Sawyer was mad to bring Ebola here — JONATHAN

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62207

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Mass failure, as WAEC releases results 8

Heavy fighting as troops engage Boko Haram in 9 Gwoza

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Crisis looms as Confab prepares new constitution 9

Sawyer was mad to bring Ebola here — JONATHAN ‘It is unfortunate that one mad man brought Ebola to us, but we have to contain it.’

By Sola Ogundipe Health Editor, Chioma Obinna, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Victoria Ojeme, Gabriel Olawale & Monsur Olowoopejo

•FG confirms 10th Ebola case in Lagos; 5 responding to BUJA—PRESI A DENT Goodluck treatment, says Fashola as LAWMA warns on waste handling Jonathan, yesterday, described the late AmeriPatrick •FG donates $3.5m to Ebola fund; cautions against panic can-Liberian, Sawyer’s visit that heralded the entry of the dreaded Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into the country, as “pure madness.”

This came as the Federal Government appealed to Nigerians not

Continues on page 5

COLUMNISTS: How APC lost Osun election •P.17

Mr & Mrs EBOLA ALERT AT MMIA—A woman, wears protective face masks and hand gloves upon arrival at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos , yesterday.

Inset: Security personnel with masks on duty at the airport. Photos: AFP.

Jonathan mourns renowned historian, Prof. Ade Ajayi 9

See 8-page pull-out inside

Land battle pitches family against Ibrede community

2 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 — 3

4 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

INTER-FAITH CONGRESS—From left: Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan; and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan to the Inter-Faith Conference in Abuja,yesterday.

Sawyer was mad to bring Ebola here — JONATHAN Continues from page 1 to panic and adhere to the highest possible personal hygiene measures and safety guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Health.

Meanwhile, fears that more Nigerians may fall victim of the Ebola virus heightened, yesterday, as the Federal Government confirmed the 10th case of the disease after the death of the index case (the first case), bringing the total number of cases to 10.

The President, who spoke publicly for the first time since the outbreak of the disease in the country, expressed disappointment with the way and manner the late Sawyer brought Ebola to Nigeria.

Late Sawyer, whose arrival in Lagos on July 20, 2014, and eventual death five days later in a private hospital, sparked off the dreaded Ebola Virus saga in the country, was a consultant to the Liberian government.

He was said to be under surveillance in Liberia for a suspected case of the Ebola Virus Disease, but evaded authorities in Monrovia and tragically boarded a plane for Lagos in Nigeria, via Lome in Togo and Accra in Ghana.

His intention, according to reports was to connect to Calabar in Nigeria to attend a two-day retreat organized by the ECOWAS Commission, and later the same week to Atlanta, Georgia in the USA to celebrate his daughter’s birthday.

Speaking at the Annual Interfaith Conference in Abuja, President Jonathan, however, assured citizens that the Federal Government was ready to stop the spread of the Ebola virus.

Mad man and his Ebola

“It is unfortunate that one mad man brought Ebola to us, but we have to contain it. As a government, we promise that we will do everything humanly possible to contain the Ebola virus.”

Further, the President hinted that the Federal Government had planned to rally the 36 state governors and their health commissioners to rescue the nation from further spread of the disease.

Continuing he said: “On Wednesday, I will meet with governors of the states, and they must come with their commissioners for health. We must make sure that every state is prepared.

Where they lack, the Federal Government will support them.”

He assured that his discussion with the head of the World Health Organisation, WHO, had given him more information about the virus, assuring the gathering that the virus will be stopped from causing more harm.

“My conversation with the WHO D-G, Dr Margaret Chan was revealing. She said 60 per cent of the transmission was spread during burials. That is why in my announcement; I’ve been

saying that people should be careful about burials.

“Some people like burial ceremonies. This is not the time for burial ceremony, somebody is dead, he is dead, leave him there. This is not the best time for those ceremonies.

“If he is dead, he is already dead, Sawyer that brought this Ebola to Nigeria; his sister died of Ebola, and he started acting somehow, his country asked him not to leave the country, let them observe him, but the crazy man decided to leave and found his way here.”

10th Ebola case in Lagos

Earlier, the Federal Government confirmed another Ebola case in Lagos, bringing the total number of Ebola Virus Disease victims to 10.

The latest case was a newly wedded nurse, who had her blood sample sent to laboratories which confirmed that she had been infected with the virus. Result of sample taken from her husband was also being expected.

The Minister also disclosed that the number of primary and secondary contacts of the index case placed under surveillance or isolation, had risen to 177, from 139 announced Friday last week.

Giving update of the Ebola situation in the country, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu told a world media briefing in Abuja, that of the 10

cases, two have died (the Liberian American and the Nigerian nurse) while eight are alive and currently on treatment. “This is the situation 22 days since the dreaded EVD first landed in Nigeria,” he declared.

Chukwu said all the 10 infected were people who had direct contact with late Patrick Sawyer, noting that at the sub-regional level, the Ebola Virus Disease was discussed as a substantive agenda during the Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on July 9, 2014 in Accra, Ghana.

US$3.5m donation to Ebola Fund

Citing efforts to stop the spread of the virus in the West African sub-region, the Minister remarked that Nigeria, as usual, played its leading, pioneering and compassionate role during the summit with the first and only donation of US$3.5 million humanitarian and capacity building aid to the three affected countries of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, the West African Health Organisation, WAHO, and the ECOWAS Ebola Fund.

The minister, who briefed the press along other ministers — Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam; Interior, Mr. Abba Moro; Special Duties, Mr. Tanimu Turaki and Information, Mr. Labaran Maku said: “Ni-

geria wishes to emphasise that it essentially remained an Ebola Virusfree country until this incidence of importation and unfortunate contamination. We will continue to work with all stakeholders, local and international partners to maximize on this and intensify efforts to contain and treat the existing cases.”

Chukwu further stated that the “Liberian Government has expressed its deepest sympathies and regrets that Mr. Sawyer had even embarked on this tragic journey, which has brought needless sufferings, death and has placed an unnecessary stress on our health system. In the same spirit, we share in solidarity, the grief of the governments and people of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone as we confront this challenge together.”

