Senate mobilises against Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62404

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

BOOK PRESENTATION: Dynamics of change: 49 9 The Amaechi years WAR OVER CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT: ELECTION RESULTS: PDP raises alarm over A-Ibom, Delta, Rivers

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

Senate mobilises against Jonathan •Alteration Bill to pass first reading today •Senators insist on their right to make laws

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B U J A — MOBILISATION for the override of President Goodluck Jonathan’s veto of the Fourth Constitution Alteration Act commenced apace in the Senate, yesterday, following the reenlistment of the bill on the order paper.

The bill was listed for first reading on the order paper for yesterday ’s session of the Senate presided over by the deputy president of the Senate, Senator Ike

Continues on Page 5

Ex-IGP Abba removed for indiscipline in the force — Police Service Commission 14 Mr & Mrs JONATHAN HOSTS LAST COUNCIL OF STATE MEETING—From left: Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; former Head of State and President-Elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; President Goodluck Jonathan; former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Shehu Shagari; former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan,with state governors, deputy governors and Minister of the Federal Capital Territoty, after the National Council of State meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

COLUMNISTS: Anambra–based mechanic fabricates ide N10m dredging ns I e equipment Se C M Y K

UK general election: Regional and popular A legacy of interests in Nigeria incompetence and and UK politics •P.19 •P.17 corruption

My friend's husband is a •P.40 two-faced cheat

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POCKET CARTOON

ARASE CONFIRMED IGP—The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase (M), after his confirmation at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Senate mobilises against Jonathan Continues from Page 1 Ekweremadu.

If successful, it would be the second time since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 that the National Assembly has successfully overridden a presidential veto.

The first reading of the bill was, however, not taken and no reason was given. It also could not be confirmed whether it had to do with the absence of the President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, who was away at the Council of State meeting in the Presidential Villa.

To override the veto, the Senate and the House of Representatives would be expected to go

through the motion of passing the bill all over again, a process that would involve, first, second and a third reading. The third reading, however, has to be endorsed by twothirds of the Senate.

Mobilisation

In anticipation of a possible expedited passage today, Senator Ekweremadu urged senators to make themselves available today. The session is expected to be preceded by a closed session during which the procedure for the override of the veto would be discussed by the senators.

Charging the senators to be present for today’s

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it —Confucius

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VEN the nicest of persons do have their limits and would probably slip up when bombarded with a boatload of challenges, seeing the goodness in another requires our patience and understanding, people have their off days. Anyone who has experienced this, knows how hard it can be, dealing with everything else. Be calm and find the equanimity from within. The next time someone is rude to you, think about his/her reasons for being disrespectful. Could it be that they had gotten into trouble at work? Perhaps received a bit of disturbing news.

But remember this, if you fill yourself with positive energy of light and love, you’ll have a much easier time seeing the good in people. Start with being grateful for your life. Be thankful that you have a family and friends who you can laugh and cry with.

Be grateful that you have another opportunity to live a good life and that you have the ability to see the good in others.

Seeing the good in people is an admirable trait and something we should all aspire to have. Not only will it make your life more fulfilling, it will also give you the power to influence how other people think and react. Hatred only begat hatred but love…charity, hope and gratitude, these are the virtues to imbibe.

session, Ekweremadu had said: “I request all of us to be available tomorrow (today) to discuss the amendments to the constitution and be able to respond appropriately to the development.

“Please let those who are not available know that we will have a close session tomorrow (today) to discuss this item so that we will be able to fashion out the way forward.”

Insinuations that the bill was stood down by the Senate on account of a lack of quorum were dismissed by the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), who told Vanguard that the bill was stood down to allow the legislature consider two other bills that scaled third reading, yesterday. He affirmed that the Senate would deal with the issue of the Constitution Alteration Bill today.

Senators had faulted

the decision of the president to veto the Constitution Alteration Act noting that he and his aides did not take opportunity of the public hearings on the bill to vent opinion on it. They also alleged that even after the bill was endorsed by the required number of state legislatures and passed on to the president for assent, the president signed the bill only to recant on it.

Following his letter last month stating his veto, the Senate had asked the president to return the bill including the signature page to confirm that he never signed the bill.

In response, the president proceeded to the Supreme Court to compel the National Assembly to stop further work on the amendment of the constitution. The apex court in a ruling, last Thursday asked all parties to maintain the status quo on the issue, a ruling that has been rejected by many senators.

Senate spokesman, Senator Enyinnanya Abaribe had last Sunday affirmed that one arm of government cannot stop the other arm from carrying out its constitutional duty.

Determination

Asserting the determination of the Senate to proceed with the override of the veto, Senator Kabiru Marafa from Zamfara State said that the Constitution amendment had passed the stage that nobody or court could stop it.

According to him, the executive cannot stop the legislature from performing its constitutional role and that the judiciary cannot stop the legislature from performing its constitutional role,

adding that what the Supreme Court ought to have done was to see the areas that it felt did not follow the stipulated procedures instead of telling the National Assembly to stop the amendment.

Judiciary Vs Legislature

Besides, he said that it was the constitutional function of the legislature to make laws and the judiciary to interpret.

He maintained that already the Constitution amendment bill had been signed by the president, and by the interpretation of some lawyers, the status quo was for the president to produce the original copy of the bill containing the signature page.

Senator Marafa further said that the National Assembly has well informed principal officers and brilliant lawyers that made sure the procedures were followed.

However, Senator Babafemi Ojudu was not forthcoming, saying last night: “I do not know whether the National Assembly can defy the ruling of the Supreme Court. We need to consult constitutional lawyers to explain what should be the true

Jonathan, Buhari condole with Zik family government and people Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as a

By Ben Agande & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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B U J A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of Nigeria’s first President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, over the passing away of Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

The special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati in a statement, said the President also extended his sincere condolences to the

of Anambra State, and the immediate family of the deceased.

“President Jonathan believes that the late Azikiwe, who was also the Owelle Onitsha, lived a fulfilled life by sustaining the humanitarian and leadership legacies of his father as a mobiliser, leader, philanthropist and a highly respected voice in his community.

Similarly, the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, described the death of Ambassador Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, first son of late

sad development.

In a condolence message in Abuja, Buhari said that the younger Azikiwe lived a humane life that possessed virtues of his father which qualified him for his traditional title, “Owelle of Onitsha”.

According Buhari, a gentleman bred in the best African values and traditions had departed the world to the great beyond.

“With the demise of Chukwuma Azikiwe, a gentleman has left a turbulent world", he said.

position.”

Senator Magnus Abe, APC, Rivers on his part said that to the best of his knowledge, no judgement has been served to him.

“There are three distinct arms of government and each has its constitutional role. The Supreme Court is doing its work, and the National Assembly is doing its role. The judiciary has the job to interpret laws, and the National Assembly has the responsibility to make laws.

“To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing that will stop the National Assembly from carrying out its functions. There is no ruling served on the National Assembly, I have not been served with any ruling, so nothing will stop me from going ahead to do my job.”

Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi years

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AGOS—ALL is set for the official presentation and launch of a book on the giant strides of the Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, tomorrow, at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The public presentation scheduled to start by 1.00p.m. will be chaired by Hon. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte and the keynote address will be delivered by Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka.

Notable personalities that will grace the occasion include Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, top party officials, while Bishop Matthew Kukah will be the reviewer.

The book, entitled, ‘Dynamics of Change, the Amaechi Years,’ is an incisive compendium written by friends and associates of Governor Rotimi Amaechi, compiled and edited by Chidi Amuta and Yemi Ogunbiyi.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Man docked over rape of 24-yr-old woman

By Bartholomew Madukwe & Jane Echewodo

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37-year-old man, Bidemi Adeleye, was yesterday charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over alleged rape of a 24 years old woman (names withheld).

The accused, who was arraigned on a two-count charge by the police, was alleged to have committed the offence on April 24 at 24 Oniwaya Street, Agege area of Lagos.

The accused was also said to have assaulted the victim by beating her, which caused her pain.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Asogba Kehinde, holding brief for Edet Okoi, informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 258 of the Criminal Administration of Justice, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

However, when the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate M. I. DanOni, he pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Dan-Oni granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties that must have verifiable home address and adjourned the matter till June 8.

In another development, Police in Lagos have arraigned a 35year-old woman, Kate Okoundo, before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing counterparts, paper boards, charts and premier cards valued N1,200,000, property of one Bello Mohammed.

The accused was arraigned by the police on a-count charge and accused to have committed the offence on April 22 at Nokia Alabarago Abuja Line Office, Lagos.

When the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, she pleaded not guilty and was granted N500,000 bail with two sureties who must be blood relatives and have evidence of three years tax payment, with a verifiable home address.

The magistrate, Komolafe, adjourned the matter till June 11.

Local dyers protest Chinese ‘invasion’ in Kano

By Muhammad Tijjani

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ANO— THOUSANDS of local dyers staged a peaceful protest in Kano, yesterday, against Chinese invasion and domination of the tie-and-dye industry in Nigeria.

The protesters, who carried placards with messages such as “Chinese are exploiters,” “Chinese are killing local entrepreneurs” and “Protect us against Chinese invasion,”

marched through major streets in the commercial city.

Kano has over 32,000 local dyers, who depend on partnership with Chinese experts.

Chairman, Local Dyers Association, Bashir Dauda Aliyu Dawakin Kudu, while addressing the emir, said Chinese activities had compromised the potential of local dyers in the industry.

“We source chemicals from Chinese businessmen, but they

have transformed from chief suppliers of chemicals to full time involvement in dye industry,” he said.

He revealed that Chinese activities had rendered over 32,000 members jobless, urging the emir to intervene.

Two weeks ago, four Chinese were detained in Kano for smuggling textile materials worth several billions of naira.

The emir of Kano, Sanusi II, cautioned the protesters to be

civil and to distance themselves from any action that would trigger xenophobic attacks in Nigeria.

The traditional ruler said: “It is unfortunate that we do not have enabling laws that protect local entrepreneurs and where we do, it is not applied.

“I am optimistic that the incoming administration would do its best to address the problems confronting local entrepreneurs.”

As motorists drive against traffic to beat the gridlock occasioned by unruly tanker drivers, a tanker, a car, a commercial bus (Danfo) and six motocycles (okada) collided at Mile 2, on Oshodi-Apapa Exepressway, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

Delta traders paralyze activities in bank over compensation from the generating set of the bank on March 3.

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—SCORES of protesters, Monday morning, grounded commercial

activities at the market branch of ECOBANK, Ughelli, Delta State, over payment of compensation on their shops which were engulfed by fire

The protesters, with placards bearing various inscriptions such as “Pay us our money,” “Enough is enough” and “Ecobank, stop oppressing us,”

Kidnapped 4-yr-old found in Ogun state

David Gbadebo

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By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—DAVID Gbadebo, the four-year-old boy kidnapped from the premises of the First Baptist Church, in Somolu area of Lagos, Sunday,

has been found.

He was reportedly found in the early hours of yesterday in Ogun State.

The toddler was said to have been at the children session of the church when all of a sudden he was declared missing. His abductors were said to have called his father and demanded for N700,000 ransom.

Respite, however, came the way of the Gbadebos when they received a call from policemen attached to Owode Egbado Division in Ogun State, inviting them to come over. They arrived to meet the missing child at the station.

Sources close to the Gbadebos explained that the kidnappers abandoned David at about 1a.m. around Seme

Border yesterday, with a tag which had his parents' telephone number scribbled on it around his neck. Sources said no ransom was paid.

When contacted on the phone at about 6.30p.m. yesterday, Mr. Gbadebo, who said he was on his way to the church, told Vanguard to call back at about 8p.m.

He said: “Yes, we have found him and we give glory to God. The kidnappers dropped him off around Otta, where some good Samaritans saw him and took him to Owode Egbado Police Station, from where we were contacted.

“I cannot say more now because the environment is noisy and I am on my way to church. Please call back by 8p.m.”

stormed the bank as early as 8a.m., preventing customers and staff of the bank from entering.

The protest lasted for hours before policemen from Ughelli Police Station dispersed the protesters, with a promise by the management of the bank to look into their plight.

A shop owner, who gave his name as Sunny, said: “After the fire, the bank promised to get back to us.

“However, till date, we are yet to hear from them as they keep tossing us to and fro like little children.”

Recounting their losses, the protesters noted that they lost property worth millions of naira to the fire, adding that they were currently financially constrained as a result of the losses.

Contacted, Branch Manager of the bank directed all comments to the bank’s head office in Lagos.

The manager said: “I am not in the position to speak to the press on this issue. You can reach the Brand Communication in Lagos for comments.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—7

N4.5b fuel subsidy fraud: Ahmadu Ali’s son, others re-arraigned

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

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AMMAN, son of former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ahmadu Ali, and two others were re-arraigned before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, for alleged complicity in N4.5 billion fuel subsidy fraud, yesterday.

Ali was re-arraigned alongside another oil marketer, Christian Taylor and his company, Nasaman Oil Services Ltd, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The defendants were previously arraigned on July 26,2012 and their trial had commenced before their co-defendant, Oluwaseun Ogunbambo, absconded.

This necessitated amendment of the charge against the defendants which led to the re-arraignment.

The matter was adjourned till June 30.

NORM: Crossing Oshodi-Apapa Expressway at Cele Bus Stop close to a pedestrian bridge. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

Girl stabs brother to death in Warri over house chores

By EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

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ARRI—A girl, Omasan, 21, allegedly murdered her younger brother, Laju, in Ugbuwangue, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday.

Laju, a student of Yonwuren College, was said to have bled to death from a stab to his chest

by Omasan, following a disagreement over sharing of house chores.

Trouble, Vanguard learned, started when Laju, the only male child of the family, insisted that he had already fetched water and was too tired to do any other chore.

A family source said in the fight that ensued, the boy reportedly brought Omasan down and ran away.

The sister dashed into the kitchen, grabbed a knife, pursued and stabbed Laju in the chest.

“He fell to the ground, screaming, and calling for help as neighbours rushed to his rescue,” the source said.

The victim was confirmed dead at the Warri Central Hospital, where doctors revealed that he had lost too much blood.

Omasan’s attempt to run away from her crime failed as she was caught and handed over to the police.

The family source added: “These kinds of fights and quarrels have been recurring in the home. They have always fought and settled, but

this particular one just got out of hand.”

At press time, Laju had been buried in front of his father ’s

compound in the Itsekiri community in Warri.

Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State,

Celestina Kalu, confirmed the teenager’s death, adding that investigation into the case had commenced.

Father of four runs inside church, dies

By Esther Onyegbula

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ONTROVERSY is currently trailing the mysterious death of a man in a church located in Peace Estate, Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos.

The man, identified as Waheed Majekodumi, was allegedly found dead in a branch of Christ Apostolic Church.

It was gathered that the deceased, who lives in the Abule area of Ipaja and works in a block making industry, ran into the church shouting “help, help, I will die.” But before help could come his way, he gave up the ghost.

The resident pastor of the church, who gave his name as Popoola Oluwasumidotun, and a member of the church, identified as Folashade Ebun, who were both present at the scene of the incident, claimed they knew nothing about the death of late Waheed.

It was also learned that the deceased, a 32-year-old father of four, had been divorced for the past seven years and had since lived alone.

Pastor’s story

Pastor Popoola, 27, told Vanguard: “I am the Presiding

zI don't suspect foul play; he abandoned us— WIFE Pastor of the church and I also live in the church compound.

“On Thursday morning, I was about to take my bath and prepare for a programme, which holds in the church every Thursday, when I heard Folashade, one of the members of the church, who also lives within the church premises, calling on me. I ran into the church auditorium where the shout was coming from. ‘’I saw her standing next to a man on the ground. I asked her what happened and who the man was. She said the man ran into the church shouting ‘help! help! I will die’ and then slumped. I did not know what to do. ‘’I rushed outside to find out if anyone around knows him.

Fortunately, I saw the husband to one of the members of my church and I asked him if he knows the man and he said the man lived at Abule, a street not far from the church.

Searching for Waheed’s home

“Folashade and I went to Abule. We asked a few people if they knew Waheed and they

said yes that he was a drunk.

“Some of the people around came to the scene of the incident, checked him and confirmed him dead. ‘’I immediately had to call my boss, the owner of the church. I also called his son who is also a pastor. When his son came, he advised we go and report the case to the police. So we went to Ipaja Police Station to make the report.”

An eyewitness speaks

In her defence, Folashade, a mother of three, said she was sweeping the church auditorium in readiness for a programme when the deceased ran into the church, calling out for help.

She said: ‘’Initially, I thought someone was chasing him, but I later discovered he was alone.

He fell to the ground and I quickly called out for the pastor, who also came in almost immediately. ‘’He asked what the matter was and I told him. Sincerely, we have nothing to do with his death. No matter what, I have confidence in the God we serve that He will vindicate us.”

Wife, brother react

Chief Idowu Animashaun, a relative of the deceased, told Vanguard that he heard about the incident two days after it happened.

He said: “Waheed lived a reckless life. He took to drinking as a way of life and that was why I stopped him from coming to my house.”

Wife of the late Waheed, Mrs. Mohundat, also attested to the fact that her ex-husband lived a carefree life.

She said: “I was married to Waheed for eight years and I had four children for him.

“However, in the latter part of our marriage, he took to drinking and leaving home for as long as two months without asking how the children and I were surviving.

“For me, I do not suspect that anyone is responsible for his death.”

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Public Relations Officers, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kenneth Nwosu, said the case was currently being investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCIID.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Fuel scarcity: Blame FG for your suffering, marketers tell Nigerians z90% of Nigerians buy fuel above N87/litre

By Michael Eboh

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BUJA— OIL marketers, yesterday, blamed the Federal Government for the persistent fuel scarcity, even as the fuel crisis continued unabated across the country.

One of the marketers, who spoke to Vanguard in Abuja, said Nigerians should hold the Federal Government responsible for the crisis, stating that the government has, against all advice and agreements, refused to pay the marketers the debts owed them in respect of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, PMS. The marketer who chose to remain anonymous, said the Federal Government appears not to be serious about bringing the scarcity to an end, as it has failed to honour most of the agreements reached between it and the marketers.

The marketer said: “Nigerians should blame the Federal Government for the fuel scarcity currently witnessed across the country. Marketers have shown commitment towards ending the scarcity but the Federal Government has not been serious about abiding with certain agreements reached during some of our meetings.

“The fact that most oil marketers have stopped fuel importation into the country at the moment was because they do not have money to finance the import and this is because the Federal Government has refused to pay us the money they owe us.

“Also, the fact that most banks have stopped giving out credit to oil marketers to import fuel was because we have not been able to pay our debts to the banks, while our inability to pay the bank is because the Federal Government has refused to pay us.”

The marketer called on Nigerians to prevail on the Federal Government to settle the debts owed oil marketers, as only this will help address the fuel crisis.

90% of Nigerians buy above N87/litre

Meanwhile, NOIPolls Limited, in a statement announcing its recent poll, yesterday, stated that 90 per cent of Nigerians buy petrol above the official rate of N87 per litre due to the scarcity, putting the average price per litre at N114.

The statement noted that the fuel scarcity had inflicted untold hardship on motorists and commuters who are sometimes left stranded at major bus stops and motor parks, while fares have been increased to certain destinations.

The statement further stated that some of the petrol stations have increased their pump price from

the official price of N87 per litre to N100 and above.

The statement noted that in the North-Central geopolitical zone, 88 per cent of residents buy fuel at an average price of N116 per litre, far above the official price of N87 per litre, while 97 per cent of residents in the North-East geopolitical zone purchase the commodity at an average of N129 per litre.

In the North-West, 96 per cent of residents purchase fuel at an average of N124 per litre; in the South-East, 96 per cent of residents purchase fuel at N105 per litre; 92 per cent of

residents in the South-South purchase at N110 per litre while 72 per cent of residents in the South-West purchase fuel at N101 per litre.

Effect of scarcity

On the effect of the fuel scarcity, the statement noted that 48 per cent of Nigerians were affected in the area of increased transport fare, while 17 per cent were affected in the area of spending more time on queues at petrol stations.

The scarcity, according to the report, has also brought about an increase in the expenses of

17 per cent of Nigerians; businesses of 12 per cent of Nigerians were affected by the scarcity; three per cent of Nigerians were unable to use their car while two per cent were unable to use their generators.

On the survey method, NOIPOlls said: “The opinion poll was conducted in the week of March 24, 2015. It involved telephone interviews of a random nationwide sample.

1,500 randomly selected phoneowning Nigerians, aged 18 years and above, representing the six geopolitical zones in the country, were interviewed."

INAUGURATION: Representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Fidelis Nwankwo (left), Chairman, Governing Board, Medical Laboratory Scence Council of Nigeria, Dr Nathaniel Shidalli (2nd left); former Chairman, Governing Board, Mr Denis Agbonlabor (3rd left); Registrar, Prof. Anthony Emeribe (2nd right) and former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during the inauguration of Medical Laboratory Scence Council of Nigeria Headquarters/Laboratories Complex in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Senate presidency: 70 Senators queue behind Saraki, Ndume had endorsed Senator Lawan

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — AS the National Assembly continues to wait patiently for the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to announce the zoning of political positions, a group known as The Like Minds with about 70 members has emerged to give backing to the aspirations of Senators Bukola Saraki and Ali Ndume.

The group headed by the radical Kogi State-born lawmaker and Senator-elect, Dino Melaye, cuts across all the six geo-political zones, which includes about 27 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Senators.

The group, it was gathered, is working to ensure that no external influence or external political godfather hijacks the leadership of the Senate so that the leadership will be

accountable to members and not individuals.

A source privy to the group disclosed that despite the alleged endorsement of a particular aspirant and his alleged sponsorship by the leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the numerical number of The Like Minds group continues to increase on daily basis.

The source further said that the North-East, which was said to have endorsed the candidature of Senator Ahmad Lawan, has 15 Senators in The Like Minds camp and nine Senators out of 20 from the North West.

He also said 11 APC Senators out of 18 from the North-Central have identified with The Like Minds, while 11 out of 18 from the South-West have also given their backing to the Saraki/Ali Ndume camp.

He further claimed that the recent media report that about 12 Senators from the South-West

was not true, even as he claimed that some of the Senators from the zone are being outwitted to support somebody against their conscience.

Besides, he claimed that “the APC leader, Asiwaju Tinubu controls only six Senators from the South-West and that there was no way the Senators from the zone should follow the same pattern.”

He, however, said that it was “the belief of The Like Minds that the decision on which zone produces the Senate President will be taken by the National leadership of the APC and that the group will only act in accordance with the decision of the party.”

Another source within the ranks of The Like Minds said that the greatest mistake the Senate would make will be to elect a Senate President that will be taking orders and be reporting to somebody outside the Senate.

Boko Haram: NAF has recorded giant strides in last one year — Amosu

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BUJA — CHIEF of Air Staff, Air Marshall Adesola Amosu, said yesterday that the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has recorded some giant strides in the last one year leading to the current successful onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists in every part of the North-East where they have hitherto held sway.

Speaking on the celebration of 51st anniversary of the force in Abuja, which also marks his second anniversary as the 19th Chief of the Air Staff, Amosun said: “I am happy to inform you that so much have been achieved for the NAF within the period under review.”

In addition, he said the NAF has successfully installed and programmed newly acquired Harris 7850 multiband radios in the North-East to aid operations against insurgency.

An elated Amosun also reiterated achievements relating to reactivation and restoration of existing platforms. Some of the existing platforms reactivated within the period under review include the C-130 aircraft, Super Puma Helicopter Gunship and DO-228.

The NAF, which has been playing a pivotal role in the battle against terrorism also successfully conducted periodic deport maintenance and A-Check of Alpha Jet aircraft, C130H aircraft, Mi-35P Heli and G-222 aircraft while also providing adequate spares for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of aircraft.

He recalled that NAF was formally established April 18, 1964 with the passage of the Air Force Act 1964 by the Nigerian Parliament with the objectives of defending the Federal Republic by air and giving effective training to its personnel in the air as well as on the ground.

Over the years he noted, the NAF has progressively grown to its present enviable position and has proudly justified its existence by performing its constitutional roles.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—9

APC plotting to take over Rivers, A-Ibom, Delta, PDP alleges zSays PDP must not be treated like conquered people

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — THE national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, raised alarm that the All Progressives Congress, APC, was plotting to take over Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta states where the PDP genuinely won.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, raised the alarm, arguing the PDP was ready for the love of the country to put behind it, cases of alleged election malpractices and anomalies that took place in some states in the north.

The party, which warned the APC not to take for granted its decision to concede defeat, alleged that the APC was planning to procure and compromise some stakeholders in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security personnel to doctor electoral materials against the PDP at the tribunal.

Metuh, who noted that as a party, it must not be treated as conquered people, however, threatened that it will not accept any move by anybody to manipulate the process and rob it of clear victories in these states or any other state.

He said the PDP never raised issues about the elections conducted in Kano and Katsina where there was no void vote and alleged cases of underaged voting.

The PDP spokesperson, while answering questions, said: “We have not tried to make an issue of how voting was done in some parts of the north apart from the under aged people that voted and the way these things happened. Have we traded in card readers, how many people it recorded in those states?

PDP must not be treated like conquered people “Even in some states, we have no void votes. In some states of the north, for instance Kano, there was no single void vote in the entire state. So, they are so brilliant and they are doctorate degree holders that they know how to handle it to the point that nobody made a single mistake.

“So, please, this is a country, but we are not waiting to be

the tribunal.

“This is in addition to sponsoring negative publications in some section of the media, laced with false claims and distortion of election figures to suit their nefarious plans of swaying public opinion and the course of justice against our party in these states.

“We know that the main aim behind APC’s desperation to take over these three states is their belief that they are strategic to the PDP and that taking them away will further weaken and undermine our party and accelerate the quest for a one-party state in our country.

We'll resist any clandestine move

INAUGURATION: From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr Godknows Ighali; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; Vice President Namadi Sambo and Managing Director, NDPHC, Mr James Olotu, during the inauguration of NDPHC/NIPP Gwagwalada 330/132/33kv transmission substation in Abuja, Monday. PHOTO: NAN. occupied. Yes, we have been told that the majority of Nigerians voted for the other party. As democrats, we have accepted it. But even in our laws, even in our grieving, we do not want to be like fools. They should not be treating us like conquered people.

“The language they use on us, they way they are doing it, it is like they are army of conquerors not people who are ready to be guided by the tenets of democracy but instead have come to deal with a conquered people and a conquered party.

"We have sustained democracy for 16 years. They have not even taken over democracy and they are telling lies and trying to instigate things to put our democracy in jeopardy.

“We will continue to defend democracy. We wish them good luck in the four years they are coming in sustaining this democracy.

But the way they are going about it, they are starting on a wrong footing.”

In his statement entitled, “APC’s heinous plot against the people’s will in Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Delta States, Metuh said: “At the end of the 2015 general elections, our party’s leader, President Goodluck Jonathan in a rare show of statesmanship conceded defeat and congratulated the APC Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

“That singular action lowered the tension in the

land, stabilized the polity and enhanced our global democratic credential and rating. In the same spirit, our gubernatorial and legislative candidates who lost at the elections also accepted defeat in keeping with the overall need to preserve our democracy and our unity as a people.

“These sacrifices from our candidates came notwithstanding the numerous anomalies and crass irregularities that characterized the general elections to the disadvantage of our party. The PDP took the outcome of the elections in good faith, not because the processes were without flaws

The PDP wishes to state in very clear terms that we will not accept any attempt by anybody whatsoever, especially the APC to manipulate the process and rob us of our clear victories in these states or any other state for that matter

but for the general interest of the nation.

“It is, however, worrisome that even in victory, the APC has remained desperate in the desire to be in total control of the polity by attempting to take over the states genuinely won by the PDP. “You will recall that we had earlier alerted Nigerians of a groundswell of plots by the APC to foist a one party rule in our country by attempting to destabilize the PDP, take over some of our states and legislative seats, all to ensure that there is no strong opposition when they eventually assume power.

Instigating crisis “As we speak, APC has resorted to instigating crisis, inciting the people while mobilizing resources to armtwist the judiciary ostensibly to torpedo the will of the people in these states. In particular, our findings show that in Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, the APC machinery is working round the clock to ensure that it upturn the victory of the PDP and the mandate freely given to us by the people in these states.

“We are aware of the clandestine moves by the APC to procure and compromise some stakeholders in the elections including INEC and security personnel to bear false witness and doctor electoral materials against the PDP at

“However, the PDP wishes to state in very clear terms that we will not accept any attempt by anybody whatsoever, especially the APC to manipulate the process and rob us of our clear victories in these states or any other state for that matter.

“The APC must not in anyway take our civility driven by patriotic zeal for peace, unity and harmony in the country for granted. We want to state categorically that our members across the country are able, willing and ready to defend our mandate in these states using all available instruments within the ambit of the law.

“As a party that has made history by nurturing democracy for 16 years, and elevating it to a standard appreciated by the democratic community world over, we cannot fold our hands and watch while the gains are being undermined by the APC and its agents.

“It is on this note that the PDP draws the attention of the judiciar y, INEC and security authorities to the heinous scheme by the APC to drag their institution and men into these criminal plots.

In view of the above, therefore, we urge these institutions to closely monitor its officials involved in the elections and do every thing within the law to safeguard their reputation against the acts of a few greedy and dubious individuals.

“Finally, while we note that the APC should be held responsible should there be any breakdown of law and order in Rivers, Delta and Akwa Ibom states. We charge the people not to relent but to stand up and defend their mandates and use all means allowed by the law to ensure that their will expressed through the ballot box is not thwarted by desperate and greedy enemies of democracy.”

10 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Fashola boosts judiciary with

REMOVAL OF LAGOS CHAIRMAN:

new Magistrate

PDP moves against dissident group

courts

By Dapo Akinrefon

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—A new magistrate court complex in Ogba, comprising 22 courtrooms, was yesterday commissioned by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.

The court complex was named after former Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Samuel Ilori.

Commissioning the new court, Fashola said such facilities like the complex has a key role to play in maintaining law and order in the society, adding that the court will create conducive work environment for the judiciary staff.

Explaining why it was named after the former judge (Justice Ilori) Fashola explained that it has become the tradition of his administration to honour those who served conscientiously and whose labour of yesterday has made endeavours of today possible.

According to him, Justice Ilori is the first living former Chief judge to be honoured.

Justice Ilori, on his part, pointed out that the historical journey about the new court complex location started while he was the Lagos State Chief Judge and needed more courts for judges, hence he got the location of the new court.

Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Olunfunmilayo Atilade, thanked Fashola for the new building and the renovation of old ones.

Atilade commended the State Governor for the level of cooperation he has extended to the Judiciary especially in providing a conducive atmosphere for judges to perform their duties.

The Chief Judge also implored all members of the judiciary to work in accordance with the law and fight corruption.

The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council including the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, Lagos State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Lawal Pedro (SAN).

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AGOS—THE Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said yesterday that disciplinary actionshas been initiated against those involved in the purported removal of its chairman, Mr Tunji Shelle.

A group that called itself the Executive Committee of the Lagos PDP, on Monday announced the removal of Shelle as the party’s state chairman.

The group also announced the appointment of Mr Owolabi Olounje as Acting Chairman, saying their decision was reached after a disciplinary

committee was set up to investigate some allegations levelled against Shelle.

Addressing newsmen after an emergency meeting of the party’s state executives, the party leader, Shelle said necessary disciplinary action will be taken against those involved.

He said “we have reported the

COMMISSIONING: From left: Mr. Ladi Balogun, GMD, First City Monument Bank; Lolade Oresanwo, COO, WestAfrica ENRG; Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi, Onigando of Igando; Mrs. Sola Oworu, Commissioner of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Ola Oresanya, MD, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), during the commissioning of Solous 1 Material Recovery Facility Igando, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Bunmi Azeez.

$330.000 FRAUD: Afe Babalola never received payments from Ajudua — Witness

By Abdulwahab Abdulah After listening to his brief & Bartholomew Madukwe testimony, the presiding judge,

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AGOS—A managing partner of the law firm of Chief Afe Babalola, Mr Adebayo Adenipekun (SAN), yesterday told an Ikeja High Court that the law firm never received payments from a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, to represent a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi.

Testifying at the trial of a court registrar, Oluronke Rosolu, accused of aiding Ajudua to defraud Bamaiyi of $330.000, Adenipekun said he was the chamber ’s head of administration during the period of the said transaction.

Led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) counsel, Mr Seidu Atteh, the senior advocate pointed out that Ajudua did not brief the law firm of Chief Afe Babalola to represent Bamaiyi at any time.

“That is not correct. We did not receive any legal fee from Ajudua in respect of the general. We were never briefed to represent Bamaiyi and we did not receive any money from Ajudua,” he added.

Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo, adjourned the matter till today for continuation of trial.

Rosulu, a former registrar to Justice Joseph Oyewole, was arraigned by the EFCC on a two-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences and obtaining money by false pretences.

According to EFCC, Ajudua obtained the money from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the court registrar (Rosulu) helped Ajudua to siphon the money from Bamaiyi between November 2004 and June 2005 while both of them were being remanded at Kirikiri Prison for separate offences.

matter to our NEC for advise in accordance with the provisions of the PDP constitution. They went too far. They even went as far as storming the party’s state headquarters and dragging away secretariat staff from their offices. They are out to sabotage the efforts of the party. “Their plans were muted long before the Lagos PDP party primaries.”

Speaking further Shelle said “we tried to accommodate their excesses so that their actions will not affect us during the elections. They tried to divide the party along personality lines but they failed. They will be sent back to their sponsors.”

Throwing light on the emergence of the party ’s governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, he said that the emergence of the party’s flag bearer was never well received by the group involved in the alleged removal.

According to him, “they were disappointed and have not stopped looking for ways to fight back. We have no regrets to have presented Agbaje and given another opportunity, I will do the same. We gave APC a good fight yet these group did not relent. They want to hijack the party structure.”

Besides, he said “the election result in the 2015 election in Lagos was the best from PDP in the last 16 years in the state.”

Making clarifications on the allegations bothering on campaign funds, the party chieftain said that candidates of the party in the elections were mobilised directly and not through him.

While he dismissed insinuations of his plans to contest in the party ’s state elective convention billed for 2016, Shelle said “I promise to remain focused and hold the party together until next year when a new exco will emerge.”

LASU: Management, students agree to resume May 18

By Monsur Olowoopejo

University College of Medicine, LASUCOM, Ikeja.

A G O S — T H E Also present at the meeting Management of the was the Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University, LASU and the Students Union, LASUSU, yesterday resolved to reopen the institution for academic activities

By Ola Ajayi & Fisayo on Monday May 18th, 2015.

Ogunwale This came barely one month and 22 days after the management shut the school on March 23rd, to BADAN – HARD times allow the students participate in await patients in teaching the 2015 general elections. But was hospitals nation-wide as not reopened after the elections health professionals have was concluded, leading to protest given a seven-day ultimatum from the students. to the out-going government The agreement was reached at of President Goodluck a ‘Consultative’ meeting conveyed Jonathan to implement an by the governing council led by agreement signed in 2009 or Mr. Jide Adesoye in Lagos State choose the option of an

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Professor John Obafunwa and the student executive committee led by its president, Mr. Sulaimon Adeyemi.

Health professionals threaten strike

I

indefinite strike that will begin on May 18 2015.

According to the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, while speaking with newsmen yesterday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, it was not their intention to embark upon strike every time, but the alleged insensitivity of the government had pushed them to the unavoidable position.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 11

EKITI KIDNAPPINGS: NMA, ASUU jittery as 7 members receive kidnap notice

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—WORRIED by the spate of kidnapping of its members, both the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, have called for a total overhaul of the security strategies in the state, even as no fewer than seven doctors had received text messages from alleged kidnappers.

Six persons, including the former Chief Medical Director, CMD, Dr Patrick Adegun and a nurse working with the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, Mrs Margaret Aladeleka were abducted in different parts of the state in the last few weeks.

Also, a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, Dr Femi Omisore was abducted at the weekend, while his driver was killed at Ido Ekiti.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Ado Ekiti yesterday the NMA and ASUU expressed concerns over their members becoming target of kidnapping, lamenting that the Police and the Department of State Services, DSS, are not handling the matter professionally.

Through the ASUU, Akure Zonal Coordinator, Dr Alex Odiyia, the lecturers appealed to Governor Ayodele Fayose to get rid of hoodlums for Ekiti to be peaceful.

“The government should as a matter of urgency overhaul the entire Police Force and other relevant agencies saddled with the responsibility of keeping peace in the state and more importantly relocate the heads of both services who find it difficult to unravel the root cause of our present predicament”.

The ASUU chief, who was represented by Dr Bola Oniya, said that the security chiefs were allegedly treating the nefarious activities with laxity, calling on all appropriate authorities to act fast.

“It is sad to know that the nefarious, inhuman and dehumanizing activities of these hoodlums heralded the arrival of the new Police Commissioner, Mr Joshua Ibine and the Director of DSS, Mr Duke Fubarain.

“This is more so as none of them have been able to come up with any clue on the disappearance of those kidnapped and the whereabouts of the abductors. It is rather better imagined the agony of the family members of these victims since their unfortunate incidents.

“The questions on the lips of everybody is why kidnappers have chosen the lecturers or university administrators and their NMMA members.

“The possible answer should be because of the hoodlums' erroneous belief that they earn the highest income in the state

that is presently wallowing in poverty.

“This is the major reason why some workers are being owed close to three months with a lot of unpaid arrears of leave bonuses. What a double jeopardy”, he lamented.

In a related development,the security council in the state has vowed to rescue all the people kidnapped in various parts of the state.

They made the pledge after an emergency meeting in Ado Ekiti yesterday.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, stated that the council frowned at the high incidence of kidnapping to rescue the victims.

The council further disclosed

that certain measures would be put in place to protect life and property and also called on the people particularly landlords, hoteliers to be cautious about the manner of people they accommodate.

It appealed to residents to cooperate with the government and the security agencies, saying there would be strict security measures and check points in strategic places across the state.

The Council resolved that usage of tinted classes would be prohibited, while there would be frequent hotel checks, with a call to hoteliers to monitor their customers and offer information to security agents on any suspected person, saying any hotel linked to criminals would be sealed up.

Plantations of Indian hemp would also be impounded henceforth, while culprits would be

prosecuted as efforts would be made for the enactment of relevant laws to decisively deal with the criminals and their accomplices.

The council said it required the cooperation of everybody in the state to fight criminals to a standstill.

The Council also resolved that the state would not condone any invasion of foreign bodies or security threat before and after the May 29 handing-over date, advising those muting the idea to drop it in their own interest.

The council praised security agencies in the state over their efforts to ensure there is peace in the state, appealing to religious leaders, traditional rulers, labour leaders and other stakeholders to continue to cooperate with the government and security personnel to provide adequate security in the state.

INTERNATIONAL NURSES WEEK: From left; Chief Medical Director, CMD, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, OAUTHC, Prof.Victor Adetiloye; Guest Lecturer, Prof Ezekiel Ajao; Osun State Director of Nursing Services; Mrs Olufunke Abioye and LOC Chairman; Mrs Maureen Adekoya during the International Nurses week organised by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwifery, NANNM of OAUTH on monday with the Theme: NURSES: A force for Change Care Effective, Cost Effective. Photo by Dare Fasube.

Ogun monarch refutes alleged plan to assassinate prince

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—THE Olowo of Owo in Yewa South local government,area of Ogun state, Oba Patrick Fasinu has refuted the allegation that he was planning to assassinate a princes from another ruling house.

The monarch was accused of planning to execute Prince Segun Rufai, the prince of late Oba Babatunde Alao who was one for the founding fathers of the Owo community in the state.

But, the monarch in his reaction at a reconciliatory meeting held at Owo community High School in OkeOdan swore by the throne that he never had such intention.

The meeting which was held at the instance of some eminent personalities of the community was used to settle the rift between the monarch and the prince.

Prince Rufai in his allegation against the monarch, had said, he received several threat phone calls , warning him about the alleged plans to orchestrate the monarch’s removal.

Afenifere, OPC have lost their relevance — AGBEKOYA

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — T H E dreaded Yoruba-farmers’ group, the Agbekoya has declared that the role played by the pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere and the the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, in the just-concluded general elections has made them lose credibility in Yorubaland.

The Secretary of the Agbekoya, Dr. Ade Ogunlana in a statement he jointly signed with the Ambassador of the society, Chief Ajibola Salau said the role played by the two Yoruba groups during the polls left much to be desired.

The Afenifere and the OPC had thrown their weight behind President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party during the elections.

The Agbekoya alleged that since the demise of the former

Afenifere leader, Chief Abraham Adesanya, the Afeniifere had become factionalized and used by unscrupulous persons to “sell out” the Yoruba people.

The Agbekoya also accused the OPC of falsely claiming to be fighting the cause of the Yoruba while in actual fact, it was only

interested in pursuing its own agenda.

The Agbekoya therefore stated that the Afenifere and the OPC had become a “disgrace” to the Yoruba race.

The group added that their allleged involvement in partisan politics had cast doubts on their

integrity as organizations fighting the cause of the Yoruba race.

The Agbekoya however, declared itself as the only group still demonstrating genuine concern for the entire Yoruba.

The group stated that it had continued to maintain its stance since its establishment in 1938.

LAUTECH doctors protest unpaid salaries

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO—RESIDENT doctors at Ladoke Akintola University, Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the premises of State Assembly, Gbongan Road, Osogbo against non-payment of their six months salary by Osun state government.

The protesting doctors, who told journalists that living had

become difficult in the last six months owing to the situation, carried placards with different inscriptions, demanding immediate payment of their salaries and for duration of the protest, prevented vehicular movement in and out of the assembly complex.

