IBB has been our pillar— Abiola's family

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 61903

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

N150

Why we prefer live human beings •P.6 — Suspected human parts dealer

•P.9

•P.9

IBB has been our pillar— Abiola's family •We'll immortalise Abiola, says FG

•June 12 has changed Nigeria's history — Jonathan •Politicians, activists, others honour Abiola

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE & DAUD OLATUNJI

L

AGOS—TWENTY years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections presumably won by late business tycoon,

THE ROAD TO NIGERIA's PORTS

Chief M.K.O Abiola, the Head of Abiola family, Mubashiru, yesterday,

Continues on page 5

•P.25

COLUMNISTS:

Is'haq Modibbo Kawu•P.17 OCHEREOME NNANNA•P.19

Josef Omorotionmwan •P.19

Mr & Mrs

GRIDLOCK—Traffic gridlock at the Mile Two axis of Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Nigeria's access road to the ports, yesterday.

C M Y K

2— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—3

C M Y K

4— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—5

POCKET CARTOON

FOUNDATION—Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra State, laying foundation for the construction of Medical hostel for students of Anambra State University in Awka, yesterday.

IBB has been our pillar — Abiola's family Continues from page 1 exonerated former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida from the complicity that led to the death of Abiola in government’s custody.

Rather, he said that Babangida, who annulled the election, had been a pillar of support to the Abiola family since the business mogul died in detention on July 7, 1998.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Life is too short to be spent nursing animosity or registering wrongs; live today and live well, prepare for tomorrow and prepare well. Become something great, really, really great.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

I firmly believe that we are all given signs and dreams and put in situations that define who we were and who we are to become. All of it point towards our destiny. All we need to do is listen carefully to the messages and follow our dreams.

It is in our dreams that we find our true identities and where our destiny awaits — Isaiah Washington

N

O matter how much we rush about in this world and how hurried we become in pursuing goals, dreams and aspirations, there is a sublime meaning that surpasses all the hustling that hold us together beautifully, and that simply is the power and presence of divine love. The difference often in a happier life is not so much how much wealth you have acquired in the course of life but how fulfilling your life is being lived.

In essence, we live life every moment with the knowing that everything happens for a reason, and just as the lotus is the most beautiful flower, and can only grow in the mud. In order to grow and gain wisdom, first you must have the mud - the obstacles of life and its challenges. The mud speaks of the common ground that humans share, no matter what our situations in life. According to Goldie Hawn, “whether we have it all or we have nothing, we are all faced with the same obstacles and blessings.” For everything in life has its time and season. Be patient with yourself, and go with the natural flow of things. It always works out well for the good in the end.

Mubashiru, M.K.O Abiola’s younger brother spoke at Abiola’s OjaAgbo family house in Abeokuta during the 2013 June12 democracy walk organized by the Ogun State Government.

The disclosure came on a day that President Goodluck Jonathan said that ‘June 12’ had changed the history of the country for good as leading politicians, activists and groups at different events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of June 12 lamented that little or no improvement in the welfare of Nigerians had been achieved since 1993, adding that poverty among the citizenry had worsened.

Meantime, the Federal Government said, yesterday, that it was ready to immortalise Abiola and urged Nigerians to come up with suggestions on how best to honour the late politician.

The government’s effort to name the University of Lagos after Abiola last year hit a brick wall with opposition from stakeholders and students of the institution.

Mubashiru, who in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta appealed to the Federal Government to pay the debt it was owing Abiola, said

Babangida‘s support to the Abiola family was unparalleled after the death of their bread winner, saying, the family believed strongly that, it was not possible for the General to kill his former friend.

He said: “Babangida did anything we wanted in this family. Unless he did not know, he would come. He has been supporting this family. He always supports the family. There was a time Abiola’s daughter was wedding, Babangida was here with his wife right away from Minna, sat down with us; he left his wife to stay with us till the second day. She slept in M K O’s house till the second day.

“That is the major reason why I will always support him and I don’t believe that Babangida was the one that killed M KO, no. That is capital no. Everybody knew that Babangida was not in the government when M KO died. How could you say that somebody who was not there did something? It is not possible. Babangida does not know anything about the death of M.K.O.” Delivering a speech on behalf of the family, Mubashiru described IBB’s regime as the best urging current governments at all levels to embrace the vision of June 12 by ensuring good governance.

“I want to state unequivocally that General Babangida’s administration remains the best ever in the nation’s history and I implore our current administrators at various levels of governance to embrace the vision of June 12, by ensuring that every Nigerian family gets food on their table and shelters on their heads, all employable youths get jobs while the nooks and crannies of the Federation enjoy basic amenities.”

Pay your debt to Abiola’s family Appealing to the Federal Government to pay the money it owes the Abiola family, he said: “I also want to thank the President Goodluck Jonathan, for what the Federal Government ought to have done for the family, but was yet to be done. I take advantage of today’s 20th anniversary of June 12, to request President Jonathan to invite Abiola's family to a meeting to deliberate on how the Federal Government intends to settle the long standing debts owed that political icon, business mogul and symbol of our modern day democracy.”

How June 12 changed our history – Jonathan Speaking shortly after inaugurating the chairman and members of the re-constituted Police Service Commission, President Jonathan said June 12 was a unique day in the nation. He said although the Federal Government was yet to recognize the day as a public holiday, some

state governments had done so. There have been calls from prominent Nigerians urging the Federal Government to recognize June 12 as the nation’s Democracy Day as against May 29.

Prominent Nigerians, who honoured Abiola and urged government to pursue policies that would provide basic amenities and eradicate poverty, were former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governors Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu; Founder of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr Frederick Fasehun; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Segun Osoba; Convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Dr Tunde Bakare; Chief Frank Kokori and Femi Falana (SAN).

Others include Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadokun, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, President of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Femi Adesina; Mr Abdul Oroh, Abiola’s first son, Kola; Dr Joe OkeiOdumakin, Ms Ann Kio-Briggs, Jimi Agbaje, Mrs Modupe Adelaja and Hon Dino Melaye.

Nigeria worse in 2013 than 1993 – Bakare At Democracy Audit organized by the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos to mark June 12, Convener of the group, Dr Tunde Bakare, said since the historic election, Nigeria had remained impoverished and the problems Abiola promised to tackle remain unsolved.

He spoke as Information Minister, Labaran Continues on page 50

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Homosexuals protest members trial in Anambra

Why we prefer live human beings — Suspected human parts dealer zSays tongues, intestines, livers, hearts good for pepper soup

BY EVELYN USMAN

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — THERE was a mild drama, yesterday, at the Atani Chief Magistrate Court in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State as some people who claimed to be homosexuals nearly disrupted court proceedings in solidarity with two suspected homosexuals standing trial for alleged sodomy.

As early as 9 .00 a.m, a large number of men with feminine look started gathering at the court premises to the surprise of the people around and it was only then that it became obvious that they came to identify with two of their members who were arrested by the police and charged to court for sodomy.

Members of the group, who chanted anti-police songs, said it was wrong for the police to interfere with their fundamental rights and freedom of association.

They demanded unconditional release of the two persons standing trial on a twocount charge of violating the law, insisting that they would continue to fight for their rights in Nigeria despite what they described as "the challenges the group was facing in the National Assembly."

Despite their protests, however, the court remanded the two suspects in prison custody on the ground that it had no jurisdiction over the matter.

L

AGOS — OPERATIVES of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja have arrested three fleeing members of a syndicate who allegedly specialized in selling live humans and decomposing human parts for money rituals.

Their arrest came barely three weeks after some of their members were paraded at the Lagos State Police Command, where they confessed to have sold live human beings for N40,000, hands—N4,000 and head—N8,000.

Those recently arrested are Gazali Akewadola (60), the native doctor who allegedly offered N40,000 for a live human being, Alfa Taofeek Akinola (35) and Kazeem Sanni (25).

To the bewilderment of all, Gazali confessed that live human beings were cheaper than buying dead human parts, saying all parts of a live human being are vital in the preparation of money ritual.

For instance, he said a life human being was bought for N40,000, “but at the end of the day, you get a lot of expensive parts from it. Aside that, it is even more potent because the efficacy of the charm or concoction prepared with live human parts cannot be compared with the ones prepared with dead parts.

"When a life human being is killed, one will get fresh blood which is used in preparing

NDLEA arrests two brothers with cocaine

BY LAWANI MIKAIRU

L

AGOS — OFFICIALS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos have arrested two brothers for being in possession of 430 grammes of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

According to Mr Ofoyeju Mitchell, Head, Public Affairs of NDLEA, the drug was hidden inside shoe sole and detected during the outward screening of Etihad passenger flight to India.

He said: “The first suspect, Okechukwu Samson Agwueze, 23, was arrested when the drug was found inside the sole of the shoe he wore during the screening. His cousin, Ogbonna Onwumere, 38, who sponsored his trip, was also arrested and currently being interrogated by narcotic investigators.”

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar, expressed delight over the sei-

zure, saying: “It is gratifying that the cocaine which was concealed inside the sole of a shoe worn by the suspect was promptly detected. The second suspect who procured the travel documents and facilitated the drug deal was equally apprehended.”

Okechukwu Samson, who is a casual worker, looked remorseful and said his regret was that his cousin lured him into drug trafficking.

His words: “I work in construction sites as a labourer to earn a living. I had wanted to travel out of the country in search of greener pastures but I was swindled of my hard earned N360,000 while trying to get my travel documents.

“My cousin, Ogbonna Onwumere promised to sponsor me to India so that I can work and further my education. He invited me to Lagos that everything was set for me to travel and gave me the shoe to wear that mine was old. He never told me there was drug in it.”

The suspects some charms. The same body will also give you hairs from private part, head and some mustache which are used for other ritual purposes. The private part is also very useful for the preparation of effective concoction. The head,flesh intestines, liver, heart, eyes, lips and tongues can be used for pepper soup which is usually very delicious than that of animal meat. I usually take the pepper soup so as to assure those who patronize us that it is not harmful. It also fortifies one spiritually.

“If you buy a full human being for N30,000 or N40,000 and pieces it, you will end up getting N100,000 or more because you will get more than 10 parts that will yield more money for you.”

Gazali who hails from Folahan, Ado-Odo in Owode Yewa Local Government Area of Ogun State, further said: “I am an Islamic teacher and a cleric. I own an Islamic school in Owode Yewa. I am also married with eight children. I am also a native doctor. I cure people of their ailments and help those who want to get rich quick, by using human parts to prepare charms and concoctions for them.

We use soft bones to cure epilepsy "Most of the human parts I bought were sold to me by Kazeem Sanni. He used to sell dead human head between N3,000 and N8000, depending on the market price. The soft bones that can easily be grinded

into powder are very cheap. It is just for N1,000. It is used to cure ailments like epilepsy.”

Asked why he did not use any of his children since he has eight of them, he said that would reduce the potency of the ritual concoction, adding that its potency depended solely on strangers being used. He said their victims were usually abducted from Lagos State and beyond, with the use of charms.

He further disclosed that aside the N40,000 paid to Sanni to get him a live human being, he gave him another N5,000 and a charm to hypnotize the male victims.

But he said the plan almost failed as Sanni was almost caught. He, however, expressed regrets that despite the use of human parts to make other people rich, he ended up not only being poor but arrested along the line.

Money ritual charm changed my level The second suspect, Alfa Taofeek, who is also an indigene of Owode Yewa in Ogun State confessed to have bought a human head from the third suspect, Kazeem, which he grinded and mixed with local gin.

According to him, “it was to enable me get rich. I am a Muslim cleric and I have been making people rich through this means but became jealous at a point and decided to get rich as well, since I was unable to get enough money from my clients.

"After drinking the concoction prepared with a human head, I got more customers and made more money. I even threw parties on a monthly basis to cel-

ebrate my new level.

"I also used part of the money to sponsor the graduation ceremony of some of my students in the Islamic school known as Alfa Taofeek Islamic School, at Owode Yewa.”

Customs officers lured me into money rituals On his part, the third suspect, Kazeem Sanni, claimed to have opted for the money ritual business due to frustration from Customs men.

He said: “At a point, business was no longer moving because Customs men at the border were always seizing the goods, at the end of which their owners would force me to pay for them. I became frustrated even contemplated selling my father’s landed property. I decided to consult Alfa Taokeek Akinola to find out the cause of my predicament. He instructed me to get a human head in order to be rich. After that, he requested a live human being. I attempted kidnapping someone so that I can cut off his head but it was not possible. He then instructed me to exhume dead body from the graves which I did and got him three at the rate of N3,000 each.”

Their arrest, as explained by spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, was in compliance with the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko’s directive to SARS Commander, Abba Kyari, to get the fleeing suspects, after the arrest of three members of the syndicate on May 15, 2013, with human parts.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—7

School proprietor nabbed for allegedly defiling 11-yr-old pupil

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — A 40-year-old school proprietor in Ado Ekiti , the Ekiti State capital, Mr Tunde Ibitoye, has been nabbed by the police for allegedly having canal knowledge of 11-year-old pupil .

Ibitoye, owner of God is Great Nursery and Primary School located in Kajola area of Ado Ekiti was caught in the act at a location in Agric Olope, Ajilosun Area, Ado Ekiti by a mechanic, one Mr Kayode Ayeni.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Mr Victor Babafemi, confirmed the arrest, saying the randy proprietor had taken the victim to bed on four different occasions.

The police image maker said the suspect was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police headquarters, to assist police in their investigation.

According to the image maker, the suspect was a regular caller at the new market being constructed by Governor Kayode Fayemi administration, which had become a hideout for criminals in recent times.

He further revealed that the suspect was conveying the victim and one other pupil to their respective homes, Monday, in his private car, and suddenly stopped at the new market on the pretext that he wanted to defecate, but with alleged intention to defile the girl.

He said: “After five to 10 minutes in the bush, the proprietor called the pupil to bring tissue paper for him. But unfortunately for him, someone was watching.

And out of curiosity, the man went there and met the two of them naked. He then raised alarm, which attracted people to the spot.”

The girl, according to him, was taken to University Teaching Hos-

pital for check-up, saying the outcome is being expected to guide them on the next line of action.

The PPRO said further that; “The man had continually denied ever having canal knowl-

edge of the pupil but we are not buying such from him.”

He said the father of the victim confirmed that the pupil had come home several times with bloodstains, which he said was mis-

taken for monthly menstrual flow.

“All other pupils in the school will be quizzed and critically examined to ascertain the level of sexual relationship between them and the suspect.

Some Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, pipeline vandals with their tools and a tanker containing adulterated fuel being paraded by Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State, Mr Shem Obafaye, at the command headquarters in Ibadan, Oyo State, Tuesday.

Suspected assailant strangles Kano govt top official’s new wife

K

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD

ANO —TRAGEDY struck at Ungwa Medile, Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State, yesterday, when Zainab Idris Yakasai, a newly married wife of the state’s Director of Information, Youth and Home Affairs, Inuwa Idris, was found dead at her residence barely 10 days after marriage.

Security sources that pleaded anonymity revealed that the young woman was strangled by yet-tobe identified assailant at her home while the husband was away to work.

Idris, the deceased’s hubby who gave a vivid account of what he found in his house amid tears said: “The incident happened on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at about 5:30p.m. When I returned after

Sympathizers at the site of a three-storey building that collapsed, Tuesday, in Mushin as survivors pack their recovered belongings, in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: NAN.

closing from work, I knocked at the gate but my wife didn’t open it for me as she used to do.”

He added that when he entered his premises and called his wife's name, she didn’t answer. He walked around the fence and found a ladder but the security wire around the fence was cut.

The bereaved husband also said he saw her lying on the ground when he peeped through the window and rushed to call his neighbours for help.

He said: “When I opened the window, I just saw her lying on the ground like she was sleeping. I rushed into the room and tapped her. To my surprise, I found her like a dead person. I then went to the neighbours for help.

He said the assailants carted away her boxes that contained clothing materials and jewelry.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Musa Magaji Majjia confirmed the incident, saying the husband of the deceased reported the matter to the police.

Majjia added that the police went to the scene of the incident and some arrests were made.

He said investigation was on to apprehend the main suspect, adding that the corpse had been deposited at the hospital for autopsy.

Church arrests alleged amplifier thieves PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI — TWO youths alleged to have stolen an amplifier belonging to Christ Embassy Church, Amagu Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were, weekend, apprehended by some members of the church.

Speaking at the church premises, the Pastor in charge, Kannon Uwenobong alleged that the suspected thieves broke into his church about two weeks ago and stole the amplifier.

He said during one of the church’s prayer sessions, he gave the suspects two weeks to return the item or face serious problem.

He noted: “We then sent out our members in search of the amplifier and they found it in the possession of one ThankGod who claimed to have bought it from the people who stole it.

“He, ThankGod, promised to bring those that sold the amplifier to him and today he brought these two boys.”

Vanguard learnt that ThankGod allegedly bought the stolen amplifier from one Mr. Ndubuisi Onyekwere and Dennis at the cost for N1,500 and that the suspects were demanding more money from him (ThankGod); so he told them that he would give them more money when he gets receipt for the payment he made.

20 illegal private hospitals sealed in Delta

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA — NO fewer than 20 illegal private hospitals and maternity centres have been sealed in different parts of Delta State in the ongoing clampdown on health facilities operating below standard and without due authorisation.

The state Ministry of Health task force had been combing the nooks and crannies of the state in the past one week to ascertain that the health facilities were operating under due process and manned with unqualified personnel.

Those sealed were located in Asaba, the state capital; Ibusa, Okwe, Agbor which had so far been visited by the task force team led by Dr. Alfred Ebiakofa.

The team went with an ambulance to evacuate some patients from one of the sealed private hospitals at Agbor to the Agbor central hospital for proper attention.

8—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

IGP meets senior police officers over insecurity

BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

A

BUJA—INSPECTOR-General of Police, IGP, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday, met with Zonal Assistant Inspectors General and Commissioners of police to review security challenges across the nation, especially the state of emergency in the North-East and the ongoing investigation into cases of terrorism.

Abubakar said those challenges in each state and zone would be reviewed towards devising strategies and methodologies to tackle them.

In his remarks before the meeting went into the closed-door session, the IGP said: "We are going to review most of these security challenges and situation in each of the zones and command.

"We will review crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and other heinous crimes and the successes of the state of emergency in the North-East."

Abubakar said that the monthly meeting with the senior officers did not hold in the last two months to give state Commissioners of Police and Zonal AIGs opportunities to adopt measures to combat security challenges in their respective jurisdictions.

In another development, the IGP said the police had concluded plans to set up a peacekeeping institute.

Abubakar announced this when Mr. Said Djinnit, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and Head of United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), paid him a visit.

Vigil

G

ARDEN of Life Assembly, Lagos, will hold its power night of salvation, healing and deliverance service tomorrow.

A statement by Bishop Philip Edward, said the vigil, with the theme What do you have at home? takes place at the church premises, 18 Ganiyu Jimoh Street, off Tedi Omila Road, Opposite Ojo Cantonment Barracks, Lagos.

PDP describes APC's agenda as empty shells zMentions Ekiti, Osun strikes

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor, & CHRIS OCHAYI

P

EOPLES’ Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, reviewed the proposed agenda of All Progressives Congress, APC, and dismissed it as empty shells of lies articulated to deceive Nigerians.

In its review, PDP took strong exception to APC’s si-

lence on the issues of corruption and terrorism, saying it was reflective of the tolerance of APC and its leaders for the two evils it claimed were at the top of the agenda of the PDP-led Federal Government.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, PDP faulted APC’s democratic inclinations and proposals on

education as it used strike actions in Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN-controlled Ekiti and Osun states to scoff at the opposition’s plans for quality education.

The House of Commons’ lecture

The party’s response followed Monday’s lecture at the British House of Commons, where Asiwaju Bola

FEC MEETING: From left— Prof. Ruqqayat Rufai, Minister of Education; Senator Bala Mohammed, FCT Minister, and Elder Godsday Orubebe, Niger Delta Development Minister, during the weekly meeting of the Federal Executive Council at the Aso Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja. PHOTO: Abayomi Adeshida.

NLC blasts FG over NGF crisis

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

N

IGERIA Labour Con gress, NLC, yesterday, expressed concerns over perceived Presidency’s increasing intolerance of governors with opposing views.

NLC, in a statement by its President, Abdulwaheed Omar, described the presidency’s tactics as crude, cheap and barbaric, and a throw-back to the days of military dictatorship, which Nigeria was better off without.

The union reacted to last Friday’s grounding of the helicopter scheduled to convey Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to Anambra State

by Nigeria Airspace Management Authority, NAMA.

Oshiomhole’s chopper grounded

It said: “NLC wishes to condemn in strong terms the unjustifiable delay, frustration and eventual grounding by aviation authorities in Benin of the helicopter billed to convey Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State to the burial ceremony of the wife of Senator Ben Obi in Anambra State, last Friday.

“All too often in recent times,

federal institutions have been willing tools in the hands of vindictive politicians or appointees out to settle scores.

Yet, strong institutions are key to deepening democracy.

Amaechi’s aircraft too

“The first victim was Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, whose plane still remains grounded to teach him a lesson for insisting on, and indeed contesting, the chairmanship of Nigeria’s Governors Forum.

“In spite of spirited efforts at official explanations, which normally come as afterthoughts, not a few believe these are acts executed at the behest of or to please the presidency.

“Interestingly, the presidency has done little to disguise its interest. Congress is dismayed by these familiar but reprehensible styles of dealing with governors with dissenting views.

“We find these tactics crude, cheap and barbaric, and a throw-back to the days of military dictatorship, which we are better off without. We find it amazing that pilots of considerable experience with hundreds of flying hours in

Nigeria will suddenly be bereft of elementary rules governing flight operations.

‘We’re too old for herd culture’

“And supposing they had been operating in ignorance or in breach of extant regulations, we are yet to see the sanctions meted out to those institutions or individuals that aided or abetted their conduct.

“We have noticed with concern the growing sensitivity of the presidency to criticism and the penchant to treat every thought, opinion or action that does not conform as a treasonable offence.

“May we remind the presidency and its army of aides, sidekicks and others in the service, that democracy thrives on time-honoured principles of freedom of speech, association and accountability. Not on impunity or brutality.

“We would want to call for caution on the part of all players or stakeholders. Democracy without alternative viewpoints is not democracy.

"The earlier we accept and live with this the better for all of us. We ought to be sufficiently matured enough not to practice herd culture in the 21st century.”

Tinubu, national leader of ACN, unfolded the agenda of APC, which ACN and some other opposition parties are forming.

PDP said: “Members of the British parliament must have giggled and waited in vain for Mr. Tinubu to unveil the much-vaunted opposition agenda on anti-terrorism and corruption.

“Is it that APC has no answers to these or that Tinubu deliberately skipped them?

Here, curious minds reflect on two things.

“The PDP-led Federal Government has applied the master strategy that is already yielding results; thus leaving the opposition bereft of fresh, better dimension as an alternative or that the man who appeared in the British House of Commons is the least qualified to speak on corruption and terrorism before such a self-respecting and wellmeaning assembly with an indepth grip on happenings in Nigeria.”

On security

On the issue of National Social Security, PDP wondered why the states under the opposition have not been implementing it if it is such a laudable programme, knowing that under Nigeria’s federalism, the states suffer no restriction over such matters.

PDP said: “Why is the opposition waiting to get to the centre before implementing this? Why did Tinubu not implement this as Lagos State Governor for eight years?

"Why are the six ACN states over which Tinubu is lord not implementing this?

“Promises are easily made.

If Tinubu as Lagos Governor denied workers wage increment and denied pensioners the benefits of decades of service, how could APC government, which he canvasses, take care of the aged and the vulnerable under the social security programme? Nigerians need eggs no doubt but not their empty shells!

Faults feeding programme

“Similarly, the school feeding programme, which APC paraded as one of its cardinal agenda, is in fact a programme under various stages of implementation since it was launched in September 2005 by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

“In fact, some of the PDP states have gone beyond meal-a-day to other accompaniments that make learning easy for the Nigerian child.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—9

220 FG's agencies to be scrapped

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—FEDERAL Execu tive Council, FEC, yesterday, hinted that 220 Federal Government’s parastatals, agencies and commissions may be scrapped in line with the recommendations of the Steve Oronsaye committee, which recommended the down-sizing, merger and outright scrapping of some government agencies to cut cost of governance.

Similarly, the council also approved a new Fertiliser Bill, which prescribes a seven-year jail sentence for any person found guilty of adulterating fertiliser.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Dr. Reuben Abati, told newsmen after the meeting, yesterday, that of the 541 federal parastatals, commissions and agencies of the Federal Government, the Oronsaye committee recommended that 321 be retained, which was accepted by the White Paper Drafting Committee.

Abati said the final decision on reports of the White Paper Committee would be taken when FEC concludes deliberation on the report at its next sitting.

He said the essence of the proposed exercise was to engender efficiency, reduce cost of governance towards delivering quality service to Nigerians and not to cause Nigerians discomfort.

He said: “The Oronsaye Committee considered suggestions, recommendations from different quarters and in total that committee looked at 541 federal parastatals, commissions and agencies.

Out of that, the white paper drafting committee accepted 321, noted some recommendations and rejected some.

“At the end of the day, FEC will take final decision on this recommendation and when that is done, the white paper will be made public.

"All of these are being done to ensure efficiency, to reduce the cost of government, to avoid leakages and wastages and to make government far more effective in delivering quality service to Nigerians.

“This is not targeted at pushing anybody out of work. This is not an exercise in making life difficult for anybody. This is just government restructuring for better level of efficiency. People should not be unduly anxious.”

Meanwhile, FEC, yesterday, approved a new Fertilizer Bill that set seven years jail term for fertilizer adulteration in the country.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Akinwumi Adesina, who disclosed this to newsmen after the FEC meeting, said when

operational, the law is expected to sanitise the production of fertilizer in the country and reduce the adulteration of fertilizer.

Composer of National Anthem, Odiase dies C

OMPOSER of the Na tional Anthem, Arise O Compatriots, Benedict Odiase died Tuesday night, following a prolonged ailment.

The late Odiase was the Director of Music with the Nigeria Police Band until he retired in 1992 as a Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family, colleagues, associates and friends of Pa Odiase.

President Jonathan, in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati said he “believes that the late police officer, who was the Director of the Nigerian Police Band until he retired in 1992, will always be remembered and honoured whenever the National Anthem, which cap-

tures the vision of Nigeria as a great nation, is played.”

According to the statement “as he is mourned, the President urges Pa Odiase’s family, former colleagues in the police and friends across the country to be consoled by the

knowledge that the late police officer lived an exemplary life.

“In passing on, he bequeathed an indelible legacy to the nation, which will continue to inspire present and future generations to greater heights of accomplishment.”

Late Pa Odiase.

Highlife singer, Fatai Rolling Dollar dies @ 85

BY BENJAMIN NJOKU, OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI, ANOZIE EGOLE &IYABO AINA

L

AGOS—ONE of Nigeria’s oldest surviving highlife musicians, Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, popularly known as Fatai Rolling Dollar died, yesterday morning in Lagos.

85-year-old Rolling Dollars died at Marritol Hospital in Surulere, Lagos, following a brief illness.

Reacting to Rolling Dollar’s death, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State in a statement by the Director of Bureau of Communications and

Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, described the octogenarian high-life maestro as a “testimony in perseverance and hope.”

The governor said Rolling Dollar ’s life sojourn demonstrated that no time is too late for man to have a breakthrough in life.

He stated that the old artiste, who trained Ebenezer Obey in his heydays, shone at his old age when nobody ever thought of musical success for him again after his initial popularity at the beginning of his career.

Rolling Dollar was reportedly on a musical tour of the

United States when he took ill and had to return home.

He was admitted initially at Ahmadiya Hospital in AbuleEgba area of Lagos before being transferred to Marritol Hospital about two weeks ago.

He will be buried today.

A close friend of the deceased musician and MTN Project Fame judge, Ade Bantu, said Rolling Dollar had been down with breathing problems and other issues before his death.

Bantu, whose real name is Adegoke Odukoya, reportedly said that he was on his way to Surulere to visit the late Rolling Dollar when one of the

Fatai Rolling Dollar's widow, Zenobu (middle), and sympathisers at the late musician's home, yesterday.

wives informed him of the death.

Juju music legend-turnedEvangelist, Ebenezer Obey while reacting to his demise described Rolling Dollars as “an epitome of decency and a talented musician.”

He said: “I’ve lost my boss, my friend and my mentor. And I know the country has lost a talented singer."

Also, in his tribute, reggae artiste, Orits Wiliki said, Rolling Dollar lived well as a musician, adding “even though his death remains a big loss to the industry, he would be happy that members of the young generation are taking

Fatai Rolling Dollar's children, Mojeed (left) and Jamiu.

highlife music to the next level.

We should be praying to live up to his age and still be strong the way he was.”

For Kunle Tejuosho, whose label, Jazzhole Records, brought out Won Kere Si Number Wa, among other albums of the deceased, Rolling Dollar was a great musician.