Don’t see Liberia in bad light He urged Nigerians not to see Liberia and her citizens in bad light considering the harmonious relationship the two countries have had over the years.

“The government of Nigeria shall continue to discharge its responsibilities within the subregion as we collectively confront and stop this outbreak of Ebola.”

Chukwu however, told journalists that aside from working with the US government on how to assist, government was also looking at other options in terms of drugs that could revive Ebola patients.

He said Nigeria’s quest to get hold of drugs that will bring relief to Ebola patients is “still work-in-progress” adding that, healthcare workers entrusted with providing care to patients have been given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as measure to prevent them from contracting the virus.

NMA strike not

affecting national response

Chukwu, who stated that the Ebola virus still remained restricted to Lagos State, also reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government to find a solution to the lingering crisis between it and the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, especially the need to call off the nationwide strike.

He expressed optimism that the crisis would be settled soon, but maintained that “the NMA strike is not affecting the treatment of Ebola patients.”

New trauma centre launched in Abuja

At the formal commissioning of a world-class Trauma Centre at the National Hospital in Abuja, government assured the populace about the provision of incentives that would motivate existing local health manpower and also encourage Nigerian health experts based abroad to return.

Vice President, Namadi Sambo, who represented the President, said the Centre would bring quality healthcare closer to more Nigerians and also reduce the depletion of scarce foreign exchange due to medical tourism.

“We are modernising medical diagnostics and upgrading several tertiary healthcare facilities to meet the standards existing in those countries where Nigerians seek foreign medical treatment. We have also progressively improved health care financing and priority interventions.”

The centre, first of its kind in the country, is expected to provide the highest level of trauma management for severely injured patients in a timely and cost effective manner, and has been appropriately equipped with modern facilities.

Continues on pages 56&57

6—Vanguard , TUESDAY TUESDAY,, AUGUST 12, 2014

Two in court over threat to lawyer’s life •As magistrate orders journalists out of courtroom

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS — A 48-year-old businessman, Akindele Afolabi, and one Adio Kazeem (79) were yesterday, arraigned before a Lagos magistrate’s court sitting at Igbosere for allegedly threatening the life of a lawyer, one Mr Wale Odediran, with a threat message demanding a property located at 91, Agege Motor Road, Lagos.

Afolabi and Kazeem are facing a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forceful entering, threat to life and breach of peace preferred against them by the police.

The defendants, who reside at 112, Agura Road, Gbagura in Abeokuta area of Ogun State were docked before Magistrate O. O. Martin.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants and others at large conspired to commit the offence between July 6, 2004 and January 2014.

The prosecutor said the incident took place at 91, Agege Motor Road, Lagos and at 3, Eniola Street, Idioro, Mushin area of the state.

The duo were alleged to have forcibly entered into a building belonging to Otunba Taiwo Odumade and Adebola Adegbuyi in a manner likely to cause breach of peace.

The defendants were also alleged to have caused breach of peace by illegally mobilising others, now at large, to forcefully take over the building located at the addresses.

According to the prosecutor, on June 6, 2014, the defendants threatened one Mr Wale Odediran and also forcefully entered Redeemed Christian Church of God, Holiness Temple Parish at 16, Kobiti Streeet, Alakara and Jesus Head Stone Evangelical Ministry, located at Olaniyi Close, Idioro, Lagos.

He said they went to disturb the church, during service by demanding a ransom.

Earlier, the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Magistrate O. O Martin granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

She further adjourned the matter till October 14.

This came as the magistrate, yesterday, ordered journalists out of her courtroom.

A cross section of released convicted prisoners displaying cash donation given to them by FCT Minister, Sen. Bala Mohammed, to pay their fine/compensation in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

I used Police uniform to smuggle cars from Benin Republic —Suspect •As Lagos Police arrest fake Assistant Commissioner •Recover stolen car, Police uniforms

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS — THE Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man who masquerades as an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

He was arrested in connection with the recovery of two stolen cars found in his possession.

The suspect, a father of five, identified as Alexander Abiodun was arrested in Ijoko area of Ogun State following a confessional statement of an arrested robbery suspect.

The robbery suspect identified as Gabriel Asaolu, who was discovered to be a pastor of an undisclosed church in Ogun State, was alleged to have stolen exotic cars from Ogun and Lagos states.

During interrogation, Asaolu reportedly mentioned Abiodun as one of the receivers, which made the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko, to direct operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, to go after him.

Police sources said when the operatives stormed Abiodun’s home at 29, Okegbale Street, in Ijoko, Ogun State, one of the stolen cars, a Toyota Avalon, was recovered. Also recovered in his apartment were Police uniforms with the

dealer and would be supplying cars to me at cheaper rate.

"In August 2011, he called to say he had some cars for sale and sold a Toyota Avalon car for N750,000. That was the only car I bought from him and I never knew he was a robber."

rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Police sources said: “When asked if he was a policeman, he shook his head. Also, an unregistered Acura Legend car suspected to have been stolen, was found in his residence.

During an earlier interrogation, Asaolu confessed that he sold two stolen vehicles— a Mitsubuishi Montero SUV and a Toyota Avalon car— to Abiodun. But only one of the vehicles was found in Abiodun’s residence while the other was said to have been involved in an accident in Ondo State.

I used Police uniform to smuggle cars from Benin Republic —Suspect During interrogation, Abiodun said he did not belong to any robbery gang but that he only used the police uniform to smuggle cars from Benin Republic.

According to him, “I got the uniform from a friend named Segun and I used it to smuggle cars from Benin Republic because I am a car dealer.

"All I do whenever I am

Training of private guards

The suspect, Alexander Abiodun going to get cars from Cotonou is to hang the ACP uniform in the car. That way, Customs officers, policemen and other security agents would not disturb me along the border because they would assume I am a senior Police officer.

"I knew Gabriel about four years ago as a Pastor of a church in Oke-Aro, Ogun State,where I had gone for a revival programme.

"During a chat with him, he told me he was also a car

The father of five also revealed that apart from using the

uniform to smuggle cars, he also used it to train private security guards, with their management staff assuming he was a serving officer.

He said: “I have trained several private company guards as policemen. I got all the training idea during discussions with serving security personnel.