Speaking with newsmen, President, Association of Resident Doctors. Lautech chapter, Dr Olalekan Ajayi, said

the situation non payment of their salaries has put them was devastating.

He noted that workers in the state, including the doctors were suffering, despite their commitment to duties and compassion for patients.

He therefore called on the state government to pay the outstanding salaries to safe their families from further starvation and in the interest of industrial harmony.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Why APC should cede House of Reps speakership to S-South —N-Delta group

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EX-MILITANT leaders and youths from the Niger Delta under the aegis of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders Movement, NDENYLM, yesterday, charged the national leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to show appreciation to the commitment and doggedness of Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) by ceding the speakership of the House of Representatives to the South South.

The group said that the people of the South South have anointed the member representing Owan federal constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Mr Pally Iriase, for the position, adding that ceding the position to the zone will not only boost the chances of

Nigeria, Iran set to boost non-oil export trade

N

IGERIAN Export Promotion Council, NEPC, has pledged support to consolidate its trade promotion strategy through the mobilisation of Nigerian exporters and relevant stakeholders for the first Iranian Solo Exhibition coming up in Nigeria in June.

Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Director/CEO of NEPC, during a courtesy visit by Mehdi Saeedozakerin, General Manager of Pars Rastak, the organisers/ representative of the Iranian Embassy in Nigeria, at Abuja, lamented the low level of trade between Iran and Nigeria.

Awolowo, represented by Mr. Olajide Ibrahim, Director in the Office of the CEO, observed that staging the exhibition could not have come at a better time, and from any other country, considering that both countries only recently ushered in new governments, and both share few economic landscapes in areas of mining, industries, oil and gas, among others.

He commended the government of Iran for the recent Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed during the fifth Session of Nigeria-Iran Joint Commission.

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the APC in future elections in the zone, but will also serve as compensation to the zone having lost the presidency to the North.

National Secretary of the group, Abamojie Ajudua, in a statement in Benin City, after

its meeting, said: “We have been following the ongoing discussions and high wiredpolitics over the geo-political zones that are best suited for the Senate presidency and the House of Representatives speakership. It has become

expedient for us to echo the resolve of our region regarding the speakership of the House of Representatives in favour of Pally Iriase, the member representing Owan federal constituency of Edo State.”

PROTEST: National Identity Management Commission's Office on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, shut down yesterday by protesting members of Association of Senior Civil Servants in Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Nigerians'll value Jonathan in future —Bozimo

By Akpokona Omafuaire

E

ROWHA—FORMER Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, has said that Nigerians will value President Goodluck Jonathan later for his love and sacrifice for the country, insisting that the outgoing president is a hero.

Bozimo, in Erhowha, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, during the burial of his late father in-law, Chief Ezekiel Ukodie, said that it was wrong to blame the spate of insecurity in the country on

President Jonathan's lack of courage or selfish political considerations.

The former minister, on the issue of Boko Haram, said that nobody could say with certainty the genesis of Boko Haram, just like the root cause of ISIS and other militia groups.

Bozimo said that it could not also be right to say that economic reasons such as unemployment were the cause of the religious fanaticism and the related reign of violence in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

He also rubbished the United States for its insincerity to Nigeria

in the country's efforts to muster international support to fight the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said: “You can see what is happening all over the world. I doubt if it is because of economic circumstances. I don’t subscribe to that. When I left (as Police Affairs Minister) in 2007, Boko Haram had just started rearing its ugly head. They were coming in from the Borno axis and I visited there. They burnt down police stations.

“We thought it wasn’t serious or that it was a passing thing, we did the best to arrest the situation.

So, I don’t think it is about unemployment.”

ASCSN, TUC picket NIMC in Rivers

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— ASSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, an affiliate of Trade Union Congress, TUC, Rivers State chapter, based on a directive from its national body, has disrupted the activities of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, in the state.

The union, yesterday, barricaded the entrance to the MINC office, in Port Harcourt, barring staff and the National Identity Card applicants from entering the agency’s office.

The leader of the protesters, Mohammed Bashman, who is the state secretary of ASCSN, said that the union took the solidarity protest in order to felicitate with staff of NIMC who are treated like slaves by their employer, the Director General, DG, of the agency.

Bashman said that the union intervened because it involves the issue of poor handling of employees of NIMC, emphasizing that NIMC employees were affiliates of the federal agency. He accused the DG of the agency of not treating its employees as civil servants.

He claimed that within three years the agency has sacked over 3,000 of its staff, and was about to sack about 1,000 more.

Alleging that the commission has not been issuing the ID cards to the citizens, he threatened that the protest will continue until the agency adheres the rule of law.

Meanwhile, the state coordinator of NIMC declined commenting on the development when reached at the premises of the agency.

She directed applicants for the National Identity Card to leave the premises that the commission has been closed down indefinitely.

Edo denies appointing pension funds administrators

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO State Government has denied the claim by the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that it had appointed pension funds administrators, explaining that it has not appointed PFAs for its workforce.

It also maintained that the law setting up the Pension Contributory Scheme allows the individual worker the right to choose his or her pension fund administrator.

Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Obazele, who spoke to journalists in Benin, yesterday, said that following a directive of Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a committee made up of over 40 members, including the organised labour, was set up by his office to work out the modality for the implementation of the scheme.

Delta NLC Chairman assures on resolution of Labour crisis

By Festus Ahon

A

S A B A — D E LT A State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, David Ofoeyeno, has expressed optimism that all issues threatening the unity of labour unions in the country would be resolved in the shortest possible time.

Ofoeyeno, who addressed newsmen in Asaba, advised against reports and statements that are capable of causing a breach of the peace in the labour family in the state, saying that there was no factional leadership of NLC in the state.

He said that the state delegates congress that saw the emergence of his executive was midwifed by the previous executive led by William Akporeha.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—13

Rivers Assembly to order arrest of commissioners who fail to appear tomorrow

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State House of Assembly has threatened to order the arrest of any commissioner or Head of state government parastatal who fails to appear before it tomorrow.

Deputy Speaker of the House, Leyii Kwanee, during plenary, yesterday, at the auditorium of the Old Government House, Port Harcourt, warned those invited not to test the will of the House, adding that as lawmakers they were determined to continue to promote the interest of the state.

He said they should all appear on Thursday. The lawmakers had ordered nine commissioners and heads of some government agencies to appear before it on Monday when they sat but was disappointed as a only a few complied with the order.

Kwane, who noted that some of those invited sent words that they were engaged with crucial assignments, said they should all be on the floor of

the chamber tomorrow.

He said: “If any person wants to test the will of this place, Thursday, we will be compelled to issue a warrant of arrest. No one can test the

will of the House, no matter how short the time is.”

Those who complied with the order yesterday were Commissioners for Transport, Budget and Power and

Chairman, Rivers State Assembly Service Commission.

But the lawmakers asked them to come back tomorrow when others would be present.

AWARD: From left: Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe; wife of the Vice President-Elect, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, after collecting their awards for African Women of Worth, at the 7th edition of African Women in Leadership Organization Conference 2015, in Lagos.

Buhari can't upturn Udom's election —A-Ibom commissioner

By Tom Moses

U

YO—THE Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Godwin Ntukudeh, has expressed optimism that the presidentelect, Genral Muhammadu Buhari, would not succumb to pressure by members of All Progressives Congress, APC, to upturn the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, in the April 11, governorship election.

Ntukudeh was of the conviction that the presidentelect would gleefully adopt Mr. Emmanuel in view of his excellent track-record in the banking sector to complement his agenda for good and accountable government.

Speaking in an interview in Uyo, yesterday, Ntukudeh noted that Udom Emmanuel, having led reputable financial institutions around the world for years, would be an asset that the president-elect, Buhari, will love to work with in order to achieve his agenda for the country.

He said that the election which produced Emmanuel as the Akwa Ibom State governorelect was a reflection of the overwhelming position of the people of the state and as such,

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those who were expecting Buhari to upturn the result of the said elections were living in the world of illusion.

He encouraged those who

were not comfortable with the emergence of Mr. Emmanuel to avail themselves of the elections tribunal provided by the constitution for all

aggrieved persons instead of expecting the incoming President to stand against the collective decision of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

Why it's difficult to prosecute suspected cultists in Edo, by A-General section 1H of the Secret Cult ProBy Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EDO State Government, yesterday, expressed frustration in the prosecution of suspected cultists, saying that the lack of witnesses to testify against the suspects and the problem of law enforcement have been serious challenges militating against effective prosecution of suspects.

Over 15 cult related killings had been recorded in the last one month in Benin City following renewed cult war between rival cult groups in the state.

The Attorney General of the state and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Henry Idahagbon, who was reacting to the call by some youths in the state for a law proscribing death sentence for cult offences, said the problem was not with the penalty but enforcing the law and effective prosecution.

He said: “We already have very stringent laws against cultism in our society, but the problem is that

of law enforcement, problem of identifying who these cultists are, the problem of arresting them and subsequent prosecution. So, I do not think the issue is one that invites capital punishment.

The issue is that of law enforcement. Section 4 sub

vision Law of 2000 in Edo State gives a maximum punishment of 21 years.

“Anybody who belongs to a secret cult or is found in possession of the paraphernalia of a secret cult, for me that is a sufficient punishment."

Community demands compensation for victims of 2014 demolition

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—IJALA community in Delta State has appealed to the state government to pay damages to villagers, whose homes were among the 82 buildings demolished at the Warri Royal Cemetery ground by government in June 2014, to give them a new lease of life.

The community, in a letter to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, by the Olara-Aja (head) of Ijala Ijenren community, Pa A. Ikenren and two others, said the joy of an

emerging vibrant new layout at Ifie was cut short with the demolition that shattered the hopes and aspirations of the house owners.

It noted with regret that since the demolition, the vast land had become a thick forest, while the masses were looking for land to build houses following the congestion and high cost of houses in the oil city of Warri.

According to the community, thousands of persons were rendered homeless as a result of the demolition exercise and the victims are yet to recover from the shock till date.

NDPHC blames low capacity of power plants on pipeline vandalism

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—THE M a n a g i n g Director of Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, Mr. James Olotu, has blamed the current low capacity of its power plants on persistent vandalism of gas pipelines in the country.

Olotu, yesterday at a forum for Generation Companies (Gencos) in Abuja, noted that the 10 NIPPs were dependent on gas and therefore, are lowered in capacity with the incessant vandalism of gas pipelines.

It will be recalled that the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, last month said the National Integrated Power Projects, NIPPs, had contributed about 2,159 megawatts (mw) to the national grid after four plants including the recent 504mw Alaoji plant were commissioned in 2013 and 2015 respectively.

We've paid our ad hoc staff in full, says Edo REC

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State, Mr Mike Igini, yesterday, described as shocking and untrue, claims by some protesting ad hoc staff of the commission in the just concluded 2015 general elections, that they were short changed in the payment of their allowances.

Igini, who explained the official INEC payment guidelines to Vanguard, said the ad-hoc staff had since received their payment in full, adding that some of those fuelling the protest were people who are being investigated over alleged electoral malpractices during the March 28 presidential election.

He said: “It is simply unbelievable that a few people and academics for that matter would prefer to act on rumours or hear say."

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Jonathan okays Sanusi as Supreme Court Justice

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—President G o o d l u c k Jonathan has approved the appointment of Justice Amiru Sanusi as a Justice of the Supreme Court.

Justice Sanusi’s elevation followed the recommendation of the National Judicial Council, NJC. According to a press statement that was issued yesterday by the Acting Director of Information at the NJC, Mr. Soji Oye, the new apex court Justice will be sworn in on Thursday by the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the NJC, Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

Ex-IGP Abba removed for indiscipline in the force —Police Service Commission

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA—THE Police Service Commission explained, yesterday, that the former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba was removed from office because of increasing cases of indiscipline in the rank and file of the force.

The explanation came on a day the Police Council confirmed Mr. Abba’s successor, Mr. Solomon Arase as the substantive Inspector General of Police.

The chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Okiro, who spoke with newsmen after the Council of State meeting, yesterday, said the President told members of the council that the former IGP was removed because of increased cases of insdicipline among the rank and file of the force.

His words: “I’m not part of the Presidency that removed him, so I cannot give adequate answer.

Though at the meeting President Jonathan tried to explain to members, based on the question raised by one of the governors that Nigerians may want to know why the former IGP was removed.

“The President, who was very brief in his response said, during the period of the former IGP, a lot of indiscipline was noticed among the Police rank and file and as such he felt that a new IG should come and try his luck. That is what he said, though I cannot give details of that.”

Meanwhile, the newly confirmed IGP, Mr. Arase, who spoke with state House correspondents after meeting with President Jonathan ,promised that no Nigerian would suffer injustice under his watch.

“To Nigerians, I know that their expectations are high, but I can assure them that no Nigerian will suffer any injustice by my inaction or action,” he said.

He said that under his watch,

RALLY: Members of the North-East Political Youth and Women Coalition and Arewa Youth and Women Coalition for Good Governance, at a rally, in support of member-elect, Dogara Yakubu's bid for the position of the Speaker, House of Representatives, in Bauchi, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

the welfare of officers and men would be a top priority as a well motivated personnel as the panacea for effective policing.

“To my men, I will tell them that their welfare will be number one

on my cardinal responsibilities.

You don’t motivate a workforce except their welfare is paramount.

I’m going to ensure that their welfare is going to be put on the front burner” he said.

NYANYA BOMBING: Absence

of witnesses stalls trial of Ogwuche, 5 others

.As court adjourns case to May 19

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—TRIAL of the alleged mastermind of the April 14 bomb blast that killed over 75 persons and wounded 100 others at a crowded motor park in Nyanya, Abuja, Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, was stalled, yesterday, owing to the failure of three government witnesses to appear in court.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed had slated, yesterday, to commence hearing on how Ogwuche and five other alleged members of the Boko Haram group, allegedly perfected plot for the Nyanya bombing.

The other accused persons on trial are Ahmad Rufai Abubakar (a.k.a Abu Ibrahim/ Maiturare), Mohammed Sani Ishaq, Ya’u Saidu (a.k.a Kofar Rama), Anas Isah, Adamu Yusuf and Nasiru Abubakar.

They are answering to an eight-count terrorism charge that was preferred against them before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

When the matter came up, yesterday, the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr.

Mohammed Diri, told the court that the witnesses were unavoidably out of Abuja.

He said that the witnesses are currently involved in the ongoing security operation at the Sambisa Forest, aimed at freeing some of those that are still under the clutch of Boko Haram insurgents.

The DPP, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the Federal Government to provide the three witnesses.

Consequently, Justice Mohammed, deferred the trial of the six accused persons till May 19 and 20.

The court had earlier granted an order for the identity of the witnesses to be shielded from the public.

All the accused persons had through their respective lawyers, led by Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN, vehemently opposed an application for the witnesses to wear hood while testifying before the court.

The accused persons were alleged to have conspired to commit an act of terrorism by driving a Volkswagen Golf car laden with improvised explosives devices, IEDs, and parked same at the motor park which was later detonated, and killed about 75 persons.

Syndicate pockets N33m, recruits 3,000 illegally into Nigerian Prisons

.Imo, Kebbi top list of new recruits Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

A

SYNDICATE within the Nigerian Prison Service has successfully recruited no fewer than 3,000 officers and men through the backdoor into the paramilitary agency barely a few weeks to the end of the present administration.

Vanguard confirmed from inside prison sources that each of the new recruits was made to pay a compulsory levy of N11,000 cash to a designated senior officer at the headquarters of the Nigerian Prison Service in Abuja, thereby enriching the officials involved in the illegal exercise by N33 C M Y K

million.

The money, it was learnt, would be shared among top officials on a formula to be decided by those in the syndicate.

The NPS is said to have devised the means to swell its ranks under the guise of ‘replacing 300’ staff who had left the service and to also rake in some money for some key officers while proving an avenue for them to recruit their loved ones, friends and associates into the agency of government since official recruitment was not possible given the economic down-turn in the country.

Investigations revealed that to keep the illegal recruitment from prying eyes, the NPS has directed the new recruits to report directly to its training schools in Kaduna,

Owerri and Lagos for documentation and commencement of training instead of doing same at the NPS headquarters, as is the norm for new recruits.

The first batch of recruits reported in training schools last month while the last batch reported this week for documentation and training in the three schools.

The illegal recruitment is said to have received the full backing of top Federal Government officials, who also took advantage of their tacit endorsement to secure placement for their children, friends and relatives.

To cover the illegality, the fresh appointments are said to have been back-dated to three or four

years by the NPS. But Imo and Kebbi states are said to have had the highest number of new recruits because of the presence of influence of key officials of the two states in the NPS. Some principal officers of the NPS are said to have been given quota to produce officers and men for the recruitment based on their closeness to the syndicate and their positions in the service.

According to inside sources, some state controllers of prisons were given two slots each while deputy controllers of prisons without portfolios were given three slots each to secure their endorsement of the illegality.

It was also gathered that some traditional rulers were given

between two and three slots based on their presumed influence of closeness to the centre of power.

But the illegal development is said to be putting the NPS on collision course with the staff, who have threatened to expose the provocative and illegal recruitment exercise to the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The staff, particularly, those who were promoted since 2004 are said to be angry with the NPS for refusing to pay them their promotion packages on the excuse their it does not have enough money to do so, while embarking on the recruitment of new officers and men.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 —15

TRADITIONAL RULER ELECTION: Community alleges Enugu Commissioner's interference ...I've powers to conduct election—Commissioner

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—LEADERS of Thought of Mpu in IsiUzo Local Government Area of Enugu State have alleged interference from the state Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matter, Mr. Emeka Abugu, on the election of its traditional ruler.

Addressing newsmen at a joint briefing,Mr. Robert Duhu,Chairman, Mr.Godwin Asuke, Secretary and Mr. Godwin Duhu,Youth Leader, regretted that the activities of the commissioner, if not checked, was capable of turning Mpu into a battle field.

“The opposition has sworn to high heavens that unless their candidate becomes the traditional ruler of Mpu, we will never know peace. ‘’Their boasting is that they have the wherewithal to prosecute their selfish ambition to a logical conclusion, not minding whether or not at the end of the election there will be any living soul in the community who will be the subject of their traditional ruler.

“To make true their vow, the community is now under the siege of strange red-eyed looking

faces at all the local bars and joints, smoking Indian hemp with reckless abandon, threatening to deal with anybody who dares to oppose their hirer,” the leaders said.

Frowning on the accusation, the commissioner, Mr. Emeka

Abugu, said: “I am conferred by law, the authority to administer to chieftaincy matters in the state.

The bulk starts and ends on my table.

“It is ridiculous that people who have not presented themselves for election will bandy falsehood.

They want to distablize the peace prevailing in the community and Enugu State. I have stipulated the date for the election.

“Anybody who is interested in the traditional ruler stool should present himself for the people to make their choice.”

SEMINAR: From left, Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Tunji Olaopa; Director-General, National Productivity Centre, Mr. Paul Bdliya; Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Professor Olufemi Taiwo, and guest-speaker, Alhaji Jibril Yelwa, at a seminar on 'Computing Productivity in the Nigerian Economy: Issues and Challenges,'' in Ibadan, yesterday. Photo: NAN

ASEPA boss threatens journalist over questions on refuse heaps in Aba

By Felix Ogbonna

T

HE DEPUTY General Manager, Aba zone of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Iyke Anyatonwu, yesterday, threatened the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, correspondent

for seeking his reaction over the huge refuse heaps littering major roads and streets of the city.

The correspondent, Mr. Ijendu Iheaka, had called Anyatonwu to get the reaction of the latter on the situation which had been causing traffic gridlock on some major roads.

Anyatonwu, who said he was not in the office at the time of the call, later directed the NAN correspondent to see him at Abia hotels, instead of his office at Pound Road area of the town.

The journalist explained his encounter with the ASEPA boss: “Residents of Aba have been complaining about the volume of

Why Mu’azu should bow out —ex-Reps member

By Dapo Akinrefon

A

FORMER member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Kehinde, has thrown his weight behind those clamouring for the resignation of the embattled National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu.

In a statement, entitled, 'Mu’azu and the moral burden,' the former legislator said the resignation should not be limited to the National Working Committee but to the state, local government and ward levels.

The former lawmaker argued that in a saner clime, this call would have been unnecessary as party leaders were usually negatively affected by lost C M Y K

elections. ‘’But it is only in Nigeria, that a failed teacher would still want to teach his pupils, despite poor outings in examinations,” he said.

Citing the recent resignation of the Labour Party leader in the United Kingdom, following his defeat at the polls, Kehinde said the fortune of the PDP now was at its low ebb.

Kehinde, who represented Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency of Osun State between 1999 and 2003 in the House of Representatives, said: “The party has lost the battle but has equally, also won the war to ensure the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and to confound some leaders who had believed that the Nigerian election would be a do or die battle and that

Nigeria, if not dis-membered as a nation, would follow the path of Côte d’Ivoire.”

Stressing the need for the embattled PDP chairman to relinquish his position, he said Mu’azu’s exit would help reposition the PDP as an opposition party.

Kehinde said: “There is, therefore, the need to properly prepare the PDP for its selfinflicted role of an opposition party and this can only be achieved if the PDP is properly rejigged, re-organized, rejuvenated and rebuilt, otherwise, it would be a very heavy moral burden on the entire party leadership to still hold on unjustifiably to power, as if nothing has happened.’’

refuse littering major roads and street. I called Anyatonwu to get his reaction on the situation but he directed me to come to Abia hotels. ‘’When I got to the hotel, instead of responding to my questions, the ASEPA GM started threatening me, asking where I live, if I’m married, if I did cleanup exercises in my house? Do I know what it takes to evacuate refuse? ‘’Why do you want to stop your own on the path to greatness? I was once a journalist, write whatever you care, you are the one to suffer it.

“You did not employ me. The man who employed me would have sacked me if he was not satisfied with my performance. So get out of my car and go write whatever you want and nothing will happen.”

Vanguard reports that residents of Aba have in the past three months, been lamenting the inability of the environmental protection agency to evacuate stinking heaps of refuse which had taken over major roads and streets of Aba, including Port Harcourt, Ikot Ekpene, Asa and Ngwa roads, among others.

Tension at UNIZIK over SUG president’s letter to VC

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—TENSION is mounting at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, following a letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Joseph Ahaneku, by the president of the Students Union Government, SUG, Mr. Noble Eyisi, over some perceived anomalies in the institution.

As the students were circulating the letter in the campus, security operatives tried as much as they could to mop up the document but it was late as most people in the university community had got copies of it.

In the letter, several allegations were levelled against the VC by the SUG, most of which bordered on corruption.

For instance, the SUG alleged that for the first time, year 1 students were asked to pay the sum of N7,500 for what the school management called ‘biometric capturing fee,’ adding that with about 6,000 students admitted this session, N45 million was collected and wondered what the money had been used for.

Madam Oranyeli for burial

M

A D A M CATHERINE Oranyeli, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 6, 2015, aged 85, will be buried on May 15, 2015, immediately after mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ochuche-Umuodu, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Christian wake-keep/ service of songs will hold on May 14 at the deceased's compound on Atani-Ossomola Road, Ochuche-Umuodu.

Late Madam Oranyeli is survived by children, grand children and great grand children.

Late Madam Oranyeli

16—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

FRSC moves against driver's licence racketeers

By Felix Ogbonna

I

N A bid to clamp down on racketeers of driving license, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Aba unit command, has set up surveillance teams around its office in Aba South Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a chat with journalists, the Unit Commander, FRSC, Aba, Mrs. Okowa Awassam, said such moves had become necessary, following reports about the activities of drivers’ license racketeers who relied on the ignorance of some drivers to issue fake licenses.

Awassam warned drivers going for the renewal or obtaining a new drivers’ license against patronizing touts who would issue them fake license and vowed to deal decisively with anyone caught in the act of procuring fake drivers’ licence.

She said: “Once you (driver) are suspected to be in possession of a fake drivers license, the officer that stopped you will collect the license and input the data on the license on the system, every information about the person which was taken during capturing will appear on the system if it is genuine, but if it is the one done by fakers, those information will not appear.

Family makes formal announcement of Chukwuma Azikiwe’s death .Buhari mourns, says a gentleman has left a turbulent world

By Vincent Ujumadu, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

NEWI—THE Azikiwe family of Onitsha has formally announced the death of Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, the first son of the first President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who died on Sunday at the Charles Borommew Hospital, Onitsha.

President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, described the death of Ambassador Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe as a sad

development.

In a condolence message in Abuja, Buhari said that younger Azikiwe lived a humane life that possessed virtues of his father which qualified him for his traditional title, “Owelle of Onitsha.”

According Buhari, a gentleman, through-bred in the best African values and traditions, had departed the world to the great beyond.

“With the demise of Chukwuma Azikiwe, a gentleman has left a turbulent world. Ambassador Azikiwe was a thorough–bred Nigerian citizen who chose a

private life after a distinguished diplomatic career in Nigeria’s Foreign Service. There is no doubt that it was Ambassador Azikiwe’s humane and refined qualities that made it possible for him to step into the big traditional shoes of his great father - Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe as the Owelle of Onitsha.”

The President-elect said with the demise of the Owelle, he had lost a friend who cared for him and often found the time to visit at home in Kaduna.

While condoling with the Azikiwe Family, he urged the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nna’meka

MEETING: From left, Senate President, David Mark; Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State; Speaker, House of Representatives, and Sokoto State Governor-elect, Aminu Tambuwal, and Governor Chibuike Amaechi, at the National Council of State Meeting, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Bloody clash looms in Anambra communities

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA—THERE is a looming communal crisis over a piece of land between the people of Umuoji and Nkpor in Idemili local government area of Anambra State.

Addressing reporters shortly after its emergency meeting, the President-General of Dimboko, Umuoji, Chief Tony Onwuachu, claimed that Okofia land which was in dispute between the two communities belonged to them.

According to him, his community has been farming on the land in ages past without molestation or any form of attack until recently when some miscreants from Nkpor started attacking them over the land even when a court of competent jurisdiction in a consent judgement had ruled that the land belonged to his community.

He added that the piece of land was registered with the Ministry C M Y K

of Lands with the title of Dim Onyia Estate.

He further said the community had granted up to 300 plots of land to Living Faith Church, a.k.a Winners Chapel, to build a tertiary institution that would benefit the generality of Nigerians.

He warned against any

disturbance to the land developers or any other project Dimboko people might decide to execute on the land.

He alleged that they had been attacked by Mgbachu with machetes, guns, clubs and other dangerous weapons on three occasions they went to the layout

as owners of the land.

“We want peace, progress and brotherly love to continue. We do not want the relationship between us and Npkor people at large built by our forefathers to be shattered by mere greed over a land not belonging to Mgbachu people.

Babalakin sues EFCC for malicious prosecution

C

HAIRMAN OF BiCourtney Ltd, Dr. Wale Babalakin SAN, has sued the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, accusing them of making desperate efforts to prosecute him maliciously.

Babalakin, who is seeking a judicial review of the actions of the AGF and EFCC, had on February 23, 2015, been discharged by Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of a Lagos High Court, along with Alex Okoh,

Stabilini Visinoni Ltd, BiCourtney Ltd, and Renix Nigeria Ltd. They were prosecuted by the EFCC for allegedly laundering N4.7 billion.

After two years in court, the Judge ruled that there was no basis for the charges and consequently struck out the charges and discharged Babalakin and other defendants.

The court observed that the entire 27 charges did not contain any single charge that constituted an offence under

the laws of Nigeria.

Following reports that the EFCC was planning to file the same charges against him on the same subject matter and on the same provisions of the law, Babalakin approached the Federal High Court seeking protection and a judicial review of the actions.

The Court presided over by Justice Tsoho on April 29, 2015, granted a restraining order against EFCC, prohibiting the agency from proceeding with the action pending the determination of the suit.

Ugochukwu Achebe and the entire people of Onitsha Royal Kingdom to take heart and bear the loss with fortitude.

The announcement came on a day National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, said Ndigbo would miss his political philosophy based on balance of interest.

Head of Azikiwe family, Nwamulunanma Azikiwe, who spoke through Akunne Arah Azikiwe, told reporters at Inosi Onira residence of the Owelle that with the announcement, burial arrangements would begin in earnest.

The two –paragraph announcement released by the family read: “On behalf of the Azikiwe family, we announce the death of the Owelle of Onitsha, Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe, who died in the early hours of Sunday, 10th of May, 2015.

Burial arrangements will begin later.”

At Owelle’s residence yesterday, a condolence register had been opened and many people were trickling into the compound to sign it.

Among the callers yesterday was the Special Adviser to Rivers State governor on Statistics and Strategic Planning and an in-law to the Azikiwes, Mr. Okey Okiri, who regretted that he was unable to deliver a message the late Owelle gave him for Governor Rotimi Amechi before his death.

Okiri said: “I got the devastating news about the death of the Owelle yesterday (Monday) and was shocked. The late Owelle meant so much to me and I will greatly miss him.

“I spoke with him on Wednesday last week during which he told me that he was sick and I advised him to go to hospital for treatment. He sounded so healthy and I did not know that it was the last time I would speak with him.”

The entire Inosi Onira compound, facing the famous Zik’s roundabout, was still desolate yesterday, except the few family members from Onitsha Inland Town who visited on hearing about the demise of the Owelle.

Few workers of the construction company working on the Zik’s Mausoleum, where work stopped since April, 2014 due to non- payment for work done,were also there although they appeared not to be aware that Owelle Chukwuma Azikiwe was dead.

Meanwhile, National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh, has said Ndigbo would miss the political philosophy of the late Owelle of Onitsha, Chief Chukwuma Bamidele Azikiwe.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 17

E

VERY time Nigeria’s size or ethno-religious diversity are used as excuses to explain our country’s lack of development, I am forced to argue that many other countries across the globe have experienced these same challenge laced opportunities and yet, have not continuously sacrificed the common good on the altar of political greed. The United Kingdom just held its general elections and the Conservative party emerged victorious, despite political pundits and pollsters predictions.

Notably, neither the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the British equivalent of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) nor public office holders predicted the death of any contestants, as they have no prophets or astrologers in their employ.

Some in Nigeria have reduced the UK election to a fear Conservatives will be bad for immigration. The West does not improve its society and its services for us to come make use of them.

When do we develop our own?

However, what I find interesting are the hidden parallels between the questions governance raises all over the world; what differs is leadership and the will to do the right thing, which Nigeria, till date, has been sorely lacking.

Look and feel same candidates One complaint during these past UK elections has been that most of the candidates “look and feel” the same, all products of elite institutions with privileged financial backgrounds who seemingly, would further entrench the status quo.

In Nigeria, our bias, “ageism”, sexism and political recycling favours

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

UK general election: Regional and popular interests in Nigerian and UK politics older, cynical candidates who believe mobile phones are not for the poor. Even when we favour younger candidates, they famously “don’t give a damn” about declaring their assets or tell us stories about yams, goats and the philosophical differences between stealing and corruption. Unlike the UK, where privilege when it exists is born from good “breeding”, the pride and pleasure of having a good name, where those who are rich have actual jobs and businesses to justify their wealth, Nigerian politics is an all comers affair where one could be a petty criminal one day and suddenly graduate to billionaire status.

Unlike the UK where policy differences determine electoral outcomes (e.g. the conservative concept of a welfare system that catches citizens when they fall but also enables them to rise), in

C M Y K

Politics, an elite affair

Politics all around the world is often an elite affair but good governance is about redistributing wealth in the short term and in the long term, creating the sort of society where coming from a poor background does not condemn one to a life of poverty. However, in Nigeria, those who call themselves elites often do not qualify: neither by birth nor by achievement.

Indeed, closeness to power and the fraudulent gains from said association would not be celebrated in any other country: it would, in fact, be

interrogated.

Although General Buhari belongs to a generation of Nigerian politicians whom I am not necessarily enamoured with, he is a rare breed in our political arena and the single person, I believe, with the moral standing to reform this country. Those who voted for him voted for the man, not his age, the same way constituents who voted for the youngest UK MP since the 17th century, Mhairi Black, regarded her talent as far more important than the exterior it was delivered in.

She ousted a long serving Labour Party heavyweight, in the political equivalent of what it would mean here for a 20 year old to win David Mark’s senate seat. Talent, in most other countries is not sacrificed to “zoning” or whatever excuse we want to give our very Nigerian fear of fresh, bold ideas to change the status quo. Elite interests are

Nigerians in the Diaspora AM saddened by the INigeria many young talents loses to un-

This question applies all over Nigeria as the gains from democracy have been merely cosmetic, except for the political elite who have reaped huge benefits by turning governance into contract sharing

Nigeria we do not care to see that our elected representatives limit our horizons by enshrining a system where the unproductive parts lord it over the productive elements.

investigated accidents involving Nigerian students in the diaspora. Yesterday it was Aisha Falode’s son who

died under questionable circumstances in Dubai.

Now I have just been informed that my own cousin, Tobi SmithFadahunsi perished in a hostel fire in Russia where he

On Nigerian origin of new MPs in UK parliament

W

E praise the UK for electing MPs of Nigerian decent yet we are obsessed with indigenization and federal character. Looking at the social origins of these new British MPs I see that yet again, the West shows us what it means to be a country, not a paper assemblage we call a federation.

In the UK, children of immigrants who do not come from privileged backgrounds have been called to serve their adoptive country. Nigeria did not clothe and educate these people. Britain did. We have no claim to their glory. We now have an opportunity to claim our own glory by promoting policies that work for the common good, not elite or ethnic interests.

We could start by awarding presidential scholarships based on merit: the reasons are obvious.

was studying for his medical degree.

He escaped but went back in to save a classmate. Such heroism and strength of character in America for instance, is celebrated on a daily basis.

Here in Nigeria, we prefer to acclaim the very people who are the sources of our problems. I wonder if the Nigerian embassy in Moscow, in protection of its citizens, will ask Russian authorities the right questions.

I dream of a Nigeria where, like in the West, only intellectual curiosity moves one to leave their country, not financial necessity or in this case, the pursuit of higher education.

Some of Tobi’s age mates in Nigeria are probably yet to graduate, due to incessant strikes and the corrupt nature of our educational sector. In Tobi’s memory and the memory of all those the Nigerian project has sacrificed, change must not be just on paper.

not threatened by the rise of the common man or by anyone who is not part of the system, because, not only is there truly enough to go round, all parties realise there is more wealth to be made and shared in a society where things work for all. Although the UK must also conduct a balancing act between all regions that make up the kingdom (it makes one wonder if in today’s Nigeria the Niger Delta and the South East, like oil producing Scotland, would vote to “stay in the Union” if given the chance), unlike Nigeria this balancing act is not solely based on power sharing agreements but on proposals to develop the common man.

UK's ethnic and regional bias Indeed, ethnic, or regional sentiments exist, even in the UK. Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon has been advocating for a clear Scottish voice in parliament.

Talents from the South-South who could have brought real development to ordinary people in the Niger Delta were sidelined by the Asari Dokubo’s and Tompolo’s of this world, who besides loud often comical pronouncements, have not, like their principal, lifted their hometowns, their people or Nigerians at large, out of poverty.

The Scottish too, feel alienated from the metropolitan elite who from London, decide about their affairs. But in Nigeria, the federal government system means that state governments are directly responsible for the welfare of their citizens: we must ask what governments in the South-South have been doing for 16 years. This question applies all over Nigeria as the gains from democracy have been merely cosmetic, except for the political elite who have reaped huge benefits by turning governance into contract sharing. Why is it that even with the creation of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), one still finds such poverty in the South-South? The NigerDelta in particular must face some hard truths about its leadership and eschew sentiment. I sincerely hope it takes a Hausa, Muslim, and Northerner to bring development to the regions where he got the least support. This will show that the will to do the right thing is stronger than any ethnoreligious bias.

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, MAY 13, 2015

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EADERSHIP of the in-coming National Assembly, like ones before it, is about privileges. None of the aspirants to these important offices has deemed it necessary to tell Nigerians his leadership direction. What do they think about our children? Will rights of Nigerian children ever command passion? Will change include our children’s rights to meaningful life?

• Every child has a right to life • Every child has the right from birth to a name, a nationality, and cared for by parents • Every child has a right to health and health services •Every child has the right to be protected from hazardous or harmful work and economic exploitation • Every child has the right to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.

• Every child has the right to an education

Rights Of Our Children • Every child has the right not to be subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment • Every child has the right to an adequate standard of living •Every child capable of forming views should have the right to express those views freely in matters affecting them • Every child with disabilities should enjoy a full and decent life, in dignity, in conditions that promote selfreliance and facilitate child’s active participation in the community Twenty-five years after adoption of

UNICEF’s Convention on the Rights of the Child - summarised above Nigeria is among leading nations in maltreating children.

About 17,000 children under the age of five, according to UNICEF’s statistics, still die daily from preventable causes, girls, in some societies, stay home while their brothers attend school. Access to medical facilities remains limited; while child labour and exploitation are flourishing.

Nigeria observes child’s rights in breach. The 2003 Child’s Rights Act, CRA, drew its provisions from the

UNICEF convention, copiously quoted above, and include fines and imprisonment for violations. The law is ignored, from governments that have refused to recognise it to individuals who torture children.

States domesticate the CRA, a practice under which they throw out aspects of the law they do not want.

Unchallenged violation of the law - no State can amend a federal law – applies only to the CRA and the Freedom of Information Act, two laws that bear great importance to our future and, present. The National Assembly silence sustains this travesty.

Child marriages are practised in parts of Nigeria. Millions of children are out of school and there are inadequate provisions for their health, sports and recreation. Physically challenged children are ignored or taunted.

Nigeria cannot build a future without children - healthy and educated children.

OPINION

Something is new and things must change

By Tochukwu Ezukanma

A

ONE time American president, Richard Nixon, once wrote that: power is not for everyone because it takes a unique kind of man to win the struggle for power. It takes qualities like courage, perseverance, self-confidence, and especially, the belief in one’s ability to change the course of history to win the struggle for power. Interestingly, these traits are very similar to those required for good leadership. A major problem of Nigeria politics is that the oligarchy that has, for long, run this country, repeatedly, foisted, as presidents/prime ministers, on Nigeria men that lack what it takes to win the struggle for power, and thus, are also devoid of the characteristics of great leaders. For a change, Nigerians elected Mohammadu Buhari, a man with demonstrable qualities to win the struggle for power, and can, thus, effectively, lead Nigeria.

Following the 1959 general election, it was Ahmadu Bello, as the leader of the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), the political party that won the highest number of seats in the federal House of Parliament and formed a coalition government with the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC) that was to be the Nigerian Prime Minister.

Ahmadu Bello had distinguished himself

as a political leader; his political dexterity was a major factor in the political ascendancy of the NPC. Instead, he remained the premier of Northern Nigeria, and appointed his deputy, Abubakar Tafawa Belewa, the Nigerian Prime Minister. In his book, Awoism, Akin Omoboriowo wrote that Tafawa Belewa was a fine man but did not understand, and was not ready to understand, the dynamics of national politics and the intricacies of international economics and politics. Naturally, the Belewa government wobbled under its own weight of ineptitude, dense and cluelessness. It collapsed when Nzogwu and his band of sophomoric revolutionaries, driven by their ill-digested dosage of socialist doctrine, struck.

Fourteen years later, another civilian, Shehu Shagari, became the president of Nigeria. Shagari’s political ambition was limited to being a senator. But, the grasping hawks within his party, National Party of Nigeria (NPN), needed, for their presidential candidate, a man, not wealthy, not too ambitions, not strong

The election of Mohammadu Buhari is a watershed

willed: just compliant and controllable; they chose him. Inherently incapable of winning the slug for power, and totally, unprepared to be president, Shagari set the country on a retrograde movement. Four years of his lackluster leadership, coupled with the emptying of the national coffers by a bunch of kleptomanias masquerading as politicians, left Nigeria tottering perilously at the brinks of an economic collapse.

Jailed, tortured and earmarked for death, Olusegun Obasanjo emerged from prison totally broken. With no ambition of being the next Nigerian president, he desired to convalesce from his physical and psychological wounds in the serenity of his Ota Farm. But the People Democratic Party (PDP) power brokers sought him out, spruced him up and finagled him on the country. Rendered giddy by this unimaginable change of fortune, he wielded presidential powers like a medieval emperor. He rode roughshod over Nigerians. He acted as though he was not just above the law, but that the law was an irksome encumbrance that needed to be trampled. He schemed to remain president beyond the two terms allowed by the constitution. He failed, and then, cobbled together the Yar’Adua/Jonathan presidential ticket and imposed it on Nigerians through the most fraudulent (2007) election in the history of Nigeria.

Yar’Adua, the governor of Katsina State, was gravely ill and not thrilled about being

the president. According to some sources, he had planned to return, at the end of his term as governor, to teach Chemistry at the Ahmadu Bello University. Goodluck Jonathan was an obscure and supple politician that rose to be the governor of his home state of Beyelsa, after the impeachment of Governor Alamesiegha. Obasanjo is a consummate baba: autocratic and paternalistic, and the two men were essentially baba’s boys.

Evidently, Obasanjo planned the emergence of Goodluck Jonathan as president for it was obvious that the seriously ill Yar’Adua would not survive the mental and physical demands of the office of the president. Goodluck Jonathan proved to be the worst Nigerian president. Not only did he fail to fulfill any of his electoral promises, his presidency worsened most of our socioeconomic problems, accentuated our societal vices and heightened ethnic and religious tensions. Exasperated by his unparalleled bad governance, Nigerians voted him out.

The election of Mohammadu Buhari is a watershed: a decisive turning point in Nigerian politics, both because of the nature of the man and the method of his emergence as president. He has proven qualities (pluck, strong will, perseverance and unwavering resolve to redirect the Nigerian society and politics) to win the struggle for power and effectively lead Nigeria. *Mr. Ezukanma, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos.