He said: “Baba was a great musician. He lived the life of a musician. He was always happy to perform all the time.

"He enjoyed his life. He had a second chance which he used very well."

Also paying tribute to the deceased, EME boss, Banky W, described Rolling Dollar as the “original pioneer of the hat-look and a legendary Nigerian musician.”

Ironically, Rolling Dollar last week refuted reports that he was in coma, saying that he was surprised that the news of his illness could have gone viral in a space of one week.

He had said: “I have just left the hospital where I had gone to receive treatment, but I am back home now.”

Rolling Dollar was born July 22, 1926 in Lagos as prince of the royal family of Fatai Olayiwola Olagunju, originally from Ede, a Yoruba town lying on the Osun, the river famously linked to Yemoja, the river goddess.

10—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Let's respect human life, avoid abortion — Cleric

A

CATHOLIC priest, C h i m a e z i e Eugene-Oguzie, has expressed worry over rising cases of abortion in the country.

He also called on Nigerians to see their everyday life as an opportunity to propagate respect for human life.

He said the Catholic Church would continue to “kick against any policy that is against hman life, like abortion, which translates to murder. Prolife is a case of justice and respect for human life particularly the weak and defenseless in the society.”

He recalled that in 1973, the Supreme Court of America subtly legalized abortion but said human life was sacred and should therefore be protected at all cost.

Fashola commissions clean energy programme

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO & KUNLE KALEJAYE

G

OVERNOR BABATUNDE Fashola of Lagos State, has commissioned a new clean energy programme, tagged Eko Gas, and the Ejire Flagship Primary Health Care, PHC centre to improve the standard of living in the state.

The governor, at the flag-off of the Eko Gas in Surulere Local Government, lamented that “we have large gas reserve as a nation, but unfortunately, we are not optimising its use. We are one of the largest producers of gas, but its price is not friendly for the citizens. The gas will eradicate the hazards faced by residents of the state in their search for Kerosene, respiratory diseases that are common when one cook with firewood and charcoal.

This was what we used when I was a child. We are back to the beginning."

Ikeja Electricity Company offers free pre-paid metres to debt-free consumers I

KEJA ELECTRICITY Dis tribution Company, yesterday announced free prepaid metres for consumers who had settled their outstanding bills.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the company, Mr Chris Akamnonu, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ikeja that the offer was part of strategies to encourage electricity consumers to settle their bills.

NAN reports that a single phase metre costs N25, 000, while a three-phase metre

costs N50, 000, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

“We have been given out free pre-paid metres to our customers who had paid their outstanding bills to date. We have told our customers that they will get free metres if they settle all their outstanding bills and this is ongoing,” he said.

Akamnonu expressed hope that the strategy would encourage other debtor-customers to follow suit.

He disclosed that more than 134,000 pre-paid metres had

been installed in houses in the zone.

Akamnonu added: “We are willing to install a metre for any willing customer who has paid up to date; such a customer should come up with his receipt.

“We will not allow debtors to benefit from the services of PHCN if they continue to ignore the appeals to settle their debts.”

He said prompt payment of electricity bills would enable the company to meet the target of providing stable and

efficient power in the zone.

Akamnonu promised that prompt attention would be given to customers’ complaints by officials of the company.

He, however, warned members of the public against patronising touts in their desperate bids to get pre-paid metres.

Ex-AU leader advocates independent actions to develop Africa

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

F

LAUNCH: From left— Mrs. Ifeoma Okali, former Senior Prosecutor, United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda; Prof. Anya O. Anya, Dr. Agwu Ukiwe Okali, author and Brig.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.), Chairman of occasion, at the inauguration of the Okali Seminal Ideas Foundation for Africa, OSIFA, & launching of a book entitled, Of Black Servitude Without Slavery: The Unspoken of Language by Dr. Okali, at NIIA, Lagos.

Photo: Diran Oshe.

3 young men arraigned for stealing N 2million

BY IJEOMA NATHANIEL

L

AGOS — A 23-yearold man, Chigozie Ugwu and two others, have been arraigned, before a Lagos Magistrate Court, sitting in Ikeja, for allegedly stealing a car and other valuables worth N2million.

The other suspects; Kaka Mohammed and Isa Mohammed, docked before Dan Oni, are facing a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing,

preferred against them by the police.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Edet Okoi, told the court that the defendants and others at large, committed the offence, on May 24, 2013, at about 5pm, in Ajah area of Lagos.

He said the defendants, who conspired among themselves, stole an unregistered Ford Truck, 380, valued; N1,800,000, one generator, valued, N50,000, two refrigerators valued N 200,000, to-

tal value of N2.50,000, property of one Mr Kugo.

Okoi, said the offence was punishable under section 409, 285 (5) (a) (b) of the criminal laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2011.

When the charges were read to the accused, they pleaded not guilty and Magistrate Oni, granted them bail in the sum of N 500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the matter to July 26, 2013, for mention.

Prosecute passengers on roofs of coaches — Workers

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

N

ATIONAL UNION of Railway Workers, NURW, has called for the establishment of mobile courts, to deal with hoodlums and passengers hanging on the roof of coaches.

Investigation revealed that an average of 80 illegal passengers hang on the roof of coaches on daily train shuttles from Ijoko in Ogun, to Iddo and to Apapa, in Lagos.

The illegal passengers are common on trains that leave Ijoko to Iddo or Apapa between

6.15 a.m. and 8: 00 a.m.

General Secretary of NURW, Martin Adeyanju, lamented that the illegal passengers were a major challenge to the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, because some of such passengers had fallen off the trains in the past and died.

According to him, “Our stations are porous. The Ikeja station, for example, can be fenced. If the train gets to the station and it is only 30 seats that are available, the ticket operator will sell tickets only to that number of passengers.”

Adeyanju noted that roof-top riders had developed tactics to

enable them continued the criminal act without tickets, noting that “at each station, they inform one another through the phone that security officials are at a particular station, to arrest defaulters. Apart from that, when there is security checks at any station, those with tickets inside the train will pass their tickets to the roof-riders.

When the security personnel approach the roof-riders, they will show their tickets to prove that they paid, but could not get any seats. It is a dilemma.

ORMER CHAIRPERSON of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Jean Ping has called on African governments to support the development of African based models of thought to promote development in the continent.

He made this call during the inauguration of the Okali Seminal Ideas Foundation for Africa, OSIFA in Lagos and the launch of a book: ‘Of Black Servitude without Slavery, the Unspoken Politics of Language’, written by Dr. Agwu Ukiwe Okali.

He said the development challenges confronting Africa was as a result of unsuitable development ideas that had been foisted on the continent.

Could it be that these development models are themselves fundamentally flawed for our situation, because they do not derive from critical analysis, followed by selective co-option, of appropriate traditional African knowledge in their formulation?” he asked.

Ping who was the keynote speaker at the occasion lamented that, “Africa’s wealth of natural and intellectual resources is more than enough to place the continent at a much higher rung on the development ladder than it currently occupies, but instead, all that seems to happen is that Africa is ever struggling just to catch up, not to talk about keeping pace, with the rest of the world.”

The error is regretted YESTERDAY IN our Media Watch page, page 58, we inadvertently described telecom giant, Airtel Nigeria as a troubled telecom company.

The error is regretted.

— Editor

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—11

Ex-gov Fayose escapes assassination

BY GBENGA ARIYIBI

A

DO EKITI — FORMER governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Fayose narrowly escaped death along Tuesday night on Ado Ekiti - Afao road when his car was shot at by unknown gunmen.

Fayose is one of the leading Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, aspirants warming up for next year’s governorship election in the state.

This was contained in a statement by Ayo Fayose Campaign Organisation, AFCO, and signed by the Campaign Director General, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi According to the statement, the former governor was

trailed by the suspected assassins at about 9 p.m. in a white Hilux van with green number plate at a point close to Fayose Housing Estate.

Fayose’s driver, according to the statement, noticed that a vehicle was trailing them and immediately alerted his boss who was the only one with him in the car.

The statement reads in part: “The driver immediately increased the car’s speed and when the driver of the Hilux vehicle saw that they could not catch up with Fayose’s car, they were said to have released four shots towards the ex-governor’s vehicle.

“Seeing that Fayose had arrived Afao, his home-town, the

Hilux van turned back.

“Earlier that day, Fayose received a call from somebody who called himself ‘Solar’ telling him that he (Solar) was a life waster and that Fayose should expect a tough time ahead of 2014 election, but the former governor took the message for granted.”

The AFCO DG, therefore,

Elevate June 12 to pan-Nigerian event — Mimiko

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, yesterday, called

Mr. Tonye Cole, Executive Director, Sahara Energy, one of the judges in the on-going MTN Business Next Titan, presenting a cheque to the representative of Sports City Football Academy, one of the teams that participated in the novelty matches in the on-going TV reality show. Another judge, Mr. Chris Parks, looks on.

Aregbesola wants FG to explain Abiola’s death

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

SOGBO — OSUN State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday, challenged the Federal Government to make open details of events that led to the death of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola.

Speaking at a symposium organised by the state government in collaboration with civil society organisations in Osogbo to mark the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, said the Federal Government owes Nigerians details about the death of Abiola.

Aregbesola, speaking on: 'June 12 and the National Question,' said the crisis that emanated from the June 12 election annulment brought to the fore the fundamental cracks of Nigeria’s polity.”

He stressed that Nigerians deserve full knowledge of all

that transpired in the corridors of power during the military era when Abiola lost his life.

Aregbesola said: “The annulment revealed in a most brazen manner the problem of unjust political domination and the need to restructure our political system and redefine the basis of our national existence.”

According to him: “This is a central concern of what is generally described as the national question. It is also the basis of the widespread call for convening a sovereign national conference to renegotiate the basis of our nationhood.”

He added: “The national question remains unaddressed and we are still grappling with the drawbacks. Yet the national ruling power establishment continues to live in denial of this reality, and pretending as though the problems are not there, or nursing the futile hope that the problems will simply disappear, of their accord.

called on the police to take appropriate action before the state is turned into a theatre of war.

The police image maker in the state, Mr. Victor Babayemi, however, said he was yet to be officially briefed on the allegation.

“June 12 and Chief Abiola represent a great lesson for Nigeria in nation building.

They are a metaphor for the plausibility of unity in the country; that if we work hard at it, we can find worthy causes with which the people can identify and around which they can truly unite."

on the Federal Government to elevate June 12 to a pan-Nigerian event.

He spoke at a symposium organised by the state government in Akure to mark the 20th anniversary of the annulled 1993 election.

Dr. Mimiko declared that the custodian of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola represents the determination of Nigerians to make a change, He added that the June 12 victory is a pan-Nigerian mandate.

A University Don, Dr. Bukola Osunyikanmi also at the symposium, condemned the attempt by some politicians to trivialise the significance of june 12 insisting that declaring public day for the day is sign that the import of the day is lost on them She canvassed the need to separate the person of Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 2003 presidential election from the event.

Osunyikanmi, a lecturer with the Department of Political Science, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, while taking a swipe at those he described as some self-styled progressives, said; “To them, June 12 is about the declaration of the day as a public holiday .

“They view it as a day of conviviality, indeed yet another day - another opportunity to parrot their ill-digested notion of progresivism.”

June 12, a watershed, says Amosun

O

GUN STATE governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola as a watershed.

He said the election was adjudged internationally as the “freest and fairest election to have ever been conducted in the annals of our nation.”

The governor spoke, yesterday, in Abeokuta during the 2013 Democracy Walk to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 1993 poll.

Amosun, according to a statement by his media aide, Funmi Wakama, said: “Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides turned out in millions to vote for MKO Abiola in the 1993 Presidential Election.”

“Muslims, Christians, women and youths above the age of 18 all over the country cast their votes for Chief Abiola in a peaceful, free and fair atmosphere. That election marked a watershed in the history of Nigeria,” the governor said.

Crisis looms in Ondo NURTW over election delay

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE — AN OTHER crisis is looming within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Ondo State following the alleged refusal of the present executives to allow for election despite the expiration of their tenure.

A faction of the union has therefore called on the National Secretariat of the union to dissolve the state EXCO to avoid blood-letting and violence that usually characterise the change of leadership of the union.

The present executives' four year tenure led by Chief Obayoriade Oladutele is said to have lapsed on April 19, 2013.

A faction of the union named Peace Movement in a letter written to both the governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the leadership of the union, said they should prevail on the present executive to dissolve the state union and organise an election.

The Secretary of the Peace Movement Mayowa Olofinniyi said the present executive assumed office in May 2009.

Olofiniyi said the Section 17 of the NURTW constitution empowers the national body to dissolve the state executive following the expiration of their tenure.

The Peace Movement in another letter to the governor said, “in oder to ensure peace in all the branches of NURTW in Ondo State we implore your office to instruct the EXCO to set machinery in motion for the conduct of fresh election.

Reacting an aide to the state Chairman, Chief Oladutele, denied that the present EXCO do es not want to leave office.

Speaking with Vanguard, the aide said that the other faction should wait for the directive from national secretariat of the union for the dissolution of the EXCO. He pointed out that the present EXCO will not stay a day longer in office as soon as the national secretariat gives directive.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

NGF crisis: Lawmaker counsels students

P

BY EGUFE YAFUGBORHI

ORT HARCOURT— Deputy Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, has charged students not to misjudge the rancour in the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF. Addressing a delegation of Niger Delta Students Union Government, which visited him in Port Harcourt, Kwanee said he was disturbed how the younger generation would perceive democracy, judging by the outcome of the Governors forum’s recent election.

He feared that the negative development could corrupt and tilt the minds of youths towards the wrong impression that elections and democracy are subject to manipulation, expressing optimism that democracy will prevail despite the contradictions and misconducts of anti-democratic forces.

He appealed to the youths to continue to believe in democracy as best form of government for every country and shun any act capable of derailing free and fair elections.

He also appealed to parents not to engage in any act capable of forcing the children to imbibe negative values such as the NGF election, where 16 are strongly determined to be majority against 19 votes.

Passage

C

HIEF Meneka John Nordum, 71, of Bodo City, Gokana Local Government Area, Rivers State, is dead. He will be buried on June 14, after a funeral mass, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Bodo City.

He is survived by children and other relations, including Sir. Charles Chukwuma, an officer with the Nigeria Customs Service, Port-Harcourt.

Late Meneka Nordum

Saro-Wiwa, Abiola, heroes of democracy —MOSOP

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

P

democracy could have been thwarted by another military intervention or prolonged military rule but for the ultimatum handed down by the Commonwealth after the hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogonis on November 10, 1995.

“It is regrettable that Nigeria’s deep rooted injustice has beclouded decision makers, who have not considered that demands for self determination for every Nigerian is a fundamental rights, which must be respected..

“It is regrettable that though

Nigeria has acknowledged the innocence of Saro-Wiwa and his colleagues, the country has not considered correcting the wrongs of 1995 by exonerating the nine Ogonis hanged by Abacha and respecting the fundamental rights of the Ogoni people.”

ORT HARCOURT— OGONIS have described late Ken Saro-Wiwa and late Chief Moshood Abiola as heroes of the country’s democracy.

In a statement, yesterday, by the Kingdom Coordinators Forum of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, the body said that the ultimatum handed the military government of former military Head of State, late General Sani Abacha by the Commonwealth after the judicial murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa, contributed largely to the emergence of the country’s democracy.

The statement by Letom Sina called on the Federal Government to honour the late Sarowiwa and late Chief Abiola for sacrificing their lives for a democratic Nigeria.

“The consequences of SaroWiwa’s killing along with eight other activists in 1995, includVISIT: Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Marco Antonio Garcia Blanco (left) and Chairing Dr. Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen and Baribor Bera, no man, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, during a doubt facilitated Nigeria’s re- visit by the Mexican envoy to INEC headquarters in Abuja. turn to democracy. Nigeria’s

Uduaghan expresses satisfaction with Delta lawmakers

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

SABA—DELTA State governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the state legislature in promotion of his administration’s three-point agenda, noting that he was looking forward to a continued harmonious working relationship with the lawmakers.

The governor, who spoke

through his Chief Adviser on Legislative Matters, Mr. Emmanuel Okoro in Asaba, yesterday, said: “No doubt the numerous Bills you have passed in the course of the second session of the Firth Assembly have impacted greatly on the economic and socio-political lives of the

P

BY JIMITOTAONOYUME

ORT HARCOURT— OKRIKA Local Government Area in Rivers State has raised alarm over the impact of a recent oil spill in the council.

Press Secretary to the council chairman, Mr. William Tamuno, said a recent oil spillage in Okochiri community, Okrika, had caused serious environmental pollution in the council.

Appealing to the company in charge of the facility to clean up the polluted and contaminated areas, he said that the development had affected farm lands and the community ’s source of drinking water.

the realisation of the vision of the state government.”

Meantime, members of the state House of Assembly will hold a joint session with their counterparts from Akwa-Ibom State, today, as part of activities to mark the second anniversary of the Fifth Assembly of the House.

Attack: Apologise to Ogbemudia, Edo group tells PDP image of Dr. Ogbemudia before

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

Okrika LG raises alarm over Okochiri oil spill

good people of Delta State and have further promoted the three-point agenda of our adminisration.

“I pray that Almighty God will continue to give you good health, wisdom, strength and harmonious working relationship with the executive in the conduct of your duties towards

B

ENIN CITY—EDO Liberation Movement, said, yesterday, that former governor of old Bendel State, Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, does not need the permission of the leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to persuade Governor Adams Oshiomhole to join PDP and urged the party to apologise to him (Ogbemudia) for what it described as the unacceptable attacks on the political leader of the Binis.

President of the Movement, Mr. Nosa Omorodion, in a statement, recalled that the Publicity Secretary of PDP in Edo State, Mr. Matthew Urhoghide, who signed the statement and the party’s state chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, were members of All Nigerian Peoples Party, ANPP, when Ogbemudia and others formed PDP, and wondered why they argued in their statement that the leadership of the party was not involved when Ogbe-

mudia led other leaders of the party to appeal to Oshiomhole to join PDP. The movement said: “It is unfortunate that Urhoghide and his sponsors would want to take advantage of the report to dent the

the PDP national executive, an exercise which they began a long time ago. It is indeed sad that PDP for want of excuse could insinuate that Ogbemudia’s action was mercenary and misleading.”

Lamai urges support for Jonathan

L

AGOS—BOARD of Trustees member of SouthSouth Peoples Assembly, SSPA, Chief Richard Lamai, has urged Nigerians to support President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation programme.

Lamai in Lagos, said the president had brought a lot of innovations into governance since he was elected.

He said: “As a result of unbridled politicking, Nigerians, especially those in the opposition parties do not want to give him credit for the many achievements recorded within such a short period. I am a politician, who travels a lot by road around the country and I see how the once death traps have been

transformed. From North to South, East to West, all the roads have been rehabilited or at the verge of being rehabilitated. Today, nobody complains of the Benin/Ore Road any more.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 —13

Constitution: We ‘ll vote for financial autonomy of state assemblies —Abia House U

BY ANAYO OKOLI

MUAHIA—THE Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, has given assurance that the House would vote in favour of financial and political autonomy of state assemblies as proposed by the National Assembly in the on-going constitutional amendment.

Oko-Chukwu said that Abia House of Assembly was also favourably disposed to other areas of amendment such as granting first line charges to state electoral commissions, auditor-general of the state and Attorney General of the state, which were some of the areas on-going constitution review was exploring.

Oko-Chukwu, who spoke, yesterday, when members of the State Accountability and Voice Initiative visited the

House, said these areas were vital to the development and growth of democracy as they would strengthen democratic institutions.

According to the speaker, the first attempt to grant financial autonomy to state assemblies in the last constitutional amendment failed because the state assemblies felt they were not properly

carried along by the National Assembly in the exercise.

The speaker, however, said the House voted for financial autonomy of state assemblies in the first exercise because they realised its importance and the need to vote for it.

He assured that the present exercise would be successful as there was understating between the state assemblies

and National Assembly at present.

Leader of the group, Mr. John Mutu, explained that they had been engaging the National Assembly and Conference of Speakers on the need to ensure that real dividends of democracy were enjoyed by the people.

The programme, which he said was being funded by

Why we formed APC —Oshiomhole

United Kingdom Department for International Development, DFID, was meant to strengthen the institutions of democracy.

In his contribution, a member of the group, Mr. Walter Adeogu, regretted that due to lack of financial autonomy, some state House of Assemblies took motions to the governor to approve before moving them on the floors of the House.

Adeogu, a retired Clerk of Anambra State House of Assembly, said there was no separation of power in the states because the “House of Assemblies were not free from the tight control of the executive.”

According to him, the House of Assembly is an extension of Government House and legislators beggars to the executive.

Group lauds Uduaghan on welfare of Deltans

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

BY FESTUS AHON

B

ENIN CITY—GOV ERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, yesterday, said Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, and other opposition parties came together to form All Progressives Congress, APC, to enable Nigerians have a robust choice from which to choose in the governance and development of the country.

Speaking in Benin City, Oshiomhole said: “If a democracy is not capable of bringing a change of parties that can form government at all levels that democracy is not on course.

“The good news is that in neighbouring countries, they have shown that it is possible for a government to recognise the ultimate right of the people to determine who governs them. They have been able to have different parties at different time, forming the federal and other levels of government.”

The governor, who spoke when members of Igbo Community Union in the state paid him a courtesy call at Government House, Benin, said: “Nigeria cannot continue to claim leadership of the African continent if we do not get our politics right and it is also the business of those in the other parties to recognise that when we pull resources together, it is better to be a small fish in a big pond than to be a big fish in a small pond in which you cannot even swim.

“I am hopeful that all of us will continue to commit ourselves to democracy and in all recognise that power without purposes is meaningless.”

U

G H E L L I — D E LTA State Local Government Transition Committee Secretaries, under the aegis of Forum of Local Government Secretaries, yesterday, said the state governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, was determined to make life better for the people of the state.

The forum in a statement at its monthly meeting, stressed the need for Deltans at home and in diaspora to continue in their support for Uduaghan.

The statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Isaac Atikueke, in Ughelli, said: “The determination of this administration to fulfil its three-point agenda could not have been possible without the support of Deltans both at home and in diaspora.”

Man arraigned for kidnapping, N30m ransom demand

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—A Chief Magis trates Court sitting at Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has arraigned one Okwudili Udechukwu for allegedly kidnapping a man and demanding N30 million ransom from his relations.

Udechukwu, who claimed innocence of the offence, is standing trial in suit No MCN/ 112c/2013.

The prosecution said he was already communicating with family members of his victim before he was apprehended by the police.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Chioma Emejulu remanded the suspect in prison custody.

Also in the same court in suit No MCN/113C/2013, a community leader, Chief Francis Nwoye was arraigned by the police for allegedly

committing various crimes at Nkwelle Ezunanka in Oyi Local Government Area.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr.C.J Asiegbu, however, prayed the court to discontinue with the hearing on the ground that there was a substituting High Court order restraining the police and other security agencies from arresting his client.

According to Asiegbu, the continued hearing of the mat-

ter at the Chief Magistrates Court amounts to fragrant abuse of High Court rules and will also amount to disobedience to High Court order by a lower court.

But in his argument, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Ben Onwuemekai, urged the court to go ahead with the matter because there was no court order served on the police.

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 12 ACROSS THE NATION

From right: Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; Rear Admiral Ndubisi Kanu, former Governor of Lagos State; Chief Ayo Opadokun, representing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Alhaji Lai Mohammed, National Publicity Secretary of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, during the 20th anniversary of the Annulment of June 12 1993 Preidential Election, organised by Lagos State Government in Collaboration with June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, in Ikeja, Lagos. Pix by Bunmi Azzez.

Members of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights during the June 12 remembrance rakly in Ota Ogun State, yesterday.

From right: Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Pa. Abiodun Sunmola, National Deputy Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (4th left); Deputy Governor, Alhaji Chairman of ACN and Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, Secretary to Lagos State Gov- Alli Olanusi (4th right); Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa (left); Chairman, Ondo ernment.

State Chapter of Labour Party, Mr Olu Ogidan (2nd left); Secretary to the State Government, Dr Rotimi Adelola (3rd left); and others, at the June 12 Symposium in Akure, yesterday.

From left: Chairman, Osun Civil Society Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal; Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori; and Commisioner for Information and Strategy, Sunday Akere at the 20th Anniversary of June 12 rally at the Freedom Square, Old Garage Osogbo, yesterday.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun and others during the democracy walk in commemmoration of June 12 anniversary at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. Photo: Wumi Akinola.

C M Y K

From left: Chief Frank Kokori, Guest Speaker/Former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Chairman of Ocassion/former Governor of Ogun State; and Mr Femi Falana, SAN, during the 20th anniversary of June 12 organised by the Nigeria union of Journalists Lagos State Councila at Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, rally for June 12.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 15

BY SONI DANIEL, REGIONAL EDITOR, NORTH

Instil discipline in police, Jonathan tells Okiro

N

INE months after a close shave with death, indications emerged, yesterday, that injured Taraba State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, was set to return to Jalingo, the state capital.

Vanguard gathered from highly-placed family sources that Suntai, who had since been relocated from Germany to Washington for medical attention, following an air crash last October, had recovered considerably and could be released by his doctors any moment from now.

“We are very delighted by the level of recovery recorded by the governor and we can confirm that he will soon be back in Jalingo, a member of the Suntai family, told Vanguard in Abuja.

It was learnt that in preparation for the governor’s ‘triumphant return’ to the state, top government officials had paid for a special aircraft to bring back the governor to Nigeria. The amount for the chartered flight, which the source declined to say, had already been paid for by Taraba State government.

Special aircraft to fly Suntai paid for Vanguard also learnt that three senior aides of the governor, including the Chief Security Officer, Chief Detail and Orderly, had already gone to the United States to accompany the injured governor back to Nigeria.

As part of the preparations for the governor’s arrival, spirited efforts are being made by top officials of the administration to give Government House, Jalingo, and the governor’s country home at Suntai a facelift.

It was also gathered that many cultural groups in the state were also rehearsing with a view to putting up carnival-like performances to herald the arrival of the governor.

“I can confirm to you that Governor Suntai is returning to the state in a matter of weeks, having been confirmed fit to return to work by his minders in the U.S,” an aide of the governor told Vanguard.

BY `BEN AGANDE

A WORLD CONFERENCE—From left: Yakubu Dati, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN; Hajia Salamatu Eluma, Director HR FAAN; Mr George Uriesi, Managing Director, FAAN; Ms Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World; Capt Henry Omeogu; Mrs Nse Ikiddeh; and Mr Emmanuel Chidera at the Airport Council International, ACI, world conference in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday.

Taraba plans big for Gov Suntai's return country home wear new look Last week, loyalists of the governor successfully thwarted moves by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to probe the health status of the injured governor, who was reported to be in serious condition, by obtaining an injunction restraining the Hope Uzodima-led

Party, PDP, and panel set up by the party, lacked the power to do what a court of competent jurisdiction should do.

Suntai with some of his aides were involved in the air crash during a solo flight by the governor in October last year. Since then, he has been receiving medical attention in Germany and the United States of America.

Alleged N7bn contract scam: Ministry of Works officials shun public hearing

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE BUJA—ATTEMPTS by the House Committee on Public Accounts to unearth the reason a mobilisation fee of N1.2billion was paid to a contractor for re-construction of a road in Muri, Adamawa State, was yesterday, foiled as Ministry of Works officials failed to show up at a hearing on the 3 aides in US to return issue. with Suntai The committee had last week directed the Works Ministry offiCompetent sources indicated cials to produce the Central Bank that the governor’s wife and chil- of Nigeria Bank, CBN, and Acdren would first return to Nigeria cess Bank officials that allegedly before Suntai would follow. paid the mobilisation fee to Degit Construction Co. Ltd, the contractGovt House, Governor's ing firm.

C M Y K

panel from proceeding with the assignment.

The panel’s assignment was to, among others, “fast-track the process of constitutional adherence as it affects the current status of the Office of the Governor of Taraba State”.

The plaintiffs, who approached the court to stop the panel, alleged that the Peoples Democratic

A

The CBN, officials of Degit Construction Co.Ltd and Access Bank, however, showed up yesterday at the hearing, while the Ministry officials were visibly absent.

The contract was reportedly awarded in 2002 to the contracting firm and was expected to be completed in 2005 but was finally terminated in 2010 by Ministry of Works due to non-performance.

The office of the Auditor General to the Federation, AuGF, discovered during inspection of federal highway projects that budgetary provisions, non-performance on the part of contractors, overpayment, abandonment of contracts after collection of mobi-

lisation fees running into several billions of naira across the country, were responsible for government’s inability to deliver on roads construction and rehabilitation in the country.

Based on this discovery, queries were raised by the AuGF and the Ministry of Works was ordered to recover the N1.2billion mobilisation fee immediately as stated in the financial regulation of the Federal Government.