"This is another way I generate money to take care of my family. I have never stolen with the uniforms since I started using them.”

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014—7

OGUN APC CRISIS:

Unknown persons deface Osoba's too late to tarnish my image — Osoba wall •It's •We know nothing about it —Amosun’s aide

By Daud Olatunji

By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

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BEOKUTA — THE crisis rocking Ogun State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has taken a new twist as some unknown people in the early hours of Sunday defaced the walls of the GRA residence of former governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba, with graffiti.

The incident occurred few days after Osoba’s house was invaded

by Policemen who almost disrupted the political meeting being held in the house by his loyalists following the allegation of sporadic shooting within the premises.

When Vanguard visited the area, the graffiti which was in black spray paint, was written in Yoruba language. Some of the inscriptions read: ‘Osoba gba fun oga e’, 'Osoba ti e ba e', ‘Osoba o ni wo tan’, ‘Osoba, gba fun SIA, SIA lamo’, ‘Osoba gba fun oga e’.

The inscriptions which were derogatory to the person of Osoba, simply translate as "Osoba, you will not survive it, only SIA (Senator Ibikunle Amosun) is the recognised leader, among others.

The guard at the house, Tunde Fasasi, who spoke to Vanguard said the person(s) that committed the sacriledge must have come around 4 a.m as he had paraded the premises around 3 am.

It's too late to tarnish my image— Osoba

Reacting to the development, Osoba in a telephone conversation, said he was not bothered by any attack on him or his political career, saying the reputation he had built over the years couldn’t be tarnished by his detractors' smear campaign.

He said: “Well, I am used to being insulted even when I was governor in 2002. I am not disappointed. That is exactly what

L

governor through graffiti.

We know nothing about it —Amosun’s aide

The defaced wall happened 11 years ago. For me, I have developed a thick skin.

“Anybody can say anything about me at the age of 75. It is too late to malign my name or to destroy my reputation as an elder. All I can say is that may God continue to forgive them.

We should pray for them, may God forgive them.”

Vanguard reliably gathered that the perpetrators of the act came with thugs in a local

government vehicle.

According to the source, they were more than 10 who were ready to attack anyone that attempted to stop them.

They were said to have come from a building belonging to a powerful politician in the state around the area and reportedly went back to the building after they finished defacing the personality of the former

But, in a swift reaction, Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Sola Balogun exonerated the state governor from the act.

He described the action as a deliberate attempt by enemies of the state to destroy the governor’s name, saying: "It was done by Osoba’s loyalists.

“Senator Ibikunle Amosun cannot and did not send anybody to deface Osoba’s house. This is a tolerant governor.

“The thing was done by Osoba people with a view to nailing the governor, but we know that loyalists of the governor could not have done it.

“We don’t play our politics like that, we are not do-or-die politicians and the governor has never encouraged such."

Pastor docked for sexually assaulting, infecting minor with disease

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A 51-year-old pastor, Sunday Akintayo, has been arraigned before a Lagos chief magistrate’s court sitting in Ebute-Metta over indecent assault of a sevenyear-old girl.

Akintayo, who claimed to be a member of Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ajelogo, Mile 12, Lagos, was alleged to have severally dipped his finger into the private part of the victim (name withheld).

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department of Railway Command of the Nigeria Police also alleged that

Passenger collapses, dies at Lagos airport

the defendant, apart from fingering the minor, also shaved her eyebrows.

The prosecutor, Inspector Moses Uadevmbo, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on July 11, 2014.

He said the incident took place at 11, Werugbara, Railway Line, Ilupeju, Mushin area of Lagos State.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Section 261(2) and is punishable under Section 135(1) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Section 135 (1) prescribes

seven years imprisonment for offenders.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

Counsel to the defendant, Alli Aba, urged the court to grant the defendant bail.

But Inspector Uadevmbo, who opposed the oral bail application filed by the defence counsel, told the court that in granting the defendant bail, the age of the victim must be considered and the prevalence of such cases in the state.

He also informed the court that the victim had been certified by a doctor to have

been infected with staph and she is currently under intensive care unit in a hospital.

The prosecutor also told the court that if the defendant was granted bail, he might interfer with the complaints as this may jeopardise the case.

He, therefore, urged the court to refuse the bail application.

Consequently, Magistrate A. Demi-Ajayi ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.

She further adjourned the matter till September 24, when the court will rule on the bail application.

AGOS — AN intending passenger collapsed and died yesterday while waiting to collect the Yellow Card from Port Health officials at the Murtala M u h a m m e d International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

This happened when the new Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, was on facility tour of the airport. It's the minister ’s first official visit to Lagos since assuming office.

The dead man, Akunne Osei, Vanguard gathered, was a Nigerian who resided in Accra. He arrived Lagos for business transactions aboard an Arik Air flight on Friday, August 8, 2014 and was on his way back to Accra for medical treatment.

Speaking on the death of the passenger, General Manager, C o r p o r a t e Communication, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, said: “The passenger, Mr. Akunne Osei, took ill on Saturday, August 9 and started stooling. When the situation got worse, he called his doctor in Accra who instructed him to return to Ghana immediately for further treatment.

“During boarding formalities for his return trip to Accra, at the MMIA, Mr. Osei, who had become weak was subjected to Ebola virus test by port health officials, the result of which was negative.

"No further attention was paid to him after his Ebola virus result read negative but the passenger later slumped and died around the port health office.”

The sister of the dead man was seen crying, saying:“Chike, please get up.”

The body of Osei was kept at zero car park of the airport terminal when the Minister of Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, visited. It is yet to be removed at press time.

8 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Adamawa PDP may drag Finitiri before Jonathan over appointments

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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LECTURE: Cross section of high table members, listening with rapt attention to Dr. Paul Obianaso’s breath-taking lecture.

From left, Mr. Mike Ibezim, Managing Partner, Grays Solicitors; Dr. Paul Obianaso, the lecturer; Mrs. Violet N. Arene; Sir Godwin E. Omene, F.AES, MPOM, and Elizabeth Akiga-Gusah, former Director, NIMASA.

Mass failure as WAEC releases May/ June exam results ....Introduces ICT-driven device to checkmate exam mal-practice

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE WEST Africa Examination Council, WAEC has released its May/June 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, results, recording mass failure in Mathematics and English Language.

