes of government.” He warned of serious national economic consequences, if the Nigerian government fails to diversify the country’s economy, stressing “the sharp drop in the price of crude oil makes economic diversification imperative.

Nigeria must create markets to make farming profitable — Pearson

T

HE Federal Government must sustain the reforms of the previous administra117.50 -0.25 tion in the agricultural sector to drive $3,256. 00 47.00 agriculture as a business and create mar$14.15 0.16 kets for farmers to make profits, said Managing Director of Afrocet West 47.33 0.14 Africa, Mr. Bryan Pearson.

44.16 0.29 Pearson stated this CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL during an interview with Vanguard DOLLAR 195.98 196.48 196.98 ahead of the second POUNDS 296.0082 296.7634 297.5186 EURO 211.2664 211.8054 212.3444 edition of Agra FRANC 195.4523 195.9509 196.4496 Innovate, Nigeria’s YEN 1.587 1.5911 1. 5951 first comprehensive CFA 0.3054 0.3154 0.3254 agribusiness conferWAUA 271.2362 271.9282 272.6202 ence and exhibition RENMINBI 30.8019 30. 881 30.96 RIYAL 52. 2585 52.3919 52.5252 which held for the SDR 270.7856 271.4764 272.1673 first time in 2014.

KRONA 28.3163 28.3886 28.4608 Pearson said: “There are so many CBN Exchange Rate as at10/11 /15

C M Y K

period. “We suggest that to sustain and surpass the current output/yield level of the agricultural sector, the government should consider the following factors amongst others: “The re-constitution of marketing board for farm produce; improvement in the agri-business and agricultural value chain; provision/maintenance of infrastructure facilities and emphasis should be placed on mechanized farming as against subsistence farming

By Jonah Nwokpoku issues in agriculture in Nigeria but the key issue is that you need to create the market so that your agriculturists can make profits. One thing that the former Minister of Agriculture, Akinwunmi Adesina moved things forward quite significantly was that agriculture is not for subsidy. Agriculture is for business. So rather than subsidizing fertilizer and handing it down, which has been a policy for many years, he tried to turn that around and found the right conditions on how you can make things profitable.

“Government cannot farm, but it can create the conditions that will develop agriculture as a genuine business. And that’s where under the previous administration, things were moving quite confidently and positively. So this government needs to sustain that pace.”

According to Pearson, the second edition of the Agra Innovate which seeks to build on the successes of the inaugural edition will address the crucial factors impacting agricultural transformation in Nigeria.

He said the exhibition which

Government cannot farm, but it can create the conditions that will develop agriculture as a genuine business

will hold in Lagos from 24th to 26th of November, 2015 will be composed of key industry stakeholders including: National and state government representatives, industry and business leaders, parastatal agencies and research bodies; commercial farm owners and managers; non governmental organisations/development agencies; private investors, leading technology and solution providers, etc.

Speaking further, he said: “No issues or topics are out of bounds. By joining this select audience, participants will receive privileged insights on the most exciting areas of opportunity and future development potential in the sector; the strategies and innovations that leading organisations are creating to exploit this potential and their frank analysis of the risks and potential constraints for existing and new market entrants.”

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

The compulsory group life has been made for the benefit of workers and if an employer is not putting it in place, the employees are being short-changed

,

,

‘Read your insurance contracts thoroughly’

M

ANAGING Director of Custodian Life Insurance, Mr. Larry Ademosu has charged insurance consumers to ensure that they read through their insurance contracts properly to enable them know what they stand to benefit from their insurance policies.

Ademosu gave the charge at the Insurance Consumers forum organised by Almond Finance in Lagos last week.

Ademosu said that many insurance companies have stopped writing contracts in small prints, contrary to what is obtainable in time past where insurance contracts are characterised by small prints and jargons.

According to him, insurers now write their contracts in simple and plain language which anybody can easily understand; hence, policyholders should ensure that they read their policy documents very well.

Policy documents Mrs. Ekaete AugustineEdet, the keynote speaker for the day, said that no business today can afford to ignore two very important people which are the customer and the competitor.

Augustine-Edet who spoke on the topic, ‘Competitive advantage through excellent service,’ said “Organisations that focus hard on the quality of service they provide grow faster, sometimes twice as fast as the competitor in the market place.”

While asking what is customer service?, AugustineEdet said, “It is the act of taking care of the customer’s needs by providing and

delivering professional, helpful and high quality products and service. It is also about treating customers with respect, individuality, and personal attention.

On excellent service through effective communication, AugustineEdet said, “Proper grammar is critical to effective communication; it makes it easier to pass a message across. How to communicate properly with customers: speak clearly, use everyday language, and avoid using jargon, company terms and technical language.”

On ccustomer complaints, Augustine-Edet said, “Statistics show that only 5% of customers complain if they are dissatisfied with a product or service. The remaining 95% either feel that complaining is not worth the effort or do not know whom to complain to so they just stop buying. Of those who register complaints, between 54% and 70% will continue to do business with the organiaation if the complaint is resolved. The figure goes up to 95% If the complaint is resolved quickly. Most product or service improvement comes from customer complaints.”

On handling customer complaints, Augustine-Edet, “When a customer complains, look at it as an opportunity to improve.”

On steps to effectively handle customer complaints, Augustine-Edet said, “Contact the complaining customer as soon as possible; determine the reason for complaint; identify the root cause of the problem; be empathic; as well as rectify the situation as quick as possible.

INSURAN If your employer doesn’t have compulsory group life insurance, you are being short-changed

By Rosemary Onuoha

A

S part of the compulsory insurance policies in the country, the Pension Act, 2014 mandates employers of three and above to have in place compulsory group life insurance for employees.

Unfortunately, a lot of employers are yet to comply with this law.

The compulsory group life has been made for the benefit of workers and if an employer is not putting it in place, the employees are being short changed. It is believed that if most employers have compulsory group life insurance for their workers, insurance will become bigger.

Compulsory insurances Sadly, it is not just the compulsory group life insurance that is neglected, the other compulsory insurances which are the motor third party insurance –section 68 of the Insurance Act 2003; public buildings and buildings under construction-section 64 of the Insurance Act 2003; and health care professional indemnity insurance- section 45 of the

NHIS Act 1999 are all being neglected. Not much has been achieved in the implementation or enforcement of the law on compulsory insurances despite all efforts by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, so far.

Although experts are of the opinion that the compulsory insurances has been bedevilled by lack of enforcement mechanisms, particularly the Insurance Act 2003 which has been described as weak, they believe that there is need for optimal enforcement.

Some efforts by NAICOM to

The potential of the market for growth is huge. The enforcement of the different insurances would kick-start a new phase of opportunities for growth and expansion of the insurance sector

boost implementation of the compulsory insurances include engagement with stakeholder partners such as law enforcement agents, pensioners, health professionals, construction workers, among others, for better enforcement.

Some analysts believe that if NAICOM aims to achieve success in the implementation of compulsory insurance products, it should liaise with the federal government for government to put its seal on the products.

According to these analysts, the compulsory insurances which is a strategy of actualising the Market Development and Restructuring Initiative, MDRI, of NAICOM, is a growth area for the insurance industry which requires the huge support of the federal government.

Group Managing Director of Custodian & Allied Insurance Plc, Mr. Wole Oshin, said that the industry can work hand in hand with the federal government to put the seal of the federal government on compulsory insurance products just like what the National Pension Commission, PenCom,

PRESENTATION: From left: Chinedu Ifezue, winner of the Port Harcourt leg of the Gulder Ultimate Chase; Chinedu Ubachukwu, Gulder Ultimate Search 2014 winner; Benjamin Akuruka, winner of the Owerri leg of the Gulder Ultimate Chase and Chinedu Odimgbe, winner of the Enugu leg of Gulder Ultimate search, during the presentation of a car to Benjamin Akuruka for winning the Owerri leg of Gulder Ultimate Chase at Hero’s Square, Owerri.

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

,

CE & YOU

— 23

If NAICOM aims to achieve success in the implementation of compulsory insurance products, it should liaise with the federal government for government to put its seal on the products

,

Online car insurance debuts in Nigeria

By Onozure Dania

A

Registrar/CEO Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Mr Sunday Adeyemi; President, Mr. Anthony Arabome and Human Resources Manager, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr Tunde Adebayo, during the award presentation of Overall Winner 2015 CIPM HR Best Practice Awards to Honeywell, in Abuja did with the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. Recall that PenCom partnered with the federal government to ensure that individuals or bodies seeking to do business or looking for contract with the federal government must show proof of compliance with the CPS. In essence, PenCom has been issuing Compliance Certificates to organisations bidding or soliciting for contracts with Federal Government Ministries, Department and Agencies in line with the provision of Section 16 (6) (d) of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. The Certificate has replaced the

erstwhile Letters of Compliance that were issued for the same purpose.

Oshin said, “If the seal of the federal government is on the compulsory insurance products, all the people that are not taking part will do so. We should work to see what can be done in that regard.”

Different insurances He said, “The potential of the market for growth is huge. The enforcement of the different insurances would kick-start a new phase of opportunities for growth and expansion of the

insurance sector.”

Recall that PenCom recently rejected the applications of 210 employers who sought compliance certificates to enable them bid for government contracts, because they failed to meet the necessary requirements.

PenCom said it received 1,050 applications for issuance of compliance certificates in the first quarter of this year, of which 840 employers were issued certificates while the remaining applications were rejected on the ground that they did not meet the requirements.

BMI foresees 70% growth of Nigeria’s non-life insurance by 2016

B

USINESS Monitor International (BMI) a global research firm has predicted that with a share of nearly 70 percent in total written non-life premiums by 2016, non-life insurance is by far the more important segment in Nigeria’s insurance sector.

Notably, with insurance penetration rates of around 0.2 percent, non-life insurance is only slightly more developed than life insurance, BMI said adding, “We have a positive outlook for both Nigeria’s life and non-life insurance segments over the coming C M Y K

years”.

The firm noted that key growth drivers reside in the country’s improving economic conditions, which means that with rising incomes and a growing middle class, increasingly more Nigerians will be able to afford long term and short-term insurance contracts as their rates of auto and home ownership increase.

“We note, however, that currency movements due to falling oil prices and national security issues may weigh on the growth potential of life and non-life premiums.

We expect, however, that life insurance will continue to outpace its non-life counterpart over the next five years, which means that increasingly more Nigerians are recognising the benefits of life insurance” it said.

Overall, both major segments will show rapid growth rates over the foreseeable future, which to a large extent are related to Nigeria’s economic development, BMI predicted.

N online car insurance company, Topcheck, has started its operation in Nigeria. The insurance company is an online car insurance website where users go to compare prices of car insurance available and their benefits before buying insurance online.

The company which said that it’s changing the way people buy insurances with an innovative online platform and simplified purchasing process, noted that the online platform which is a German holding, targeted at Nigeria, will be Nigeria’s car insurance aggregator and it promises to help the customer perceive insurance market more transparently and navigate the market easily.

Speaking during the unveiling of the company in Lagos, Thomas Von Pilar, Co-founder and Managing Director of Topcheck said that the company is bringing car insurance online in a bid to make it available to millions of internet users and at the same time make it much easier and convenient.

He said that a lot of people don’t have car insurance in Nigeria, that is why Topcheck, has decided to bring German technology into Nigeria and help people get insurance. “We need to help people get insurance that will help them protect themselves and their families this is what motivated us to bring internet car insurance to Nigeria.”

Pilar further stated that in Topcheck’s platform, consumers can buy car insurance within 10 minutes without going anywhere or without needing to visit an office, thereby increasing convenience and the reach.

According to him, “Traditionally, insurance in Nigeria has been very weak but there are lots of efforts in the industry to strengthen insurance as a product and make it much more effective for the customer. We partner with trusted security companies.

Security measures We apply all security measures we can and our customers can be 100 percent sure that their data and systems are 100 percent secured.”

Pilar also disclosed that Topcheck has partnered with various top companies and investors to give customers value for their money, some of the top companies include Mountain Partners, Trivago, Jumia and Comparis.ch amongst others.

Also speaking at the unveiling, Christian Wiesner, who is also a Co-Founder & Managing Director, of Topcheck stated that the success of Topcheck is mostly dependent on the satisfaction of customers and in that regard, they try to deliver the best customer service possible, adding that if someone has a claim, and calls Topcheck’s customer service, they will facilitate communication between the customer and the insurance companies concerned.

“In Topcheck, we educate and inform people on the internet with our platform. We make it easy for people to understand what insurance is and what it does for the customers and we promote the factors on how insurance grow in the future,” he said.

While pointing out some of the challenges facing the company, Wiesner said that the challenges are related to the infrastructures, bureaucracies and lack of transparency that create a painful experience when people needs to buy insurances.

He noted that other challenges are peculiar to the nature of the business. However, he said that the company is working towards becoming the largest insurance comparism platform in Nigeria as well as on the African continent and becoming a major player in all other financial services.

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Keane: I made Ronaldo R

oy Keane has joked that he made Cristiano Ronaldo the player he is today in the two years he spent with the Portuguese at Manchester United.

Ronaldo played alongside the Irishman between 2003 and 2005, winning just the FA Cup, before the latter left Old Trafford for Celtic following a row with Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s Euro 2016 play-off with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Keane said that in management certain players need differing approaches... but Ronaldo never needed to be “shouted” at.

“Yeah I made him,” Keane told reporters when asked about the impact he had on the Portuguese. “Only for me he wouldn’t be where he is".

REVEALED: 2002 World Cup, I took a big risk fielding Enyeama – Onigbinde

BY JUDE OPARA, ABUJA

M

ore than 13 years after the Japan/Korea 2002 World Cup, former Coach of the Super Eagles, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde has revealed how he ignored intense pressure from “all quarters” to give former national team goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama the opportunity to stand in between the sticks for Nigeria in the last group game against England.

Onigbinde told Sports Vanguard in Abuja that he decided to give the former Enyimba International of Aba the big break after the team lost its first two group matches against Argentina and Sweden because he knew that the young players were hungry for success.

According to him he recruited some young talents including Vincent Enyeama, former internationals Femi Okpabunmi, Bartholomew Ogbeche, Justice Christopher, Joseph Yobo and Julius Aghagowa because he holds the opinion that a good coach should look for talents and not stars.

“For me to field Enyeama in that game against England was a huge risk because I was receiving phone calls from different quarters accusing me of selling the match to England. They were asking C M Y K

me why I decided to field people like Enyeama and other younger players like Femi Okpabunmi but I stood my ground even after the threats that I will be dealt with if we lost the game.

“The truth is that a good coach should always look for talents and not stars

because it is the duty of the coach to now sharpen the talents to bring out the best in them. The hallmark of a good coach is the ability to take risks. In fact when I mentioned my list and named Enyeama as the goalkeeper he started shaking but then I did my job of giving him courage

and reminding him that the World Cup is for him to excel and I am happy they all did so well and that was the only game we drew.”

The former member of the FIFA Technical Study Group also added that Nigeria will do better in international matches when they develop a unique way of developing their c o a c h e s technically.

Falconets will make Nigerians proud – Ihezuo N

igeria U-20 Women Football team, Falconets, striker Chinwedu Ihezuo has assured that the country will not be disgraced when the FIFA U-20 Women World Cup begins in Papua New Guinea.

Ihezuo’s goal gave the Falconets a 1-0 win against South Africa in Tembisa, which handed them a 31 aggregate win for their eighth appearance at the football showpiece.

“I want to say a very big thanks to all Nigerians for their support and I promise that we will make Nigerians proud at the World Cup,” Ihezuo said.

“I feel very happy for the opportunity to help my country get the World Cup ticket. It is a great

joy for me that I was involved in the qualifying series.

“It has not been easy for us in training, the South Africans really gave us a tough time but our keeper really helped us.”

She revealed how coach Peter Dedevbo’s strategy helped cage Basetsana before their home fans while dedicating her goal to teammate Charity Adule.

“Coach Peter told us to first attack and we should calm down, play our game that the goals would come. And that we should make sure we score our goals in the first half,” she continued.

“I’m dedicating my goal to my family and Charity (Adule) who is celebrating her birthday. She has always been there for me, even when life was difficult.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 25

Ibe: I want to be like Lewandowski

Ighalo beaten to October Premier League gong W

L

iverpool attacker Jordon Ibe hopes working with Jurgen Klopp can help him develop into a player of similar ilk to Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.

Ibe is a Liverpool youngster benefiting from the arrival of German manager Klopp and the 19-year-old repaid the faith by scoring the winner against Rubin Kazan in Europa League action last week.

Klopp forged a reputation for unearthing young talent during his successful spell at Borussia Dortmund, bringing through the likes of Lewandowski, who has gone on to become one of the most feared strikers in football.

Ibe is aware of Klopp’s track record with youngsters and wants to follow in the footsteps of the Poland international.

“He obviously did a great job at Borussia Dortmund,” said Ibe. “The fact that the young players he brought in were a big part of the success is very encouraging for guys like me".

atford striker Odion Ighalo has been

beaten to the Premier League player of the month award for October.

The Nigerian star was pipped by James Vardy, whose sensational nine-goal consecutive run earned him rave reviews. The duo were joined by other hopefuls, including the Arsenal duo Mesut Ozil and Oliver Giroud, Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and Stoke’s goalkeeper Jack Butland.

Ighalo has been in superb form, scoring three goals in four games in October, starting the month with a goal against Bournemouth before scoring another two against West Ham on the last day of the month to take his tally this season to seven goals.

But it was always going to be hard to overlook Leicester striker Vardy, who netted five goals across four games in October against Norwich, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

But with only three months gone in the season, 26-year-old Ighalo can keep up the good work and hope for more chances to win laurels. He joined Watford last summer from Udinese after the Italian side released him from his contract.

The winner of the October’s manager of the month is Arsene Wenger.

2,000 athletes to benefit from Ajunwa foundation

T

he Chioma Ajunwa Foundation, the pet project of Nigeria’s Olympic gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah, will organise a competition for 2,000 athletes from 50 schools in the Surulere area of Lagos, from November 19 to 21.

The event is scheduled for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere. Ajunwa-Oparah said yesterday that the foundation would help discover young athletes and educate them on the negative consequences of using banned drugs.

The police officer came back

from a four-year drug ban to clinch a gold medal in the women’s long jump event of the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, but she says she doesn’t want the young athletes to encounter same in their careers.

“The Chioma Ajunwa Foundation is all about giving back to the country that made me. I started this journey four years ago, going to competition venues and schools, trying to let the children know that it is wrong for them to use drugs and banned substances,” she said.

The young athletes that would be discovered from the clinic would be camped at a training camp in Meiran in Lagos.

Ado, Okoromi, Yusuf reign at Wuraola Ade. Ojo Golf tourney

By Solomon Nwoke

G

onji Ado of IBB Golf Club, James Okoromi of Ilorin Golf Club and Grace Yusuf of Ado Ekiti Golf Club provided a timely boost for Nigerian golf with their exploits at the just concluded 12th Wuraola Ojo Memorial annual Golf tournament held at the Smokin Hills Golf Resort, Ilara Mokin in Ondo State.

Ado, a humble golf course manager playing handicap 12 beat the past winner of the tournament and former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinola also a handicap 12 player to the first

place with a gross of 43 points.

Prince Oyinola of Ibadan Golf Club came second with a gross of 41.