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—19 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

A legacy of incompetence and corruption

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WO weeks from now, President Goodluck Jonathan’s six years in office would be over. But even before his departure, the judgment of history on his administration already seems clear. This is evident even in the long queues of vehicles at fuel stations across the country, testimony to the level of corruption and incompetence that has marked governance in the last six years.

It may seem rather unfair to judge the president in terms of the failure in the energy sector given the fact that he made his own impact, however little, in other sectors of the economy. But whatever success might be recorded for Goodluck Jonathan has been blighted by the mountain of failures that he chalked-up during his term in office. Nigeria cannot but be angry at the fact that, as producers of oil, they have had to suffer trying to get the commodity in the last three weeks or thereabout.

They would justifiably be angrier at the comments of

insiders of this administration like Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance who claimed several of her colleagues had become victims of high blood pressure as a result of the stress they’ve been under, working to improve the Nigerian economy.

Evidence of these high blood pressure-induced hard work is no where to be seen in the lives of Nigerians, many of whom have to live from hand to mouth.

Perhaps, Mrs. Iweala who has definitely outstayed her welcome in government and others such as Mrs.Diezeani Allison-Madueke have indeed worked hard, but they must have expended their energy on the wrong things, in the wrong direction or simply for their personal benefits. Which is where those who hold brief for them as if they were that vulnerable get it wrong. Diezeani Allison-Madueke’s assumed vulnerability follows the ascent of a Pharaoh (read Buhari) who did not know ‘Joseph’. It is at best a put-on to deflect attention from her recent past as one of the untouchables of the Jonathan

administration whose excesses brought the government to deserved grief.

The government failed royally or Nigerians wouldn’t be spending long hours or even days trying to get a so-called subsidised commodity that is produced right in their back yard. The energy sector in Nigeria can be characterised as the ware house of sleaze and corruption, a mad house where people spend what they don’t have or deep their hands into the commonwealth as if it was their private inheritance. After all, the people there seem to be operating as with a ‘blank cheque’, as the Pricewater House Coopers report has it. Whatever profit there is in the energy sector, or more specifically, that the NNPC makes ultimately ends up in the financial black hole that the Corporation has dug for its own good, in the sustenance of the fabulous lifestyles of officials of the petroleum ministry and the lavish billions allegedly spent on chartered flights.

When one sees the suffering that Nigerians have endured as they

The time is ripe for Goodluck Jonathan to go home and he couldn’t have had a better opportunity after the 2015 election

Tragedy of a beleaguered nation

By Gerald Azike

H

AVE we brought this upon ourselves? As a Nigerian priest resident in Rome, it is always a nightmare confronting the barrage of existential questions concerning my beloved fatherland. Ever since I left the shores of Nigeria and boarded that first flight that brought me over to Europe, I am always bombarded with one question that has today become a millstone— ma padre perche sempre Nigeria? (But Father, why always Nigeria?) The deluge of this question has been such that I have decided to publicly monologize my agony. Perhaps, my pain represents that of many other Nigerians. I need to remark for my would-be critics that my intention here is neither to pontificate in the sanctuary of self-righteous holier-than-thou nor to despise every Nigerian with the same tar. After all, as a Nigerian, I have always followed the natural patriotic instinct in defending her by castigating my questioners as traducers and bigots.

But, a succession of events in these past two weeks has twitched my emotions to cast aside for once that patriotic toga and assume the better side of my humanity which transcends natural instinct to join with my interrogators in asking, but why? As Socrates said, an unexamined life is not worth living.

Therefore, time has come for us to do some soul searching. Why is it that we have always been more in the news for all the wrong reasons? Perhaps, we may be tempted to delude ourselves with the evanescent comfort that our notoriety rather than being real form part of the western conspiracy and neo-colonial journalism. The truth is that the world space has been saturated with news about us. The conspiracy theorists

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among us can no longer justifiably prop up their lame-duck “blame-the-west mentality?

As the success story of our military against the blood-sucking Boko Haram brings us reprieve from the international spotlight on one side, many citizens of our beloved nation on the other side are busy registering new ones. In an interval of two weeks, despite being one nation in about 196 others, our country has been featured in so many stories that have competed with each other for more space in the hall of infamy. From the continent of Europe, where more than 800 immigrants that drowned in the Mediterranean Sea last two weeks included many Nigerians, we moved to Asia where 4 out of 8 drug peddlers that were killed in Indonesia were also Nigerians. While these stories are trying to berth as usual in the shores of our national consciousness that have been tranquilized by the recurring pattern of their cycles, there is again a report in the New York Times of May rd 3 about the international Prostitution ring in Palermo northern Italy where so

Though I may not proffer an allinclusive answer to the question, one direction that offers a flicker is our life style

struggle to purchase fuel from the black market and unauthorised sources, one cannot but conclude that they must be glad President Jonathan didn’t have the benefit of another term in office. His ouster in the March 28, 2015 election looks like a boon from above. It is not hard to imagine what four more years under his rule would have been like. Nigerians would have had to endure yet another four years of misery under the donothing government of an irresponsible leadership. Surely, those four years would not have ended without the country facing some violent rupture of some sorts. Another four year term for Goodluck Jonathan on the same leadership style and frequency would have been an open invitation to chaos and disorder.

In such circumstance, Nigeria would have been clearly divided into two classes of the extremely rich and the abjectly poor, leaving room for the first uprising of the poor against the rich.

It is never a good thing that a government, worse yet an individual, should be remembered in terms of their negative attributes. It however looks like the Jonathan administration would be remembered more in terms of what the president didn’t get right than the things he did for the benefit of Nigeria. This is the price the president must pay for giving free reign to his subordinates to the extent that several of them practically forgot that there was a president elected

by Nigerians and to whom they were accountable. Goodluck Jonathan has been praised for his

many Nigerians are involved.

Out of the 370 women of those rescued and are being rehabilitated at the Caserta safe house, Nigerians form the greater part.

The hard fact that these daily occurrences pose to us is, why is it always Nigeria? Nigeria is presently estimated to be about 175 million yet; we have others countries like China and India whose current populations are about 1.47 and 1.28 billion respectively.

And there are so many others that are not as large as Nigeria but with sizeable populations. Their citizens may not all be angels in international crime rate but none competes with Nigeria. One may not be wrong if he or she is to say that Nigeria is the capo of all. The story is always the same from Europe to America and to Asia.

A quick search for an answer to this inexplicable puzzle may not provide any meaningful result since all the ones proffered defy intellectual categorization. For example, an answer to the question of the influx of thousands of illegal immigrants from Nigeria into Europe across the Mediterranean may be rationalized as the Boko Haram carnage but a simple field assessment makes that answer less credible under the scrutiny of serious logical probe. One reason is that the situation has been there before the Boko Haram and more importantly; almost none or only a few of these immigrants actually come from Boko Haram’sinternally displaced people. Perhaps, one may turn to poverty as the reason which has been the pastime of some western journalists who sometimes relish the ghoulish details of African misery.

But again, the answer may not be completely correct since Nigeria is not the worst off in the poverty index of the world. There are many other poorer nations around, yet their citizens do not perambulate the major streets of Europe and Asia doing nothing as we do. So the

so-called statesmanship by conceding victory in the 2015 election without choosing the path of electoral tribunals and their interminable sessions. But the truth really is that he did not have a better option in the matter. It was, perhaps, in recognition of this and the hostage situation in which he finds himself with his subordinates that he decided to give up on any attempt to contest the outcome of the election. As he himself said in a particularly poignant moment after the election and the release of its result, he had been a prisoner in the powerhouse called government in the last 16 years.

The time is ripe for Goodluck Jonathan to go home and he couldn’t have had a better opportunity after the 2015 election.

Now he can go home to a good rest, whether well deserved or not. If the likes of Ed Milliband, leader of the Labour Party, could take full responsibility for the defeat of his party even when he won his own seat, Nigerians might be making too much of Goodluck Jonathan’s concession of defeat in the last election. It was the logical and responsible thing to do after the wasted billions of Naira and millions of dollars he had spent in the last few weeks before the election in the hope of turning certain defeat into victory. Nigerians wanted him out more than they probably wanted Buhari in. He could have been defeated by any candidate, provided such had the backing of a credible opposition party as the All Progressives Congress was to the Peoples Democratic Party.

question still stubbornly persists and begs for an answer.

Though I may not proffer an allinclusive answer to the question, one direction that offers a flicker is our life style. As a nation, we are enslaved to the culture of materialism and flamboyancy. This explains the anomaly of the get-rich-quick-syndrome which has tainted every institution in Nigeria.

The natural instinct to success which for us starts from wealth acquisition is premised on the calculus of easy money.

Painstaking and long-term hard work is a taboo among many that, merely mentioning them, classifies one today in the company of vieux jeu. That is why corruption is the highest employment of labor in Nigeria. The rot in our moral system is to such that many selfappointed pastors who partake in this unholy alliance of the get-rich-quick syndrome have tried to lure God to sanction their blasphemy.

God has been turned into a miraclewonder-money-minting Being in the hallowed chambers of our religious worshipping houses. In fact, ours is a nation where wealth has usurped the power of the Almighty. Forget the never-ending crusades that dot the major Highways of our beloved nation from Benin to Lagos, from Onitsha to Enugu and other parts of Nigeria. The list is endless.

My dear Nigerians, can we pause for one moment and ask ourselves the fundamental question; what is the meaning of life? Is it defined by my having or by my being? Is wealth better than a good name or is a good name better than wealth? Is the Machiavellian principle of the ends justifying the means all that there is to life? Perhaps, sparing a thought in this direction may save us the post factum regret of that famous Nigerian film Living in Bondage where Paulodid not explain that well to Andy.

•Rev. Fr. Azike, wrote from Rome.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Tanker drivers as road terrorists

By Ebele Orakpo

Posers over death of club member at tennis court

By Bose Adelaja

H

IS death remains a mystery among friends and relatives, especially those who saw him few minutes before his untimely death on Thursday April 23, 2015 . Alhaji Mubarak Lawal was a regular face at Ikeja Country Club, especially at the table tennis section where he usually went to unwind.

Not only that, the 63-year-old was a respected horologist in Ikeja and its environs apart from his kin interest in other businesses which has endeared him to many. No wonder he was often referred to as an authority on business matters.

The father of seven was well respected among family members and friends. The only slur associated with him is the fact that he had parted ways with his first wife and hooked up with a woman who became the centre of attraction for him.

His unexpected death has thrown up a puzzle with many in the neighborhood questioning the rationale behind it. According to findings, Mubarak had left the comfort of his home for the Country Club in company of his wife. Unknown to him and others, it was to be a journey of no return.

Prior to that fateful Thursday, he had fixed an appointment with one of his business associates. But unfortunately he could not honour the appointment as he died few hours after eating some fruits.

Alhaji Lawal was said to have eaten the fruits in the company of his wife before proceeding to the table tennis section of the Club where he complained of a stomach disorder and died on the way to the hospital.

He has since been been buried according to Muslim rites. But his death has not a few eyebrows among friends and relatives who suspect he might have died as a result of food poisoning.

Vanguard Metro, VM, gathered that before his sudden death, he was planning to put up property in Epe and other parts of Lagos.

This has been confirmed by some estate valuers among his numerous friends who bemoan the fact that death had robbed the respected Alhaji to achieve his dream.

But while many expected family members to be in a mourning mood during the period leading to his eight days Fidau prayers, they were shocked to be confronted by the fact of the family being torn apart over the sharing of the deceased’s property. VM gathered that the first son who was said not to be in good terms C M Y K

T

HESE tanker drivers are becoming principalities and powers along ApapaOshodi Expressway oo. They have continued to make life hell on earth for road users on that route,” said Ify, a commuter in the Apapa-bound commuter bus. “Hmm, my sister, no be small matter. My heartbeat increases each time I think of plying this route,” said Jide.

“But did you notice that during the March 28 and April 11 elections, the roads were completely free of the tankers? It was like magic. Where did they all go to? Were they all loaded within 24 hours and went to their various destinations?” asked Ade. “No, they couldn’t have loaded all those trucks within 24 hours. I think the drivers moved them off the roads to a parking lot to avoid their being vandalized,” said Edith.

Retorted Ify: “Oh, so they have a parking lot that could take all those trucks and yet they prefer to be punishing road users by parking on the roads.”

“Of course! And nothing will happen because the owners are the untouchables, the cabals, the Ogas at the top who would frustrate any attempt to find alternative ways to transport petroleum products such as through pipes or railway, or even making our refineries work,” replied Jide. Continuing, he said: “Why do you think that the authorities have not been able to solve the problem?”

“I see. You may be right, otherwise what stops the Armed Forces - Police, Army and Navy from dealing with the recalcitrant tanker drivers once and for all?” asked Edith.

Petroleum products

•Alhaji Mubarak Lawal with his father, suddenly formed an alliance with his step mother to take stock of the deceased’s property, a move which was not supported by the deceased’s friends who have been suspecting foul play over the death of Alhaji..

Also, the second wife was said to be mounting pressure on friends to declare the deceased’s assets. This also has raised

His death has not a few eyebrows among friends and relatives who suspect he might have died as a result of food poisoning

suspicion, prompting some people to claim the father of seven might have been poisoned overnight.

Presumably based on this development, his 7, Faith Close, Morekete-Ikorodu residence appeared abandoned as only few people bother to come around since his death.

During Vanguard’s visit to the neighbourhood, some residents claimed Alhaji Lawal’s death has a spiritual undertone, especially with the way and manner members of his family have responded to it. An acquaintance who pleaded anonymity queried why the first born and his step mother who were usually at loggerhead with the late Alhaji would suddenly unite after the death of the head of the family.

VM gathered that both the first son and the second wife, have been sending messages to Mubarak’s friends and business associates to retire whatever property the deceased had put in their care. But a source in Ikeja Country Club said apart from an office in Ikeja and an uncompleted apartment in Ikorodu, he was not aware the deceased had other properties in other parts of the state as claimed in some quarters.

A resident who pleaded anonymity said the deceased was contracted to market some landed properties in a Lagos suburb after which he would be entitled to an acre of land but he did not meet up with the terms and conditions until his untimely death. But members of his nuclear family never knew the details of this arrangement and thought he owned a vast piece of land, unaware that he did not own any other property apart from his residence.

“As for making our refineries work, Nigeria is a very complex country, the more you look, the less you see. These same untouchables, the ones who have pocketed Nigeria are the owners of the tank farms and the tankers; they also own refineries abroad from where petroleum products are imported; so they will not hesitate to frustrate any attempt to revamp our refineries and stop importation of petroleum products or to use the rails or pipelines to transport petroleum products instead of tankers. They will also continue to frustrate any attempt to revamp the power sector because of their generator business.”

“So sad! All these for selfish reasons. God please help us,” prayed Ify. “The worst part is that the activities of these tanker drivers and their tankers affect us in more ways than one. Number one, they affect people’s health physically and emotionally. Someone said his heart beats faster each time he thinks of hitting this road.

Then the gridlock is killing, staying in one place for hours on end and getting exhausted before you get to the work place. Again, armed robbery attacks have increased on the route, especially in the evenings,” said Ade. “Women are especially affected. You leave home looking refreshingly beautiful and then you enter the traffic. By the time you get to your office, you would be looking like a left-over vegetable, wilted, with all the make-up gone,” said Edith.

“What about the roads and bridges? They are not meant to bear such load. In fact, every single day I go to work and get home safely, I thank God for that day. One can only imagine the level of carnage if a laden tanker catches fire or some terrorists decide to bomb the place or even the bridge collapses,” said Jide. “Bros, no just imagine such. God forbid!” replied Ade. Said Ify: “Have you noticed the stench on the road?

The tanker drivers and others caught in traffic have turned the road to their toilet, bathroom and kitchen all rolled into one. I feel like throwing up each time I pass there.”

“Who gives the go-ahead to site tank farms in residential areas? Lagos govt should have a rethink oo,” pleaded Jide. “We hope the incoming government will tackle the problem head-on; deal with the cabal and make life worth living for the people. A few people cannot continue to hold the rest of us by the jugular for selfish reasons,” said Edith.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

— 21

Six ships expected with fuel at Lagos Port

By Ifeyinwa Obi

O

AWARD: From left: Mr Valentine Ojumah, MD FBN Insurance; Mrs Adenrele Kehinde, Chairman FBN Insurance and Mr Afolabi Olorode, Head Financial Advisory, FBN Capital receiving the award for Africa Deal of the Year at the 2015 M&A Atlas Awards for the Acquisition of Oasis Insurance by FBN Insurance.

BoI disburses N127bn loans to MSMEs in 2014

By Favour Nnabugwu

T

he Bank of Industry (BoI) disbursed N127 billion loans in support of Medium and Small Scale Enterprises in (MSMEs) in 2014 financial year at N127billion Chairman, Board of Directors, BoI, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, said at the bank’s 55th Annual General Meeting, held in Abuja, that the bank was able to wade through the nation’s challenging business environment to achieve loans and advances of N544.3

$133.65 $2,955.00

$13.56 0.04

0.75 33.00

0.08

billion in 2014.

The loans and advances, he added, represent a nine percent growth when compared to the 2013 figure of N498.2bn. “The group achieved loans and advances of N544.3bn.3bn in 2014 compared to N498.2bn in 2013, which represents a growth of nine per cent despite a challenging operating environment.”

He said despite the harsh economic climate, the group’s capital and reserves grew by 5.9 per cent from N153.7bn in 2013 to N162.2bn in 2014.

In the same vein, he said profit for the year improved significantly from N2.18bn in 2013 to N5.19bn representing a growth of 137 per cent.

The Chairman further noted that the growth profitability was an indication that shareholder value was being enhanced owing to its achievement of its developmental mandate.

$65.60 0.69

59.71 CURRENCY

BUYING

0.46

CENTRAL

DOLLAR 196 196.5 POUNDS 303.7608 304.5 357 EURO 218. 344 218.901 FRANC 209.8276 210.3629 YEN 1.6644 1.6386 CFA 0.3161 0.3261 WAUA 274. 941 275.6424 RENMINBI 31.558 31.639 RIYAL 52.2639 52.3972 KRONA 29.2546 29.3292 SDR 275.3016 276.0039

197 305.3106 219.458 210.8982 1.6428 0.3361 276.3438 31.72 52.5305 29.4039 27.7062

CBN Exchange Rate as at 12/ 05 /15 C M Y K

Our bank disbursed loans worth about N127 billion to enterprises, while over 500,000 jobs were created

The bank also declared a dividend of N612 million for the year ended 31st December, 2014, claiming it created over 500,000 direct and indirect jobs from the N127 billion loans disbursed within the year under review.

Th e dividend payment approved by its shareholders at an annual general meeting (AGM) held in Abuja, represents 10 per cent of the bank’s profit after tax of N6.12 billion in the same years.

The bank’s major shareholders are the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). According to the bank, there are 42 other private corporate and individual shareholders.

He said: “In the year under review, our bank disbursed loans worth about N127 billion to enterprises, while over 500,000 jobs were created directly and indirectly through our business activities. The group achieved loans and advances of N544.3 billion in 2014 compared to N498.2 billion in 2013, which represents a growth of nine per cent despite a challenging operating environment,” he said. He noted that the group’s capital and reserves grew by 5.9 per cent from N153.7 billion in 2013 to N162.2 billion in 2014.

Speaking on the future outlook for the bank, Rabiu said BoI would continue to monitor developments in the operating environment in order to ensure that pro-active steps are taken to achieve its corporate objectives.

“Our new strategy blueprint provides a framework within which we shall operate by providing strategic focus in addressing the ever changing needs of our customers.

nly six tanker vessels are currently expected at the Lagos ports with fuel even as the scarcity of the petroleum product has worsened.

Both government and the oil marketers had last week promised that the scarcity would soon be over, but there appears to be no sign that this promise would hold water.

Shipping Position made available by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday showed that only six tankers are expected at the port.

Surprisingly, three of the tanker vessels according to the Shipping Position have been around the port between April 2 and 20.

They were still listed under ‘awaiting berth’, meaning that the vessels were yet to to be allocated berth to start discharging cargo.

The vessels include Sea Horizon with 35,000 mt of PMS (awaiting berth since April 2); Port Steward with 30,000mt of fuel (awaiting berth since April 6) and lux Lucis with 33,l000 mt of fuel (awaiting berth since April 20).

Three other vessels expected with fuel for this month include Eagle Tiger with 15,000 mt, Torm Vita with 27,467mt Sea Strealing and Tadema with 28,000mt. Apart from these vessels which were billed to be in the port between May 10 and 13, one other tanker is expected with 5000mt of diesel of May 25.

For observers, this is an indication, that the fuel crisis will continue for a long time.

Already, this fear is being heightened with the banks reported to be declining in financing fuel imports, describing it as becoming politically too risky.

The scarcity has become a big business for many involved in selling fuel in the black market with a litre going for N200. Some filling stations that have fuel also sell at N150 per litre.

‘Accountancy profession vital to African economic confidence’

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strong accountancy and finance profession is vital to underpin Africa’s national economies, ICAEW will tell delegates next week at the African Congress of Accountants (ACOA) in Mauritius. Tony Hegarty, ICAEW Senior Advisor on International Development (former World Bank CFMO) and ICAEW Regional Director Michael Armstrong will be outlining the need for robust accountancy bodies to safeguard public finances, business and infrastructure for the long term.

ICAEW,aworldleaderintheaccountancy and finance profession, will address an audience of over 1500 accountancy and finance delegates from across Africa at the 3rd biennial congress.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Nigerians are abandoning the community way of living and embracing life insurance which can guarantee a comfortable life to an insured’s family after his or her demis

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Retirement should precede proper planning — Ideva

M

anaging Director of Premium Pension Limited, Mr. Wilson Ideva has stated that retirement that is not preceded by proper planning and preparedness could spell disaster for both the retiree and the society.

Ideva made this assertion in Asaba while delivering a paper at the 2nd edition of the Delta State Bureau of State Pensions Annual Lecture Series.

Ideva said, “Enjoying a hitch-free retirement goes beyond receiving a lump-sum and regular programmed withdrawal from one’s Retirement Savings Account (RSA). It requires in-depth planning and profound mental and psychological conditioning of the retiring worker to equip him to seamlessly adjust to a different kind of life after decades of service to society.

Delivering a paper titled, “Towards Sustaining Stronger Relations Between State and Local Government Bureaux of Pensions and Pension Fund Administration: The Delta State Experience,” Ideva dwelt extensively on the consequences of lack of understanding of the basic requirements for a happy life in retirement and associated ill-preparedness for it.

He said, “A retirement illprepared for could spell disaster both for the retiree and the society and consequently give the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) a bad name and erode the initial gains. The onus falls on the Bureaux of Pensions and the pension operators to run preparatory programmes for workers, especially those on the verge of retirement.”

He further asserted that economically, socially and psychologically stable retirees are the most effective advertisement for the CPS. Ideva called for synergy of all stakeholders in the CPS to ensure that the gains of the industry in the past decade are sustained. “Partnership of relevant government institutions, especially the Bureaux of Pension and the pension operators in the country is the sine qua non for sustaining the current gains of the Contributory Pension Scheme and even expanding

its scope and proliferating its inherent opportunities” he said while calling for the prioritization of awareness creation on the importance and workings of the CPS. To ensure that many more workers are covered by the pension scheme, Ideva advised that every government plan to expand and/or redefine its programmes even as it relates to the private sector must incorporate in-built strategies to accommodate the pension requirements of participants, beneficiaries and key actors as the case may be. He also noted that expanding the CPS to the informal sector of the economy as permitted by the Pension Reform Act 2014 requires some measure of creativity and professionalism on the part of key actors to actualize.

“The CPS is one of the most successful government initiatives that still harbours even greater potential. It requires ingenious and concerted approaches to lift it to the next level,” Ideva stated.

Ideva also seized the occasion to commend the Delta State Government under the leadership of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for its pioneering effort in entrenching the CPS. “Thanks to the solid structures put in place by the Delta State Government, the CPS has been irreversibly entrenched in the state. The State stands out as one of the most consistent states in the processing and remittance of workers/government contribution to workers’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) as well as payment of retirement and death benefits.

“Needless to say that the success of CPS has rekindled workers’ confidence in the system and by extension generated a conducive environment for loyalty and increased productivity. This accounts to some extent for the highly impressive achievements recorded by the State Government in recent times,” Ideva stated.

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

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INSURAN How insurance is taking over the communal way of living

By Rosemary Onuoha

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IGERIANS are communal people by nature. In the past, people of the same community do things in common to the extent that when a bread winner of a family dies, members of his community come together to bring up his children.

Unfortunately, that kind of communal living is fast fading out. The world is changing fast and Nigeria is not left

behind. As the world becomes a global village, the community living is disappearing and everyone is concerned about his immediate family and welfare.

Since there must be something to fall back on should a person suffer a loss, insurance is now the common community where every Nigerian must belong to.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of African

Alliance Insurance Plc, Mr. Alphonse Okpor, said that Nigerians are abandoning the community way of living and embracing life insurance which can guarantee a comfortable life to an insured’s family after his or her demise unlike the community way of living which has proven to be unreliable.

Okpor said, “Nigerians are embracing insurance because initially when we used to live

LECTURE — From left: Wilson Ideva, MD/CEO, Premium Pension Limited and Dave Uduani, MD/CEO Pal Pension Limited during the 2nd edition of the Delta State Bureau of State Pensions’ Annual Lecture Series, in Asaba.

Growing competition dents premium growth

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rimary insurance premiums in the industrialised economies are expected to come under pressure amid a more competitive landscape, according to Munich Re’s annual Insurance Market Outlook.

This will be felt most in the US, the world’s largest property and casualty (P&C) market, with volumes valued at £918 billion ($1.3 trillion).

Global P&C primary insurance premium growth is expected to be 3.2% this year, moderating to 2.7% next year. North America’s premium growth this year is estimated at 3.1%, dropping to 1.5% next year, while Western Europe’s growth is forecast to be 1.6% over the two years.

“In the advanced economies, the positive effect of the improved economic outlook on premium growth is likely to be curbed by the significantly keener competitive situation,” the German reinsurer says.

This is due to the “very solid capital resources” of insurers. Premium growth in emerging markets is estimated to be near

7.5% on average, outpacing the global rate.

Asia’s emerging markets, led by China, are set to grow 9.4% this year and 8.2% next year. “Despite a slight weakening, growth prospects for the insurance industry in the emerging markets of Asia remain good,” Chief Economist Michael Menhart said.

Munich Re expects P&C insurance in industrialised economies to be affected by saturation and fallout from the prolonged low interest rate policies pursued by many central banks. Demand for cover in Asia, especially China, is set to take off sharply as disposable income continues to improve.

“In the emerging economies, additional demand for protection as prosperity continues to grow should remain the main driver for insurance markets in the next 10 years,” Munich Re says. “The No.1 growth region will continue to be the emerging markets of Asia.”

China is set to become the second-largest primary insurance market by 2025, pushing Japan and the UK down to third and fourth respectively.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

CE & YOU community life, and there is any problem in a family and the bread winner dies, the children will be distributed among other relations who may not take good care of the children. But it is no longer that way because people now make provisions for their children, wife or husband depending on the circumstances. People have come to realise that the best way to provide for their children or dependants is to take insurance because insurance does not fail.”

Recounting an encounter, Okpor said, “Sometime ago I went to Kano to present our Islamic insurance. A woman asked me if I realise that Kano is predominantly dominated

by Muslims who don’t believe in insurance. And I told them that Prophet Mohammed in the Quran told us that it is better for you to keep something for your family than to leave them begging others for bread. So the best way to provide for your dependants is insurance because when you die they will continue living happy lives.”

Okpor continued, “In the past, people belonged to social clubs in the hope that their financial security will always be guaranteed.

However, when a member dies, and money for funeral or the family needs to be raised, some members will come up with excuses of not having money, thereby defeating the motive for establishing the club. But insurance does not fail.”

Explaining how life annuity works, Okpor said, “Under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, retirees can buy annuity

sold by insurance companies or they can choose programmed withdrawal which is offered by the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs. Life annuity guarantees you income until death but programmed withdrawal guarantees payment for 18 years. So, if you are 60 years when you retire and you make withdrawal for 18 years, which will be 78 years, will you go back to work after that? That is why annuity is gaining ground because it is till death.”

Group Managing Director of Industrial & General Insurance Plc, IGI, Mr. Rotimi Fashola said that evidence suggests that life insurance has been boosted by the introduction of compulsory group life policies among companies and public sector organisations.

He said that rising wages and disposable incomes are leading to rapid growth in home and car ownership, which together increased the insurance market. He also said that the rejuvenated policy of ‘no premium, no cover’ of the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, has

Rising wages and disposable incomes are leading to rapid growth in home and car ownership, which together increased the insurance market

boosted liquidity in the insurance sector.

The way forward

On the way forward, these experts are of the opinion that if government will take the insurance sector serious, the sector will experience rapid growth and higher contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP. According to Fashola, “Government and its agencies have been paying lip service to the importance and benefits of insurance, without serious patronage and support. There is hardly sufficient budget provision for payment of insurance premium by government and its agencies.

Therefore, when insurance services are patronised, payment of the premium becomes an issue, a clear negation of the provisions of the law on ‘no premium, no cover ’. Some government parastatals or enterprises are funded without allocation for insurance. Many insurance policies contracted by the MDAs in the past were not renewed, thus leaving the assets exposed to risk, damage and losses without insurance protection. Many of the parastatals are no longer contracting insurance, certainly in breach of some of the compulsory insurances, because of the government budget system.”

Fashola added that there is need for federal government to support the quest for accelerated insurance penetration and density in Nigeria through micro insurance and takaful insurance.

People have come to realise that the best way to provide for their children or dependants is to take insurance because insurance does not fail

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Impact of Nepal earthquake minimal on global reinsurers, substantial for local sector

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major earthquake of 7.8 magnitude struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, with significant property damages and fatalities in the Himalayan country.

Estimation on insured loss has yet to be completed as rescue work and assessment are still under way.

Although this devastating earthquake is expected to bring significant economic and human losses, insured cost is expected to stay at a minimal fraction of total economic loss due to low insurance penetration in the area.

From a global perspective, A.M. Best believes this event is not expected to have a major impact on the current reinsurance market.

However, the event is expected to have an adverse impact on both local and some regional players due to significant cost from property and motor losses brought on from the powerful quake.

Most of the small-sized carriers in Nepal will be challenged to absorb this relatively huge catastrophe loss and its impact on their operating results.

Additionally, some regional players, such as Indian companies with life, non-life and reinsurance business operations in the quake affected areas, are also expected to face recurred losses from the event.

A.M. Best commented that the ratings of General Insurance Corp. of India, and Royal Insurance Corp. of Bhutan Ltd., remain unchanged. Their net losses after reinsurance recovery are expected to be small relative to their capital and surplus, although their operating results will be adversely influenced by the

quake. The event is not expected to pose a significant impact on the companies’ riskadjusted capitalization.

Nepal has a relatively small insurance market with total non-life premiums of about USD 102 million in 2013. The market consists of 16 non-life and one composite insurance company.

Non-life insurance penetration as a percentage of gross domestic product stays below 0.5% in Nepal. Motor and property are the two major non-life lines of business in the area.

Earthquake cover is mandatory and is provided in an extension of fire policies.

Earthquakes are a major natural peril risk affecting Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley is particularly vulnerable, and has been hit by some severe earthquakes in the past. The most recent earthquake in Nepal devastated properties and infrastructures, with the capital city of Kathmandu bearing the brunt of the quake.

Neighboring regions of India, Tibet, and Bangladesh were also affected by the earthquake.

Most of the loss claims are expected to come from Kathmandu. Large motor insurance claims are anticipated due to the quake’s extensive damages on vehicles in the area. As a popular tourism and mountain trekking location, the earthquake is also expected to bring travelrelated loss claims from tourists.

Nepal’s life sector is also expected to be affected by this event given the rising death tolls now estimated at over 7,500 as of May 6, 2015.

Nepal’s life premiums amounted to USD 175 million, accounting for about 63% of total insurance market share in 2013.

GAINERS FOR EQUITIES

LOSERS FOR EQUITIES CONFERENCE: From left: New Chapter President International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Mr Eze Odigbo; First President (IRWA), Mr Charles Ebiai and New Secretary (IRWA), Mrs Akobundu Ken during IRWA Chapter 84 Nigeria Educational Conference and Installatain of new officers in Abuja.

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24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Unilever shareholders okay 10k dividend, lament cost of borrowing

By Peter Egwuatu

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HAREHOLDERS of Unilever Nigeria Plc have unanimously approved the 10 kobo dividend per share proposed by its Board of Directors, even as they laments over high cost of borrowing from the banks.

The shareholders at the 90th Annual General Meeting, AGM held yesterday in Lagos approved a total payout of N378.3 million dividend for the financial year ended December 31, 2014.

Speaking at the AGM, shareholders commended the company for declaring divided, even as they seek for higher amount in the next financial year. According to them “We really pity the manufacturing industry for the turbulent business environment they operate upon. Nevertheless, we advise the Board to reduce the high

cost of carrying out its business. Expenses like marketing, administrative etc should be reduced .We are not happy that the company is spending so much servicing loans from the banks. Instead of borrowing from banks at high interest rate the company can seek fresh funds from the existing shareholders.”

In his remarks at the meeting, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh said “We really appreciate the contribution of the shareholders and are doing everything possible to reduce cost. It is evident that the business environment will be more daunting in 2015, but we will remain focus in keeping on our priorities to satisfy our consumers. We are committed to stay and invest in Nigeria.

Our ambition is to continue to deliver value to all ousr stakeholders and positively affect our communities by leveraging on the Unilever

Sustainable Living Plan.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the company, His Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe commended the shareholders for their useful contributions to the growth of the company.

“The tough business decision taken in 2014 have evolved a Unilever Nigeria Plc that is better placed to thrive within the ever increasing volatile, uncertain , complex and ambigous operating business environment. We shall be more aggressive about driving down costs and actively finding savings throughout all facets of our value chain. We are confident that we will be successful in more sustainable way as we apply ourselves with energy and determination, to execute our strategy with rigour ” the Chairman added.

BRIEFING: From left: Group Head, Customer Experience Management Group, Sterling Bank Plc, Mrs. Titilayo Ogundipe; Executive Director, Finance and Strategy/Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman and Head of Strategy, Mr. Ighodalo Aimienwanu, during the bank’s pre Annual General Meeting, AGM, press briefing, in Lagos.

ICAN, Ashaka Cement boss, others join CIS council

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ine distinguished chartered stockbrokers have been elected to the Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) as part of the ongoing transformation of the institute into a world class professional body.

Their election was endorsed after the institute’s recent Annual General Meeting.

The new Council members who had earlier undergone rigorours screening are: The President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Mr Chidi Ajaegbu, Managing Director and CE0 of Ashakacem Plc, Mr Kwairanga Umaru, Managing Directory ,Arthur Steven Asset Management Ltd., Mr 0latunde Amolegbe, Managing Director/CE0, Network Capital Ltd., Mr 0luropo Dada, Managing Director/CEO of Vetiva Capital Management Ltd., Mr Chukuka Eseka, Chairman, Investigating Panel of the CIS, Mr Muiz Kareem, General Manager, Stambic IBTC Bank Plc, Mr Yusufu Modibo, Deputy Managing Director, Fund C M Y K

Ouest Financial Services Ltd., Mr Olabisi Oni and the Institute’s Chairman, Professional Development Committee, Mr 0yewole 0yeniyi. Ajaegbu, the ICAN’s golden jubilee President is the founder and CEO of Mutual Alliance Market Ltd, a fellow of ICAN and CIS among others.

He holds Master’s Degree in Banking anf Finance from University of Lagos.

Ajaegbu currently hruns Chidi Ajaegbu Educational Foundation which awards scholarship annually. Kwairanga is a consumate banker and veteran stockbroker.

He holds an MBA from Liverpool John Moores University, UK andvM Sc in Corporate Governance. He has served in various capacities in the financial and real sector of the economy. He was the institute’s Chairman, 1995 Local 0rganising Committee in Bauchi State. Amolegbe holds an MBA and M Sc in Corporate Finance from University of Ilorin and Russel-List University in the United Kingdom. .

The power sector and the incoming Buhari administration (2)

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here are many power has indicated that it has sector projects that are achieved over 80% completion being executed by the Niger of the NIPP but the impact of Delta Power Holding this completion rate has not Company, NDPHC. Over the been felt on the national grid. years, the public had been The Nigerian Electricity told to expect improvements Regulatory Commission, in the power supply available NERC, has suggested that on the national grid and these project management failures at improvements were to come NDPHC are responsible for this from NDPHC projects. The state of affairs.

NDPHC has as its owners the The Transmission Company of Federal Government, FGN, Nigeria, TCN, has indicated to the State Governments, and NERC that it wants an upward the Local Governments. The review of the existing tariffs for NDPHC projects are its services. The TCN wants to collectively described as the improve the reliability of the National Integrated Power existing system such that it can Projects, NIPP. The NIPP deliver 7000MW of generated include a number of power power to the electricity generating distribution stations, 330kV companies. The and 132kV power TCN also wants to Each power transmission expand the power lines, new 330kV generating transmission and 132kV station, its network from its transmission current capacity substations and associated gas of 7000MW to the associated supply and the 10000MW within 330kV/132kV a two-year period. and 132kV/33kV transmission One of the t r a n s f o r m e r s , infrastructure electricity expansion of connecting it to d i s t r i b u t i o n existing 330kV companies, Ikeja and 132kV the national grid Electric, has t r a n s m i s s i o n should be indicated that its substations and delivery capacity new low-loss considered as has improved i n j e c t i o n one unit from 750MW to substations for 1000MW since the power distribution the core investor took over systems. management in November The power generating 2013. This suggests that the stations are named as follows; total capacity of all the Ihovbor in Edo State, Calabar electricity distribution in Cross River state, Egbema companies would be less than in Imo State, Olorunsogo in 8000MW if a similar level of Ogun State, Gbarain in improvement has been Bayelsa State, Omotosho in achieved in other electricity Ondo State, Geregu in Kogi distribution companies.

State and Omoku in Rivers The incoming administration State. should consider all the above The power generating in the determination of what the stations are the centerpieces capacity of the national grid of the NIPP and the projects should be at any point in time. were started during President The incoming administration Obasanjo’s second term, 2003 should adopt a new strategy for to 2007. The power generating the NIPP. Each power stations in Ogun State, Ondo generating station, its State and Kogi State were associated gas supply and the additional to commitments transmission infrastructure already made by the FGN at connecting it to the national these locations while the grid should be considered as others were located in the oil one unit. The unit with the producing states such that the earliest completion date should power generating stations be taken first and all available would be close to natural gas resources should be sources. concentrated on this unit until All the power generating it is connected to the national stations require to be grid. The other units should be connected to the national grid considered and brought to through the provision of completion one after the other. transmission lines and transformers. The NDPHC To be continued

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 —25

DIARY zICT Africa Cape Town, South Africa July 15-16, 2015

•Juwah: Enough is enough!

z eLearning Africa 2015 Lagos, May 20-22, 2015

Preview XploR Smart Cane Identifies Friends

•Mobile sets

NCC wields the big stick over unsolicited messages •Explains why poor QoS persists •Partners security agencies to arrest phone related crimes •Declares telecom right, fundamental

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HE XploR mobility cane does more than help the visually-impaired navigate their environment—it also helps them recognize friends.

Created by a trio of students from Birmingham City University, the XploR cane is equipped with facial recognition technology that allows it to identify a familiar face from up to 33 feet away. The faces are supplied by the user and stored on an internal SD card, which the system uses to check and identify faces.

When a face is deemed familiar, the cane will vibrate and guide the user to the person via GPS and auditory instructions sent through an earpiece.

C M Y K

By Prince Osuagwu, Laju Iren & Emmanuel Elebeke

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he Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC said it could drop the hammer without further warnings on any operator found violating the rule against sending offensive, unwanted and , unsolicited messages to subscribers.

I N S I D E

The commission which admitted that its office was inundated with complaints from subscribers on the development, has on several occasions warned operators to desist from sending unsolicited texts and calls to subscribers or risk sanctions.

However, despite the repeated warnings, the operators carried on business as usual and now the commission says its hammer will fall on erring operators without further warning.

Executive Vice Chairman of the

Lenovo targets selfie crazy Nigerians with S90 dual smartphone!

PAGE 26

Despite the repeated warnings, the operators carried on business as usual and now the commission says its hammer will fall on erring operators without further warning

‘Reform bill could make NIPOST biggest bank in Nigeria’ PAGE 28

commission, Dr. Eugene Juwah, used the opportunity of a conference organised by the Lagos Chapter of the National Institute of Public Relations, last week, to drive the point home.

He also frowned at the persistent drop in the quality of telecommunications services QoS. Although, Juwah, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo explained that inadequate power supply, multiple taxation and regulations, vandalization of telecom infrastructure, right of way challenges, infrastructure deficit among others issues were responsible for poor QoS, he however expressed optimism that these bottlenecks would soon be tackled.

He added that “the commission was working on a framework to Continues on page 28

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Lenovo targets selfie crazy Nigerians with S90 dual smartphone!

Internet, essential part of human life, says Spectranet boss

By Maximilian Anosike

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anaging Director of Spectranet, Mr David Venn has said that consumers all over the world, including Nigeria, are increasingly embracing the Internet as the next revolution in gaining access to information and entertainment.

Explaining while unveiling new logo of the company recently,Venn said that most people use the internet to deepen social relationships; as an alternative to traditional means of communication and or directly making their voice heard in public debates.