Announcing the results, yesterday, at WAEC office, Yaba, the Head of National Office, WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu said: “A total of 529,425 candidates, representing 31.28 per cent, obtained credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.”

He noted that when compared to the 2012 and 2013 May/June WASSCE results, there was marginal decline in the performance of candidates as 38.81 per cent was recorded in 2012 and 36.57 per cent in 2013.

Eguridu, who disclosed that the results of 145,795 candidates, representing 8.61 per cent, are being withheld in connection with various types of examination malpractice said: “The cases are being investigated and the reports of the investigations will be presented in November to the Nigeria Examinations Committee, NEC. ”According to him, out of 1,692,435 candidates that sat for the examination, 791,227 candidates, representing 46.75 per cent, obtained six credits and above, just as a total of 982,472 candidates representing 58.05 per cent, obtained five credits and above.

In addition, he stated that 1,148,262 candidates, representing 67.84 per cent, obtained credits and above in four subjects, while 1,293,389 candidates, representing 76.42 per cent, obtained credits and above in three subjects.

He said out of the 161 visuallyhandicapped candidates, who

registered for the examination, 21 of them, representing 14 per cent obtained credits in five subjects, including English language, adding, “blind candidates do not take mathematics and science practicals in the WASSCE.” In his analysis, he said: “A total of 1,705,976 candidates registered for the examination, out of which 1,692,435 candidates, consisting of 929,075 male and 763,360 female candidates sat for the examination.

“Of the total number of candidates that sat for the examination, 1,605,613 candidates, representing 94.87 per cent have their results fully released, while 86,822 candidates, representing 5.13 per cent have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors, mainly traceable to laxity on the part of the candidates and the schools, in the course of registration or writing the examination.

“Such errors are being corrected by the Council to enable the affected candidates get their results fully processed and released as

soon as they are ready. ”Meanwhile, to curb examination malpractice, WAEC has announced the introduction of ICTdriven device which will enable supervisors and staff of the Council on duty to address and record in real time the processes on the day of the examination.

The HNO said: “With effect from the May/June 2014 WASSCE, the Council introduced a device known as Candidates Identity Verification, Attendance, Malpractice and Post Examinations Management System, CIVAMPEMS. “This ICT-driven device enables supervisors and staff of the Council on duty, to address and record in real time the processes on the day of the examination.

“These include identity verification, capturing and recording occurrences as they happen, such as candidates' attendance and examination malpractice and transmit same to our data base.

"With this, the Council is able to generate valid examination reports for each examination cen-

tre.”

He noted that the Council, beginning with the November/December 2014 WASSCE, will introduce customised, transparent mathematical sets, with in-built non-programmable scientific calculators, which conform with the rules and regulations of its examinations.

He urged all prospective candidates, for both the May/June and November/December WASSCE diets to note that, henceforth, bringing in any other non-approved mathematical set or calculator into examination halls would not be allowed.

“Models of the WAEC-customised mathematical set would be made available to schools to assist them in preparing their candidates for the Council''s examinations,” he said.

He also said that “the Council, with effect from 2014 WASSCE, is introducing biometric enabled certificates.

Each certificate will have a QR code with details of the candidate's biometrics.”

LL IS not well between the Acting Governor of Adamawa State and the big-wigs of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state.

The reason is not farfetched. Fintiti, who assumed office in acting capacity three weeks ago, is reported to be over-reaching himself in the discharge of his duties, thus earning the wrath of those who brought him on board.

Competent PDP sources in Yola and Abuja confirmed to Vanguard last night that Fintiri had overstepped his bounds by appointing commissioners and 50 special assistants as well as a Secretary to the State Government against the advice of the party.

A chieftain of the party in the state complained that most of the actions taken by the governor were against the decisions of the party, which now felt threatened by his unilateral decisions.

"We are worried that an acting governor, who should be working hard to put things right, as we demanded, is seriously working towards appointing his own commissioners and special advisers," a party big-wig said on Sunday.

"If we may ask, what are the commissioners and special advisers going to do in three months that they are supposed to stay in office before an election is conducted to bring in a governor as stipulated by the Constitution?" the party official queried.

NAC DG commends Stallion over Made-in-Nigeria Hyundai models

By Theodore Opara

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HE DIRECTOR-GENERAL of National Automotive Council, NAC, Engr.

Aminu Jalal has commended the management of Stallion Group for taking advantage of the Federal Government’s auto policy to deliver made-in-Nigeria cars for the Nigerian populace.

The DG, who spoke to Vanguard over the phone said that Stallions' efforts should be commended and urged other stakeholders in the industry to follow the footstep of the com-

pany in delivering affordable cars for Nigerian citizens.

According to Engr. Jalal, there is no doubt that prices of cars will go down in no time if other stakeholders show the same commitment like Stallion. He also hinted that PAN Nigeria Limited, Innoson Motors, Kia are among some of the local companies that will be rolling out made-in-Nigeria cars very soon.

"The efforts of these companies have shown that the Federal Government’s auto policy is working and has come to stay.

In no time Nigerians will join

the rest of the world in enjoying brand new cars at affordable price."

He, however, hinted that the National Automotive Council is working with Stallion Motors and others in developing local content for the vehicles they are producing in Nigeria. This, he said, is aimed at ensuring affordable vehicles from the companies.

Engr. Jalal, however, advised the management of Stallion to open their plant for the press to see what they are doing in order to avoid doubts that the cars were made in Nigeria.

"I have told the Stallion man-

agement to invite the press to see what they are doing and report back to the public in order not to create doubts about where the vehicles were assembled," he said, adding that "when PAN Nigeria relaunched its plant in Kaduna, they invited the press and people never to doubt them."

Currently Stallion assembles the Hyundai i10, and Grand while the production of the Hyundai Xcent is billed to commence soon followed by Acent, Elantra and ix 35.