The ‘iron’ lady of the Ado Ekiti Golf Club, Yusuf playing handicap 14 distinguished herself from other ladies in the women category as she emerged the overall winner in that category. She posted a gross of 33 points while Obadina H. of Shagamu golf club playing handicap 11 and Ikoyi Club’s Iyiola Ronke a handicap 14 were the women’s first and second runners up with a count back (CB) gross of 31 and gross 31 respectively.

Another lady that flexed her

muscles in the category was Tina Micha of the Jos Golf Club who went home with three prizes, winning the women’s Best Gross,Longest Drive and Nearest to the pin ( hole 13). I Also in the professional category. Okoromi of the Ilorin Old Club posted a gross of 73 to emerge winner while the Adeokuta based golfer, Lateef Lasisi posted 75 for the second place as Paul Patrick of Shagamu golf club posted a gross of 76.

As usual non of the golfers made the Hole-in- one to win the coveted prize of Toyota Fortuna staked by the sponsors, Toyota Nigeria

Limited (TNL) Mrs Taiwo Ade. Ojo won the most publicized prized of the Amiable Woman’s Award which was meant to extol the virtue and vision of the deceased.

Speaking after winning the tournament, Ado expressed a great joy as he paid special tribute to Chief Michael Ade. Ojo OON, the chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited and in whose late wife memory, Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo the tournament was initiated.

“I’m a very humble golfer and I also manage a golf course, but I can’t imagine myself managing a golf course and playing a good

golf, it’s not a easy task. But I thank God for His grace.

Winning this tournament is a great joy for me in the sense that this is Smokin Hills Golf Club is not a club owned by a government worker, a politician, but by a private sector through hard work and determination he was able to provide this course which can rank and known golf purse in the world. And I am very proud to say that people like Chief Ade. Ojo are the people we should honour.

People who do things for the society from their heart with their hard earned money”, said Ado. C M Y K

26 —VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

DIARY Regional Economic and Financial Forum for Arab States Bahrain, South East Asia November 29, 2015

Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2015 Cape Town, South Africa November 8-12, 2015

Preview Smart wristwatch identifies objects

A

NEW technology developed by Carnegie Mellon University and Disney Research could enable smartwatches to automatically recognize what objects users are touching, for instance, whether the wearer is using a laptop, operating a saw, or riding a motorcycle, creating new opportunities for contextaware apps.

The technique, called EMSense, takes advantage of the body ’s natural electrical conductivity to detect whether a person is touching an electrical or electromechanical device and, based on the distinctive electromagnetic noise emitted by such devices, automatically identify the object.

C M Y K

•African youths in search of a way forward

Africa needs more youth engagement initiatives, says AfICTA •Confronts youth unemployment challenge with one million new jobs

By Emeka Aginam

O

NE major challenge Africa has, is not giving the youths more opportunity to express their talents and innovation in governance. That partly may have resulted in very low engagement of youths in problem solving among many African states.

However, as part of its vision to meet African youths’ employment challenges and assist government of the region in providing and creating jobs opportunities, Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance, AfICTA has disclosed that it is committed to creating one million jobs in Africa by the year 2020.

This was part of the declaration released at the end of its 3rd summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa recently.

Recall that on 18th February 2009 in Addis Ababa, African heads of state declared 2009-2019 as the decade of youth development in Africa. They resolved to advance youth development and ensure increased investments in youth development programmes at national levels so as to create employment.

The Vice-Chair, Egyptian ICT Alliance & Chief Executive

Officer ECCO Outsourcing Egypt and Chair AfICTA Programme/Project Committee, Mr Alaa El Khishen who articulated the initiative in his presentation during the summit said that “AfICTA is able to deliver on this commitment especially with support of traditional captive investors and relevant stakeholders that will be engaged.”

He said that tackling unemployment in Africa requires collective efforts of both the private and public sector.

According to him, Africa has the best talents in the world, but the challenge is to unplug low hanging technology fruits for global competitiveness.

Global competitiveness Meanwhile, the summit among other declarations expressed support for the renewal of the Internet Governance Forum, IGF, mandate.

Considering the inherent value of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the summit also declared support for the goals and motivate the required national and international political will.

Given that citizens, users and

diverse stakeholders views are important to public policy articulation and implementation with respect to the realization of the SDGs, participants from the forum also expressed support for enhanced cooperation within the context of multi-stakeholderism involving governments, private sector, civil society, and technical and academia community stakeholders.

Concerned about the need to sustain the rise of Africa, the forum further urged the African Union (AU) and African

Africa Information and Communication Technologies Alliance, AfICTA has disclosed that it is committed to creating one million jobs in Africa by the year 2020

governments to partner with all stakeholders including the private sector in the spirit of enhanced cooperation and collaboration.

Lamenting the dearth of Internet domain name uptake in Africa, the summit among other things urged African governments to express pride in their ccTLD identity and use them in governance to create the necessary “locomotive” effect to boost demand.

Concerned by cases of failed projects across Africa, the summit recommended the use of global standards, frameworks and methodologies to deliver projects that are “fit for purpose”.

Affirming that Internet access in particular engenders sustainable development and prosperity, the forum urged African national governments and parliaments in particular to enact laws, articulate strategies and policies that promote trust and confidence on the Internet.

Noting the need for national ICT associations and stakeholders to collaborate for better impact on national public policies, the participants at the summit urged delegates to look inwards, work with their contemporaries and stakeholders toward evolving vibrant national ICT advocacy alliance.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—27

‘Yudala makes almost N500m in daily transactions’

FG to use ICT for integrated e-health … Targets 1m lives in 2020

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

•Yudala store

By Prince Osuagwu

T

HE Chairman of Nigeria’s composite online and offline retail chain, Yudala, Mr. Sam Ojo has projected that Yudala will hit the N500m mark in its daily transactions by the second half of 2017.

Ojo said this projection was based on the huge expansion drive and multi-platform offerings being launched to complement growth of the company.

Speaking to select journalists on the sidelines of the formal launch of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, a non-governmental organization founded to promote credibility

and accuracy in online journalism in Lagos, Ojo, noted that Yudala is a game-changer which is set to usher in unprecedented boom in the e-commerce and offline retail sector in Nigeria.

“By virtue of its model, Yudala is strategically positioned to dominate and re-define the retail sector in Nigeria and even beyond. Going by the turnovers being recorded at the moment both from the online and offline divisions, I can confirm to you that Yudala will definitely hit a minimum daily transaction figure of N500m by 2017.

“Ours is a business model that is being driven by cutting-edge

technology, a pool of distinguished professionals who have proven themselves in various business lines as well as a core back-bone of investors who see Africa and Nigeria in particular as a prime investment destination.

“As I speak with you, we are further expanding the pipeline of our offerings and putting in structures and processes which will see Yudala take its rightful place as the undisputed leader in the sector. We are yet to see even a quarter of what Yudala stands to offer in the market place and this is one of the reasons for the confidence in the business,” he enthused.

HE Federal Government has said that it is work ing hard to achieve the Universal Health Care (UHC) in Nigeria by 2020 using ICT to save one Million Lives (SOMLs) in Nigeria.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Communications Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa made the assertion at the preparatory technical meeting to Africa eHealth Summit 2016, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja.

Dr. Olaopa, said work was going on so that this goal can be attained on this laudable initiative and make it faster and in a more cost efficient manner.

“The Government is looking at a situation whereby the strategic part of the effort of the SOMLs initiative and the ministry of health and communication technology will help in the direction of having the UHC in the country in 2020.”

Recalled that ministry of health and Communication Technology came together in 2012 with the support of the United Nations Foundation (UNF) to form what was called using ICT to Save One Million Lives (SOMLs),which both ministries have been working hand in hand on and have achieved a lot in that direction.

Since then, the CT Ministry has been mapping out strategies whereby the strategic part of the effort of this SOMLs initiative and the ministry of health and communication technology will help in the direction of having the Universal •e-health in action Health Care (UHC), in Nigeria in 2020.

According to Dr. Olaopa, one of the roles of ICT health is the development of national framework to guide and providing direction for the deployment and utilization of ICT in health care, which it hopes to make possible through synergies with all MDAs. The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by Dr. Tope Fadeshemi said part of the master plan is to involve every sector since health is an area that cannot be kept aside and with this realization the government is optimistic that the target would be met.

Prize for innovation:Etisalat makes two more Nigerians millionaires

By Prince Osuagwu

E

TISALAT Nigeria, at the weekend, made millionaires out of two Nigerians for their creativity, intellectual and innovative abilities. Apparently trying to live by its self acclaimed innovative and fastest growing telecommunications operator, the company dished out a whopping seven million Naira to two innovators unveiled as winners of its 2015 Prize for Innovation Competition.

The two Nigerian youths, Obi Brown and Chijioke Ezegbo, were considered winners for their innovative products and Ideas.

While Brown won N5m in the most innovative product/service category, Ezegbo pocketed N2m for winning the most innovative idea category.

To clinch the N5m, Brown cre-

C M Y K

ated an application called ‘Study Lab Math’, a repository of over 1300 videos solving math problems in over 49 topics in the NERDC curriculum for senior secondary school students. The problems are solved by a team of Math teachers led

by WAEC Chief Examiner.

Traffic navigation His counterpart, Ezegbo, created a Dedicated Traffic Mapping Device (DTMD) which emerged the winning idea in the most innovative idea category. It’s a GPRS enabled traffic navigation device with voice over interface which is affixed to a vehicle windshield to help users navigate their way through traffic by accessing real-time traffic data and suggesting shorter or alternate routes.

From left: Judge, Etisalat Prize for Innovation, Otuyemi Otule; Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Funke Opeke; winners, Etisalat prize for Innovation 2015, Chijioke Ezegbo and Obi Brown and Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher.

Earlier before the unveiling of the winners, Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Nigeria, Mr Matthew Willsher, noted that the Prize for Innovation initiative which aims at discovering and growing young Nigerians with innovative products, ideas and solutions using mobile

broadband technology, reflects the company’s commitment to nurturing talents and promoting creativity that will have invaluable impacts on individuals and organisations.

“As a company, innovation is at the core of our business; it is the strength on which we

thrive. The world is driven by innovation and Nigeria needs innovators whose ideas and products can drive development and help people live as they should. We at Etisalat are glad to provide a platform to mobilise the nation’s teeming crop of young and undiscovered innovators to impact all areas of the society,” he said.

He also called on Nigerian youths with innovative ideas to avail themselves of the opportunity offered by Etisalat to contribute to the development of the society, saying “it is not about how many ideas you have, but how many you make happen that matters.”

Winners of the most innovative product and ideas categories, Obi Brown and Chijioke Ezegbo in addition to their cash prizes were also rewarded with a publicity campaign, mentoring session at EDC Pan Atlantic University

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—29

Telecoms industry to contribute 25% to GDP by 2025

By Emmanuel Elebeke, Richard Udofia & Kelechukwu Iruoma

I

N order to help Nigeria maintain its status as the largest economy in Africa till 2025, the Telecommunications industry has made plans to improve on its 10% contribution to the nation’s GDP to 25% tby 2025 worth over US$150 Billion.

The Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, also promised to provide enabling environment, good policies and solve the challenges faced by the BRIEFING: From left: Femi Taiwo, CEO/CTO INITS Limited; Ope Adeoye, industry, in order to enable the Manager, Strategy and Alliances InterSwitch; Lola Masha, Country Manager, OLX; Jameelah Ayedun, MD/CEO, CR Services; Biyi Mabadeje, former industry actualize the dream.

Commissioner for Science and Technology, Lagos State and CSP Charles This was disclosed during the Okafor during the OLXMomo Press Conference, in Lagos. maiden edition of The 2015 Nigeria Telecom Impact CEO 80 Million Nigerians have access to the regulator is to continue to provide Forum titled “ How Telecoms Can Internet today. These are products of type of environment that will continue Contribute 25% to the GDP by 2015”. robust regulatory processes.” to encourage investments and Speaking at the event, the Acting He stated that NCC was desirous of growth. There is no doubt that this is Executive Vice President, NCC, the ICT sector contributing even more the reason for the exponential growth Professor Umar Garba Danbatta who than 25 per cent to GDP by 2025. in active subscriber statistics of more was represented by the Director, OF According to him, “At the current than 150 Million lines and teledensity Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, noted: contribution estimated at 10%, this of 107 per cent. This is not comparable “Nigeria’s telecom sector is one of the implies achieving additional 15 per cent with less than 500,000 lines in 2001. fastest growing in the world. over the next ten years. This is by no It is not by accident that more than Telecommunications is obviously means a very tall order, given what we leading as the aggregate Foreign Direct have said about the competition sectors Investments from 2007 to 2013, ranked of the economy, which is for the good of it as a contributor of 24 per cent of such the nation in the long run.” projects. Between 2011 and 2013, It is the position of He said NCC was ready to provide telecommunications sector attracted enabling environment to for the dream the regulator to about US$6 Billion worth of investments to be realized. He said, “As a regulator which has accelerated ICT contributions accurately make a that has been able to supervise the to an estimated 10 per cent, translating long-term prediction industry that led to the attainment of 10 to some US$50 Billion. per cent contribution to GDP, we shall “It is the position of the regulator to of what the sector of a continue to provide the enabling accurately make a long-term prediction hugely diverse environment to attain the prediction of of what the sector of a hugely diverse 25 percent by 2025. The NCC is currently economy like Nigeria would be in ten economy like Nigeria engaging the Nigeria Governor’s Forum years. It is also appropriate to make a would be in ten years (NGF) with a view to removing the prediction where other sectors of the barriers to infrastructure deployment economy are intensely competing to such as fiber optic cables, BTS, and contribute. The role of the telecom

Vodacom brings fleet management solution into Nigerian market

By Prince Osuagwu & Laju Iren

A

PPARENTLY having discovered the problems associated with car theft and vandalism of vehicles in the country, Vodacom, at the weekend, launched Fleet Management solution in Lagos. The products according to the company are reliable, secure and effective solution developed in partnership with Tracker South Africa.

The solution which comes in two packages, LiveTrack and TomTom, enables companies of any size to easily manage and control in real time, all the activity of their fleet of vehicles and machines and then create reports containing the most important information to optimize and guarantee the fleet security. For a flat monthly charge, companies can equip their fleet with a complete solution based on GSM and GPS technologies and access it at any time from any location through an Internet connection.

Benefits of the solution include realtime tracking and monitoring of fleets via a secure customer web portal, loca-

tion detection of vehicles in need of assistance, Instant emergency notification, speed violation, alerts when vehicle enters or leaves a predefined or Geo-fenced area and detailed trip reports specifying start and stop times, as well as start and end locations of a company’s entire fleet.

The solution enables companies to optimize and control their material

For a flat monthly charge, companies can equip their fleet with a complete solution based on GSM and GPS technologies

resources, leading to reductions in logistics costs, by controlling kilometers travelled, fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Unveiling the products, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio, Vodacom Business Nigeria, Abu Etu, said that one of the major benefits of the solution was Stolen Vehicle Recovery mechanism which has the potentials of locating a stolen car and demobilizing it at the same time. “In the event of your vehicle being stolen or hijacked, our National Emergency Contact Centre is able to locate your vehicle, immobilize it and give a detailed report of its location” he said.

He added that in the unfortunate event of an accident, the solution is able to generate a detailed report that will give an insight into how it happened.

Tracker is a leading provider of Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Fleet Management solutions to both individuals and companies. The partnership between Vodacom and Tracker means that there is a quality solution within the reach of all companies, for real benefits in terms of fleet management and competitive business .

Globacom partners data , Vodafone on voice services

By Prince Osuagwu & Laju Iren

S

ECOND largest national Operator, Globacom has attracted one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies and providers of a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications, Vodafone to the country through a new, nonequity partnership agreement that covers Nigeria and the Republic of Benin.

Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 57 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets.

As of 30 June 2015, Vodafone had 449 million mobile customers and 12 million fixed broadband customers.

The Partner Market agreement demands the two companies to work together to boost significantly the experience of consumer and business customers in these countries, utilising a wide range of mobile, voice and data products.

Vodafone’s Partner Markets team works to form strategic alliances with operators all over the world, to offer a range of global products and services that extend Vodafone’s reach into local markets.

The Partner Market agreements vary from roaming and service resale to full partner branding. since 2002, Vodafone Partner Markets has partnered with 37 companies in 57 countries.

Chief Executive, Vodafone Partner Markets, Stefano Gastaut said: “We are delighted to welcome Globacom to the Vodafone Partner Markets community which now spans 57 countries across six continents.

Strategic partnership This strategic partnership with Globacom for Nigeria and the Republic of Benin will help deliver enhanced roaming benefits for Globacom’s consumer and multinational corporate customers, including countries where we have an ultra-fast 4G network. Vodafone will gain from Globacom’s expertise and deep understanding of African markets.”

Globacom’s Group Executive Director, Mrs. Bella Disu, said: “This partnership is unique and far-reaching, giving corporate and individual subscribers on the Globacom network in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin an edge, particularly in voice and data services. The partnership is in line with Globacom’s tradition of partnering with global leaders to avail consumers of the best telecommunications services.”

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, said: “As the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, a large element of my role is to support British companies to invest and do business here in Nigeria. So, I’m delighted to be part of this ceremony today to witness the agreement between Globacom and Vodafone. I wish both companies luck as they start this important journey working together, and I am sure this will be a very fruitful partnership for both.”

Globacom said it is committed to building the best telecommunication network in Africa.

Since inception in 2003, the company has offered revolutionary and innovative services.

It was the first telecommunication network to introduce the Per Second Billing Service, Mobile Internet, Blackberry, 3G and numerous other cutting edge products and services in Nigeria, clearly the biggest economy in Africa.

One of its major accomplishments is its international submarine cable, Glo 1, which connects Africa to Europe and the United States of America. Glo 1 has provided the much needed Internet bandwidth in Africa. The company has over 40 million subscribers in Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic.

30 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Community campaigns raise stakes in Bayelsa

BAYELSA DECIDES

AS the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State approaches, with less than a month to go, interesting permutations are emerging as the gladiators prepare to display their much-touted rival strengths in contest.

By Lindsay Barret

T

HERE can hardly be any doubt that, even though more than a dozen hats have been thrown into the ring, only two major contestants have emerged; the incumbent PDP champion, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, and Chief Timipre Sylva, the former PDP Governor who is now the APC flagbearer.

A third contestant who has made enough noise to justify attention is the young independent businessman named Moses Siasia who has picked the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM).

His highly entertaining radio campaign slots have piqued the interest of several listeners as he raises issues that are pertinent to the welfare and expectations of the younger voters.

Siasia has declared that previous leaders of the state have been too elitist and removed from the grassroots concerns of the people in their approach to public affairs and says that he intends to change this if he wins the election.

However as the campaigns have grown more visible it has emerged that even the more established political operatives are increasingly aware of the depth of widespread popular disenchantment with the record of past leadership.

Record of past leadership While the Sylva support group in the state has adopted his new party ’s call for fundamental change as its campaign focus, the incumbent, Dickson has successfully initiated a credible shift in style and method from past official campaigns. He has called on his campaign machine to be more community-based in its strategy, and has taken the lead in barnstorming tours of the wards in the various local government areas of the state.