“For instance, in Nigeria, customers use our services not only to access their emails and browse the Internet, but also to communicate via Facebook,Twitter and Skype, to watch videos on YouTube, play multi-player games across the world or to watch full feature movies. Families are using broadband service to do this every day and the Internet is fast becoming an essential part of modern family life”.

He provided another example with the recent Nigerian general elections, saying “We were all witnesses to the impact that the Internet

played. For Nigeria it heralded a new era in information dissemination and engagement process as well as advertising. The 2015 elections proved, without doubt, that social media can no longer be excluded from political campaigns. Live updates from the electoral fields were also reported from eyewitness accounts.

Nigerians across the globe glued to online TV to gain access to up-to-the-minute information. th, “On March 28 for example, Channels TV had more than 10,000 viewers watching the presidential election live via internet streaming. Internet has become part of our lifestyle in Nigeria and we can see its impact felt in almost every facet of our lives. The individual is now a major player in the happenings around him, powered by Information Communication Technology”.

He added that “at Spectranet we understand the needs of our customers very well and have kept on improving services to offer the best internet solution in the country. Spectranet has gone beyond 3G. We are the 1st 4G LTE Network in Nigeria”.

By Prince Osuagwu

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or top Execs whose responsibilities include working on the go, Lenovo may not be a strange name. Manufacturer of Personal computers, Lenovo is currently occupying number one spot in computer market, according to IDC statistics.

However, like Oliver twist, it desires more, especially, to replicate same feat in the mobile ecosystem. To achieve this, it strategically acquired Motorola in 2014 and this acquisition has given aggressive impetus to its smartphone agenda.

So when it debuted recently with a line of smartphones with very distinct personalities, it wasn’t much of a surprise to many.

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA

By Agbolade Omowole @iamagbolade

How DNA modification could change your Facebook profile

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n April 21 2015, researchers led by Junjiu Huang, a gene-function researcher at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou reported editing the genomes of human embryos. This is the first time it is happening in the history of the world.

In future, when gene editing is perfected, we may see super humans with enhanced skills, techniques and gifts. Here, I will show you how gene editing or DNA modification can affect social media. In other words, it wouldn’t be surprising to see, post 2045, a Facebook profile which reads:

unnecessary to go to tertiary institutions.

You can just upload what you want directly into your mind.

If you want to be a doctor, you will be able to download all the needed knowledge directly onto your mind.

Age – 150: By 2045, DNA modification will make it possible to revitalize dead cells in the human body.With DNA editing, it will be possible to program the body against diseases. This means that before birth, you can program your child against diseases such as ebola, diabetics, HIV/ AIDS, and other life threatening diseases.

It will be possible to reprogram the body cells when they are weak, leading to radical life expansion.

Height - 12 feet tall: Sultan first became the world’s tallest living man in 2009. He is 8 ft 1 inch tall.

DNA modification can make it possible to decide before child birth if you want your child to be a giant or of average height.

Designer humans: DNA modification will lead to designer babies. You can decide to have a red, blue, green, purple or pink eyeball. You can decide to have hair that will be as long as your height, you can decide to be black or white.

Education - Primary school: DNA modification will make it

Language - English and 50 other languages: DNA modification and genetics will make it possible to develop super humans that will be extremely intelligent as compared to the humans we have today.

Here, Hi-Tech p r e s e n t s highlights to one of the devices, Lenovo S90 dual-SIM , which seemed to catch the fancy of many at the launch in Lagos recently.

Selfie made easy Cam The device features 8megapixel front-facing camera that is fitted with an LED flash, a combination that selfie fans are surely going to fall in love with. Its 13-megapixel main camera, also comes with an LED flash and ensures crisp and clear pictures no matter the lighting condition.

Stylish design The Lenovo S90 comes with trendy aluminium alloy unibody. Its fingerprintresistant feature makes it tough enough to resist scratches and smudges. At just 129 grams, the S90 feels very light and its size 71.7mm x 6.9mm x 146mm makes it great for one-handed use.

Despite its minimal weight, the device still boasts of a premium look and feel.

Sleek and slim with a thickness of just 6.9mm, the Lenovo S90 looks perfect for style-conscious users.

HD Super AMOLED Display The device’s 5-inch HD Super AMOLED display uses less power and reflects less light, resulting in sharper and brighter visuals, even when outdoors on sunny days. The HD Super AMOLED display lets the user enjoy more vivid colours and deeper blacks. The device also boasts a wide-angle viewing feature that makes it ideal for sharing multimedia with family and friends. Another unique feature of the S90’s display is its smart brightness option. This feature detects harsh lighting hitting the device’s display and automatically adjusts screen brightness.

Powerful performance Lenovo says it has designed the S90 to bring impressive performance to its users. A 1.2GHz 64-bit quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor gives fast and impressive speed to the

smartphone. With its 2GB of RAM and Adreno 306 graphics chip, user can play high-end 3D games, enjoy smooth transitions on high-quality HD movies and easily handle multiple applications simultaneously on the device.

The S90’s powerful Android 4.4 KitKat operating system takes system performance to an all-time high by optimizing memory and improving the touchscreen so that it responds faster and more accurately.

Stellar selfie credentials Step up your selfie game with the Lenovo S90. Not many devices in the crowded smartphone market focus on their front-facing camera – most devices feature a 5-megapixel front shooter; but the S90’s whopping 8-megapixel, wideangle front sensor, accompanied by an LED flash, is bound to sweep selfie enthusiasts off their feet.

Unlimited music To further amplify the mobile experience of its users, the Lenovo S90 comes with the wildly popular Guvera music application pre-installed. The application lets you enjoy unlimited access to over one million songs free of charge every time the user goes online.

Built-in Apps The Lenovo S90 features Lenovo’s built-in DOit series of applications that let the user do more with the devices. With the SHAREit feature, a user can instantly share pictures, videos, music files, documents, contacts and even applications with up to five devices without an internet connection. It wirelessly transfers information or even the application itself between devices at a rate of up to 40 times faster than Bluetooth. SECUREit optimizes and protects your mobile data with its menu of dataprotection tools. With a single touch, it protects against viruses, spam and malware, and if your smartphone gets lost or stolen, anti-theft protection locks it down. SECUREit acts as a privacy guard to protect against unwarranted access to your private information and also makes the smartphone operate faster by taking actions such as closing redundant background apps.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 27

NBC to tackle anti competitive practices in Nigerian broadcasting ecosystem

By Emeka Aginam

T

he National Broadcasting Commission, NBC, has said that it would tackle headlong the long standing issue of competition within the Nigerian TV market.

The Commission had recently invited an international team of TV market consultants to undertake an economic baseline study of the sector.

Sources at the Commission disclosed that in order to adequately deal with some of the issues which has arisen from both the digital transition and the competition issues within the Nigerian broadcasting market, the NBC recently set up the DigiGroup Contact Team made up of broadcasters, signal distributors, set top box manufacturers, legal and technology experts.

The team, according to NBC, would specifically undertake a review of current market structures to see if there are any restrictions to content, including premium rights and events.

Accordingly, the team will also look at whether such restrictions hinder the emergence of new services, and platforms, and their ability to compete effectively.

The consultants, among other things, would also assess other issues such as: Market dominance, network, program access rules and content exclusivity; impact of the advertising market on broadcast revenue and operations; with particular attention to revenue returns for broadcast stations.

The consultant, NBC said would examine whether any current market conduct adversely affects revenue for broadcasting stations in Nigeria.

•Broadcast equipment

This is of vital importance because the economic survival of the broadcasting market depends on the operation of the advertising market.

Furthermore, the commission is set to institute a team of local and foreign experts to examine the role of foreign sports broadcasting property rights, such as football rights on the cost of pay television in Nigeria as against the development of our local leagues, and its impact on the cost of pay television in Nigeria.

The committee which shall be formally constituted soon, NBC said shall work to reduce the possible impact of such rights on the cost of our local TV rates.

It would be recalled that there was a court action against Multichoice Nigeria Limited (DSTV) on the indiscriminate increase in their subscription fees.

Meanwhile, Nigerian pay-tv market is under the stranglehold of DSTV due to its early entry into the broadcast market and its already established dominance in South Africa.

WITIN challenges women on careers in STEM

By Prince Osuagwu

W

omen in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) last week, while celebrating the ‘International Girls ICT Day’ called on the girl child to take up careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, STEM so they can brighten their future.

President of the group, Mrs. Martha Omoekpen-Alade at the career fair organised to mark the occasion, said the event was put together to challenge the over hundred girls from several secondary schools in Lagos state, to sample the various career options available in the STEM field.

In her remarks, Omoekpen-Alade noted that a good percentage of girls were not going into science and engineering because they had no idea of the options available in the fields giving rise to her showcasing over 40 different career options in ICT alone in the fair. She stressed the need to have more girls in STEM as there is huge gender parity in most tech companies. “Research has shown that companies with a more balanced workforce with women on board do better; their products would satisfy the needs of consumers more. As long as users of technologies remain diverse, producers and inventors of technology must have diverse and balanced teams of males and females. This diversity can only be attained if girls begin to consider careers in STEM. Early interventions will enable girls understand that, limitless opportunities abound for them if they leverage on careers available in the field”.

Alade noted that stakeholders lament globally over the high rate of women dropout in the STEM field but revealed that WITIN with its partners were committed to reducing the female gender STEM leaky pipeline.

Also the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, district VI, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso commended WITIN on efforts in bridging the gender digital divide in the state, promising that the state government would always support where necessary.

Osifeso who was represented by Assistant Director of Education, District VI, Mrs. Taiwo Temitayo highlighted WITIN’s interventions including the training of teachers in the district and equipping girls with technology, saying many girls in the state had benefitted a lot from the schemes.

•Girls in tech

Co-Creation Hub, Oracle partner to empower young tech-preneurs

By Laju Iren

I

f there is a place you can smell genius in Nigeria, it’s probably the CoCreation Hub in Yaba, Lagos. It’s the place where BudgIT Co-Founder, Oluseun Onigbinde and his team incubated an idea that earned One million dollars in returns, and 400,000 dollars in investment in 2014. Although BudgIT no longer performs its genius from the CCHub, and has most likely repaid the seed funding provided the Hub, the company still gets mentorship from members of its board who are, not surprisingly, members of BudgIT’s board.

But Onigbinde is just one of the many tech entrepreneurs that the CCHub has helped incubate. About 100 young innovative Nigerians go through the sixth floor of the building that houses the hub six days a week. Their access to electricity, superfast internet and a host of bright minds to evaluate ideas is worth much

more than the N30, 000 a month which they pay as a membership fee. But it goes beyond that; on that same floor are a fewer number of innovators whose ideas the hub has provided funding ranging from 7,000 to 12000 USD. The whiff of genius gets stronger on a lower floor which houses an even fewer number of young innovators who have received seed funding ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 USD. This particular floor serves as an incubator for Mamalette, a parenting website specifically targeted at young mothers. The site currently has over sixty thousand likes on facebook; Traclist, an eCommerce platform for small fashion retailers; Asa, a brand of mobile phone apps and games specifically designed to preserve African culture; Efiko, a mobile social quiz platform designed to enhance learning among secondary school students; Truppr, a social fitness app, as well as Vacant Boards which specializes in providing an online

outdoor advertising marketplace.

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola’s Wecyclers also operates from the Hub. Wecyclers offers convenient household recycling service using a fleet of low-cost cargo bikes and is powering social change using the environment by allowing people in lowincome communities to capture value from their waste. Although Wecyclers is just over two years old, the company currently has about 80 employees and 7,000 registered homes on its platform. Weyclers collect selected wastes from these homes, weigh them and give points back to the households. After three months, gifts are given to the households based on the number of points. Adebiyi-Abiola who told Hitech that only about 10% of waste is Africa is collected, also said: “The Co Creation Hub has been of tremendous support to us. They helped us get a grant and have given us space and great mentorship.”

If you can smell genius at the Co

Creation Hub, it’s probably because the management of the hub relying on the support of partners like Oracle According to CCHub Co Founder, Mr. Femi Longe, individuals and organizations can use technology to move Nigeria forward. ‘The bulk of solutions that we create here is largely dependent on technology, and Oracle is an organization that moves technology forward. Our partnership with Oracle has proved rewarding for all parties involved.” The CCHub currently uses Oracle’s Alice to teach kids programming, it also conducts a Java User Group every weekend for students of tertiary institutions. But the partnership goes beyond software, Oracle has also given two generous grants to the Hub in its five years of existence.”

For the Oracle country Manager, Mr. Adebayo Sony: “Technological innovations should serve as a major source of revenue for Nigeria, and this is only possible through Public-Private Partnership.

28—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

By Emmanuel Elebeke

A

S the seventh National Assembly winds up to pave way for the eighth Assembly, one thing that remains uppermost in the minds of many in the Communication and information sector is passage of the Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, reform bill into law.

Although time may not be on the side of the outgoing Assembly to do the needful in passing the bill, stakeholders in the sector are expectant that the law makers would be writing their names in gold in the ongoing financial inclusion agenda of the Central Bank of Nigeria, if they pass the bill into law, given the strategic role it is expected to play in making NIPOST not just a safe a reliable reservoir of valuables but also the biggest bank in the country.

One of those deeply concerned is the President, Senior Staff Association of Communication and Information Union of Nigeria, NIPOST branch, Mr. Imafidom Gabriel, who expressed worry over the seeming delay and refusal of the outgoing seventh assembly to pass the bill into law before the handover date.

If passed into law, he said the bill is capable of replicating the magic in United States and Japan, where such bill when passed in 1972 transformed the Post into an enviable public sector entity and biggest bank respectively.

He appealed to the law makers to consider the bill on its merit and expedite action towards its passage into law before the expiration of their tenure to fast-track the ongoing reform of the Post.

“The US mail became what it is today from 1972 after the reform bill was passed, prior to then, it was a full government entity but from 1972, the government removed its hand.

“The postal reform bill as it is called, is expected after the passage into law by NASS to empower the NIPOST from public sector postal service and there are a lot of things we can do. For instance we are going to be involved in the financial inclusion drive, in terms of payment, receiving deposits and rest of them.

“The biggest bank in Japan is a Postal Service bank. If the bill is given to us, NIPOST will now go fully into becoming a public sector entity,” he said.

Comrade Imafidon, who spoke while presenting two new 15-seater Toyota buses to members of staff belonging to the union to mark Workers Day in Abuja, said the union as stakeholders will soon come up with marshal plans with which to lobby for the quick passage of the bill into law, but maintained that the union is not going to relent in its drive to secure quick passage of the bill

‘Reform bill could make NIPOST biggest bank in Nigeria’ The postal reform bill as it is called, is expected after the passage into law by NASS to empower the NIPOST from public sector postal service and there are a lot of things we can do

to move the sector forward.

“We are still going to be involved. As a union, we are stakeholders to whatever happens in NIPOST. We are going to start doing something, we are going to come out with adverts, to lobby and appeal to members of NASS to facilitate quick passage of this bill. We don’t know if the seventh assembly will pass it but so long as the bill is with them, they might do it and for us we will not give up the fight,” he added.

•Ibrahim Mori Baba

NCC wields the big stick Continues from page 25 sanction service providers for unsolicited text messages. Of course, there are times the operator might need to communicate messages that could be extremely relevant to the subscribers. But we are working on reducing incessant text messaging as a whole.”

He however called on consumers to “take advantage of us so that the operators will not take advantage of you.’ ‘We enlighten the consumers about their rights. As regulators we believe that you as the consumer must insist on your right.

Incidentally, telecoms is the only sector where the consumers want the regulators to do everything.

But there are other areas like aviation where people do not even know where to complain.

“But in the case of the NCC, there are many options. The first level of complaint is the service provider. If you are not satisfied after making complaint to the service provider, then you can call the NCC on toll free number 622.Between January and now, we have received about 836 complaints. 80% of them have been successfully treated. There is also Mobile Number Portability scheme which gives you the power to fire your service providers but retain your old number. It gives people the power of choice”.

Reasons for poor QoS He admitted that “Quality of Service currently being experienced is not acceptable but having gone through the rigors of several meetings with operators, it is proper to let the public know that the regulator is not complacent. According to public hearing held by the

National Assembly in 2008, power was considered to have contributed more than 40 percent to QoS issues.

‘Telecommunications depend on power to run 24/7. Just as individuals in Nigeria generate their power, so has telecommunications services generated much of the power it utilizes. The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has put the estimated cost of running two generators in each of the over 25,000 base stations sites in Nigeria today at about N5 billion monthly. ATCON says while Nigeria’s service provider spends 80% OPEX (operating expenses) on power generation, in Malawi, it is just some 5%. This captures the explanation as the service providers would have been in a position to channel more resources to tackling the issues of QoS.’ Multiple taxation and regulation, Juwah also noted that “we have a very nagging issue of regulations and taxes awaiting the telecom operators at different levels of government. Some of these regulations are made outside of the purview of the telecom regulator. There are states and local governments where telecom infrastructure is seen as fertile ground for improving internally generated revenue as these infrastructures must be available to make services possible. In some areas, state governments, local governments, or even some federal government agencies have had to force a close down of base stations with the implication of disconnecting many localities from the network thereby adding to the QoS

Essentially, what we are saying is that telecommunication is life and it has affected the way we live daily

challenge” Right to communication, fundamental In a related development, there are indications that if Commission puts final touches to its plans of ensuring compliance to the demands of the International Telecommunications Union, ITU that telecommunication be seen as a fundamental human right, one could go to prison in Nigeria for denying anybody the right to telecommunications.

This is what actually implies if any fundamental human right is violated. The NCC, in ensuring that every aspect of digital dividend accrues to the Nigerian, has declared that the subscribers and indeed all Nigerians should become aware of this fact.

Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Tony Ojobo at a recent forum hosted by the Commission to enlighten telecommunications subscribers on how to enjoy the new life that has come with mobile telecommunication revolution in Nigeria, declared “basically, what we do is to create the enabling environment for telecommunications to grow to be

able to provide access. The I n t e r n a t i o n a l Telecommunications Union has indicated that telecommunications has now become a fundamental human right. This means that wherever you are, you should have access.

“When we talk about universal access, we are talking about access to telecommunications within five-metre radius. So our mandate is to ensure there is access to telecommunications for all Nigerians. “ We also set quality of standards. We ensure compliance to those standards and where it is established there has been breaches; of course, the commission imposes some kind of penalties.”

He added, “When we talk about telecommunications, people talk about the regular voice communications but it goes beyond that.

Now data communication has become key to our lives.

“It includes the transactions you have on the ATM machines.

It includes the communications you have with the POS terminals when you go to the supermarket.

Now, all of these are services riding on telecommunications.

Essentially, what we are saying is that telecommunication is life and it has affected the way we live daily.

Security Ojobo also noted that the Commission had done so much to support security agencies by establishing a robust data base of telephone users in Nigeria through the concluded Sim Card registration exercise.

This databse, he revealed has provided easy way for security agencies to nip phone related crimes in the bud

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—29

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30—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Capt Bob Hayes, Nigeria’s first pilot, turns 80 today

By Kenneth Ehigiator

N

IGERIA’S first ever pilot, Capt. Robert Emmanuel Hayes, turns 80 today but has chosen to celebrate it quietly, only with a church service, in London, where he is currently based, to mark the day.

At as time the nationalists were in the struggle to liberate the country from colonialism, Capt.

Hayes was busy nurturing the idea to be a pilot, even though the business of flying at the time was monopolised by the British.

This was the time of British Overseas Airways Corporation, BOAC, which dovetailed into the West African Airways Corporation, WAAC. In 1955, he became the first Nigerian to be certified a pilot, five years before independence in 1960.

Born on May 13, 1935, in Benin City, Edo State, Capt. Hayes attended St. Patrick Catholic School, Sapele, Delta State and Government College, Warri (now Government College, Ugheli) also in Delta State. He picked up interest in flying while watching the Royal Marine officers on duty in Sapele in the 50s and desired to join the Royal Air Force.

Interest in flying

During his holiday in Benin City, Captain Hayes will always visit the Benin Aerodrome (now Benin Airport) to watch the military aircraft landing and taking off. He started reading about joining the Royal Air Force any time he visited the library.

Also during a visit to Lagos, Captain Hayes went to the Civil Aviation Department where he met with the Director of Aviation Services, Wing Commander Coleman. He told Coleman about his interest to join the Royal Air Force.

At that time, Commonwealth countries’ citizens could join the Royal Air Force. However, Coleman advised him on the possibility of being a civil aviation pilot because at that time, the government already had a plan to train young Africans as pilots.

After series of interviews, three Nigerian students on scholarship, Robert Hayes, Joseph Ajakaiye and Samuel Ohioma, left the country on August 9, 1953, to Britain to train as first set of Nigerian pilots. They trained at the Flying School, Hamble, Southampton.

First Nigerian pilot @ 20

In May 1955, at the age of 20 years, Capt. Hayes became the first Nigerian to get certified as a pilot with the Commercial Pilot License and returned to Nigeria in June 1955 to join the West Africa Airways Corporation, WAAC. Between 1956 and 1960, the young Nigerian pilots in WAAC were allowed to fly as co-pilots on the local routes, along with the British and Europeans pilots.

C M Y K

Nigeria Airways to BOAC along with a colleague, Captain Rufus Orimoloye, so we were two at the time. In terms of challenges, I cannot say there were any. I had very good professional relationships with the staff and pilots of BOAC and had glowing assessment reports during the period I worked with them. My memories of that period are very pleasant.

These days, people often say pilots are womanisers who hardly settle with one woman as a wife. What was it like that in your time?

I don’t know what the womanizing statistics are of Pilots vis-à-vis other professions today, but most of my colleagues in my days were in happy and stable relationships with their spouses.

They were flying the B170, B114 and B104 aircraft.

In 1962, Robert Hayes and Rufus Orimoloye were sent for the Senior Commercial Pilot License training where they were made to fly the DC3 aircraft. While in training, they were promoted captains. When they returned home, they were asked to go for further training on F27 aircraft which the country’s airline, Nigeria Airways, had acquired.

First Nigerian pilot to fly into New York

The Nigerian pilots were able to start flying the international routes eventually in 1962 when the Nigeria Airways was formed.

Captain Hayes also became the first Nigerian pilot to fly into New York and served as acting managing director of the defunct national carrier, Nigeria Airways.

Many pilots at that time passed through the supervision of Captain Bob Hayes. He retired in 1990 after attaining the mandatory 35 years in service.

He was the first Nigerian pilot to attain that age in service. He worked on contract as a training captain and examiner, thereafter.

Captain Hayes flew for 40 years in control and four years on contract consulting for Nigeria Airways.

One of his younger pilots in Nigeria Airways who rose to become Director of Operations, Capt. Dele Ore, had this to say of Capt Hayes: “Capt. Bob Hayes is my respected senior and a motivator. He went through a lot while fighting for us his younger pilots. He is a well respected airman. I wish him a happy birthday.’’

Experts believe that his was the golden generation of pilots in the country at a time Nigerian pilots were rated some of the best in the world. In his time, Nigeria witnessed fewer number of air incidents and accidents because the adherence of pilots at the time to standard operating procedures spelt out by both the civil aviation authority in the country and the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO.

The experience

Capt. Bob Hayes who are grateful for his contribution to the nation’s aviation development had begun doing so.

In 2008, Arik Air named one of its Airbus A340-500 aircraft after Capt. Bob Hayes. The aircraft was deployed on the Lagos-London; Lagos-Houston and Lagos-New York routes.

"We decided to honour Nigeria’s first pilot, Captain Bob Hayes by naming one of the new Airbus A340 aircraft after him in appreciation of the contributions he has made to the growth and development of the aviation industry,’’ the airline’s Managing Director then, Mr. Michael McTighe, had said.

—Demuren

One of greatest captains Nigeria ever had

Fielding questions from his base in London last weekend, Capt Hayes, said in this interview: Sir, what inspired you into embracing aircraft piloting at a time there was no nobody in Nigeria to really look up to as a pilot?

My inspiration came from articles I read in foreign magazines of pilots in the Royal Air Force. These magazines were available in our school library (Government College, Ughelli) and I was intrigued by the sense of youthful adventure I believe Pilots at that time must have been experiencing.

Being the only black man in the pool of pilots flying with British Overseas Airways Corporation, BOAC, must have been a challenge. So, what were those challenges you encountered?

Firstly, let me put the record straight. I was seconded from

He's a trailblazer —Aligbe

Extolling the virtues of Capt.

Hayes, spokesman of the defunct Nigeria Airways, Mr. Chris Aligbe, described him as a trailblazer who opened the floodgate for young Nigerian to embrace flying.

He said: “Capt. Hayes was a trail-blazer for the country. He was the first to fly Nigeria Airways into the U.S. He was very level headed and gave leadership. It is sad that the country could not appreciate him with one of the national honours award."

Arik Air named Airbus after him

Although Nigeria has not appreciated Capt Hayes, those

Capt. Hayes was a trail-blazer for the country. He was the first to fly Nigeria Airways into the US. He was very level headed and gave leadership

One of Nigeria’s greatest aviators and former DirectorGeneral of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Dr. Harold Demuren, described Capt. Hayes as the greatest pilot Nigeria has ever had.

He said: “Capt. Hayes is one of the greatest captains Nigeria has ever had, a very brilliant and professional captain, a pacesetter who never breach standard operating procedures. He was a great inspiration to us who were his juniors. I wish him well as he turns 80.”

What inspired me into embracing aircraft piloting —Hayes

What were your experience like as a pilot in the defunct Nigeria Airways, which was the national carrier?

I assume you mean what was it like as a professional Pilot working for Nigeria Airways. I flew actively for 40 years, and then continued in my capacity as a Type Rating Instructor/Examiner on the Douglas DC10 aircraft till the airline was liquidated in 2003.

I will say my period working for the airline was a very successful and pleasant experience. I was a regular Line and Examiner/ Training Captain and held brief administrative positions. I thank God for an incident-free flying career working with highly professional and pleasant colleagues. (I felt more at home in the cockpit and airport environment than at an office desk).

Until now in Nigeria that pilots undergo courses in business management, pilots were touted not to be good managers of men and resources but you served as acting Managing Director of Nigeria Airways at a time in your career. So how were you able to cope?

Firstly, I was acting Managing Director for a brief period at a time when the then Managing Director resigned on grounds of ill-health. I had the opportunity to apply as the substantive Managing Director but my urge for flying superseded and overshadowed the prestigious managing status as an airline executive.

I will say that I believe I coped pretty well for that brief period, surrounded by a very good management team.

Secondly, it is erroneous to say Pilots are not good managers of men and resources. The very nature of our job involves managing people and resources all the time. Pilots flying international routes, for instance, interact professionally with people of different religious groups and business organisations and enterprises. You will find that

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—31

Capt Bob Hayes, Nigeria’s first pilot, turns 80 today carrier for the country to take the place of Nigeria Airways. Do you think Nigeria needs a new national carrier?

The National Carrier concept is becoming unfashionable.

Government supervised airlines are seen as inefficient, frequently being financially bailed out by government. The industry today requires aggressive competition and very efficient managerial supervision that is usually found

Continues from page 30 people in certain professions are best suited to running organizations directly related to their professions. Leadership for me is having the ability to surround yourself with subject matter experts in those areas where you may have deficiencies.

Yours was a golden era when Nigerian pilots were rated the best in the world, can we still say that of the present generation of pilots in the country?

Yes. Our pilots today attend highly renowned establishments and institutions where they undergo rigorous training. It is mandatory for pilots to undergo twice yearly competency checks, as well as physical and medical assessments. The Nigeria Ministry of Civil Aviation ensures very strict adherence and compliance of the rules and regulations contained in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act. Who are your colleagues in Nigeria Airways you still have fond memories of?

I have fond memories of all my colleagues. We were one big family. I confess I have not been in constant touch will a lot of them since the airline was disbanded but it is always a pleasure when I run into them once in a while.

Are you happy with the level of aviation development in Nigeria at present and how did you feel when the Federal Government liquidated Nigeria Airways?

From where we were when I started out in my profession, to where we are today, I will say yes.

There has been a tremendous growth in passenger traffic, both locally and internationally, serviced by a proliferation of airports, with modern navigational aids. I believe there are five international airports and 23 domestic airports in the country today; we have a number of private airline operators now providing coverage to most parts of the country; Air Traffic Control Services manned by fully qualified licensed Air Traffic Controllers now exist at each of our Airport; total Radar coverage; and an improvement in the aviation laws and regulatory bodies and regulations governing the industry. Having said this, there is still a lot more than can be improved upon.

Liquidation of Nigeria Airways, was a sad day for me With regards to the liquidation of Nigeria Airways, it was a sad day for me personally, and I am sure for a lot of my former colleagues. When you have spent your entire career working for an institution, it is sad to see it shut down with the loss of jobs (and businesses) of friends and former colleagues and associates. Should it have been closed down when it was? I believe there wasn’t much of a choice at the time. But that is a discussion for another day.

How do you think government can engender growth in the industry, especially against the backdrop that at present, no

fewer than 300 pilots are said to be roaming the streets without jobs?

I have been out of the profession for a while now so I cannot verify the figures of unemployed pilots today. By growth I take it you are talking about employment opportunities for freshly qualified Nigerian pilots. With the exception of one or two airlines with well established in-house training departments, most operators would rather employ experienced qualified pilots, be they Nigerians or expatriates, than recruit newly qualified Nigerian pilots. The small domestic airlines are reluctant to commit large amount of funds dedicated to providing expensive training facilities in such airlines.

I believe this is something the regulatory bodies or the Nigerian government should look into more closely.

Has government done well to have opened up the country to foreign airlines in terms of multiple entries and multiple frequencies conceded to foreign airlines?

And what is the implication of this on the industry?

There are b i l a t e r a l arrangements between countries; therefore there are what is termed or described as ‘Open Skies’ by virtue of these b i l a t e r a l arrangements.

Naturally, local o p e r a t o r s competing against the wellestablished foreign operators and carriers are finding it extremely difficult to survive.

The winner, of course is the Nigerian air traveller who is spoiled with choice.

There had been strident calls for establishment of a new national

It is uncommon to see aircraft named after those who have worked in the aviation sector.

So, yes, I feel proud and humbled

in the privately operated airlines.

However, in some cases, especially in developing countries, the concept of a national carrier is useful for the training and provision for technical personnel such as pilots and engineers, especially to meet such needs for economic planning reasons.

In 2008, Arik Air honoured you, naming one of its Airbus A340-500 aircraft after you as the first pilot in the country. What was your immediate response when you were notified of the plan to honour you.

Naturally, I felt very honoured and privileged, especially when I worked with excellent professional colleagues. I will say that this recognition is not just a testament to me but to all hard working professionals in the industry. It is uncommon to see aircraft named after those who have worked in the aviation sector. So, yes, I feel proud and humbled.

In the last decade, the country has encountered air crashes than in your days. What went wrong, with the flurry of accidents witnessed during the period?

First and foremost, it is important to take into consideration the volume of air traffic today in the country vis a vis 15 - 20 years ago when trying to make such a comparison.

Having said that, flying is still the safest means of travel, despite the unfortunate accidents that occurred in the country not too long ago.

Aviation safety is a function of

education, training, regulation, monitoring, maintenance, and improvements in navigational aids. With the exception of a few airlines who have built up systems and processes to adhere to the above, private operators operating in the country still have various challenges in this regard.

It is extremely important, therefore, that the aviation regulatory authorities are uncompromising when enforcing compliance with operators in this industry. Secondly, it is also very important the navigational aids and safety procedures are regularly maintained, updated, and clearly communicated to all in line with international standards.

All aircraft accidents are fully well investigated, followed by well documented analysis of the causes and recommendations of such accidents. Such remedial actions and procedures are well publicised to avoid future occurrences.

A new government will soon assume office in the country.

What agenda would you set for the government in the aviation sector?

It is most important to appoint professionals who have the prerequisite experience and vision in the Aviation Ministry and Industry.

At 80, you still sound very youthful and virile, what is the secret?

It’s the Lord’s doing and peace in my home.

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Our victory over Heartland will motivate Rangers – Agba

S

AM Agba has stated that Enugu Rangers’ win in the week eight Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match over rivals Heartland FC will boost the confidence level of the Flying Antelopes as the league heats up.

An Onoriode Odah goal was what Rangers needed to secure the maximum points in the Oriental Derby and Agba believes it has set a positive tone for the team.

“That win over Heartland means so much to us, it’ll serve as a confidence booster for us

• Agba

going forward. We thank God for the victory and we hope to get even more interesting results in subsequent matches,” said Agba.

Agba said in Enugu before their departure to Lokoja where they ’ll be playing against Kaduna United in the Federation Cup, that it is important to take the wining mentality to Lokoja and then continue in the NPFL later this weekend.

“It’s good to note that we are going into the Federation Cup match after an important win and we going to build on that. Playing against my former team will bring fresh memories but the team is confident of getting a desired result in Lokoja when we meet Kaduna United,” he said.

The Confluence stadium, Lokoja, home of Nigeria National League side, Kogi United will host Enugu Rangers and Kaduna United as both teams eye a round of 32 ticket in the 2015 Federation Cup.

Flying Eagles give Success 72 hours grace

Owoeri’s goal fails to lift Atvidabergs N

igerian striker, John Owoeri, got among the goals in the Swedish top flight for his club, Atvidabergs FF but it was just insufficient as they lost 2-3 at home to Djurgardens IF. Owoeri’s goal in the second half gave Atvidabergs a 2-1 lead before their opponents scored twice to claim the full points at the Kopparvallen on Monday.

Daniel Berntsen’s goal in the opening half proved enough to allow Djurgardens go into the break with a one-nil lead.

Whatever it was that Atvidabergs FF head coach, Roar Hansen told his troops in the locker room at the break paid off but just for just the first

16 minutes of the restart.

Two minutes into the second half, Kristian Bergstrom levelled matters for Atvidabergs and just a minute past the hour mark, Owoeri put his team 2-1 up.

However all of that hard work was blown away by Atvidabergs FF as Zimbabwean striker, Nyasha Mushekwi scored two minutes late to put score at 2-2 and then he got his second of the game five minutes to the end.

Owoeri has weighed in with four league goals for Atvidabergs this season as sit in 14th place in the 16-team Allsvenskan.

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RANADA’s Isaac Success might be omitted from Nigeria final 21-man list for the World Youth Championship unless his team communicates back to handlers of the Flying Eagles in the next 72 hours.

While the technical crew are willing to include Manchester City ’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Gent’s Moses Simon in their final 21-man list base on their form for their clubs they are uncertain •Isaac about Isaac Success Success who has not played for Granada in the last two weeks.

The team are also angered by the blackout they have received from Granada, who are yet to reply to any of the series of mails and reminders sent to them by the Flying Eagles.

Although Success trained last week with Granada there are reports that he is nursing a slight ankle pain although his representatives have since dispelled such fears.

However, his case is not being helped by the good form of Saviour Godwin who might be considered as Success’s replacement if the Granada forward fails to communicate to the team by Thursday the 14th of May – one day to the deadline for submission of the final list by teams.

On his part, Saviour Godwin of Plateau United might still make the team but his chances will be brightened if he puts up a commanding performance in today’s friendly against the B team of Bundesliga side Hoffeinheim.

REAL MA

Barzag everyth A

HEAD of their Cham pions League semi final second leg this evening against Real Madrid, Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has declared his determination to progress.

Onoriode’s strike saves Rangers from fans anger Stories by Solomon Nwoke, Just back from Enugu

•Owoeri

G

ARSHALL Odaa Onoriode’s 62nd minute goal was all that Rangers International needed to salvage their poor run so far in the Glo Premier League against Heartland of Owerri in an Oriental derby decided Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

The goal was so significant to the Flying Antelopes as both sides have had tough times so far in the league and were under serious pressure from their fans and managements.

Rangers now have nine points from eight games, while Heartland have 13 points In the 34th minute, Rangers goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel made a superb save from Bright Ejike’ drive.

Samuel Agba missed an easy chance that would have put Rangers ahead in the 45th minute after great work from Odah.

Speaking after the match, Rangers point man Onoriode’ was so happy that the goal came at the time they needed it most.

He said, “ I am so happy that I scored the goal because the two teams are among the best teams in the Nigerian football league and also they are arch rivals. Today we are very relieved, it’s like we have found our winning shoes again and so, we look forward to winning our games and occupy our pride of place in the league. So I will rate us 75 percent against Heartland”.

In his reaction the captain of the Naze Millionaires, Chinedu Efugh said it was a good game, notwithstanding their loss, at least non of his players was injured. He blamed their defeat on hard luck and promised that the team would make amends in their subsequent matches.

•Onoriode

ALSO IN THIS EDITION

VOL. 1 NO 32

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Stray cow injures 23 yr old tricycle rider, others in Aba PAGE 3

TETFUND helps Anambra College to improve infrastructure PAGE 5

Archbishop Okeke makes case for awaiting trial prison inmates PAGE 7

•The dredging machine fabricated by David Ezenwa.

Anambra–based mechanic fabricates N10m dredging equipment

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — THE old spare parts market at Nkpor, near the commercial city of Onitsha, has virtually turned into a Mecca of sort following the completion of a dredging machine which cost about N10 million by a motor mechanic in the area, Mr. David Ezenwa. The equipment, which took five months to complete has been transported to Aguleri waterfront in Anambra East local government area where it is C M Y K

expected to be put to use soon, Ezenwa’s workshop at No 5 Awgbu street, Nkpor was the cynosure of all eyes as people gathered to admire the equipment because of its size and sophistication.

Materials that formed the major components of the equipment include a 12mm metallic pan, 10 inch sand sorting pump, 10 cylinders Mercedes Benz engine, self loader sand sucking pump, blaster pump which helps to soften the sand, a sand cutter, another four cylinders 608 Mercedez Benz engine for the pump, a dashboard for

electrical indication and pipes that carry the sand from the

The dredging machine has a pumping capacity of 300 trips of sand per day and has a discharging capacity of over 800 meters from the river bank

water to its place of deposit.

On completion, the equipment is almost the size of a small bridge.

Ezenwa, who is from Abatete in Idemili Local Government Area of Anambra State, said his interest in fabrication started when he was young which was why he became a motor mechanic after leaving school.

He said: “I have a friend who is an engineer and is into machine fabrication and he advised me to go into equipment construction because he discovered that I am talented in the area. On

my own, I started assembling the materials after designing it. I developed interest in the dredging machine after seeing one in operation and determined that I would build it.

“Despite the high cost, I picked up courage and started it in December, 2014 and completed it in May, 2015. The machine has been tested and proved to be in perfect working condition and arrangement has been completed for it to be mounted on the bank of Omambala River in Aguleri where it will be used for sand dredging.”

The dredging machine, Ezenwa said, has a pumping capacity of 300 trips of sand per day and has a discharging capacity of over 800 meters from the river bank where trucks can load the sands to various destinations.

Though Ezenwa said he did not borrow money to complete the equipment, he explained that he could mass produce it if he was able to get financial assistance from government or financial institutions.

According to him, financing the project was very difficult, adding that although some people had made inquiries about the cost for me to build the machine for them, they were discouraged by the enormous cost.

“All these while, many people who came to this workshop were wondering what I was doing, but I am happy that despite the initial hiccups, we have been able to complete it to the glory of God,” he said.

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Omabe masquerade festival:

Imufu community’s cultural heritage of all ages

By CHINENYEH OZOR

N

SUKKA — The indigenous people of Imufu Community in Enugu Ezike, Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, is known for its unity and oneness, in spite of their religious differences. The community which was one of the 36 carved out from the old Enugu- Ezike autonomous community weekend celebrated its rich culture, the Omabe Masquerade Festival amid pomp and ceremony.

In Igbo land, masquerades which have been in existence for several centuries are seen as a sacred club for adult males alone as it is a taboo for a woman to come near a masquerade, as some of them are seen to possess some mystical powers.

However, the ceremony which is normally celebrated by non- Christians was witnessed by thousands of tourists from far and wide because of the unique features of the masquerades.

South East Voice witnessed the theMarch 7, 2015 Omabe masquerade, celebrated every five years.

As early as 5 am smaller masquerades took to the streets of the community to signal the return of Omabe festival after five years of being kept in abeyance.

Spectators who trooped from different parts of the country were busy watching the minor masquerades, obele manwu, unknown to them that the bigger masquerades, manwuukwu monwu, would later take their turns during the festival until about 3pm when all the entry and exit points of the community were flooded with human traffic moving to the village square, for the big show of the day.

South East Voice gathered that a good number of civil servants took casual leaves to take part in the Omabe masquerade festival with their friends across the country.

However, masquerades considered to be ‘’humane,’’ C M Y K

heradled those considered dangerous because of their mystical powers like Ejii Ogbene, Ajulaka, Oshagenyi, Ajija and Mgbedike among others.

Such masquerades like eshiwe and others in their category took their turns, chasing people to herald the arrival of other bigger ones.

The arrival of Mgbdike masquerades from the three quarters of the community, adorned with colourful costumes of Akwete, beads, animal skins and whiskers of lions and tigers, changed the scenario of the village square as each of them paraded with groups who beat sambas, drums and gongs trying to steal the show, before the next day when all the masquerades would pay homage to the eldest man (Onyishi) at his palace.

Apart from the dangerous masquerades, like Agbaeji and Agele which provided entertainment for the visitors and natives alike.

The eldest man in the community and de- facto leader Onyishi Ngwu Nwa Idoko Agashi spoke to South East Voice on the festival of the community, saying that it was the first masquerade festival since he became the Onyishi following the death of his predecessor, Onyishi Ugwu Eya. Explaining that he assumed the throne just last year, he said that the masquerades would operate on every Oye Market day until they were ordered to go into hibernation.