It is also assembling the Nissan Almera, and Patrol from its VON plant in Lagos.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 —9

President Jonathan, eminent Nigerians mourn Prof. Ajayi

By Ola Ajayi

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RESIDENT GOODLUCK Jonathan, yesterday, joined other eminent Nigerians to mourn the death of late Emeritus Professor of History, and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Festus Ade Ajayi, who died on Saturday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan The President, in a condolence message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati urged "late Ajayi's family and his many students, friends, associates in academics and colleagues in the field of Nigerian and African history to take solace in the knowledge that in passing on, he leaves behind a body of significant works that will stand to his eternal credit and assure him of a lasting place of honour among Africa's greatest historians."

According to the statement, "President Jonathan reaffirms the nation's enduring gratitude for Mr. Ajayi's notable contributions over many years to the development of education and educational institutions in Nigeria as a lecturer, Professor, Dean, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice Chancellor at federal universities. The President assures Mr. Ajayi's family, relatives, friends and colleagues of the Federal Government's full solidarity and sympathy as they mourn the very eminent historian and 1993 winner of the Distinguished Africanist Award."

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and the Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye also condoled the immediate family and the people of the state over Ajayi's death.

Fayemi in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, described the Ikole-Ekiti born renowned scholar and administrator as an intellectual giant whose legacies would continue to benefit generations to come.

The Governor described the late Professor Ade-Ajayi as a man of integrity who built a reputation of hard work, honesty and represented the core values of Ekiti.

He said the deceased was a great Ekiti ambassador who positively projected the image of the state and that of Nigeria all over the world. He added that the renowned historian showed tremendous concern for the growth and develop-

ment of Ekiti State.

Fayemi recalled his last engagement with the Emeritus Professor of History shortly after the June 21 governorship election in the state, describing him as a man of immense wisdom, who was ever willing to encourage and mentor the younger ones.

Describing Ade-Ajayi as “Professor of Professors,” Fayemi noted that the late History icon mentored numerous scholars who had contributed immensely to teaching, learning and research all over the world, saying, "the works of this great scholar in the field of History have become reference points to scholars, researchers, students and the general reading public."

The Governor said Ade-Ajayi’s tenure as Vice Chancellor of the

University of Lagos recorded unprecedented successes and still remains a reference point in the history of the institution.

He noted that the vacuum created by the deceased would be very difficult to fill given his impact in academia, administration, culture and other areas of human

TERRORISM: Heavy fighting as troops engage Boko Haram in Gwoza ...scores of terrorists, soldiers killed By kingsley omonobi

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BUJA. — Heavy fighting between troops of the Nigerian Military and heavily

From L-R: Director, Consumer Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Hajiya Mariam Bayi; Chief Executive fficer, Etisalat Nigeria,Matthew Willsher; Deputy Director, Telecommunications Services, Federal Ministry of Communication, Enger Ngozi Ofujiofor and Director, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Ibrahim Dikko at the launch of the Etisalat Experience Centre, Ropp House, Abuja on Thursday.

Crisis looms as Confab plans to send bill for amendment of 1999 Constitution

By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — AS delegates at the on- going National Conference resumed plenary yesterday to debate on the final report of the Conference as produced by the Secretariat after one month of recess, strong indications have emerged that crisis looms as some northern delegates may have concluded plans to frustrate moves to amend some sections of the 1999 Constitution.

The Conference Secretariat had already prepared a draft Constitution to be sent to the National Assembly.

The Conference Secretariat yesterday distributed the draft copy of the constitution and a bill to all the delegates, which the northern delegates were

not comfortable with and had planned to ensure that it did not sail through.

At the resumption of the conference yesterday, a northern delegate from Jigawa State representing the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mallam Sani Zoro described the draft constitution being prepared by the Conference Secretariat as a strange one.

The Justice Idris Kutigi led 2014 National Conference plans to forward a Bill to both the Senate and the House of Representatives to alter some sections of the 1999 Constitution aimed at correcting what it termed some anomalies in the said constitution and make it more people oriented.

Kutigi in the Bill entitled, An Act to further alter the Provision of the Constitution of the

Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( with the first, second and third Alterations, and for Related Matters 2014, will go the National Assembly as an Executive Bill.

Vanguard gathered that crises were already brewing at the Conference as delegates were poised to fight with the leadership of the Confab for tagging it a draft Constitution rather than tag it proposal for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the backdrop that the conference has no such mandate to write a constitution, but to advise the President on areas that could be changed in the constitution.

When Vanguard contacted a lawyer and a delegate, Festus Okoye to speak on the docu-

endeavour.

Also, the Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye described the death of eminent historian as a great loss to Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole, saying, “again, Nigeria has lost one of the torch-bearers of its academic’s finest moments.”

ment, he noted that the problem was not with the content of the document, but with the National Conference Procedure Rules 2014, stressing that the title was wrong. He argued that rather than write “Draft Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2014," it should have been, “Proposal for the Alteration of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria", which the rules recognise.

Okoye said that there were some delegates and persons who never wanted the Confab to succeed from the beginning, and that what the leadership of the Confab had done was to play into the hands of such persons as it was not within the mandate of delegates to draft a constitution.

armed terrorists of the Boko Haram sect fighting to retain control of Gwoza town in Borno State, was on-going last night with Airforce attack helicopters providing air cover as the insurgents remained recalcitrant in the battle.

In fact, a top military source, who spoke to Vanguard last night, said the insurgents' firepower in being able to withstand the fire-power of the military forces was a source of concern to the military command in the epicentre of the war on terror.

There were reports of casualties from both the military and the terrorists while the sheer number of the insurgents and the fact that they were heavily armed prompted the ground troops to request for reinforcements from the air force to provide air bombardments.

Units of the 213 battalion Task Force and 234 Special Operations battalion both based in Mubi which attempted to retake Gwoza Township from Islamist militant Boko Haram were said to have retreated and sent signals for air support as a result of unrelenting gun fire from the insurgents.

While a source said using the word defeat of Nigerian soldiers fighting to retake Gwoza town from the grip of Boko Haram insurgents was childish, he noted that the commanders on ground were only making strategies for more effective offensive.

Reports from the battle-field had indicated that following three days of fighting over 100 civilians and several soldiers were killed Vanguard gathered that some officers (names withheld) who led the attempt to recapture Gwoza and other towns from the terrorists were feared either dead or captured by the insurgents and their whereabouts was a source of concern to the military authorities.