Instead of promoting mega rallies in the LGA Headquarters, he has encouraged town hall meetings with community leaders and local interest groups especially among the youths and the women of the communities.

In these meetings the governor himself and some of

his key cabinet members have engaged community members in a dialogue of interests and issues based on the communities’ own presentation of issues. Governor Dickson has been very vocal in reminding the people of their experience of the Sylva style of leadership in the past.

In a strategy that has been crafted by the cabinet and promoted effectively by the state Ministry of Information under its new commissioner, Barrister Esueme Dan Kikile, the governor has encouraged discussion between himself and community leaders as a means of explaining the government’s own challenges and problems instead of denying that these exist.

In-house seminars The APC on the other hand has been holding in-house seminars in various communities where it endeavours to lay the blame for all the ills of society on the incumbent. In these discourses, the party focuses not so much on the past record of its flagbearer as it does on difficulties caused by the present day economic downturn.

In doing so, it taps into a fertile field of public disenchantment while diverting public attention away from the allegations of insecurity and cronyism in his tenure that have been levelled

While the Sylva support group in the state has adopted his new party’s call for fundamental change as its campaign focus, the incumbent, Dickson has successfully initiated a credible shift in style and method from past official campaigns

against its candidate by his erstwhile colleagues in the PDP. Among the k e y campaign strategies that have developed as a result of the prevailing political circumstances in the state •Governor Dickson and his Deputy, Retired Rear Admiral John G. Jonah the mounting meet with community leaders in a town hall on their campaign tour of effective communityb a s e d electioneering has proven to be the central theme.

It is noticeable that the selection of a running mate for Chief Sylva from the leaders of the Southern Ijaw LGA, the state’s largest and m o s t populous, created a split within its ranks w h e n , instead of choosing a prominent •Chief Timipre Sylva at an APC rally in Yenagoa Stadium y o u n g activist member of the party, Sylva chose to appointee. This perception is Unfortunately the APC has resurrect the moribund career reinforced by the fact that raised the stakes in this of Chief Wilberforce Agiri an Senator Lokpobiri has tournament with the seeming elderly politician from the emerged as the effective head introduction of violent remote coastal community of of the campaign team since his intimidation in some of its Foropa. responses. This was most selection. He hails from The signal that this Ekeremor LGA like Rep. Fred noticeable in recent events unexpected choice Agbedi, who is the Director surrounding the aftermath of immediately sent out was that General of the Dickson immensely successful PDP of expedience as it is clear that Campaign Organisation. outings in Brass LGA, Sylva’s it was not based on the Remarkably, both men have home base. competence or experience of been close allies in the past.

Brass, which is potentially the chosen but rather on the one of the engine rooms of perception that a community Rhetoric in the future economic growth for the that has been neglected for past campaigns whole of the South-South geoleadership opportunities was political zone, has been touted now being remembered. by the Sylva machine as being Under the circumstances it is By the same token, the choice not surprising that rhetoric in his impregnable fiefdom. of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri the campaigns at the However, when the Acting as the ministerial nominee community levels have Chairman of the PDP, HRH from Bayelsa State is widely sounded more like arguments Serena Dokubo-Spiff, who hails regarded in the state as being in a family quarrel as the from the LGA as well, first led an electioneering ploy rather contestants exchange verbal a sensitisation team to Twonthan genuinely based on the volleys.

Brass, the LG Headquarters, professional competence of the Continues on page 31

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 31

BAYELSA DECIDES

•Siasia

Siasia sails in too THE young multimillionaire, Moses Siasia is the third force in the Bayelsa contest

By Abiodun Alade

H

E is the one the frontline candidates and their patrons are calling the noisy one. But Moses Siasia, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has a message that has captivated a sizeable section of the youths. It is no surprise that even the elders are now having to pay attention to the youngest candidate in the contest.

They did so especially last Saturday when Siasia formally flagged off his campaign. He was heralded to the venue, - the fittingly named 5,000 capacity Samson Siasia stadium, named

after his elder brother and coach of the U-23 football team, Samson Siasia – by a huge crowd enthralled by his political venture.

Speaking at the occasion, the 35-year old businessman said that having achieved so much in business with over 400 young Nigerian professionals including 70 Bayelsans on his payroll; he was poised to turnaround the fortune of the state.

“My administration will diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and tourism to make Bayelsa an economic hub in the South-South geo-political zone. I will increase workers’ minimum wage from N18,000 to N25,000, while

there would be prompt payment of gratuity to pensioners,” he said.

Moses reiterated that his administration will focus on a two-point agenda of job creation and education.

“We would also address the key strategic sectors like quality health delivery by ensuring the health sector earned the trust and respect of the people. We will partner with the Federal government and other stakeholders in the improvement of electricity. We would explore other sustainable sources of affordable energy. The rural areas will no longer be thrown into darkness. We would introduce electronic badge system for security.

“The government will ease means of transportation by establishing a drive and own tucking system, build trailer parks, invest in water taxi system for the riverine communities among others”

My administration will diversify the state’s economy through agriculture and tourism to make Bayelsa an economic hub in the South-South geo-political zone

Speaking on the composition of his government if elected, Moses said he would be the first governor to have a woman as deputy governor in Bayelsa, promising that women would occupy 40% of his government. He urged Bayelsans, particularly youths to avoid mortgaging their future with peanuts and vote their conscience during the election.

Mrs Irene Opuene , the deputy governorship candidate, urged people of Bayelsa not to vote for any other party than PDM, stressing that Siasia/ Opuene ticket is a movement that is driven by the people. “It is our turn to participate in government.

Potable water to drink Moses is your son who has empowered other youths and women in our land. Remember, this movement is about that farmer in Nembe whose farm has been destroyed by oil spillage with no compensation. It is about our young ladies that have been forced into prostitution by bad government. It is about the people in Yenegoa who have no potable water to drink. The movement is not about Moses and Irene but it is your quest for purposeful leadership and transformation. It is about the cry of our people against imposition and recycling of old hands.

Moses Siloko Siasia is opportune to be at the forefront of the movement. We have no godfather but God and you, the good people of Bayelsa” she said

Abia House of Assembly: Unresolved issues

By Jude Opara

T

HE matter on who represents Bende Northeast State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly is set to turn into a protracted battle between two men with similar surnames.

The two men in dispute over the seat are the current Deputy Speaker, Ndukwe Cosmos Chukwu who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the election and Mr. Chijoke Chukwu, who flew the flag of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA in the election in the April 11, 2015 election.

Chijoke had upon the declaration of Cosmos as the winner of the election dragged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Cosmos to the State House of Assembly Election Tribunal, praying the Tribunal to decide whether the election allegedly marred with irregularities, complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).

The plaintiff further requested the tribunal to determine if indeed Cosmos was duly elected by majority of the lawful votes cast at the said election, and above all, prayed the tribunal to declare

him winner alleging that Cosmos, the Deputy Speaker, was guilty of double registration, and so not qualified to vote and be voted for in the election.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by Hon Justice Bello

Though the tribunal also ordered a rerun in ten polling units, Chijoke who sought to be declared the outright winner was not satisfied

Ladan Raha, the three-man panel ruled among others that Hon Chukwu, the petitioner, who contested on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), scored the highest number of valid votes.

But according to the brief signed by the Tribunal Chairman, Hon Justice S. Yahuza as well as members, Hon Justice G. A Ngele and Hon Justice Bello Ladan Raha, and made available to Vanguard, the Tribunal argued that though the Deputy Speaker was found guilty of double registration, it was however not within its ambit to establish whether the criminal offence was valid enough to

disqualify him from contesting the election.

The petitioner, had told the Tribunal that the Deputy Speaker was at the time of the said election not qualified to contest, praying that; “the fact that he is a registered voter in Unit 005 Abia Poly Eziama ward Aba North and also in Unit 008 Elugwu Akanu in Item ward C, he should be disqualified in violation of Section 24(e) of the Electoral Act (as amended).” In its judgment, the tribunal had ruled: “Having considered the arguments and submissions of the learned counsels to the petition, we found that the petitioner did over sight the section of the Electoral Act in which he relies i.e Section 211(1)

(e) and it reads: “Any person who by himself or any other person procures the registration of himself or any other person on a voter ’s register for a state, knowing that he or that other person is not entitled to be registered on that voters register or is already registered on it or another voters register.

Though the tribunal also ordered a rerun in ten polling units, Chijoke who sought to be declared the outright winner was not satisfied.

Reacting to the judgment, he said that though it was not decided in his favour, it has provided him with enough legal instruments to institute legal proceedings against his rival.

Community campaigns raise stakes in Bayelsa guber contest Continues on page 30 the turn-out was overwhelming, but as soon as the team left town a group of thugs went around in the night ripping down PDP flags and posters. In spite of this, a fortnight later Governor Dickson himself led an LGAwide two day visit to Brass at the same time that Sylva was

in his hometown of Opuama holding in-house sessions with his family members and supporters. Again the PDP presence on the ground proved to be substantial. During this visit many communities in the area expressed their disenchantment with Sylva’s earlier performance and pledged to repeat the electoral victory that they had recorded

in Governor Dickson’s favour in the last gubernatorial contest.

Again, hours after the PDP team had left, groups of miscreants sought out some of the PDP supporters and attacked them as part of a strategy that appears to be aimed at intimidating them to stay away from the polls.

It remains to be seen what outcome the new electioneering strategies will generate in the forthcoming elections, but it is clear that a sea-change has been generated in the politics of the state by Governor Dickson’s determined focus on community responses instead of the preservation of an elitist status quo in meeting the vehement challenge being mounted by the APC.

32—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Expert links increase in mental illness to stressful environment

HFAAI launches health awareness campaign

By Chioma Obinna

By Gabriel Olawale

W

ITH 20 percent of Nigerians said to be prone to mental disorder, expert has linked the rising incidences of the disorder among Nigerians to stressful and difficult environment.

Speaking in Lagos, the renowned Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Olufemi Olugbile called on government at all levels to make the society more conducive to the wellbeing of Nigerians with a view to reducing the risk of illness among the populace.

The World Health Organisation, WHO, describes mental health” as a state of well being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

Olugbile who lamented the rate at which Nigerians come down with mental problems stressed the need for government to ensure the general safety and happiness level of the general populace in the society.

He maintained that making the environment more conducive as a preventive strategy would curb to the minimal level the rate at which people come down with the illness.

In his lecture titled: “Arts Politics and Mental Health” at the Annual Adeoye Lambo Lecture during the Scientific Conference of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Olugbile also charged psychiatrists in the country to establish an internationally acceptable policy to handle cases of political office holders who become ill in office.

The former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, disclosed that one in every seven Nigerians at some point in life should expect to have one experience of mental illness. “What people carry about is the tendency to illness not necessarily

H

Dr Femi Olugbile the illness itself.

“Living in a very stressful and difficult environment of course means that anybody who is likely to break down for mental illness will breakdown and anybody who is likely to have illness will have illness.”

On how to handle politicians who become ill in offices, Olugbile said, “If people become ill in office, there must be clearly defined ways of professionally handling this without rancour and without political interference.

One in every seven Nigerians at some point in life should expect to have one experience of mental illness

“We have a few instances when people became ill in office and it was very badly handled and politicised and trivialised to the disadvantage of the individuals themselves and the society at large and that must not happen. So having a clear script from the body of psychiatrists can help to define the appropriate thing to do in line with international best practice.”

According to him, people who had psychiatric illness have won Nobel prizes and done great things in the society. The issue that is of most concern to people is the responsibility of behaviour in the political space.

He therefore called for the establishment of strong institutions that discourage bad behaviour. “We also need to culturally reprogramme our people from the grass root to behave ethically. It is not just going to happen by sermonising but through a behaviour modification programmme that psychiatrists need to participate in devising.

The pain in the head A

NY pain in the head is...er ....a headache.

The WHO says nearly half of the world’s population would have had a headache in the last year. Headaches can be totally unrelated to anything, symptomatic of something else, or announcing the onset of something else.

The International Headache Society classifies headache into primary and secondary. But first, a disclaimer. In this article I will speak very little on signs and symptoms associated with headaches and only broadly, non specifically, about the various treatments. This is intentional.

50 percent of people having headaches self-treat rather than see a doctor. It is easy for readers to identify with generic clinical features in the media, and forget, or refuse to see their healthcare provider.

Please see your healthcare provider for any concerns.

Neurologists are specialist trained and equipped to manage headaches. Primary headaches are due to overactivity or problems with things in the head and neck that have pain fibres. The brain itself and the spinal cord cannot feel “pain”.

There are 3 types: tension, migraine and cluster headaches. Tension headaches are by far the commonest type. They can be episodic or chronic.

Migraines are the 7th highest cause of disability worldwide. They are often accompanied by blurred vision, nausea, sensory changes and lightheadedness. The third type of primary headache is the relatively uncommon cluster headache. It is suffered by 1 in 1000 adults.

Temperature, external pressure, pain on the scalp (for example over-tight braids or a tight fitting cap) and exertion

doctor@lagospainclinic.com can also cause primary headache.

The most common cause of secondary headache is the rebound headache associated with (pain) medication overuse. Dehydration, certain foods, drinks, alcohol, drugs and allergies can also cause headaches.

Sadly (pardon the pun) depression is 3x more likely in people with severe headache who are otherwise healthy.

When you visit your doctor, particular attention will be directed towards your history: the type of pain, timing and pattern of attacks, what triggers, worsens or improves your pain. Keeping a diary of these observations before your visit or after your first visit, will be helpful to you and your doctor. The doctor may request blood tests, xrays, CT or MRI scans of the brain. Recent guidelines actually advise doctors NOT to order these scans for ordinary, simple headache; but 12 percent of patients still get this.

Treatment: In most cases we recommend rest and overthe-counter analgesics (usually nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs), tricyclic antidepressants, antiseizure medicines and beta blockers.

Self care is important. This is a good meal and exercise

EALTH Freedom Africa Awareness Initiative, HFAAI, a nongovernmental organisation advocating for family healthy living is set to unveil its activities in Nigeria. The initiative which aimed to improve health awareness and healthy living across Africa and beyond will be officially presented to the public this month in Lagos.

According to the National Co-ordinator of the Group, Patsy Ikechukwu, part of the agenda of the organisation is to stage campaigns for the rights of Nigerian farmers and improvement of their lot by the various levels of government.

Ikechukwu noted that no nation would survive without empowering its farmers.

She further hinted that part of the activities for the day will include launch of her book entitled: ‘Defeating Cancer' which aimed at enlightening Nigerians on basic information on cancer management.

Stating that the book was her personal experience, she said: ''To say that the entire third-world countries are in dilemma of unwarranted infestation of diseases may be an understatemen. If there has been a time in human existence when man has suffered greatest ache or tribulation in health, it is now. "Drug manufacturers and dispensers - pharmacists, orthodox doctors, medical technicians and their allies, all claim to be in the know and capable of properly diagnosing, identifying, isolating, treating, caring, healing and eliminating the unending scourge. Truth is, most diseases we hear of or suffer in this present time in this part of the world was never known or mentioned around us."

Ikechukwu who has been involved in creating health awareness in Europe, stressed that recent revelations showed that what man is suffering today has a solution and can be defeated.

regime, or heat/ice packs applied to the head and neck.

Alternative treatment is also helpful (please note “alternative” is not “TRADITIONAL/NATIVE” ). These are therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic care, cognitive treatment, hypnosis and meditation. Sometimes the treatment for your acute headache may be....to eat!

The National Institute of Health Care and Excellence (NICE) UK now says magnetic stimulation devices appear to be effective in migraines. And, in the US, the FDA has approved the Cerena Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator for true migraines (preceded by aura).

Recent research also show (confirm) that high stress levels “increase frequency of headaches”.

Duh! Talk about the obvious. Although we move our heads in enjoyment of afropop and highlife, the “headbanging” pleasure of rock music fans has been called into question.

In 2013, a 50yr. old heavy metal music fan was admitted in Germany after 2 weeks of a severe constant headache.

He was found to have a slow, chronic bleed (subdural) in the brain from the “headbanging” appreciation of his favorite music. Doctors believed this complication is probably grossly underreported!

If true that 50 percent of headaches are self treated, it follows that 50 percent are not well treated.

There is now a Global Campaign against Headache to raise awareness of headache disorders, improve access and standards of care worldwide.

My take away point in today’s article is to refer back to last week’s article on “why people die suddenly”: any severe headache that starts suddenly and can be described as “the worst ever”, must be presented to a hospital as quickly as possible.

VOL. 1 NO 49

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Pain, anger trail collapse of Ikem Bridge —Page 8

Why traditional marriage is very important in Igbo land

Traditional ruler of Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Ndubisi Okpala in a chat with the traditional ruler of Alor during the ceremony.

Mr. Clement Okafor and his wife Mrs Chidinma Okafor (Nee) Ezenwobi

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU

N

NEWI—TRADITIONAL marriage is a popular event in Igbo land. Young ladies and men who are getting married use it to bring their friends and well wishers to their homes, to showcase the families where they are coming from unlike before especially in the early 1980s, when it was not as popular as it is today, because at that time, young ladies would bring their suitors to their parents and kinsmen who drew up a list of things to be done, including the dowry to be paid, other expenses to be incurred as well as going to the church to solemnise the marriage.

However, traditional wedding cannot be done today in Igbo land without traditional marriage being performed between the parents and relations of the bride and suitor. "What is actually celebrated as traditional wedding today in Igbo land, is actually the traditional marriage right that has been performed earlier before the eating, drinking and dancing that precedes it, by friends and well wishers of the couple, who are normally not part of the traditional marriage rights that has earlier been done and is most times not celebrated .

South East Voice witnessed the traditional wedding of Chidinma Ezenwaobi, daughter of an Nkpor and Onitsha, popular market leader, Chief Sunday Ezenwobi, known as "Seeman," who is the Chairman of New Tire Market Nkpor, which attracted who is who in Onitsha Nkpor and Anambra State business and C M Y K

Right to left, Chief Sunday Ezenwobi, Chairman of New Tire Market Nkpor and father of the bride, his Wife Ngozi, Chief Victor Umeh, former National Chairman of APGA, the bride Chidinma and her husband Mr Clement Okafor and Chief Mrs Prisca Umeh, wife of Chief Victor Umeh. trading community, including politicians and traditional rulers, some of whom ha the following to say about tradtional marriage.

According to Chief Victor Umeh, the immediate past National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, who also hails from Agulzigbo in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, where the event held, "Traditional Marriage in Igbo land is giving out a girl that has matured to marry, to the suitor when the suitor comes to the parents, and the father and mother of the bride will hand the girl over to the suitor who is always accompanied by his parents and well wishers after doing the traditional things that are in-

If you do not do traditional marriage in Igbo land, in the eyes of the kinsmen, men and women, the girl is not yet married, you must do It to put a seal to the marriage.

volved".

Chief Umeh further said "traditional marriage cannot be neglected in Igbo land, what people call traditional wedding today in Igbo land is actually the celebration by friends and well wishers of the girl and her husband after traditional marriage rights that has been earlier done or part of it done before the celebration through eating, drinking and dancing that follows it.

"If you do not do traditional marriage in Igbo land, in the eyes of the kinsmen, men and women, the girl is not yet married, you must do it to put a seal to the marriage,. Where you don't perform this traditional rights of payment of bride price and the

rest of other things, the girl in the eyes of the kinsmen men cannot be given out for marriage."