He said that the masquerades would be available until after one year when they would go back to the ancestors and stay with them for another five years. ‘’In our culture, masquerades are spirits. They can go back to the spirit world after one year on earth with mortals like us,’’ he said, adding that the significance was to celebrate peace and unity in the community and also rejoice with our ancestors for taking care of their descendants on earth,’’ he

•Mgbedike masquerade said laughing.

He pointed out that the masquerades would not be violent to people, adding that tomorrow (Friday 8/5/2015) all the masquerades would visit

The significance of the masquerade was to celebrate peace and unity in the community and also rejoice with our ancestors for taking care of their descendants on earth.

him with their troupes to pay their traditional homage.

Onyishi Idoko further said that he grew up and met the festival and would not violate the rules and regulations guarding the festivals as stipulated by his fore fathers. ‘’The masquerades will visit me the next day for me to pray for them and advice them not be violent. It is line with our tradition and culture We always uphold the tenets of the tradition and culture,” he added.

He noted that the masquerade is not to beat any person but to entertain, while the owner of any masquerade that violates the rule of the land will be severely fined by the community, adding that the festivals was for fun as youths would never cash on it to carry out evil acts in the community. He pointed that the masquerades will be on for eight days consecutively after which it will be for four native days (Oye days) till the one year elapsed. ‘’Nobody can cash on the

masquerade to commit rape and other crimes as any person who tries it will chased away by the Omabe masquerade” he noted.

He also, explained that people return enmass for the festival because they would not be privileged to see the masquerades until another five years time, as nobody was forced to return. The Onyishi advised the youths to be peaceful and play to the rules of the festival which were to entertain and make merry.

Chief Fabian Ogbu Nwa Eze said that the masquerade festival in the community was in accordance with the culture and tradition of the community right from their fore fathers, adding that the masquerades not only protected the land from evil things but exposed evil doers in the community by killing them. He said that he is the leader of the Mgbdike masquerade of his own clan.

Mr. Anselem Ben Odo a civil servant and leader of the Mgbdike masquerade of his own clan said he returned for the festival from Abuja, because it was what their fore fathers bequeathed unto to them and cannot be stopped discarded because of C h r i s t i a n i t y.

According to him, in different parts of Igbo land people do travel to their communities for new yam festival, just to uphold culture and tradition of their people.

He noted that people should embrace the culture of their land as it would not stop them from practicing any religion of their choice, adding out that Omabe was the culture of the whole of Enugu-Ezike, and not peculiar to Imufu Community and pointing out that he had always returned for the Omabe masquerade in the past 25 years.

South East Voice witnessed 600 masquerades of different sizes and shapes with different costumes at the Afor Imufu Market where there were over 5000 spectators across the country. There were masquerades like Agbeji and Ajija, Oshagenyi and kpapawu, eshiwe among several others. Agbeji which had varies beautiful feathers on its top was usually owned by families or clans which entertained the people like Mgbdike masquerades. They all entertained to the admiration of the spectators.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 3

By FELIX OGBONNA

T

here was stampede in Aba, Abia State weekend, when a cow, which escaped from the Ogbor Hill Waterside abattoir, went on rampage, inflicting injuries on road users.

A 23 -year old tricycle rider, Chinonso Paul was said to have escaped death by the whiskers a the cattle nearly trampled on him at another area of the city.

According to a shop owner in the area who gave her name as Queen Anya, the rampaging cow attacked Paul at the East Street by School Road Junction as it was racing towards the Ngwa Road area.

“The stray animal was running along East Street, motorists were making way for it. People scampered to safety; it also knocked down a Keke rider with two passengers. Even this man who was attacked, was walking towards Clifford Road and didn’t know that the cattle was close to him; we were shouting on him to

The stray animal, which escaped from abattoir, was running along East Street, motorists were making way for it.

People scampered to safety; it also knocked down a Keke rider with two passengers. run but it was too late for him as the animal used its horn to attack him leaving him with injuries in his lips, eyes and nose.

Thank God that the cow left the man when he fell on the ground. His face was filled

•Strayed cattle on Aba street.

Stray cow injures 23 year old tricycle rider, others in Aba with blood. It was one of the tricycle riders that volunteered to take him to the hospital,” she said.

A meat seller at the Ahia Ohuru Market who also witnessed the incident said the cattle attacked Paul because of the red coloured shirt he was putting on as the animal is allergic to such colour.

The father of the victim, Mr. Paul Nwaka, refused to disclose the hospital where his son was rushed to after the attack by the cattle when

South East Voice, but only expressed gratitude to God for saving the son’s life.

South East Voice gathered that the rampaging animal was later caught at Umunkama Community in Ugwunagbo Local Council where it also knocked down another tricycle rider at Ohanku road.

When South East Voice visited the Ogbor Hill waterside abattoir where the animal escaped from, a butcher who spoke on the condition of anonymity said

the animal fled from the slaughter hall and swam across the river to East Street where it attacked road users.

He added that many road users had lost their lives while others received varying degree of injuries from cattle attacks in the area.

The Chairman of the Cattle dealers at the area, whose name was simply given as Ibrahim was said to have travelled as the time of the visit.

Herdsmen, Anambra communities in cat and mouse relationship

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — HERDSMEN who have set up what looks like a permanent abode at the border town of Ugwuoba close to Awka, the Anambra State capital, have become a pain in the neck for the surrounding communities of Amansea, Utoko, Nibo and even the Awka Capital Territory as a result of the menace of their cattle on the farms in the area.

Unfortunately, the affected communities appear to be scared of confronting the herdsmen who are often wielding sophisticated weapons while grazing on the people’s farmlands. So far, the much the people did was speak in hushed tones and the herdsmen seem to be ready to face anybody who dare challenge them for destroying their crops.

Apart from the destruction of farmlands, the presence of the herdsmen at Ugwuoba has created a chaotic traffic situation in the area such that the dual carriage way has been reduced to almost half of one lane due to indiscriminate parking of trailers by drivers, most of who end up there and spend days after discharging their goods in parts of Anambra and Delta states.

An indigene of Amansea, Mr. Jacob Okoli said the C M Y K

menace of cattle on their farmlands has forced them to move across the Amansea River to farm since the herdsmen cannot ferry the cattle across for grazing.

According to him, they had previously complained to their traditional ruler over the matter, adding that although meetings were held in that regard in the past, the herdsmen had continued with the destruction of the farms.

He said: “Initially we were driving them out of our farms, but we later noticed that the herdsmen acquired guns which they hung on their backs while grazing.

This development frightened our people with the result that we had to abandon our farms close to the area they have converted as their new community at Ugwuoba.

“We chose to ignore them because nobody confronts somebody with gun empty handed. We had wondered how the herdsmen acquire the guns they brandish, which they use to intimidate us on our farms.

“Even our river, which is the source of our water supply, had been polluted by the herdsmen as they frequently take the cattle to river where they drink and defecate indiscriminately. In addition, the herdsmen have become a real security and social threat to our people as

many girls from our community had become pregnant for the herdsmen who do not even care to marry the girls formally.”

Another community, Utoko in Awka South Local Government Area is also complaining of the menace of cattle in the area. The mainly agrarian community said the herdsmen often graze on their backyards and sometimes frightening children and women with their presence.

According to John Ibeh, it is

usually disturbing to see people with guns very close to your compound with cattle scattered all over the place.

However, one of the It is usually herdsmen, Mallam Aminu said they decided to be disturbing to see carrying guns following people with guns frequent theft of their cattle by unknown persons, adding very close to your that the theft had reduced compound with considerably since they decided to be providing cattle scattered all security for themselves and over the place. their cattle.

He denied the allegation that the herdsmen take their cattle to farmlands to destroy crops, explaining that such a thing could only happen if they farmland was on their way to a grazing area.

Aminu said: “The people are creating the impression that we are destroying their farms. This is not true. Anytime we have the cause to pass through any farmland, we ensure that out cattle do not eat the crops •Trailers parked at the cattle market on the Awka end of Enugu-Onitsha until we get to Expressway. our destination.”

4—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU — The rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha expressway which the Federal Government commenced its rehabilitation few week to the general elections has been abandoned.

Rehabilitation work had commenced at the Enugu end prompting the closure of the dual carriage road to a single lane causing untold hardship to motorists in Enugu metropolis.

At the Penox to Abakpa Junction axis, motorists meandered through the single lane even as traffic gridlock caused snarls of vehicle lines along the ever busy road.

Condition of the road Dotted with yawning craters, the road shoulders have completely washed off, causing motorists to vie into the bush when overtaking.

Move by Federal Government to curry votes A cross section of Enugu residents believe that the rehabilitation work which started few week to the general elections and abandoned soon after was aimed at deceiving the Igbo by the out-going Jonathan administration.

Mr. Ike Odoh,a motorist

Enugu residents lament as FG abandons rehabilitation of Enugu-Onitsha Expressway •Vehicles meandering to the other lane of the road. said, “I know the rehabilitation will be jettisoned as soon as the elections were over. They brought the heavy construction equipment to the metropolis where people would see them to sway them that government was working in order to vote for continuity.”

Mrs.Ebere Chukwu regretted the man hours being spent as a result of traffic gridlock on the now one lane road, calling on

I know the rehabilitation will be jettisoned as soon as the elections were over. They brought the heavy construction equipment ...to sway them that government was working

the contractors to open the other side of the road to ensure free flow of traffic.

“Just look at what happened. All the earth moving machines have vanished. The massive presence of construction workers have also vanished.

It is only Igbo that they treat like this in this country, ‘’ she lamented.

Government’s stand

The rehabilitation which was embarked upon by the Ministry of Work headed by Mike Onolememen had assured journalist during the commissioning of the EnuguAbakiliki-Imfun-Okoja transSahara Highway that all rehabilitation work nationwide would be religiously executed by the Federal Government.

Abia council moves to end roadside markets, motor-parks

By FELIX OGBONNA

I

n a bid to decongest the streets, the authorities of Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State have banned trading and operation of illegal motor parks in the area along the roads in the area.

The council has ordered bus drivers, tricycle and commercial motorcycle (okada) operators to use government approved parks while roadside traders were relocated to the Ehere Modern Market along Ikot Ekpene road.

Speaking in an interview with South East Voice the Transition Committee Chairman of the local government, Prince Obinna Nwabiaraije said the activities of the roadside traders and illegal motor park operators as well as okada riders had become a source of worry to the council.

Nwabiaraije who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Ibe Alala lamented that both the traders and transporters abandoned the shops at Ehere Modern Market and the approved C M Y K

Motor Park to operate by the roadside, causing heavy vehicular and human traffic around Opobo Junction. He added that several warnings to these illegal operators were not heeded, forcing the council to wield the big stick.

“We are worried by the activities of roadside traders and transporters who have converted the Aba - Ikot Ekpene and Opobo roads to markets and motor park.

•Opobo junction, Aba

Despite the warning issued by the local government to them to leave the road, they remained defiant. This is why I am here to ensure that the area is free so that motorists among others can move freely.

You can see how the whole area is free now. Before the action, motorists used to spend more than 30 minutes before passing through this junction.

We are worried by the activities of roadside traders and transporters who have converted the Aba Ikot Ekpene and Opobo roads to markets and motor park

“So, I am appealing for the support of the media in sensitizing our people to accept this change. We have used this week as a period of grace to defaulters, anybody caught trading or loading a vehicle by the roadside by next week will face the wrath of the law no matter his status.”

The chairman later addressed a group of roadside traders and motor park operators on the need to leave the roads and use government approved facilities.

South East Voice observed that the area is free from traffic gridlock as the Opobo junction connecting the Ikot Ekpene and Opobo roads leading to various towns in Akwa Ibom State now wore a new look.

Some tricycle and bus drivers including Kelechi Michael, commended the local government for the effort but called on the authorities to rehabilitate the motor park at Ehere to enable motorists operate from there.

Shop owners at the area also commended the council boss for opening up the area and asked him to sustain efforts at ensuring that the roadside traders and motor parks did not return to the roads.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 5

A bus driver, Mr. Chibuzo Nwankwo said he escaped being crushed on two occasions by a train. “I did not hear the sound or the horning by the train. I was on speed and trying to cross the railway, not knowing that a train was just few metres away," he said.

By FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA — Road users in Aba, Abia state are grumbling over the inability of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, to erect warning signs at railway crossings along major roads to avert possibilities of motorists being crushed by moving trains in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.

South East Voice investigations showed that there are no indicators to warn road users on the movement of trains at the Aba –Owerri; Okigwe, Ama Ogbonna and School roads railway crossings.

At the Aba –Owerri road railway crossing, it was observed that a man who appeared like a railway traffic officer was waving a red flag to warn road users as a moving train horned from a distance.

A bus driver who plies the Ngwa road — Ariaria route, Mr Chibuzo Nwankwo said he escaped being crushed on two occasions by a train as he sped through the Okigwe road railway crossing.

According to him, “I did not hear the sound or the horning by the train. I was on speed

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — THE introduction of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, had given a great boost to the development of infrastructure in the country’s tertiary institutions, the provost of the Anambra State –owned Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, NOCEN, Dr. Ego Uzoezie has observed.

Elated Uzoezie, who recently marked her one year in office as the provost of the institution, observed that TETFUND has proved to be a veritable tool for the advancement of quality education in the country.

Indeed, before the intervention of TETFUND, in which COCEN has been one of the beneficiaries, the Nsugbe College of Education was a glorified secondary school.

However, since the assistance came, the institution has been transformed.

Uzoezie said: “TETFUND Intervention projects have contributed immensely in entrenching quality teaching and learning in our school by providing necessary infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities.

“Among TETFUND intervention projects enjoyed by this institution include the provision of science equipment and three 32 -seater buses, construction of staff office and classroom blocks and provision C M Y K

•Railway crossing in Aba

Motorists want railway corporation to erect warning signs at crossings and trying to cross the railway crossing at Okigwe road not knowing that a train was just few metres away. When people noticed the train, everybody including passengers started shouting, this created tension.

The railway people should put indicators on the road to warn people about the movement of the trains.”

Another resident who spoke on

the condition of anonymity said he and his children were almost crushed by a train at Aba–Owerri road as he made to drive past the railway crossing without as there was no indication that the train was on track.

Lamenting the situation, a shop owner along the Ama Ogbonna railway crossing, who gave her as Mrs. Nkolika Ude, told South East Voice that few months ago,

two men later identified as mobile policemen narrowly escaped death when a moving train rammed into their car at the railway crossing.

She added that the policemen were hit by the moving train which continued to drag their car until it crashed beyond repair.

“It is just about few months ago, we heard a loud sound and rushed out of our shops only to

relationship between her college and Anambra State government, which led to the disappearance of the apparent disunity that tended to fragment the college community into conflicting groups.

“The conducive atmosphere has given room to peaceful coexistence, healthy co-operation, interaction, and the harmonious relationship between the host community, Nsugbe and the college,” she added.

While describing education as •Main gate of Nwafor Orizu College one of the most important of Education, Nsugbe. instruments of excellence for the sustainable growth of any nation, Uzoezie extolled the commitment of governments at all levels to eradicate unemployment through the establishment of vocational and technical education and the development skill •Dr. Ego Uzoezie, Provost Nwafor of acquisition Orizu College of Education. centre’s to produce self-reliant graduates of a generator house, as well as the college JAMB examination who will set up their own the construction and equipment hall in the Afri-hub building, and business, to help reduce of a modern micro-teaching installation of central air unemployment and enhance the laboratory and provision of a conditioners, as well as the growth of Small and Medium 500KVA generator that powers establishment of library for Enterprises, SMEs, which biology and mathematics significantly contribute towards the whole college community.

“Other TETFUND projects departments.” nation building.

According to her, the successes include the provision of The provost noted that under boreholes, installation of standing recorded in the institution in the her leadership, there has been fans in the college lecture halls, last one year could not have been remarkable improvement in staff provision of computer tables for possible without the cordial welfare, as well as increase in the

TETFUND helps Anambra College to improve infrastructure

see a train dragging a car at top speed. It only stopped when it threw the car off the railway track.

“When we got there, we thought they were dead, but later found out that they were alive.

One of the men sustained severe injuries on his palm while the other had no injuries. When they were brought out of the damaged car, they identified themselves as policemen and told us that they were hit by the train as they made to drive pass the railway track.”

She called on the railway authorities to erect warning signals and post traffic officers at the rail crossings to warn road users about the movement of trains.

Efforts to get the reaction of the railway authorities at the Eziama Railway station were unsuccessful as the official told South East Voice to call back on several occasions. number of graduates produced in the institution and in the number of students’ intakes and noticeable improvement in staff strength and in human capacity development.

For the coming years, Uzoezie said the target would be to reposition the college as a catalyst for the development of Anambra State and as a strategic partner to the state government in meeting good governance needs.

Ultimately, she added, the plan is to transform the institution into a University of Education, as well as improve strategies to increase students’ enrolment to meet the teaching needs of the state.

As part of activities to mark the one year anniversary, the provost commissioned some projects, including the lecturers’ offices and lecture halls.

TETFUND Intervention projects have contributed immensely in entrenching quality teaching and learning in our school by providing necessary infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities.

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Unizik Mass Communication Dept launches new dress code

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU EKWULOBIA — The Association of Mass Communication Students, ASOMACS, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, has launched a new dress code.

The uniform which is an orange T-shirt with black designs was launched at a special interactive forum between the staff and students of the department.

Head of the Department, HOD, of Mass Communication , Prof.

Chinyere Stella Okunna revealed that the essence of the forum was for the management to intimate the students on the developments and progress so far made by

the department.

She also said the forum was to give the students the opportunity to discuss their problems or challenges with the lecturers.

According to Okunna, the event would boost the relationship between the staff and the students of the department and re-affirmed the open door policy run by her administration, hence any student with any problem should not hesitate to bring it forward.

Okunna further described the staff of the department as friendly and always willing to attend to students’ problems and reminded them of the need to dress in their new ASOMACS T shirt on Black Trousers or skirts on Mondays and Wednesdays.

She promised the students

•Prof. Chinyere Okunna, HOD flanked by the staff and students of the department shortly after the inauguration. of an annex to ease the problems associated with lecture halls.

Earlier, the Guest lecturer

The forum was to give the students the opportunity to discuss their problems or challenges with the lecturers.

and Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Anambra State, Sule Momodu had urged students to join in the fight against drug abuse by identifying and reporting drug addicts to law enforcement agents.

Momodu identified the various kinds of drugs abused by students to include cannabis, cocaine, heroine and Monkey Tail among others. Monkey Tail. Monkey Tail or Nokia, is a concoction made with leaves and twigs of marijuana and marinated in ethanol (dry gin).

According to him, drugs do not only affect vital organs of the body but also lead to poor academic performance among

students, rape, stealing and other aggressive behaviours.

His words:”So many promising students have lost their lives owing to drug abuse. Quit drugs today and work hard with determination and zeal to attain maximum heights in your academics.”

In his remark, the President of the students’ association, Comrade Macdonald Ifeme stated that the dress code was to identify the students of the department through the different shades of orange shirts and expressed his gratitude to the management of the department for approving the project.

Ifeme further said that the uniform would go a long way in making the students stand out wherever they were.

Anglican Primate Okoh commissions new consultant quarters at Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital Ogidi

•Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh in a session with Bishop Nwokolo and others during the commissioning.

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU, Ekwulobia

T

he Metropolitan and Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has commissioned several projects at the Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital Ogidi, in Idemmili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The hospital was the first to be established by the church in the area several decades ago.

However, the projects commissioned included the new consultants’ quarters.

Okoh commended the management of the hospital C M Y K

headed by the Bishop on the Niger, Right Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo and the Anambra State government for what he described as their unparalleled vision, tenacity and commitment to service delivery in the health sector.

According to him, a wellequipped and managed hospital like the Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital would go a long way in cutting down on medical tourism that was milking about N250 billion from Nigerians annually.

Oko’s words: “what we have seen and commissioned here today gives cause for gratitude to God. We are grateful to all those that have donated immensely for the progress of this hospital, especially the state

•The commissioned consultants’ quarters.

government which has made a great contribution towards the buildings and other facilities here. It gives us hope that greater things are coming. ‘’It also emphasises the fact that in our church, the vision that we are a caring church is being fulfilled. We are not just preaching and teaching them but also interested in their total well being. I am satisfied and there is still more to be done and we are well on the way.”

Okoh further charged the workers to be steadfast and devoted to their duties in the hospital. “Devotion to duty, that is the edge you people need to give other hospitals.”

Chief Willie Obiano, the

governor of Anambra State, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Chief Tony Onyima, on his part, thanked the management the hospital for what he described as proper management of the fastest growing mission hospital not only in the state but in South East and the country in general.

Obiano said, “I am impressed with what we have seen here today. It shows that the partnership between the state government and the church is yielding good results. ’’ He further said that the state government rehabilitated about 32 hospitals adding that it would support missionary health clinics to improve the health sector.

Earlier, the Bishop on the NigerRight Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo commended the Primate for visiting the hospital for the first time, pointing out that one of the reasons for establishing the hospital by the diocese was to reduce medical tourism outside the country.

Nwokolo commended the board and management of the hospital for their sacrifices in making the hospital a destination for all kinds of health challenges sequel to the presence of consultants and other specialists attracted to the hospital.

According to him, the mission was also making efforts to bring up the hospital to the level of a referral institution like the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, NAUTH, with the high calibre of staff so far recruited.

A well-equipped IyiEnu Mission Hospital would go a long way in cutting down on medical tourism that was milking about N250 billion from Nigerians annually.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 —7

•The Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke (middle) signing the visitors’ register while being flanked by the Chaplain in-charge of Catholic Chaplaincy in Onitsha Prisons, Rev. Fr. Pius Nwankwo and a prisons officer.

•The Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke (middle with staff of office) being flanked by Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi (right) while both in a group photograph with newly confirmed prison inmates after the mass .

Archbishop Okeke visits Onitsha prisons, makes case for awaiting trial inmates

By NWABUEZE OKONKWO

T

he Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace, Dr. Valerian Okeke has called on the Judiciary, to give priority to cases concerning the awaiting trials inmates, ATMs, in Onitsha prisons by giving the cases accelerated hearings as justice delayed is justice denied.

Okeke said that it was unacceptable for the ATMs to remain in the custody much longer than their prison terms if they were eventually convicted for the offences for which they were remanded in custody.

He spoke as the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons incharge of Onitsha Prisons, Julius Ezeugwu said that only seven out of 786 inmates were actual convicts as the rest were awaiting trials.

Speaking during his official visit to the prisons where he donated food items and cows worth thousands of Naira, Archbishop Okeke noted specifically, that the strike embarked upon by the Judiciary Staff Union, JUSUN in Anambra state about four months affected the inmates adversely.

Okeke, who administered sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation to about 18 inmates expressed sympathy with them for the hardship they were usually subjected to as a result of delays in the judicial system, adding that some inmates C M Y K

were innocent of the offences they were charged for.

He further said that some of the ATMs were in prison custody based on frivolous charges, even as those who were actually guilty were forced to stay in prisons more than the period they were supposed to serve on conviction.

In his homily, entitled: “God has His Own Plans Always”, Okeke commended President Goodluck Jonathan for sacrificing his position for

Okeke, who administered Holy Communion and confirmation to about 18 inmates expressed sympathy with them for the hardship they were subjected to as a result of delays in the judicial system.

Nigeria’s unity, adding that it takes a man filled with trust in God to sacrifice such an exalted position no matter the amount of pressure.

Urging Christians to always allow the will of God to prevail rather than deciding and following their own mindset, Okeke declared: “We still owe God a lot of gratitude that President Jonathan has the humility to bow to His own plan.

“We prayed and fasted ceaselessly before the Presidential and National Assembly elections to attract God’s intervention and we are happy that God heard our prayers and intervened because for Jonathan to concede victory and even congratulate the Presidentelect, General Muhammadu Buhari before the final result was announced, has allowed peace to reign. We have had enough bloodshed already in the country.

“I want to commend and thank President Jonathan because he is a father. And he

understood that Nigeria is more important to him than ego, power and fame and we pray that God should bless him and that God in His infinite mercy should give us more leaders that are accommodating like him to for to move forward.”

In his speech, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons, Julius Ezeugwu said that no fewer than 779 inmates of the prison were affected by the four-month JUSUN strike in the state.

Ezeugwu noted that the strike affected some of those who had already been granted bails and their bail conditions were being perfected before it commenced.

He therefore appealed to the judiciary to accelerate cases to de-congest the prisons and commended Archbishop Okeke for his regular visits to the prisons with gifts and cash donations. Ezeugwu, however, urged Okeke to assist them in floating secondary and tertiary institutions inside the prison yard, to enable the inmates come out better than they were when they entered.

Parents urge FG, state govts to promote learning, speaking of indigenous languages

By NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA — Igede resident in Onitsha, Anambra State, have urged parents and governments at all levels to promote the learning and speaking of indigenous languages in the country.

The people who spoke under the aegis of Igede Development Association, IDA, said that most Nigerian languages would be extinct if the young ones were not thought their own languages.

The Igede tribe which is estimated at over six million in population, is the third largest tribe in Benue State with a sizeable population in Anambra State.

President of the association in the state, Mr Patrick Akobo who spoke in Onitsha, during the installation of the new Ad’ Igede III, Chief Matthew Omenka, as the paramount ruler of Igede people in Anambra, noted that a child that cannot speak his

mother tongue, not to talk of writing in the indigenous dialect would be seen as a social misfit as an adult.

According to Akobo, “It is deplorable that many educated families in Nigeria do not allow their children to speak their native dialects. Rather, they confuse their children with pidgin English, which is socially an unacceptable type of English.

And with this development, these children would not only fail to

understand or pass English Language but also fail to understand their own native language, making it a double jeopardy, because ultimately, they also lose other important parts of their cultural heritage.”

Akobo noted that the association had established an Igede Language Study Centre in Onitsha, in a bid to further promote the language and cultural heritage of Igede people, adding that, “with the centre, we

•Chief John Okponyo, Clan Head Okpokpo in Igede nation (right) crowning the new Ad’Igede III in Anambra, Chief Matthew Omenka (middle) with other Igede personalities looking on during the installation.

will try to imbibe in our children virtues that would encourage our great cultural heritage and positive mindset for true development.”

In a speech, the Ad’ Igede III, Chief Omenka, thanked the entire Igede people for the trust they reposed in him going by the large crowd that attended his installation.

“I will work to maintain those positive traits which Igede people worldwide are known for, which include being humane, loving, being careful in whatever they want to say or do.

The association had established an Igede Language Study Centre in Onitsha, in a bid to further promote the language and cultural heritage of Igede people

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

•Protesting Youths of Nnono

Nnono community protests non-payment of compensation for trees, crops destroyed by NIPP project

By ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA — SCORES of people, including youths, men and women from Nnono community, Oboro in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, last week, took to the streets to protest

what they called non-payment of compensation by Federal Government for economic trees and crops destroyed.

They said houses, economic tree and crops were marked to be destroyed to make way for the on- going National Integrated Power Project, NIPP, power line from Enugu to Akwa

Ibom States.

They have therefore threatened to scuttle the smooth completion of the project which is aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply in the area.

The Nnono people claimed that the contractor handling the project had not paid

adequate compensation to those whose houses were on the right of way of the project and consequently, marked for demolition.

The placard-carrying community members called on the Federal Government to intervene to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.

Some of the placards read: “We are homeless, settle us; stop using the military to intimidate us; There is no demolition without compensation.”

Mr. Chinedu Anthony, a youth leader and spokesman for the protesters, explained that their action was not aimed at stopping the project, which he said was good for them, but against the nonchalant attitude of the NIPP contractor who he alleged had ordered the helpless villagers to vacate their homes within two weeks.

According to him, the contractor created fear among the people by allegedly intimidating them with soldiers who they said patrol the community every day to

What do they want these old people to do; to go and live in the bush, are we going to enjoy the light in our graves?

Again, why are they using soldiers to intimidate us?

ensure that the people did not ask for their rights.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Oboro Clan Council of Traditional Rulers, King Larry Ogbonnaya Agwu, said that they were not against the project adding that if the contractor had no money to pay the people compensations, they should have diverted the transmission line away from their homes.

According to him, rather than direct the power transmission line through the forest where not much would be paid as compensation, they decided to run it through the community where much money was needed for compensation to the affected families.

“What do they want these old people to do; to go and live in the bush, are we going to enjoy the light in our graves?

Again, why are they using soldiers to intimidate us?” he retorted.

The traditional ruler called on the Federal Government to come to the rescue of the community by reviewing the contract to make provision for adequate compensation to the people.

The people explained that among the people whose houses were affected by the project included the 76 -year old Mrs. Nwegeruo Chimbuo, who confirmed that they were given two weeks to vacate their homes even when compensation had not been paid. Others were Elder Ukanna Ogbonna and Peter Ekpemiro who said that the money they were paid as compensation was too small to buy a piece of land let alone building on it.

Gov Orji commissions Umuahia, Aba High Court complexes

A

bia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, says the many legacy projects built by his administration testify that his government has done well in laying a solid foundation for good governance in the state.

Speaking while commissioning the Umuahia and Aba High Court complexes simultaneously in Umuahia, Governor Orji said he believes that his administration has made a positive impact on the state through its many legacy projects.

According to him, incoming governments will not be bogged down by building similar institutional frameworks but rather focus on other important aspects of governance.

He noted that there was little or no institutions that support democracy or durable infrastructure that serve the need of the people that he had not touched since assumption of office, saying such projects included befitting judiciary complexes, public information building, workers’ secretariat and government house among others, adding that that was why his government responded by embarking on democracy C M Y K

institutions among others, which he stressed was a way of building the new face of Abia.

He stated that the ceremony could not have come at a better time than now and thanked Abians for their support for his government.

“This ceremony could not have come at a better time than now in the twilight of our administration of this state, especially when many critics are beginning to forget where this state is coming from in terms of durable infrastructure that serve the need of our people and our democracy.

“It is worthy to recall that when we arrived office in the governance of this state - about eight years ago, we met a situation where there was little or near absence of the necessary institutions of governance that support democracy.

“Topmost on the list of such democracy institutions were the absence of a befitting Government House for the state, a comfortable Workers’ Secretariat to support our work force, a decent court room complexes to support our judiciary to perform its laudable role as an important tier of the democratic system, and a comprehensive well

furnished public information building that supports the workers of our state Broadcasting Corporation in the promotion of the right enlightenment that drives democracy.

“All the above institutions are necessary for democracy to thrive and take root in any state, and that is why our administration quickly responded to this dearth of institutional foundation-laying for democracy through our legacy projects,” he said.

Continuing he said that “Today, we

can boast that all these required new institutions of democracy have been restored in Abia State by my government. For us, this is the surest way of building the new face of a sustainable democracy in Abia State which we all desire, and we are happy we took that course to lay the foundation.

“The High Court complexes we commission today are eloquent testimonies to the success of our efforts and our administration’s resilience in the laying of a solid foundation for good governance and the stability of the state.

“It’s important that no one - not even the critics, will forget

•The High Court Complex commissioned by Gov Theodore Orji.

that no administration that succeeds our government will ever be bugged down again in the institutional foundation frameworks we have already established for the state.

“I have always emphasized that the work of governance of any state is like a relay race.

Every race needs to begin well, especially with the committed efforts and sacrifices of one administration that takes the brunt and set the momentum that makes the desired impact. This is what lays the foundation for success of the relay race."

The High Court complexes we commission today are eloquent testimonies to the success of our efforts in the laying of a solid foundation for good governance and the stability of the state

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 33

Pogba mak es Juv entus squad makes Juventus 22-man d, part of the for toe ct e p ex s a , aul Pogba is d travelling to Madrid ua sq s tu n e v .

Ju League clash old onto a 2-1 lead s n io p m a h C h ’s g to day adrid, and eri are seekin The Biancon against holders Real M king his r ma t leg from the firs rned to the squad afte tu the weekend re s in a h ry Pogba ring inju st m a h a m o comeback fr liari. assimiliano ag draw with C o real surprises in M rea Pirlo, d There are n , with the likes of An king the a d a m u ll a sq z ’s e v ri Alleg arlos Te C d n a : Buffon, n d o ri ff d u Gianluigi B squad to face Real Ma s Marchisio, trip. Juventu bonna, Pogba, Pepe, , Bonucci, g gli Chiellini, O Coman, Llorente, Barza ro, Storari, z, ra ve tu S Te , r, e ta Mora tstein , Vidal, Lich Padoin, Pirlo ubinho, Pereyra R Matri, Evra,

P

•Pogba

We w ant tto o mak e hist or want make histor oryy — Ancelotti C

ADRID Vs JUVENTUS

ARLO Ancelotti has insisted that Real Madrid have the desire and determination to overcome Juventus this evening in order to reach the Champions League final, with a view to becoming the first team to win successive tournaments since the reformation of the old European Cup. The Bianconeri take a slim 2-1 aggregate lead to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium after last week’s clash in Turin, but the Los Blancos Italian coach is firmly in the belief that he can reverse

that result and knock out his former side.

“I see that the team is focused with a desire to win, the desire to win a great semi-final and to have the opportunity to play in another final,” Ancelotti explained to the press.

“We are trying to write another

li: Juventus will give hing against Real Madrid The Serie A champions hold a slender 2-1 lead over Real Madrid from the first game in Turin, meaning that a draw would be enough to see them through to the final.

Barzagli told Spanish newspaper AS that Massimiliano Allegri’s side have no intention of letting their advantage slip.

“We are completely focused,” he admitted, “because of the importance of the match.”

“Real [Madrid] could do it, so we will have to give everything on the field.”

“Getting to the final would be a great achievement for us,” Barzagli continued, “es-

pecially as few people imagined Juve would get to this stage. We have always believed in the dream, and have managed to get this far.”

Should they be able to progress, it would be Juventus’ first Champions League final in 12 years.

Star Football Superfan winner extols Arsenal I

F you ever thought yourself a ‘crazy’ football fanatic, then wait till you read the story of 46-year-old Ejike Maduekwe who says watching his favourite club, Arsenal FC win matches helps him sleep well.

He revealed this while taking part in the fifth episode of the Star Football Superfans TV game, powered by leading beer Star, show which airs every Thursday and Friday on Africa Magic and AIT respectively.

“I love football. I love watching football, I eat football. it gives me joy especially when I watch Arsenal play on their good day. Their winning makes me sleep very well,” Maduekwe said.

Maduekwe who was part of the Five Star FC had James Samuel, Trust Monday, Mmadu Chinedu and Kelechi Ohaju as team mates.

They won the N1m star prize after defeating Ultimate FC which had Chelsea fans, Babatunde Clement, Chukwuma Oragui, Colins Ugwu, Timothy Ike and Patrick Oti.

Ejike Maduekwe

•Ancelotti

page of history because no one has ever won in two consecutive Champions League finals.

History is not on our side, but we will do everything possible to win.

“In those last games against Sevilla and Valencia the team played well. Today we will have to avoid losing concentration in the details and play with intensity.

“To me it feels like any other semi-final. Our goal is to reach the final of the Champions League and we are very close.

I feel the same feelings that I have experienced in the past.”

The 55-year-old then turned his attention to world record signing Gareth Bale who has been the subject of fierce criticism following recent belowpar performances.

“He has had a good season,” insisted Ancelotti. “Last year he scored important goals, including in both the Copa del Rey and the Champions League finals.”

Heineken serves up the perfect UEFA C/League cocktail

G

UESTS at the world fa mous Heineken House Lagos have enjoyed an exhilarating mix of football entertainment and a unique Heinekenbased cocktail blend.

Two giant clubs of European football clashed in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, producing moments of jaw-dropping brilliance from Lionel Messi, the acclaimed master of the game.

Both clubs had toiled fruitlessly for 75 minutes before Messi broke the deadlock by scoring two exquisite goals within a space of three minutes. He then sealed the tie by assisting Neymar to the third goal, handing a 3-0 first leg advantage to Barcelona.

For Heineken guests, as with most football commen-

tators around the world, it wasn’t simply about Barcelona’s impressive scoreline against Germany’s league champions. It was all about the footballing masterclass as delivered by Messi, eliciting comments like “He’s out of this planet!”Heineken House Lagos was enraptured by the ease with which he swept past world class defenders en-route to his second goal, in particular. His trickery humiliated Bayern Munich’s Jerome Boateng, leaving him sprawled on the grass as Messi masterfully guided the ball into the net. “Messi did a marvelous job, one on one with Boateng. You can’t leave Messi one on one with anybody!” exclaimed Alao Akinbare, a Real Madrid fan.

C M Y K

34—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Patience Jonathan

N

igeria’s sitting First Lady Patience Jonathan was conspicuously absent from her husband’s side when Mr. President had gone to vote in his state gubernatorial elections and questions were still being asked as to her whereabouts until hr media aide released a statement which was trending on blogosphere last week.

According to the statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the media assistant to Mrs. Jonathan, the First Lady has traveled to Congo to join her colleagues from Africa for the celebration of the 30th anniversary of a Non-Governmental Organisation, Congo Assistance Foundation, established by the Congolese First Lady, Madam Antoinette Sassou-Nguesso. He was however silent on when she is expected back in the country. Hopefully before the 29th.

*Patience

Patience Ozokwor

O

ne of the matters that dominated the Nigerian blogosphere last week was of differences said to be brought about by Jonathan’s recent bid for the presidency between the singer, broadcaster, actor and Director General, National Women Centre, Onyeka Onwenu and popular actor, Patience Ozokwor.

The beef between the two women was apparently so bad that at one of the meetings, Onwenu and Ozokwor allegedly openly abused each other and called each other names.

No reason to go on fighting now, is there?

*Patience Ozokwor

*Stella

A

nd while blosphere is busy hating on her, disgraced minister turned senator Stella Oduah is busy getting on.

T

*Anne

*Regina

O

ld time actress and beauty queen Regina Askia Williams took to her Facebook page to share

C M Y K

Anne Welsh

here are those supporters of the ruling PDP who would not accept president elect Muhammadu Buhari and would find- it would seem- anything under the sun to discredit his claims to financial prudence and honesty. The latest is the circulation in the Nigerian blogosphere of pictures of Buhari with Anne Welsh, the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation’s London-based Chief Executive Officer.

Regina Askia how her daughter, Stephanie Hornecker, was involved in an accident Wednesday last week in Ivory Coast during a visit to her father. The 23 year old spent two days in ICU and was discharged with a clean bill. Regina said she only just heard about the accident.

Stephanie was in the back seat, thankfully with her seat belt on.

Spent two days in ICU and recovery and was discharged home with a clean bill. .. Rejoice with me.

A farm she just launched Sits on a 600-hectare land area, with equipment worth billions of naira installed.

Princess Oduah said the project was a practical demonstration that all she had been preaching is possible.

For each hectare, 20 people are engaged thereby creating jobs for 12,000 people, excluding those to be engaged in the processing and storage plants.

Mine is to encourage farmers to not only continue farming but for them to do it in a mechanised way.

Not only that; it is my duty to also guarantee them the purchase of their farm products and that is the essence of the processing machines. To ensure that whatever they produce will not perish, but will be absorbed into the factories that will process them while they still get the market value.

Clusters of farmers’ cooperatives will be formed in each community so that whosoever is planting in each community will be identified but what is key is that our farmers will go home happier and wealthier.

T

Welsh, a former investment banker, met the former president during a conference in Brussels, Belgium in 2011 when she was the Chairperson of the Sickle Cell Society.

She has since been fired folowing allegations of money laundry. She claims she has done no wrong.

Others pictured with Welsh include former minister Oby Ezekwesili.

Dolapo Oni

rending this week has been OAP Dolapo Oni, who is best known as anchor for Moments with Mo, pon account of starting her own show. “The Marcy Project” is a 30-minute lifestyle and entertainment program with a mixture of web features, pre-recorded video footages and fashion tips. The show will feature interviews with upcoming acts and celebrities from various industries. In each episode, the host, Marcy Dolapo Oni will perform a quirky, captivating and intriguing project involving a task or challenge chosen by viewers, social media followers or guests. *Dolapo Marcy Dolapo Oni says , I’ve always wanted to have my own talk show and I know I wanted something that would be true to myself as well as show a different side of me that people rarely get to see. The idea came about in December 2013 and I told myself my show would be on air by 2015.

The title “The Marcy Project” came before the idea of the actual show. Marcy being my first name and the idea of me participating in a weekly project to add that to the show. It feels great to see it all coming together.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—35

We have launched innovative marketing programmes — Loretta Alao, VP, FRYDA

L

oretta Alao has more than fifteen years working experience in Brand Marketing and Public Relations. Her case is a testimony of how integrity and hard work can pay off, when God is in the middle of it. She is the Vice President of FRYDA Limited. She had previously served as a Senior Vice President of Brand marketing for a top organization.

Today, she tells a successful story of being a wife and business woman even as she battled and survived cancer. In this chat with FLORENCE AMAGIYA, she tells more.

Read on...

By Florence Amagiya

T

ell us about your busi ness?

By the God’s grace, I am the vice President of FRYDA Nigeria Limited who partners and sponsor, where we have successfully implemented a company turn-around and launched several innovative marketing programmes. At FRYDA, we have a multiple strategic Brand Teams that oversee marketing, communications, research and development, training, supply chain, customer service and operations. I have previously served as a Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for a firm which has managed project for numerous Oil and Gas firms and major Telecommunication outfits.

Did your childhood influence the business you chose?