Deputy Chairman of the committee, Awwal Jatau, who presided, expressed anger on the issue and declared that despite the fact that the ministry was given sufficient notice its officials still failed to show up.

BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, challenged the Police Service Commission to instil discipline in the force and ensure that only those qualified to be promoted to the next position got promoted.

Speaking at inauguration of members of Police Service Commission at the council chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Jonathan wondered why members of the Nigeria Police Force performed so well on international assignment and were yet unable to win the confidence of Nigerians.

He said: “One thing and probably I will mention here today is the issue of Nigerian Police. You will agree with me that Nigerians don’t have so much confidence in the Nigerian police but Nigerian police are good.

"The Nigerian Police that work outside under the United Nations are highly honoured, highly commended and Okiro will agree with me. But once we come back home that is not reflected in what we do. ”But I believe there are two things, one is the issue of discipline and the responsibilities of the Police Service Commission is to instil discipline.

“One of your responsibilities is to handle promotion.

I believe with you only those who merit or deserve promotion should be promoted. Those who deserve to be disciplined or even dismissed must be disciplined.

"That is one area I believe you will go into. People who are promoted to assistant police commissioner and above must merit the rank.

If you don’t merit the rank you should be retired from the service".

16—Vanguard , THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNE 12 ACROSS THE NATION

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK ALONG THE ROAD TO LAGOS PORTS

Traffic gridlock at Berger yard, along Oshodi-Apapa expressway, Lagos, yesterday. Pix: Lamidi Bamidele From left: Chief of Staff to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Yemi Adaramodu; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Governor Kayode Fayemi; and his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, during the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

From left: Chief Frank Kokori; Mr Femi Falana, SAN; Mr Femi Adesina, President Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE; Mr Kayode Komolafe, Deputy Managing Director Thisday Newspaper, at the June 12 anniversary organised by NUJ.

Comrade Rex Anighoro, Spokesman of NDPSF, addressing members of Niger Delta People Salvation Front, NDPSF, during a rally to commemorate the annullment of June 12 election. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

From left: Otunba Gani Adams, National Coordinator of OPC; Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governer of Abia State; Dr Joe Okei Odumakin; Alhaji Yerima Shetima; and Alhaji Aminu Idris Yaro, during the 20th anniversary of June 12 Presidential Election, organised by the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, at Excellence Hotel, Ogba Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013— 17

I

,

T was one of those stories that might have been missed in a newspaper. But there it was in Vanguard newspaper of Tuesday, June 4, 2013. According to statistics of the World Health Organisation (WHO), 77 percent of women in Nigeria are said to use skinlightening products; the figure compares with 59 percent in Togo, and 27 percent in Senegal. It then stated that the Nigerian figure is “the world’s highest percentage”! The WHO report said there was a variety of reasons why Nigerian women BLEACH (stripped of subterfuge), “but most people said they use skin-lighteners because they want ‘white skin’.

This incredible report said that in many parts of Africa, lighter-skinned women are considered more beautiful and even believed “to be more successful and likely to find success in marriage”.

If this report had stayed with the women who abuse their skins and “blackness”, we might be given the pause about the subtle chauvinism underlining it, but it correctly noted also, “that some men too are involved in the practice”. The investigation stated that these skinlightening creams are not effectively regulated, especially in Nigeria “where even roadside vendors sell tubes and plastic bags of powders and ointments from cardboard boxes stacked along sidewalks in market districts. Many of the tubes are unlabelled as to their actual ingredients”. The Vanguard report also quoted Aljazeera as saying there is booming business in these products, with a vendor stating that “about 90 percent of my clients come asking for skin whitening products” and in turn “I sell it to them and give advice on what product is best for them and how to use them”.

I have travelled in several West African cities, from Conakry, Dakar, Bamako through to Accra and those in Nigeria, and it was often frightening to see how much our women (and men in some cases too), coming from almost every section of society, have abused themselves and endangered their health, in that bizarre effort to become light-skinned. The WHO report had also underlined the hazardous health consequences associated with use of these products and it listed some of these to include “blood cancers such as leukemia and cancers of the liver and kidneys, as well as severe skin conditions. It said hardcore bleachers use illegal ointments containing toxins

Who stole my ‘Bleashing’?

,

Skin damaged by bleaching like mercury, a metal that blocks production of melanin, which gives the skin its colour, but can also be toxic”.

Yet, our bleaching population of women and men are either oblivious to these dangers that they confront in their lives or just would not be bothered because, the end of becoming light-skinned justified the means of arriving at the destination. And when top society women, governors in Nigerian states and politicians bleach their skin, then they become associated with glamour and success; they are the movers of society that even working women and the poor will see as models to copy!

There is a deep-seated form of inferiority complex to this practice and in my view, it must be located in the encounter with slavery and colonialism and their consequences. These phases of human history not only rejected the humanity of Africans, they also set out an elaborate ideological justification for the domination of African and black peoples in a virulent and racist rejection of our

contributions to the stock house of human civilization. Even great philosophers of history like Hegel, helped to justify these racist positions!

A

fricans reacted to these by always revolting against the injustices that slavery and colonialism represented, but by the beginning of the Twentieth Century, the Pan-Africanist, Garveyist and other movements of racial and continental renaissance and pride began to assert the need for liberation.

Pride in being black and African underlined these movements and Africans on the continent and in the Diaspora, began to acquire confidence in their blackness. By the time of the struggle for independence in the middle of the Twentieth Century, racial pride and confidence had found intellectual justification in the researches done by pioneering African historians such as Prof. Cheikh Anta Diop; Professor Kenneth Dike; Prof. Ki-Zerbo,Ben Yochana and many others all over Africa,

Prince David Agboola Abegunde: Teacher, administrator and leader

I

T was my old friend and classmate, Olayinka Olarewaju, who sent a text two weeks ago, announcing the passing of Prince David Agboola Abegunde. Olarewaju lives in London and he is guardian to Niyi, Prince Abegunde’s son. Abegunde was our principal at the Government Secondary School (GSS) Ilorin, between 1972 and 1974. And those were some of the most remarkable years of our lives. GSS Ilorin under Prince Abegunde was certainly one of the best secondary schools in Nigeria at the time and the quality of education was very high. The 1972 set of students such as Salmonu Olakanye; Segun Ajuwon; Angulu Ismaila; Sulyman Age Kareem; Ibrahim Aremu, all had outstanding WASC results and would all go on to make major contributions to Nigerian and other societies.

The education was total and under Abegunde’s guidance, GSS Ilorin became a leader in sports. Our football team was remarkable and many of the players like Frank Odiachi; Anagor would be part of the famous Kwara Academicals of the 1970s. The relay team of “Bravo”; “ALL-Afro”;

C M Y K

Those who have stayed within these frames of self-hate and longing to become white cannot be part of a serious effort at fighting underdevelopment because deep down, they have even rejected the essence of their own beings as black people

“Rochester ” and Auwalu Aliyu (my college brother) was one of the best in Nigeria and they travelled far and near, winning laurels for the school and inspiring the younger generation of students like us, and showing that education was never complete without the element of sports! Abegunde ensured an ambience which allowed the students to flower; and the level of discipline was incredibly high. We even elected a Students’ Representative Council and living through a period when schools today are not properly equipped, it was remarkable that we have very well equipped science laboratories; crafts workshops where we learnt trades: wood work; metal work; technical drawing and we even had a geography laboratory! As for sports, things could not have been better. GSS Ilorin as one of the old schools of Northern Nigeria, established in 1912, had facilities for football; track and field; table tennis; lawn tennis; badminton; volleyball; basketball (there was always a team of American missionaries coaching the team); hockey; cricket; squash and fives! The variety was breathtaking and

no student passed through without involvement in a variety of games. I think that Prince D.A. Abegunde’s era was arguably the most successful. He was noticed on the national level because he was made team manager of Nigeria’s team to the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich and he returned home wearing the lovely, green Nigerian blazer emblazoned with the Olympics rings on its pocket during the first assembly he attended on arrival. We all felt very proud of that remarkable man manager and administrator and all felt very sad the day he announced that he was leaving.

It was as if a part of our sureties collapsed. Luckily though, he was succeeded by Mr. Oshatoba, an equally remarkable principal, who also died a couple of months ago. Prince Abegunde became my friend, many years later, when I worked as General Manager of KWTV. He was humble enough to regularly visit with me in the office and we would re-live those remarkable years that he moulded our lives to become useful citizens of our country. May God rest his soul and give his family (near and extended) the fortitude to bear his passing.

and in the Diaspora. The whole edifice of colonialism was dismantled along with its ideological prop of racism and notions of African and black inferiority.

We grew up within these sensibilities and found consciousness within the ferments of the 1960s and 1970s, with the Civil Rights movement in the USA, when even star musicians like James Brown sang “I’m black and proud”!

Yet, there were survivals of that slave mentality within the popular culture of African society; as philosophers say, even though the material basis of a phenomenon might have disappeared, yet the consciousness will stubbornly retain the elements learnt almost by reflex! So a tendency to want to “become white” somehow has survived and those who made skin-lightening cream knew there was a market for “Ambi” “Tura” and such creams. The advertisers of these products would present beautiful, lightskinned models as having used these products to achieve their beauty. Those who consume media uncritically are sucked in, oblivious of the consequences of their actions and the danger they constitute to their own health and the overall health and social advancement of our societies. Those who have stayed within these frames of self-hate and longing to become white cannot be part of a serious effort at fighting underdevelopment because deep down, they have even rejected the essence of their own beings as black people! It was not surprising, therefore, that those who bleach their skins and somehow found their ways to leadership have not covered themselves in worthy records of achievements.

I

t is remarkable that this phenomenon has not only persisted into the Twenty-First Century but seemed to have continued to spread as our society has become even more desperately polarised. The economic policies of the past three decades have deepened the poverty of the majority of the Nigerian people. The globalised world of neoliberal capitalism offers all forms of glamour; delusions of wealth and a consumerist longing, which has sucked in people all around the world.

In neo-colonial peripheries like Nigeria, a radical tradition of critical education has gradually withered and in its place is the deepening of obscurantism and mumbo-jumbo of often, eclectic varieties.

This ambience has deepened the process of open and clandestine prostitution with women and young ladies who want to be part of the consumerist culture all eager to look attractive and beautiful and as the WHO report we have been quoting said, 77 percent are now using these creams of humiliation and potential ill health and death! It is almost as if Fela Anikulapo-Kuti never sang in this society. Alarmed at the rate at which women bleached their skins in the late 1970s, he did the very popular song, YELLOW FEVER! I think this is a good time to re-issue that classic song as part of a process to re-conscientise our people. It is incredible that the more things change, the more they remain the same.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 THE Nigerian Bar Association’s call on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the Nigeria Police Force should be taken seriously. The police are not in any state to serve Nigerians meaningfully.

Okey Wali, the NBA’s president at the body’s meeting in Yenagoa state: “The NBA calls on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the police force with a view to making them capable of functioning appropriately.

“The Bar therefore calls for urgent funding, training and equipping of the Nigeria Police Force. Without adequate funding, the Nigeria Police Force cannot function. That is why they are getting overpowered and killed every day. If we have a well-trained and equipped police force, we never would have needed soldiers and military.”

The police need help. They do not have the training and professionalism to discourage, prevent, and curb acts inimical to the wellbeing of the society. The six-hour traffic gridlock in the Ikeja area of Lagos on June 6 was a consequence of the police’s unprofessionalism.

Help Police, Help Nigeria In a bid to apprehend a commercial motorcyclist, six policemen in a patrol van chased the rider who to avoid arrest, weaved in and out of traffic, eventually causing an accident involving a container-laden truck and a meat van and loss of lives.

Lagos suffered a traffic gridlock and loss of unquantified man-hours in Lagos that day from that incident. There could have been better ways of apprehending the man. The police have motorbikes they could have used. They could have radioed the bike’s registration number to other formations for the rider’s arrest, wherever he was heading.

What was his offence that could have elicited that attention from the police patrol?

Once the accident occurred, the patrol team found its way out of the scene – and disappeared. It is the normal indication that the team was on illegal patrol, seeking resources for its benefit. When reports of these infractions are made, police authorities overlook them. Did they not hear about the June 6 incident? With all the equipment available to the police, when will they have the training on apprehending suspects?

Do the authorities not know that the police who caused that accident should be prosecuted for the loss of lives and property?

Arguments about welfare of the police, important as they are, should entertain training to curb abuses the police visit on Nigerians. No welfare package is substitute for professionalism.

Government in its continuous use of other security agencies for routine police duties shows an enduring disdain for the imperatives of improving the police in ways that they can save Nigerians from further agony. The police cannot serve Nigerians the way they operate.

OPINION

BY YAKUBU DATI

L

IKE a soothing balm, the voices of Bishop Mathew Kukah and Dr. Kabir Adamu led the nation in prayers.

Exactly a year ago, the tides of the times changed irreversibly forever, the loss of lives -the end of dreams. Hopes were dashed all over, treasured memories evaporated in seconds. All over the country, families, colleagues, associates all mourned the tragedy that has come to be known as Dana Air Flight J9 992. The ill-fated aircraft had crashed into the Iju-Ishaga neighbourhood killing the over 157 on board and also residents of the neighbourhood. The ensuing weeks after, the country stood united in grief as flags were flown at half mast in honour of the departed passengers. One year after the tragic crash, the anniversary brought to fore again, the sad reminder of the events of June 3, 2012 and the harrowing experience the nation went through.

President Goodluck Jonathan who had visited Lagos in the wake of the crash ensured that their memories were not in vain. For Jonathan, it was an immense loss of compatriots, of citizens who were not only bread winners with filial attachments to their relations and friends but who were also contributing to the sustainable development of

Tribut e: R emembering our ribute: Remembering compatriots aboard Flight J9 992 Nigeria in their various capacities.

On June 3, 2013, the President led the Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah and other high profile dignitaries to honour the victims of the accident and unveil a cenotaph built for them as mark of remembrance.

So, also as part of the on-going reform in the aviation sector and also part of the renewed vigour in aviation accident and investigation, the aviation industry instituted a safety week which will be observed from June 3, 2013 and this is intended to take place every year to bring about a heightened awareness in the industry.

At the memorial event, Christian and Islamic prayers were held for the repose of the souls of the passengers, while the Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah who hosted the event reiterated the commitment of the Aviation Ministry to ensure that this incident is averted at all cost. The climax and touching moment of the event was the unveiling of the cenotaph by the President which showed the names of the passengers, bringing once more to light, the sad reminder of the crash.

This is being followed by the safety week which is concentrating so much on the appraisal of the actions that had been taken by the aviation industry to improve safety in the sector and the lessons learnt by concerned authorities over the tragic crash. It will be recalled that many facilities linked to the safety and critical components have been improved upon since the Dana Air flight crash, just as all the government agencies in the sector have not rested on their oars but have continued to work to improve safety of flights and the comfort of passengers. ost importantly, issues of safety and security have been given priority attention with over 80 percent implementation of the recommendations of the Technical and Administrative Review Committee, TARPDA. Note worthy is the fact that in the last one year there has been an improvement in the area of communication, navigation and installation of modern surveillance equipment in all the airports in the country. There have been massive training and human capacity

M

development of Air Traffic Controllers, ATC and other technical personnel of all the agencies in the aviation sector and just few days ago, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, flagged off the area radar control, which will further reduce the time of flight, so the Lagos to Abuja flight that used to be 55 minutes may be reduced to 45 minutes, thereby saving airlines huge amounts of money in fuel cost.

On what has been done so far in the area of compensation, the initial 30 per cent compensation has been paid to about 90 relatives of the victims.

In what has been described as the most poignant fall-outs of the Dana Air tragedy is the initiative by the Ministry of Aviation, to establish the “Victims Family Insurance Programme”. The programme is designed to provide additional compensation in case of future occurrences of air accidents in the country and this is in addition to the plan to set up airlines operators insurance compensation scheme.

The memories of the departed will sure linger on forever as all efforts are being made to ensure that such disasters are averted. *Mr. Dati is Coordination General Manager, Information and Communications for Aviation Parastatals.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013— 19

, A

LHAJI Bashir Othman Tofa, remember him? How can you forget? He was the presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention, NRC, who lost the June 12, 1993 presidential election to the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief Moshood Abiola. He was the first Northerner to lose a presidential election to a Southerner, even though the election was not a regional battle.

It was on June 12, 1993 that the Nigerian electorate made it clear that they would never again give the presidency to any candidate based on regional sentiments alone. The ruling class had hoped that the combination of Tofa’s Muslim North and Dr Sylvester Ugoh’s Christian Igbo was a winning formula.

On the other hand, Abiola had as his running mate another Muslim, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe. Nigerians gave victory to the more popular pair without minding ethnic, religious and regional considerations.

Unfortunately, those who base their calculations on these ancient

factors have not yet realised the enormity of this paradigm readjustment. This is why the likes of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku and Muhammadu Buhari have kept losing their presidential bids.

Tofa recently granted an interview in which he pronounced June 12 “dead”. He made it sound like victory at last for the election annullers and their supporters, such as himself. He probably seeks to prove a point to those who keep on saying that June 12 will never die.

Well, this is the way I see this issue: June 12 died but power shifted. Abiola was never allowed to assume power. He was poisoned to death in government custody, and only the military regime of General Abdulsalami Abubakar and their foreign co-conspirators have the inside story. The annullers stopped June 12, but lost heavily, their monopolistic grip on political power. The regional arrogance and oppression of the rest of Nigeria, which led to that brazen, malignant annulment, blew up in their faces.

Today, they are the ones baying

,

and struggling in vain to “have their power back”. It has been 14 years since General Abubakar handed over power to elected civilians, and there is clear evidence that power has shifted. Of those 14 years the North has only occupied the presidency for about three years. The chances are very good that the earliest they may make a credible and viable bid for it is 2019. That would be 21 years after! Incredible, isn’t it? And it will be subject to prevailing terms and conditions. That singular act of annulling Abiola’s election through military fiat turned the wheel of fortune against a section of the country that for nearly 40 years took political power – whether under civilian or military orders – for granted.

O

ne of the great miracles of June 12 is that, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, a Southern Minority indigene, Dr

The politricks of gay marriage

W

HETHER by accident or design, just about when Monsieur Vincent Autin, 40, and Monsieur Bruno Boileau, 30, (Mr. & Mr.?) were being wedded as husband and wife in far away France, in what has become the country’s first gay marriage, the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria was also applying the last sixinch ban nail on the coffin of gay marriages in Nigeria. That also goes down as one of the bold initiatives of our Federal Legislature in recent times.

Apparently, the West had become overbearing, to the extent that the rest of the world must be coerced into supporting even their propensity for evil.

Close to 53 years after her nominal Independence, so to say, Nigeria’s annual Balance Sheet is still prepared in Washington, DC. Even in the area of our much-touted oil wealth, when the multinationals sneeze, Nigeria catches cold because they hold the key to that industry.

Our Production Accountant could as well be in the Netherlands. Is it not also true that in the area of record keeping, the daily production quota is what the multi-nationals say it is, particularly in the face of the unauditable records of our own Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC? The West carries its overbearing attitude through all aspects of our lives. At the social spectrum, for instance, the West insists on determining everything: We must eat what they eat and forbid what they forbid. Until recently, priesthood was the exclusive preserve of the Whiteman. “I say see Father, you say see oyibo?” was a tacit acceptance of this. We must worship the God they worship. Otherwise, we face the harsh punishment prescribed by them for nonadherence. We may not be allowed to pick C M Y K

the crumbs that fall from their breakfast tables.

When they decide to sleep around with goats and dogs, we must also do the same.

When they suddenly turn homosexual, we must quickly bury our heterosexual instincts.

Otherwise, as a matter of deliberate policy, there will be no more funding for our projects. That explains why recently, the US and UK issued death threats on aids to Nigeria.

At a point, Nigeria got sick and tired of the whole nonsense and it was time to tell the West to take its financial assistance and shove it! The Bill on the Prohibition of Gay Marriages provided an opportunity for the National Assembly to pour out her invectives on the West for poking its big nose in our affairs.

The need for efficiency and order is a powerful weapon against an obstreperous nation’s conscience to maintain her ethical autonomy. By ethical autonomy, we mean the willingness to assert one’s own principled judgement, even when that entails violating rules, values and perceptions of others.

A nation is ethically autonomous to the extent that it sticks to its guns about what it thinks, hears, sees and feels, even where to do so puts the nation in conflict with other nations.

We soon got to the point where the National Assembly realised that they must act forcefully to prevent the further embezzlement of public trust. They came out with a law that was made into watertight compartment. Have you ever seen a law into which sufficient rage was built? The Samesex Marriage Prohibition Law is one such law. It provides a classical case of Black awakening in a White world.

The vexed legislators did not care if aspects of the law c a r r i e d punishments that could amount to double jeopardy.

The law is so tight that there is no escaping it from head to toe. It prescribes a 14-year jail term, without a fine option, for anyone involved in a gay marriage. Not only that. The law also slams a 10-year jail term without an option of fine on members

,

June 12 died, power shifted

That singular act of annulling Abiola’s election through military fiat turned the wheel of fortune against a section of the country that for nearly 40 years took political power – whether under civilian or military orders – for granted

Goodluck Jonathan, is the elected president of Nigeria. Before June 12, this was simply inconceivable.

It was so out of the question during the NRC primaries which produced Tofa as the presidential candidate in April 1993. That event took place in Port Harcourt.

Among those who contested against Tofa was Chief Pere Ajuwa, a tribal kinsman of President Jonathan. Once Tofa spoke the convention was brought to an end in an obviously preconceived manner because he was generally seen as the anointed candidate of the ruling class.

I do not think that Tofa or any of his political type should be celebrating the “death” of June 12.

Apart from the two presidential candidates and their party platforms squaring up to each other, June 12 was a historic fight between two political forces. The first was the ruling establishment seeking to extend their reign through Tofa. The second was the group seeking to bring sectional dominance and monopoly of power to an end. When Abiola won and the military annulled the election, this second group ranged solidly behind Abiola. It was a rainbow coalition known initially as the Council for Unity and Understanding, CUU. It consisted of the Eastern flank led by retired Commodore Okoh Ebitu Ukiwe, Nigeria’s first Chief of General Staff; the People’s Consultative Forum (later Afenifere) led by Chief Michael Ajasin and the Middle Belt Forum with General Theophilus Danjuma as leader. When the CUU was joined by Chief Anthony Enahoro’s Movement for National Reformation, MNR, in April 1995, it transformed into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO.

The Bill on the Prohibition of Gay Marriages provided an opportunity for the National Assembly to pour out her invectives on the West for poking its big nose in our affairs

,

of gay associations, gay clubs and all persons who engage in gay processions.

T

here are those who would want to break a law and willingly accept the punishment prescribed for that law.

I remember my friend, Wolfgang, who lived in a remote part of Munich, Germany.

Wolfgang shared a common boundary with the Council authorities. On this boundary, there was a tree that the Council liked but which Wolfgang hated. He wanted to cut

These groups were instrumental in persuading Abiola to return from his brief self-exile and fight for the de-annulment of his mandate. They made it clear that Abiola was only a symbol of the struggle for the end of sectional dominance through “power shift”.

“Power shift” was not necessarily the movement of power from North to South, or the enthronement of Southern dominance in place of that of the North. It simply meant demonopolisation: power can go to any part of Nigeria in accordance to the wishes of the generality of the Nigerian electorate.

When Abiola was murdered in detention, Northern political elite, frightened that the deeply injured Yoruba political establishment was set to commence secession, panicked and gave up power to General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo, an old, trusted and faithful lackey of the North, was supposed to hold power at their pleasure for one term of office and give it back to them.

But Obasanjo, having suffered great humiliation at the hands of his Northern friends after the 1995 “phantom coup” against General Sani Abacha, neutralised the North-dominated military and rid it of its propensity to intervene in the political process. With the military defanged the civilian wing also wilted.

So, agreed, June 12 is dead. But the political class that annulled June 12 is deader. Out of the ashes of June 12 germinated a new plumule of political reality where the Northern Oligarchy is no longer able to dominate the political space.

They killed June 12. But they also died with it, while the spirit of June 12 sits majestically on the throne.

down the tree. They told him that if he brought down the tree they would send him to jail for three months. He did and they did.

Wolfgang earlier informed us that he had accumulated his annual leave for the purpose of going to serve a jail term for cutting down the tree. We sent him forth.

This is also the limit of ethical autonomy.

Those who think that gay couples in Nigeria could escape under this, namely, contract the marriage, go to prison for 14 years, after which they will come and enjoy their marriage, should wait till they hear the provisions of Section 5 (3) of the Bill: “Any person or group that witnesses, abets and aids same sex marriage shall be liable on conviction to a term of 10 years imprisonment”.

What this means is that you may not even get there. The Pastor who contracted such marriage, the choir that ministered at the wedding, the Master of Ceremony at the reception, the Editor of the media house that published the notice of such marriage, all those who attended the wedding, are all accomplices and they must go to prison for 10 years without an option of fine.

Could you go to any of the countries in the West and do your wedding in just the same way as Nigerians now rush to Dubai and other places for normal marriages? Of course, you could go to the West and enter into your gay marriage but you would have to remain in the West for the rest of your life.

The law provides that certificates of gay marriages issued in foreign countries shall be void in Nigeria. It is that serious!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

*Keke NAPEP...New face of public transportation in Jos

Keke NAPEP and taxi operators battle for survival in Jos & HOPE OFOBIKE

W

HEN the Plateau State Government banned the operation of commercial motorcycles, otherwise known as Okada, in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis sometime back, there were mixed reactions to the ban. While there are those who felt the ban would compound the difficulty of commuters who had depended on them for ease of movement, many other residents heaved a sigh of relief for various reasons, principal among which was because of the negative use to which the bikes were being put by criminals and miscreants.

Criminal activities Prior to the ban of Okada, many residents alleged that it was used to perform all kinds of criminal activities, including the bombing of churches and government offices in Jos. Thus over time, the business of Okada riding gradually built for itself a bad reputation.

Most of its riders were seen as outlaws and junkies who are reckless on the road, causing accidents that result in death or maiming a lot of people. Their ban was therefore a welcome relief to many. In a bid to cushion the effects of the ban, the state government on Thursday May 11, last year, introduced the use of tricycles popularly known as Keke NAPEP as a means of transportation in Jos and Bukuru metropolis. However, the introduction of the tricycles is already generating fresh anxieties as taxi cab C M Y K

operators are complaining that the tricycles have taken over and might soon drive them out of business.

The Association of Taxi Drivers in Jos, for example, said the coming of the tricycles which they welcomed initially is now becoming an albatross. Spokesman of the association in the Terminus area of Jos, Mr. John Okoli told Vanguard Metro, VM, that “we saw the ban of Okada as a welcome development; however, the tricycles have largely affected our means of livelihood”.

Okoli pleaded with the government to provide alternative routes for the tricycle operators saying: “We will be happy if the government can make the Keke operators to ply different routes

from ours, so we can also have passengers because when we ply the same route, most passengers prefer them to taxis.”

VM gathered that the frustration of what is now seen as ‘unfair’ competition with the tricycles is forcing may cab operator to consider selling their taxis and opting for the tricycles. An example is Mr. Shamsudeen Mayowa, who said he is thinking of selling his taxis to purchase two of the tricycles. “A friend of mine who drives Keke Napep makes up to N3000 daily whereas with my taxi I barely make a thousand naira. I am thinking of selling the taxi and buying two new Keke Napep, I can hire one out and use the other to make a living,” he said. Another interesting find

by VM is the large population of well educated youth among the tricycle operators. Some of the operators who spoke to VM con-

,

BY TAYE OBATERU

with barely a year in the business it has proved a sustainable source of livelihood for him and his family. Speaking on the war between taxi drivers and the tricycle operators, Mr. Shola Ogunyiola, a business man whose shop was burnt in the 2011 crises in the state capital said: “The introduction of Keke Napep in Jos has changed my status; each day I make about N3000, and we are the envy of taxi drivers.

“At the park, some of the taxi drivers wish we can be banned also, they complain bitterly about us, but everyone is here to make money,” he said.

Investigations showed that many workers in now prefer the use of tricycle to get to their places of work early.

It is the preferred means of commuting within the state, a position corroborated by a business man, Mr. Sebastine Godwin who said he prefers the tricycles to taxis because it is more convenient and gets filled up quicker than the taxi. However, another patron of the tricycles, Emeke Ude said while they have their advantage, they also have their negative sides.

According to him, “when it rains, I dislike tricycles, and the fact remains that most of the people who now operate tricycles

We saw the ban of Okada as a welcome development; however, the tricycles have largely affected our means of livelihood

fessed that they have found the business worthwhile. Among them is Paul Ujah a graduate of Chemistry from Kogi State University who said he was left with no other choice than to operate the tricycle after hunting for a white collar job unsuccessfully for years. He said he has no regrets venturing into the business as

,

were those who operated okada in the past, so the mentality is still the same; they cause a lot of nuisance on the road”.