"The implication is that if she bears a child, that child belongs to her father's home, if you did not pay that bride price, any child she bears does not belong to the husband, but when he pays, the child can now belong to the man."

He debunked claims that the Igbo charge much on their daughters, before they give them out for marriage. "That has gone out of fashion, it is no more obtainable, people don't collect exorbitant dowry these days, in order to give out their daughters for marriage, this is because in Igbo land, we do not sell our Continues on Page 2

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Domestic violence: CSOs proffer solutions Some of the participants at the workshop recounted their ordeals, personal and that of either their relatives or neighbours as they affected their children and women from the unreported cases of domestic violence ranging from sexual abuse of children , child marriage, abduction of children...

Participants at the workshop

By CHINOSO ALOZIE

W

ORRIED OVER the increasing spread of domestic violence in the society, the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, mainly from the South East, had advocated for stiffer punishments for those who commit violence against women and children.

In a workshop organized by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Clean Foundation recently in Owerri, with the theme 'Sexual and gender based violence in Nigeria,' the chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, Imo State, Lady Ethel Echebima used the opportunity to point out some of the factors militating against women and

children's rights.

According to her, ignorance, corruption/ impunity, adverse legislative policies, religious and cultural practices including poor implementation and enforcement of the various laws make life miserable for women and children.

She said there should be a kind of uniting force, especially among Civil Society Organisations in the campaign

Why traditional marriage is very important in Igbo land Continues on Page 1 daughters, so we collect just a token to show that they are coming out from a home, and with time those things are beginning to change, people now take N100, N1, N5, as a symbol that the girl has been betrothed to the husband, you must pay something before the girl is handed over to the husband,".

The traditional ruler of Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Ndubisi Okpala, has a similar view, about traditional marriage, with Chief Umeh, but brought some element of spirituality to his view,apparently because of his position. He said "traditional marriage is a very important event in Igbo land and if you have not done it, it means you have not started marriage, it is that time the human beings and the spirits in the community where it is happening welcomes the two people involved in the marriage to be one".

"White Wedding was brought by white men, but traditional marriage is where the agreement C M Y K

of being husband and wife is sealed, in some white weddings, if the traditional marriage activities have not been conducted, some priests do not accept to conduct white wedding.

"Some Priests will tell you, go and conduct the traditional marriage first, another thing is any man that grow to marry and have children, and it happens that the son or daughter is performing this ceremony, it gives joy, it is a thing of joy in the life of the man and woman who are giving out their daughter, and when this happens, and in few months or years, he gets a grandchild, he starts answering grandfather while the mother becomes grandmother."

For Mrs. Prisca Umeh, "the success of every marriage is honour and respect for the husbands, women should love their husbands and imbibe the spirit of endurance, once you love and respect your husband, you will be comfortable in your matrimonial home.

"If you love your husband ,you have solved half of the matrimo-

nial problems, even if there is any problem or any wrong doing from the man, he will explain to you. These days marriage don't last because of lack of respect, another thing is that you should always pray, prayer is very important, pray for your husband, whether he is good or bad, pray for him, if you curse your husband ,God will curse him, if you bless your husband, God will bless him, so it is good you respect and honour your husband, and pray for him God will hear your prayers," she said..

Father of the bride, Chief Ezenwaobi said that he feels satisfied that his daughter is getting married to a man she met at the church, even though when she approached him for the first time to tell him about her intention to marry, he did not want to entertain the discussion.

Her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Ezenwobi was full of joy as she said she lacks words to thank God for what He has done for her and her husband, seeing their daughter getting married when they are still young, and people thought they look good having more children.

against any form of laws that either inhibit women or children from exercising their natural rights or encourage maltreatment of any sort against their persons and that to achieve this, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ought to be revisited in order to either expunge or amend some of the sections that may have contributed to violation of the women and children's rights.

She pointed out that there would be no justification for the existence of any law, which suggests that women are less valued in the society and that through such laws many may have the impression that they may get away with some of their atrocities.

And furthermore, to bring this to an end, she said that the "government should have more women in political appointments, abolish discriminatory laws, strengthen any agencies that would checkmate offenders and encourage non-governmental organizations engage in human rights education."

In her remarks, a lecturer of the Faculty of Law, Imo State University,IMSU, Owerri, Chigoziri Ojiaka on the theme of discussion mentioned some of the offences contained under the criminal code.

These state as follows, "sexual intercourse with a girl below 13 years or indecent dealing with her is a crime. Section 218". "Indecent treatment of a boy below 14 years is also a crime. Section 216 punishment is 7 years imprisonment", "defilement of a girl under 13 years is punishment with life imprisonment while that of a girl 13-16 years is 2

years imprisonment" While under the Penal Code Ojiaka told participants what contained there in, said, "under the Penal Code which is applicable to the Northern States of Nigeria, sexual intercourse with a girl below 14 years amounts to rape and attracts life imprisonment . sub section 39 & 282(1)" , "acts of gross indecency against male or female below 14 years are punishable by 7 years imprisonment".

However, she was not comfortable with the provisions of the Criminal Code which she observed could be gender "discriminatory" that provides seven years imprisonment as punishment for indecent treatment of a boy below 14 years where as the same Criminal Code provided for life imprisonment for defiling a girl under 13 years while that of a girl also between 13 -16 years is two years imprisonment.

He pointed out that considering the situation, that boys could be raped with regard to homosexual act that in these cases, the law should be amended to address both crimes separately.

Some of the participants at the workshop recounted their ordeals, personal and that of either their relatives or neighbours as they affected their children and women from the unreported cases of domestic violence ranging from sexual abuse of children , child marriage, abduction of children, others include disparity among the male and female folks in their workplace, obnoxious widowhood practices and several others.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 3

Ugwuanyi's wife vows to introduce free health screening initiative in 17 LGAs

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—DETERMINED to improve health care service delivery in 17 Local Government Areas in Enugu State,wife of the Governor,Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi has assured women and children in the state of a replication of President Muhammad Buhari's wife,Aisha's free health screening initiative programme across the council areas to bring primary health care services closer to their door steps.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi gave the assurance during the maiden visit of Nigeria's first lady to Enugu State on a one-day health screening initiative programme held at Queens Secondary School where over 2,000 women from various locations in the South-East geopolitical zone who thronged the venue to access free blood sugar and blood pressure tests,kidney functioning and cervical cancer tests,eye and dental checks as well as diabetes tests among others.

"Your prompt response to the cries and groaning of widows and the less privileged in the state has led to promotion of better health and prevention of impending health crises in the state.

My office has perfected plans to replicate the screening exercise in the 17 local government areas of the state"said Mrs. Ugwuanyi.

President Buhari's wife,Aisha flagging-off the initiative Widow elated Mrs. Ebere Agu,who hails from Isi-Uzo Local Government Area where primary health care services have ebbed following inattention from past administrations in Enugu State expressed delight at the assurance from Mrs. Ugwuanyi adding that the measure will in no small way,wipe

the tears she by the women in their bid to access basic health care in rural communities.

"I am convinced that the governor's wife will make good her promise to extend the screening exercise to the local government areas to compliment the activities of the primary health care centers. The screening programme should rather than be-

ing periodic, metamorphose to a standing practice to assist the rural poor access medicare.

"As it is now, most women and children are said to pass on following late detection of most of these ailments which are curable if well managed abinito. Relevant corporate organizations in the state should key into this

gesture and ensure that the lofty idea is sustained. Infact, companies,individuals and philanthropic Nigerians should rally support towards the sustained actualization of this project which touches on the fundamental well-being of the people."

Enugu communities lament delay in steady power supply *Decry estimated billing EEDC When South-East Voice made contact with the Communications Manager,EEDC,Mr. Eugene Aniowo, on the telephone, he asked that, "he should be called back in one hour time as he was striving to respond to the issue".

However,efforts to get him again before going to press proved abortive as he was not reachable.

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU-RESIDENTS of Edem,Ama-oji, Umuchigbo, Alulu, Ibagwa communities in Enugu-East Local Government Areas of Enugu State have cried to Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, over the delay in steady power supply in the area which they alleged was occasioned by loadshedding embarked upon by the Disco more than two years ago.

Investigations showed that the affected communities were plunged into a two-days on and one-day off syndrome said to be part of measures by the disco to ration electricity supply to residents even as they defrayed bills mostly on monthly estimation which had punched holes in their pockets.

South-East Voice checks revealed that only a hand full of residents in the affected area had prepaid meters which have subjected them to the whims and caprices of estimated billing. The residents say they are groaning under the prevailing situation which has caused financial headache to their domestic bills.

Aside the issue of non-avail-

Electricity installation ability of prepaid meters, EEDC supplies epileptic power to the area four days in every week, while the people gnash their teeth in darkness for three days in a week which is a sharp contradiction to the intent for which power distribution was privatized.

The prevailing situation has brought untold hardship to residents who struggle to pay through their noses to buy Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol to preserve food items in their refrigerators.

Relaxation spots have also cashed in on the situation to sell alcoholic beverages at exorbitant prices hinging the rationale on epileptic power which prompted the resort to generating sets.

Further checks showed that prices of food items like ice fish,frozen meat have sky rocketed as most of the firms use petrol to power their generating sets to preserve their stock and add the difference on hapless customers.

Resident cries out Mr. Amaechi Ukwuani,resident

in Alulu community wondered why the disco has not lived up to the standard thatNigerians earnestly yearned for with regard to privatization of the power sector.

According to Ukwuani,"the aim for which most of us clamoured for privatization appears elusive. We thought the issue of load shedding and non-availability of prepaid meters would be a thing of the past by now. As it is, it is dawning on us that the situation is a culture of theDISCOs to rip us off".

The aim for which most of us clamoured for privatization appears elusive. We thought the issue of load shedding and nonavailability of prepaid meters would be a thing of the past by now. As it is, it is dawning on us that the situation is a culture of theDISCOs to rip us off.

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

NOVEMBER 11, 2015

COMMUNITY PARK: Izombe NURTW begs govt for intervention

Izombe community park

BY CHINONSO ALOZIE

T

HE LEADERSHIP of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Izombe unit in Oguta Local Government Area, Imo State, has pleaded to the state government to provide basic infrastructure for them to function effectively.

The management of the park recently bared their minds on what they described as poor condition of the park while speaking to South East Voice.

The park which they said had been in existence for more than 20 decades, had more than four different administrations since its establishment. And that the present critical condition of the infrastructure in the park had posed unbearable challenges to the current management. A situation, which they said had worsened day by day making it almost impossible for the motorists to operate within the park and also for members of the community to access the park for their daily transportation businesses and to go to their different locations. More so, they said that the park ought to have been repaired long ago to an acceptable standard, since the Local government administration collect tax directly from the park and that such should have been enough to put in place the necessary facilities required in the park, given the reason that, it is a revenue generating outfit of the government and also a meeting avenue for different investors doing diverse businesses from within and outside the Izombe community.

The Izombe indigenes from some of the communities which include the Aborshi, Obeabor and Ndiulukwu communities and as well non-indigenes who on the cause of their daily businesses had to travel to Izombe to buy and sell, owing to the fact that it has one of the biggest commu-

C M Y K

nity markets in the state, where virtually all local foods can be found.

Not to experience reduction in the revenue generation of the park, the Chairman Izombe Unit of the National Union of Road Transport Workers ,NUTRW,

Comrade Emeka Nwaopara said that the government as a matter of urgency ought to address the water logged nature of the park, renovate the offices of the officials of the park, construct toilet facilities and make the entire environment to look as a business

outfit that generate "huge" amount of revenue to the economy of the state.

Nwaopara who spoke through his park Manager Mr. Anthony Ama said that the condition of the park had worsened since the last five years and that there had been promises from the government officials to get the park look as one, which he said never came to a reality and that due to the neglect on the part of government that the drivers of the Izombe park occasionally, had refused to comply with some of the tolls charges expected of them, with this, Ama said that the challenges to sustain operations in the park had also become a very difficult task to accomplish.

Adding that, in many occasions, they had to beg the drivers operating in the park to contribute their personal monies in order to sand fill the water logged areas in the park, a process which he said would always take the man-

agement too long to convince the drivers to comply.

Speaking to one Mr. Chukwudi Nwokedi who claimed to be a driver in the park said that the drivers were fed up with the situation of the park and that it has continued to be the reason why their vehicles frequently break down on the road adding that one of the annoying aspect of the whole scenario was that the management of the park periodically ask them to pay some amount of money that would be used to fill sand in the water logged areas in the park, a gesture Chukwudi described as scandalous and that in such situation the government ought to take full responsibility both financially and otherwise. He further said that, due to the current state of the park, the financial burden on the drivers had increased, especially in the present economic hardship facing Nigerians which the people of Izombe are not exception.

In view of the overwhelming challenges, the management and drivers operating in the park have called on the state government, the member representing Oguta in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Henry Igbomezie and the Imo state House of Assembly committee Chairman on Transport Hon. Chukwuemeka Lloyed, to rescue the park from closing down, in the interest of the members of Izombe community and for the growth of the transportation sector in the state.

Family of boy with hydrocephalus cries for help ....Needs 2 million for surgery

By UGOCHUKWU ALARIBE

A

BA—FAMILY of Iheanyi chukwu Onumaraekwu has cried out to the government and public spirited individuals to save the life of their 14months old child, Miracle, who had been diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain, causing enlargement of the head.

While the first two children of the family who are in their early teens have been living their normal life, the case was not the same for their sibling; Miracle who needs N2m to undergo surgery to correct the abnormal growth as the family places hopes on the surgeons at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State to save his life.

Due to Miracle's illness, the first two children of the family have been withdrawn from school. On several occasions, the children have accompanied their parents to various places seeking medical and spiritual help as was the case of their visit to the Abia State Polytechnic play ground when the General Overseer of Deeper, Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Williams Kumuyi visited Aba, for a Combined Service Programme.

Apart from the swollen nature of his head, Miracle is also in pains due to the sores on his

Baby Miracle with parents

I am appealing to the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to come to our assistance. The life of this baby is under threat and it will take good hearted Nigerians like the governor and others to come to our rescue.

head, as he has been bedridden since November 2014 when the sickness was diagnosed.

In an interview with South East Voice at the religious programme, where his parents had come to seek for spiritual healing of their baby during Pastor Kumuyi's visit.

Onumaraekwu, who hails from Mbieri, Mbaitoli council area of Imo State, lamented that he has spent all he made from his petty trading business at the Ariaria International Market, Aba Abia State, seeking medical solution since the illness was diagnosed.

According to him, "He (Miracle) was born on September 2, 2014. Three months after his birth, I got to the village and saw his condition, but I never knew it would be this serious, though my wife after his birth noticed that his head was big, but didn't know it was a serious problem.

"One week later, my younger sister called to inform me that my baby's head was developing in

an unusual manner. We noticed the problem in December 2014, 3 months after his birth. I went home and took him to Federal Medical Centre, FMC, Owerri, but they were on strike. But we met a doctor who referred us to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu where he said the baby will be operated upon to enable him live a normal life. There is no money to make the trip. I have been going from one place to another for treatment and that is why we are here today to see if God can use the Man of God (Kumuyi) to heal our son. The child is in pain because of the weight of his head."

Onumaraekwu who lives at Owere-Aba area in Ugwunagbo council area of Abia state, explained he visited many places, including herbal homes seeking cure for his child.

"We have gone into his treatment because we had taken him (Miracle) to herbal doctors but yet, there was no solution before we finally met the doctor that suggested that the baby will be operated upon.

I am appealing to the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to come to our assistance.

The life of this baby is under threat and it will take good hearted Nigerians like the governor and others to come to our rescue. The name of our baby is Miracle and I hope that through kind Nigerians, the significance of the baby's name will be made manifest."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 5

50 youths selected for empowerment in Anambra

Speakers and guests at the empowerment event activities, arguing that government should not be left with the burden of empowering the youths alone.

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

W K A — F I F T Y unemployed youths from the 10 communities that make up Nnewi South local government area of Anambra State have been selected for training in various skills acquisition programmes to enable them fend for themselves.

The lucky youths were randomly selected at a ceremony in Nnewi South.

They would be trained for six months and subsequently empowered with equipment relevant to their trades.

Sponsor of the project, Mr. Cosmos Ezeobi, who is the founder of the Friends of the Poor International, a non governmental organization, NGO, explained that the organization had been training and empowering indigent youths for many years, adding that some of the previous beneficiaries have even become employers of labour.

He said: “We believe that the youths must be supported and encouraged to grow because their unique position in the society is a great treasure that makes a nation great.

“We aim to restore these youths to greatness and are poised to empower them, recognize their potentials, capabilities, treasures in nature and their greatness.”

According to him, the

THE TEAM Supervising Editor: Chioma Gabriel, Lagos (08052201257) Editor: Emeka Mamah - Enugu email: emekemamah@yahoo.com) Anayo Okoli, Umuahia Vincent Ujumadu, Awka Austin Ogwuda, Awka Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri Peter Okutu, Abakaliki Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi

Francis Igata, Enugu Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

Ugochukwu Alaribe, Aba Enyim Enyim, Onitsha Chinoso Alozie, Owerri Chinenye Ozor, Nsukka Eric Ugbor, Aba

One of the speakers making a presentation at the event programme is funded through savings from family businesses, adding that the organization has neither received any form of external help, nor assistance from government.

Delivering a paper titled, ‘Youth for a healthy society’, a law teacher at Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Dr. Uchenna Ibe said it would be difficult for Nigeria to maintain a healthy society unless her youths were fully empowered, urging

government to map out strategies towards achieving proper youth empowerment in the country.

Noting that most of the evils bedeviling the society were caused by moral decadence among youths, Ibe described youths as the mirror with which the health and economic status of any country could be measured.

Another guest speaker, Mr. Chukwudi Ezechiefo, who spoke on the topic, “Empowerment for

self reliance”, said with youth empowerment, the future prosperity of the nation was guaranteed because they were the ones that would take over offices and governance in the country in future.

He said: “Empowering the youth is like saving in a bank, which cannot be affected by theft.

The benefit of such savings is that it cannot be consumed totally.”

He called for private sector participation in empowerment

Bloody cultural festival in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

C

ULTURE has been severally described as a people’s way of life. South East Voice cannot however claim that this description can be sustained when it turns bloody as it did last week, at Amokohia and Umuderim autonomous communities in Ihitte Uboma local council areas of Imo State.

The event was Mbomuzo Cultural Fesival at Amakohia.

The venue, as usual, was the Nkwo-Ihitte Market Square and people looked forward to this yearly cultural festival with great expectation.

People of all age brackets started gathering at the square. They wined, dined and exchanged pleasantries.

Nzubechi Korie from Umuderim, was also seated in a shop and had a good view of the environment.

What looked a little bizarre was the clothing that adorned by the youngsters. Some boys and girls completely forgot to cover their private parts. No one, especially the first timers, thought it was a taboo for

Destroyed building during the festival people to cover their raw sides, during the festival.

Beyond the scanty dressing, the seemingly crazy boys wielded all manner of dangerous weapons and chanted war songs, as if they were out for a warfare. They blocked the link roads and effectively impeded free flow of traffic. Vehicle owners and commuters were forced to part with varying sums of money

before they were allowed to continue with heir trips.