My childhood wasn’t really an interesting one like most people would have thought. I was only seven years old when I adopted the role of a parent to my six older cousins and other six younger cousins at my aunt’s house with their bedridden father that I had to take care of before going to school daily. I would walk several kilometres to School and back. I attended Ideal Primary School at Falolu and later attended Ideal Girls Secondary School in Randu Avenue all in Surulere. While assisting my family I didn’t waste any spare time for my books. I left Secondary school at age 15 in 1989 and enrolled into a private college for preparatory studies for tertiary education in 1990. I read Accounting at C M Y K

Ado Ekiti University and had my Masters in the United Kingdom.

So, to that extent, I would say my childhood had a great influence on my business.

As a business woman, what projects have you delved into?

It is very difficult to catch a break because there are too many ideas around. No one is willing to lose anything important and have to reinvest time and again. We have handled projects and consulted for some reputable Oil and Gas firms and other organizations. We also run strategic design, development and employment, stakeholders’ engagement, consultancy and project management. We have also represented some telecommunications companies in Nigeria.

It is very difficult to catch a break because there are too many ideas around. No one is willing to lose anything important and have to reinvest time and again

*Loretta •Loretta Alao

Giving back to the society………

As give- back to the society, at FRYDA, we have set up a foundation to challenge the intellect of the students in their formative years after a researched work. As it is, I am a product of public school and over the years, I have realized that the standard of education is low. And this is due to the lack of skill and resources. Attention is not being paid to the quality of the education structure and delivery. In a society where most parents have handed their responsibility to the schools, it becomes overwhelmingly difficult for teachers to cater for the huge number of students. So after so much planning and research, I discovered that the public schools can get back what was lost if the students can have intellectual challenge added to the curriculum.

That birthed the competition known as Scrabblulympic in Lagos Public schools.

The game creates a bond, challenges your intellectual capacity and so much more. Scrabble is a healthy game of rivalry. I wanted to give something back to the

society through the passion I have developed with my husband.

FRYDA has involved over a thousand children in public Schools by the last scrabbulympics competition which held in 2013; the winners of the competitions from public Schools were taken abroad as part of the prices given to the students.

Some of the winners won car gifts, buses, generators, lap tops, computer games and so much more. But last year, scrabbulympics couldn’t hold in Lagos state as scheduled because of the Ebola outbreak, but it is holding this year by God’s grace.

Combining personal life and home front………

I met the young man I got married to when I was only a teenager. Today, we are happily married with three beautiful children. For fun, my husband and I play scrabble and of course we have also introduced the game to our children. We saw the way it has affected our children positively hence we decided to introduce it to public schools to add to their curriculum. For the three years of its exist-

ence; it has been worth it, we have seen children give all they can to play and win the game with the prices that goes with it. Of this we are impressed with how far some schools go to prepare their children for it.

How do you encourage intellectual growth among public school students?

First and foremost I am a great fan of scrabble; my husband and I play this game all the time. It is a game that improves the mind and the intellect. Scrabbulympics was birthed when l was going through a crisis in my life.

About six year ago, I noticed l was very sick and found out that l had cancer. It became so bad that l thought l was going to die. Meanwhile I have three young children; l wondered how they would cope if l am not able to fight the sickness. So l decided to do something to keep the children happy and decided to introduce the game and competition to public schools since my husband and I are products of public schools. As grace would have it, God saw me through the chemotherapy that I went through. Today l am back on my feet and the competition has come to stay.

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—37

officials are, however, the subject of many intrigues. It was easily being stated by concerned officials that the absence of the two men has removed them from the sustained pressure for the dissolution of the National Working Committee, NWC. Mu‘azu and his officials in the National Working Committee, NWC, have been the subject of many criticisms over their alleged handling of the elections. There have been direct calls even from some of their former friends including Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Chief Olabode George, a former senior party official for the resignation of the NWC.

•Mu'azu: Embattled PDP chairman

Mu'azu's muscles and medicals THE national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Adamu Mu‘azu has gone abroad to relax his muscles and obtain medical relief from the tension and thorns of the last election.

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor ELECTION loss is apparently an insipid pill that could demoralise the strongest of politicians. But some were muttering yesterday that it could have been worse for the national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Adamu Mu‘azu, after his party ’s historic loss in the recent general elections.

Recent whispers about the whereabouts of Dr. Mu‘azu were confirmed first by his office, and subsequently by the national secretariat: Mu‘azu is abroad on a medical.

However, against the suggestions of political

detractors, Mu‘azu affirmed that his medical flight abroad was not on account of heartache arising from the PDP’s loss of his ward, local government, state and the country in the recent general elections.

“The fact is, following the rigorous campaigns and its attendant toll on my health, I had to yield to the advice of my doctor to take a two weeks bed rest for proper checks and recuperation,” Dr. Mu`azu said in a statement issued from the office of the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.

In noting his resort abroad for “PROPER CHECKS AND RECUPERATIONS,” the PDP national chairman inadvertently laid bare the fact

that 16 years of PDP rule have not been able to provide Nigeria and ordinary Nigerians, the needed health infrastructure to obtain proper medical check and recuperation.

The national chairman was, however, quick to reassure confidants and supporters of the party that he was “responding to care and will soon return to the country.”

The timing of his return and what he would do on returning, have, however, been the butt of intrigues at the national secretariat of the party and the presidency.

Besides Mu‘azu, his deputy, Prince Uche Secondus is also out of the country leaving the now demoralised troops of the party wandering in the political wilderness that they have been thrust onto after their unprecedented election losses.

The absence of the number one and number two party

Fayose’s attack Fayose’s attack according to sources at the national secretariat has been especially provoking, given what party insiders claim as the direct role played by the NWC in ensuring his return to the governorship of Ekiti State.

Besides Fayose, a number of state governors had also sought for the dismissal of the NWC. The moral pressure on the NWC was reinforced last weekend when the leaders of the Labour Party in Britain and the Liberal Democratic Party, LDP both resigned after the humbling victory of the Conservative Party in that country ’s parliamentary elections.

Fayose and a number of others said the resignations in Britain were examples for Mu‘azu and his NWC to heed.

However, in making the calls, the Mu‘azu put aside the fact that Ed Miliband, who resigned as Labour Party leader, was the de facto leader of Labour a position that in Nigeria’s PDP is comparable to President Goodluck Jonathan who is in every respect the leader of the PDP. Senior officials of the PDP had practically laid the blame for the election loss on the steps

Besides Mu‘azu, his deputy, Prince Uche Secondus is also out of the country leaving the now demoralised troops of the party wandering in the political wilderness that they have been thrust unto after their unprecedented election losses

of the president citing his failure to empower the NWC and the party and the concomitant empowerment of his campaign organisation marshalled by Dr. Ahmadu Ali and Femi Fani-Kayode.

Whatever, the bad blood spilling from the loss inevitably led to the campaign for the sack of the Mu‘azu led NWC. That was besides reports of Mu‘azu’s alleged refusal to partake in the hate campaign marshalled by Fani-Kayode, First Lady Patience Jonathan and some others accountable to the president.

It was in the midst of the onslaught against him that Mu‘azu went abroad for his medicals. His decision to go abroad was also reflective of the telling state of the nation’s health system managed by the PDP over the last 16 years, to wit, the incapacity to treat the least of shocks arising from election defeat.

Meanwhile, in his absence, Mu‘azu’s associates say that the campaign for his removal is almost futile given the fact that he is unavailable to summon a meeting of the National Executive Committee, NEC of the party, the only body apart from the National Convention that can dismiss him from office. Even more dicey for the likes of Fayose leading the campaign for the dissolution of the NWC, Mu‘azu’s deputy, Prince Uche Secondus is also out of the country.

The only other option is to mobilise a signature campaign of members of NEC for such a meeting. However, sources in the party say that party elders are so deflated that they are unable to unleash such a campaign.

Mu‘azu in his statement issued yesterday was, however, acting like the potential leader of the party that he is destined to become after President Jonathan’s exit on May 29 as he called for unity despite the significant loss.

“I wish to charge all members that though we have had our setback, we are not down and out. The PDP remains the largest political party in this country. What we need now more than ever before is to unite as therein lies our strength as a family. Fighting ourselves will not yield anyone any good. Our members, therefore, must remain focused and join forces with their leaders at all levels to actualize our collective quest to rebuild the PDP and repositioning it to regain power in 2019”.

Mu‘azu’s prospects of regaining power from the All Progressives Congress, APC in 2019 would depend on how the party can coalesce the various tendencies that are now seeking for dominance in the party after the loss. It would also depend on how the APC is itself able to manage its victory.

38—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

disposal. It is expected that this would deliver economic growth, gainful jobs, income among others.

Ikpeazu also intends to place high premium on agriculture by maximising the state’s agricultural potentialities and focusing on major cash and food crops.

Abia: Ikpeazu holds on to his bold ideas HAVING emerged victorious in a race adjudged as one of the hottest governorship contests in Nigeria’s recent history, expectations are that Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the victorious candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP would not circumvent the key promises that earned him victory.

By Charles Kumolu KPEAZU’s determination to get down to the business of governing the state was given by his decision to ban his supporters and well-wishers from courtesy calls and congratulatory visits, on the account that he needed time to plan for the enormity of the task ahead. ‘’Because of the enormity of the task ahead, I require all the time I can get to plan to ensure that I justify the enormous confidence you have all reposed in me. After I have been sworn-in and after I have made appreciable impact. I will feel worthy to accept your congratulation and commendation visits. For now, I call on all of you to uphold me and those who will work with me in your prayers for wisdom from above to take the right steps. It is my solemn pledge that on my watch, Abia State shall be a state you will all be proud of,’’ he stated.

In an obvious departure from some practices peculiar to elected public office holders in the country, he also made known his decision not to be addressed as “His Excellency.”

to stay focused on his dreams for Abia which include, security, infrastructural recovery of Aba, education, agriculture, integrated structural economic transformation, employment among others.

With a realisation that the economic survival of the state particularly at this time of national economic crunch, may depend on the functionality of the commercial city of Aba, it was also learnt that plans have been concluded to commence the fixing of the city immediately Ikpeazu assumes power. Apparently, Ikpeazu wants to hit the ground running.

He wants to promote the city’s status as a commercial hub and upgrade the existing 14 major markets in the state up to modern standards.

In fact, the governor-elect has not hidden his determination to make the Aba project the major focus of the new administration.

Ikpeazu also plans to set up an agency for rural roads as well as Abia Marketing Corporation that would help buy excess farm produce as part of the initiatives to encourage agriculture.

Infrastructural recovery of Aba These decisions, it was gathered came from the desire

Relatively moderate cabinet These, he hinted, would alongside other measures create employment

I

•Okezie Ikpeazu opportunities for the teeming youths in the state.

Another aspect of the incoming Okezie administration that seems to excite observers, is the reported plans to cut down the overhead cost of governance by keeping a relatively moderate cabinet.

In this regard, the search for technocrats to man 10 key ministries is ongoing.

On a larger scale, the economic agenda seeks to focus on areas that would create optimal impact with the resources available at his

On security, Ikpeazu want Abians to know that as the Chief Security Officer of Abia, he would not relent on performing the primary function of government as contained in the 1999 constitution

The strength of Abia On education, he intends creating an enabling environment that would ensure the restructuring of the education curricula for primary, secondary and state-owned tertiary institutions.

Commenting on this at a recent forum, the incoming governor said, ‘’we believe that the strength of Abia lies in her people. As such, the transformation of the education sector in Abia will involve both the public and private institutions. We will develop an all-inclusive master plan to drive development and progress within the sector. This master plan will incorporate restructuring the education curricula for primary, secondary and state-owned tertiary institutions to ensure our children and youths are empowered with sound knowledge and technical skills required to survive and add value in the ever-evolving labour market.’’

On security, Ikpeazu want Abians to know that as the Chief Security Officer of Abia, he would not relent on performing the primary function of government as contained in the 1999 constitution.

Identity documents for residents of Abia Providing an insight into how Abia would be governed in that Continues on page 39

Lessons from the elections — Amb Ekewenu IN a recent chat with newsmen, Ambassador Karo Ekewenu, a United Nations Ambassador on Millennium Development Goals opens up on the recently concluded general elections.

W

•Amb. Ekewenu

HAT is your take on the 2015 general elections?

President Jonathan demonstrated his high level of patriotism and leadership in view of his calm disposition through the course of the electioneering exercise and crowned this when he conceded defeat when it became glaring that his opponent had won the contest. The rare action in this part of the globe was most crucially necessary to douse the fear across the nation at the period. That was probably the most difficult decision ever taken by the President but, trust me, that’s the wisest and most profitable as well. It was a display of true leadership statesmanship.

Having eulogized the action of the President in ensuring peace, are there no other efforts within and

outside the country that helped in this regard?

A lot of Nigerians, friends of Nigeria and the international community played great roles in ensuring peace before, during and after the elections. One cannot underestimate the powerful intervention of the United States of America (USA), European Union, United Kingdom, The African Union, ECOWAS, Dr Kofi Annan, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, His Eminence The Sultan of Sokoto, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, General Abdusalam Abubakar (rtd) and so many others who intervened and worked frantically for peace.

What was your experience in Delta

State where you come from?

In Delta State, I was surprised at the level of awareness from the urban to the rural areas about the candidates in each of the political parties. From Ethiope -West to Ethiope-East down to Okpe, Sapele and the entire Ughelli, everybody knows Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa.

What is the way forward for the Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State to consolidate on its political grip in the state?

What is more Interesting to note is that Delta State people are completely of the position that the political class in the state should come to accept the final verdict of the credible governorship election. In the journey of life, there is bound to be a victor and vanquished, Continues on page 39

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—39

Ikpeazu holds on to his bold ideas Continues from page 38 respect, Ikpeazu said, “ we shall enhance the security of Abia State by keying into the Federal Government’s Identity Management Scheme to generate identity documents for residents of Abia State.’’

The scheme, he added, ‘’will provide data for our planning as well as give all Abia people a common identification card to facilitate their business transactions with the state and each other. We will empower the security agencies with funds to improve on equipment and intelligence gathering through the use of information tools and a structured vigilante network.”

On the judiciary, Ikpeazu added thus: ‘’We will develop and strengthen our state judicial system to ensure the timely delivery of justice in matters affecting our people. In this regard, the areas we will address include, “introduction of a fully automated judicial system leveraging a centralised information management system, an automated work flow court calendar, case file view among others. In addition to this, we shall ensure the improvement of the remuneration and welfare packages of our judicial workers to improve morale and

drive efficiency.”

710 govt-owned healthcare centres The areas of healthcare and housing are also poised to receive the attention of the incoming government.

Expatiating on that recently, Ikpeazu said, ‘’to provide effective and efficient healthcare services to all our people, in every part of the state, we will strengthen the 710 government owned healthcare centers by improving their infrastructure, funding and improving the quality of healthcare professionals deployed in them. We will partner worldclass healthcare providers to train our personnel and provide complimentary infrastructure.”

Continuing, he said, “we will promote increased development of affordable housing through the provision of necessary infrastructure and PPP. Our government will optimise the Land and Title Registration process to encourage increased investment in the sector.

“We will attract private and corporate home developers to build in Abia State, and ultimately reverse brain drain which will see a majority of Igbo families moving their primary abode back to Abia State from Lagos and Abuja.”

Lessons from the elections Continues from page 38 There is bound to be a winner and a loser. In principle, the jostling for a political office is to consent to the fact that one person is bound to triumph and the rest aspirants are obligated by the rules of the game to accept defeat.

Indeed, this understanding is a golden rule. It is not exclusive to politics. Even in the prominent faiths that we understand and believe in, magnanimity in victory and gallantry in defeat is what differentiate real sportsmen from desperadoes. At the initial stage in the contest, the outcome of the PDP governorship primary election in Delta State exposed some lapses in our political culture. A few disgruntled politicians and their hangers-on, who lost in the race for the party’s gubernatorial ticket, took to a new vocation commonly called pull-him-down syndrome, by hacking down the winner and throwing venom at the party’s hierarchy.

If the PDP must continue to win as a big family in Delta State and take over the national stage once again, the time to build bridges is now. The time to shun greed and begin to strengthen our institution as a party is now. It’s time to shun ethnic sentiments and be patriotic as party men and women.

The strategy of bridge building has worked for the Urhobo nation and it will work for the PDP. This is the time for PDP to put its house in order and strengthen the party to become a formidable force. That is the spirit of unity needed for political advancement. Enough of disgraceful defections of members here and there. The major opposition party in Nigeria (which some members are defecting to) all these while stood their ground and concentrated on their vision and mission to achieve the envious success of the moment. See where they are today.

The way forward is for the party (PDP) to embrace the principles of justice, equity, unity of purpose and jettison ethnic sentiments so as to recover its lost pride and dignity as the once largest political party in Africa.

My politics is for the people — Adegeye (Sunny Ade’s wife) *Explains why she wants to be Amuwo-Odofin LGA chairman A MEMBER of the Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission and former lawmaker representing Amuwo Odofin in the House of Assembly, Mrs Riskat Adegeye in this interview wants women to be compensated with elective positions for their poor performance at the last general elections. Adegeye, who is married to popular fuji musician, King Suny Ade also explains why she wants to contest for the chairmanship position of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

By Charles Kumolu

Y

OU represented Amuwo Odofin in the Lagos State House of Assembly, but how prepared are you for the executive position you are seeking for?

I have been in politics for a long time. My late mother was a politician who inspired me to become a politician. It was not by accident that I became a politician. That is why I am passionate about serving my people. When someone gets into something by accident, you may not get the best out of that person, but for someone like me, •Adegeye: I've been in politics for a long time who had idea of why I am in politics it is a different case.

On robust grass-roots appeal During the Third Republic, I was the secretary of me. Today the name Hon Adegeye is a of Social Democratic Party, SDP, in Mushin Local household name in Amuwo Odofin Constituency Government Area. In Apapa Local Government, 1 because I play politics with human face. People I was the secretary of the Peoples Democratic think that when you are in government, money Party, PDP. At a very young age, I was the will be flowing, but that is a wrong impression. secretary of National Party of Nigeria, NPN, As a lawmaker, what I was getting was not women wing. In 2001, I defected to ADC enough to meet up with my daily financial obligations to my constituents. alongside Chief Dapo Sarumi, My record as a legislator made who brought me up in politics. My record as a it possible for people to beckon I believe that learning under legislator made it on me to contest for the position the tutelage of Sarumi helped possible for people to of chairman in Amuwo Odofin me a lot in becoming a better beckon on me to Local Government Area. My politician. confidence of getting the ticket In all the parties I have been contest for the is unshaken because my party since my NPN days, my believes in my capacity which understanding of the position of chairman they have never doubted. grassroots was brought to bear. in Amuwo Odofin Are you not afraid that Any politician with a robust Local Government Amuwo Odofin is now a grassroots appeal is bound to stronghold of the PDP? go places because politics is Area. My confidence It is unfortunate that the about people. In Lagos State, of getting the ticket is result of the elections did not a lot of women lost in the favour us in Amuwo Odofin. primaries while some lost in unshaken the general elections. It is so bad to the extent However, it will be different during the local that we have only three women among the government election. The presence of non incoming members of the Lagos State House of indigenes is not peculiar to our local government.

Assembly.

Igbo and other non indigenes are everywhere Being a state lawmaker is also a grassroots in Lagos. With my personality, I am not in doubt political office, what is the appeal in the local that non indigenes would vote for me. I am a government chairmanship ? detribalised person and I have exhibited that in Like governance which is a continuum, I am all the positions I held in the past. If I had of the opinion that politics is also a continuum. participated in the last election for any elective I can’t say that I satisfied all the needs of my position, my party would not have lost. So, I don’t people which were within my legislative have fears neither am I scared of anyone. Even powers. But I did my best by ensuring that the when I get the ticket, people in my local voice of my people was heard at that level. At government will be elated across party lines. the risk of sounding boastful, people will tell They will even abandon their parties for the APC you that my tenure at the House was well spent because of me. in the interest of my people. Within my humble What is the body language of your party limits, I ensured that my constituents were leaders toward your ambition? carried along through the assistance I rendered I did not just wake up to find myself in the to them. That is in addition to the number of race. I have consulted with my party leaders. bills I co-sponsored in the House. With such Even now that we are talking, consultations are gestures which were common during my tenure, still ongoing. The good news is that they are it was easy for my constituents to become fond disposed to my ambition.

40—V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y, MA Y 13, 2015 40—VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA MAY

He doesn’t care for safe sex

My friend’s husband is a two-faced cheat!

Dear Bunmi, LAST year, my best friend spent a week with me trying to get over the shock of her husband’s latest affair. His latest flame had just phoned the house and she was quite nasty on the phone.

When my friend told her husband what happened, he shrugged and said it took two to be rude! It took a lot of persuasion for her to go back and she told me things are fine now.

But I know they aren’t. The grapevine is agog with his current escapade and when I go to my friend’s house, I can’t stand her husband as a result. My skin crawls when my friend cuddles up to him; and at the smarmy way he fawns over her knowing he’s a great fraud!

Gogo, by e-mail.

Dear Gogo, YOUR view of your friend’s marriage is based on what happened to her last year, when she was angry and unhappy— and on the socalled grapevine. But you haven’t heard the

conversation they’ve had where they were sorting things out.

You’ve not seen what concrete changes they’ve made to recover from the affair, or the effort they’ve made to get themselves back in love.

It’s understandable that whenever you see him, you

remember the affairs and feel bad. But things have moved on for her and she feels differently about him and her marriage. If you want to be a real friend to her, you will realize this and start to feel differently too.

You are not married to this man, your friend is. Leave them to get on with their lives.

It is a known fact that quite a number of men have flings with the best friends of their brides-to-be. It has to do with proximity

Does he Love both of us?

Dear Bunmi, My best friend is getting married soon. What she doesn’t know is that her fiance and I are lovers.

I was quite put off when he proposed to her. But he said she was pregnant, that if I’d got pregnant first, he would have married me.

We still have sex because he says he still loves me. Now, he talks about their wedding plan and I’m dying inside.

Angela, by e-mail.

Dear Angela, IT is a known fact that quite a number of men have flings with the best friends of their brides-to-be. It has to do with proximity— while courting his fiance, both of you were available for the taking.

Now, he’s made his choice and it is up to you again. Your feelings for each other notwithstanding, he has made his choice and you’ll have to be involved with their marriage plans.

Sad as your situation is, it is better to nurse yourself through a broken heart than settle for second best, which would be agreeing to be his

mistress!

It’s obvious your so-called best friend doesn’t know what

is going on between you two, so stop before you lose her friendship too!

My husband gets on my nerves!

Dear Bunmi, AFTER 29 years of marriage and three children, I have this feeling there’s absolutely no love or affection between me and my husband. He works from home after he was retired. But most of the time, he just sits around watching Super Sports.

I still have a job and only our last child is left in school, but he scarcely helps financially or around the house, even when I’m not feeling well.

I want to leave him, but I don’t know how to go about it or where to go when I eventually do. I think I deserve another chance at happiness. Do you have an idea of what I should do?

Uche, by e-mail.

Dear Uche, YOU’ve obviously arrived at

a state of great loneliness and this sometimes happens in a marriage. You need to know that your husband also feels alone and perhaps feels that his life is worth little.

Subtly let him know that this state of limbo you’re currently in is not why you two got together all those years ago.

Complain less about his selfish and lazy behaviour, as that will get you nowhere.

Instead, express your needs and encourage him to discuss his:What do both of you want from your lives now the kids have grown? How are you going to achieve those needs?

Relationships exist because people share dreams and you need to discover the ones you still have in common.

It’s not going to be easy after all those years together.

Calling it quits would be the very last thing to consider.

Dear Bunmi, My partner and I are in our 40s. He is married and I am separated from my husband.

Since my separation, he has been supportive emotionally and financially and I care for him in my own way. You see, I have since discovered him to be a chronic womaniser and I am afraid of contracting any sexual disease.

I have told my partner of my fears and urged him to use the condom whenever we make love.

He has bluntly refused to do this. He said he would happily accept any pregnancy and I

have no doubt that he would, though that is not the issue. He shuts me up whenever I bring up the subject of condoms.

How can I make him use it?

Felicia, by e-mail.

Dear Felicia, Some men can’t stand the sight of the condom and no threat of STD would make them wear one.

Your partner is obviously one of them. I’m afraid you can’t force him to wear one.

So, it is up to you to stay with his decision or look for another partner who shares the same belief about protective sex as you.

Should I get pregnant?

Dear Bunmi, My fiance and I hope to get married soon, but haven’t set the date. We’ve done the traditional engagement, but he wants us to get enough stuffs for the flat before marriage.

I am on the pill, but I would rather have kids when I’m young enough to cope. I am 25 and he is 30 and we have fairly well-paid jobs.

Do you think getting pregnant would hasten his commitment? I could go off the pill without telling him.

Fatima, by e-mail.

Dear Fatima, You are better off discussing how you feel with your partner instead of tricking him into putting your marriage date forward. Both of you might want to make some sacrifices like settling for a modest wedding.

Whatever stuffs you'll need for the flat could be bought as the means arise. But believe me, taking care of a baby doesn’t come cheap!

Whatever you do, put a date to your proposed wedding.

That would take your mind off the anxiety of the possibility of his not committing to you.

Relationships exist because people share dreams and you need to discover the ones you still have in common I can't get over the loss of my wife Dear Bunmi, FOR close to 16 years, I thought I was happily married to my childhood sweetheart. But she left me and didn't even take any of the three children with her.

I met my second wife some years later and she was nice to my children. She had a son from a previous relationship and I gladly adopted him.

Unfortunately, she died of cancer and I’m now in the house with her son— my other children are grown and share a flat.

I miss my second wife every day, but I wish to get on with my life. What should I do?

Fidelis, by e-mail.

Dear Fidelis, Please, don’t let these

tragedies ruin your life because you have the gift of giving love. Your first marriage lasted 16 happy years before your wife got fed up with it and left.

Your second wife loved you enough to trust you with her son, even when she knew she was dying.

Rather than concentrating on the bad things in your life, focus on creating more good things. Get out and meet people. Make friends and help them feel happy about themselves.

Do this and, although you will never forget the sadness of your current loss, you will be able to put it behind you and build a good future.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 —41

Govt must prioritise postgraduate medical training — Mr. Olusegun Odukoya, Consultant Obsterician & Gynaecologist, EKO Hospitals Group

A

BOUT 30 years ago, EKO Hospitals Group was fully accredited for the postgraduate fellowship training in family medicine. Early this year, it obtained a two year accreditation for postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. In this interview, the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital, Mr. Olusegun Odukoya, a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, speaks to Chioma Obinna on the impact of post-graduate training to healthcare delivery. Excerpts: Postgraduate training at EKO Hospital

T

HE National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and West African College of Physicians in 1985 gave full accreditation to the hospital for postgraduate fellowship training programme in family medicine.

The first resident doctor in the faculty of family medicine was accepted in 1986 and the first Fellows graduated in November 1991. Today, a total of total 15 Fellows in this specialty have been produced and currently there are 16 residents at different stages of their postgraduate training.

To further boost the training programme and provide the much needed specialist in the country, the hospital in 2014 applied for post graduate training accreditation of the faculty of obstetrics and gynaecology. After inspecting the available facilities and precisely, on 27th January, 2015, a partial accreditation that enables her begins postgraduate residency training was granted through a letter signed by the college registrar. We were also given six doctors to train, four junior doctors and two senior doctors.

Training facilities available

We have enough consultants who are full time in obstetrics and gynaecology and we have adequate numbers of nurses and our work in obstetrics and gynaecology is cutting edge. We have facilities like the oncology department which supports the treatment of cancer and Invitro fertilisation which is part of training of the senior doctors.

Any organisation that embarks on training of postgraduate doctors must be at cutting edge service provision, research and training. This is because if your candidates go for exams and they do not meet up, they will fail. We have been doing very well. We also offer internship in general medicine, in pharmacy, radiography, physiotherapy and dietician. We have variety of training programmes in various departments in the delivery of healthcare.

Benefit of training

Supporting the postgraduate medical programme is of paramount importance and the hospital will continue to do so because it enhances the quality

• Mr.Olusegun Odukoya

Any organisation that embarks on training of postgraduate doctors must be at cutting edge service provision, research and training

of service delivery which goes a long way in ensuring that hospital mission statement of delivering excellent medical services is achieved. We also see it as contributing to the training of specialists in various departments so that the quality of care provided to the public is improved. Therefore we see it as contributing our own quota to the development of healthcare in the country by producing specialists that are of standard and up to date and can compete anywhere in world. We have endowed ourselves with healthcare providers trained to such a level

Avon HMO rolls out community health plan in Anambra

By Jennifer Aladetona

S

UCCOUR came the way of the communities in Idemili LGA, Anambra state and its environs recently as a partnership to provide qualitative and affordable healthcare at Iyi-Enu Mission Hospital was signed between Avon Healthcare Ltd (Avon HMO) Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, SNEPCo. Speaking on the partnership, Adesimbo Ukiri, MD/CEO, Avon HMO said "When we met with the key leaders, it was clear that the health of their community was paramount and non-negotiable.

This community-based health insurance plan provides an ideal opportunity for the people of Idemili to take control of their health.

“At Avon HMO, we empower people to live healthier, fuller lives so we were very happyto

collaborate and developa Health Plan that adequately catered to the specific health needs of this community at an affordable cost".

The Idemili Community Health Insurance Plan kicked off earlier this year and is fast gaining traction. Following subscription, members are able to enjoy access to primary health services and selected secondary health services at the recently refurbished IyiEnu Hospital, the sole designated healthcare Provider.

Free from the burden of out-ofpocket payment, all the member has to do to access care is simply present their ID card at the Hospital.

The Iyi-Enu Hospital lies in the heart of the community and was refurbished by SNEPCo in 2014.

Ukiri commended SNEPCo for improving quality and efficiency of health service delivery in the area.

Reverend Nwoye,a cleric at St Luke's Church, Idemili has a

health plan for his entire family.

He said subscription had made accessing care easy,convenientand affordable.

"No one I have spoken to has complained about paying the premium as they know that if they fall sick, even once in a year, the money they will spendon treatment and drugs at the hospital will be much more."

Nwoye who actively recommends subscription to his community further added that even though people may not regularly require medical attention, no one knows what tomorrow may bring.

"No one prays for illness but it happens. Keep paying your premium and be covered and if you don't fall sick, then we thank God".

Mrs NnekaUbidispoke of her satisfaction with the plan. "The money is not too much considering the services that are rendered", she said. An unexpected advantage of being

registered with the Iyi-Enu Hospital is that members will be aware ofany public health outreach or preventative initiatives run by the Hospital.

This makes it more likely that they will be able to participate.”

The Community Health Plan represents a continued expansion of Avon's suite of Health Plans.

"This shows that Avon HMO is able to offer not only its own private Health Plans, but also the full array of plans tocommunities and governments across all states and regions", said Ukiri.

She said feedback from the Plan revealed that impact was immediate and positive, while acknowledging that the lessons learned from the successes and challenges of the Idemili Community Health Plan would spur discussion on how to take universal health coverage to the next level.

that will improve the quality of service.

Funding and medical equipment

The incoming government has to take the lead in funding and ensuring that there are facilities in post graduate training. We do not have any subvention from government but it will be appropriate for the government to look into it and help as most of the doctors we train go back to work in the government owned hospitals.

For instance, what the government of India did was to bring the importation of any medical equipment to 3 percent.

Indian government dropped it dramatically and that is why they were able to bring in modern equipment in their country.

People are now rushing to the place which is wrong. Today, if I bring in medical equipment, I am going to pay a huge amount to Customs. Why can’t government bring it down to either zero or minimal digit level?

I can tell you that we have about N150 billion of educational fund where is it going? This is part of what can be channeled into training our specialists and the people that will be delivering the healthcare we deserve in the country.

Brain drain

Medicine is like any other profession. However, when you look at it in general, the commonality in the environment is that there is no job satisfaction.

If I provide wonderful services and I go home there is no electricity, no security, even though I am happy where I am working but what is happening in my environment is going to affect my decision making process. Individuals will have to decide based on the totality of their environment. It is unfortunate that this is happening in our country. It is unfortunate, that we don’t have a government that thinks about the people. It is also unfortunate you cannot tie down anybody to work for your organisation. What you can do is to make your organisation friendly to your employees but there are other things surrounding them that will determine their choice or decision.

Charge for incoming government

My advice to the incoming government is that it should look at the manufacturing base. Where do we want to be in the next 20, 50 and 100 years? They should have a long term plan rather than a short term plan. What we have been having is short term plan.

There should be continuity in implementation of ideas. The President- elect has promised he is going to use technocrats and people who know what they are doing. We expect him to put the right pegs in the right holes.

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Why we blew up oil facilities in Delta, by Urhobo militant group

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—AGGRIEVED Urhobo militants, under the aegis of Urhobo Gbagbako, have said that their decision to blow up oil facilities in Ihwrenen and Ejophe communities in Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Areas, Delta State, was informed by what they described as marginalization and neglect of Urhobo nation by the outgoing administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The group, in a statement by its National Chairman, Otega Obire, said: “The Urhobo nation, as the fifth largest ethnic group in the country, has long been marginalized in the presidential amnesty programme and pipeline surveillance jobs and contracts. Even the Delta Steel Company, DSC, Aladja, that is supposed to be the only federal project in Urhoboland, has been

grounded for years.”

Warning that the Urhobo hospitality, simplicity and maturity exhibited to ensure the smooth functioning of government at all levels, should not be mistaken for cowardice, the group in the statement, told the incoming government to create a level playing ground for bidding and allocation of contracts in the oil pipeline surveillance with particular reference to the

“Urhobos who are the major host communities of oil facilities and gas plants in line with the Local Content Act.” Calling for the speedy resuscitation of DSC to reduce unemployment and restiveness in their domain, and by extension promote the economic fortunes of the people, the militants, said: “We accepted change before the elections because we strongly believed in the capacity of the

president-elect, General Muhamadu Buhari, to correct the wrongs done to us by the outgoing administration.

“We have resolved to prevail and calm all aggrieved Urhobo youths for a ceasefire after due consultation and meetings with our channels of communication with the incoming government, but it has to be quick in order to avoid a return to the dark days of militancy.”

APC urged to consider S-South for House of Reps Speaker

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AT I O N A L C o o r d i n a t o r, Nigeria Democrat and Equity Mandate Vanguard, a pan-Nigeria mandate group, Mallam Inusa Gaidam, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to consider zoning the speakership of the House of Representatives to the South-South geopolitical zone.

The group is also backing Pally Iriase for the House of Representatives’ speakership, saying this will give a sense of belonging and balance to the nation’s polity.

At its national working committee/stakeholder conference in Abuja to Xray the victory of APC and the need for national equity in allotment of positions, the group’s Director of Media Publicity and Social Communication, Mr Oarhe Dickson, said the group, a non-partisan one, decided to back Pally Iriase for Speaker of House of Reps “To promote equity in the polity where all zones across the country will feel that they are being carried along.”

INAUGURATION: Representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Fidelis Nwankwo (L); Chairman, Governing Board, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Nathaniel Shidalli (2nd L); former Chairman, Governing Board, Mr Dennis Agbonlabor (3rd L); Registrar, Prof. Anthony Emeribe (2nd R) and former Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, during the inauguration of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Headquarters/Laboratories Complex, in Abuja, yesterday.

Appeal Court sets aside lower court's judgment on land inheritance in Benin

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State, has set aside the judgment of an Edo State High Court, Benin, which ruled that the adjoining land to an Igiogbe remained part and parcel of the property at No. 32, Agbado Street, Benin City.

Igiogbe, according to Benin native law and custom, is the house where a deceased father lived, died and was buried . The Igiogbe is passed on to the eldest son by inheritance after he had performed the first and second burial rites and Ukpomwen.

Appellants in the case, Edomwonyi Aiguokunrueghian, U h u n m w e n k p e m a Aiguokunrueghian, Monday Aiguokunrueghian for themselves and on behalf of the children of Aiguokunrueghian, Taiwo Alegbesogie and Igbineweka Ogedegbe, dissatisfied with the judgment of Justice J. Omorodion of the lower court over the land adjoining the

Igiogbe, appealed same.

The appellate court, in a landmark judgment by Justice Hamma Barka and unanimously adopted by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa and Justice Ugochukwu Ogakwu, said: “I am of the view therefore, that clause 7 of the will, having devised the Igiogbe and the adjoining land to the appellants’ father, his bequest in

respect of the adjoining land is not caught up by the Phrase subject to; “In other words, the adjoining land which is inbuilt remains the property of the father the appellants and by necessary inference that of the 1st and 3rd appellants. The holding of the lower court is in error and is hereby set aside.”

Elders condemn electoral violence in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Elders have condemned the political violence witnessed in the state during the last general polls.

Speaking under the aegis of Founding Fathers Foundation of Rivers State, yesterday in Port Harcourt, Chairman of the body, Chief Albert Horsfall, said that since its creation, the state had never witnessed the level of political violence seen in the state in the weeks preceding the

just concluded general elections.

Congratulating the presidentelect, General Muhamadu Buhari, on his emergence, Chief Horsfall, a former Director General of Department of State Security, DSS, appealed to Buhari to help achieve a violence-free Rivers State.

“We condemn every act of violence in the state. We condemn the violence in the last elections. Those promoting violence should drop their guns. We need peace,” he said.

PDP lauds Police interception of alleged loot in Rivers Govt House

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IVERS State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that its earlier alarm on the alleged looting in the state Government House and other government institutions has been justified.

The PDP, meanwhile, commended men and officers of the Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Police, who intercepted the truck carrying alleged looted items from the Government House, Port Harcourt.

Rivers PDP in a statement by its Chairman, said “We consider our position vindicated with the latest seizure of a Toyota Camry Car with Registration Number: KRK 340 AA, which was used in escorting a Mercedes Benz truck with Registration Number: LA 086 MA, carrying several items from the Rivers State Government House, Port Harcourt, on May 10, 2015."

Ndoma-Egba, a bad loser, says C-River PDP Chairman

By Emma Una

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A L A B A R — NTUFAM John Okon, Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Cross River State, yesterday, berated the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba, alleging that he is a bad loser, who has refused to take his loss of the senatorial primaries of the party in good faith.

Okon, who addressed newsmen in Calabar, said the Senate Leader was a “dancer in political matters.”

On the visit of NdomaEgba to President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari recently, Okon said the party was aware of the Senate Leader ’s lethargic attitude to the party since he lost nomination to contest the Central senatorial district position.

43 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Imo ENTRACO goes tough

Firearms possession,CJ takes over case file

By Onozure Dania

L

By Chidi Nkwopara

AGOS—THE Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, has taken over the case file of two brothers, Sulaiman Sanusi and Kehinde Sanusi, standing trial over alleged illegal possession of fire arms and disrespect of a court order.

The Chief Judge took over the case file after Magistrate Adeola Adedayo, who they were supposed to be arraigned before, raised an alarm over alleged threat to her life.

At the resumed hearing of the matter before Magistrate Adedayo, yesterday, the defendants and their counsel

O

WERRI—IMO S t a t e Environmental Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n Commission, ENTRACO, has said it would soon establish a mobile court as part of the measures to reposition Owerri as the cleanest city in Nigeria.

ENTRACO General Manager, Mr. Emeka Osuji, who stated this at a news briefing in Owerri, also outlined some of the measures the establishment would undertake in achieving the goal.

“The Commission has set up a mobile court that would summarily try any person that violates ENTRACO Law. ‘’Also billed to work with the mobile court are members of ENTRACO, the police and other security agencies, charged with the responsibility to arrest and prosecute any person that dumps refuse outside the stipulated place,” Osuji said.

were absent from the proceedings.

Meanwhile, the counsel from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, S. Dawudu, told the court that there was a legal advice from DPP. The matter could not go on as the Magistrate said she was not in possession of the case file and no information was given in respect of that.

It was gathered that the first defendant, Sulaiman Sanusi, was asked to face trial as the DPP insisted that he had a case to answer, over illegal possession of fire arms, while his younger brother, Kehinde Sanusi, was asked to go as there was no evidence that linked him with the

offence.

The two defendants are the children of late Lagos business mogul, Chief Abdul-Rasak Sanusi, and are being prosecuted by the police.

At the last sitting of the matter, Magistrate Adedayo of Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting on the Island, raised alarm that she had received letters delivered to her residence from the defendants who were yet to be arraigned.

The magistrate said she was disturbed that the defendants knew her house and had detailed her personal life in the letter.

“I feel very threatened. Let the world know about it so that if anything happens to me and any member of my family the whole

POLLS: Gov Orji constitutes c'ttee to

review PDP performance in Abia

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—IN a bid to strengthen Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has inaugurated an 18-member committee to appraise the performance of the party in the last elections.

Headed by a former state chairman of the party, Chief Ndidi Okereke, the committee is charged among others, with the responsibility of ascertaining the problems and constraints faced by the party during the elections.

Inaugurating the committee at Government House, Umuahia, Monday, Governor Orji urged

Don’t compromise your job, Ndukwe advises Anambra tribunal

By Enyim Enyim

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NITSHA—THE campaign organization of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, senatorial candidate for Anambra South senatorial zone in the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election, Chief Ernest Ndukwe, has called on the election petition tribunal in Anambra State, headed by Joseph Aganaba, to shun politicians who might want to influence his panel with money.

Chairman of the organization, Mr McCool Nwosu, who addressed newsmen in Awka, told the 3-man panel not to allow politicians taint their image and rubbish their well built career because of peanut.

Besides, he called on the national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Attahiru Jega, to quickly investigate alleged doctoring of voters register by Anambra State Independent National Electoral

Commission.

Nwosu, alleged that there was serious indication that some INEC Staff may have colluded with some politicians to doctor the voters register used in the last general election to favour their preferred party and candidates.