Vanguard was told that due to the worrisome terrain of the battle area, the terrorists were able to ambush some of the soldiers and demobilise some of their equipment.

There were conflicting figures on the casualty figures on the part of soldiers killed, but it was not possible to get confirmation.

10 — Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

Lagos absorbs 880 KAI officials into civil service

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—LAGOS State government has absorbed 880 Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, officials into the state civil service as part of ongoing restructuring in the organisation aimed at repositioning it for better service delivery.

The affected officials have started keying in their personal data and credentials documentation at Lagos state civil service commission and Public Service Office, PSO. Some of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to government for making their dreams come true.

Speaking with Vanguard, Mr. A. Tunde, a graduate former KAI officer promised on behalf of other beneficiaries not to disappoint the state government, “We promise to serve the state with all our hearts and discharge our duties diligently.”

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, while addressing the KAI officials expressed joy that they have

become permanent staff in the state civil service, pointing out that the process of getting them into the service was tough as government had to lobby to get a special

cadre for them called “ Law Enforcement Cadre” which according to him was hither to non-existent.

He congratulated them, urging them to always do their jobs diligently with compassion and confine themselves to their primary responsibilities without digression to let

the state win the war against any form of indiscipline and disobedience.

The government stated further that the officials should always discharge their responsibilities in a manner that the state would not be portrayed in a bad light before the public.

CONFAB DRAFT REPORT—Some delegates to the National Conference look at copies of the Draft Report at the resumption of plenary session in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Labour urges N’Assembly to stem slave labour in Nigeria

By Victor Ahiuma-Young &

Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—NATIONAL Un ion of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and NonMetallic Products Employees, NUCFRLANMPE, yesterday called on the National Assembly, to do more to arrest the rising cases of slave labour in the country through proactive and punitive legislation.

At the opening ceremony of its 23rd Annual National Industrial Relations seminar taking place in Akure, the Ondo state capital, the union lamented that besides the issues of unfair labour practices such as casualisation, outsourcing and contract staffing, Nigerians were now being subjected to all forms of dehumanising policies and practices by employers in their desperate drive for profit maximization.

Addressing the gathering, President of the union, Mr. Boniface Isok, however commended the efforts of the House of Representatives in trying to checkmate some of these unfair labour practices through a legistration that had passed the second reading.

Though existing law limits employment of casuals to six months, employers have continued to circumvent it because of little or no punitive measure by the regulator, the ministry of labour.

According to Isok, “it is quite

sad that in 2005, the Federal Government introduced casual, temporary or contract staffing into the country thereby placing Nigerian workers under slavery. How can the Federal Government encourage casualisation when there is high

level of unemployment in the country? Those in the corridor of power should not look after themselves, but think of the citizens who elected them.

“We want to give kudos to the House of Representatives for the successful passage of the second

reading of a bill to provide a time frame for the regulation of casual or temporary employment to permanent employment by all employers of labour in Nigeria.

This shows that our elected officers can feel the pulse of the masses if they choose to.”

Remo leaders threaten to oppose Ijebu State

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—PEOPLE of Remo in Ogun State under the aegis of the Pan Remo Forum, PRF, an umbrella body for all socio-political organisations in Remoland, have threatened to scuttle the creation of the proposed Ijebu State out of Ogun State.

In a statement signed by a member of the state House of Assembly, Yinka Mafe, the forum said; “Though the PRF is non-partisan, it is not oblivious of the need for our people to be actively involved in the politics of the land in order to be able to ensure Remoland gets its rights and priviledges in the scheme of things both locally and nationally.''

While reacting to the plan to create Ijebu State out of the present Ogun State, the forum said, “Consequently, PRF finds it instructive and urgent to state our position on the proposed creation of Ijebu State as an-

nounced by the ongoing National Conference in Abuja.

“While we, like most people of Remoland, are very pleased with the decision to create a state for us out of the present Ogun State, we take serious exemptions to certain modalities in the proposed Ijebu State.

“Hence, we make bold to say Remo people will vigorously oppose the plan to make us 'second class citizens' in an entity where historically, traditionally and economically, we’ve been equal partners with our Ijebu brothers and sisters for decades.

“Firstly, we are uncomfortable with an alleged proposal to name the new state Ijebu state and put the capital at Ijebu-Ode. Our take is that the new entity should reflect the joint ownership and equality of the cooperating partners, i.e the Ijebu and Remo geo-political units of present Ogun East senatorial district.

“We recall that Remo has been an independent entity existing

alongside Ijebu, Egba, Oyo etc as a DIVISION as far back as April, 1937.

“Also, it is on record that when it was time to create local governments and Remo and Ijebu got lumped together, the entity was named IJEBU/REMO Local Government and not just Ijebu LGA nor Remo LGA. “Consequently, we declare that any proposal that ignores the identity and equality of the Remo clan in the new state is unacceptable to us. Therefore we appeal that the new state must reflect the place of Remoland as an equal partner.

We therefore propose that Ijebu state with Ikenne Remo as capital is the only acceptable arrangement to us. Anything short of this will be unfair and unacceptable to us.

“Also, we want to state clearly that an arrangement that will give Ijebu 16 Local Government Areas and leave Remo with 8 out of proposed 24 LGAs should not be considered nor attempted.''

Glo introduces Jolof recharge strings, offers N25, N50 recharge options

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ATIONAL carrier, Globacom has introduced Glo Jolof, a product that offers subscribers the lowest recharge option in the country at N25 with three minutes of call time and three SMS thus lowering the barrier for Nigerian telecommunication subscribers to make calls at affordable rates.

Two of the three minutes are for calls within the Globacom network while the third is available for the subscriber to call any other network. All the three SMS are on net.

Also introduced under the Glo Jolof package is the N50 recharge string, which gives the subscriber 6 minutes of call time and 6 SMS, thus giving telecommunication subscribers more value for money. Out of the six minutes of call time, four are for calls within the network while two are for calls to other networks.

The six SMS are for on net utilisation. The tantalising benefit is valid until midnight of the same day of recharge.