No one could tell what sparked off a serious argument that gradually snowballed into a fight, between an indigene of Amakohia and a group of boys from Umuderim.

Nzubechi, who was at the market square at the time, not only noticed that his brothers were involved in the fracas, but decided to intervene and

Sponsor of the project, Mr. Cosmos Ezeobi, who is the founder of the Friends of the Poor International, an NGO, explained that the organization had been training and empowering indigent youths for many years, adding that some of the previous beneficiaries have even become employers of labour. restore normalcy.

South East Voice also gathered that an obviously enraged boy from the opposing side, brought out a very sharp dagger and stabbed Nzubechi on his neck and he died instantly. The assailant’s group reportedly protected and spirited him out of the scene.

The shocking death of Nzubechi magnified the issue into an inter-communal battle.

Many were seriously injured before the arrival of the police.

Obviously angered by the untimely death of Nzubechi, Amakohia youths regrouped and stormed the home of the alleged killer in neighbouring Umuderim.

The family of the alleged killer quickly scampered to safety, on sighting the advancing Amakohia youths.

Realizing that the occupants of the house had fled, they set fire to the building.

A villager, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that some lives were lost last year, when Amakohia community celebrated it’s Mbomuzo Festival. Umuderim community equally suffered a similar fate some years ago. The issue now is: Is the killing of people part of the culture of the area?

C M Y K

6 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

How Biafran war pitched Nsukka communities against military authorities -- Alumona *As communities reclaim 500-hectares Army Barracks *Laments discrimination against Nsukka during the war pulled out of the police because hoodlums were after my life on daily bases. I reported myself to Lagos police command, then Enugu and Nsukka police divisions under Aderibigbe as the then Divisional Police Officer. I am happy I left the Police joyfully. When I came back happily, I started my job as a builder and that was what motivated me to come home.

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

T

HE DEFUNCT Nigerian/ Biafran civil war ended with 'no victor, no vanquished' but memories and scars of the civil war still hang on communities that were devastated by the ravages of the war. One of such communities is AguEchara, a suburb of the university town where the then Biafran army camped before it collapsed into the hands of federal troops. The area in question which is over 500 hectares comprising of three communities is popularly known, addressed and called Army Barracks, Nsukka.

Soon after the war, there was a long-drawn-out battle for ownership of the large expanse of land between the indigenes and Nigerian Army. However, after Nigerian soldiers that occupied there were withdrawn, the communities laying claim to ownership of the land tried to reclaim it but met stiff resistance from military authorities who clung tenaciously to it, precipitating a long drawn legal tussle that lingered for over eight years.

While the dispute lasted, there was a delicate balance as frantic developers still poached on the land but with fear of the unknown. Luckily, the issue came to rest recently after the communities scored a major victory against the military in the law court and their land was handed over to them.

The man that spearheaded the legal tussle, Chief John Alumona, Chairman, Echara land committee spoke with Vanguard on a wide range of issues concerning the acquisition and usurpation of the land and ended up unearthing volatile and vexatious issues concerning the ill-fated Biafran war.

What is your role in this story?

I am the Chairman, Echara land committee and spearheaded the legal tussle between Echara land and the military authorities. Echara is made up of six villages namely; Umuagbene, AmaezeEnu,Amaogbo, Orba-Echara, Umuacha and Amaeze-Ani villages. I am a builder by

C M Y K

Chief John Alumona profession, who set up job market (Ogbo nmanu) where men assemble to look for jobs on Ogurugu Road, Nsukka. I was formerly of the Nigerian police, joined the police in 1978, served at different

Soon after speaking to Nsukka people, Ojukwu acquired Agu-Echara now known and called army barracks purely for the Biafra army. After the acquisition, nothing was paid because everybody was afraid of army then. The barracks was for the rank and file, officer's quarters and the shooting range.

states in the country mostly in Enugu, Abakiliki, Bauchi and Lagos. Ibadan was where I served last before pulling out of the service. I quit the police out of my volition when my life was in danger. I was the chief crime buster of Ibadan then in 1986. I was a constable as at that time but occupied vantage positions in the police force because of my intelligence. In Nigeria police, what matters is the experience and not ranks. I

How did this problem start?

Army barracks came into being through the then Lt. Col. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the then Governor of Easthern region who pulled away from the Nigerian army in 1967 to declare the defunct Biafran Republic. He formed his own army to secure the republic known as the Biafra.

The Biafran army came down to Nsukka and told our people, the elders that Nsukka is the boundary axis of Nigeria, also that Nsukka extraction were more or less northerners and the boundary that linked different states of the country.

Immediately Ojukwu declared the Biafran Republic, he made himself a General but while in the Nigerian army, he was a Lieutenant Colonel. Soon after speaking to Nsukka people, he acquired Agu-Echara now known and called army barracks purely for the Biafra army. After the acquisition, nothing was paid because everybody was afraid of army then. The barracks was for the rank and file, officer's quarters and the shooting range. Within the side of Echara axis is where there was a field and the rank and file quarters.

A section of the building built by the Biafran

Then, Amenu, Edem axis bounded by Echara community lands was where the Biafra army has the officers quarters while the shooting range was at the axis of Ozzi Edem. The training and recruitment of the Biafran army was going on there normally in preparation for the onslaught of the civil war. Ojukwu was massively supported when he declared Biafran republic which has to go with military base in Nsukka.

As the Biafran army settled in Nsukka, Major General Yakubu Gown countered the move by stating unequivocally that Nigeria must be one nation and that he never believed in the Republic of Biafra. Gowon galvanised the federal troops and engaged the secessionists. Ojukwu on his part, prepared for the war assuring that nothing will happen stating that the East will fight till the last man and battle raged. Nsukka people suffered an untold hardship during the civil war. They were providing food for the Biafran soldiers with one common spirit; united we stand (Ndi nke anyi) in Igbo parlance. Nsukka did everything possible to see that Biafran soldiers were not starved. The army barracks was built voluntarily, people were happy and each person contributed whatever he can afford in terms of manpower to see that the barracks was built. The barracks was ready and occupied by the Biafran army, three months before the war finally broke out.

How did the war affect your people?

When our people took food to the barracks unknown that Nigerian army has taken over, they were arrested. The Nigerian army came into Nsukka through Okpuje, Okutu and Odoru- Igalla neighbouring communities. It was Ifeajuna who asked the Nigerian army to follow that route which is the shortest entry point to Nsukka from the northern part of the country.

The only resistance was from the civilian populace at Okutu that dug gutters and trenches to prevent the men with machine gun. The federal troops came and fell into ditches; they mobilised and swept the defenceless civilians at Okutu which were the first casualties recorded at Nsukka. At Okutu communiContinues on Page 7

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 7

JUDICIARY WORKERS, ANAMBRA GOVT FACE OFF:

Who'll blink first?

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—FOR the past three months, all courts in Anambra State have remained under lock as a result of indefinite strike action embarked upon by the state branch of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN. The union's grouse with the state government was non implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure, CONJUSS, which was approved for all judiciary workers in the country.

Though some states had since started implementing the structure, which places the judiciary workers on a separate salary structure from other civil servants, that of Anambra ran into a hitch because of the state government's complaint that it is not in a position to implement it due to dwindling financial resources.

To prevail on the government to change its mind on the issue, the judiciary workers went on strike three months ago, thereby paralyzing activities in the courts across the state. A visit to some of the courts in the state, including the state judiciary headquarters in Awka, shows that the en-

tire area had been overgrown by weeds, while heaps of dusts have taken over the court rooms.

The consequence is that practicing lawyers in the state have remained idle and most of them are complaining openly that they can no longer meet their financial obligations since their clients no longer have their cases mentioned. In fact, with the strike, the Judges and Magistrates, as well as private legal practitioners who have pending cases are on forced leave in Anambra Awaiting Trial Men, ATM, who are being detained in the various prisons, are languishing there, while dates of adjourned cases had since passed.

Though officials of the state government and the leadership of JUSUN had met severally to resolve the issue, there has not been a way forward as both parties are still holding on to their positions. Last week, the judiciary workers held a meeting that lasted several hours in Awka and after reviewing the issues at stake, insisted that they would not return to work until the state government implements the new salary structure.

At the well attended rally at the judiciary headquarters in Awka, the workers, who came from all

Judiciary workers meeting over the strike the 21 local government areas of the state, said the condition given by the state government that it would implement the new salary structure when its revenue improves was unacceptable to them.

They recalled that the agreement it signed with government in 2011 was that CONJUSS would be implemented in the state when the state's Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, doubles, arguing that the state's IGR has more than doubled.

Even at that, the state chairman of JUSUN,, Mr. Mark Ifezue described as unfortunate, a situation whereby the state government attached the implementation of the new salary structure to improvement of IGR, for a salary structure that was approved for all judiciary workers in the country.

Ifezue also wondered why the state government was keeping the workers in suspense, urging government to make it clear what it wants to pay, so that the workers would consider such conditions to enable them take a decision on when to call off the strike.

He said it is only Anambra State government that is tying the implementation of the new salary structure to improvement of revenue, when states that were not as financially buoyant as Anambra, were already paying the new salary structure.

"We are demanding our right and we are not concerned about IGR and its improvement. Anybody who is linking the implementation of CONJUSS with IGR is insulting us. Many of our colleagues who retired from the

service have become beggars in their villages because their entitlements have not been paid. We do not understand why Anambra State judiciary should be different from that of other states," the leadership of JUSUN said.

South East Voice gathered that the state government on July 12, 2011 entered into an agreement with the state branch of JUSUN on the implementation of CONJUSS. In that agreement, JUSUN accepted what the state government offered to pay then, based on the promise that it would implement full CONJUSS when its economy improved. The argument of the workers is that the state's monthly IGR has increased from about N500 million to N1.3 billion and wondered why the state government was still dragging its feet on the matter.

However, the state government faulted the argument of the workers, saying the agreement was that it would implement CONJUSS when the revenue of the state improved.

Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Solo Chukwudobelu, who spoke on the issue, gave a graphic situation of the state's monthly allocation from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, and wondered why JUSUN would insist on the implementation of CONJUSS by a government that had increased the salary of state

Communities reclaim 500-hectares Army Barracks Continues on Page 6 ty then, the elderly ones were wiped out completely. The few surviving ones at Okutu scampered to neighbouring Okpuje, Anuka etc.

Ojukwu gnashed his teeth in disgust of total disappointment and said that the Nsukka people brought the Nigerian army, branded every Nsukka man a saboteur. He wickedly accused Nsukka people of not doing anything to repel the advancing force of the Nigerian army. He did not look inwards to know what was happening with the military he set up, and then branded every Nsukka man, a saboteur. Nsukka suffered immensely during the war.

Ojukwu did not think well when he engaged in the war.

It was when the war got to Onitsha, that it dawned on him to set a probe to know exactly what was wrong with his men. It was at that probe that Ifeajuna was indicted, arrested, court marshalled but it was too late for the Biafran army. Even Ifeajuna told the people that his plans worked out and that he has no regrets for his action before he was shot. Nsukka suffered because they did not know that the Nigerian army had surrounded the whole town. People thought that the federal troops will pass away for them to settle down but ended up scampering to farmlands without food and water, then kwashiokor set in killing people in droves. . Some of the Nsukka men that braved to

come and take some food stuff were shot by soldiers who dug trenches at major entry points yet, Ojukwu and other Biafrans kept on maltreating our people even in battle fields, calling them saboteurs. Many of our promising young men died as a result of this unwarranted stigma and not necessarily in the hands of the advancing Nigerian troops. Till date, the stigma still lingers as the Nsukka man is still branded contemptuously as Northern Igbos. But, we don't care because truth is constant.

How Nzeogwu died Ojukwu thought he prepared for the war but it was very unfortunate that Chukwuma Nzeogwu died. Nzeogwu told Ojukwu inter alia; that the war was not mature but he could not listen and embarked on full scale war empty handed. As an infantry man, Nzeogwu told Ojukwu that war does not go by propaganda but Ojukwu believed that iroko trees, grasses and buildings will fight which was a pigmentation of the civil war. There was no weapon to engage in a full war but Ojukwu never agreed.

Massacre of UNN students Immediately the war was declared without weapons, students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, trooped en masse and joined the Biafran army bare-handed and were swept out at Opi junction.

One scenario played out that

time, they say Abiriba people will fight with matchetes which never flowed as people were shot at the first move in an attempt to fight with machetes.

It was a disaster, Igbo were deceived to go into that war. The Aburi Accord was when the entire nation was in flames, not that the war was rooted on the failure of the accord. Both Gowon and Ojukwu interpreted the Aburi Accord differently to suit their desires. Both men were fighting over superiority.

Ojukwu acquired Agu-Echara Nsukka, Amenu Edem and

Ojukwu acquired Agu-Echara Nsukka... lands for his military purposes which the Nigerian army subjugated and Gowon requisitioned the whole land. ...Gowon requisitioned the land, Nigerian army occupied the place...

Gowon said since the war ended 'no victor no vanquished,' every other thing returns to its status quo.

Ozzi Edem lands for his military purposes which the Nigerian army subjugated and Gowon requisitioned and took over the whole land. He stayed there and promulgated decree number 720 of 1973. As Gowon requisitioned the land, Nigerian army occupied the place till 1976.

Gowon said since the war ended no victor no vanquished, every other thing returns to its status quo. The Nigerian army were asked to go back to their former barracks. If the army had continued to stay at Agu-Echara, it would amount to illegality.

When the army left, the land remained unoccupied till when I became the chairman, Echara land committee in 2003. Then, I told my people that we have to go into dialogue with the Nigerian army and the government. The Nigerian army left after several years of occupation of the lands at Agu-Echara. My people appointed me chairman of the land committee. A state cannot acquire barracks mostly when it is contentious. The land was contentious in the sense that federal government did not acquire the land, it was acquired illegally by an illegal government, and then we queried the Nigerian army to have handed over the land to Enugu state government since it was not acquired by the federal government. We instituted an action, sued the Nigerian army to court, first at the federal high court and later to

Nsukka high court because they were agitating on jurisdiction. After going through our statements of claims and amended statements, the army came up with verdict that there was no need pursuing the matter. The army is an army of record. They agreed that they made mistake inter alia; by handing over the land to the state government, then decided that that the land should go back to Echara, Amenu-Edem and Ozzi-Edem communities. The army asked our lawyers to go back to court and formalise the necessary papers and bring out the case in court.

That is the position of the land now. We thank the Nigerian army for understanding and a straight record of the place.

Just as we dialogued with the army and reclaimed the land, some disgruntled elements jumped out from nowhere to foment agitations that we sold out the land to enrich ourselves.

Echara community upon appointing the land committee, issued power of attorney to the committee and upon that we presently stand. It is pertinent to state here that those clamouring for the land now are the greedy ones in our area who wants to reap where they did not sow. This victory is a major landmark for a lot of developers who had thought that they would loose their properties if we had lost but the army graciously checked their records and gave us victory.

C M Y K

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

I

N A bid to check the increasing level of moral decadence in the society, Vice Chancellor of Rhema University, Aba, Abia state, Prof.

Ogbonna Onwudike, has called on tertiary institutions in Nigeria to train students to be God fearing and self-reliant.

Onwudike who spoke in an interview in Aba after his institution was granted full license by the National Universities Commission, NUC, said that universities and other tertiary institutions must endeavour to produce graduates who have been truly found worthy in both learning and character in the interest of the society.

According to him, "It is the belief in some quarters and rightly too that American universities are doing robustly well today because they were founded on Christian precepts with the accompanying moral values. It is said that out of the first 108 universities in USA, 106 started on the basis of the Christian faith aimed at inculcating godly character in the products of the educational institutions.

"This trend was said to have continued according to educationists who said that by the close of 1860, there were 246 universities in USA out of which 229 were founded by Christian denominations or individuals that shared strong Christian background.

"Then, when Harvard University sprang up in 1636, it started as a Christian university with the mission statement: "Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well the main end of his life to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life and therefore to lay Christ in the bottom as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing that the Lord only giveth wisdom let everyone seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of Him." Onwudike, however, decried what he described as the lack of deliberate institutional efforts in the public universities towards driving students to Christ and lives of integrity and godly character development. He also, insisted that emphasis must be placed on Christian precepts and moral values, which he said, remained the unique selling point of Rhema University.

"As a Nigerian university teacher of 40 years standing, when I was in public and nonChristian universities; my experience is that there is generally no deliberate, institutional effort in the public universities towards driving people to Christ and towards lives of integrity and godly character development as is the case

C M Y K

in the USA. Moral armament will end cultism With moral armament, cultism which is the bane of many higher institutions in the country today will not find any breathing space in our universities. Rhema University is a trail blazer in inculcating morals into her students.

There is no cultism at Rhema University; the word is alien to us here and that is why I said we should ensure there is discipline, there is godly character, there is fear of God in whatever we are doing. It is important that we bring up the students in that light so that they would know that there is no gain in getting involved in cultism. It is an aberration.

Emphasis on godly character Universities should place emphasis on godly character and training. In Rhema University, we place emphasis on Christian discipline and Godly character, like all the other schools founded by the Living Word Ministries; we operate on the principle of what we call head and heart connection. By the head and heart connection, if the head

Don tasks universities: Train students to be God-fearing, self-reliant was educated without correspondingly educating the heart, graduates would actually be turned out but they will go out into society without conscience, fear of God in what they do and which of course informs the problem society has had all along. The university should stop at nothing in turning out men and women of integrity who are God fearing, who are intellectually sound and who

The Vice Chancellor explained that apart from the normal classroom work, students were made to go for fellowships and church services regularly, where they are taught about ways of life anchored on the fear of God

are properly focused, morally upright and enterprising so that when we release them to society, they will serve where ever they find themselves with the fear of God and that is where we think we should do a lot.

Rhema University, founded

by Emma Okorie's Living Word Ministries, Aba, was given provisional licence by the NUC in November 2009, and granted full licence to operate as a university this year. If we have not been doing well, of course we will not have a full licence. We will go a step further to show our love for Christ and belief in God and we will strive at all times to inculcate the same to our products.

The Vice Chancellor explained that apart from the normal classroom work, students were made to go for fellowships and church services regularly, where they are taught about ways of life anchored on the fear of God which they will take into their businesses, work places and marriages.

Our students are always advised to be focused in learning because even if they have all the academics without that close relationship with God, they wil not make success of their lives.

Graduates and employers of labour On unemployment which had been the bane of graduates in Nigeria, Onwudike said that students should be trained on skills acquisition armed to make them job creators than seekers. 'Rhema University places a lot of emphases on entrepreneurship.

Aba itself is a centre for entrepreneurship and what we do is to empower our students with skills and link them up to individuals, successful entrepreneurs so that they are trained along with those entrepreneurs. The idea is that apart from getting your degree, when you go out, you are also able to set up your own and become an employer of labour without necessarily waiting on government to give you employment; that to us is very important."

Pains, anger, trail collapse of Ikem bridge

P

AINS AND anger of com muting among residents and other passers-by have trailed the Friday collapse of Ikem hanging bridge across Ebenyi River in Isi-Uzo local government area of Enugu state.

The bridge built by the Nigeria army shortly after the Nigeria- Biafra war in 1970, collapsed last week when a truck owned by the Dangote group tried to pass on it.

The truck was carrying 900 bags of cement at the time of the incident.