“Before the March 28, 2015 National Assembly poll, we in the Ernest Ndukwe Campaign Organization had reposed confidence in INEC believing they were prepared and would conduct a free, fair and acceptable result.

the members to review and appraise the performance of the party in the last polls and ascertain the remote and perceived problems faced by the party in that election.

According to him, the aim of the review is to proffer solutions to any problems identified which will make the party to improve its performance in future polls.

Orji noted that though PDP won in many of the contested elections, the victory did not generate the usual euphoria that characterized the party in the previous elections.

He charged the committee to provide the way forward for the party, including requirements for reforming and rebuilding to make it stronger and more resilient.

The committee has two weeks to complete the assignment.

Responding on behalf of the others, the chairman, Chief Ndidi Okereke, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve and assured that the committee would carry out the assignment judiciously.

world will know who to hold. I don’t know why a defendant should know my house. My life is at risk ,’’ she had cried out.

In the charge marked A/143/ 2014, instituted by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Suleiman was accused of unlawful possession of firearms.

The police stated that the Sanusi siblings had acted contrary to Section 104 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and Section 4 of the Nigerian Firearms Act. It was further gathered that the charge was a result of the suit instituted in 2002 by Suleiman and two of his siblings against three of their siblings, who were appointed by their late father as the executors of his estate.

The suit marked ID/904M/2002 had as its plaintiffs Suleimon, Risikat Olusanya and Ganiyat Sanusi.

Joined as respondents were the appointed executors of the Sanusi’s estate, Abdul-Mojeed Sanusi, Falilat Sanusi-Lawal, and Bilikisu Sanusi.

In the said suit, the claimants had accused the respondents of mismanaging their late father’s estate.

But ruling on the suit, Justice Williams-Dawodu had held that “the first applicant (Suleimon) should produce or surrender all documents in his custody to the estate.”

The court also ordered the executors (respondents) to resume joint management of the estate, in line with the will of their late father, executed by the late F.R.A. Williams (SAN).

The executors were ordered to return to the court to submit a report of stewardship on the estate.

But they are now alleging that since the court order was given in 2006, the first applicant, had not complied by surrendering all the documents in relation to the estate, as directed by the court.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

What is your view on Oshodi-Apapa gridlock?

I

magine the police station at Trinity/Industrial road, the front of the station is even completely blocked and the DPO sits in his office there. I see the connivance of Lagos State government and Nigerian Police Force. Miss Sandi Fait, Businesswoman

I

wonder why nobody is asking why the great and all powerful LASTMA allowed this road to be overrun by tanker drivers.

This may be a Federal road but the state government collects levies from all the businesses and homes around that area. -Mr Stanley Okafor, Graduate

H

ow can they attend to crime situation when there is an emergency call with all the roads blocked without exit? In fact, the blame and probe should start from them. Where are our leaders in local, state or federal level? -Miss Chika Dike, NYSC member

H

ead of FRSC should see to this problem sorted out once and for all.

It needs good street lighting at night so that tankers can use the road from 6.00pm to 6.00am, leaving it for other traffic the other 12 hours. We need prayer. -Mr. Nelson Azubuike, Clergy

P

eople suffer as a result of tankers taking charge of the OshodiApapa road. Govt has to clear the madness on that road. Danfo drivers have now considered one-way as a norm and okada riders have become something else. -Mr. Peter Ekpo, Worker

C

an you imagine being stuck in traffic for 12 hours? Lord have mercy! Does Lagos State still have a governor? A megacity with heavy traffic, one-way driving, unlawful tanker parking, then what is mega about the city? -Miss Ebereke Kelechi, Student

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

SPEAKERSHIP: Group canvasses support for Dogara

By Abdullahi Garba

K

ADUNA—A group, the Arewa Youth and Women Coalition for Good Governance, has canvassed zoning of the Speakership position of the House of Representatives to the North-East, arguing that the move will serve as compensation for the area which has been ravaged by several years of Boko Haram insurgency.

The group, which held a procession along some major streets in Kaduna yesterday also proposed Hon. Yakubu Dogara, a third-term member of the lower chamber of the National Assembly, from Bauchi State, for the position of Speaker.

“Our decision to support Hon. Dogara is informed by the need to give a sense of belonging to the North-East region, which has been ravaged by insurgency for several years,” the group said.

Chairman of the coalition, Auwal Zakariya, who spoke with reporters at the end of the rally further justified its position, saying that the North-East made the second largest contribution to the electoral fortunes of the All Progressives Congress, APC, during the presidential and National Assembly polls.

According to Zakariya, “the North-East came second after the NorthWest and we are sure it would have been ahead but for the violence in the area.''

El-Rufa’i set to probe Yero administration

By Abdullahi Garba

K

ADUNA—KADUNA State governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufa’i has hinted that he may probe the outgoing administration of Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.

According to El-Rufa’i, “The APC-led government will ask politicians who stole government money to return such funds.”

The governor-elect spoke yesterday when executive members of the National Union

U

as a forum of northern governorselect and we decided to ensure the revival of the textile industries.

“It is a shame that the largest economy in Africa imports textile materials from Senegal and other countries. “ Earlier in his remarks, President of the union, Comrade Oladele Hunsu, congratulated El-Rufa’i over his victory at the polls.

He described as indelible, ElRufa’i’s activities as the FCT Minister and urged the Governorelect to take steps towards reviving the textile industry.

According to Hunsu, “ The major threat to the realization of the great potential of Nigeria in textile production is high influx of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

“Over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s huge market size is dominated by smuggled and counterfeit goods, killing local companies in Kano, Kaduna, Lagos, Guzau, Aba and Port Harcourt, and millions of direct and indirect associated local jobs.''

We are not owing our 30,000 workers a penny – Kaduna govt

By Luka Binniyat AGM: From left; Mrs Bidemi Ademola, Company Secretary, Unilever Nigeria Plc; HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, Chairman and Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, MD during the 70th Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele.

NLC, TUC, JPSNC commence indefinite strike in Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

B

AUCHI—THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,

Youth group demands rerun of Delta polls, hails APC RHOBO Unemployed Youths Movement, a youth group in Delta State, has demanded a rerun of the recently-conducted polls in Delta State.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Effurun, the President of the group, Francis Onokpasa, asserted that the elections were massively rigged by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in concert with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies, whom he alleged had behaved like card-carrying members of PDP during the elections.

According to him: “What we witnessed in Delta was daylight robbery in the name of conducting elections. Card readers were not used in many places, election materials were snatched, while result sheets were sold to PDP by

of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria paid him a courtesy visit at his residence.

He regretted that his government will inherit a huge debt burden, adding that, “We will politely ask those who stole government money to return the funds.

“This is because the people who are in government now are there to work for themselves but the APC government is made up of people ready to work for the masses and the betterment of the country.

“We will work with the textile

union to ensure that lives of the average Nigerians get better.”

El-Rufa’i decried what he described as the “shameful” state of the textile industry in the area, pledging that his government will reverse the trend.

According to him, the textile industries in Kaduna used to employ a total of about 33,000 workers and lamented that the current figure of 1,600 employees was unacceptable.

He said that the APC government would revive the textile industries more so as the move will generate employment and impact on the lives of the people.

He said that, “We have met at

INEC officials with the army and police intimidating anyone who dared to challenge them. I can assure you that what they later announced as victory for PDP was derived from results PDP had written for itself. Imagine the PDP getting over 3 million votes from Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom when the card reader records for the three states amounted to only about 1.3 million voters. ''It was a great show of shame in Delta and across the entire South-South.”

He commended Olorogun Otega Emerhor, the All Progressives Congress, APC’s governorship candidate for Delta State, as well as candidates of the party for House of Assembly for challenging the results at the election petitions tribunal.

Trade Union Congress, TUC and the Joint Public Service Negotiation Council, JPSNC, in Bauchi State, have ordered their members to embark on an indefinite strike with effect from today, May 13, 2015, if the state government failed to pay them their outstanding March and April salaries.

Labour in the state said that it decided to embark on the indefinite strike action because of the state government’s failure to pay workers their outstanding remunerations.

This was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the NLC Chairman, Hashimu Gital and his counterparts in the TUC, Muhammed Usman and the JPSNC, Aliyu Muhammmed in the state respectively after their meeting with the state government which ended in a deadlock yesterday.

The three unions in the communiqué called on the outgoing administration of Isa Yuguda to pay all outstanding salaries, gratuities and allowances before May 29, 2015.

They also expressed worry over the failure of the state government

to pay workers’ salaries and allowances, alleging that the last federal allocation for Bauchi State was used for the payment of severance benefits of the outgoing political office holders and contractors, thereby leaving the workers without salaries.

“Sequel to a letter of demand sent to the Bauchi State government on the May 6, 2015 over non payment of March and April salaries, the organized labour met on May 11, to review the situation and resolved that labour will commence an indefinite strike action by midnight of Tuesday 12, 2015,” the communiqué added.

Labour then ordered all workers in the employment of Bauchi State government to stay away from work and remain at home with effect from 12 am today, until they get further directives.

However, in his reaction to the issue, the Media Aide to Governor Isa Yuguda, Alhaji Danlami Tanko debunked the allegation that political office holders had been paid their severance benefits and accused labour of playing politics with workers salaries.

K

ADUNA –THE Kaduna State government yesterday said it has never owed its 30,000 workforce a penny since its inception two years ago.

The state Deputy Governor, Nuhu Bajoga, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard said that the priority and welfare of its workers had always been a major priority because of their large dependants.

He said, “I want to tell you that as at today, there are about 25 states of the federation which cannot pay their workers. Some are owing salaries for up to a year.

“When we came into office two years ago, we realised the immense importance of salaries and basic welfare of our workers.

In a state where each worker is responsible to the survival of many as a result of our close inter-family relationship, it would have been heartless of us not to take the issue of their remuneration seriously.

“Even our pensioners, we don’t joke about their entitlements. We just paid about N6 billion backlog of arrears to our pensioners, some dating back six years.

“I cant quote the exact figure now we pay our workers, but we pay between N2.5 to N3 billion monthly, and we have a workforce of 30,000. Now, our Internally Generated Revenue,IGR, is not much, and at times we get N3 billion as monthly federal allocation. But, we still manage to pay these workers and also find ways to execute some projects.''

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—45

C M Y K

GUINNESS: From left— Monica Peach, Human Resources Director; Mr. Babatunde Savage, Chairman; and Mr. John O’Keeffe, Managing Director/ CEO, all of Guinness Nigeria Plc, at the 5th edition of the company's Pathway of Pride ceremony in Lagos.

PREMIERE: From left— Ozzy Agu, actor; Michelle Dede, actress, both of Desperate Housewives Africa; Segun Ogunsanya, CEO Airtel Nigeria; and Mo Abudu, CEO EbonyLife TV, at the premiere of Desperate Housewives Africa in Lagos.

EMPOWERMENT: From left— Prince Akande Olawale, Chairman, Tradesmen and Artisans’ Association, Agege chapter; Mrs. Anire Celey-Okogun, MD/CEO, Chanelle Microfinance Bank Ltd; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Oladeji, representative of the MD/CEO, Lagos State Microfinance Institution, LASMI; and Mrs. Iyabosola Eletum, Deputy Executive Secretary/Supervisor of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos Island Local Government Area, at Chanelle's annual women and youths empowerment workshop in Lagos.

PHWBC: From left— Monica Umah, Shell Petroleum Development Corporation, SPDC; Koko Kolango, Project Director, Port Harcourt World Book Capital, PHWBC, 2014; Emmanuel Ekpeyong, SPDC; Mayen Effiong, Project Manager, PHWBC, during the PHWBC in Port Harcourt.

JCI CHARITY: From left— Paul Nwachukwu, member, Junior Chambers International, JCI, Festac; Mrs Veronica Obi, Matron, Beth Torrey Home; Oluwatoyin Atanda, President; Olubukola Agbaje, Vice President, and Jemmynat Oyindamola, member, all of JCI, Festac, during the refurbishing of the home.

ORIFLAME: From left— Yinka Oyegunle, Area Sales Manager; Hanna Einarsson, MD; Franca Omomila, Area Sales Manager, and Anthonia Okwo, Marketing Manager, all of Oriflame cosmetics, at the launch of a skincare product, ECOLLAGEN.

DECORATION: Flight Officer Ademulegun Jonathan (middle) being decorated as Captain by Mr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace (right) and Mrs Olutoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director of the airline in Lagos.

LAUNCH : From left— Mr. Umaru Aliyu, President, Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, ARCN; Mr. Toyin Ayinde, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, representating Lagos State Governor; Mr. Walid Sheta, Country President, Schneider Electric; Mr. Waheed Brimmo, President, Nigerian Institute of Architects, and Mr. Tonye Briggs, Vice President, Retail, Schneider Electric, during products launch by Schneider at the 2015 architects forum in Lagos.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

a yoboilk.com E m a

By S boka@gma

yo sam.e

SJCCG Conference: Why Nigerians must eat the Lord's way

By Sam Eyoboka

S

APELE—SAINT Joseph's Chosen Church of God, SJCCG, a spiritual church founded on certain basic principles including divine health and divine healing, has decided to focus its attention on lifestyles and harped on the need for Nigerians to eat and drink wisely to stem the growing tide of untimely deaths in our society today.

Returning to Sapele in Delta State, the neighborhood of its birth in 1937 by founder, Apostle Joseph Ikechiuku, for its 57th annual conference, the church adopted a unique subject, nutrition as its focus at the new SJ Christian Conference Centre on Sapele-Warri Expressway where a certified health minister cum life coach, Rev. Mike Okonkwo spent a couple of days to teach on the harmful effects of some our diets.

The nutritional expert, Rev. Okonkwo stressed the need for Nigerians to check their traditional eating habits to stem the growing number of deaths arising from cardiovascular diseases including high blood pressure and stroke, arguing that "our diets and lifestyle determine the condition of our lungs, arteries, veins and the availability of oxygen to our cells".

He opined that over 30 million Nigerians currently suffer from diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and kidney diseases; colon, breast and prostrate cancers, noting that unless Nigerians heed the call for healthy diets, million more Nigerians will unknowingly development these diseases and suffer the consequences.

Speaking on a theme; "Eat and drink the Lord's way" at the 5day conference which ended last Sunday, Okonkwo who advised Nigerians against red or white meat and cow milk, maintained that medicine, supplements and all forms of human approaches to these life-threatening sicknesses have proved inadequate, saying the only answer to the reversal of these sicknesses is eating right.

The guest speaker and head of Good Health International, a Port Harcourt-based NGO, further argued that living a sickness-free life is possible without going through life threatening surgery and all those potentially lethal drugs, stressing that it can be achieved simply by eating the Lord's way, emphasising that God never designed man to eat meat but rather vegetables and fruits.

"Diabetes and obesity which are in the increase in Nigeria, are merely symptoms of poor health in general," he said, adding that heart diseases are fast becoming the most pervasive killer in our present culture. He stressed that C M Y K

Apostle Hayford Alile (left) praying for Rev. Mike Okonkwo, the guest speaker at the conference. animal protein, despite Western propaganda, increases risk of death by four folds especially via hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart attacks, arthritis and stroke.

He therefore enjoined Nigerians to abandon their current eating habits and return to the old ways of eating local foods laced with vegetables, fruits and herbs most of which were God-given to Africans to strengthen them instead of red meat arguing that most carnivorous animals like lions, dogs, vulture and such like, are, according to experts, naturally lazy in comparison to others like the elephant and man.

"If God created man to eat meat, He would have given him a set of teeth similar to those of the lion and dog. Majority of Nigerians are eating thrice as much animal protein as they should. God, through Mother Nature, has provided a balanced food for infants who actually need more protein.

We call it breast milk, which is

The myriad of health challenges confronting contemporary Christian community is an indictment on the faulty teaching and grave negligence of our body

said to supply everything the child needs.

"Now, how much of mother's milk is protein? Mother's milk is only about 3 per cent protein at birth and gradually reduced to 1.5 per cent protein after about six months. So where did the idea that human beings require so much protein come from? Another study had just found out that a high animal protein, low carbohydrate diets shortens the lifespan of people. The finding provide convincing evidence that high animal protein is as dangerous as smoking is to our health," he stated.

In his opening remarks at the conference, the spiritual leader and pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Apostle Hayford Alile said: "The myriad of health challenges confronting contemporary Christian community is an indictment on the faulty teaching and grave negligence of our body. We need to give adequate attention to our body; the vehicle that will take us to our God-given destination."

"Your body is the direct result of what you eat. God created us to live in eternity but if we eat outside His prescription we shall surely die. Man’s appetite and his inability to control it, raised the curtain of death to humanity.

And today, the same curtain is still left opened by man’s familiar foe --- Appetite. The first sin man committed had to do with food. EATING the fruits of the FORBIDDEN TREE. Although Adam and Eve may have lived longer, however, the number of years decreased overtime to the biblical years of three score and ten (70 years)," Alile pointed out.

Outlining the importance of this year’s Conference theme; “Eat and Drink the Lord’s way”,

he maintained that the need to complete the touch of the Hand of God on our bodies, spirits and souls, has become imperative.

"Our bodies still get sick and plagued by diseases in spite of the blood of Jesus Christ shed for us and the freedom He promised us. I believe even though we read the bible often, we still lack the knowledge of who we are," he stated, drawing attention to biblical book of Hosea 4:6 which states: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”.

Continuing, Alile said: "We are gathered here to learn of who we are, the consequences of the sin of disobedience and how to live one with God in happiness, joy and good health. Our Church St. Joseph’s Chosen Church of God was established in 1937. We operate under the dictates and leading of the Holy Spirit. Our mission is to provide spiritual values and to pursue salvation for humanity through the instruments of preaching, teaching and the practice of divine healing and living in divine health coupled with manifestations of the power of the Holy Ghost.

"This is the principal doctrine of our church and constitutes a major aspect of our operation and mission to the body of Christ.

Many are the beneficiaries of the grace we enjoy, especially the first generation members of the church. Divine health and healing embodies our covenant with God to the point that we have an area mapped out before the altar in all our stations we call the Healing Ground and many testimonies are produced on that covenant ground," he maintained.

"It is imperative to emphasize that through the practice of divine health and divine healing thousands of Nigerians were healed through prayers by the Elect of God, late Apostle Joseph Ikechiuku and even till now, God does His mighty works of healing in our midst.

"Let me re-emphasize for the sake of clarity, erase all doubts and assuage all fears, that, the 2015 Conference theme; “Eat and Drink the Lord’s way” which is health related, is in no way an attempt to re-negotiate or erase our stout belief on divine health and the practice of divine healing, which is, and will forever remain the basic tenets of our faith as members of St. Joseph’s, but rather, it is an attempt to point out costly consequences of taking the grace we enjoy out of context and for granted. Just like our Master, Jesus Christ who said that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The Conference is aimed at perfecting God’s divine programme for man and intends to attend to this puzzle from seven cardinal perspectives. *Try to correct the harmful imbalance with the triune partners: the Spirit, Soul and Body, for it takes the Spirit, Soul and Body to praise the Lord. *Use tools and employ teachings that are scripture based, highlighting areas where our Omnipotent God has put in place certain natural mechanism to attend to the challenges associated with our bodies.

Build your future on Godly fear, Adeboye urges youths

By Olayinka Latona

G

ENERAL Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye has again charged Nigerian youth to be ready to obey God in every aspect of their lives for them to be great in life.

He made the admonition at a special prayer programme organized for youths at the Redeemed Christian Church of God National Headquarters (Throne of Grace), EbuteMetta, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme; “The Beginning of Greatness”, Pastor Adeboye who took a voyage through his humble upbringing and how God lifted him, advised the youths to know God as the Almighty, The Most High and embrace the truth that “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom”.

He reminded them that promotion would only come from God and that youths that are taking advantage of technology to perpetrate evil in the name of wanting to be rich are only incurring the wrath of God. “As long as God desires to promote anyone, no creature can stop Him and in the other way round, when anyone crosses God’s way by being disobedient to His rules by cutting corners and God decides to fight that individual, let him or her go into hiding even under the ground, God’s Omnipresent Hands will catch such a person”, he warned, urging the youth to work hard and wait for God to lift them up and no one would be able to bring them down.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the General Overseer on Administrative and Personnel, who also is the Pastor-in-charge of Lagos Province 1, Pastor Johnson Odesola lamented the misuse of internet by some youth who refuse to benefit from the manifold benefits internet and computer offer.

He called on parents to be concerned about how their wards make use of internet and computer and not just dwell on the path that they need to be computer literate.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—47

‘We are enthusiastic about enhancing diplomatic ties with Nigeria’

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

T

HE Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Pe r r y John Calder wood, has described Nigeria-Canada binational relationship as moving forward with higher enthusiasm to further enhance the dynamic ties both countries share.

Calderwood, who is also serving as Canada’s ambassador to Equatorial Guinea and Ambassador-designate to Sao Tome and Principe, said he will relent in efforts to promoting Canadian interests and values in countries under his supervision, including Nigeria.

He also pointed out that a good number of Nigerians are doing well in Canada, disclosing that many have productively invested in Canadian economy, while some are either studying or working.

This he said is an indication that citizens of both countries co-exist friendly, stressing that both the Canadian High Commission in Abuja and Deputy High Commission in Lagos will continue to support efforts to expanding partnerships between Canada and Nigeria in all areas of interests. “ Through the High Commission of Canada in Abuja and the Deputy High Commission in Lagos, we will continue to support efforts to expand partnerships between our governments, peoples, businesses and institutions. We would do this, through building on the strengths that our countries have to offer ”, he added.

While disclosing that Canadian government is delightful i n establishing new links with the Nigerian government, the States, Civil Society and the private sector in order to build on the two countries m u t u a l interests, the H i g h

increasing, and that he is optimistic that Canada-Nigeria bi-lateral partnership will continue to flourish in the years ahead, to the benefit of the two countries.

In view of the aforementioned, Vanguard Consular Advisory (VCA) gathered that Canada’s links with Nigeria is comprehensive and longstanding, and is intending building upon the solid foundation to positively grow both countries’ economies, particularly in the key areas.

VCA also gathered that the High Commissioner, who expressed confidence that ties between his country and Nigeria will continue to

The Canadian government has deep regard for Nigeria and is willing to assist Nigeria in both her democratic development and human rights, in addition to assisting Nigeria improve security, maternal and child health

Commissioner also pointed out that his country has well recognized the potential of Nigeria’s fast-growing young democracy, and will partner with Nigeria to ensuring that the goals are met.

Continuing he added that the Canadian government has deep regard for Nigeria and is willing to assist Nigeria in both her democratic development and human rights, in addition to assisting Nigeria improve security, maternal and child health.

Furthermore, he also declared that both countries growth in trade and investment and expansion in people-to-people and institution-toinstitution ties are satisfactorily C M Y K

•Perry John Calderwood

grow in a spirit of cooperation, friendship and mutual respect, a l s o addressed prospective Nigerian applicants to Canada on the need to familiarise themselves with the rules and

regulations of obtaining various categories of Canadian visas.

He encouraged Nigerians to update themselves with authentic information regarding the Commissions services in Nigeria from the Commission’s website, saying that the website is a good means for Nigerians to further explore and expand the NigeriaCanada relationship.

“If you are also interested in Canada’s international initiatives, business opportuniti es, travel, study, cultural events, please consult this website for the latest updates”, Calderwood submitted.

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015—49

A curious affair

By Patrick Doyle

Dynamics of Change: The Amaechi years (1)

By Chris Onuoha

BOOK REVIEW “As soon as he assumed office as governor in 2007, Rotimi Amaechi immediately set about establishing his credentials as an uncommon political leader – one who was determined to make a tangible difference in the lives of his people through visions, tenacity and a stubborn will. “ Chidi Amuta.

Subsequently, this ‘Stubborn will’ ignited the urge for 15 like minds with eagle eye on pen, to come together with the aim of critically reviewing the tenacity and simplicity of a biblical Moses of our time whose wills even though smirked and seldom debunked, undauntedly pursued a cause that humanity will grudgingly accept or reject.

The book, ‘Dynamics of Change, the Amaechi Years’ which will be officially presented to the public tomorrow Thursday 14th May, at the Civic Centre, Lagos, will be chaired by Hon. Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte with eminent guests, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah as the book reviewer amongst others.

Literary icon and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who wrote the forward in the book will be a cynosure while presenting the keynote address. Prof.

Soyinka, a long time friend of Ameachi took time off his seemingly tight schedule to write a very thought provoking and incisive forward which becomes an affirmation of what this book stands for, a veritable testimony to its import in the evolving political history of Nigeria.

Highlighting the tyranny of courage, Soyinka in his usual metaphorical style, drew some points referencing on Amaechi’s doggedness and resilient approach to politics by using David and Goliath tales. It is a thorough assessment of this manmover who has distinguished himself through selfless services to humanity, unleashing that progressive dynamism that rolls with wind of change in Nigeria.

Compiled and edited by Chidi Amuta and Yemi Ogunbiyi, two heavyweights in the pen profession, the book tends to bring to limelight, the vivid pictorials and in concise texts, the figure behind the scene. Amaechi needs no introduction. His uncommon agenda, rightly or wrongly diagnosed still impacts his people in visible ways.

The book with 277 pages in a 26cm x 25cm custom sized hard cover laced with pullover jacket containing the authors’ mini bios, is published by Bookcraft, 2015, .

The contents are compilation of 15 eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in their profession, pulled together C M Y K

materials observed to have changed developmental wave in Rivers State into 14 chapters ranging from the beginning; creation of Rivers State and all the intrigues of politics that saw the emergence of this iconic politician.

This is a prelude to chapter 2 that talks about his early life, the humble beginning and facts about adoption of the name ‘Rotimi’ which stems from his father ’s encounter with late erudite lawyer, Chief Frederick Rotimi Williams (SAN).

Interesting!

Perhaps the turning point starts from chapter 3 ‘The Mandate, the Mission’. Here the quote tells more: “It is crucial to understand that as a society we can reorganise socially, politically and economically according to our values.”

The intrigues and struggles that saw him to power are clear indications of die-hard activist whose quest to liberate mankind

Our focus is to use our Godgiven resources to improve the quality of life of our present and future generation

is supreme in his mind.

Other chapters talk more on his visionary agenda such as restoring law and order, education, urban recovery, health and agriculture, good governance, leadership challenges and envisioned transformation. The chapter that magnates my searchlight binocular is chapter 10, ‘The vision for economic empowerment’. Quoting from the chapter, ‘Our focus is to use our God-given resources to improve the quality of life of our present and future generation’, this chapter written by Ilera Chessa, self reliance and less dependence of federal purse are the key thing.

Here, Gov. Amaechi anchored empowerment vision under five pillars; manpower development, improving business environment, investing in physical and social infrastructure, expanding financial accessibility and focus on labour intensive sectors.

According to the author, Rivers State has a sizeable economy with a GDP of US$21 billion in 2005, termed as the second largest in Nigeria after Lagos State. It is significant to note here that when many states lament over non availability of fund even to pay salaries, thus, criss-crossing Abuja for assistance, much energy should be channelled to self reliance to improve the economy of their states.

The climax here is the last chapter by Chidi Amuta entitled: ‘The Rivers Ahead: Contemplating the post Amaechi Years.’ To consolidate this lofty vision and hitherto achievements, there must be a sustainable and adequate maintenance of existing structures.

Here, Amuta highlighted needs to keep security challenges in check while completing his huge projects like the monorail and urban housing projects, perhaps, trail the giant strides of his government.

A

CURIOUS thing took place on Thursday, April 30, 2015 when a seemingly routine advertorial in The Guardian announcing the appointment of chairmen and members of council for 12 newly established federal universities and four federal polytechnics, but a sinister addendum to the heading of the advertorial allegedly signed by the Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau announced the change of chairman of the University of Ibadan.

To the casual observer, the advertorial contained no earth shaking development. If anything, it called for congratulations on the part of friends and well wishers of the newly appointed chairmen and council members, whose names were meticulously displayed with an invitation to make themselves available in Abuja on Monday, May 11, 2015 for formal inaugurations.

The true implication of the seemingly innocuous advertorial was that a

fact, he took meticulous notes of developments at the institution and f r e q u e n t l y communicated his thoughts on ways of improving the institution to the Vice Chancellor.

It was, therefore, with a strong dose of embarrassment that the Vice Chancellor and the Registrar visited the old man at his Lagos residence on Monday, May 4 to inform him of the advertorial publication in The Guardian of the p r e v i o u s T h u r s d a y, April 30, effectively removing him from office as Pro Chancellor.

At 87, it would be expected that a man of his stature and accomplishment in the society would be better treated by the thankfully out going J o n a t h a n administration.

Major General R. A. Adebayo CFR, IDC, PSC and Chairman of the Yoruba Council Of Elders has chosen to adopt the age old Yoruba concept of nobility known as “Omoluabi”

national icon a n d and bona fide forgiven We must also leader of an M r . important President implore the e t h n o for the Yoruba Nation national unprovoked grouping assault on to adopt the was being his hard Adebayo disrespected earned by a family’s stance d i g n i t y. vengeful and ven the and refrain from EGeneral’s ungrateful administration. reacting to this children, Without the a m o n g unprovoked courtesy of whom is prior notice assault on their the former either by way Governor collective of a letter or of Ekiti sensibilities phone call, a S t a t e , Nigerian Otunba living legend N i y i was thus Adebayo, have also unceremoniously removed chosen the path of from office as Prohonour and decided not Chancellor of Nigeria’s to make an issue of the Premier University. It is unwholesome incident. instructive to note that We must commend the President Goodluck Noble Adebayo Family Jonathan prevailed on this of Iyin-Ekiti for their great Nigerian to accept display of civility in the the position in 2013 at the face of such brazen ripe old age of 85 against impudence. We must the advice of his children also implore the Yoruba and grand children.

Nation to adopt the H o w e v e r, w i t h s u b t l e Adebayo family’s stance blackmail on the part of and refrain from Mr. President, through reacting to this socio-ethnic organizations unprovoked assault on the old man was affiliated their collective to, our venerable elder sensibilities. After all, statesman accepted the May 29, is around the job for a 4 year tenure that corner and we can was to end in 2017. finally say good Upon accepting the job, riddance to bad rubbish. it must be noted that our elderly national icon put Mr Doyle is a Media in his very best and never Consultant. exempted himself from any council meeting. In

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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HE discovery that about 214 abducted women, who were rescued recently from Sambisa forest are pregnant, has thrown the nation into a dilemma.

There are fears that they may have been impregnated by the Boko Haram insurgents.

Indeed, the implications of the development were not lost on Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kassim Shettima, who lamented that the terrorists deliberately impregnated the women to breed a new generation of terrorists. ‘’I am happy with the recovery of hundreds of women and children, it is a thing of joy that they have been freed alive.

However, I am also very worried about what the future holds for us if what I have gathered about these insurgents works according to their plan. I remember discussing this in an elaborate interview last year.

These people (Boko Haram) have a certain spiritual conviction that any child they father will grow to inherit their ideology whether they live with the children or not. They also believe that whoever does not hold their ideology is an unbeliever that should be killed and rendered homeless and whatever belongs to him or her, becomes a legitimate booty recovered from enemies,” Shettima said.

Shettima may be right or wrong but the fact is that the circumstances that led to the pregnancies have raised critical questions on what to do with the unborn babies.

Considering the long and short-run psychological consequences of keeping babies that would often be a reminder of the ordeal in the hands of terrorists, the question across board is: what options are available in the best interests of all concerned?

Socio-cultural and religious implications This poser, according to Vanguard Features,VF, checks comes against the backdrop of the psychological, sociocultural and even religious implications of abortion.

In what could pass for an apt response, Shettima, whose state is the hotbed of the Boko Haram insurgency suggested: ‘’After establishing the paternity of the children and background of those pregnant, where any is found to be pregnant, the Federal Government will have to work with state governments whose citizens are affected, so that we get the involvement of medical and psychosocial specialists as well as child welfare experts so that we deal with the situation by properly documenting these kids without getting them C M Y K

214 PREGNANT RESCUED WOMEN:

The growing national dilemma

By Charles Kumolu, Laju Iren & Ndahi Marama stigmatized, monitoring and working towards raising these kids to become educated future leaders without the slightest ideologies of their fathers in order for us to cut the circle being envisaged.’’

In spite of the governor ’s position, VF found out that some are still worried about the prospects of habouring offsprings of terrorists. ‘’To me it all depends on their religious beliefs on abortion. As for me alone, I would say remove it. What is the purpose of keeping a product of your worst nightmare, only to bring them to life and then trying to fend for them with no source of income and support? Many times when I see a single mother trying to feed her kids, I am like anyone who raised his hand against a woman is a beast,’’ a blogger who does not want his name in print, stated.

Your worst nightmare Another blogger said: ‘’I can tell you, it churns my stomach to imagine carrying the child of a rapist. Only God can heal those girls of the psychological

trauma they have been through. As much as it is nauseating to be carrying the seed of those beasts, every single child is completely innocent of the sins of the father.’’

However, Ololade HectorFowobaje, child Psychologist and founder 05 Centre For Women and Children, has a contrary opinion. ‘’They should have the babies and the government, who must assume

The question across board is: what options are available in the best interests of all concerned?

the role of foster parents to these girls at this time, should give each girl, in consultation with the parents, the liberty to decide if she wants to raise the child or not when the baby is born; and if she doesn’t, she should be given the option of releasing the baby to the government to be placed in a standard orphanage. Also, some of them already gave birth in captivity and those children must be taken into consideration as well,’’ she said.

Asked if the circumstances surrounding the conception justified having abortion, Hector-Fowobaje declared, ‘’ abortion is just not the answer,’’ saying: ‘’This is a very sad, painful and messy situation.

There are really no simple answers here but I believe abortion is just not the answer.

Even though we know the risks of VFS and others are there, I believe the risk with abortion is higher. I know there is this view that the girls should not be ‘saddled’ with these babies so that they won’t have human reminders of their trauma, but then abortion would also have a physical and emotional impact on them.’’

Abortion unavoidable

would

be

‘’However, if doctors certify that any girl’s life would be at risk if she carries the pregnancy, then abortion would be unavoidable. It’s a very dicey situation we have here. From a spiritual angle, I also believe God can work through our pains and there can be light at the end of the tunnel,’’ she added.

On whether the babies could be susceptible to violence on account of their paternity, she noted that there is no certainty that violence would be in their genes. ‘’I believe a child’s socialization is a bigger determinant of a child’s tendencies. Most of these militants were radicalized and socialized themselves to be violent and merciless. There is no certainty that it is in their genes; they were brainwashed by their leaders. If these children are brought up in a healthy home or a reputable well-managed orphanage I believe they will be nothing like their fathers,’’ she added.

Continues on page 51

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 —51

The growing national dilemma Continues from page 50 Despite her pro-life stance on the issue, Hector-Fawobaje expressed fears that some women are likely to decide to terminate the pregnancies in view of the expected stigma that could come with the birth of the babies. ‘’It won’t be surprising if some families seek abortion on their own knowing the expected stigma on those children, which cannot be watered down, or if they feel the government will leave them in the lurch,’’ she regretted.

Recovery of life after captivity Consequently, she cautioned: ‘’’ A lot is at stake and so government’s response and actions must start now. They have to meet with the families and share their views and plans with them. The families need assurances and attention. Yes, the girls have been rescued, but the real work is their recovery and the life after captivity. I believe the government thinktank on this issue should get to work immediately and get relevant professionals involved from the word ‘go.’’’

Also speaking, Mrs. Itoro Eze-Anaba, founder Mirabel Centre, told VF that nobody is in a position to suggest whether they should abort or not.

Eze-Anaba, whose foundation was set up to provide rehabilitation for rape victims and abused women, said: ‘’The best option now is for the girls to receive psychosocial support and trauma counseling. Such counseling should be done by a licensed or trained trauma counselor’’ because ‘’they are probably depressed as a result of their experience. Some may have developed feelings for the people they lived with and may be in a state of confusion on what to do next, whether to keep the pregnancy or not.’’

She continued: ‘When we have a pregnant client at the Centre whether a minor or adult, we explain to them the options available to them and leave the decision to the individual. I do not believe that any child is created to be violent. No child is born violent. We learn to be violent through our socialization process and the environment we grow up in. A child who grows up and is nurtured and trained to love and embrace peace with the ability to stand up for himself and herself will be peaceful irrespective of paternity.’’

The onus is on government C M Y K

*Rescued women and children However, since the matter now requires a decision between equally undesirable alternatives, many want a way out.

In the light of that, HectorFawobaje told VF that, ‘’government must be ready to provide financially for these girls and their families for the next few years’’ because ‘’it would be a great injustice to abandon them at this time.

Government should also ensure reputable psychologists are at hand to help these girls and even those not pregnant for the next few years and they must undergo appropriate therapies starting from now.

The trauma they have been through is obviously indescribable. ‘’Even the families need counseling on how to help the girls. It is not going to be an easy ride, but the psychosocial support they get will make a big difference in their road to recovery. Their personality, family and social support and above all professional counseling will determine their recovery.’ ‘’I believe the onus is on the government to take care of these girls till they become young adults. It is not too much for the government to build a special unit in an existing orphanage for those babies and ensure they are enrolled in schools at the appropriate time. This way, they won’t be easily radicalized.’’

Pregnancies conceived through rape The Borno State governor also has the same opinion. ‘’I expect our security agencies to establish the paternity of all children recovered from interactions with the victims and other forms of

investigation. My major concern is how we, as stakeholders from the Federal and state governments, will manage women that might be affected. I am seriously worried with the fact that most women tend to hate and abandon children they deliver from rape. ‘’Now, the problem is that these children could go to the streets unattended to; they then lack access to food, healthcare and education. The result is that they could indeed inherit their fathers’ trait somehow. We also don’t know whether the sect members would after putting a woman in the family way, identify them with particular communities and put a mechanism to monitor the children and whisk them away in future.’’

Chronology of Boko Haram abductions On May 3, 2013, an elder statesman and former

It won’t be surprising if some families seek abortion on their own knowing the expected stigma on those children

Petroleum Minister, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno was kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be members of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The elder statesman spent many days in captivity before he was conditionally released by the sect who had already kidnapped many women and children.

On August 11, 2013, over 60 persons in Gaidamgari village of Bama Local Council of Borno state were killed by members of the sect in an attack in which many others sustained gunshot wounds. The insurgents did not stop at that, they whisked away many women and girls.

In a similar vein, the dreaded sect on April 14, 2014, abducted over 230 female students of Government Girls Secondary School, GGSS Chibok, who were then writing their Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations SSCE/WASSC. The abduction drew local and international outcry which culminated in the “Bring back our girls” campaign by some civil society groups.

20 Fulani women abducted On June 12, 2014, security sources alleged that Boko Haram terrorists asked for 40 cows from the husbands of 20 Fulani women, whom they abducted and held in captivity for about a week, as a condition for their release.

The insurgents who picked up the women in Garkin Fulani, a nomad settlement near Chibok town on Thursday, June 5, 2014 allegedly tabled this condition to the husbands of the abducted women, although nothing positive came out of it.

The security source said many Fulani herdsmen had

reported cases of abduction of their wives to the Divisional Police headquarters and outposts around Damboa and Kaga local councils of Borno State.

Miyetti Allah denies abduction of Fulani women The Borno State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN however denied reports of such abductions.

In an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, Chairman of MACBAN in Borno State, Alhaji Amadu Musa said the reported abduction of over 30 Fulani women was not true.

“We need to tell the world that there is nothing like that. All our women and girls are intact.

It took us this long to respond because we made series of consultations to avoid issuing conflicting statements that will generate tension,” he said.

Over 60 killed in Bama Village, many women abducted No fewer than 60 persons were in early June, 2014, killed in Gaidamgari village of Bama Local Council of Borno state.

Many others including women and girls were abducted when some gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram attacked the community In a related development, no fewer than 68 women were abducted from three villages around Sambisa forest of Borno state by Boko Haram gunmen in mid June, 2014.

Unconfirmed reports however claimed that 63 of the 68 escaped captivity and reunited with their families.

On August 6, 2014, about 50 Boko Haram members and over 30 soldiers were feared killed in an encounter around Pilka, Kirawa and Gwoza communities of Borno state. The attack also led to the abduction of hundreds of women/girls and children after the missing of over 40 policemen at the Mobile Training Unit in Limankara village of Gwoza.

Barely 24 hours after the capture of Bama town by Boko Haram terrorists on September 2, 2014, four gunmen using Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles attacked the border town of Banki and Cameroon Republic and shot dead unconfirmed number of residents. Many women and children were abducted in the process while others fled to Cameroon.

Another set of abductions involving about 40 youths took place when the Boko Haram terrorists stormed Malari village of Damboa local council of Borno state on December 31, 2014.

A resident of the area, Mallam Bulama who fled to Maiduguri, said the incident occurred at about 8:00 pm.

52 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

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54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

PDP Reps 'll vote Dogara for Speaker—OKWU

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA— ONE of the leading All Progressives Congress, APC, members contending for the speakership of House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, received the endorsement of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, caucus, yesterday.

A re-elected member of the

House, Samson Okwu, who spoke on behalf of returning PDP members, said the caucus was determined to enthrone Dogara from Bauchi State as the next Speaker.

Okwu, representing Oju/ Obi federal constituency, Benue State, said members were more disposed to working with a Speaker that will have a general appeal than someone who would

ZONING: Buhari won’t short-change any section but… —APC BoT member

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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RESIDENT-elect, Muhammadu Buhari (retd), will not short-change any section of the country in the distribution of offices, a member of All Progressives Congress, APC, Board of Trustees, Alhaji Gambo Magaji, has said.