The operators of Keke Napep are not the only one making money from the business. Some tricycles assembly plants and distributors are now eating big from the business.

Lagos ministry intervenes in Iyana-Ejigbo flooding •As council boss begs residents, motorists for patience

By OLASUNKANMI AKONI

F

OLLOWING perennial flooding at Iyana Ejigbo junction along the Isolo-Egbe Road, in Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State, the Ministry of the Environment has concluded plans to embark on immediate de-flooding of the area.

Chairman of the council, Kehinde Bamigbetan, who disclosed this said that the ministry which had been contacted would soon move to site to deflood the area inorder to arrest the bad situation.

The council Chairman, however, said he had directed the Works Department of the council to provide palliative measures at the waterlogged portion of the

road as you drive towards IkotunEgbe.

Bamigbetan said the council would deposit heavy rocks removed from the hard culvert at the entrance of Kayode Double Powerline Road at the flooded portion of the road to reduce the suffering of motorists.

“Initially, we thought that by breaking the hard culvert at the entrance of Double Powerline Road, off Iyana Ejigbo Road, the flood will find its way to Egbe stream, but we discovered that there is another hard culvert underneath the broken one that is impeding the free flow of water along the excavated drainage, leading to the canal,” Bamigbetan explained.

He continued: “At this point, we decided to inform the Ministry of the Environment Lagos State on the need to carry out the concretization of the excavated drainage and at the same time, break the newly discovered hard culvert, to solve the problem once and for all”.

Bamigbetan, while sympathising with motorists plying the road and residents on their plight and the man-hour lost as a result of traffic gridlock caused by the bad portion of the road, assured them that the problem would soon be over. He said that “the Ministry of Environment has assured that the repair work on the flooded portion of the road will commence soon, as it has been awarded to a contractor, who will be on site as soon as possible”.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 —

Financial intermediation key to economic growth — NDIC boss

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

M

ANAGING Director of Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC Alhaji Umar Ibrahim has reiterated the importance of financial intermediation in the banking system, noting that it is key for economic growth.

He made this observation while delivering a welcome address at the Business Day annual banking conference in Lagos.

“The banking system promotes economic growth through the process of intermediation by efficiently allocat-

ing funds mobilized from the surplus economic units to deficit units. This function therefore suggests that financial intermediation could serve as a catalyst for economic growth and development.”

“It is instructive to note that banks have over the years played this intermediation role to facilitate the growth of the economy. However, a lot

needs to be done as credit being extended to the real sectors of the economy such as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals is meager, short tenured and at high interest rates,” he added.

Ibrahim however argued that the role of regulators on the other hand, is to provide enabling environment through the formulation of

policies and guidelines that could facilitate the smooth functioning of the financial system. “Regulators in the Nigerian financial services industry could be said to have over the years played this role creditably well through the introduction of different reform measures aimed not only at ensuring the stability of the system but also in promoting

Nigerian SMEs to benefit from Dutch’s 700m euro fund

S

21

the growth and development of the economy,” he stated.

The NDIC boss remarked that NDIC has been involved in the resolution and liquidation of failed insured financial institutions, as the only agency charged with the responsibility of winding-up the affairs of failed deposit-taking financial institutions in Nigeria.

“Over the years, the corporation has made substantial payment to depositors of failed Deposit Money Banks, Micro-finance Banks and Primary Mortgage Banks. It has also intervened in resolving distress in many deposit-taking financial institutions, which included provision of financial and technical assistance as well as liquidation for those institutions found to be terminally distressed and whose licences had been revoked by the CBN,” he said.

The guest lecturer at the occasion, a professor of Political Science and International Economy, Prof. Okey Iheduru, called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to consolidate the gains of the banking reforms in Nigeria, saying that the sector is so critical to the economy that it cannot be left in the hands of central bankers and economists alone.

He said that the recent global financial crisis was so huge that after five years, majority of banks in the global economy are yet to fully recover but Nigeria was not very much affected because none of them was global and therefore needed little or no effort recovering from the shock of the crisis.

MALL and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, in Nigeria are to benefit from The Netherland’s 700 million euro growth fund, said Lilianne Ploumen, NetherGovernor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State (middle) flanked by Executive Director, Diamond Bank Plc, land’s Minister of Foreign Mr. Oladele Akinyemi (right) and Managing Director/CEO, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Uche Orji at the Jigawa Economic Summit, held in the state.

Trade and Development Cooperation.

Ploumen, who was speaking during a meeting with Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, on the sidelines of the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum in the Hague, Netherlands, said the

BY ONOZURE DANIA ious officers to think out of the box and country is setting up the fund to help find ways of soliciting for support in letheir SMEs invest in growth areas, gitimate ways.

HE Consumer Protection Council adding that it has agreed to the Fed“What is on ground cannot even match is to partner with the Standard eral Government of Nigeria’s pro-1.75 127.0 an iota of the advocacy drive that we need Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the posal to put Nigeria on that list. to do. But then, you must dream because It was also agreed that there would Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and the 2,358.00 -2.00 without it, you are dead. So that is my National Agency for Food, Drugs Adminbe possibilities for Nigerian SMEs dream, that I will be able to give a more to access the growth fund to expand istration and Control (NAFDAC) to stem 16.21 -0.17 expansive advocacy and awareness to their businesses and also invest in the production and distribution of substandard goods in the country.

Nigerians and I hope that I will get critical and thriving sectors.

Mrs. Dupe Atoki, Director General of support from all and sundry in that wise,” Also, the Federal Government and she said the Netherlands have commenced the CPC, who disclosed this in Lagos, 102.48 -1.47 She noted that the planned partnership plans to set up a Dutch agro-indus- also lamented the paucity of funds and 94.90 -0.87 with SON, NCS and NAFDAC will help trial park in Nigeria, in line with the inadequate personnel, saying this is hindering it from effectively discharging its to reduce the influx of substandard goods determination of the current adminto a level that would pave the way for the CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING istration to create jobs, generate duties.

According to her, the task before the local manufacturing companies to begin wealth and enhance economic DOLLAR 154.75 155.25 155.75 CPC is a huge one that needs a lot of to thrive. growth.

POUNDS 240.4506 241.2275 242.0044 financial support and staff re-training, in She said, “We must understand the EURO “The Netherlands has a well devel205.4616 206.1254 206.7893 various agencies that have the mandate FRANC oped food processing industry. They order to effectively protect the rights of 166.8644 167.4035 167.9426 1.5973 1.6025 1.6077 to tackle counterfeit products, YEN are also the largest producers and ex- consumers in Nigeria.

0.2863 0.2963 0.3063 She said it will be difficult to effectively notwithstanding that the mandate of the CFA porters of food. This, combined with WAUA 230.8667 231.6127 232.3586 carry out its function with the resources council is to receive complaints but in the RENMINBI 25.2286 the availability of raw materials and 25.3105 25.3925 course of the mandate, we are also RIYA a large market in Nigeria, will give on ground, adding that it will devise 41.2623 41.3956 41.5289 27.5444 27.6334 27.7224 expected to weed out counterfeit goods KRONA rise to a successful partnership on the means of boosting up its finances.

234.9879 235.7471 236.5064 She, however, cautioned that the govestablishment of an industrial zone and ensure that substandard or SDR on food processing in Nigeria,” Agan- ernment will never be able to fully suphazardous goods are taken off the shelf CBN Exchange rate as at 12/06/2013 port all of its programmes, urging its varga said. where it is necessary.

CPC, Customs, two others partner to curb sub-standard products T

22 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

World Bank initiative to facilitate ICAN’s global membership

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HE Financial deal entered into by World Bank and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, mother body of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) will fast track its global member status.

In his speech during his th investiture as the 49 ICAN President, in Lagos, Alhaji Kabir Mohammed, said “One critical issue that has continued to confront young members of the Institute is the prospect of labour mobility. Indeed, failure of past effort, at signing reciprocal relationship with some International Federation of Accountants member-bodies has been the subject of serious engagements between the Institute and the World Bank.

Through a World Bankfinanced twinning arrangement with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, the very Institute that gave birth to ICAN, this huddle will soon be surmounted.

“To achieve this, the Institute’s syllabus, training manuals and certification processes, are being comprehensively reviewed and examinations under the new syllabus are due to start with the November 2014

S

From left: Dayo Babatunde, Financial Sector Leader for West Africa; Bunmi Akinde, Senior Partner, Advisory; Bisi Sanda, Transaction Advisory Services Leader for West Africa and Adekunle Salau, Advisory Leader for West Africa, at the formal presentation of its Private Equity Survey Report to the media, in Lagos. diet. Products of the new syllabus will write only the tax and law papers of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales examinations and become members of that revered global body.

“In anticipation of this, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, UK, has

By WILLIAM JIMOH Tranzact International Plc, an electronic and mobile payment technology company, has announced plans to maximise the gains of on-going electronic payments reforms instituted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN , in a bid to increase the usage of electronic products and solutions across the country. Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, the company’s Chairman, who stated this at the th company’s 9 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos, said they will continue to invest in both their technology and human resources to achieve the set objective.

“The CBN’s continued pursuit of a cashless economy has been a great opportunity for our sector. eTransact continues to position itself as a key stakeholder and provider of alternative electronic and mobile payment solutions to various industries and will continue to take full advantage of this opportunity.

“In 2013, we will continue to invest in our technology and human resources so that we can enhance our market dominance in our key product areas. We will keep strengthening our alliance and partnership with our mobile banking and mobile money partners to ensure that our active users and subscriber base continue to grow.

“As we continue to position our business and operations to take advantage of the var-

C M Y K

Stanbic IBTC Bank commences Saturday banking services

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

offered to grant direct admission to ICAN members, subject to their writing one paper in its final qualifying examinations. In view of the expected benefits, the Council under my leadership will ensure scrupulous implementation, of the various components of the World Bank initiative.

eTranzact to maximize opportunities in e-payment reforms

e

BRIEF:

ious opportunities in the industry, we will also align our business processes, standards, as well as financial processes with global best practice and world class standards required of business such as ours,” Ohiwerei said.

Recalling the company’s achievements in 2012, he said that they have fully complied with the International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, adding that henceforth all the company’s financial reports and disclosures would comply with the global standards. eTranzact recorded an increase in gross revenue of over 300 per cent in the last three years from 2010 to 2012, just as its profit after tax grow by almost 60 per cent in the years under review.

Ohiwerei added that, “We are also in the advance stages of our internal restructuring and realignment of our operating units to help drive performance and improve efficiency. All these steps have been taken to position the company as the market leader so that we can meet the requirements of our clients and stakeholders.”

“We are poised and committed to be the leading regional and subsequently a global player in the electronic and mobile payment market. Our policy remains to deliver secure, cost effective and innovative electronic and mobile payment services that are compliance to global accepted standards,” he added.

We will build technical capacity within the Secretariat to sustain the gains of the above initiative.”

Fidelity Bank wins award for SMEs’ support

F

idelity Bank’s efforts to grow wealth and raise a new generation of entrepreneurs in the country paid off handsomely at the weekend when the Bank won the award for the Best Bank in Support of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The organisers of the Businessday Banking Conference Awards said that Fidelity Bank came tops amongst three other banks – Access Bank and Diamond Bank that were nominated for the award after a critical assessment of their loan portfolios and overall contribution to the SME sector.

The Awards was instituted as a credible way of rewarding banks that are supporting economic growth in the country without putting the financial sector at risk.

Receiving the award, Head, External Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ejike Ndiulo, who represented the Group Head, Marketing Communications, Emma Esinnah, thanked the organisers for believing in the Bank. He said that the award is a testament to the Board and Management of the Bank’s efforts geared towards the growth of the economy and poverty reduction.

TANBIC IBTC Bank, a member of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, has announced the commencement of Saturday banking in key cities across Nigeria. Weekend banking is a window designed to enhance access to financial services.

In a statement, the bank said the new service window, which will further expand financial inclusion in the country, is available at major shopping malls and markets where Stanbic IBTC Bank has branches across the federation. These include Ikeja Shopping Mall, Lagos; The Palms, Lekki, Lagos, and Grand Towers Abuja Mall, Federal Capital Territory, as well as the regular markets.

Commenting, the CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Yinka Sanni, said that as Nigeria’s huge unbanked population steadily migrates to the formal banking system, the bank is well positioned to help everyone actualise their aspirations through the availability of branches and service points where top-ofthe-class services and products can be easily accessed.

Noting that the Nigerian financial services industry is rapidly evolving, Sanni said it is imperative that the changing needs and goals of both existing and potential customers are constantly monitored to enable the provision of appropriate products and solutions.

Hamdi named Ernst & Young world entrepreneur of the year

H

AMDI Ulukaya, the Founder, President and CEO of Chobani, based in the United States, has named the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the year 2013 at an awards ceremony held in Monte Carlo’s Salle des Etoiles.

Hamdi was picked from among the 49 country finalists vying for the title across 47 countries, each of whom had already been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year in their home countries.

Turkish-born Hamdi founded Chobani in upstate New York in 2005 and launched Chobani Greek Yogurt two years later.

Less than six years after launch it is the best-selling yogurt brand in the US with annual sales approaching US$1billion.

Chobani has 3,000 employees and operates the largest yogurt factory in the world selling its products to Australia and the UK as well as the US.

Vanguard, THURSDAY , JUNE 13, 2013—23

Compressed gas: FG woos investors STORIES BY FRANKLIN ALLI

N

IGERIA Gas Company (NGC) has called for more private investments in compressed Natural Gas (CNG) industry. This

followed the successful conversion of engines of heavy-duty trucks from petrol to CNG and diesel as alternative automotive fuel by Sagas Energy Company Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote group.

Seidu Mohammed, Managing Director of NGC, who made the call during the launch of Ikeja Conversion Centre by the Dangote subsidiary firm, and called for more investors into the project.

According to him, the Federal Government is keen on creating opportunities for industrial growth through its gas master plan and availability of more gas for end users, stressing “Nigeria stands

Ms Eveyln Oputu, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (middle), flanked by the bank’s management team, customers and media executives during the just ended training programme for journalists on ‘Reporting Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)’, in Lagos.

SON warns defaulters on e-registration policy

S

TA N DA R D S Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned defaulters of its electronic registration policy for products, saying: “By July 1st, any product in the market without electronic registration will be removed.”

“We will not accept any product that has no product liability. From this year, once offenders are caught, we will make them face the camera and make them apologise to Nigerians.

This exercise is to ensure product traceability and achieve standards, which will enhance productivity,”

said Dr. Joseph Ikem Odumodu, SON Director-General.

Odumodu said that the essence of this exercise is to build a database of details on all the products in the market. “We need to have a link with the products by having all the details.”

He stressed that following several months of the registration process, any product that failed to comply with the eregistration policy would be removed from the market, irrespective of its status or whether it had SON Conformity Assessment Programme

certification or not.

“We are setting up an electronic security system with electronic registration in connection with other agencies to alert us

when products arrive.

At present, we have improved collaborations with relevant authorities in order to achieve this objective,” he said.

to gain if compressed natural gas use is embraced in the country.”

Alhaji Sani Dangote, Chairman of Sagas Energy, said: “Of the 5000 trucks belonging to Dantrans, the haulage arm of the Dangote, 200 has been successfully converted to the new system for the trucks to be able to run on both gas and diesel (dual fuel usage).”

Dangote said the launch is in furtherance of the 20 years gas supply agreement the company signed with the NGC to supply and distribute compressed natural gas.

The Sagas boss disclosed that 5000 trucks would be converted within a year and that the kit to convert 1000 are already on ground. He advised commercial vehicle owners as well as industrial and private owners to avail themselves of the benefits of the new technology.

He said his company would open more conversion centers at strategic locations across the country before the end of the year, adding that his company has trained over 30 Nigerian engineers to work in the centers and that more

Our plastic pallets are environmentally friendly — Shongai Packaging

S

HONGAI Packaging Industries Limited, a member of Sona Group of Companies, says its range of plastic pallets being exported to neighbouring West African countries is environmentally friendly.

“We are leveraging on our expertise to support the global effort to pro-

tect the environment.

Plastic wastes utilize a very high percentage of both domestic and industrial wastes in Nigeria. We believe that these waste products can be converted to reusable material which would help in reducing the quantity that is

dumped at various landfills and ultimately ensuring a better environment,” said Executive Director of the company, Mr. Geoffrey Anyaso.

He disclosed that the plastic pallets are a suitable replacement for wooden pallets that is still very commonly used in Nigeria and that its

Dangote highlights business challenges, solutions

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HERE are several ways to overcoming the various business challenges in Nigeria and the African continent, Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said.

Dangote who spoke during the Business Conference organised by the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students of the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic

University, said: “Unstable regulatory environment with policy inconsistencies can be overcome by constant dialogue with government while inadequate infrastructures can be overcome by including the cost of providing the required infrastructure in the project cost.

Represent by special adviser Joseph Makoju, Dangote also noted that ulocal contractors and suppliers with the asso-

engineers would be trained as the company increases the centers nationwide “Authorized conversion centers and gas filling stations would be established. We already have some of these centers in operation now.

We have commenced the training of engineers and other technicians that would undertake the conversion. Our partners are here to put them through,” he said.

On the safety of the technology, Dangote allayed the fears of Nigerians: ” The Cylinder being used for automobile gas has been designed in such a way to prevent explosion.

“The cylinder is bullet proof, it is stronger that armored tanks, no object can puncture it and as you can feel it. Even in extreme condition such as accident, the gas cannot explode.”

Chief Operating Officer of Prins Autogas West Africa Limited, Henry Van Tienen, explained that the conversion was a novel technology in Africa and that the use of gas either as alternative fuel or a mix blend with diesel has advantages over any other fuel currently in use.

ciated completion risk can be overcome by drawing up detailed quantities/request for proposals; engaging competent experts to verify scope of work and ensure that it is reasonably completed; work with the more credible contractors/suppliers; and setting up project teams to constantly supervise the entire process.

On access to finance, he said, this can be overcome by prudent negoti-

ations of interest rates and tenor of facilities; constant review of the bank statement to detect spurious charges; accessing international capital markets for project finance facilities; negotiating supplier credits supported by international banks; stock exchange listings; etc.

According to him, dearth of highly skilled and experienced talents locally can be overcome by hiring expatriates to

lead and train local staff; training and empowering promising staff to lead entire processes upon demonstration of capacity and willingness to take on higher responsibilities; institute a culture of accountability and competition focused on attaining set business goals; develop a culture of process ownership which does not accommodate excuses for non attainment of set objectives; reward and promote excellence.”

advantages include preservation of forests, reduction of manufacturers’ long term cost while also improving hygienic conditions within breweries and food industries since it is insect-free, washable and recyclable.

He said that with the export, the company has taken a giant step towards achieving one of their corporate goals which is to be an i n t e r n a t i o n a l manufacturer of plastic products.

According to him, the company was recently restructured and expanded to facilitate market growth, and they are excited at the effect of the restructuring on their sales and the fact that West Africa countries will start experiencing the unique quality of our products.

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY,JUNE 13, 2013

Port security: NPA installs anti-terrorist gadgets, acquires bomb sniffing dogs STORIES BY GODWIN ORITSE

A

HEAD of the expiration of the deadline given by the United States Government to Nigeria to improve on its ports security or face sanctions, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has begun to install anti-terrorist gadgets and acquired bomb sniffing dogs.

Confirming the development to Vanguard in

Lagos, the General Manager in charge of security at the NPA Col Jamil Tahir (Rtd) said that besides the proactive moves the authority is taking to ensure that measures are put in place before the expiration of the deadline, the authority has also begun an audit of terminals.

Tahir also said that plans to also install electronic access way in and out of the various ports

have reached advance stage adding that very soon it is only people that have business at the ports that will gain access into the ports.

It will be recalled that following the 90day ultimatum the United States Government gave Nigeria to improve security at the

nation’s seaports, the Presidency has given the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other stakeholders 45 days to put necessary measures in place to secure the ports.

The Presidency said that Nigeria could not afford to take the threat lightly saying that “if the issue is not treated with urgency and accuracy, it could lead to high freight rates and the economy will suffer for it.”

The U.S 90-day ultimatum, Vanguard gathered, was issued April and it will elapse next month.

Speaking at a recent stakeholders meeting in Lagos, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Affairs, Mr. Leke Oyewole, said that the country could not afford the allow to United States ultimatum catch up with the industry without initiating moves to secure and safeguard the ports.

MAAN advocates ADR for maritime disputes

M

ARITIME Arbitra tion Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has called for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Nigeria maritime industry with a view to resolving disputes more efficiently and effectively in order to grow the economy.

Speaking at the 5th edition of its maritime dispute resolution seminar, MAAN’s president Chief Gbola Akinpla said that the use of ADR in the settlement of disputes between or amongst carriers, shipper and other stakeholders in the maritime industry is essential to the development of the Nigerian economy.

Akinola noted that the use of ADR in settling maritime dispute will not only save time and money, it could be handled in such a way that both parties can continue in business after resolution of such cases.

“The sea is the medium through which goods originating from and destined for different parts of the world are transported.

“Seaports are much more than safe harbours for ships to load and unload as they help build and grow international trade which strengthens the national economy “Seaports fuel economies by providing high paying jobs while supporting employment in other sectors such as freight logistics and retailing that rely on efficient movement of goods.

“Therefore having in place a forum for settling

commercial disputes between or amongst carriers, shippers. Ocean transportation intermediaries and governmental agenciess, through the use of various means of alternatives disputes resolution is essential to the development of the Nigerian economy ” Akinola stated

President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Gbola Akinola (middle), Mrs Jean Cheazo Anishere, Secretary, MAAN (left) and Mrs Tosan Edodo, member, MAAN at the fifth edition of a seminar on Alternative Dispute Resolution in the maritime industry, in Lagos.

Lagos-Seme road a national disgrace — ANLCA chieftain THE Seme border post has become a hot bed for all kinds of trading activities ranging from smuggling, under declaration and ineffective scanning system. In this interview with newsmen recently, Chief Sam Madubuike, a Seme border-based freight forwarder said border is a pot porri problem that urgently needs government’s attention. Excerpts:

O

PERATORS have been complaining about the inefficient scanning operation at Seme border that has resulted in a long queue of trucks at the border post, while operators are crying foul, the management of Globalscan is saying otherwise what is the true situation?

I have maintained that scanning operation in Seme is a total failure.

In recent times, they

Chief Madubuike.

have resorted to renting crowd and media hyping, . instead of improving on their services.

Very soon, we will march to Abuja on a protest to t the Federal Government of our plight since their “god fathers” had been blocking the truth from the government. Please conduct an opinion poll to get the true feelings of the people.

They are at war with the Customs and the agents here because we tell them the truth. Some agents lost their goods worth millions of naira to thieves while their trucks were waiting to be scanned. Why should we wait for a Scanner that boots like an old computer? I have always been an advocate of destination inspection. Every time, they train customs officers and never allow them to experiment with

their machines.

A few weeks ago, a team from the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) was at the Seme border post to senstize people on the construction of a proposed toll gate. What in your opinion is the reaction of regulars users of this route?

Everyday, FERMA comes up with good ideas that they can never implement . This road is an international road.

From Seme Border down to Ghana even beyond, they have motorable roads.

Take the same road from Seme down to Mile 2, it is nothing to write home about. If not for the assistance the Agents had been rendering to FERMA, this ‘patch patch’ we are managing today would not be there.

Anyway, there is no right

thinking government that will dream of erecting a Toll when the road is unmotorable.

The rains are here, people residing in this part of the state do not know what will become of the already failed road. If anyone venture to erect toll gates without providing standard motorable road, they will only attract the wrath of the people.

What is your assessment of the present Controller of the Seme Command?

He is a wonderful gentleman. This is a man who is ready to listen to others’ opinion at all times. He does not talk too much but a wonderful planner. He is winning the war on smuggling.

On daily basis, they make seizures of rice and turkey. One great way to access a good Comptroller is when his command is peaceful. He has made the road unusable for smugglers. Its no more business as usual.

Does the size of trucks in anyway affect the freight forwarders in

terms of profit unlike the old practice?

It is the best thing that has happened to us. Before now, we use to carry up to seven containers on a truck and most times due to the bad road, most of our trucks do not get to their destination without losses as a result of destruction of our goods occasioned by accident due to bad roads. In most cases, area boys attack the motor boys and their drivers and steal goods . Now, our goods and trucks come into Nigeria intact and safe. Even if a truck has to go twice, it is safer. Our trucks do not sleep or block the road anymore. We are indeed very grateful to the Comptroller-General of Customs.

There has been a lull in business at the border post, what could be responsible for this?

I think, one of the greatest problems we are facing here is the road. Secondly, if the government can intervene and make the scanner work, business will pick up again.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 25

learning@vanguardngr.com

Why govt should revisit admission quota system

By EBELE ORAKPO, AMAKA ABAYOMI & DAYO ADESULU

Everybody is a genius. But, if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it’ll spend its whole life believing that it is stupid – Albert Einstein.

P

erhaps this informed the glaring disparity in cut-off marks in the National Common Entrance Examination for different states. The purpose of the exam is to select the best candidates from every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for admission into

federal unity colleges which aim is to foster unity amongst Nigerian children.

However, some people have argued that the practice is unfair and counterproductive and does not help the education sector in any way.

In this report, Vanguard Learning spoke with stakeholders in the education sector.

From the 2013 National Common Entrance Examinations cut-off marks made available to Vanguard, while Anambra State was assigned a cut-off of 139, Imo 138, Lagos 133, and Delta 131; educationally-disadvantaged states like Taraba had 3 for males and 11 for females, Sokoto 9 for males and 13 for females; and Zamfara 4 for males and 2 for females.

Continues on page 26

NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL (NECO) 2013 National Common Entrance Examinations (NCEE) Table 3: Cut-Off Marks Based on State/Locality

SN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

STATE ABIA ADAMAWA AKWA IBOM ANAMBRA BAUCHI BENUE BORNO CROSS RIVER DELTA EDO ENUGU IMO JIGAWA KADUNA KANO KATSINA KEBBI KOGI KWARA LAGOS NIGER OGUN ONDO OSUN OYO PLATEAU RIVER SOKOTO TARABA YOBE FCT BAYELSA EBONYI EKITI GOMBE NASARAWA ZAMFARA

MALE 130 62 123 139 35 111 45 97 131 127 134 138 44 91 67 60 9 119 123 133 93 131 126 127 127 90 118 9 3 2 90 72 112 119 58 75 4

FEMALE 130 62 123 139 35 111 45 97 131 127 134 138 44 91 67 60 20 119 123 133 93 131 126 127 127 90 118 13 11 27 90 72 112 119 58 75 2

School children writing an examination.

Foundations should be tailored towards youth empowerment Pg 28 — Adingwupu C M Y K

NYSC: A force for national unity, nation-building, —Fashola Pg 32

Youths versus JAMB, education caricature

Pg 33

26 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Why govt should revisit admission quota system Continues from page 25 When contacted,the Public Relations Officer, National Examination Council (NECO), Mr Benedict Uzor said the quota system for entrance into unity schools is the affair of Federal Ministry of Education and principals of unity schools. “NECO does not admit students into unity schools but conducts entrance examination for primary school pupils on behalf of the Federal Government,” he said.

He explained that NECO is also responsible for the marking of the scripts which is done within three days after the examination, and the scripts and marks are returned to the ministry.”

According to Uzor, it will be very difficult for NECO to know the decision of the Education Ministry on quota system of admitting students in each state of the federation. "Quota system is the responsibility of Ministry of Education and not NECO, all we do is to score students based on their performances."

Also contacted was Mr Aliyu Othman, Special Assistant to the Minister of Education on Media, Professor Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, who stated that he was unaware of the quota system, saying: “I am hearing this for the first time.”

BY EKEMINI EYOH

L

*School children labour market but one thing I have learnt from experience is that some of those whom the lower cut-off mark is meant for, ignore it and aim higher and end up doing even better than students with high cut-off marks.”

This was corroborated by Olapeju who said that low cut-off mark does not mean that the pupils in that state “don’t have to sit for the examination nor pass it. What it means is that such states have more spaces for students so there is no need to set a limit.”

To encourage disadvantaged areas

Education ministry debunks operating quota system

Abuja-based lawyer/writer said:

“While it is important to have a fair and equitable process, it is also important to take note of certain disparities especially in background. The issue of federal character is a very thorny issue because while one would like to see equity, sometimes you end up with unfair results which exclude certain people for no fault of theirs.

Sometimes the real issue for pupils from so-called educationally disadvantaged states is the language barrier."

Otunba Dele Olapeju, Principal, Kings College, Lagos noted that if merit alone was employed, the unity schools would not achieve federal character. He, however, pointed out that the scores for each state were generated from demand, available data from the states and number of students each state can accommodate.