Japanese envoy, LCCI to boost women devt

By Naomi Uzor

T

HE Japanese Inter national Cooperation Agency, JICA, and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, yesterday, said plans are on to collaborate with female members of the LCCI to reach out to women entrepreneurs in boosting grassroots development in Nigeria.

Chairperson of the Women Group of the LCCI, Mrs. Adenike Shobajo, disclosed that the event has been slated for on 14th of August and that the Chief representative of JICA, Mr. Tetsuo Seki, who will be featuring as guest speaker at the business forum, with the theme: “Gender Mainstreaming in Private Sector Development.”, is expected to focus his presentation on how JICA could collaborate with female members of the LCCI to reach out to women entrepreneurs in boosting grassroots development in Nigeria.

Vanguard, TUEESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 —11

OSUN 2014: Omisore, PDP head for Tribunal ...NLC, CNPP, IPAC, others hail Aregbesola

By Gbenga Olarinoye, Victor Ahiuma-Young, Ola Ajayi, Ebun Sessou & Chinenyeh Ozor

...Police deny clash, say people were only jubilating

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ARELY 48 hours after the Osun State 2014 governorship election won by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore have expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the exercise and vowed to challenge the result at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Omisore said the outcome of the election did not reflect the wishes of the people of the state, hence his resolve to challenge it at the tribunal.

The state chairman of the party, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, in a statement in Osogbo, yesterday, said the PDP would challenge the results released by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. He said the party had met and resolved that the results of the election be challenged at the tribunal, adding that the legal team of the party under the leadership of Chief Sunday Ojo-Williams met on the development and was already consulting with those that matter.

He described the Saturday’s election as “a robbery of the highest order,” Olaoluwa said the election was characterised by malpractices in many parts of the state, especially Osogbo and Ilesa.

“The PDP in Osun State reject the outcome of the last Saturday’s election in its totality and we are ready to contest it until the peoples mandate, which was stolen is returned,'' Olaoluwa stressed.

Omisore, in a statement assured that the wishes of the people of the state would finally come alive as he would challenge the election results.

He said: “I have resolved to continue to provide leadership until Osun State of our dream is realised. Let it be known that our people would no longer be taken for granted as we have opened the floodgate of democratic challenge, which no force on earth can stop.

“I shall be at the forefront as our people keep pressing for the real dividends of democracy and the expansion of the democratic space in our dear state.

In the meantime, the party situation office is presently analysing the results of the elections against field reports and we shall be making public our findings and the appropriate steps accordingly.”

According to Omisore, “this is one election that has been hardly fought in every nook and cranny of our state in the last few months. We traversed the length and breadth of Osun with our eight-point agenda to give

APC, PDP supporters clash in Ile-Ife

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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LANCH: From left—Deputy Governor of Osun State, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Managing Director, Chams Plc, Mr. Demola Aladekomo, during the launch of Students Biometric Card for all public schools in Osun State. a new paradigm for governance and lift our people out of the abyss of want and decadence.

“In the course of our campaigns, I saw a people traumatised and fervently hopeful of beneficial change. It did not escape my notice that many of the people in our towns and villages who trooped to campaign grounds bore scars of neglect, extreme poverty and excruciating suffering.

“It was a race we came into mindful of the odds stacked against us. We had a situation where a clearly partisan Resident Electoral Commissioner had opened the entire electoral system to our opponent from registration stage through data storage to personnel loading.

Though the leadership of INEC eventually took him out of the state weeks to the elections, he had already did a lot of harm in the system that would take years to rectify.''

This came as more groups and individuals commended aregbesola on his victory.

Among those who spoke yesterday were the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji among others.

National Publicity Secretary of IPAC and National Chairman of the Citizens Popular Party, CPP, Chief Sam Eke saluted Aregbesola on his ‘well-deserved victory,’ which he said “is total demonstration of Aregbesola’s over 80 per cent performance, tolerance of all men of different religion and tribes living in the state of Osun, recognition of the people’s power, primacy and his intimacy with all men, women, youth and physically challenged people and finally the ugly lesson APC as a party learnt in Ekiti State.”

Omisore’s controversial personality cost him the polls – Ladoja Senator Ladoja said the nonacceptability of Omisore’s personality led to the loss of the PDP at the Ogun polls.

Speaking at the installation of Nureni Adeniran as the third President of Rotary Club of Ibadan, Jericho-Metro District 9125, Ladoja said Omisore’s controversial personality made it difficult to get the support of the people of the state who needed a change.

NLC tasks Aregbesola on workers-friendly policies

Also reacting, the NLC implored Aregbesola to use his second term in office to pursue a more workers-friendly policies, saying “majority of the votes that returned him to power came from workers.”

This came as it called on relevant authorities to investigate alleged rights violations, arrests of some people, including accredited observers and journalists during the election.

While congratulating him on his victory in Saturday’ gubernatorial election, NLC in a statement in Abuja, insisted that Governor Aregbesola should review all outstanding issues relating to workers' welfare and ensure that his second term would be strike-free.

NLC in the statement by its President, Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, contended that Aregbesola reelection reaffirmed “our conviction that democracy is maturing very fast in the country since it has become obvious that the people’s votes now count in elections. It is mainly to the credit of the integrity of the Prof. Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission, the electorate themselves and the candidates that any election such as this would come out not only successful but credible.

This is an indication that our country is hopeful. It is important however, that our politicians should begin to under-

stand that “do or die” politics is not part of democracy.”

CNPP congratulates Aregbesola, INEC

On its part, the CNPP congratulated Aregbesola, INEC, security agencies, Ogun people and President Goodluck Jonathan for conducting another free and fair election.

In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, CNPP said the election, which has been adjudged free and fair by everyone, including the civil societies who monitored it is another pointer that INEC is battle-ready to conduct credible election in 2015. ''CNPP is satisfied with the conduct of the Ogun guber election and thanked INEC for their impartiality in the poll’, he said.

He also urged Aregbesola to be a good sportsman by carrying his opponents who lost in the election along for the good of the state while also congratulating the people of Ogun state for conducting themselves peaceful during the election.

Don't over-heat the polity, Ikuforji, Pitan advise PDP

Relatedly, Ikuforiji advised the PDP against overheating the polity on account of the Ogun polls.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, the speaker said Aregbesola’s victory was as a result of his outstanding performance and unwavering determination displayed by the people of Ogun.