As a result of the development, many communities in Enugu, Ebonyi, Benue and other northern states have been cut off just as the people of Udenu, and Neke, home local government and community of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Chairman of Isi-Uzo LGA, Augustine Nnamani, respectively.

However, residents quickly commenced putting up a makeshift bamboo bridge for pedestrians to trek across the river to get to their different destinations.

"It is now a divided kingdom," said Mr. Frank Nnamani, who was cut off between his home and his block industry across the river.

Nnamani further said that, "Now that there is nothing to manage again as before, the best thing is for the state government to mobilize the con-

Truck that collapsed the bridge

About 900 bags of cement poured into the river tractor that absconded from the site to continue work on the concrete span bridge abandoned by the immediate past administration in the state."

Buses plying from Ehamufu

to Enugu now terminate at different ends of the river and swim across to continue their journey just as the incident has divided the community's Orie Market into two, with one at its

original market venue and a new one at Ikem junction across the Ebenyi River.

Other residents who spoke on the issue said "It is even good that the bridge has come to an end so that attention will be paid to the abandoned bridge contract."

Emma Nweze, a journalist in his reaction said: "We should pray for Nigeria. How can such a bridge be found in a country called the giant of Africa?"

N'dozie Odunze also suggested that the 900 bags of cement in the truck should be used in constructing the bridge, while Albert Ejike, blamed the Isi-Uzo LGA administration for the disaster.

Also, an Abuja-based legal practitioner from the area, Austin Nwaro, said: "This ugly incident really provokes the thought of asking the necessity of local government administration. Is LG as third tier of government actually necessary or better still are they doing what they are supposed to do vis-a-vis the amount of money allocated to them?"

Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Augustine Nnamani, had earlierbs aid that his council had been spending money to maintain the collapsed bridge, apart from the monthly contributions to the state government for the Enugu-Ikem road project which 90 percent of the job was completed about two years ago.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 , 2015—33

Rights groups ground commercial activities in Benin

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

E N I N — COMMERCIAL activities in Benin, Edo State, have been brought to a standstill as a coalition of civil society groups, under the aegis of Joint Action Force, JAF, aggrieved landladies, market women and disengaged staff of Edo Youth Empowerment Scheme, EDO YES, staged a peaceful protest against the policies of Edo State governor, Mr Adams Oshiomhole.

The protesters, who marched through some major streets in the state capital, also grounded activities in and around the premises of Edo State House of Assembly, King's Square, Sapele Road, Reservation/Golf Course Road, Dennis Osadabe and Edo State Government roads, respectively.

Also, disengaged Edo-YES staff protested their sacking by the state government without recourse to due process, while the landladies were against the introduction of the Land Use Charge and market women against multiple taxes, among others.

JAF denounced government’s alleged insensitivity to the plight of people with its alleged antipeople policies.

Abraham Ovia and Kola Edokpayi, who spoke for the protesters urged the state

government to immediately commence the process of revamping ailing industries in the state and reverse some of its anti-people policies.

They noted that governance would be meaningless to the people if it’s policies were detrimental to them.

The protesters also denounced the recent increase in tuition fees

at the state- owned Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, deplorable state of roads, especially those in the Benin metropolis, while demanding the resuscitation of Edo Line Transport Company.

Other demands of the group included the revamping of Edo State Pharmaceutical Company, Bendel Brewery, Ethiope Publishing Company, Ehor Fruit

Juice Factory and Uromi Cassavita, among others.

Addressing the protesters on behalf of the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Chris Okaeben, who is the Chairman, House Standing Committee on Information and Sports, assured them that the House would look into their demands with a view of addressing them.

VISIT: Former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba (right); former Secretary to Cross River State Government, Chief Johnson Ebokpo (middle), and other APC officials, during his consultation visit to APC's secretariat in Calabar.

Why some lawyers can't be SAN, by Delta Chief Judge

By Egufe Yafugborhi & Perez Brisibe

U

DU—THE Chief Judge of Delta State, Justice Marshall Umukoro, has blamed the attitude of some lawyers who are due to be Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, but are yet to bag the title as the reason they have not been honoured with the award.

Justice Umukoro, at the inauguration of the Udu branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, accused some lawyers of being rude and disloyal to their senior colleagues.

He said: “Looking at the faces here, there are more than 30 lawyers who are qualified to be SAN but they are not. The answer to this is because many of us are very rude, we are not loyal and we do not know how to serve.

“There are certain secrets in this profession, it is not a cult.

Like every profession, there are secrets and these secrets can only be revealed to you when you are humble and loyal.”

In his remark, NBA president, Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, said that the inauguration of the Udu branch has increased the NBA branches in the country to 111, adding that the approval for

C M Y K

the branch came after scrutiny of several applications.

Charging members of the executive to maintain a high level of professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties, Mr. Alegeh urged them to always conduct themselves in strict adherence and compliance with

the constitution of the association.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the occasion, Prof. Agbe Utuama, described the emergence of Udu NBA branch as a feat that would deepen democracy as there would be an increased participation in the representation of lawyers at the NBA annual elections.

In his inaugural speech, Udu branch chairman, Mr. Valentine Ugege, promised to deliver on professionalism and ideology of the association, as he appealed for support for the branch from the Warri branch and other sister branches within and outside the state.

God proclaimed Otuaro as my deputy —Okowa

By Emma Amaize

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has said that God revealed his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, to him even before he (Okowa) selected him.

He made the declaration during a courtesy visit on him by the elders and leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Delta South senatorial district at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Okowa said that he several times tried to wave off the revelation, as he thought his deputy would come somewhere else, but the divine revelation kept hitting him that his deputy would come from the Christ Embassy Church.

“So when Mr Otuaro’s name

came, I had to confirm to find that he was truly of Christ Embassy Church. God did not

make a mistake. So we will continue to work as brothers in this government,” he said.

NDE empowers 100 women with N.5 million in Delta

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—AS part of moves to reduce unemployment and poverty in the country, the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, has empowered 100 poor and vulnerable women in Delta State with a non-refundable grant of N5,000 each under its Micro Enterprises Empowerment Scheme of its Small Scale Enterprises Department.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the NDE department of the Federal Secretariat in Asaba, the Director

General, Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, said the exercise was aimed at enhancing the petty and micro-businesses of the women such as corn roasting, fruit selling, frying of bean cakes, sachet water and other small trades.

Mohammed who was represented by the Director, Small Scale Enterprises Department, Mrs. Ifeoma Achigbu, urged the women to see the gesture as government’s sensitivity to their plights, adding that they should put the funds to good use for the benefit of their families.

Trade fair: Rivers urged to discontinue discount market

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government has been urged to discontinue its yearly discount market so as to strengthen participation in the annual trade fair organised by the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHCCIMA. President PHCCIMA, Mr Emeka Unachukwu, who made the call, yesterday, in Port Harcourt said that PHCCIMA was not competing with the state government, adding that the timing of the discount market organised by the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce to coincide with the trade fair of PHCCIMA made it appear as if the body was competing with the state government.

He said that governments all over the country support the Chamber of Commerce so Rivers State Government should not be an exception.

Merry heart, panacea for longevity — Medical expert

F

OUNDER of Society for Positive Living, SPL, Dr Simeon Onakughotor, has advocated a merry heart as a panacea for longevity in the midst of high rate of hypertension occasioned by obvious challenges, vicissitudes of life and living above their means.

Onakughotor, during the 10th anniversary of the SPL and launch of a book titled Twelve Keys to a Merry Heart, said Nigerians should develop a positive mindset to life in order to achieve their dreams.

Stressing that a merry heart was the panacea for healthy living and prolonged life, Onakughotor said that the rate of hypertension was alarming.

He noted that there was no human without challenges but one’s negative attitude towards problems would create health challenges particularly high blood pressure hence the need to have a merry heart.

The book reviewer, Professor Job Akpodiete, who highlighted the benefits of a merry heart urged Nigerians to be merry and not worry too much and promote positive thinking.

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Iddo residents hail Faleke over road rehabilitation

Alleged N3.1bn fraud: Suswam docked, secures N100m bail

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

By Kingsley Fanwo

R

ESIDENTS of Iddo Gbedde in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State have hailed the intervention of the All Peoples Congress, APC, governorship running mate, Abiodun Faleke, for his intervention in ensuring that Iddo-Isanlu road was made motorable.

Some of the residents of the community who spoke with Vanguard, said the member representing Ikeja 2 Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives had cushioned the hardship experienced by motorists who ply the road.

A farmer, who is resident in the community, Adebayo Isaac, told Vanguard that wealthy individuals in the society must imbibe the habit of contributing to the development of the society without necessarily waiting on the government to do all things.

A teacher in the community who craved anonymity, said the gesture would have been appreciated the more if it were not political.

A

BUJA — THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday charged the former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a nine-count criminal charge bordering on alleged money laundering.

Suswam was arraigned before Justice Ahmed Mohammed alongside his erstwhile Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omodachi Okolobia.

They were alleged to have

looted about N3.1billion, being proceeds of shares owned by Benue State government and Benue Investment and Property Company Ltd. The offence, the duo allegedly committed is punishable under section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended in 2012.

Shortly after the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, they were released on bail by Justice Mohammed to the tune of N100 million each.

The court further ordered the accused persons to produce one surety each, adding that

such person must be a civil servant not below grade level 12 in either federal or state employment.

According to the court, the sureties must be ready to depose to an affidavit of means.

Nevertheless, Justice Mohammed directed that in any event the accused persons failed to secure a civil servant to stand surety on their behalf, they should produce someone with national honours to stand on their behalf.

The case has been adjourned till December 8 and 9.

Transition

M

R. Bamikoluwa Adesigbin is dead. The renowned lawyer and politician passed on at the age of 74 after a brief illness.

Kolu, as the late Adesigbin was fondly called, was the son of the late Dr. Ayo Adesigbin and late Mrs. Ayodele Adesigbin of the Taylor and William’s family.

Bamikoluwa Adesigbin is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lucy Adesigbin and four children and many grand children including Chief Olutoyin Olakunri, past President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Mrs. Bola Akinjide among others.

Wake keep and burial hold in Lagos on November 17 and 18, 2015 respectively.

Bamikoluwa Adesigbin C M Y K

CONFERENCE: Mr. Shola Taylor, Secretary-General, Commonwealth Telecommunications Organization (CTO) (left), and Mr. Festus Daudu, Chairman, World Radio Communications Council (WRC) at the 2015 WRC Conference, in Geneva, Switzerland.

Taraba women protest against tribunal verdict

By John Mkom

J

ALINGO— FOLLOWING last Saturday’s tribunal judgement that sacked the governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, women across the 16 local government areas of the state have taken over the streets of Jalingo in protest against the judgement.

The women, under the leadership of Mrs. Fati Hassan, demonstrated round the streets of Jalingo with leaves, chanting solidarity songs.

Addressing the women at Sani Abubakar Road in Jalingo, former deputy national women leader of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mrs Hauwa Andetu, said the judgement was a robbery, adding that lives were already being lost in the state since the pronouncement of the judgement last Saturday.

According to her, the judgement is not a reflection of wishes of majority of people in the state.

She said: “We don’t want

outbreak of violence in Taraba State, the verdict portends doom, our sons are dying, we are tired of losing our husbands through injustices.

"Why was Ishaku accepted in the first place at INEC? Why are they giving the mandate of the person we elected to someone who did not win our votes? This is injustice.

“The primary election that produced the governor in Abuja was peaceful and it was not only Taraba State that conducted their primaries in Abuja. What happened to the other states?

"We are calling on the chief judge of the federation to constitute another panel to investigate the three judges that

constitute Taraba Governorship Election Tribunal.

“We demand clear justice over the unjust Saturday judgment. It was Darius Ishaku we voted for, not Aisha Alhassan. All of us here are women from Taraba State, anybody can trace our roots down to our local government areas. We are not hired women like the ones on the streets of Abuja.

“We are ready to fight for our rights, even if our husbands have gone to sleep over the issue. It is our children and our husbands that are being killed any time injustice was done. We demand that the Appeal Court should be just and return the mandate to the rightful owner.”

Firm donates 2500 fingerprint machines, others to Lagos police command

By Evelyn Usman

I

N a move to support the Police in the fight against crime, a Nigerian-owned private security firm based in Texas, United States of America, Marshal Security Company, has donated 2500 finger print scanners to Lagos State Police Command to aid its investigation.

In addition, the company also donated a digital blood pressure machine to the command, with the aim of detecting early symptoms of cardiovascular related disease that could lead to sudden death.

Presenting the items to the command’s boss, Mr Fatai Owoseni, at the command’s headquarters, Ikeja, Chairman, Marshal Security Company, Prince Apaka Etim, noted that the digital machines would not only help in fighting crime but would also fast track investigation.

The donation as explained by him became necessary “because crime fighting all over the world has gone digital and Nigeria can not be left behind. This is why it is imperative for every stakeholder in security to support the Police and ensure that they are well equipped physically, mentally and psychologically, to meet their obligations to the citizenry.”

The significance of fingerprints and the criminal justice system, he said, could not be undervalued, pointing out that they could implicate the guilty by linking a criminal to the victim and the scene of the crime and exonerate the innocent.

Receiving the items, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Administration, Mrs Folashade Adams, who represented the Commissioner of Police, appreciated the company for its support, saying the items would be used accordingly.

Omoigui, Sonaiya, others for WISCAR 2015

By Providence Obuh

F

ORMER Federal Inland Revenue Service boss, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okaru, and first female Presidential candidate, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, will

brainstorm at the 2015 Women In Successful Careers (WISCAR) annual graduation and induction ceremony.

The ceremony, billed for November 21, 2015 at the Muson Centre, Lagos, is themed “Women Leading

Change.”

In a statement, founder, WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, said the theme was chosen to highlight the importance of the contribution of women to the growth and development of the nation.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 —

C M Y K

35

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

GLO SLIDE 'n BOUNCE: Supa Rymes (2nd right), Black Model

(2nd left), Arinze (middle), and other new artistes, after their performances at the Egbeda edition of Glo Slide 'n' Bounce concert at Lagos.

ETISALAT: From left— Chief Marketing Officer Etisalat, Mr. Francesco Angelone; winner of N5000,000 in product category, Mr. Obi Brown; CEO, Etisalat Board of Innovator, Mr. Matthew Willsher, and judge, Mr. Audu Maikori, at the presentation of prizes to winners in Lagos. PHOTO: Shola Oyelese.

TAZOMANIA WINNER: From left— Head, Public Relations and Event, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Tope Ashiwaju; Tazomania Dubai mega prize winner, 13 years old JSS 3 student, Dein-Dumo Anaye, from Rivers State, and Marketing Manager, Indomie Instant Noodles and Head of Indomie Fan Club, Sony Dorai, at the prize presentation in Lagos.

NIMN ELECTORAL C'TTEE: From left— President and Chairman of Governing Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye; outgoing Chairman, NIMN Electoral Committee, Mr. Chidi Nwankpa, and new Chairman of the committee, Mr. Oladele Adeola, during the committee's inauguration in Lagos.

From left— Alhaji Sakirudine Ajao, Surulere LCDA Chairman; Chief Bamidele Hussein, Executive Secretary, Surulere LG; Mr. Desmond Elliot, member representing Surulere 1 Constituency, Lagos State House of Assembly; and Mr. Akeem Dickson, former Chairman, Surulere LG, during the state’s constituency stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, yesterday.

EMPOWERMENT: From left— Co - ordinator, Short Ter m Empowerment Programme, Mrs Ronke Joshua; Oba of Ojokoruland, HRM Oba Riliwan Oluwalanbe; Executive Secretary, Ojokoro LCDA, Mrs. Fausat Hassan; Supervisory Councillor, WAPA, Bunmi Jimoh, and Deputy Executive Secretary, Ojokoro LCDA, Razaq Amosun, at the flag off ceremony of the empowerment programme.

GIRL-CHILD FORUM: From left— Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's father in-law, Elder Tayo Soyede; Founder, Reading Hamlet, Christina Ude; South African High Commissioner, Lulu Mnguni; Founder, Kechie's Project, Nkechi Ogbodo, and representative of UNESCO Centre for Global Education and Reading Hamlets, Mrs. Rosemary Muomah, during a forum on Girl-Child Day, entitled Nigerian Girl-Child in the area of Sustainable Development Goal, in Lagos.

PROMOXCHANGE LAUNCH: From left— Mrs Kika Akpenyi of Heritage Bank; MD, Carboss Tech Ltd, Mr. Ade Aderinto; Co-founder, Promoxchange, Mr. Adebiyi Oke; COO, Cubed Integrated Management Consulting, Mr. Adeoye Abodunrin, and Mr. Tunde Samuel of Philips Consulting, at the media launch of Promoxchange in Lagos.

MEETING:

C M Y K

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, NO VEMBER 11, 2015—37 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA NOVEMBER

He can’t function without porn!

Dear Bunmi, E’VE BEEN married for over four years now and have two sons. Our sex life was good until recently when my husband, who is in his mid-30's, started experiencing erectile failure.

He has since resorted to watching blue films whenever we want to make love. This easily excites him and he keeps the film on during sex.

I find this very disgusting. At first I thought it was to help him get his sex drive back.

Now I feel he is making love to the characters in the sick movies, not me.

W

Why is he off erotic action at 49?

Dear Bunmi, O YOU think it’s a common thing for a 49year-old man not to want sex?

My husband and I got married two years ago - it is the second time for both of us.

We managed to have sex for a few times during the three years we courted but since we got married, I can count on my fingers, the number of times we’ve had sex. He told me just before we got married that he no longer needed sex but I thought that after marriage, and with me constantly by his side, he would change his mind. But he hasn’t.

So why did he get married?

Sometimes we go through the routine as if we ‘11 go all the way, then he turns over and goes to sleep. It’s very frustrating, I tell you. My husband has refused to talk about his problem and acts as if I’m, making a big deal of it.

His first wife had several affairs, then left him for someone else. I know there are a lot worse things that happen in a relationship than not having sex, but this is ridiculous! Do you believe we have a future together? Or should I divorce him? I feel frustrated and wouldn’t want to get married a third time.

Franka, by e-mail.

D

Dear Franka, It’s obvious that your husband’s sex drive has been weak for a long time. The poor

man suffered the humiliation of his wife sleeping with other men and then leaving him in the end. This must have given him the sense that he is inadequate and likely to be rejected, even by a woman he loves and who loves him. By confiding in you that he no longer needed sex, he is asking you to accept that he now rarely feels aroused and is near impotent. So, every time you mention the absence of sex, his fear of rejection “becomes intense.

Instead of re-assuring him that this new marriage he was courageous enough to go into wouldn’t end in humiliation, you’re already plotting your escape! He’s

tried to make love a few times only for his attempts to backfire miserably; which obviously adds to his frustration. Help your husband to accept that your marriage will survive your not having sex and accept this yourself. Tell him fore-play should not necessarily be followed by penetrative sex and encourage him to stimulate you to orgasm. Your husband needs to feel that he can still satisfy a woman sexually and mutual massage is a wonderful way for a couple to share intimacy and affection - it can also encourage intense orgasm by you, and your man. Give it a try.

When should I 'do it' with a new love?