Citing an example with Anambra State, he said in the 2012 examination, “out of 6,000 candidates that made the national

While it is important to have a fair and equitable process, it is also important to take note of certain disparities especially in background

,

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of State for Education, the Media Special Assistant, Mr Simeon Awakaubu debunked claims that the Federal Ministry of Education operates quota system in admitting students into unity schools, adding that what the ministry does is to consider the more disadvantaged states.

He explained that another factor in granting admission is catchment area, noting, this is to favour them as it is being done in the university system.

He, however, hinted that in the next two weeks, principals of the 104 federal colleges and the Federal Ministry of Education will meet to discuss the admission process.

In his reaction,Mr. Elnathan John, an

Parents urged to be involved in kids education

,

cut-off, Anambra State had the lion’s share. However, if all Anambra candidates are admitted, there will be no unity colleges.”

John identified low investment in education in the north as an issue.

He said: “Due to very low investment in education in the north, the children are clearly more disadvantaged educationally than those from the south so sometimes you find that if you want to apply strict rules across the board, you may end up excluding people from certain parts of the country so I think the spirit of the rule is so that we can have a representation from all parts of the country because it may be unfair if you exclude certain people."

For Mr. Otobong Ebe, Administrator of Kaduna-based Anchor Schools, the disparity in cut-off marks does more harm than good because “at the end of the day, both sides have to compete in the same

John thinks that the whole idea is to encourage people from certain areas to go to school. “When I was studying Law at the university, in my entire class, there were only four people from Zamfara State while some states in the East had 100 - 200 students. That is just a clear reflection of the educational situation in the country so I think the whole idea is to encourage people from certain areas to go to school,” he said.

Despite the drawbacks, John believes that there is a positive aspect to the issue. He said: “Looking at the positive aspect, may be when these students are put in the same class, it’s like dropping someone who cannot swim in the deep side of the ocean, he probably will struggle and learn to swim.

You find out that in the end, some of these students really try and pick up because of competition. Look at it this way, if we say we want equality, would it be better for us to have no student from Zamfara, Kebbi and Yobe states? Will that be a more equitable process? So for me, it’s not that the system is a proper system but it is choosing between two evils.”

Need to set right standard Ebe said there was need to set the right standard because "we can’t just keep saying that the standard of education is falling and student enrolment is low, we need to do something to raise the standard until everybody is on equal footing."

“I think in the long run, our dream is that we have a Nigeria where the student from Zamfara is not less educationally advantaged than the student from Lagos so that we have some sort of equalisation of standards. This is where the governors really have a lot of work to do so that they bring their states up to par and be able to compete nationally. Right now, the disparities are huge and unacceptable,” said John.

AGOSIANS have been urged to get involved in the academic development of their wards especially those who have children in state public schools.

The Knowledge Management Specialist of the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), Mr. Tolase Olatinwo and educationists in the state said this during their tour of public primary schools in Lagos State.

At the Ejigbo School Complex, there was a drama presentation by the Youth Adolescent Reflection and Action Centre (YARAC), a community theatre, titled AGBAJOWO (Working Together). The play was meant to enlighten parents on their roles in boosting the state’s efforts towards educational and school improvement.

“The community theatre is sponsored by ESSPIN. The idea is to use it as a communication tool to sensitize Lagosians on the need for them to support the government in supporting public schools in the state.

The idea is to promote the understanding about SBMC (School Base Management Committee) which is an avenue for community members to support schools. The idea is, you don’t leave everything for government to do,” explained Mr. Olatinwo.

He stated that ESSPIN is a developmental organisation sponsored and supported by the UK Government through the Department for International Development (DFID).

ESSPIN, according to him, is in partnership with the Lagos State Government through Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in her bid to promote public school development in the state with ESSPIN’s scope being primary schools.

In a brief chat with Mrs. Elue, the Mobilisation Officer for Oshodi/Isolo area, she noted that ESSPIN has done a lot for the state’s public schools since its arrival on the scene. Speaking about SBMC, she said that since its inception, SBMC has helped to create a connection between the government, schools and the community.

Mr. Adetona Bisi Lawrence, the Education Secretary, Lagos Mainland LGEA also enlightened parents on the relevance of attending school meetings when summoned,revealing that the state government has adopted a policy statement against absenteeism from school meetings. He said that based on this policy, a parent must at least attend six meetings out of 10 failure of which would attract a punishment, which is the child’s repetition of a class irrespective of the child’s brilliancy. Parents like Deaconess Owoeye, Mrs. Tijani, and Mr. Nwachukwu expressed pleasure at the government’s attempts to better the state’s public schools and promised to do their best to encourage the act.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—27

We must give education top priority — Educationists

BY LAJU ARENYEKA

E

DUCATIONISTS have said that the government and other stakeholders must give education top priority as it is the bedrock of every other profession. Heralding this call is the management of Karo Group of Schools in Lagos.

The Proprietor, Mrs. Caroline Ughamadu, in a chat with journalists recently, said: “Whether from the public or private quarters, more attention must be given to education, because it is the bedrock of every profession. Without education, other professions will not be.”

The Principal, Karo Favoured College, Mr. Mark Okoh, speaking on the challenges bedeviling the education sector said: “Many of our challenges have to do with policies that come up suddenly, and are quite difficult to meet up with. One of such is the curriculum that keeps changing. Sometimes, before you are able to settle down with one, another curriculum comes up. It’s very difficult for us because we do not have

enough time to grasp one before we are instructed to change to another. These are some of the things that affect the system. The 6-3-3-4 system for instance has not been established to a point where we can say that it has worked.

It looks good on paper, but in reality, it is not there. So, introducing another curriculum makes it more and more difficult for those of us in the system.”

The educationists also reacted to the controversial Oronsaye report advising the Federal Government to scrap the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. “If universities are allowed to carry out their own examinations,” Okoh said, “it will be a monopoly where admission goes to the highest bidder. The UTME serves as a bench mark, but left in the hands of the universities, it will become a private affair. Many of these universities will charge about N10, 000 to get exams done.

“Another issue to consider is that of admission crisis, we have at least 200 higher institutions in this country. But the

issue is that there is too much importance attached to the university degree. On the other hand, the alternative institutions are not really helping matters because of the high fees they charge. In every society, education is the most important thing. I suggest that the polytechnics should be well equipped and

polytechnic graduates should receive equal treatment with their counterparts from the university. If the government is ready to build universities in every local government in the country, then we can solve the admission crisis.

Lagos to develop 50-year master plan for tertiary education

BY MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO

G

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said the state government has concluded plans to develop a 50year master plan for tertiary education, aimed at improving the infrastructure and quality of education in the state.

Fashola who disclosed this at a meeting with students and the managements of the Lagos State University (LASU), Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), La-

gos State College of Education (LACOED), Lagos City Polytechnic, youth organisations and members of the State Executive Council. The meeting held at the auditorium of LASU to commemorate the 2,200 days of his administration and to facilitate and encourage the discussion and communication between the GOWN (which is the generic word for our higher institutions of learning) and the TOWN (the generic word for the larger society).

The governor said that the plan will soon be concluded and is a joint effort of the state executive council and the management of the state’s tertiary institutions. He said; “It will help both parties achieve their desired dream for the institutions in the state. And our dream is to ensure that the institutions have higher quality of intellectual exchange just the way it happens in other great institutions of the world. This will further assist our students to compete favourably with their peers in Oxford, Harvard and others. Our students in tertiary institutions are in the generation right behind us. They are the ones who in a short time will bear the responsibility to refine our crude oil, generate our electricity, produce our water, manage this university, build our trains, secure our state and country and generally be responsible for our people’s well-being,” Fashola added.

Activist calls for increase in education funding

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

H

UMAN rights advocate, Dr. Otive Igbuzor says about 10 million Nigerian children within school age are out of school. This trend he said, must be addressed for Nigeria to attain its full potential in terms of development.

This is as he also canvassed for increase in the funding of public schools to enable Nigeria curb the increasing challenges of poverty and illiteracy in the country.

Dr. Igbuzor stated this in Abuja at the 6th anniversary and award of scholarships to some less privileged children by Emoeferotu Foundation.

He said that the successive governments in the country had not done much to give education the priority it deserves, as a key factor in measuring real development.

Igbuzor, who blamed the increasing rate of poverty in the country on lack of access to quality education and bad leadership, emphasised the need for increase in girlchild education, which he said is key to curbing child and maternal mortality in the country.

“Education is a key factor for measuring development. The right to education is an enabling right for every child. When you have the right to education, it favours you to enjoy other rights that you have as a human being. It gives you capacity to live a better life. There is correlation between education and health.

So, the more educated a person is, the higher the possibility of having a better health. Also there is a correlation between education and maternal mortality rate. If a woman is educated, the possibility of dying an avoidable death is reduced.

That is why girl-child education must be encouraged,” he said.

According to him, lack of access had kept many Nigerian children out of school, especially, the less privileged ones. This, he said, must be addressed for Nigerian to actualize its dreams of becoming a developed nation, just as he lamented the poor quality of education in the system.

He further blamed the problem of education on government neglect and lack of adequate funding of the sector.

For him, government must allocate a substantial percentage of its annual budget to education to enable the over 10 million Nigerian children, who are out of school to access quality education, adding that attention must be paid to teachers’ training to guarantee the quality of their teaching.

“There are about 10 million Nigerian children, who are out of school. Nigeria belongs to the top countries of the world with the highest number of out-of-school children.

28 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Foundations should be tailored towards youth empowerment — Adingwupu

A

What is the idea behind FELD Foundation?

The idea behind FELD Foundation came up about a year ago when we thought of the prevailing conditions in our villages in Aniocha South, Delta and Nigeria in general.

We also watch what is going on outside the country and we see that government cannot do everything. Government must be supported to reach out to the people, based on that; we felt that we should emulate what is happening internationally.

The only thing we thought we could do was to have a kind of foundation that can execute such programmes. That is how FELD Foundation came into existence. Then we registered the foundation and decided to pursue this particular programme.

What does it hope to achieve?

From my first explanation you can see that FELD Foundation is just a non-governmental organisation that aims to empower our people, to alleviate poverty in the society and to help children return to school.

We don’t want anybody to be left out. Not many people can have money to go back to school and so FELD Foundation is taking it as a responsibility to make sure people go back to school.

We also decided to localise some of our objectives by bringing it down to Delta State and even locating our place which is Aniocha South Local Government. It is a medium to empower our people; the market women, farmers, the youth and even the young ladies that want to go back to school. That was why we instituted scholarship for some of our people.

We also instituted the corporaC M Y K

*Hon .Paul Adingwupu tive society for the farmers and the market women so they can get help by receiving a token to help support their businesses. This is the local aspect of it. We also have a quiz programme that is running and it started about seven months ago. The programme is tagged My Education Quiz Play, you must have been watching it on some TV stations.

So far, we have been able to empower many children in universities and secondary schools in Nigeria irrespective of the state one comes from.

Once you come and play in the quiz, you could win up to N2.5 million if you are studying

,

FTER positively impacting the lives of Nigerians across the country, the Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development (FELD) decided to bring home its philanthropy as it recently empowered 275 persons in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State in its move to assist the less privileged fulfill their dreams of quality education.

Hon. Paul Adingwupu, the Chairman of the Foundation in this interview with some journalists disclosed how important it is for the rich to assist the youths who are brilliant but poor to get to the top of their aspirations.

BY MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

I don’t need to set up a foundation in order to get political power because I already have political power. I am giving back to our people and that is what I am doing. So those that are saying it are those who do not want to give back, they are what I would call selfish people. Look at it this way; am I going to contest for presidency in 2015?

What about those that are winning millions and going back to school from Plateau State, Edo, Kogi, Kano and all over? Or is it because of the localised one, it is not true.

There is no political undertone to it; it is an NGO and so shall it be. It has remained that and has gone far before bringing it to the people. We cannot allow our people to remain under perpetual poverty; that it just the purpose of localising it. It will be unfair that they are hearing that people are winning money and we are not impacting directly on them, then what are we doing?

We want a situation where violence and other poverty associated vices, like kidnapping and stealing will reduce in the society; that is why we brought

I don’t need to set up a foundation in order to get political power because I already have political power; I am giving back to our people and that is what I am doing

,

medicine and N2 million if you are studying other courses in the higher school and you can as well get up to N1 million if you are in SS 3 or about to write your WAEC. So it is just basically to alleviate poverty and send people back to school.

You just said it is a non-governmental organisation.

Yes But there is the impression that the Foundation is a facade for a political ambition...

(Laughs) You see, in everything you do, people will give a different interpretation to it.

Those who know me know that

the programme back home.

So Why Aniocha South first?

(Smiles) Oh well, if you are a dancer and you want to try out new steps and you have a band, after practising, you will show your people and they will be the first to critique you by either clapping for you and telling you if you have done well or by saying that you didn’t do it well, why not do it the other way? So they are the people to correct us and also encourage us. This programme will go beyond Aniocha South; it will go to all the nooks and crannies of Delta North and spread

to other parts of the state. It is just a question of time.

It is obvious that with the empowerment so far, women benefitted more from the programme.

Why the soft spot for them or does it have anything to do with your background?

Well apart from the fact that I was brought up by my mum because I lost my dad at the age of six, it also goes to show the importance of women in the society. Let me tell you this; no matter who you are, you are from a woman. There are things your dad cannot tell you or may not know about you, but your mother knows about it. If you watch, any man that is great, he must have started from somewhere, and a woman must have played a role in the life of such a man. It could be a mother, wife, sister, stepmother, foster mother, aunty or even cousin, women are great motivators. If you give her money to transform her life and train her child in school, she will tie it to her apron and make sure she follows the instruction to the letter because she has soft spot for the child. But give it to a man, he will use it for something else first like playing pool or going to a bar for a few drinks before using what is left of it.

My mother made me what I am today and what was she doing?, she was a trader, buying and selling goods basically foodstuffs from Onitsha. With her efforts, I attended one of the best schools of my time, Saint Anthony’s College, Ubulu-Uku and later University of Benin.

How did she make it, maybe she had about 10,000 Pounds of those days or something equivalent to what we are giving the women today and she did a great job training not only me but many other graduates.

So I looked at the dexterity of women using my mother as a case study and I arrived at the conclusion that if I go through women, I will be able to train more children through them, so we give them preference.

But that notwithstanding, men are also getting empowerment. If you look at the list, 10 men and 10 women, including five youths are being empowered in each ward in a local government. I don’t think there is any partiality.

We have finished the first phase; we want to see how they can turn the money around.

British Council launches Commonwealth Legacy Project today

T

HE British Council will today at Ikoyi, Lagos launch Commonwealth Legacy Project.

British Council Commonwealth Legacy Project otherwise known as the Commonwealth Class, is a global legacy programme for school pupils and teachers designed by the British Council in partnership with BBC, Commonwealth Secretariat and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

It is an exciting project building on the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow in 2014. It promises to engage schools, teachers and pupils globally through the power of sports thus increasing opportunities for young people to improve their knowledge and skills and for teachers to enhance education by sharing in learning resources with a network of international colleagues.

Rivers to give scholarship to winners of quiz

T

HE Rivers State Government says it will award scholarship to students that won the Quiz and Arts Exhibition during the World Environmental Day Celebration organised by the Rivers State Environmental Sanitation Authority. Students of Government Secondary School Elekahia, Port Harcourt won the quiz competition while Success Sorkari of Community Secondary School, Alode, Eleme won the Arts Exhibition.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi stated this when the winners of the quiz and arts exhibition visited her office in Port Harcourt. She said the victory of the students in the competition shows that the State Government has started reaping the benefits of its investment in education.

Alice Lawrence-Nemi also reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to continue with its free education policy. She also attributed the victory of the students to the competence of the teaching force in the state. The Commissioner commended the teachers for preparing the students adequately for the competition, noting that the annual teachers’ re-training exercise has improved the performance of teachers in the state. She stressed that the newly recruited 13,000 teachers will undergo serious training before they commence teaching.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 29 Nelson Mandela is a venerable old man.

The Professor’s theory is vulnerable to ridicule.

Children and women are most vulnerable to abuse during civil war.

Elder R.A. Osoba is the venerable head of our family.

MOMENTARY – MOMENTOUS

Frequently confused words VENERABLE – VULNERABLE Venerable and vulnerable are liable to be confused and misused. A venerable is ‘a person, place or things worthy of honour or respect’; vulnerable means ‘easily hurt emotionally, physically or morally; easily harmed; easy to attack or criticize’. Pay attention to the spelling and meaning of each word.

Examples:

Momentary and momentous are an easily confused pair. Momentary means ‘lasting for a short time; brief ’; momentous means ‘very important and serious; historic’ Examples: There was a momentary pause in the course of his speech.

Shade experienced a momentary fear when there was a sudden explosion from a nearby factory.

June 12, 1993 was a momentous day in Nigeria.

My wedding day was one of the most momentous occasions in my life. zCONTINUES NEXT WEEK. Send requests/problems to Gabriel Osoba, Ph.D, Department of English, Lagos State University, Ojo, through Editor, Teach Yourself English, Vanguard Newspapers, PMB. 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or email: editor@vanguardngr.com & gabosoba002@yahoo.co

Campus Journalism launched in IMT

BY PRINCESS-ANN OTUDOR, IMT, ENUGU

A

SERVING corps mem-ber, Amb. Jerry Etta in collaboration with the National Secretariat of Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists (NUCJ) has officially launched Campus Journalism in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu.

The National President of NUCJ, Comr. Ahanonu Emmanuel Eca led the delegation that flaggedoff the union in the institution.

The institutionalization of the union came shortly

after the IMT Enugu warning strike, but not without the Rector’s nod and after proper assessment of what the union stands for which is to inform, educate and entertain as well as to consolidate the virtues of truth through writing.

The event which witnessed the presence of over 300 students had in attendance the Rector of the institution, Prof. Mike Uwaezuoke Iloeje who was represented by the Dean of Students Affairs, Mr. Raph Ugbor, the Public Relations Officer, Dr. Ifeanyi Ojobor who was also represented by Mr. Atta Christian, Director of Communication Art, Sculptor Okey Ikenegbu who was represented by the HOD of Mass Communication, Mr. Ikechukwu Nnadikwu, former HOD of Mass Communication, Sam Okechukwu Omeje and a chief lecturer in the Department of Social Science and Humanities, Barr.Louis Emeka Ezegwu and a legal practitioner, Barr. Miss Adade Aframbea who administered the oath of allegiance and oath of office.

Others are Comr. Prince Damisa Ojigbayi, a serving corps member who also anchored the event, Investigation Officer of IMT Vigilante Group, Comr.

Alaoma Bethel Chima, and executives of Mass Comm.

Department among others.

In their welcome address presented by the Editor-inchief of NUCJ-IMTC, Comr.Okechukwu Joseph Onyeka, they noted that “our primary objective is to carry out functions on dissemination of information and gathering of facts from the students, lecturers and Management of IMT, for the benefit of all.

WATCH OUT Vanguard’s Children Conference

T

he yearly Van guard’s Children Conference organised to commemorate the Day of the African Child comes up on Tuesday, 18th June 2013 at the Lagos Television (LTV 8)Hall 1, Agidingbi Road, Alausa, Ikeja.

Theme: Roles of Teachers in Curbing Child Abuse.

Invited schools and their counsellors are expected to be seated by 10am.

Watch out for details in Sunday Vanguard C M Y K

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 31

UNN holds int’l colloquium

By EBELE ORAKPO

O

N Friday, 7th June, 2013, the Faculty of 23Arts, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), played host to dignitaries from all walks of life including the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency, Frau Dorothee Janetze-Wenzel, to a one day international colloquium with the theme: Emergent Women’s Writing in German and African Literature.

In his opening address, the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof.

Uchenna Anyanwu said the colloquium was coming on the heels of the death and burial of literary icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe, noting that Nigeria and Germany enjoy a pride of place in the field of literature. "Citizens of both countries have won Nobel Prizes in literature. and Nigeria and Germany have enjoyed cordial, robust and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Earlier in a keynote address, the University Librarian, Dr. Charles Omekwu said the aim of the colloquium was to "look at German and African literatures and what we can gain from both considering the contributions of women."

Harping on the importance of women in the society, he said; "a

humanconditions in general world without women or at a particular place and (www) will be like a at a particular time," citing face without a smile, Buchi Emecheta's Bride a canvass that is Price/ The Joys of tough and rough; a Motherhood, Chimamanda place where things Adichie's Half of a Yellow are done in a reckless Sun, Christa Wolf's The Diway. A world without vided Sky which refers to the caring mothers, division of Germany at a cerloving wives, pretty tain time, and 2009 Nobel sisters and beautiful Prize winner in Literature, daughters is not Herta Müller as examples. going to be a world to She noted that women live in.” have the chance and the reThe chief guest sponsibility to promote edlecturer, Frau ucation and research.

Dorothee JanetzeUnderscoring the Wenzel spoke on importance of education to Emergent Women’s the German economy, Writing in German Janetze-Wenzel, quoting Literature. Quoting German's Federal Foreign famous German phiMinister, Guido losopher, Martin BuWesterwelle said; "our ber she said; 'When all *Her Excellency, Frau Dorothee resources do not lie is said and done, it is Janetze-Wenzel,German Ambassador to underneath our feet but the ties between Nigeria between our ears", adding humans which give that the most important life its value.' resources in times of "Literature is describing and globalization are education and Thiong’o's A Grain of Wheat analyzing the ties between huresearch. man beings thus helping us to or Wanja in Petals of Blood, or She received some applause understand and appreciate life. Heirich Boll's Katharina in The when she explained why they Lost Honour of Katharina Blum, Without women writers’ perdid not sing their national it is of vital importance to hear or spectives, half of the sky would anthem. “Our national anthem read what women themselves be lost." is very tricky, it is three stanShe argued that although have to say. Women authors past zas and the one that played toand present have described and very strong women characters day is an old one which says analysed social and political conwere created by male authors Germany above all. Germany like Mumbi inNgugi wa ditions around them and have does not want to be above all, helped us to understand

1/2 page ADVERT

C M Y K

we want to be equal partners with everybody on the same level. The current anthem says: Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit (Unity and Justice and freedom). Germany is lucky and happy to be unified again so we like the text of the third stanza and have made it our national anthem.”

The event witnessed the presentation of papers by Prof.

I.T.K. Egonu (Emergent Women’s Writing in Africa as seen in the works of Aminata Sow Fall); Dr. Dr. Alloysius Orjinta, (Chairman, LOC) on Liberation Feminism and Liberation Literature for Africa; Dr (Mrs) Egodi Uchendu (Contribution of African Historian to African Historiography, 1960 to the present); Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Udengwu (Challenging the masters and breaking the jinx: Pioneer Female Dramatists in Nigeria and Germany); Prof. Amaechi Akwanya (Angst in Rilk’s Dunino Elegies) and Mr. Fidelis Okoro (The female Principle in European Epic Tradition).

The high point of the event was the presentation of awards for exemplary gender-aware leadership and integrity to Frau Janetze-Wenzel, Dr. Burkhard Weth, Mr. Thomas Helmer (all of German Embassy); Dr Aminu Sherahu, D-G, NTI, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga (Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters),Prof.

Bartho Okolo (VC, UNN) and others.

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—35

NYSC: A force for national unity, nation-building, says Fashola

By DAYO ADESULU

G

OVERNOR Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State has thrown his weight behind the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) stating that the scheme is a force for national unity and nationbuilding because it succeeds in instilling some salient societal norms and values into corps members as future leaders of our nation.

Fashola who identified some key areas where corps members have contributed to the society of their primary assignment said, “Your tireless awareness campaigns against the endemic HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, Diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer and other killer diseases has left our people better informed.”

Addressing the 2012 Batch B corps members during their passing out parade at the NYSC camp, Ipaja, Lagos, the governor who was represented by the Chairman NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr.Wale Ahmed said he took note of the corps members posted to Lagos that they were also committed to the implementation and actualisation of the Millennium Development Goals in the state. “You have distinguished yourselves by contributing to the socio-eco-

nomic development of our dear state, especially as you allowed yourselves to be used as agents of change and development in the rural areas, where most of you served,” he said.

He said; “Your laudable contributions to the Educational sector, the Rural Health Scheme, the Rural Infrastructure and the monthly Environmental Sanitation programme, cannot be over-emphasized.”

According to Fashola, their stay in Lagos State would have exposed them to the best example of ethnic tolerance that exists in this country stressing that in Lagos, they would have found persons of all tribes and creeds across Nigeria living

peacefully with one another.

He, however, charged them to work hard to transform this nation by imbibing the attributes of tolerance that they have observed and enjoyed during their time here.

The governor who disclosed that corruption, nepotism, sharp practices have bedevilled the country urged the corps members to shun these vices and help to inject greater elements of discipline and service into our national life. He enjoined them to join forces together to actively enhance the well-being of our people in any capacity they may be called upon to serve our father land in the nearest future.

On the economic future of the corps members, Fashola encouraged them not to hesitate to put into practice numerous businesses they have been taught within the one year so as to be self-dependent in the short, rather than long-term as this will reduce the level of unemployment in the country.

Meanwhile, as NYSC celebrates her 40th anniversary, the state coordinator, Mrs Adeyemi Adenike who applauded the Lagos State Government and NYSC officials stated that the success of the scheme was basically through the combined efforts of all and sundry.

For the outgoing Batch B, she noted there were 4,010 corps members comprising 1,082 males and 2,928 females, had successfully undergone trainings offered by the NYSC scheme.

Out of this number, Adeyemi

T

HE fifth Total School Support Seminar/Exhibition (TOSSE) 2013, might have come and gone, but how the exciting products and services which Nigerian and international exhibitors showcased to upgrade Nigeria’s educational institutions will remain fresh in the memories of the participants for a long time.

The two-day exhibition, organised by Edumark Education Branding Services in Nigeria, was held at the Ten Degrees Event Centre, Billings Way, Oregun, Lagos. It was a meeting of the education community with suppliers and manufacturers of innovative educational products and services.

More than 90 local and foreign exhibitors participated in the programme.

In her welcome address, Head of the Edumark Education Branding Services, Mrs Yinka Ogunde, described TOSSE as an ideal platform to network and kick-start busiC M Y K

Foundation empowers less privileged students, others

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

N

*Middle, NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Adeyemi Adenike, Chairman, NYSC Governing

Board and Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr.Wale Ahmed and the seven 2012 Batch B NYSC awardees held at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.

Edumark holds education exhibition, moves to uplift learning standard

BY LAJA THOMAS

explained that a total of 19 corps members were disciplined while 11 who absconded from service will repeat the year as eight are to have their service year extended ranging from two to four months in line with the NYSC Bye- laws.

According to her, seven outstanding corps members who distinguished themselves at their various places of assignment will be presented with the State honours award as 15 will receive letters of commendation and 25 are to receive attestations for varying degrees of commitment and excellent performance.

ness deals, adding that the goal of TOSSE was to make Nigeria the hub of education in Africa.

“TOSSE holds every first

week of June. We are driven by a deep desire to ensure that Nigeria develops an educational system that will ensure that our students become adults that can compete and hold their own anywhere in the world,”

*From left: Business Solution Division, Sharp Middle East and Africa Operation, Katoro Oku; Technical Manager, Altech Technology, ST.M. Sundar Srn; BMD-Nigeria, Altech, Anand Kumar Padmanabhan; Business Support Manager, SFICO Ltd, Engr. Morakinyo Obembe; and Customer Relations, SFICO Ltd, Engr. Segun Ogunkoya, during a seminar/exhibition organised by EDUMARK, ALTECH-DUBAI and marketed in Nigeria by SFICO, in Lagos, weekend.

Ogunde said.

At one of the exhibition stands jointly manned by the authorised distributor of Sharp products in Nigeria, the Sfico Limited and the master distributor of the Sharp products, Altech International FZE, Dubai, a lot of people gathered to see Sharp’s Multi-purpose Interactive LED Display said to be the future of education. The device, which provides superb image quality and easy operation, was designed with a unique ability to freeze a video and print a frame with comments.

Mr. Anand Kumar Padmanabhan, Senior Business Development Manager, Altech, Nigeria and a representative of Altech International FZE, Dubai; Mr. Kotaro Oku, Japanese Representative in Africa, Business Solution Division, Sharp Middle East and Africa Operation; Mr. ST.M Sundar, Technical Manager, Altech International FZE, Dubai and Mr. Morakinyo Obembe, Business Support Manager, Sfico Limited, were on ground to attend to the stakeholders.

O fewer than 1000 persons including schoolage orphans, widows, their children and other vulnerable children and indigent students have been empowered through various intervention programmes by Blessed Fruit Foundation (BFF), Lagos.

Speaking at the 5th Anniversary/2013 Patrons Day, the President/Founder of the Foundation, Otunba (Dr.) Sola Fosudo, said that the last five years of the Foundation has been daunting and tasking. He said: “The past five years have been quite historical and full of wonders. As the Foundation grows in age, the vision gets clearer and the response of everyone involved gets deeper and as a result, we continue to witness a steady growth, not only in our register, but also in our activities and programmes of intervention. Currently, the Foundation caters for over 1000 registered beneficiaries including widows, their children, orphans and other vulnerable children. Through our carefully crafted programmes of intervention, we have continued to touch lives quietly, but tangibly.”