Ikuforiji advised that, the federal government should avoid over- deployment of soldiers and masked- security men for the purposes of monitoring, intimidating and unlawfully arresting members of major opposition political parties in the overall interest of democracy. Also speaking, Dr. Leke Pitan also commended the Ogun governor, for his unrelenting and outstanding performance and service to humanity.

SOGBO—SUP PORTERS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress APC, yesterday clashed in Ile-Ife, leaving scores with various degrees of injuries.

It was gathered that supporters of PDP allegedly attacked the APC when the latter were celebrating the victory of their candidate, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in the Saturday governorship election.

But the Police Public Relation Officer PPRO Osun State command, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, denied any clash saying; “People were only jubilant, not only in Ile-Ife, but all parts of the state.”

The APC, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Research, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, alleged that the PDP went on rampage against the supporters of APC, who were celebrating Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s victory in last Saturday’s governorship election.

He said; “Apart from physical injuries inflicted on our supporters, the PDP thugs extended their violence to Gbodo, where they attacked and damaged properties belonging to the father of the Executive Secretary of Ife South Local Government, Tajuden Lawal.

“Not done with their violence, they went ahead to vandalise shops in Itakogun. ''Fortunately, we are told the police have intervened and the situation is being normalised.”

The APC however advised all its supporters in Ile Ife and other parts of the state to be calm.When asked, Diran Odeyemi Director of Publicity and Strategy of PDP in the state denied the allegation saying instead it was the APC supporters attacking PDP members.

12—Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

NUPENG threatens strike

Bayelsa First Lady makes case for girl-child education

By Jimitota Onoyume

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By Samuel Oyadongha

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IFE of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mrs Rachael Dickson, yesterday, said parents have a role to play in changing the age long perception about girl-child education.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service as part of activities to mark her 41st birthday anniversary at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, Mrs. Dickson, said girls have prominent roles in the socioeconomic growth of the country.

She also called on parents, especially fathers, to imbibe the culture of forgiveness, especially when their children erred.

Mrs Dickson added that she would continue to celebrate God for upholding her husband, Governor Seriake Dickson and the entire people of Bayelsa State.

Bomadi PDP lauded on Oluwole's emergence

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HE Chairman, Delta State Moslems Pilgrim Board, Alhaji Yusuf Eregbene, has commended Bomadi Local Government Area chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for electing Chief Karetimi Oluwole as the chairmanship candidate at its primaries.

Eregbene, who thanked the party’s leadership, described the party’s choice as a square peg in square hole.

He noted that Oluwole’s track record in community service, philanthropy and his consistency in attracting development to the council earned him the overwhelming support and victory.

AGREEMENT: The Managing Director/CEO of Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. ‘Yemi Adeola (left) and the Managing Director of Arsenal FC, Mr. Ivan Gazidis, at the signing of the sponsorship agreement between the bank and the football club in London.

Jonathan assures on environmental practice law

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI— PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has assured stakeholders of Federal Government’s commitment to ensure that the bill to professionalise environment practice becomes law.

The President gave the assurance at the just concluded three days 24th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Environmental Society, NES, in Warri, Delta State.

Represented by Mrs Laurentia Laraba, Minister of Environment, Jonathan

charged NES to come out with solutions to the myriads of environmental challenges facing the country.

He said: “The impact of floods of about two years ago is still fresh in our minds.

Gully erosion in the SouthEast, oil spillage and land degradation in the Niger Delta region, potential sea encroachment in all the coastal states and desert encroachment in most parts of the North are dangerous.

“However, government is determined and has been working assiduously as part of the transformation agenda in the environmental sector

to address all these environmental challenges on the short and long term proactive basis.”

The Bill on Professionalising Environmental Practice in Nigeria, introduced by NES has scaled through the second reading at the National Assembly.

President of NES, Engr.

Olu Wai- Ogosu, who appreciated government efforts, pledged members' continued partnership with government for enlightenment of the masses on how to manage the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

Ijaw, Itsekiri reach agreement on Warri North chairmanship slot

By Emma Amaize

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OKO—ITSEKIRI and Ijaw political leaders in War ri North Local Government Area, Delta State, have brokered an accord on the chairmanship seat of the council for the October 25 polls in the state.

Vanguard was informed that the position of chairman has been conceded to the Itsekiri

ethnic group and will rotate to the Ijaw in the next dispensation.

Following the development, the President of Egbema for Positive Change, Prince Ebe Fetimi, has declared as null and void the threat by Egbema Radical Group, ERG, to cause violence in the area if the chairmanship position was not ceded to the Ijaw.

He said political leaders from the two ethnic groups

had met on the matter and taken far-reaching decisions, and though Egbema-Ijaw people were yet to be briefed by their leaders, who attended the meeting, there was no need for violence by any group.

ERG spokesman, Amin Dada, also confirmed to Vanguard that the group had withdrawn its threat following recent developments on the political scene.

ORT HARCOURT— THE Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has threatened to go on strike if Federal Government fails to resolve the crisis between its members and their employers within 14 days.

Chairman, Port Harcourt zone of the body, Mr. Godwin Eruba, who spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said 13 of their members were sacked at the Onne free zone, Port Harcourt, for allegedly belonging to the union, adding that urgent steps should be taken to recall them.

He charged management of Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, to respect a directive from National Petroleum Investment Management Services, NAPIMS, relating to the issue of their members.

He said: “The refusal of Agip to obey this directive has posed a great threat to the jobs of our members in ARCO.”

Uduaghan lauded on PDP LG primaries

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URUTU Local Government Area of Delta State chairmanship aspirant, on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Moses Adagbabiri, has hailed Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the successful primaries and also congratulated Chief Ebikeme Clark on his victory.

He called on all sons and daughters of Burutu council, irrespective of their political affiliation, to vote for Clark at the October 25 council elections.

Speaking in Asaba, at the meeting of the governor with the Delta South PDP leaders, party executives and chairmanship aspirants, Adagbabiri appreciated the governor for his quick intervention in the Burutu chairmanship debacle, adding that the governor was a true leader who acted promptly to save the situation.

Vanguard, TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014 — 13