Dear Bunmi, AN YOU, please, tell me when a woman should first have sex with a new partner? In a recent discussion with my friends on the topic, all of them except me waited at least a week before sex.

I’ve always had sex on the first night with a man if I like him. Now I feel a bit cheap for doing this.

Tola, by e-mail.

C

Dear Tola, Sex with someone on a first

date can be risky and exciting, but it is more likely to be unprotected so you could put yourself at risk of a sexually transmitted disease or even pregnancy.

Researchers say it is better to wait as women can use this courtship time to check out whether they’ve found a good man to sleep with, or a onenight disappointment. I’d encourage you to make your lovers work a little harder before pay day!

Surprised this toy boy is not a gold digger!

Dear Bunmi, KNOW toyboys are the rage these days and they connote the image of a golddigger. I met this friend’s younger brother at a bank that I use and he’d been after me since then. I’m a single mother of two and fairly comfortable.

Even though I’m seven years older, this man and I started a relationship. I enjoyed his company and the sex is good. Only he hasn’t asked me for any gifts or money - instead he gives presents that lifts my spirit. Is it a matter of time before he starts milking me? And how far should I go in my generosity?

Clair, by e-mail

I

C M Y K

Dear Clair, You won’t be the first woman to be under the spell of a toyboy - there are tons of women in your shoes asking the same question: Does it really work in the bedroom?

Here are four good reasons researchers give why a toyboy might prefer maturity over youth: Older women know what they are doing: They’ve clocked up more lovers so have more experience. Young girls might have breasts that point to heaven, but older women will keep him on cloud nine through sheer sexual knowledge.

Older women take charge: They’re not afraid to direct on position, pace or fore-play, so

he’s not left wondering what his lover wants or when she wants it. She’s capable of satisfying her own needs which takes the pressure off him and she doesn’t just lie back and expect him to do all the work.

Older women take their time: It usually takes women longer warm-up than men.

She doesn’t apologise for it, knowing a slower sex session is liable to be more enjoyable for both of them.

Older women are confident: They’re likely to be less inhibited and far less hung up on what people will think if they try something a little unusual. So make the most of this experience and have fun.

Your toyboy works in a bank and is most unlikely to milk you dry for sex!

Ruth, by e-mail.

Dear Ruth, Could your husband be worried about anything that could cause his not being able to be aroused by you? You have to talk to him about how unhappy he is making you feel and why he’s suddenly behaving the way he is. It’s often something that has nothing to do with the relationship that turns men off sex. If he has lost confidence in himself, you need to help him find it.

Watching blue films together once in a while is healthy if it is what you both want.

He has since resorted to watching blue films... This easily excites him and he keeps the film on during sex. I find this very disgusting. ...Now I feel he is making love to the characters in the sick movies, not me.

Should one fantasize during love-making?

Dear Bunmi, ECENTLY, A group of us girls got talking and almost all of us admitted to thinking about other men when making love to our partners. This is supposed to liven up an otherwise dull session. Is this fantasy thing common? Isn’t it disloyal to the partner you’re with when you fantasize about other men?

Folusho, by e-mail.

R

Dear Folusho, Fantasy is supposed to be a wonderful way to improve sexual arousal. Your mind can take you to wonderful places with endless erotic possibilities. Both men and women can benefit from wild fantasy during sex. Those who’ve never tried it are missing out. Here are a few professional tips on fantasy: Story lines - Fantasies are limited only by the imagination. The variety of erotic storylines is almost endless. Many have fantasies that give them pleasure through life, while others change their fantasies regularly and incorporate real life events and people they have met.

Fantasies often get their power from their extreme content. They contain images the individual would never

want to experience in real life and the thought conjure up feelings of guilt or fear. This charge of emotion gets transformed into powerful sexual excitement.

Men vs Women: Research suggests half of women fantasise while making love to their husband and most are dreaming about sex with another man. And men are the same - often thinking of other women. But this should not be a source of guilt or seen as infidelity. Remember, fantasy is only in the mind.

Inspiration: People fuel their fantasy from a variety of sources. They may get their images from pornography, from reading erotic literature or from day dreaming about a man they met on the bus.

The amount you fantasize isn’t an indicator of how good or bad your sex life is. In fact, people with healthy sex lives have been known to fantasize more because they are inspired by their lover.

Feeling it for real: Fantasy is amazing and it’s well worth exploring the sex life in your head. You can even go further and try to act out a fantasy with a lover; it’s a great way to spice up your sex life but try not to be too disappointed if reality falls short of your day dreams.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

38 —

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Syrian army takes Aleppo airbase from ISIS

G

OVERNMENT forces have broken a siege by Islamic State in Iraq and Syria of an airbase in northern Syria, state media report.

Army units had made contact with troops defending Kuwairis airbase, east of Aleppo, and eliminated large numbers of militants, the Sana news agency said.

The facility had been under attack by the jihadists for nearly two years.

Meanwhile, at least 22 people were killed and many more wounded by rebel shellfire in the Mediterranean city of Latakia,

E

•Syrian soldiers patrol the street of key town, Aleppo after recapturing Kuwairis airbase in the city. state media and activists say.

The blasts hit two separate areas of the city, ac-

ELECTION: Myanmar army to keep privileges

M

YANMAR’s mili tary-backed ruling party appeared set Tuesday for an overwhelming electoral defeat, but a victory by Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition National League for Democracy party would not mean the end of military involvement in the nation’s politics.

The military, which took power in a 1962 coup and brutally suppressed several pro-democracy uprisings during its rule, gave way to a nominally civilian elected government in 2011 with strings attached.

Aside from installing retired senior officers in its proxy political party to fill Cabinet posts, the army granted itself constitutional powers that enshrine its influence over the government no matter who is elected. In a state of emergency, a special military-led body can even assume state powers. Another provision bars Suu Kyi from the presidency because her sons hold foreign citizenship.

Right now, though, the focus is on the stunning, if

not yet official, victory of Suu Kyi’s party over the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party in Sunday’s elections.

AUDI Arabia has ex ecuted at least 151 people so far this year - the most put to death in a single year since 1995.

The stark rise in the number of executions has seen on average one person killed every two days, according to the human rights group Amnesty International.

“The Saudi Arabian authorities appear intent on continuing a bloody execution spree,” Amnesty’s report released on Monday C M Y K

cording to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. With many of the wounded in serious condition, the death toll is expected to rise, the Observatory said.

Latakia, which lies in the heartland of President Bashar al-Assad’s minority Alawite sect, has largely escaped the conflict that has devastated most of Syria and killed more than 250,000 people.

EU criticises Turkey over human rights, democracy

T

HE European Com mission has called on Turkey urgently to address significant failings on human rights and democracy.

A delayed annual report on Turkish prospects for EU membership says there have been serious setbacks in the past two years on freedom of expression.

It also says the independence of the judiciary had been undermined and that new laws run against EU standards.

The report’s publication

comes at a time when the EU needs Turkey’s help in trying to control the refugee crisis.

It also follows parliamentary elections in which President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) regained the majority it lost in June.

Responding to the report, Turkey’s ministry for EU affairs called the comments “unfair and excessive”, adding that they do not “duly reflect Turkey’s reforms in these fields”.

Russia to deploy new weapons to counter US missile shield

R

USSIA will counter NATO’s U.S.-led missile defense program by

S/Arabia’s 2015 beheadings the most in 20 years

S

Egypt’s military frees prominent journalist Bahgat

said, quoting James Lynch, deputy director at the Middle East and North Africa programme.

It is the most people put to death in the kingdom in one year since 1995, when 192 executions were reportedly carried out.

Most recent years have had between 79 and 90 people killed by beheadings annually for crimes including “non-lethal offences such as drug-related ones,” according to the Londonbased rights group.

deploying new strike weapons capable of piercing the shield, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.

Putin told defense officials that by developing defenses against ballistic missiles Washington aims to “neutralize” Russia’s strategic nuclear deterrent and gain a “decisive military superiority.”

He said that Moscow will respond by developing “strike systems capable of penetrating any missile defenses.” Putin’s statement comes amid a severe strain in Russia’s relations with the U.S. and its NATO allies, which have plunged to the lowest point since the Cold War over the crisis in Ukraine.

GYPT’S military has freed Hossam Bahgat, the prominent rights defender and investigative journalist, a day after his detention led to calls for his release from the United Nations.

“He called me and said he’s been released from the military intelligence building,” Gasser Abdel-Razek, executive director of the Egyptian Initiative For Personal Rights group that Bahgat founded, told the

AFP news agency.

No further information was available in the immediate moments after Bahgat’s release.

Military intelligence arrested Bahgat, a contributor at the local Mada Masr news outlet, on Sunday morning after delivering a summons to his home on Thursday.

According to Mada Masr, Bahgat was charged with “publishing false news that harms national inter-

ests and disseminating information that disturbs public peace”.

The office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday that they were deeply disturbed by the arrest and extended detention of Bahgat.

“We urge the Egyptian authorities to release Mr Bahgat without delay,” Rupert Colville, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.

UN says genocide imminent in Burundi •252 people killed since April

B

URUNDI’S political violence threatens to spiral into an ethnic or regional conflict but the United Nations is less equipped to deal with it than it was in Rwanda before the genocide in 1994, a U.N. human rights official said on Tuesday.

“It’s slipping and sliding we believe, unfortunately, down a very ugly slope,” Scott Campbell, head of Central and West Africa at the U.N. human rights office, told a news conference.

At least 252 people have been killed and 200,000 have fled to neighboring states since President Pierre Nkurunziza decided in April to run for a third term. Three more bodies, hands bound and shot

•A Burundian soldier mount guard at a security post in deserted street in the country's capital, Bujumbura. once, were found on Tuesday, Campbell said.

Burundi ended a 12-year civil war in 2005, when Hutu rebels fought the army led by Tutsis, the same ethnic divide that led to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide in which 800,000 people were massacred.

Campbell said that while

Burundi’s recent violence had been political so far, Nkurunziza and the president of the country’s Senate had used language reminiscent of that used in Rwanda before the genocide, calling on supporters to “get to work”, which in Rwanda meant “organizing mass killings”.

...France proposes UN resolution to halt violence

F

RANCE presented adraftresolutiontothe UN Security Council aimed at toughening the interna-

tionalresponsetoanoutbreak of violence in Burundi, but the foreign minister rejected the move and announced

KENYA: Journalist arrested over graft allegations against ministry

K

ENYAN police on Tuesday arrested a journalist who wrote about corruption at the Interior Ministry, drawing accusations from media groups that the government was trying to trample free speech.

Reports alleging outrageous spending by civil servants has raised pressure on President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has promised to tackle rampant corruption in a country where many people still live in poverty.

Tom Mshindi, the editorin-chief of biggest-selling Daily Nation newspaper, said senior reporter John Ngirachu was arrested on Tuesday in relation to an article questioning spending at the Interior Ministry.

“This is, in our view, intimidation,” Mshindi told

Reuters. “We don’t expect this government to resort to these kinds of strong-arm tactics to try and intimidate us.”

An Interior Ministry official confirmed Ngirachu’s arrest but could not comment on details. Media reports said Ngirachu was released on Tuesday evening.

Ngirachu was interrogated by police last week over a Daily Nation article about a parliamentary report which queried why the Interior Ministry had spent 3.8 billion shillings ($37.20 million) in a single day.

Angered by the article, Interior Minister Joseph Nkaissery labelled the story as “unacceptable” and said it was “calculated to harm the nation” as it portrayed his ministry as corrupt.

“the country was calm”.

The measure threatens targeted sanctions against Burundian leaders who incite attacks or hamper efforts to end thecrisisthatfollowedprotests overPresidentPierreNkurunziza’s election for a third term.

“The escalating violence in Burundi has reached a very worrying stage, maybe a tipping point,” French Deputy AmbassadorAlexisLamektold reporters on Monday.

“We must face the reality: If we let the tensions escalate without doing anything, the wholecountrycouldexplode,” he warned.

•John Ngirachu

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

— 39

40—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

BVN: Bank customers face difficulties making transactions

2011, 2015 polls: Fielding Jonathan was our mistake in PDP —Dokpesi

By Henry Umoru

A

LLOWING President Goodluck Jonathan to contest the 2011 presidential election was a fundamental mistake that led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to its present position in the opposition, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, chairman of the party’s rebranding committee said yesterday.

Addressing Journalists yesterday in Abuja, ahead of tomorrow’s National Confer-

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA — MANY bank customers in Anambra State are facing difficulty in carrying out transactions in their accounts following what some bank workers described as discrepancies in the information available to them from the BVN numbers supplied by the customers.

In one of the commercial banks along the Enugu – Onitsha expressway in Awka yesterday, there was a near uproar as some of the customers accused the bank staff of deliberately faulting their BVN so as not to make it possible for them to withdraw money from their accounts.

Essentially, some of the problems identified by a particular bank include discrepancy in the date of birth contained in the BVN made in another bank with the date of birth supplied by the customer in their bank, as well as the inability of some customers to give accurate date they were issued with BVN. In this particular bank,, there were over 30 persons waiting to see the officer in charge to sort out the problem for them, even as one of the customers said the problem was delaying her transfer to a bank in Lagos after her customer had prepared a waybill for the goods she was expecting.

She said: “It appears this bank wants to use this BVN issue to seize our money. I did the BVN in another bank over one year ago and they are telling me here that there is a problem with my BVN.

ence, Dokpesi noted that the party is repositioning itself to bounce back in 2019 and deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

According to him the PDP made a lot of mistakes in the past and that the first fundamental mistake was the jettisoning of the 2011 zoning arrangement. Dokpesi who is leading a 53-member committee said when President Umaru Musa Ya’adua died in power that instead of the PDP allowing a Northerner to complete

his tenure, the party fielded former President Jonathan from the South as its presidential candidate in 2011.

Dokpesi also argued that in 2015 when it was expected that the party would have fielded a Northern candidate, party leaders unanimously adopted Jonathan as the sole Presidential candidate, leading to the party’s defeat at the elections.

He explained that the party in the build up to the last general elections lacked internal

FG pledges to address challenges facing construction industry According to him, the

By Victor AhiumaYoung

T

HE Federal Government has said it is determined to address the challenges bedevilling the construction industry to ensure the sector improves on its contributions to the economic development of the country.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh, at the 10th Triennial National Delegates Conference of the Construction and Civil Engi-

neering Senior Staff Association, CCESSA, the government noted that the construction industry fulfilled one of the basic needs of human beings by way of providing shelter, access to facilities, employment and comfortability for the society.

Dr. Illoh explained that the Federal government was aware of the myriad of challenges confronting the construction industry which included decent work agenda, low income, freedom of association and fundamental human right at work.

Martha Oburo goes home

M

RS. MARTHA Oburo, according to family sources, will be buried on Friday, November 13, 2015, at Ogbe Obi Village, Illah, after lying in state, at her residence, 257, Nnebisi Road, Asaba, and a requiem mass at St. Brigid's Catholic Church, Umaji Road, Asaba.

Vigil mass comes up tomorrow, at her Asaba residence.

She is survived by children, grand children and other relatives.

Late Mrs. Oburo

present administration had a new focus and was poised to addressing these challenges bedevilling the industry, insisting that the Ministry of labour and productivity would leave no stone unturned in alleviating these challenges.

He expressed delight over the insignificant number of strikes recorded in the construction industry which was as a result of the effective development of social dialogue as an instrument of settling disputes, saying, “I can count the number of cases that have come to the ministry of labour that is associated with the construction industry. There are some industries that on a daily basis,get a barrage of strikes, lockouts and all sorts of things.”

Earlier, President of CCESSA, Augustine Etafo, frowned at the soaring rate of unemployment in the country, decrying that many graduates and skilled youths were roaming about in search of jobs.

democracy, saying there was impunity, imposition of candidates and breach of the zoning arrangement as well as lack of a level playing field for members.

According to him, over 3,000 delegates were expected at the party’s national conference slated for tomorrow in Abuja, to discuss issues within the party as well as proffer solutions to the problems.

Dokpesi said, “Make no mistake, the PDP is aware that there were errors made along the way. We admit that at certain times in our past, mistakes have been made, we did not meet the expectations of Nigerians. We tender apology. But the past is exactly what it is.

We call on all party faithful, supporters and sympathisers to partner with us going forward. “You asked about the mistakes the party made. The Ekweremadu report is very explicit on that. It acknowledged the fact that the party made a lot of strides during the last 16 years, but also, there was no internal democracy; there was impunity within the party.

There was no level playing ground for members of the party.

“The zoning principles of the party were abandoned and a gamut of all other issues which will come up during the conference. And for all these and for the people who have been offended, for people whose toes were stepped upon, we tender unreserved apology.

“While we should not forget the past and its errors, we must look forward and begin to show true leadership within and outside our party.

“The PDP in 2010/2011 made the first fundamental mistake by not allowing the North to complete its term. PDP leaders in 2015 also did not return the ticket to the North. The leaders who took that decision are not paying what the other members of the party are paying.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Saraki’s la wy er s' w alk -out on CCT lawy wyer ers' walk alk-out

I

f a lawyer does not believe in rule of law, then what is he telling those without knowledge of the law? The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, should please send this amateur lawyer of Saraki to Mushin Motor-park. -Mr. David Tope, Commenter

T

hese liars walked out of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to truncate justice because of mere professional fees they were given, they should be arrested immediately. The bad eggs in judiciary are exposing themselves. -Miss Chioma Ani, Model

T

rusting a lawyer is trusting a liar. I did not say so; it is my West Indian friend in 1963. The lawyers have taken their money, why would they not walk out? If Saraki wants them back, he must pay another round of money. -Mr. Francis Ahabue, Consultant

O

n this issue, what I have to say is that Saraki’s lawyer knew that he will not win the case, that is why they walked out of the tribunal. Today in Nigeria, it is common to see a lawyer not tell his client the truth. -Mr. Omotayo Jegede, Personal Assistant

M

y opinion is that it is a big shame to the judicial system in Nigeria. Posterity will judge all those that participated in this rascality. Our children are taking note of proceedings at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT. -Mr. Evan Ukogu, Musician

I

t shows a mark of rascality and latent bias for CCT to be too quick without hearing from the Supreme Court, especially if the provision in question is peremptory.

This is my opinion on the issue and I stand on it. Mr. Stanley Olisa, Graduate

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015—41

KOGI POLLS: Osinbajo storms Okene for Audu

By Kingsley Fanwo

L

OKOJA—VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday, led a high-powered delegation of All Progressives Congress, APC, leaders and governors to the Kogi Central campaign rally of the party in support of its governorship candidate in the November 21 election, Prince Abubakar Audu.

Addressing a crowd at the rally, Osinbajo said the party was solidly behind Prince Abubakar Audu, saying Kogi State could not afford to remain under the control of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Osinbajo said: “I have brought the news of change to Kogi people. On behalf of Mr. President, I thank the people of this state for supporting us during the last general election.

“It is time to finish the good work you have started. It is time to hoist the flag of change in Lugard House.

“If you vote for our party, we will ensure rapid development of Kogi State and create jobs.

Vote APC. Vote Prince Abubakar Audu.

“We are determined to ensure the iron and steel industry at

Ajaokuta is optimized to feed our economy and also generate employment opportunities for the people.”