While giving the financial report of the 2012 Fiscal Year, Fosudo revealed that “the Foundation has expended N2, 994, 534 of the N2, 997, 600 it got as income through various donations and grants. We have touched the lives of our registered members through various schemes such as scholarship awards, the Business Empowerment Programme (BEP); Soft loans provided in tangible amounts ranging between N50, 000 and N200, 000 through the First Bank Micro-finance bank and also bearing the cost of all the interests accruing on the loans, as well as full payment of the principal and interest for any defaulting member.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 33

MTN staff volunteer 21 days to teach, counsel

BY MUSBAUDEEN SEKONI

T

HE Chairman, MTN, Nigeria, Dr. Pascal Dozie has urged all privileged Nigerians to contribute to development of education in the country, saying that the future of the Nigerian child and of this great nation rests on our willingness to make commitment to contribute in any way to the growth of education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the kick off of 21Days Y’ello Care campaign held at the MTN head office, Falomo, Lagos,Dozie said every Nigerian should do what he could with what they have to help education sector.

Based on UNESCO’s statistics,

Dozie said that Nigeria's current education challenges call for action as 10.5 million Nigerian children of schoolage are said to be out of school, 40% of children aged 6-11 do not attend primary school with 30% drop-outs, and only 54% of Nigerian students transit to Junior Secondary School with the proportion of girls to boys in schools in Nigeria on approximately 1 girl to 3 boys.

He noted that the 21 Days Y’ello Care campaign efforts are aimed at shaping Nigeria’s future through education.

“Given the current state of affairs, I believe that the private sector, civil society, parents and indeed everyone, have a collective role to play in

ensuring that our children receive quality education,” he stated.

The theme for this year's 21 Days Y’ello Care is, Investing in Education for All, for 21days, MTN which says it will contribute to enabling environment for learning, will through the Study Place Project, deploy nine e-libraries across public schools in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt to encourage healthy study habits, promote reading culture and increase access to digital technology amongst Nigerian students.

According to him, other specific projects incorporated into the campaign include: the ‘Y’elloBook Fair,’ which took place right after the opening ceremony in the court yard, the aim, he noted, is to encourage MTNers to buy one book for at least one child to improve learning ability.

*From left: Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, Mrs. Ukpanah Utoh ; Principal, Lanre Awolokun Senior High School, Gbagada, Mrs. Adams Ibironke Abiodun; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma and Project Manager, MTN 21 Days of Y’ello Care, 2013, Mr. Omojola Felix during the donation of a digital library to the school, in Lagos.

UAC Foods celebrates Children’s Day with hearing impaired kids

By EKEMINI EYOH

W

HEN the world celebrated children last Monday, the best set of children UAC Foods, makers of Supreme Ice Cream felt like identifying with were the hearing impaired children at the Wesley School for the Hearing Impaired, Surulere where the staff engaged the children between ages 5 and 12 years and in a ‘’Fun Party” for over 500 children. As early as 8am, Children’s Day Charity Walk started from National Stadium, Surulere through Masha and some major roads in Surulere to the school premises.

UAC Foods put smiles on the faces of these less privileged children as they received free

gifts, ranging from ice cream, snacks to other necessities of the school.

Ololade Adeagbo, 13-yearold basic five girl who spoke through an interpreter said: “I feel very happy today. My message for UAC is that we want to see more of these from them in years to come.” Also, Chika Chukwu 9, a basic five student from Command Day Children's School, a neighbouring school said: “I feel great when I participated in the Charity Walk.

May God bless UAC Foods.”

Speaking with the media shortly after the event, the General Manager, Marketing, UAC Foods Limited, Mrs Joan Ihekwaba stated that her company chose the physically challenged children to put smiles on their faces to show them love and care because they are

less privileged in the society.

“We want them to see the other side of life,” she said.

According to Ihekwaba, they use Supreme Ice Cream to showcase this affection to the children. “We chose them and showered love on them because they cannot pay us back,” she added. She, however, noted that since this was not their first contact with the school, UAC will continue the relationship with Wesley School and others.

In his remarks, the VicePrincipal and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Special Education and Teachers, Lagos State, Mr Alimi Kehinde said that he was not surprised at what UAC has done for the children, noting that the company has been very supportive for years.

Youths versus JAMB, education caricature

T

BY IFEANYI EMMA OSSAI

HE youths of our generation are just the most gullible creatures I’ve ever seen. They say change is the most constant phenomenon in life, yet our forefathers in those days did not allow the changes in their time to destroy their education. Every change must have its own by-products. The byproducts of our own changes are technological innovations like GSM handsets, internet facilities, social networks like Nimbuzz, 2go, Facebook, Watsapp connect, Twitter, foreign and home movies etc.

Today, we have allowed all these outcomes of change to cripple our education to an extent that makes me shed tears.

Education they say, is a veritable tool for national development but I doubt if it is so in my own country because the way we toy with education in this nation will indirectly make it(education) to be an unavoidable tool for national underdevelopment in no distant time.

Why won’t there be mass failure in the just-concluded UTME when reading culture is dead and buried? Is there any shortcut to success? Was it not on face-book that I saw a site where some idiots as well as agents of corruption were advertising for JAMB ‘expo’ few days before the exam? When someone copies nonsense from the facebook and other social networks into his/her scripts, what do you expect? My dear, it’s like expecting a baby boy from your wife when you have just fertilized her egg with female sex genes. That is computer and you. We call it garbage in and garbage out. It’s high time we realized what computer age is doing to us in this country and where it is leading us to. I remember when students lost weight because they were preparing for exams. Such is not obtainable these days. I know there would have been some failures still if all had read but such poor performances could have been reduced drastically.

Yes I know some will blame the teachers or the government for not teaching always, or even employing enough of them and remunerating them as well but does the teacher or the government have to read for the candidates after all? The teacher is just like an eye-opener or if you like, facilitator; after all, he is not omniscient. In my own time at St Teresa’s College, Nsukka, we were forced to read. This was then facilitated by the teachers’ effort.

I was shocked to the marrow while teaching over 50 students preparing for JAMB and WASSCE somewhere at Enugu Ezike when I found out that only two persons among them had read the popular Things Fall Apart. Does the government or the classroom teacher have to read these novels recommended in the Use of English for people like this when they have not even read the one they were supposed to begin from? Funny enough, almost half of these students keep requesting for my friendship on 2go today as their teacher even when I am no longer with them. This is not a joke anymore. We should bear in mind that these people at the helm of affairs in our education system did not undergo all these intellectual laziness which we are known with these days and that is more reason why they waste no time in giving you the mark you merit without any sentiment whatsoever. Bet me, if Achebe had written Things Fall Apart in our own days, he could have died of hunger.

However, I have come to know Nigeria as a nation that likes burying the truth and treating lies as if they were the truth. Otherwise, why is it that instead of prescribimg a way of curbing examination malpractice, they lay blames on the board and take their own wards to private institutions that were built with our church tithes and offerings while the poor ones keep enjoying the ASUU strikes to our own detriment?

Even when some of the law enforcement agents go there, it is to enrich their pockets. But then, no problem; these youths we spoil shall be the ones to stop our vehicles on the road, slap us,blindfold us and take us to destinations unknown, asking us to order for the release of billions of naira before we can live again. To those spoiling this nation, I would have to sarcastically say you should keep it up but do not complain to anybody whenever it boomerangs on you.

In conclusion, too many words can never fill a basket. I am beginning to see a future when we shall all gather with one mouthpiece and confess to be fed up with corruption in this nation. But before this time, we must all have had negative testimonies to give about this, both the ones breeding corruption and the ones who allowed it to sink into their blood. Those in the corridors of power, if they really love their generations yet unborn, should sit up and realize that money may not be the solution to everything. One does not keep stone where one kept an egg. We cannot continue throwing stones into the market square because any of our dear ones may be there (hope someone out there understands proverbs?). We the young ones should also know that social networks have come and may not last forever.

One may be the greatest fool by allowing oneself to be carried away by the tides of time.

•Ifeanyi Emma Ossai wrote from Enugu State.

34—Vanguard, THURSD AY, JUNE 13, 2013 THURSDA

Why milk is good for you

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

M

From left: Managing Director, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mr. Peter Eshikena; President, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof Ngozi Nnam; Corporate Affairs Manager (WAMCO), Mrs Ore Famurewa and Culture Club Chairman (WAMCO), Mr. Akin Adekoya, during the World Milk Day at the company's Lagos head office.

ILK is natures’ most complete food, it contains over 400 nutrients, with endless possibilities.

Milk is not high in calories when it’s low fat so, don’t remove milk totally from your diet, but choose low fat milk since it contains all the nutrients found in full cream milk except for the fat.

Even as an adult, you need to drink milk, bit it is important to know that not all milks are the same. Fortifying milk with vitamins and minerals is a very delicate process, and the quality and quantity of the added nutrients have a direct effect on health.

Stating these facts, President Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, recommends regular drinking of milk because of its richness in calcium and importance for the bones.

“Milk contains more than nine essential nutrients necessary for good

health, strong bones, energy and a stronger immune system,” she noted.

She spoke on World Milk Day, at a forum by FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, noting that the 2013 theme: “Do More with Milk” is a central idea to communicate milk as an essential nutritional beverage for a healthy life style.

Mnam argued the importance of enabling Nigerians exchange knowledge on the various ways milk can be used. Nigerians are already versatile with conventional ways of using milk, hence the awareness is focused on the goodness of milk and education on other possible milk usages and their corresponding nutritional benefits.

World Milk Day was created by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations to reflect on all the goodness that milk represents and its economic importance for rural areas and the food chain as a whole.

Make use of Insecticide Treated Nets, PainCare tells Nigerians

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

H

EAD, Medical team of the Paincare Outreach, Dr. Oluwaseun Bamidele has called for increased use of Insecticide Treated Nets, ITNs,

by Nigerians, noting that 75 per cent of beneficiaries of the Outreach’s monthly medical mission present with features of malaria.

Making the call in Lagos,

Bamidele who lamented that most beneficiaries never visit the hospital, said continuous use of ITNs will reduce to the barest minimum incidences of malaria.

“Commonest complaint at each outreach has been features of malaria and further investigations show that many of the beneficiaries have no ITNs and many of them claim

they do not feel comfortable sleeping under the nets.

“If you see 100 patients, about 75 per cent will have classical features of malaria. Few of them go to hospitals for treatment. Others claim they get discouraged because of follow ups.”

Bamidele who spoke during Paincare’s monthly outreach programme in collaboration

with Redeemed Christian Church of God, Fountain of Praise Area Headquarters, Idimu, Lagos, said to encourage the people, Paincare ensures that every family gets atleast one net, particularly, pregnant women.

Speaking during the outreach, the Founder, Paincare Outreach, Mr. Peter Nwosu explained that the

whole idea of the initiative was aimed at providing free medical services, and drugs, for the poor and the needy in relatively backward communities, while also preaching the gospel to win souls for Christ which has just happened,” he added.

No fewer than 40,000 people have benefited from the outreach since inception.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

I

HAVE been married to my wife for close to ten years now. But my problem is that our sex life has been very very frustrating. Before we got married we can have sex three to four times without complaints.

But things changed immediately we got married as she now sees sex as something that must be endured rather than enjoyed.

She hardly allows me sex until I pick up a quarrel with her. On the occasions that she decides to have sex with me (which must be on bed) she will turn her back and ask me to enter through the back. Even when we do it like this, she makes sure to hide all her sensitive parts like breast with her hand so that I won’t touch them.

The most annoying thing is that on many occasions she would have slept off while am still on it. I have tried my best to make her happy by being a responsible husband to her and my children.

I have called her on many occasions for us to have the matter discussed but if I talk for the whole day she will not have anything to say other than promising that she will change which she never does. This has made me to cheat on her on one or two occasions. But I am not always happy any time I do this because I love her Seyi Hello Seyi. A lot of women and men have very shocking agendas when it comes to marriage. There are people who trick others into marrying them for a variety of reasons such as financial security, to have children or to hide the fact that they are gay or lesbian. It happens all the time.

As soon as the marriage takes place, their behaviour changes and the reluctance to be intimate is one of the signs that there is a major problem. I suggest going for marriage counselling with your wife because she needs to explain herself too.

If that doesn’t work, then I don’t see a happy feature for both of you. You are already cheating on her which is a clear indication that your marriage is tumbling over a cliff – Uche C M Y K

I am not sexually satisfied so I use prostitutes sometimes. I am not happy about it. Once I contacted a sexually transmitted disease. What can I do to stop this? Williams Hello William. First of all, always use a condom in any sexual situation. Secondly, have you received treatment for your STD? If not, go to the hospital and get treatment. And lastly, very few people in this world are sexually satisfied.

That is why adult men and women masturbate. Sex toys such as Foxy’s Platinum Masturbator can help give you relief without the infidelity and risk of contracting a disease – Uche I like your penis sleeves. I am using Stud Extender now and it really does make me look bigger and my woman likes it. But it is covered at the mouth. We are trying to have a baby. Do you have any other good sleeve that is open ended? Thanks – Bello Hello Bello. You can use the Bigger and Better Sleeve or the Invisi Rider Sleeve. They are both open ended – Uche Do you still have Shane Diesel Prolong cream for preventing premature ejaculation? The one I bought is finished – Dike Yes we do. Call the numbers here to get it – Uche I travel a lot so I need a vibrator that can give my wife quality pleasure in my absence. I also want your best penis enlargement pump. Thanks – Andy Hello Andy. Get her the Dual Rotation Rabbit Vibrator and for you, I recommend the Automatic Precision Penis Pump – Uche Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—35

I N S I D E

The NIALS' epochal summit

Young lawyers unemployment is bar's greatest challenge — Akintola — Page 36

— Page 37

June 12: Kudirat’s ghost still cries for justice

BY BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

A

S Nigerians continue to remem ber the passing away of presumed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, who died in incarceration in1998 after being denied his mandate, legal battle over the murder of his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, is still raging following the conviction of Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and Alhaji Lateef Shofolahan, by a Lagos State High Court.

Al-Mustapha, who was the former Chief Security Officer (CSO) to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and Shofolahan, former Personal Assistant to late Kudirat, were sentenced to death following their arraignment on a four-count charge of conspiracy and their involvement in the 1996 murder of the deceased, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Kudirat’s murder case was adjudged to be the longest criminal trials ever experienced in the nation’s history, lasting more than 12 years with five successive judges during which time the accused persons were held in detention. This time in prison calendar is equivalent to 20 years, before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court found Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan guilty of the offence and accordingly sentenced them to death by hanging.

The prosecution, led by Lagos State Solicitor General- Lawal Pedro SAN, had accused Al-Mustapha of ordering Sergeant Barnabas Jabila

•Late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola

were actually relevant to their case and ought to have been admitted in evidence.

Their second ground of appeal was that Justice Dada erred when she relied on the evidence of the first prosecution witness, Dr. Ore Falomo, a medical doctor, to the effect that the bullet extracted from the late Kudirat was a special one, not commonly seen.

They queried the trial judge’s decision to rely on the information by Falomo, knowing that he (Falomo) is neither a Ballistician nor an expert in that field of science. In ground three, the appellants accused Justice Dada of exhibiting bias against them by allegedly rejecting portions of Rogers’ and Katako’s evidences that favoured them, but accepted and relied on the portions that were unfavourable to them.

However, during Monday (June 10) proceeding at the appellate court, counsel to Al-Mustapha, former NBA President, Mr Joseph Daudu SAN, urged the court to allow the appeal and set aside the judgment of the lower court, arguing that the lower court erred in law to have based its judgment on the testimonies of PW1 (Sgt. Rogers) and PW2 (Katako), court to set aside the lower court’s which he said was contradictory. decision and quash the sentence “The testimonies of PW1 and PW2 against them, noting that Justice were inconclusive and contradictory.

Dada erred in law by holding that the The court drew inferences from these contradictions in the evidence by Sgt contradictory statements, to establish Rogers - the second prosecution the guilty of the appellants. It is my witness (PW2) and Mohammed submission that those inferences, Abdul (Katako) - the third prosecuupon which the court based its tion witness (PW3) were immaterial.

They pointed out that the said contra- judgment, were merely political evidence formulated by the responddiction in both witnesses’ evidence,

hours. She added, “the prosecution has proved its case beyond all reasonable doubt. In view of this, they should be hanged.”

Justice Dada held that Sofolahan acted as Judas Iscariot, saying “He was friend to the Abiola family in the open and enemy in secret. He sacrificed his master (Kudirat) because of his personal greed. He was a viper.”

The duo in their notices of appeal filed before the Court of Appeal, Lagos, described the judgment as “unreasonable, unwarranted and cannot be supported for having disregard to the totality of evidence before the trial court.”

Al-Mustapha and Shofolahan’s appeal was predicated on five grounds as they urged the appellate

,

Evidence was manifestedly heavy that they killed Kudirat Abiola. In view of this, they are guilty of conspiracy and murder

(a.k.a Sgt Rogers) to kill Kudirat. At that time Sgt Rogers was a member of both the dreaded Strike Force and Body Guards – military units within the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

“Evidence was manifestedly heavy that they killed Kudiratu Abiola. In view of this, they are guilty of conspiracy and murder,” Dada said in her ruling which lasted several

•Hamza Mustapha

•Lateef Shofolahan ent, and which the trial court ought not to have considered. I therefore urge the court to allow this appeal, and quash the judgment of the lower court,” Daudu submitted.

Counsel to Shofolahan, Mr Olalekan Ojo, aligned himself with the Daudu’s submission.

However, counsel to the respondent Pedro, in his response, urged the court to dismiss the appeal for lack of merit and uphold the judgment of the lower court, saying that apart from the evidence of PW1 and PW2, there were other evidence from the defendants which supports the counts of conspiracy and murder.

The appellate court panel made up of Justice Rita Pemu, Justice F. O. Akinbami, and led by Justice Amina Adamu Augie, reserved the appeal for judgment after the counsel to the appellants and respondent adopted their brief of argument. The court told appellants that the date shall be communicated to them.

,

EDITORIAL TEAM Dayo Benson (Editor) Innocent Anaba Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Young lawyers' unemployment is bar's greatest challenge — Akintola

BY DAYO BENSON

C

HIEF Adeniyi Akintola, SAN is a familiar name in the rank of the silks. A core litigation lawyer, he described himself as one of the few senior lawyers who has traversed the entire 36 states of the federation practising his profession.

This feat, he says makes him eminently qualified to be the next Nigeria Bar Association, NBA president come 2014. Better known as one of the king makers in NBA politics, Akintola in this interview spoke on his ambition, his vision for the association particularly the plight of teeming unemployed young lawyers who now populate the bar and how he hopes to tackle the problem among other issues. Excerpts.

I

N NBA politics you are better known as a kingmaker, why does the kingmaker now want to become king?

We are stakeholders because we know what has been happening at the bar. We know the inner workings of the bar and I have been a good follower of my seniors, which include Chief Okpoko (SAN), Chief Olanipekun (SAN), Chief OCJ Okocha (SAN), Mr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN),

dues, honouring them.

So we feel that if these people have played their parts successfully, nature demands that we too who have been following them can take after them. We cannot just be there as onlookers.

What would you say is the major drive behind your ambition?

The drive really is the pathetic state of the junior at the bar. I practice across the 36 states of the federation.

At the risk of being

,

In England, for example, they have Inner Temple, Middle Temple and Outer Temple. But here we have over-centralised things in Nigeria

,

just to mention a few.

They brought the bar back from its comatose together with our elders such as Chief Aiku, Ahamba, Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim, and so on. These are the people we’ve been following and pay our

immodest, I think all of us, the four contestants that have shown interest, are eminently qualify to contest for the post of NBA President.

But I think that I am the only one that can say I know the terrain of the country. I’m not

•Adeniyi Akintola SAN just there because of the course of election. I know where the shoe pinches people in the profession. It is not enough for you to seat at Ibadan, Lagos, or Port Harcourt and say you know the bar.

I intend to see what we can do, with the support of my other colleagues, and better the course of legal profession. I realise that no single person can do it alone.

Could you expantiate how you intend to address the issue of unemployment of young lawyers?

The first thing I will do, with the support of other members of the bar, is to ensure that the constitution of this country is followed.

We will also ensure that those at the helm of affairs in the country develop the will to implement the laws of the land. If for instance we have 774 local government councils, across the

country, there is no reason why each of the local government cannot have its own legal office.

With the support of my other colleagues, we will engage the people that matter in all these corporations.

Also within the ministries, how many lawyers are being employed?

We need to regulate the legal profession. It should be regulated and democratised in such a way that we don’t need to have only one inner court. In England, for example, they have Inner Temple, Middle Temple and Outer Temple. But here we have over-centralised things in Nigeria.

That in itself is a clog in the wheel of progress of the nation vis-a-vis of the profession.

We need to move in the direction of privatizing the law school. We need to take it outside the realm of government control. In all civilized world, includ-

ing America, law school is not exclusive affairs of the government. I know this can be changed by amendment of the constitution. If the NBA initiates it, the National Assembly will listen and do it.

Would your program include pegging the minimum wage for lawyers especially the junior ones?

You cannot regulate what an employer would pay an employee. The Bar is not a trade union. I belong to the school of thought that says you cannot pay a junior in your chambers adequately.

Where I was trained, thank God my principal is still alive, I didn’t earn salary for three years, but I was not starving at the same time. This is because the mechanism for the welfare of junior that was put in place worked. Then we used to have what we called transport allowance.

For every time you went out to handle a case you were paid N20.

You know it was a lot of money then. But if you followed your principal to court in the morning, you would not be entitled to anything because you would be riding in his car. But Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), God bless him, changed the situation.

He and Chief Ajibade started the idea of paying and paid very well too. He introduced something that was very novel. Everybody in the chambers must be on ‘X’ Naira. It might be N10.

There are four of you

who have indicated interest to contest the NBA presidency in 2014 and one is from the Mid-west has been alleging marginalisation by the West . What is your take on this?

If I have my way, the issue of zoning of the bar offices would not arise. When we came on board, there was no zoning at the bar. The bar offices were meant for the best. That was why the area you just mentioned has produced the highest number of bar leaders.

Check it out, Douglas, Dr. Mudiaga Ojey, Chief ACJ Okpoko (SAN).

After the NBA came back from comatose, the first person to be elected president of the bar was Chief Okpoko, God bless him. Where is the marginalisation? The bar is one. When we introduced the new constitution under Okpoko, it was to give everybody a sense of belonging. Nobody thought of where you came from. That was how the first beneficiaries were elected. In spite of lack of concentration of lawyers in the West and the East.

Check the list of past leaders of the bar, from Chief FRA Williams (SAN), and look at the areas they came from, you will find that ethnicity has nothing to do with it. To me we don’t need to zero it to ethinicity because this is one of the banes of the Nigerian society that is dragging us back. Have you ever heard ICAN or NMA basing the elections of their presidents on ethnicity?

How would you assess the present leadership of the NBA? The present leadership is trying. It is capturing our vision very well. You have to appreciate something that at the bar there is no room for one man show. It is a collective thing. No bar leader would go there and formulate any policy without due consultation with the stakeholders. We have our different issues, but the goals are the same. The approach may be different.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13 13, 2013—37

The NIALS' epochal summit

BY AWA KALU, SAN

T

HE Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, was the fitting venue for the

Centenary Law Summit carefully and brilliantly packaged by the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies to celebrate this nation’s

Law School class 2003 holds Reunion Luncheon The Nigerian Law School class 2003, May 29 held a Reunion Luncheon to mark the 10th year anniversary of the set graduation. The gathering which took place at the Lagos Campus of the school on Victoria Island was preparatory to a dinner that will hold at a later date.

Members of the Dinner Committee

remarkable one hundred years of legal development. The event drew a large attendance, from start to finish. In attendance at a colourful opening ceremony was the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan on whose watch the nation will celebrate its centenary in 2014. Also on hand was the Senate President, David Mark, ably represented by the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Our dear lady, Hon. Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, GCON current Chief Justice of Nigeria was in attendance, flanked by a former chief Justice of this great country, Hon. Justice S.M.A. Belgore, GCON. Perhaps, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor of Anambra State being the only State Governor present would bear testimony to the heartwarming events of the day to his counterparts who obviously missed a

Awa Kalu, SAN historic occasion. It bears recalling that the President, on arrival at the event, visited an exhibition gallery mounted by the Institute in which the period 1914 to the present were depicted by photographs acknowledging the milestones. Hon. Justice S.M.A Belgore made a presentation on Law and Society: 100 years of Legal development in Nigeria in the course of which the learned jurist traced the development of the court system in Nigeria from its origin to the present and thanked providence that he had played his part in shaping the judiciary from the humblest

judicial office to the pinnacle of his career as the chief Justice of Nigeria. His Lordship’s well researched presentation served as the first course of what later proved a multicourse intellectual feast.

Next on the platter was a robustly delivered welcome speech by the Director-General of the Institute Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, an erudite scholar whose intellectual power and unwavering zeal has raised the tempo of academic activity at the Institute to a level that cannot but be commended. The learned Professor prayed God Almighty to grant the President the enablement to steer the ship of this nation in the direction that will make it the envy of all. The learned AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the affable Senior Advocate of Nigeria and the Supervising Minister of the Institute was well acknowledged after his

well articulated welcome address. The learned AttorneyGeneral’s invitation to Mr. President to address the audience and the President’s carefully delivered Address by which the summit was declared open, easily set the tone for other days of a brilliant exchange of ideas by some of the brightest minds from within and outside Nigeria.

It has to be noted that the summit was anchored on the theme Law and Society: 100 years of Legal Development in Nigeria interrogated under several sub themes including Law and Transformation Agenda, Law and Security, Law and Investment, Law and Good Governance, Law and Justice, Law and Religion, and Law and Agriculture. Other sub themes were Law and Global Peace, Law and Public Policy, Law and Gender, Law and Social Security, Law and Climate change and Law and Development.

To be continued.

Nigeria's de devvelopment dilemma

BY CHRIS EKPENYONG

Some members of 2003 class.

Secretary of the NBA Lagos Bar, Mr. Alex Muoka and a member of the Class at the Reunion Luncheon

Members displaying the proposed logo of the sect

S

OON, and very soon, Nigeria will be hitting hundred years as one nation welded together by the force of colonialism. Many of us have asked whether this should be counted as an achievement; and if so, whether it is worth rolling out the drums in celebration. Not many have answered in the affirmative, and not a few have seen much grace in any merriment.

For me, I think we should thank God, rather than celebrate, for leaving us in one piece despite our strident effort to destroy ourselves. Fortunately, we still remain one nation in spite of our efforts to crush ourselves; I mean one cantankerous, divisive and potentially self destruct geographical expression.

You may not agree with me; I could be branded a fatalist or too circumspective to hold the waning thinking that come what may, Nigeria is the proverbial Beatle where “there is no

Chris Ekpenyong killing’’. I am not saying we are a failed state, but let’s examine our myriads of problems.

Have we not transited rapidly from a country of peace loving people bound together by decent cultures and character attributes to a nation of savages so blood thirsty that we kill for God, kidnap for ransoms and assassinate to gain vantage political positions? Have we not witnessed a ravenous proclivity to loot the nation’s treasury so much that culprits are not just tolerated but caressed? Have we not come to a point where friends of treasury looters carry placards in defense of the culprits?

Is it not only the coura-

geous that does business in Nigeria because the bureaucracy inherited from the British has become a vindictive tool to destroy peoples’ investments? Ask Ibeto.

Haven’t we seen people burst into celebration when PHCN gives light even at low current all because darkness is their true item of trade? Is it not true that the bulk of the water we drink come from untreated private boreholes? How do you hide the despair on the faces of our youths who having escaped all kinds of maltreatment from the hands of their teachers, and abysmally poor learning facilities, end up in the booming unemployment market?

What do we make of the over 60% of the nation’s poor in a place where the nation’s GDP is growing at about 6.5% annually with exotic cars all over the place and private jets littering our air space? Is something not wrong with our income distribution and overall development paradigm? Are we not patronizing tertiary educational institutions

in less endowed neighboring countries because incessant closures have made graduation dates uncertain in our schools?

These are some of the salient questions we must ask ourselves before the loud crash that we are inexorably headed. Reasons have been advanced for the rising spate of insurgents in the country and some have been attributed to religious intolerance of the jihadist genre, others arise from indigene/settlers conflicts; and there is the struggle to cut a pie from regions’ resources carted away to the centre for distribution. There is also the theory of political space creation due to lack of internal democracy in the political parties. Let’s ask: have we seen any Central Bank staff, a Chevron worker, a UAC employee, indeed any gainfully employed person tie a bomb to his waste on a

Chris Ekpenyong, former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is a lawyer.

To be continued.