Magaji, who spoke in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja, said, however, that while trying to give equal attention to all sections of Nigeria, Buhari would not gloss over the contributions of the zones to his electoral victory.

Magaji, who was in the Constitution Drafting Committee of APC during its formative stage, pointed out that it was imperative that the APC government pay attention to the voting pattern in the last election to compensate those who contributed immensely to its success.

A document obtained by Vanguard in Abuja,yesterday, showed that the North-West, where Buhari comes from, gave him the highest number of votes with 7,115,199, followed by NorthEast with 2, 848,678 and the South-West with 2,433,194.

North Central took the fourth position with 2,264,355, followed by the South-South, 418,590, and the South-East came last with 198,247 votes.

Although Magaji assured that Buhari would turn around the nation’s economy for good and give opportunities for Nigerians to excel, he nonetheless pleaded with Nigerians to give the new President-elect a chance to bring about the needed change.

He said: “Before I say anything, I want to appeal to Nigerians that they should give Buhari time because he cannot do everything at a go and he cannot meet all the aspirations and expectations at the same time.

“I am saying so because Buhari is inheriting an empty treasury.

Secondly, Buhari has come in when the price of oil has gone down, and thirdly, Buhari has come in when a lot of controversies are on, particularly regarding the resources of the country which cannot be accounted for.”

Magaji urged Nigerians to give the President-elect time to sort out the leakages in the nation’s revenue sector and look into the issue of the missing $20 billion in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

likely be subservient to a godfather.

He also stressed that though members were elected on different political party platforms, what was of utmost importance to them as federal parliamentarians was the overall interest of the country.

He said: “We are about 142 members out of 360 and as minority, we are going to determine the leadership of the House of Representatives, especially the Speaker.

“We are determined to do that and we want to do it in such a way that we will choose leaders that will have support across party lines and will also look out for the interest of the country and members.

“It is no longer about APC or PDP it is about the House of Representatives and what is happening is not a different thing. By the time the 8th House is inaugurated, we are going to elect a Speaker of our choice.

Precedence

“Let no one make a

Isoko North LG chair inaugurates education board

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HAIRMAN of Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor, has inaugurated Local Government Education Authority Board, with a call on the board members to improve on the standard of education at the primary school level and ensure that teachers and non-teaching staff do their jobs effectively.

While commending the executives for accepting

to serve the people of Isoko North, Egbabor decried the menace of ghost workers, replacement of teaching and non-teaching staff without the local g o v e r n m e n t ’ s knowledge, and tasked the board members on zero tolerance for corruption.

The board members are Mr. Kigho Oyolo, Chairman; Mr. John Oyibu, Secretary; Rev. Ben Eghaire, Eminent

Person; Mr. Justus Adiagho, Association of Private School Owners; Mrs. F. Oju, ANCOPS; Okenedo Amos, Eminent person, and Mr. Mike Egbaba, representing primary schools.

Others are Miss G. O. Iyasere, Ministry of Education; Elo Joseph, women group; Mr. Gabriel Irevah, NUT; Mr. Godspower Akporobaro, PTA, and Mr. Uyoyou Ogbodo, representing non-academic staff.

mistake: the House has a precedence and a scenario that happened in the House since 1999. PDP wanted Salisu Buhari to become the Speaker, but he did not last because he was not the choice of the members.

“He lasted only two months and Ghali Na’Abba was elected. The same scenario played itself in 2003.

“The party wanted Matazu, who was even a returning member, but the members did not want him and then elected Aminu Bello Masari as Speaker.

Similar thing happened in 2007 when Patricia Etteh was imposed on members.

“They accepted her, but after four months, they forced her out and Dimeji Bankole was elected. The same scenario or even worse than the previous ones happened in 2011.

“PDP tried to impose Mulikat Adeola-Akande and we did not want her. So we brought Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as our Speaker.

“If the party in power is thinking that things have

changed, they will surely be proved wrong. It is not about the party, it is the attitude of the House of Representatives to always go its own way in choosing its leadership.

“If APC is thinking that members will abide by its zoning arrangement, the same scenario will play out because we are all the same members and nothing has changed.

“All along, it is the House that has been playing progressive roles that Nigerians are happy with. We are going to do same thing.

“We will bring a Speaker that we want. We are not undermining any party, but the House of “We are solidly behind Yakubu Dogara as Speaker. And we are determined to deliver him come June.

“We want somebody who will rally all members behind him.

Dogara is that person who will protect the interest of members and all Nigerians. He does not answer to any godfather.

“He does not take weekly briefings from a godfather who lives hundreds of kilometres from Abuja like a puppet.

Dogara looks at the 359 constituencies as his own.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 55

Niger Deltan group accuses PDP of seeking unity govt

W

ARRI—THE Niger Deltan Progressives League, a political pressure group campaigning for change in the region, has accused the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, of surreptitiously seeking to hoodwink the All Progressives Congress, APC, into believing there is need for a government of national unity in the incoming administration of President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Warri, General Coordinator of the league, Comrade Parker Ossai claimed that certain statements credited to top PDP members clearly suggests that the party is terrified of its impending opposition status in the new dispensation.

Ossai particularly took exception to a statement credited to the out-going Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan in which the governor was quoted to have said voting patterns in the recent elections revealed deep divisions in the nation requiring national reconciliation.

According to him: “All Uduaghan and his PDP colleagues are trying to do is to give the impression that the APC is nonexistent in Delta, Rivers and Akwa Ibom and then to rely on that fiction to call for reconciliation and healing by way of a government of national unity in which the same people in the

PDP who criminally rigged out the APC in these states will nevertheless be rewarded for their electoral crimes with juicy appointments in the in-coming government.”

Advising out-going PDP governors to prepare to

account for their stewardship in government and defend themselves against numerous allegations of graft and unbridled corruption, Ossai asserted that the plot by the party to convince the President-Elect of the need for

a government of national unity will ultimately fail as according to him, no member of a party as indelibly tainted as the PDP can possibly make it into the incoming administration of an anti-corruption icon like General Buhari.

EXHIBITION: Export Sales Africa, Insulated Structures SA, Toni Counoupas; General Manager, BCE Foodservice Equipment Nigeria, Greg Snalam; Group Business Devt Director, Universal Industries SA, Peter Gilbert; Sales Manager, Macadams Int'l, SA, Daryl De Swardt; Director, BCE Foodservice Equipment Nigeria, Fernando Lopes; Regional Manager Colcab SA, Rory Braithwaite; MD, Macadams Baking Systems Nigeria, Deji Oyinlola; and Sales and Marketing Manager, Staycold Int'l SA, Sebastian Hills at the Agro foods and PlastPrintPack Nigeria 2015 Exhibition, held at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.

Plateau imposes curfew in 7 LGs

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—THE Plateau State government has imposed curfew between 10 pm and 5am in seven out of the 17 local government areas in the state with immediate effect. This followed the recent attacks and killings in some of the affected areas.

According to a statement signed in Jos by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Mr. Christopher Bello, the affected councils include Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos East, Mangu, Wase, Langtang North and Langtang South.

The government directed security agencies in the state to enforce the restriction order and step up their surveillance across the State.

However, the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA has been directed to provide relief materials to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs in the affected areas and take record of same.

56 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 , 2015

Britain spells out mandate on EU referendum E

MBOLDENED by his party’s election triumph, Britain’s finance minister said yesterday his

Umunna declares interest in Labour Party leadership contest

By Hugo Odiogor, Foreign Affairs Editor, with agency feeds

N

IGERIAN born British member of Parliament Mr. Chuka Umunna has declared his interest in the leadership race of the Labour Party.

The Shadow Business Secretary who was re-elected last Thursday in the general election announced yesterday in Swindon that he will be standing for the Labour Party leadership race which became vacant with the resignation of Ed Milliband who lost his seat I the election.

Umunna who represents Streatham was in Swindon where Labour lost two key seats.

Umunna who is popularly known as “UK Obama,”said: I will be standing for the leadership of the party. I think we can and should be winning seats like Swindon North and South.

This announcement came barely 24 hours after Ms Liz Kendall, the party’s spokeswoman on Care and Elderly declared her candidacy for the Labour Party leadership.

The third person who is expected to join the race is EducationShadowSecretary Ms Tristram Hunt but bookmakers have projected Umunna as the 2/1 Kendall has 7/1 chance while Hunt has 8/1. There are speculations that Mr. Andy Burnhan, the Heath secretary and Home Affairs Secretary Yvette Copper could contest, but Mr. Umunna who is a lawyer, remains a clear favourite.

Mr Umuna has a solid support from former British

Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair who believes strongly that Umunna’s pro-business philosophy is what Labour Party needs to bounce back.

Umunna told some party stakeholders that labour needs to reposition itself to be able to get to bowning street. Said Umunna: “Some have in recent days now suggested it is a 10 year project to get the party abck into power. I don’t think we should have any truck with that, I think Labour can do it in five years. I want to lead that effort as part of a really big Labour team getting Labour back to office and building a fairer and more equal society. That is why we joined the Labour Party in the first place.”

In his facebook announcement Ummuna said defeated candidates told him that the party had lost the working class votes to UkIP and middle class to the Conservatives. Swindon was where the Tony party launched its manifesto last month. Umunna was born on October 17, 1978 in London to Nigerian father of the Igbo ethnic group and Irish mother.

In 2010 Umunna was elected parliamentarian, representing Streatham constituency on the platform of the Labour Party.

Umunna schooled at Hitherfield Primary School in Streatham, South London, and Christ Church Primary School in Brixton Hill. Umunna attended University of Manchester; where he received an upper second class LLB in English and French Law. He later received MA at Nottingham Law School, University of Burgundy in Dijon.

Potato diplomacy: Lavrov gives Kerry ice-breaking gift

A

FTER months of raging tensions over Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sought to break the ice yesterday by giving his US counterpart John Kerry two baskets full of potatoes and tomatoes.

Kerry was in the Black Sea resort of Sochi for high-stakes talks with Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin,onhisfirstvisittoRussia in two years.

Lavrov surprised his guest by presenting Kerry with a basket of ripe red tomatoes and another one full of potatoes, the Russian foreign ministry said.

“It’s sunny in Sochi today,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria ZakharovasaidonFacebook,

an apparent reference not only to the blue skies over the city but also the upbeat mood at the talks.

Potatoes as presents have become a running joke between Kerry and Lavrov, with Kerry presenting his Russian counterpart with two large Idaho potatoes when the two met for talks on Syria in Paris in January, 2014. The food baskets carry added resonance given that Moscow has slapped an embargo on US and European produce in responsetoWesternsanctions over the Ukraine crisis.

In Sochi, the Russian delegation also presented Washington’s top diplomat withaT-shirtcommemorating Victory Day, which Russia celebrated on Saturday.

government has a “very clear mandate” to change the terms of the country’s membership in the European Union before it holds a referendum on whether to leave the bloc altogether.

The Conservatives’ promise to hold an in/out referendum by 2017 was a key plank of their manifesto in the general election last week. The party ’s top brass, including Prime Minister David Cameron, have suggested they would only support continued EU membership if the country can change terms related to its membership.

“We go into these negotiations aiming to be constructive and engaged but also resolute and firm, and no one should underestimate our determination to succeed for the working people of Britain and indeed for the working people of the European Union,” finance chief George Osborne said Tuesday ahead of a meeting of his peers from the 28-

country EU in Brussels.

Osborne, who is set to be one of the lead negotiators, refused to address speculation that the referendum on so-called “Brexit” may be brought forward to 2016. Many in his party and in the business community think the referendum should take place earlier than planned because it would reduce uncertainty and won’t clash with elections in Germany and France.

Though details of what the Conservatives want are sketchy, the party noted in its manifesto that it’s looking to control migration from the EU by reforming welfare rules.

Many top officials across the EU, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have insisted that the principle of the free movement of labor across the bloc is non-negotiable.

However, some have been more forthcoming on the idea of changing the way welfare payments are made to migrants.

EU seeks UN approval to destroy migrant smugglers’ boats

T

Nigerian born British member of Parliament Mr. Chuka Umunna

HE European Union is seeking a U.N. Security Council resolution within days to let its members hunt down human traffickers in the Mediterranean and destroy their boats, a senior EU official said yesterday.

EU foreign ministers hope to have a U.N. resolution by their May 18 meeting “to ensure that we can have coercive action toward the smugglers” who have helped bring more than 10,000 migrants to European shores in

Hollande makes rare visit to Haiti F RANCOIS Hollande yesteday became only the second sitting president of France to ever visit the once prized possession of Haiti, where bountiful resources and brutal plantation slavery made it the European nation’s most profitable colony some 250 years ago.

For Haiti’s government and business community, the visit is a welcome opportunity to encourage more investment and highlight progress made since a devastating 2010 earthquake obliterated much of Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

Over the last week, the French leader has been touring the region, stopping in French Caribbean islands and Cuba, where he said his country would be a “faithful ally” as Havana reforms its centrally planned economy.

But for some citizens of impoverished Haiti, Hollande’s visit is reminding them of the

debilitating costs of the country’s successful slave revolt for independence.

In 1825, crippled by an international embargo enforced by French warships, Haiti agreed to pay France an “independence debt” of 150 million gold francs to compensate colonists for their losses of land and slaves. It later was reduced

to 90 million gold coins.

“We Haitians know that a big reason why we are suffering today is because we were forced to pay France for our freedom. If we were not punished for our independence long ago, we would have had a better time,” Jean-Marc Bouchet said on a dusty, unpaved street in Port-auPrince.

•Cuban president, Rauf Castro and French President, Francois Hollande in Havana.

unseaworthy boats in recent weeks, said the official, who has close knowledge of the operation but is not permitted to speak publicly about it.

More than 170,000 illegal border crossings were recorded through the Mediterranean last year, mostly Syrians and Eritreans leaving via Libya, whose collapse has allowed criminal gangs and terrorists to flourish.

Around 1,700 migrants are feared to have died in recent weeks even before the high season for sea migration begins in June.

The controversial operation is part of a broader EU migration agenda to be unveiled Wednesday by the EU’s executive Commission.

The agenda includes steps to speed up the identification and processing of migrants when they arrive, and to ensure that countries rapidly send back people who do not qualify for protection, according to a draft of the text obtained by The Associated Press.

The EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said the operation’s aim is to “disrupt the business model” of the traffickers.

European navies currently can only destroy boats involved in trafficking if they have no national flag or if the nation whose flag they bear gives permission for their destruction. A U.N. resolution would broaden that restriction to allow for more boats being destroyed.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 , 2015 — 57

Liberians thank God for end of Ebola L

IBERIANS gathered in the streets of the capital on Monday to celebrate the end of the Ebola epidemic in this West African country. The festivities come after the World Health Organization declared Nweekend that Liberia was finally Ebola-free.

More than 4,700 people died during the Ebola crisis in Liberia, the country hardest hit by the outbreak. Ebola continues to claim victims in Sierra Leone and Guinea, where health officials have had difficulty tracing new cases.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf closed the celebrations by recommitting herself

to helping the governments and people of Sierra Leone and Guinea to overcome the disease.

The effort to achieve that has already started.

“We are going to intensify that effort because we know that until they are free, totally free, we are not free,” she said.

The president of Togo along with guests from the African Union, Ghana and Nigeria also attended the Liberian event.

Liberia’s Chief Justice Francis Korkpor called the Ebola crisis “an unprovoked attack on our nation that posed a serious threat to the survival of our existence.”

E

*Jubilant Liberians celebrate end of Ebola.

EU seeks UN approval to destroy migrant's boats T

HE European Union is seeking a U.N. Security Council resolution within days to let its members hunt down human traffickers in the Mediterranean and destroy their boats, a senior EU official said Tuesday.

EU foreign ministers hope to have a U.N. resolution by their May 18 meeting “to ensure that we can have coercive action toward the smugglers” who have helped bring more than 10,000 migrants to European shores in unseaworthy boats in recent weeks, said the official, who has close knowledge of the operation but is not permitted to speak publicly about it.

More than 170,000 illegal border crossings were recorded through the Mediterranean last year, mostly Syrians and Eritreans leaving via Libya, whose collapse has allowed criminal gangs and terrorists to flourish. Around 1,700 migrants are feared to have died in recent weeks even before the high season for sea migration begins in June.

The controversial operation is part of a broader EU migration agenda to be unveiled Wednesday by the EU’s executive Commission. The agenda includes steps to speed up the identification and processing of migrants when they arrive, and to ensure that countries rapidly send back people who do not

qualify for protection, according to a draft of the text obtained by The Associated Press.

The EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, said the operation’s aim is to “disrupt the business model” of the traffickers. European navies currently can only destroy boats involved in trafficking if they have no national flag or if the nation whose flag they bear gives permission for their destruction. A U.N. resolution would broaden that restriction to allow for more boats being destroyed.

Some 10 European countries have signalled an interest in taking part in the operation, the official said.

Britain, France, Poland and Spain are likely to provide ships or planes.

The illicit migrant

trade across the Mediterranean is now worth up to $323 million a year in Libya alone and its resources are being funneled into terrorist groups including the Islamic State group, according to a report Tuesday by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, a network of law enforcement and development groups, and the Rhipto analysis centre in Norway.

Despite this booming trade, the EU’s plan has proved controversial, with both Russia and Libya expressing concerns about the plan.

With a U.N. resolution in hand, the EU ministers could give formal approval for the operation to go ahead and it would probably be announced by EU leaders at a Brussels summit in late June.

*Migrants streaming into Europe.

Shots fired amid Burundi street protests

H

EAVY gunfire has been heard after police fired teargas at protesters throwing stones in a suburb of Burundi’s capital Bujumbura during a demonstration against the president’s bid for a third term.

It was not immediately clear who fired the shots during Tuesday’s clashes in Butarere district, where hundreds of protesters had gathered claiming Pierre Nkurunziza’s third election run violated the consti-

Egypt’s Sisi faces media attacks

tution and a peace deal that ended civil war in 2005. Protesters grabbed one policewoman and beat her up, accusing her of firing at them, a witness told Reuters news agency. She was later released, after sustaining injuries.

East African leaders, including Nkurunziza, will meet in Tanzania on Wednesday to discuss the crisis and rising tensions in a region with a history of ethnic conflict. Reports from Nyakabiba, on the outskirts

of Bujumbura, said protesters have been out in large numbers to put pressure on the region’s leaders in advance of the summit.

“People here are very keen to get their message heard before heads of states from East Africa meet in Tanzania tomorrow,” he said. During more than two weeks of protests that have plunged Burundi into a crisis, police have fired in the air and have been seen shooting in the direction of protesters.

Police deny shooting any demonstrators.

At least 19 people have been killed so far.

More than 50,000 people have fled Burundi to neighbouring states seeking safety. The US, which provides support to the army, has demanded that police stop using “violent force” against protesters.

Nkurunziza has said he would press on with his election bid, although the US, other Western nations and several African countries have urged him not to run.

GYPTIAN newspapers are publishing what would have been unthinkable when then-army chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi removed the Muslim Brotherhood from power in 2013: suggestions that he is fallible.

It is a sign that a man who enjoys cult-like support may be starting to lose some popularity as elected president.

Sisi has boosted his regional status by helping Saudi Arabia wage war against Iranian-allied Houthi rebels in Yemen and spearheading an initiative to create a joint Arab force to fight Islamic State.

In Egypt, where street protests have removed two presidents since the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, he is still popular.

But signs of discontent are slowly emerging.

Egyptians await delivery on many promises, ranging from a better school system to improved health care in the Arab world’s most populous country, where many are mired in poverty.

The pro-government Al-Watan newspaper has run exposes on the obstacles in the way of Sisi’s reform plan.

It has highlighted that the military and political elite still dominate Egypt, a strategic U.S. ally.

Al Watan has identified factors undermining Sisi, including corruption and nepotism.

It has criticised what it said were violations committed by police forces.

Sisi overthrew the Islamist Mohamed Mursi, Egypt’s first freelyelected president, after mass protests against his Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, and then mounted a tough crackdown.

Security forces killed hundreds of Brotherhood supporters, jailed thousands of others and then went after liberal activists. Egypt says the Brotherhood is a terrorist group that poses a threat to its national security.

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 59

C M Y K

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; As the day progresses you will encounter challenges you will need to handle with maturity.

But here is a day when element of good luck will see you through.

LEO; Although there will be challenges they will serve as the needed tonic to make head-way; certainly success indicated for you. Be cautious from 8.48pm till mid-night VIRGO; You are likely to over do things to the resentment of people within your base of operation.

It is important you respect your superiors. Be family minded.

LIBRA; If you don’t accord the law and it’s agents needed respects you may walk your way into avoidable trouble. Deception is around; be warned.

SCORPIO; You may find yourself between some difficult people who want you to do their different biddings. Let reason be your guard so that you are not used painfully.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

A

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

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

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

TERROR MUDA

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

in “Never say goodbye”

have always complained. Yet, some people are making fortune from it, rain or sunshine.

You too much do the same. For he that must succeed does not need to look at the weather.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; If care is not taken you may be deceived just to pick cashew nuts from burning fire for others the way you can get your fingers burnt.

Watch carefully from 8.48pm.

CAPRICORN; Those of you working late this evening will need to be on your guard, especially between 8.48pm till mid-night as minor but costly mistake is possible. All of you should think of the law and say no to whatever cant be placed above board.

AQUARIUS; Friends may unconsciously disappoint you today; that is to say it is better you don’t expect too much from promises made to you especially from 8.48pm.

PISCES; Those of you who have been rigid of recent may be paid back in your own coins. Try your best to pacify your spouse and/or other important partners of yours.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

ARIES; This is the wrong time to fan embers of discord, especially within your working arena.

Getting things done properly will earn you success.

Be loving.

TAURUS; Deception is in the air today. Unless you are very cautious those who thought they are more clever would take undue advantage of you to the detriment of your finances. Do away with gambling with matters-of-the-heart.

GEMINI; If you allow minor domestic challenge to go out of hands you would be the loser to the detriment of your cause. Make sure temper don’t over-shoot acceptable limit, especially around 8.48pm till midnight.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Can colour help?

Dear Joshua, I have it nice in some areas of my life while other side can not be said to be Ok Why? Somebody tells me that combination of good colours can assist; is it true? Anyway what are my colours, love life, socials, luck and the future?

Jumoke. Lokoja.

Dear Kumoke, Yes good colours can enhance good prospects and mitigate some hard aspect if applied at the right time rightly.

Here is where a few challenges are indicated. Although you are the disciplined type, because of closeness between Venus (love) and difficult Saturn (tough challenges/ delay) you just can not totally escape frustration here.

But as Saturn will not put one on trial without adequate reward you will eventually be rewarded and be happy.

Yet have it at the back of your mind that you must not expect too much here. Luckily for you as Lucky Jupiter will soon be at a positive angle to your natal0 planets very soon, things will soon improve very rapidly.

Yours is an active and happy social life. But then if POLITICS comes your way do not say no. It is important you don’t give in to negative spiritual side of life.

Your POWERFUL MIND, both YOUR PERSONAL and OTHER PEOPLES’ INFLUENCES are many times sources of your SUCCESS. Then eleventh hour help assistance and or help always come your way some times when hopes are almost lost. You are meant to achieve GREATNESS. YELLOW/GOLDEN and black are your favourable colours.

Your 42th year on earth will bring you unexpected break-through which you can build on. And I am saying congratulations.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 61

Don’t expect much from Keshi — Babayaro

Tributes flood in for Ghana’s Cecil Jones Attuquayefio

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

F

ORMER Ghana and Benin coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio has died at the age of 70, following a long battle with cancer.

The former international died in an Accra hospital on Tuesday morning, triggering tributes from Ghana’s leading football figures, including Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan.

Attuquayefio represented Ghana as a player and won the Nations Cup with the Black Stars in 1965 but it was during a

A

S Nigerians continue to react to the return of Stephen Keshi as the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, former international, Emmanuel Babayaro has warned Nigerians not to expect much from the coach.

Babayaro who has been critical of the former captain of the national team said his position which is not personal is based on the fact that the coach can only give what he has.

He however said the only thing that can count differently is if Keshi has learnt from the mistakes he made in his first stanza.

“In terms of expectations I want to tell you that I am not necessarily expecting anything new from Keshi because at the end of the day it is still Keshi, he is not going to give us what he does not have. We want to believe that when he was away he may have probably learnt one or two lessons especially in terms of humility and understanding. I always say that nobody can claim to know it all, you need to humble yourself sometimes and listen to other peoples opinion, I think in that particular aspect I want to hope and believe he must have

•Keshi learnt some lessons.

“Technically speaking, it is still the same, it is still the same Keshi and with all due respect it still means we are not going to play the best of football, absolutely not.

“Talking about winning, if we win, it is basically the usual thing; our individual talents because we are Nigeria and in my opinion after Brazil in the world it is Nigeria.”

According to him, “the focus now should be on grassroots and the age grade competitions.

Nigerians always have their hearts in their

LL the invited foreign athletes confirmed for Saturday’s 3rd Okpekpe 10km road race in Okpekpe, Auchi, Edo state will jet in today according to organisers of the race.

In the travel itinerary made available to the media in Lagos by

Keshi is not Eagles’ problem Continues from BP The former AC Milan striker also says it doesn’t mean the team is bad, but they probably lack team work which has really affected them.

“Nigeria is a great nation and the fact that they didn’t qualify (for AFCON 2015) doesn’t mean they don’t have a good team or a good coach,” Weah said.

“They need to find a rhythm, try again and redouble their efforts and get back on the world stage.

“Sometimes it is not about the coach, but about team work because Nigeria may not have a team but they have lots C M Y K

of players but you should know players win games and teams win championships.

“So I hope they rebuild their team so they ’re seeded again at the world stage,” Weah said.

The Liberian was speaking with regards to the concerns over the Nigeria Football Federation’s decision to award Stephen Keshi a 2-year contract extension despite failing to lead the country to this year ’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Weah is now a member of the Liberian parliament representing Montserrado County in the Senate.

distinguished coaching career that he made his mark.

Sunshine striker Adeniji leads goals race 2-0 in Akure.

S

•Babayaro mouths each time the country is playing.”

On the likely fate of the National U-20 team at the forthcoming World Youth Championship (WYC) in

New Zealand, Babayaro said he expects that the Coach Manu Garba tutored side will at least progress to the semi finals of the tournament.

Top stars jet in for Okpekpe A

•Attuquayefio

former Nigeria track and field star,Yusuf Ali,who is a member of the main organising committee for the race, all the athletes except Foimi Justilin of Cameroun will arrive Lagos from as early as 5.30 this morning till a few minutes past noon.

Foimi was expected in Lagos late Tuesday evening from Douala,Cameroun while Morocco’s Lahbabi Aziz is expected to jet in at 5.30am today.

Also expected in Lagos today are three former winners of the annual Obudu international mountain race, Abebe Dinkesa, Hunegaw Yismaw and Genet Yalew who will jet in aboard Ethiopia Airline flight number ET 901 at 12.30pm.

Meanwhile Ali has assured that Saturday ’s race will be very different from the two earlier editions because of the international recognition it has received.

‘As you all know the Okpekpe 10km road

UNSHINE Stars striker Tunde Adeniji has emerged as the leading goal scorer in the Nigeria league after he netted his fifth goal at the weekend.

The former Rising Stars of Akure forward scored his fifth goal in a Week 8 game when Sunshine beat 3SC

He is closely followed by the following players who have four goals each: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba), Bright Ejike (Heartland), Shuaibu Ibrahim(Giwa), Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors), Usman Mohammed(FC Taraba) and Esosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa United).

Athletes at the Okpekpe race last year. race is now one of the few races the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has designated as one of the leading road races around the world.In fact we have only three of such in the African continent,’began Ali,a two-time IAAF World Championship long jump finalist.

‘The Okpekpe race is now an IAAF bronze label race and what this means is that all rules regulating the organisation of the race as layed down by the IAAF must be strictly enforced.

F/Eagles hit Hoffeinheim 5 - 2 Continues from BP The second half got off to a slow start but the introduction of Nigeria Under-20 top striker Taiwo Awoniyi changed the complexion of the game.

He was introduced with 35 minutes left to play and the gangling forward proved his rating as one of Nigeria’s hottest teen prospect by firing a hat-trick to secure a 5-2 win for Nigeria.

Despite the heavy scoreline, Coach Manu Garba was unhappy that his

boys let in two goals and made errors that he felt might hurt the team at the tournament proper.

“We deserved to win based on our performance but there is still room for improvement going forward we got it right but we made some mistakes in defending,” he said.

“Those errors might prove costly in the World Cup. I am hopeful we will get it right before our first game but overall, am pleased with the performances of the boys.”

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

FIFA Women World Cup:

Falcons fly to Canada May 18 N

IGERIA’S Super Falcons are expected to leave for Canada next week to prepare for the FIFA Women World Cup starting on June 8.

This is just as the camp of the Falcons in Abuja has swelled with foreign based players.

Asisat Oshoala and Courtney Dike joined the team yesterday.

Dike, who shone for the Nigerian U20 girls, the Falconets at last year ’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup also in Canada, is the latest to join the team.

Oshoala, who would have missed the Mali game had it been played as she was not released by her club, arrived late Monday evening, much to the delight of her

Delightful.... Asisat Oshoala working hard for Nigeria. teammates and coaches.

Meanwhile, the other

player being expected is Francisca Ordega, who

is yet to be released by her club in the USA

Federation Cup: We will not play with Kukuruku — Giwa FC striker G IWA FC of Jos will lock horns with Kukuruku Dragons FC of Auchi in the Federation Cup round of 64 fixture today at the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna.

Kukuruku, were surprised champions of Edo State. Though they do not play in any strata of the Nigerian league, but Giwa FC striker,

Charles Okoro said the match will not be a stroll in the park. Giwa FC are currently in the second position in the Nigeria Premier League.

“I don’t think there are underdogs in today ’s football, if truly underdogs exist in football we won’t have gone to Aba to claim a point at Enyimba.

“Our personal

experiences in the top flight have equally shown that names don’t play or win matches.''

“For us Kukuruku Dragons FC are like any other top side eager to cut out a niche for themselves in the round leather game. “We believe they are good side to have merited their place in the Federation Cup round of 64.

“We’ll definitely afford them their due respect just like we will respect any other top side in the land. “They ’re not underdogs as far as we’re concerned and the issue of underrating won’t come up.

“We’re coming all out to win and advance to the next stage of the competition, we don’t care what their names are, our aim is to win the clash convincingly.''

Toure shuns discussions on City future

M

ANCHESTER City midfielder Yaya Toure refused to discuss his future at the club on Tuesday when asked about the subject at the launch of FIFA’s new anti-discrimination monitoring system.

Toure’s agent, Dimitri Seluk, accused City of ignoring his client’s birthday last year and said last week that the Ivory Coast international, whose contract expires in 2017, was “90 percent certain to leave” during the closeseason transfer window.

Toure, who turns 32 on Wednesday, has been linked with Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, but he declined to comment on the reports.

“Today we have more important things to talk about,” he told journalists at Wembley Stadium. “The racism issue is more important than my future.”

Toure, a four-time African Footballer of the Year, joined City from Barcelona in 2010 and has helped the previously successstarved club to two Premier League titles, the League

EST Brom forward Victor Anichebe stated that the last two matches of the premier league against Chelsea and Arsenal will not be treated with kid gloves.

Though the League has been won by Chelsea, the top four positions and relegation confirmed, Anichebe believes there is everything still to be fought for when West Brom sitting at 13th position play the two top teams.

“We’ve got two really good teams and we can go out and enjoy and express ourselves and hopefully we can get two really good results and that can push us on for next season.

“The manager wouldn’t let us (relax). We need to C M Y K

see the job through against Chelsea and Arsenal and we can show people what we can really do.

“It’s not about playing for the sake of it, we’ve

•Anichebe

got a really good chance to take some points from the last two games and make ourselves proud and make the whole club and the fans proud. We will work hard this week

and try and put two performances together,” Anichebe said. his sixth League goal arriving with a finely placed header at Newcastle.

There is little doubt that a fit Anichebe is quite a sight to see. It is just that those sights have been all too rare.

“It is always nice to score but whether I score or not it is always about the team,” he said at St James’ Park.

“If the team do well and as long as I can contribute to that, then I am happy.''

“I am not one that is always talking about goalscoring and all this kind of stuff - I leave that to Saido (Berahino).

Cup and the FA Cup. City manager Manuel Pellegrini played down the speculation when questioned about Toure’s future prior to his side’s 60 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League on Sunday.

“We will talk about next season in the right moment,” Pellegrini said.

“Everyone at this moment can say what they want about rumours. I have never answered to Yaya’s agent, so I will not do it now.

“Yaya has a contract here for two years more, so in this moment we are only thinking about the best way to finish the season, then we will see what happens next season.”

AFN working to calm feuding athletes

BY BEN EFE

J

UST as the furore raised by star athlete Blessing Okagbare is dying down, Athletics

Brom will fight Chelsea, Arsenal — Anichebe

W

•Toure

•Regina George .... Ran 50.31 seconds African fastest time in the 400m at the Japan grand prix.

Federation of Nigeria officials are bent on restoring hope to the athletes and prevent a re-occurrence of the crisis of confidence after their campaign at the IAAF World Relays in Bahamas.

A member of the AFN disclosed yesterday, that the federation will not sweep under the carpet Okagbare’s outburst. He stated that the African sprint champions has been asked to explain her position.

“We are investigating the episode. It was something that we wished never happened.

“Okagbare will surely face some form of discipline, if her explanations are unsatisfactory,”said the official in a phone conversation yesterday.

“It was sad that we had to experience such hot exchange of words in the media.”

He said the focus now will be to prepare the athletes for the World Champions and the All Africa games.

Vanguard,WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015 — 63

Confederations Cup: Warri Wolves depart for Congo tomorrow W

ARRI Wolves, the only Nigerian club left in the Confederation’s Cup, will depart Warri today for Lagos and leave for Congo Brazzaville tomorrow via Ethiopian Airline for the first leg of the third round against Athletic Club Leopards de Dolisie.

Spokesperson, Moses Etu, said Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, has made funds available for the journey.

Etu said the governor has done well and all that is left now is for the players to deliver. He added that team’s management decided it should leave on time to get acclimatized to the environment before the encounter.

The match would feature the same set of players that conquered MK Etanchetie of Congo; except for Gbolahan Salami who will not make the trip because of card offence. He would be replaced by Solomon Kwambe, who is yet to take part in the continental matches. “We are set for the crucial match and the Governor as usual has made available funds for the trip,” Mr. Moses said.

“We are going with almost the same set of players except Salami Gbolahan who has two yellow cards.

“The only additions are Solomon Kwambe and Okiemute Odah. We are going on time to get used to the environment because we know that the match will not be easy.

“AC Leopards came to Kano and defeated Pillars 4-1 while the reverse leg ended 3-0 and qualified on away goal rule, against Heartland they lost 3-2 in Owerri and qualified too on away goal rule after winning at home 2-1 and currently, they are fourth in the Congolese league.

“Our boys are determined and we have the players that will deliver. We are going out for a win and getting a draw would be our worst result [in Congo] and we’ll return home to finish the job,” he concluded.

Paul Aigbogun’s men are yet to lose a game since the beginning of the competition. The match, according to Etu, will take place in the 20,000 capacity Stade Denis Sassone Nguesso, on Sunday by 3.00pm Nigeria time.

Amokachi to take over FC Taraba

D

ANIEL Amokachi looks set to take over as coach of Nigeria premier league outfit FC Taraba.

The 42-year-old Amokachi, who is not expected to return as assistant to Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, has handled Nasarawa United, Enyimba as well as the Super Eagles and U23 national team.

His former national teammate and close friend Tijjani Babangida is a consultant to Taraba.

‘The Bull’, as Amokachi was called during his playing days, was in Jalingo to watch the team draw 3-3 at home with Gabros on Sunday and a source inside the Taraba camp said the coach is coming in as the new technical adviser, all things being equal.

“I heard it last week that Amokachi is coming to take over as our coach, he

was here on Sunday to watch our game against Gabros. I think he will take over as the new technical adviser,” the source said.

Last season, Ndubuisi Nduka was sacked as the club’s coach and his assistant, Tony Ogharanduku, has since been in charge of the team.

Midfield action during the CAF Confederation Cup match between Warri Wolves and FC Leopards of Congo

NFF wades into Iheanacho visa hitch

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation has moved swiftly to help Manchester City teen superstar Kelechi Iheanacho secure a visa and join up with the Nigeria Under-20 team in Germany where they are presently in camp ahead of the World Youth Championship.

Reports suggest he will be in camp before the end of the week.

The NFF were alerted to the player’s plight in securing a Schenghen visa and as of yesterday took over the proceedings to secure him a visa.

Manchester City, in the

views of the NFF, are not pursuing the issue with the urgency it deserves as obtaining a Schengen visa to travel to Germany shouldn’t take more than 48 hours and there are fears they want him to play in City EDS game this weekend.

In taking over the proceedings the NFF will now have to apply to the German embassy to grant him a visa by specifically including his hotel booking and other relevant information to speed up the process and a response is expected in the next 48 hours.

•Iheanacho

SA Insurance emerges official insurer of NNWL

S

TANDARD Insurance emerged the insurer of the

Agony for Igiebor in Israel

I

•Amokachi

T was an evening of mixed feelings for Igiebor in his team’s 1-1 draw with Hapoel Be’er Sheva as the Nigerian scored his side’s lone goal but picked up a booking that rules him out of the Israeli State Cup final.

Igiebor stunned the Arthur Vasermil Stadium into silence in the 28th minute, controlling a through ball from Nikola Mitrovic with his first touch taking him away

from the defender before he deftly jabbed the ball past his international colleague Austin Ejide in goal for Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

However, minutes after his goal the Nigerian picked up a yellow card that rules him out of the State cup final on the 20th of May against same opponents. Hapoel Be’er Sheva have two Nigerians in John Ogu and Ejide who both played the entire game last night.

•Igiebor

Alliance Plc has official Nation-

Wide League which kicked off last week at the Kano Pillars Stadium, Kano.

The league which is the third-tier of organized league football in Nigeria commenced last Thursday with a local derby between Wudil FC and Shekarau Babes FC, both based in Kano.

Speaking after the opening match which ended with Shekarau Babes beating Wudil FC 2-1, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Nelson Egboboh, praised the organisers for the quality start, noting that Standard Alliance had no reason to regret its decision to identify with the league.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Real’s BBC vs Juve’s BBC

Weah:Keshi is not Eagles’ problem F

ORMER African and World footballer of the year, George Weah has said the problems that have seen Nigerian football struggle over the last year have nothing to do with Stephen Keshi, but rather with the team.

Continues on page 61

W •Weah

•Keshi

F/Eagles hit Hoffeinheim 5 - 2 •Awoniyi is hat-trick hero

T

AIWO Awoniyi scored a second half hat-trick as the Flying Eagles thrashed Hoffenheim’s U23s 5-2 in their first friendly game in preparation for the Under-20 World Youth Championship.

Saviour Godwin got the Eagles off to a flying

•Awoniyi

start but the Germans levelled things up after some poor defending from the Nigerians.

Chidera Ezeh restored Nigeria’s lead but the Germans once again restored parity as both teams head into half time break level at 2-2.

Continues on page 61

HILE Ancelotti has got his beloved BBC back, Allegri is thinking about fielding three backs.

Juve don’t want to take any chances and Massimiliano Allegri is thinking about how best to face Real. The manager of the ‘Vecchia Signora’ is looking for men that can shut down Real’s famous BBC without losing their effectiveness in attack.

Kick off: 7.45pm It looks like Ancelotti will be able to recover Benzema in time for the game and play his deadly BBC. Oddly enough, Juve may have their very own BBC out

to deal with them.

The Italians’ defence is made up of the tried and tested Bonucci and Chiellini. To these two, the Juve manager is considering adding Barzagli, who was a sub in the first-leg game but who since his return in March after being injured in the World Cup, has been getting a lot of playing time and may be a starter against ‘Los Blancos’.

Don’t expect much from Keshi – Babayaro •P.61 QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Supple (5) 7 Pain (4) 8 Initiate (6) 9 Despondency (5) 11 Rotter (3) 13 Fellow (3) 15 Frank (4) 16 Border (3) 18 Lake (4) 19 Widespread (7) 20 Ban (4) 22 Jetty (4) 23 Immediate (7) 25 Cornet (4) 27 Strike (3) 28 Minus (4) 30 Attempt (3) 31 Decay (3) 33 Demise (5) 36 Fierce (6) 37 Discharge (4) 38 Material (5)

DOWN 1 Fragment (5) 2 Limb (3) 3 Also (3) 4 Tree (3) 5 Beaker (3) 6 Performer (5) 10 Kiln (4) 11 Prisoner (7) 12 Fate (7) 13 Liberate (7) 14 Closest (7) 16 Moor (5) 17 Intended (5) 18 Chart (3) 21 Individual (3) 24 Assistant (4) 26 Harmonium (5) 29 Compact (5) 32 Wages (3) 33 Lair (3) 34 Boring-tool (3) 35 Chicken (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS Across: 1, Sewer 5, Badger 8, Ledge 10, Decide 11, Aped 14, Demote 15, Minimal 18, Ten 19, Yet 21, Deal 23, Demon 24, Herd 27, Dot 29, Oaf 31, Natural 32, Claret 34, Ride 35, Lapsed 38, Style 39, Caught 40, Edged.

Down: 2, Ewe 3, Elicit 4, Red 5, Bead 6, Deemed 7, Reveal 9, Delayed 12, Pet 13, Done 16, Idle 17, Lemon 20, Totally 22, Aura 24, Hectic 25, Roar 26, Darling 28, Jumped 30, Fed 33, Test 36, Ale 31, Eye.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K