... as PDP women endorse Wada

Meanwhile, women leader of PDP in Kogi State, Olori Margaret Orebiyi, has expressed confidence in the party’s chances of winning this month’s governorship election, assuring that women in the state will rise to the occasion by voting massively for Idris Wada.

Speaking to Vanguard in her

office yesterday, Orebiyi said the governor had been gender sensitive in his appointments and empowerment programmes.

She said the women of the state had endorsed the governor for another term in office.

She said: “Since 2003, women of Kogi State have been occupying juicy positions. We have been given the opportunity to prove to the world that we can contribute meaningfully to societal development if given the opportunity to serve.

“No leader can succeed without women. PDP has recognized this and ensured that we are given opportunities.

“Among the major contenders, we know the candidate that respects women; it starts from the home front.

“We want to thank the governor and his wife for giving attention to issues that affect the womenfolk. Women in agriculture have never had it so good. The governor has given nets to our women and not fish.”

Osanebi moves to unite Ndokwa youths

T

HE Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, yesterday in Kwale, convened a meeting of youth leaders of Ndokwa East, West and Ukwani Local Government areas in a move to unify Ndokwa youths for proper representation.

The Deputy Speaker lamented poor representation of Ndokwa youths in the polity

and advocated the need for a properly organized umbrella youth body for Ndokwa youths.

He said: “There should be a recognized channel or leader through whom whatever is coming from the state government or from me gets to all the youths from Ndokwa.”

He also revealed to the over 85 youth leaders and other stakeholders that a new

empowerment scheme will soon be released by government and needs the cooperation of youth leaders to succeed for the good of the people.

He said: “We will soon kick start an empowerment project called Operation Feed Your Neighbour, from which leaders will be mandated to sponsor one or two students from each community.

Delta community gives oil firm ultimatum over spill

O

K PA I — O K PA I Oluchi OdigweUmunkwo community of Ndokwa-East LGA of Delta State, has given an oil firm, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, SEEPCO, based in Kwale, a seven-day ultimatum to pay compensation to the community for the oil spillage from its pipeline or face the community’s wrath.

According to the community head, Chief Emmanuel Enudeme, when they noticed the spill, SEEPCO employed officers from the Joint Task Force, JTF, for protection, while it commenced recovering of spilled crude with about 500 drums.

SEEPCO’s Human Relations Manager, Mr. Emeka Nwachukwu, did not respond to calls to his phone line at press time

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

•Suspected cultists arrested in Asaba.

Clampdown on cultists in Delta 252 arrested so far, says CP Alkali •Suspected cultists arrested in Warri Commissioner of police in-charge of Delta State, Alkali Baba Usman is, no doubt, facing a herculean task. Aside the incessant criminal activities of cultists in major areas of the state, he is also saddled with the onerous task of checkmating the nefarious activities of not just other criminals but, the recent uprising amongst some agitators for the creation of sovereign state of Biafra. From all indications, he has lived up to expectations and is poised for an onslaught against all forms of crime and criminality in the state. He spoke with our Crime Editor, Emma Nnadozie, recently, in Asaba. Excerpts:

I

NTRODUCTION: Cultism has become a social dilemma. Some refer to it as a religious or social group with socially deviant or novel beliefs and practices. The group owes uncommon allegiance to their leaders.

The struggle for influence, hegemonic supremacy, control and protection among cult groups is the fundamental and primary cause of the skirmishes and orgy of cult related killings and maiming of perceived enemies.

Another factor that has prompted cultism is land speculation and speculators.

There is also clannish behaviour, these are people who, for the sake of vengeance, gather and unleash attacks on people.

In Delta, we have taken the war against cultism to their camps.

We have had diligent clamp down on cults in different locations.

In Oghara, the Special AntiRobbery Squad raided cult hide outs and arrested 48 members.

At Agbor, another cult hot-bed, about 9 cultists were arraigned recently and are facing the wrath of the law. At Jesse, about 13 members of Sparrows Junior Eye, SJE, were arraigned in July, 2015.

Supreme Vikings More so, at Ibusa, cult members engaged a SARS team, threw stones at their Hilux van and damaged the back and front windscreen. At the end, two of them were nabbed. As a follow up, the command monitored and arrested 33 male and 2 female

•Cp Alkali Buba Usman members of Supreme Vikings confraternity also at Ibusa. At Okwe, we nabbed 9 suspected Aiye 1977 A.S,H. Dodorima cultists during their meeting. On the whole, over 252 cultists have

been arrested since the beginning of this year and majority of them have been prosecuted and convicted. We also succeeded in dealing with several cult-related killings. For instance, last September at Obiaruku, one Ife Akachukwu, 21, was shot by rival cultists while another unidentified boy was found dead after sporadic gunshots by rival cultists groups. At the same Obiaruku, one Albert Onukaba, 28, was killed by suspected cultists. The three incidents showed that rival cultists were on a vengeance mission.

Vengeance mission

Necessary for mention is that response time to distress calls has been reduced to five minutes due to the command’s effective communication network and strategic deployment of our men

At Kwale, the story is the same.

One Ifinwa Analuwe, 20 was stabbed to death by suspected rival cultists while in another incident, the acting chairman of Uvwie LGA, Chief Stella Otiotio was attacked by armed irate Uwvie youths suspected to be cultists when she ran into them while collecting illegal tolls and levies from unsuspecting members of the public. In addition, we arrested six suspected Aiye cultists in Warri.

We will not relent in our fight against cultism. In this regard, we appreciate the cooperation of

well-meaning individuals and stakeholders in the state for quality information which has helped in stemming cult tide in the state. I would also appreciate security agencies and the local community vigilante groups for their various efforts at curtailing cultism and other violent crimes in the state.

I must add that the motivation and encouragement from the IGP and AIG Zone 5 cannot be overemphasized. Of particular note is the interactive session on Police Community Partnership in crime Prevention and Control for Credible Youths held recently in Asaba by the AIG Zone 5.The youths who came in their numbers were sensitized on the need for synergy and collaboration in crime prevention and control.

Necessary for mention is that response time to distress calls has been reduced to five minutes due to the command’s effective communication network and strategic deployment of our men.

It is also important to mention that the level of cooperation has increased proportionally with the command’s achievements and this has bestowed public confidence and trust on the command.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

— 43

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Balotelli risks operation

Aguero targets Liverpool rout S

ergio Aguero aims to pick up where he left off for Manchester City … by blitzing Liverpool.

The Blues striker scored a Premier League recordequalling five goals in the 6-1 demolition of Newcastle in his last City appearance, before damaging his hamstring on international duty a few days later.

And he has revealed he is targeting the visit of the Scousers for his comeback, a week on Saturday.

He said, of his exploits against the Toon: “It’s a nice feeling, especially when you score five goals but the most important thing is that the team wins.

“All games are different and

I’m focusing on just getting back and feeling good and if I feel good, hopefully the goals will come again but as I say, the team winning is more important than individual glory.

“I don’t think I’m too far away now. Physically, I feel good and I’ve kept as fit as I can during my lay-off.

“I still need to work hard for another week and if not this week, then maybe next, I hope to start training with the rest of the lads and so my target is Liverpool.

“I’ll take things slowly and not rush into anything, but I’m not far away.

“We need to continue playing the way we have in

M

ilan’s on-loan Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli is reportedly at risk of needing an operation for his groin injury.

The club announced yesterday that the forward had to see a Danish consultant as he struggles to recover from the injury he sustained at the end of September.

Gazzetta dello Sport have reported today that it is looking ever more likely that the 25-year-old will need an operation.

The newspaper writes that the Rossoneri will talk with Liverpool soon and take a definitive decision on whether or not Balo will go under the knife.

•balotelli

•aguero

recent weeks because we’ve been in pretty good form, not only in the league, but in the Champions League as well.

“But we have to be careful and avoid any silly defeats because that’s what can set you back.

“We need to focus on what we’ve been doing and keep it going because we have an important game coming up against Liverpool and the result at Aston Villa wasn’t exactly what we’d wanted.”

Guardiola keeps his future top secret M

•guardiola

anchester City target Pep Guardiola is keeping his next move a close secret.

Even his agent Josep Maria Orobitg says he has no idea what the Bayern Munich boss will do next!

City have always had one eye on Guardiola as a manager in the long term, and he would be their preference as successor to Manuel Pellegrini.

Bayern are hopeful that he will sign a proffered new contract, possibly

during the Bundesliga's winter break.

But Orobitg says his client's destiny is unclear.

“Not even I know what Pep's intentions are,” said Orobitg. “We've had some intensive talks in the past few days, but when it comes to things like this, he's very private.

“He will make up his mind entirely based on his own impressions.”

Guardiola is “very happy” according to Orobitg, but he added: “At the end of the day, it is a decision he is going to take by himself.

“One thing is for sure, however, and that is everybody around him will accept his decision, no matter what it is.”

Ronaldo: I can work with Mourinho again

R

eal Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has fuelled speculation that he could work with Jose Mourinho again by simply answering “why not” when posed the question.

The Portuguese worked with his countryman at the Santiago Bernabeu between 2010 and 2013, winning a La Liga title and the Copa del Rey, and he refused to rule out the possibility of one day revisiting their relationship.

“Working with Mourinho again? Why not?” he said at the London premiere for his documentary film Ronaldo on Monday.

“I have two years left on my contract with Real Madrid, but the future? No-one knows.”

•Ronaldo C M Y K

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Beckenbauer in FIFA contract scam ressure is growing Beckenbauer to P fresh allegations

o n F r a n z speak out on surrounding the Germany.

B a y e r n half, who coached the Cup titles, t h e F i f a i n

2006 World Cup in The former Munich centrecaptained and country to World has been linked to disgraced former official Jack Warner reports published in Germany. He was the 2006 bid’s leading figure and the president of the committee.

A day after the German football federation president Wolfgang Niersbach resigned, two G e r m a n newspapers linked Beckenbauer to Warner, who was then a member of the Fifa executive committee.

“We appeal to him to bring himself more closely into the explanation of •beckenbauer what happened,” said Rainer Koch, one of the two caretaker presidents who took over after Niersbach’s resignation.

Nigerian Sports Editors task NFF, NSC on fruits of Eaglets’ triumph igerian Sports Editors Guild, the umbrella body of the N managers of sports of the country’s media outfits, has congratulated the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) and the

National Sports Commission(NSC) over Golden Eaglets’ victory at the just-concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Guild, which described the victory as a ‘testament of the enormous talents available in the country, as well as the tenacity of the Nigerian spirit,’ urged both bodies to see the triumph as the beginning of the revival of the nation’s football.

According to the statement signed by the Guild’s President, Mr. Tony Ubani, “the Golden Eaglets’ success will become meaningless if those saddled with the responsibility of growing Nigerian sports did not leverage on the talents that won the cup in Chile to build a strong senior national team.

“We have seen instances where previous triumphs were mismanaged such that the senior national team did not benefit from the talent pool thrown up by the U-17 World Cup. “We are of no doubt that the current leadership of the NFF and the NSC would build on this success and others of the recent past to give Nigerians the national team of their dream. The recent developments in the NFF and the NSC point to a new direction for the nation’s football and we pledge our willingness to help in actualizing the Nigerian dream.”

The Guild also urged the NFF and the NSC to ensure the members of the team were not lured by unscrupulous agents into signing bad contracts with clubs in obscure leagues, adding that “the career moves they make now would determine their football future and their usefulness to the country.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015 — 45

Mikel, Iheanacho join Eagles C

H E L S E A midfielder Mikel Obi and Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho have joined the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier in

Swaziland.

Mikel arrived Abuja early Tuesday morning on board a British Airways flight.

“I hope to win (against Swaziland) and I have been doing this from the first day,” the Chelsea star said on

arrival.

Manchester City teenager Iheanacho is honouring his first Super Eagles call-up.

The players already in camp include Efe Ambrose, Odion Ighalo, Elderson Echiejile, Alex Iwobi, Rabiu Ibrahim, Carl Ikeme as well

•Obafemi Martins still being expected

Siasia picks 26 for Morocco camp

H

EAD Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has picked 26 home based professionals for the pre-Africa U-23 Cup of Nations training camp in Morocco. The 26 players were picked from the 35 earlier invited to camp.

The list is dominated by the All-Africa Games bronze -medal winning

group, including goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, defender Segun Oduduwa and mid fielders Oghenekaro Etebo, Kingsley Sokari and Daniel Etor, while old reliables like Christian Pyagbara, Mustapha Abdullahi and Austine Oladapo failed to make the cut.

Siasia also picked new faces include

Triumphant Eaglets arrive Abuja today

T

RIUMPHANT Nigeria U17 team, the Golden Eaglets, will arrive Abuja today afternoon, officials have announced.

Nigeria won a fifth FIFA U17 World Cup on Monday when they defeated Mali 2-0 in an all-African final in Vena Del Mar, Chile.

“The latest Golden Eaglets will land in Abuja between 2 and 3pm on Wednesday. They will be on Emirates from Dubai,” an official informed.

Nigeria have also won the U17 World Cup in 1985, 1993, 2007 and 2013, but this is the first time they are winning the tournament outside Asia.

Tottenham slow down on Osimhen

T

OTTENHAM Hotspurs may have slowed down on their quest, to sign FIFA Under-17 goal king Victor Osimhen.

Rather the club will be monitoring the progress of the 16-year-old Osimhen. Tottenham are holding back because of their experience with Malian Souleymane Coulibaly, the 2011 golden boot winner who failed to live up after being signed by Spurs.

He is now at Peterborough.

However, Arsenal and Liverpool are reported to be interested in Osimhen. He was a dominant force in front of goal throughout the tournament and set a new competition record with his final tally of 10 goals, which included at least a single strike in each of Nigeria’s

matches. A tall and athletic striker, he made the most of this physical attributes but it remains to be seen how well that will transfer to U20 level and beyond.

as the players from the domestic league – Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Austin Oboroakpo, Jamiu Alimi, Orji Kalu and Chima Akas The team will depart Abuja early Thursday morning for Swaziland on a chartered flight.

I’m not yet 100% fit — Oliseh

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

W

•Siasia Anaezemba Nzube, Prince Aggrey, Stanley Dimgba, Kufre Ebong and Bature Yaro.

The selected players and coaching crew are expected to depart for Morocco where they will be joined by some overseasbased professionals. Siasia’s team will play Egypt, Algeria and Mali in Group B of the Africa U23 Cup of Nations taking place in Senegal from 28 November to 12 December.

ITH just three days to the 2016 FIFA Word Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Swaziland, Super Eagles Chief Coach, Sunday Oliseh has revealed that he has not fully recovered from the sickness that forced him to rush back to Belgium last month.

Briefing journalists after the team’s training yesterday

HE House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to bestow national award on the victorious Golden Eaglets for winning the U-17 world champions for the fifth time.

Already, the Green chamber presided by the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara

and we have to give it our all that is why I managed to be here. The boys are in high spirit and we have devised plans to get it right. We want to win all our matches so as to qualify for the world cup, that is our target.”

The former Juventus of Italy midfielder also spoke on the late arrival of some of his players including American based Obafemi Martins blaming that on international flight hitches especially as it concerns Lufthansa.

Buhari to redeem 30-year-old pledge to Eaglets

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

P PA R E N T LY basking in the euphoria of the victory of the Golden Eaglets at

Reps want national award for Eaglets has promised to host the

T

evening, Oliseh disclosed that due to the importance of the encounter he decided to return to ensure that the desired victory is secured.

However, the former national team captain quickly added that with the zeal displayed by the boys, that the team will find a way to get the better of their hosts even as he added that he has high regards for the home team.

“I am not 100% fit but this is a crucial match

team and its technical crew on the floor of the House on a date not mentioned for now.

The call to honour the Eaglets was one of the resolutions on the motion sponsored by Rep Henry Nwawuba representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State.

the just concluded Under 17 FIFA World Cup in Chile, President Mohammadu Buhari remembered the unfulfilled promises made to the 1985 team, saying he would redeem them.

It will be recalled that Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets first won the Under-17 World Cup in 1985, when the president was the country’s Military Head of State.

He had at a reception in honor of the victorious players at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, promised to sponsor

Rio 2016 Olympics: AFN baits athletes with dollars

A

Champions of the world.... Golden Eaglets of Nigeria.

them on a trip to watch the 1986 World Cup which took place in Mexico, also directed the State Governments to donate houses, give scholarships and name streets after the players.

But while the federal government fulfilled its counter-part promise, the State repudiated the directive.

In a statement released

by Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, President Buhari frowned at the non compliance of his directive.

T H L E T I C S Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released entry standards for athletes intending to represent Nigeria at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil.

The federation also revealed monetary incentives for athletes that achieve the federation’s entry standards, the highest being $50,000 for any athlete that wins a gold medal in Rio. Silver and bronze medals will fetch $30,000 and $10,000 respectively. Athletes who get to the final will get $2500.

The entry standards must be achieved between January 1 - June 30, 2016 and athletes who meet these standards will get $2000 to aid their training for Olympics.

AFN spokesman, Olukayode Thomas maintained that athletes who intend to compete in the men and women 100m must run 10.09secs and 11.10secs respectively. For the 200m, the men must run 20.20secs and the women 22.50secs. In the 400m, the entry standard is 45.20secs for men and 50.90secs for women.

46 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

C M Y K

— 47

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015

Triumphant Eaglets arrive Abuja today Reps want national award for Eaglets

Mikel, Iheanacho, join Eagles

Tottenham slow down on Osimhen •Amuneke

•Dogara

AFN offers $50,000 for gold medalists in Rio Siasia picks 26 for Morocco camp

I’m not yet 100% fit — Oliseh Details inside •Okagbare •Mikel

•Iheanacho

•Oliseh

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Hot (6) 5 Firm (6) 9 Biscuit (5) 10 Roof-beam (6) 11 Deserved (6) 12 Shrill (5) 14 Spoke (4) 17 Parched (3) 18 Present (4) 20 Animal (5) 22 Exhausted (5) 23 Plagiarised (7) 24 Club (5) 26 Principle (5) 29 Revise (4) 30 Suitable (3) 32 Location (4) 33 Clergyman (5) 35 Recover (6) 36 Marionette (6) 37 Yielded (5) 38 Smelled (6) 39 Give (6)

DOWN 1 Torment (6) 2 Concern (6) 3 Pitcher (4) 4 Challenged (5) 5 Shabby (5) 6 Salver (4) 7 Prohibited (6) 8 Furnished (6) 13 Wandering (7) 15 Leading (5) 16 Storehouse (5) 18 Hell (5) 19 Readjusted (5) 21 Gain (3) 22 Spout (3) 24 Carrier (6) 25 Thrill (6) 27 Pinched (6) 28 Examiner (6) 30 Penalised (5) 31 Candle (5) 33 Evil (4) 34 Discourteous (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Pail 4, Ask 6, Also 9, Nip 10, Derisive 11, Gear 14, War 16, Order 18, Anteater 21, Defer 23, Deceived 24, Deter 27, Rod 31, Part 33, Presence 34, Due 35, Beer 36, Dry 37, Rude.

DOWN: 2, Aver 3, Laid 4, Agitated 5, Keep 6, Anger 7, Lie 8, Spate 12, Rapid 13, Stout 14, Wad 15, Refer 17, Delve 18, Ready 20, Recovery 22, Red 25, Evade 26, Enter 28, Sped 29, Bear 30, Acid.

How to Play Sudoku

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag.Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K