38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

OATUU calls for more African representation at ILO

T

HE Organization of Afri can Trade Union Unity, OATUU) has appealed to the Director-General of the International Labour Organization ( ILO) to engage more African employees in order to ensure a fair representation for Africa at the ILO. In a letter to the ILO Director-General, Mr. Guy Rider, the executive secretary of OATUU, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, who said OATUU identifies with the ongoing reform of the ILO stated, “for the reforms to be meaningful to Africa, they must address two fundamental issues; the under representation of Africans in the ILO (mainly at its headquarters) and fair representation of all peoples and continents in the ILO Governing Body.”

To buttress his point, he stated that “ there are only two Africans out of 21 at the top career level (D2 level) in the ILO, while at the next level of Dl, there are about nine Africans out of 73 (only five of them at the headquarters). Moreover, out of the 249 staff members in the top professional grade (PS), Africa accounts for less than 20. The statistics get worse as we descend the hierarchy ladder to the handful of young Africans employed in the ILO.”

ILO to reach five million workers with HIV Counseling

T

HE International Labour Organization, ILO, supported by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), has launched an initiative to reach 5 million workers with Voluntary and confidential HIV Counseling and Testing (VCT@WORK) by 2015. A release from the ILO in Geneva at its on -going 102, International Labour Conference explained “The initiative will ensure that people who test positive are referred to HIV services for care and support, and treatment if needed.”

The ILO director-general, Mr. Guy Rider said, “We want to use the mobilizing power of the ILO to encourage 5 million working women and men to undertake voluntary HIV testing by 2015,.

He called upon all ministries of labour, employers’ and workers’ organizations to join forces and turn this target into reality. “The countdown to 2015 has begun – let us make each day count!” he added.

C M Y K

Why trade unions are docile—Ejiofoh RECENTLY, Labour Vanguard published the first part of Comrade Sylvester Ejiofoh response to its story on takeover of trade unions by bourgeois labour leaders. Today’s edition of Labour Vanguard is the concluding part of the interview.

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

H

OW can workers reclaim the unions from aristocrats and proprietors posing as labour leaders?

The essential thing is education, labour education and the right type of labour education.

Labour education cannot be value free, while addressing the technical issues like how do you resolve grievances with employees, how do you gain concessions from employers by way of collective bargaining, etc, but collective bargaining has a class character, it has a social character. So, you do not just teach collective bargaining in the formalistic sense.

You must look at its underlying factors.

Collective bargaining is essentially or to some extent, a procedure which manifests power relations. You cannot have meaningful bargaining or bargaining process that ends up in a balanced or shared gain. A weak union cannot bargain with a strong employer. A non-democratic union in which the leadership does not represent the aspirations of the rank and file members cannot bargain meaningfully.

Nigerian development So, you have to use appropriate labour education, which is a combination of techniques, knowledge, skills and the context of trade union as a movement.

Anything short of that, the problem will persist. It is not a phenomenon which is to a large extent, a Nigerian development. It is a global development.

There are allegations that some labour leaders conspired with officials of the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to effect changes in their constitutions for their personal greed. What is your take on this?

Well, like a society in which anything is possible, ideally, the registrar of trade unions can only effect changes in union’s constitutions if those amendments are product of trade union conferences, and in keeping with the provision of the trade union act which provides for what trade union’s constitution should contain.

ership should be embodiment of simplicity, humility and modesty.

Where you decide to do otherwise, you have to fund it and to fund it, mean you must do funny things including employers’ funding.

There was a statement made some years ago, by one of late politicians whom I revered very well, Chief Enahoro. He said unions should beware of subversive generosity of employers and government. Where government funds your campaigns, where government assists unions to hold conferences, is it doing it without interest, covert or overt?

When government buys union’s cars, you may say yes, it is our money. I have not objection where Federal Government or state government goes to the National Assembly and say, look, we want to assist trade union educationally and it is in the budget and debated, it is done all over the world.

Subversive generosity

Comrade Sylvester Ejiofoh Again, there is other aspect which you must look at. When trade unions do not conform to trade union tradition, the tendency is that other elements come to play. What you may call primordial elements or cleavages like ethnicity or religious cleavages. We are lucky that these elements are not very strong in our country.

It has to do with the value system of the leaders, why trade unions emerged and how they emerged. Ideally, appointed union’s officials should emerge from working class. That is from those who were employees, and members of the unions.

If you are never a wage earner and did not start your trade union career from the shop steward or the branch level and grew up and in the process, gone to trade union classes, and enhanced your academic qualifications before you become a full time official, there is a problem, a problem of being disconnected from the expectations and behaviours of the working man and woman.

If you are employed directly from outside in which case, you came in as there is a labour market, you came as unemployed, you lack the culture of the working man and woman. But where you started your trade union career before you became full time official from the rank and file, you pay union dues and you go through appropriate labour education, you can hardly become

aristocratic or bureaucratic. When those elected too, did not pass through same mills, they have problems. Unlike politics, you know in Nigeria, you can join a

,

BITS Bits

So, union must be very careful of subversive generosity from employers in particular and government. The issue is, how will the ordinary worker view it, that his or her union is longer independent of the employer which is a major attribute of a trade union?

Any union which is not independent of the employer or government directly or indirectly cannot be said to be a democratic union.

So, you now have this aberration in the country when Nigerian trade unions are more active, more resolute under the military and a little bit care free under the socalled elected civilian authorities

party within a year of two, you can become the presidential candidate, but in trade union, ideally, the movement should be from the shop steward level. Elected officials, who passed through that process and had the opportunity of being trained in the right manners, will not be proprietors. They will appreciate the fact that the working man and woman who is a member of the union; is not an individual you can exploit.

What should be the life style of a labour leader?

Again, the social value of the individuals, trade union movement is not a place for poverty.

Trade unions should be able to provide for their leaders but not to provide for them in sense of imitating the affluence character which characterizes the Nigerian leadership style in every respect.

A trade unionist either elected or appointed should not live in Victoria Island or Lekki Peninsular; they live in Yaba and Surulere and pay the same rent. The issue is not until you go in rags; lead-

,

Definitely, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. So, you now have this aberration in the country when Nigerian trade unions are more active, more resolute under the military and a little bit care free under the so-called elected civilian authorities.

Equally, the government and employers should know that where you decide to subvert the independence of the trade unions, the reactions from the rank and file members when they find out at the time of crisis, the union cannot control them. So, both sides must know that it is not their best interest to subvert trade union independence. So, they could ask questions on the funding of the union. Equally, on the part of those appointed, their salary or income should not be a secret. People can ask how come he is now driving a jeep of this dimension. I am not preaching the gospel of poverty, no. Whatever we do, we must be ideal union leaders, be modest, humble and simplistic.

Vanguard,THURSDAY, June 13, 2013—39

Pension Act Amendment: Senate to

raise contribution to 20 %

BY HENRY UMORU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

I

F the amendment to the Pension Re form Act, PRA, 2004, by the Senate sails through, total contributions by both employers and employees to the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS will be increased to 20 percent as against 15 percent currently being contributed.

Instead of the 7.5 ratio of contribution by employers and employees, the thinking of the Senate is that the employers will contribute 12% while the employees will contribute. 8%.

This was part of the high points of the debate on a bill tagged: A bill for an Act to repeal the Pension Reform Act (No.2) 2004 and Enact the Pension Reform Act 2013 to make Provision for Contributory Pension Scheme and for Connected Matters 2013,” sponsored by Victor Ndoma-Egba, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Cross River Central.

Supporting the bill, its sponsor, Senator Ndoma-Egba, said the bill, apart from securing the future of retirees, was also meant to boost the economy by improving the financial market.

PRTT worsens pensioners’ plight H

According to him, the over N2.9 trillion accumulated pension funds would be used for financing infrastructural projects, job creation and other profitable national ventures, saying “the bill provides for the establishment of a pension protection fund to pool resources for funding of minimum guaranteed pensions. This bill will strengthen the pension commission to administer, regulate, supervise and re-enforce the current pension reforms. As at Sept 2012 the estimated accumulated pension funds stood at about N2.9 Trillion. One can imagine the impact of such funds in the economy if channeled properly.”

Ndoma-Egba said when passed into law, the bill would improve payment of retirement benefits, timely remittance of pension and correct the defects in the extant bill.

He recalled that the bill was read first in the Senate on Thursday 18th April, 2013, stating that the major highlights of the Pension Reform Act, 2004, were that the scheme would be contributory and fully funded.

If passed into law, the bill would, according to its sponsor, make it manda-

tory for organizations in the private sector with five staff and above, to invest in pension contributions.

He explained that it was not only a safe but high yielding ventures that would increase faster than the rate of inflation and exchange rate, contending that it would ensure enhanced pension package on retirement. Further, Egba explained that the bill was seeking to provide for full pension rights even in the event of dismissal, insisting that the bill equally provided that deposits in the retirement Savings Account could not be deducted by employers for any financial obligations.

According to him, lawmakers were living witnesses to the recent events relating to the management of pension funds in the country just as he identified non remittance of pension contributions to the Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs; delay in payment and sometimes non-payment of gratuities to pension retirees; under-payment of retirement benefits; withdrawal of some security agencies from the scheme and corruption, misappropriation, embezzlement of the pension funds as some inadequacies of the extant law.

E argued that even the Pen sion Reform Task Team, PRTT, set up to bring some sanity to the system, worsened the plight of the pensioners. Ndoma-Egba added that the thrust of the bill was to overhaul the entire structure and the scheme of pension administration in the country including, “the establishment of a uniform set of rules, regulations and standards for the administration and payment of Abdulwaheed Omar, Nigeria Labour retirement benefits for the public serSenator Ndoma-Egba Congress, NLC, President vice in all tiers of government and the private sectors, thus, making provisions pointed, they should also go and take example from counfor the smooth operations of the contributory pension try like China that has successfully managed their penscheme and ensuring that every worker receives his resion so that we do not repeat the mistakes others have tirement benefits as and when due.” made in the past. The national budget is 4.9 trillion and Leading the debate Senate President, David Mark, said we have money in the pension fund up to 2.9 trillion. So to achieve success in the management of pension fund, you can imagine the amount of money at the disposal of Nigeria must change strategies including the engagement few individuals who are not properly supervised, who have of experienced and professional fund managers. no training in management, and who just dip their hands He blamed the problems in the management of Nigeria’s into the funds as and when they feel like”. pension fund to engagement of those he referred to as Senator Mark said the essence of the pension reform “rookies”, regretting that the development had negatively bill was to make sure people with little or no experience affected pensioners, contending that a whooping N2.9 trilwere no longer allowed to manage the country’s pension lion pension money was left in the hands of few inexperifunds. enced persons with little knowledge on pension fund man“I think the essence of this pension reform is to make agement. sure people who are properly trained are put in charge of According to him, “We must do everything possible to the pension fund for proper management. There is hardly make sure that people who have worked and contributed any pensioner in this country who is not going through receive their pension on time. I think the problem we have hell. He makes all his contribution, when it’s time for him had is that we have all sorts of rookies. People who have to receive his pension, then people don’t recognize him no idea about managing funds, not to talk of very huge anymore. But when he is paying his contribution, he is a pension fund to manage. And I think it is a very specialvery lovely person and everybody is petting him until he ized area where you cannot just wake up tomorrow mornretires. When he should now enjoy his pension, then the ing and be appointed to manage the pension fund. nation forgets him. It is bad and we must do everything “We should look for people who are very experienced in possible to make sure that people who have worked and the management of pension. And before people are apcontributed receive their pension on time”, he added.

PenCom verifies employees ahead of retirement

BY VICTOR AHIUMAYOUNG

T

HE National Pension Commission, PenCom, is presently verifying for employees of Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, that are Treasury-Funded, ahead of their retirement next year.

The exercise which began on June 3, would end on July 11, 2013.

A statement by PenCom’s head of Communication unit, Emeka Onuora, said the exercise meant for employees in the service of the Federal Government “who are due to retire between January and December, 2014 by virtue of attaining 60 years of age or 35 years in service whichever is earlier or 65 years in service or 70 years of age for employees of tertiary institutions, is for the purpose of payment of retirement benefits. This physical enrolment also covers those who have already retired but are yet to be enrolled.”

“Employees are requested to attend the enrolment exercise with the originals and copies of letter of appointment, birth certificate/declaration of age, promotion letter and pay slip indicating grade level and step as at 30th June, 2004.Other requirements for the enrolment exercise include letter from the MDAs indicating retirement and first appointment dates, grade level and step as at July 2007 as well as the current grade level, authenticated past records of service and current pay slip indicating grade level and step. They should also come along with evidence of registration with a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) indicating Personal Identification Number (PIN) and one passport photograph.

Acting Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu

40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard Vanguard,,

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 41

YOUR LUCK TODAY

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

ARIES: Good results can be achieved but, your mood looks less buoyant. Whatever happens, this is the wrong time to gamble with matters of the heart.

TAURUS: Since you cant run away from your shadow it is better you face challenges coming your way both at home and in the office. Eventual success’ll be yours very soon.

GEMINI: Although, partnership related issues are becoming seriously, today you will need to rely on your creative mind to get the desired results.

CANCER: Similar to yesterday as money continues to dominate issues. This is the wrong time to rely too heavily on friends either for assistance or advice.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

A

great thinker once wrote that words are the forerunner of our action. People first hear us talk before they see us act our talk. It is what we say that first captures their attention and ensure that they give us au-

Talking to people dience.

You may be a great actor but if you are not able to market your skill you will have a scanty audience. And if you are a leader, if you can’t communicate your

intention, chances are that you will have a very low followership. This is where ability to speak and communicate appropriately comes in. It is not enough to know it,

TERROR MUDA in “Never say goodbye”

the question is can you convince people that you know it?

Talking to people is a skill everyone of us should develop. The leader, the marketer, the politician, the manager etc. we all need the skill.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LEO: You’ll continue to be relevant in the scheme of things, although you’ll be made to operate under pressure through career/business related affairs but great success indicated for you today. Be stable.

VIRGO: It’s your day when good luck’ll crown your efforts. The more secretive you are the better for your cause. Avoid unnecessary argument.

LIBRA: Reliable associates of yours may unconsciously disappoint you .Nursing false hope may force emotion to run very high. Be patient please.

SCORPIO: If you like to cut-corners you’ll need to prepare for unpleasant surprise as those you least expect’ll disappoint you. Prepare to protect your image.

SAGITTARIUS: Relying on the element of luck today may fail to give you the desired results. Then it’ll be wrong of you to disrespect the law and/or it’s enforcement agents.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

CAPRICORN: It’s important to differentiate between enterprise, gambling and adventure, because you may not go free by unnecessary mistake. Take love very seriously.

AQUARIUS: Many people are not in the mood to take thing lightly probably because of tension generated by the Moon and Saturn. Thus you’ll need to be prepared to take responsibility of whatever you do and/or say.

PISCES: Unnecessary argument can not help your cause today, no matter how logical you think you are. Take domestic issues more seriously than before.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Who am I?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Joshua, Kindly analyse my star and tell me the type of person I am. Because not only other people do misunderstand me I do not sometimes know myself. Please tell me the truth.

Abraham, Epe.

Dear Abraham, As you were born when both career-oriented-Saturn and loving Venus were prominent in the heaven, you are giving to both ambition and love related issues. And with Venus having more powers than Saturn, PEACE, LOVE and harmony will always have final influence whenever you are to take important final decision.

As loving, gentle, caring and good hearted as you are, with your final-dispositor (Venus) at 90th degree apart to rebellious Uranus in Kingly Leo, FREEDOM and JUSTICE must come to play before the said love and peace will get your final approval.

Naturally Cancer makes it’s natives to appear timid and cool headed but another vigorous aspect in your chart is conjunction formed by aggressive Mars and manipulative Pluto when you were born; thus your will-power is very strong, making it difficult for people to manipulate you at will.

To crown it all the Moon (an indicator of sub-conscious-self ) was placed in genius related Aquarius.

Therefore will power strengthened by educated mind will always want to have FREEDOM. With your natal Sun (basic selfhood) and Moon placed in Cancer and Aquarius respectively, you are mainly a Cancer born person and partly Aquarian; meaning that basic characteristics of the two said Star sings (Cancer and Aquarius) are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & AWAY

by Lawrence Akapa

42 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Criminal, civilian courts to be established — FCT CJ

ESUT sacks 5 lecturers over alteration of students' grades

E

BY ODINIYA RUTH

BY TONY EDIKE

NUGU—THE Governing Council of Enugu State University of Science and Technology, ESUT, yesterday, terminated the appointment of five staff of the university for alleged alteration of students’ grades.

The four lecturers and the staff who is a computer operator, according to a statement by the Director, Public Relations of the institution, Mr. Ossy Ugwuoti, were from the department of Computer Engineering of the university.

Ugwuoti said one of the sanctioned lecturers (names withheld), who had served as Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, had engaged the others in the alteration of the grades submitted to him by lecturers during the computation of final year results.

He recalled that ESUT Governing Council had at its 129th meeting, warned that severe disciplinary action would be visited on any staff of the university involved in any form of academic fraud.

The disciplinary action against the affected staff was said to be part of efforts to sanitize the institution of corrupt staff whose activities had negatively affected its image.

Abia Fire Service seals illegal pump stations

U

MUAHIA—NO fewer than 10 illegal pump stations selling flammable liquids on major streets of Umuahia have been closed by Abia Fire Services.

Mr Victor Gbaruko, the state Director of Fire Services, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that the closure was to prevent fire disasters.

He explained that the location of the stations posed danger to the neighbourhood.

He said: “We have discovered that people are opening up pump stations where they sell flammable liquid on major streets in Umuahia.

“Nobody is authorised to open such station without going through the fire services and the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, has not given any such approval”.

Gbaruko said necessary steps had been taken to clamp down on such activities.

A

CONFERMENT—Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, and some members of the traditional rulers council of Ebonyi State after being conferred with the title of Enyi Oha 1 of Ebonyi by the Chairman, Traditional Council of Ebonyi State, Dr. Eze Agom Eze, in Abakaliki. Photo: State House.

Flood ravages Imo community

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA WERRI—RESIDENTS of Amakohia, Owerri North local government area of Imo State, are now counting their losses, following a devastating flood occasioned by heavy downpour that hit the area in the past two days.

Already, many of the residents have started packing out of the area to avert further losses, while others were seen flushing water out of their homes when Vanguard visited the scene of the ugly incident.

Some of the severely hit victims, who spoke to Vanguard, explained that their respective families were in their homes when suddenly, they realized that their homes had been submerged by the devastating flood.

The respondents, including Mrs. Kelechi Umunna, Mrs. Boniface Ijeoma and Mazi Chi-

O

naka Awuzie, lamented that they lost all their property in the flood.

While some others blamed the incident on the construction company currently handling the new road in the area, which they claimed effectively blocked the drainage system and diverted the flood, Chief Obinna Ibole reasoned that there could be more to the ugly incident than met the eye.

He said: “The truth is that people who will read your (Vanguard) story, may not fully appreciate the enormity of the disaster.

“We must also realize that the rainy season is still in its infant stage. Only God can tell what people will pass through at the peak of the rains,” Ibole reasoned.

Although he was thankful to

God that no life was lost. Chief Ibole however, appealed to the state government to quickly come to the assistance of Amakohia people.

Debunking the rumour that trailed the incident, the company’s site engineer, Mr. Thaddeus Okafor, maintained that his establishment was not the cause of the flood disaster.

Okafor said: “Flooding in Amakohia had been an age long problem. Some of the residents built their family homes on the natural waterways and since water finds it course, some of it obviously flowed into family homes”.

Efforts to contact the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Nick Oparandudu, proved abortive as he could not be reached on his mobile telephone for his comment on the incident.

June 12, a welcome aberration— Rights group

A

BY LAJA THOMAS

rights group, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders, CACOL, yesterday described the June 12, 1993, election won

by Late Chief MKO Abiola as a welcome aberration.

Speaking on behalf of the Coalition, its Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran, averred that though the June 12 election remained the only free and fair election ever conducted in the country, it was a proceed of corrupt practices.

“Though June 12 remains the only free and fair election ever conducted in this country, but the processes that preceded it marred the credibility of the election.

“Apart from the fact that it was not based on genuine constitutional practice, it was the military that foisted the rule that led to June 12.

“About 23 political parties were

proscribed, several politicians who showed interest in contesting elections were banned in favour of what the then military government of General Ibrahim Babangida called the new breed, despite the fact that the new breed politicians were not allowed to freely contest.

“The military chose those they allowed to contest elections. Even the political parties Chief MKO Abiola and Bashir Tofa contested on their platform, Social Democratic Party, SDP, and National Republican

Convention, NRP, were created by the military government.

“From the standard practice, it is our belief that it is party that should create government, not government creating party.

“This means that those political parties upon which Chief MKO Abiola and Bashir Tofa contested were not a true choice of the people because parties are supposed to be established by people of like minds, not that somebody will impose his own party on the people".

Ilesha Grammar school holds reunion

T

HE Vice Chancellor, Uni versity of Ibadan, Professor Folorunso Adewole, will host his classmates from Ilesha Grammar Schoo, Ilesha, Osun state, 1970 set to a reunion at the VC Lodge, UI

on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 2.00pm.

According to a statement by the 1970 set of the school, crucial issues on the development of the school will be discussed

BUJA—THE Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Ibrahim Bukar, said yesterday, that plans had been concluded to create criminal and civilian courts for speedy dispensation of justice.

Justic Bukar said this at the inauguration of the newly elected International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA, in Abuja.

Bukar said: “We want to set motion for effective implementation of family courts that will replace the existing once that has been poorly constituted as its sinks the child’s right act.”

Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Amina Agbaje, said FIDA had offered to give para-legal training to women and children in the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.

Agbaje said: “Our focus will be selfless service, because we acknowledged that we have been afforded the privilege of giving back to society".

Pry education: Chime tasks SUBEB

E

NUGU—GOVER NOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has inaugurated the newly constituted State Universal Basic Education Board, ENSUBEB, with a charge to reposition primary education in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Patrick Okolo, also urged the new board members to eschew all forms of laxity and corruption in the discharge of their duties warning that any officer found wanting in these regards would be held to account.

He reminded them that they were appointed based on their credentials and capacities to meet the expectations of government in the discharge of their duties, adding that the administration had no room for disappointment or failure.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 43

Edo youths disagree over Ize-Iyamu’s comment on Igbinedion’s administration B

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

ENIN CITY—YOUTHS in Edo State, yesterday, disagreed with the South South Vice Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, over his recent disclosure that godfatherism and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, crisis negatively affected the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.

Meantime, Edo Unity League, said Ize-Iyamu should, rather be commended for his polical bravery.

Ize-Iyamu, was Secretary to the Edo State Government, SSG, under the administration of Igbinedion.

Coordinator of Edo Youths for Truth and Transparency in Governance, Mr. Fred Udo, who addressed newsmen in Benin, noted that contrary to the claim by Ize-Iyamu that he was not powerful in that administration, said: “As Chief of Staff and later SSG, he was powerful and that was why he was able to create the group “No man is God” which he used to battle the Tony Anenih group to standstill. He was virtually running the government, including the Office of the Governor, because the governor was more or less unavailable.

“So, he cannot distance himself from that government. Governor Adams Oshiomhole is working

because he is providing the right leadership and he can manage the resources properly for the betterment of Edo people. But the Igbinedion government failed the people and it will not make sense to try to defend it.”

Disagreeing with Edo PDP’s insistence that Pastor Ize-Iyamu destroyed the administration of Igbinedion, the Edo Unity League, said the former SSG

deserved commendation. “Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu’s wrong doing was his excessive courtesy in unveiling the big masquerade, called Edo godfather, who ruined Edo State by his dictatorial tendencies.

“If Edo PDP is to be taken seriously in future political pursuits, it must unequivocally admit leadership failures in the past, particularly for imposing unpopular

ideas, programmes and candidates over and above credible ones.

“It should admit that Ize-Iyamu had articulated the sad realities of the underpinnings that derailed its democratically elected two terms; and which ultimately led to the mass revolt of the electorates, culminating in the election of Oshiomhole,” it stated.

AWARD: From left: West African Regional Director of Ben TV, Mr. Steven Izedome; Chairman, Labour Party, LP, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu; Mrs. Abosede Enikuomehin, and Mr. Ben Enikuomehin, when Ben TV gave him an award for Unique Initiatives towards development in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday.

Boko Haram: Group tasks FG on refugees in ECOWAS

L

BY HUGO ODIOGOR

AGOS—THE Federal Gov ernment has been urged to assist Nigerians, forced to flee to neighbouring West African countries to escape from the Boko Haram violence in Northern Nigeria.

Human Rights Initiative, HRI, President, Chief Philip Emetulu, in Asaba, Delta State, said that “the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency, open a bilateral corridor with other West African countries to address the sufferings of Nigerians, who had taken refuge in ECOWAS countries, while fleeing from Boko Haram terrorism in the northern.

“While we welcome the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan, imposing state of emergency on Adamawa, Bor-

no and Yobe states, we must not overlook the plight of Nigerians, especially victims of the Boko Haram onslaught, who sought refuge outside the

country and are being denied assistance.”

He said thousands of Nigerians are living in pitiable condi-

Stakeholders pledge enabling environment as French investors visit Rivers

BY EGUFEYAFUGBORHI

P

ORT HARCOURT—THE government and organised private sector in Rivers State have pledged to produce the enabling environment for the over 10 visiting French investment groups, exploring expansionist business opportunities in the state.

At a session to acquaint some French businessmen with prospective Nigerian partners and

target clients in Port Harcourt, Rivers State House of Assembly and Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, PHACCIMA, jointly guaranteed a safe business environment, while pledging to take necessary steps to secure investor’s stakes in the state.

Deputy Speaker of the state Assembly, Mr. Leyii Kwanee, who spoke for government said through proactive legislations,

Clark gets commendation over Okorodudu, Obiuwevwi

N

IGER Delta youths, under the aegis of Niger Delta Youth Coalition, have commended the South South political leader, Chief Edwin Clark for influencing the appointment of Chief Emmanuel Okorodudu as Director, Anambra, Imo River Basin Development Authority, Chief Christopher Obiuwevwi, member Delta State Oil Producing Areas De-

tions without support from other ECOWAS countries, where they are left to fend for the themselves.

velopment Commission, DSOPADC and Mr. D. A Johnson, member Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC. The group in a statement by its chairman, Chief Okeh Taiwo, described Clark as a worthy son of the South South, who had attracted development to the

region through recommendation of qualified indigenes of the zone for appointment at local, state and federal levels.

Praying God to give Chief Clark long life to enable him do more for his people, the youths said that the appointment of the trio has no doubt brought relief to their followers.

provision of basic infrastructure, harmonious executive/legislature relationship and sustained commitment to peace and security, Rivers has become investors’ destination of choice.

Government’s overall efforts at building investor’s confidence, Kwanee noted, are manifested in ongoing legislative debates to harmonise taxes and reduce multiple taxation on businesses in the state, expansion of energy project towards achieving steady power supply and increased investment in security, among others. “I am delighted this forum assembled top executives of major French companies also are in the state looking at investment possibilities in the state. This lends credence to the conducive investment environment being fashioned out by the Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s administration. Be rest assured that the government will encourage you,” Kwanee told the French business tourists.

Group advocates generational change

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—COORDINATOR of Delta Youth Frontiers, Mr. Donald Igudia has advocated the promotion of ideals of generational change, political education, equity and fairness.

He spoke during a visit by members of the group to Ellu in Isoko North Local Government Area of the state to parley with youth groups and community heads in the area.

Igudia stressed the need for youths in the state to join hands with the group in its quest to aggregate the strength of the youths with the aim of identifying and supporting a force bearer that would represent their collective aspirations in the state.

He said: “What is needed is for us to sit down as youths and fashion out modalities, articulate our requirements, interact with people, sound out their views and bridge the gap between the leaders and the led.”

He urged the youths to equip themselves as future leaders to enable them play whatever role that may be assigned to them in the nearest future.

Welders vow to defend members

W

ARRI—WELDERS and fitters of Ijaw extraction in Delta State under the auspices of Izon-Ibe Welders and Fitters Association, IWFA, have vowed to resist any attempt by other groups to molest their members.

In a statement by its National President, Mr. David Itiemogha, the welders and fitters warned that nobody or group of persons should parade themselves as an umbrella body of the association or molest its members.

Noting that it was a duly registered body, the association enjoined stakeholders and multinational companies to lend maximum support to members in the course of their professional practice.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

24 years after oil spillage, Shell builds 6-classroom block for community

A/Ibom South clamour for guber slot

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—SHELL Petroleum Development Company has built a six-classroom block for Ogodobiri community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, 24 years after the community and eight others were devastated by an oil spill.

Vanguard gathered that the 1989 spillage wrecked havoc in Arhavewarien, Ogada, Orere, Okuama, Assah, Okuama, Utoarhavwarian and Oviri-Olomu, presently in Ughelli South Local Government Area and two Ijaw communities— Ogodobiri and Okoloma in Bomadi Local

A

KWA Ibom State South Senatorial District Assembly, Lagos zone, has supported other zones in the country on the need for the senatorial district to produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State, come 2015.

Eket Senatorial District, as it is also called, made the call at its meeting in Lagos to drum up support for any candidate of the zone that would emerge as its flag-bearer in the forthcoming election to take over the mantle of leadership from Governor Godswill Akpabi.

Chief Media Coordinator of Lagos Zone, Mr. George Akpan, in a statement, noted that time had come for the senatorial district to produce the next governor after two of the three senatorial districts in the state had produced theirs since the creation of the state in 1987.

He said from the inception of the current political dispensation beginning in 1999 to 2007, Uyo Senatorial District held sway as the governor under the leadership of Obong Victor Attah.

He said Attah handed over to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District under the leadership of Chief Akpabio, which will end in 2015.

Akpan said it, therefore, behoves on common sense, good conscience and moral value that Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial district should produce the next governor.

Government Area.

However, Shell refused to acknowledge Ogodobiri as an impacted community after the spill.

Chairman of Ogodobiri Development Association, ODA, Mr. Maxwell Arekumor, in a statement commending the

company for the classroom project, said: “Shell built developmental projects for eight communities and skipped Ogodobiri community.

“The patient Ogodobiri people waited for the company to build developmental projects

Northern leaders urged to back Jonathan on anti-terrorism fight

BY FESTUS AHON

U

GHELLI—NATIONAL President of Concern Citizenship of Niger Delta Forum, CCNDF, Mr. Matthew

Daniel, has charged Northern leaders to support President Goodluck Jonathan in his effort to curb terrorism in the northern part of the country.

He commended President

UN chief, Baroness Amos visits Delta State

U

NITED Nations Under Sec retary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Baroness Valerie Amos, and her team will visit Delta State on June 15 in connection with the recent flood disaster in the state.

Baroness Amos, former British Leader of the House of Lords and erstwhile UK Minister for International Development, is

leading the UN mission from New York on a fact-finding and assessment mission to Delta State.

The objective of the visit is to ascertain the level of devastation caused by last year’s flood and how UN can be of assistance through the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA. Senior Adviser to the Gover-

nor on Foreign Relations, Mr. Oma Djebah, who disclosed this, said that during the oneday visit, Amos will hold talks with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and an interactive session with stakeholders, including government officials, community heads and traditional rulers of areas mostly affected by the flood.

NAFDAC seeks partnership with media

BY DANIA ONOZURE

D

IRECTOR-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, has called on the media to assist the agency in its war against drug counterfeiting.

Orhii made the call at a workshop organised by the National Association of Judicial Correspondents, NAJUC, for judiciary writers in Lagos with the theme Government Agencies and Enabling Laws:

Review and Overview.

Represented by Mr. Kingsley Ejiofor, Deputy Director of Legal Services, NAFDAC, Orhii said the agency would not relent in combating fake drugs.

He said to give effect to the statutory functions of the agency, it had constantly carried out public enlightenment campaigns to educate consumers on issues that impact on public health.

Orhii said the agency was currently spearheading the global effort in the use of cutting edge technology to fight drug counterfeiting.

He said: "We are the first medicine regulatory agency to deploy Truscan, a hand-held device used to detect counterfeit medicines on the spot.

“NAFDAC is also running a Pilot Mobile Anti-Counterfeiting System, which uses text messaging technology."

Jonathan for declaring state of emergency in Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states and proscribing the Boko Haram Islamist sect.

Daniel told newsmen that the sect had unleashed terror on the Nigerian state, enjoining members of the disbanded sect to stop killing innocent citizens.

He appealed to the military and other security agencies in the country to step up effort towards addressing the security problems posed by the Islamist sect.

Meanwhile, a Warri-based lawyer, Dr. Akpor MudiagaOdje, has said the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, without dismantling the political structures, was the best thing for President Jonathan to have done.

Odje said: “The President has no powers under the constitution to suspend any elected person.

"The most significant aspect of the declaration is the retention of the democratically-elected institutions and persons.

“This is truly the real purpose of the provision of Section 305 of the Constitution. It is only the people that can suspend, truncate or dismantle any democratically-elected persons apart from military insurgence."

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

in their community, but Shell refused and denied they were impacted by the spill.

“After waiting for 10 years and the company failed to show concern, the aggrieved Ogodobiris wrote series of letters to Shell, starting from 1999 till 2012.”

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On President Jonathan's mid-term report (2)

W

ELL, I will score the President 45 percent because of the distractions hitting him from troubled parts of the North. President Jonathan may not be the messiah, but to the best of my knowledge, he is trying. Let's encourage him.— Mrs Agaga Stella, Businessperson.

I

S it the students that set their examinations and mark their own scripts? That is just what the President did. If he is really serious about knowing how he has fared, he should ask the people he leads.—Mr. Obioma Nwosu, Customer Service.

P

ERSONALLY, I feel this administration is doing nothing. All they do is to spend our money and oppress people. There is so much poverty around the country. Only some groups are enjoying, while majority suffer.— Mr. Adio Kolade, Store Keeper.

I

think this administration has not done really bad. But let me say that they have to improve on their efforts in so many sectors.

For instance, power supply has become something else and our roads are death traps now.— Mr. Kalu Anya, Movie Producer.

T

WO years down the line, and there has been increase in death toll, political and religious crises. All these make Nigeria an uncomfortable place to dwell in. So what are all these noises about a score-card?— Miss Enwindaru Blessing, Student.

O

N the scorecard of the current administration? The President has already scored himself well.

Therefore, let me take it that the administration has done well. But let the average Nigerian determine the score.— Miss Blessing Ezeokoye, Student.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 45

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—47

From left: Mr. Bola Akingbade, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye, Oyo State Commissioner for Information; Mr. Gbenga Opadotun, NUJ Chairman, Oyo State; Alhaja Fatimot Abdulkareem, National Treasurer, NUJ, and Mr. Akin Aboluade, guest lecturer, at the inauguration of press club and a lecture, entitled, 'The Impact of the Press on Democracy,' organised by the Pen Group of Schools, owned by NUJ, Oyo State Council

From left: Assistant Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria; Mrs. Esther Osho; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Princess Sarah Sosan; new General Manager, Zenith Bank Plc, Ms Bukky Latunji; and a business owner, Mrs Hetty Bakare, during a reception in honour of Latunji, in Lagos

From left: Mr. Abimbola Olayinka, MD, Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Mortgage Bankers; Chief Francis Adefarati, Chairman and Mrs. Sade Ogundare, Company Secretary, during the company's Completion Board Meeting and Initial Public Offer, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Miss Mutholib Qaosara of Marble Hill School, Okpanam, Delta State, receiving cash award from the representative of the organizers of the Augustus Nnamdi Idabor Memorial Science Competition, as the overall best in the maiden edition, at Nelrose Hotel Asaba, Delta State; she is sandwiched by the proud parents. Mutholib also emerged best student in Delta State 2013 Cowbell National Secondary Schools Mathematics Competition (junior category).

From left: Director of Establishment and Training, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed; Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; Presi- From left: Bishop Emmanuel Gbonigi and elder statesman, Chief dent, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees ,FCT Branch, Comrade Abubakar Tokunbo Ajasin, at the recent Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, Yakubu, and Deputy President of the union, Comrade Abbas Dikko, during the un- in Lagos ion's courtesy visit to the Minister's Office, in Abuja.

From left: Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama, SAN; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Charles Ajuyah, SAN; Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Matters, Mr. Vincent Omorie, and Director, Department of People's Rights, Ministry of Justice, Mr. Omamuzo Erebe, during the inauguration of a 12-man Peace Committee on Emu-Ebendo and Obodougwa-Ogume Conflict.

From right: Newly installed grand patron, the Light Bearers, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos, Pa Ranti Adejuwon, Pharm Taiwo Adebowale; the secretary, Prince Adesegun Akitoye, and Mr. `Yemi Olujare, singing at the 2013 anniversary of the society

48—Vanguard, TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

JUNE 12: Textile workers slam politicians

Adamawa House receives 50 requests for creation of development areas

BY EMEKA MAMAH

L

Y

OLA—ADAMAWA House of Assembly has received more than 50 requests from various communities for the creation of Development Areas, an official has said.

Alhaji Usman Lamorde, the Chairman of the assembly Committee on Finance, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, made this known in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Tuesday in Yola.

NAN reports that the development areas were created by the state government and receive 10 per cent of the monthly statutory fund allocated to the 21 local government areas of the state, for their services.

According to him, the communities must, however, meet the statutory requirement of population, financial viability and other provisions of the state Local Government Law, 2000, before getting approval.

Lamorde defended the move by the lawmakers to raise the number of development areas from the present 37, saying it was based on the good performance of the existing ones.

VISIT—From left: Director-General, NEMA, Alhaji Sidi Ali; UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahistrom; Vice President Namadi Sambo; Un Resident Coordinator, Mr Daouda Toure and Mr Toucef Ait-Chllouche of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Secretariat Africa during their courtesy visit to the Vice-President in Abuja on Tuesday.

DANA PLANE CRASH: No compensation yet for loss of my husband — Minister

BY TAYE OBATERU & HOPE OFOBIKE

J

OS— MINISTER of State for Foreign Affairs, Prof.

Viola Onwuliri has said that the family has not been paid any compensation over a year after losing her husband, Professor Celestine Onwuliri in the Dana Air crash.

She stated this while speaking to journalists at a remembrance service in honour of her husband held at the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Jos.

She said apart from the initial condolence visit the family has not heard from the airline again.

The minister said her husband will be remembered for his hardwork and patriotism in the educational sector adding, “I want Nigerians to remember him for his kindness, patriotism, hard work and for his expansion and strengthening of the educational sector.”

She added that Late Prof.

Celestine Onwuliri should be remembered by Nigeri-

Don't privatise River Basin development authorities — Marley

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA —MANAGING Director of Upper Niger River Basin Development Authority, Professor Paul Marley has faulted alleged moves to privatize the River Basin Development Authority by the Federal Government.

He said that instead of privatisation, the various river basin authorities should be adequately funded to carry out their mandates of completing their existing projects towards boosting food production in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina had at the Annual Foundation Day lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, C M Y K

FUTA, said that, having largely failed to live up to their mandate in the area of supporting agriculture through irrigation as well as enhancing water supply and power generation, the Basin Authorities should be handed over to the private sector to manage.

However, Marley said that, “there is no need to privatize the River Basins. How are you going to privatize a dam with an irrigation scheme attached to it? These dams and irrigation schemes are located in the rural areas with the beneficiaries predominantly farmers and any move to privatize them would mean throwing out these people out of jobs because they will not be able to meet up with the privatization demands and this

will adversely affect food production in the country.”

Marley stressed that the various River Basin Authorities have not only performed creditably well but have even gone beyond their mandates in the face of mounting problems to boost food production and supply of water in the country.

According to him: “The River Basins have done quite much based on the funds available to them and they can and will still do more to actualize the vision of the Federal Government which is food security if allocated more funds and allowed to carry out their mandates accordingly."

ans as a deeply religious person and a great family man, “who loved his wife, children and indeed people that come across him”.

Speaking at the memorial service, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Hayward Babale Mafuyai described the late Prof.

Onwuliri who was once an acting vice chancellor of the university, as “a man of excellence, full of compassion, kindness and mercy, and very brilliant in all the things he did.”

Mafuyai said: “In UNIJOS, we will miss his counsel, people have spoken of his charity, all of us should learn the tenets from his life and family especially in the area of giving, helping the needy and we should learn from them.”

He described him as an accomplished academia who has contributed a lot to the development of the University of Jos and other institutions of learning in the country.

In his goodwill message, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama said “until his death he was a loyal catholic faithful, who would defend the cause of his faith at all time.

Chaplain of the Good Shepherd Catholic Chaplaincy of the University of Jos, Rev. Fr. Anthony Enokela in his sermon urged the congregation to prepare for death and admonished them on the need to condole with the bereaved, even as he appealed to them to continue to pray for the family he left behind.

AGOS—TEXTILE workers in the country have said the handling of the crisis emanating from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, NGF, has shown that political leaders in the country were yet to learn some lessons from the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola.

They, however, commended Nigerians for keeping faith with democratic process notwithstanding betrayals by some few anti-democratic forces.

This was contained in a statement signed by the General Secretary of the textile workers and Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Issa Aremu to mark the 20th anniversary of the June 12 election.

Aremu regretted that the political class was ‘’divided, not on desirable policies of good governance but on crude contests for power in 2015.’’

According to him, the June 12, 1993 election remained the most peaceful, transparent and credible election in the country. ‘’The show of shame and impunity within the NGF must give way to cohesion and unity of democratic purpose.

Things must definitely fall in place politically for Nigeria for there to be sustainable development. ‘’It is time our politicians learned from the lessons of 20 years ago This means that politicians must be united to agree on the fundamentals of democracy which include peaceful contest and respect for the outcomes."

However, "all Nigerians must be commended for making Nigeria a democracy destination in Africa notwithstanding the daunting challenges.

Since 1993, we have commendably had another set of elections, including ‘civilian-to-civilian’ elections in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013—49

C M Y K

50—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

A s s e m b l y, Ad e y e m i Ikuforiji; Governor of Akwa Ibom, represented by his Commissioner for Information, Mr Aniekan Umanah; Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa, Alhaji Shettimah Yerima, Hon Adijat Oladapo Adeleye, Dr Keziah Awosika of PRONACO; Mr Lekan Abiola, son of MKO Abiola; Alhaja Aminat Irawo and Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi among others decided to further engage the government in bringing about a negotiated settlement before the end of the year.

SEMINAR—From left: Market Activation Manager (Eastern Division), Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr Cyril Arebun; Head of Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UNTH, Dr Chika Ndiokwelu; Corporate Communications Manager, Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Mr Akomen Omijeh and immediate past President of NSN, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo during a seminar by Cadbury on the Importance of Nutrition held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

IBB has been our pillar — Abiola's family Continues from page 5 Maku, who attended the event countered that some improvement even though little had been made and said the government was ready to immortalize Abiola.

In a speech entitled: “From Hope ‘93 to 2013: How Far Has Democracy Brought Nigeria?”

Bakare said though some gains like freedom of speech had been recorded, they were not enough as the problems of poverty and flawed elections among others persist.

He urged the government to immortalise Abiola by naming edifices like the National Stadium after him.

His words: “The 1993 MKO Abiola vs. Bashir Tofa election, conducted exactly 20 years ago today, is popularly termed the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria. It was Nigeria’s first taste of a renascent democracy after so many years of military rule, coups and counter-coups. It was an election whose callous annulment shook the nation. Since then, the country has witnessed a lot of changes - for better, and for worse. How-

ever, none of those occurrences have left the country exactly the same…"

mileage has been recorded – Maku Speaking at the event Maku said that government was making progress in the areas of power supply by commencing the building of 10 power plants, stopped fertilizer racketeering to boost agriculture, delivered 32 roads in 2012, saved N118 billion from ghost workers among others and urged the citizenry to support the government in its effort to develop the country.

Arguing that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration has achieved in some areas, Maku cited Power, Agriculture, Education and Transportation as major areas, government has fared well two years after assuming office.

Asked if FG had any plan to give M.K.O a post-humous honour, Maku disclosed that government was interested in immortalizing him. He said: “History will con-

tinue to immortalize Abiola, because he died fighting the cause for true democracy, which we are all enjoying today. I can say that the fact that I’m here today, representing the government, we are still looking at better ways to immortalize him, even though, there was public outcry when President Jonathan renamed the University of Lagos after M.KO.”

Privatization of power, not good for Nigeria — Kola Abiola Son of the late M.K.O Abiola, Kola Abiola, however, faulted FG’s stance that the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector was key to stable power supply in the country. He said: “The idea of privatizing power is not a good idea for Nigeria. If power is privatized, how can the 90 per cent and 70 per cent of Nigerians who live below $2 and $1 per day respectively, afford it? It will only be meant for the rich,” insisting that government must guarantee the citi-

zen some basis things before privatization.

June 12 Movement seeks national dialogue Eminent Nigerians and leaders of thought, who gathered at a special assembly hosted by the June 12 Movement in conjunction with Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND) have decided to commence massive mobilization across the nation for the convocation of a national dialogue to resolve the crises in the country.

At a solemn assembly at the Ikeja, Lagos residence of Chief MKO Abiola, the leaders according to a communiqué signed by the National Coordinator, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi said they took this position in the light of subsisting emergency and insecurity in the country orchestrated by the Boko Haram insurgency in the North and youth militancy in the South.

The August gathering which include Chief Ayo Adebanjo who chaired the assembly, Chief Solomon Asemota (SAN), Speaker of Lagos State H o u s e

Tinubu, Fashola, others advocate rejection of impunity Also, former Governor of Lagos state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his predecessor, Babatunde Fashola and Professor Olarenwaju Fagbohun and some elder statesmen and human rights activists called on Nigerians to reject the culture of impunity on law and order to deepen the country’s democracy.

They spoke at the event co-organised by June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations, held at LTV ground, Agidingbi, Ikeja, with theme: ‘Electoral system: The bane of political instability in Nigeria,’ which was chaired by former administrator of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd).

Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary of National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, Chief Ayo Opadokun, lamented that 14 years after the country returned to democracy, Nigeria was still crawling rather than walking.

Make June 12 a national day – Mimiko Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, yesterday, called on the Federal Government to elevate June 12 to a pan Nigerian event.

He spoke at a symposium organised by the state government in Akure to mark the 20th anniversary of the annulled 1993 election, the governor said that MKO Abiola represents the totality of Nigerians to make a change and submitted that the June 12 victory was a pan Nige-

rian mandate.

Nigeria could disintegrate in months, Kalu warns Erstwhile governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, warned that Nigeria could disintegrate within months well ahead of the 2015 doomsday prophesy on account of increasing disaffection in the polity.

In a lecture marking the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election delivered in Lagos yesterday, Kalu nevertheless gave options for the country to survive disintegration among which were social justice and a workable electoral system.

In the lecture delivered at the behest of the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, he called for all elections to be conducted the same day.

Regretting the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the possible honour it could have brought to the rulers at that time, he said: “That election could have positioned the then military president, Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) as the authentic Nigerian hero, celebrated at home and abroad, but alas, the election was voided, and it threatened the fabric that held us together as a country.”

Stop lamenting, Osoba, Falana, Kokori, others tell Nigerians Leading politicians, and eminent persons who attended a similar event organized by the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council, called on Nigerians to stop reducing every anniversary of the annulment of June 12 presidential election to a day of lamentation.

They also regretted that the progressive camp failed to have a political platform, noting that June 12 would always be celebrated in Nigeria.

The Guest Speaker, Kokori, who spoke on theme; 'Post June 12: The Good and the Bad', took a swipe at the Judiciary and other sections of the society for alleg

Continues on page 51

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 —51

IBB has been our pillar — Abiola's family Continues from page 50 edly betraying the struggle for a truly democratic nation.

His words: “Celebrating June 12 is celebrating a generation of Nigerians who sacrificed themselves for the democratization of Nigerians.

"In December, when I will be 70, I will release my memoir in which I have named 50 heroes of the struggle whose names must not be missing in the honours list. It is saddening to know that most Nigerians have lost consciousness of the significance of June 12; we must know that June 12 is very significant."

Similarly, Osoba said, "I am writing a book on that period; we at NADECO made the mistake of not having a political wing like the IRA in Northern Ireland. If Tinubu had listened to our leaders who did not want us to participate in the transition programme, he would have remained in America and he would not have been a governor. We have learnt our mistake. It is not worthwhile that the civil society should continue to lament bad governance 20 years after. I want the civil society to support the emerging political platform of progressives in the country.

Falana, who drew much applause from the audience, extolled the role played by the media in those days, naming such media houses as The News, Tempo, Tell, The Guardian, Vanguard and others. He noted that a number of journalists lost their lives in the struggle while many were imprisoned and tortured.

Fasehun berates Tofa for belittling June 12 Founder and President of Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun berated Alhaji Bashir Tofa, the presidential candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), who contested against Abiola in the June 12, 1993 election for attempting to rubbish and belittle the June 12 historical event.

Fasehun stated this at a press conference in Lagos in commemoration of June 12.

Last week Tofa said June12 was dead and should be forgotten.

The OPC leader stated that when someone in the calibre of Tofa, attempts to belittle that historical event, then Nigeria was in trouble. “A foreigner may ask us to forget June 12 and he will be forgiven. A

child may ask us to forget June 12 and he will be forgiven. A dim-wit may ask us to forget June 12 and he will be forgiven. However, when someone in the calibre of Alhaji Bashir Tofa, Presidential Candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and Abiola’s opponent in the 1993 election, attempts to rubbish and belittle that historical event, then Nigeria is in trouble,” he said.

Additional reports by: Dayo Johnson, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Charles Kumolu, Dotun Ibiwoye, Ikenna Asomba & Monsur Olowoopejo.

R-l: Mr Mahesh Sadhwani, Vice Chairman Direct On Pc, with Mr. Charles Anudu, Managing Swift Networks Ltd, and Mr. Chuma Okoye chief operating officer, Swift Networks Ltd. at the press briefing on the Acquisition of Direct on PC by Swift Networks in Lagos yesterday.Photo: Akeem Salau.

Chevron shops for indigenous buyers for its oil blocs

BY CLARA NWACHUKWU

N

IGERIAN unit of America’s oil major, Chevron Corporation, said it will prefer that indigenous operators acquired the two oil blocs it is divesting from located offshore Bayelsa in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

Although, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, did not give reasons for its preference, but it told Vanguard in an email response yesterday that, “An indigenous company would be preferred.”

The American oil major is toeing the lines of its AngloDutch counterpart, Shell, which had divested a number of its onshore assets, which it sold at premium cost to indigenous consortiums with foreign technical partners.

Chevron, Tuesday, announced intentions to divest from two of its assets in Oil Mining Leases, OMLs 83 (Anyala Field) and 85 (Madu Field), located in the shallow waters of the Niger Delta. The oil blocs were discovered in 1993 by Texaco Incorporated, which later merged with Chevron, but could not be developed due to increasing costs, despite holding cumulative reserves estimated at 250 million barrels of oil and 49 billion cubic feet per day. It is not clear if it was for the same reason that Chevron could not develop them.

James Craig, media advisor for Africa and Latin America, Chevron, in an email to Rigzone, said the divestments were “part of a continuous process of portfolio evaluation and business prioritisation,” without given further

explanations.

Probed further, his Nigerian counterpart, Deji Haastrup, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, in the email to Vanguard also said: “This is part of our continuous evaluation of opportunities and the need to prioritise our portfolio.”

He added: “We are a big company with a large asset base. We believe there are smaller companies who would find these assets a perfect fit for their business profile and portfolio.”

Asset disposal With regard to how the oil blocs will be disposed of Craig had said the assets would be “auctioned”, and “All information pertaining to the assets are available in the data room specifically created for the purpose.”

Haastrup maintained that “The entire process has been transparent and in line with appropriate laws and regulations,” even as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Tuesday, denied any knowledge of the oil major’s divestment.

Chevron “will not comment on this at this time” on whether it already had buyers for the assets, and if operating rights will be handed to the National Petroleum Development Company, the production arm of the NNPC, as was the case with the Shell oil block.

Relinquishment process: Section 9 subsection 2 (4) of the Petroleum Act 1969, stipulates that for a lease holder to

relinquish an asset, “… the licensee shall obtain the prior agreement of the Director of Petroleum Resources as to the shape and area of the retained part before an application for the relinquishment or surrender is made to the minister.”

But the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, refused to confirm or comment on it. Subsection 4 (B) also states: “An application for the assignment or takeover of an oil prospecting or oil mining lease (or an interest in the same) shall be made to the Minister in writing and accompanied by the prescribed fees at the discretion of the

minister, and the applicant shall furnish in respect of the assignment, or takeover, all such information as is required to be furnished in the case of the applicant for a new license or lease.”

Chevron holds a 40-percent stake in the oil blocks under a joint venture with the NNPC. The company operates and holds a 40 percent interest in 13 concessions, predominantly in the onshore and nearoffshore regions of the Niger Delta. The concessions cover about 2.2 million acres and are operated under a joint-venture arrangement with the NNPC, which owns a 60 percent stake.

SEC suspends stockbroking firms for malpractices

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE Securities and Exchange Commission, yesterday, suspended two stockbroking firms and their representatives from all capital market activities for various malpractices.

The two firms are Wizetrade Capital and Asset Management Limited and Falcon Securities Limited. The Commission explained that Wizetrade Capital and Asset Management Limited was suspended as a result of the unauthorized sale of 64,960 units of Nigeria Breweries Plc shares belonging to an investor and failure /refusal to buy back same.

Falcon Securities Limited on the other hand was suspended as a result of the company’s failure to respond to issues regarding the filing of its

quarterly reports with the Commission as follows: Failure to attach the company’s schedule of investments marked to market and failure to report its investments in quoted securities at market value; Reporting a false and misleading financial status of the company in its 2012 annual report. Complete erosion of the company’s shareholders’ funds as shown in its returns for the period ended December 31, 2012.

Falcon Securities Limited was incorporated on the 1st of April 1993 and registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and The Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), as Capital Market Operators (Issuing House and Brokers/ Dealer) and Financial Advisory Services.The company is led by Mr. Peter Ukuoritsemofe Ololo as Managing Director/Chief Executive.

52—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Kwara warns against food wastage

BY DEMOLA AKINYEMI

I

LORIN —KWARA State government has cautioned residents against food wastages when there were many wallowing in abject poverty.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr Kayode Towoju, gave the advice during a one-day stakeholders workshop with the theme,”Think, Eat, Save: Curbing the Culture of food wastage in Kwara State,” organised by Organisation for the Sustenance of Nigeria Environment," in partnership with his ministry at Ilorin.

Towoju also expressed the need for the people to be their brother’s keepers, by rationing their foods and making the remnants available for the needy while also maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

He asked the stakeholders to provide farmers with technology that would help reduce post harvest losses to ensure enough food for consumption.

CBN orders banks to report Boko Haram accounts

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday, ordered banks and other financial institutions in the country to report accounts belonging to the Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna Liddaawati wal Jihad sect also known as Boko Haram and the Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladis Sudan sect.

It would be recalled that the Federal Government recently declared activities of the two sects as terrorism and illegal and hence proscribed their existence.

In a circular to all financial institutions, signed by the Acting Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mr. Nwaoha T, the CBN said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria in its effort to stem terrorism in the country has proscribed the activities of Jamaatu Ahlis-sunna Liddaawati Wal Jihad” otherwise known as “Boko Haram” sect and “Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan” in any part of the country.

C M Y K

Uniuyo shut as 4 students die in protest

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—THE University of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State was, Wednesday, closed down indefinitely as four students were reportedly killed during violent encounter with the Police.

The students it was revealed had embarked on peaceful protest on the campus over the introduction of a new fare regime for the engineering and science students from the town campus to permanent site when the police arrived and allegedly opened fire that claimed lives of the students..

Following the killing of the students, some buildings on the town campus were burnt down last night. These included the office of the Vice Chancellor and that of the Registrar.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Comfort Ekpo, was said to have trav-

elled to Abuja on official engagement when the incident occurred.

Some Principal Officers of the University were reported to have been rescued from their hideouts through the use of ambulance escorted by the Peace on Campus Initiative of the University.

W h e n Vanguard visited the university, students were seen rushing out from the campus with their bags and valuable items as they were ordered to vacate their hostels immediately.

Sources said trouble escalated when the students broke the rule to move their protest outside the school premises. They reportedly met a stiff resistance from security operatives at the Ikot Ekpene-Ikpa road round about.

In the violent confrontation, the police were said to have moved in with about15 Hilux vans fully loaded with

armed police. They reportedly opened fired and threw tear gas cannisters on the students which resulted in the death of the four students.

The school athourity, it was gathered recently announced a new fare of N200 per day to convey students from the town campus to the permanent site with effect from yesterday through private consultancy arrangment.

Some of the students who spoke with Vanguard said they were not comfortable with some of polices being implementation in the school.

A final year law student who didn’t want his name in print said the police came in during the peaceful protest to shoot sporadically which led to the death of the students.

He said: “We were not armed but police came with all sorts of ammunition in a peaceful protest embarked upon by the students.”

Constitution amendment not for states creation—Rep

BY PETER DURU

M

AKURDI—MEMBER representing Makurdi/ Guma Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Mr. Emmanuel Jime, yesterday, said the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise was not intended to lead to the creation of new states in the country.

Jime said that a lot of Nigerians were misled into thinking that the National Assembly would embark on the creation of states, saying that the situation was the other way round.

The representative who was fielding questions from journalists in Makurdi, said the National Assembly did not dump the issue of state creation as being held in some quarters.

He said: "The constitutional amendment process was not intended to lead to states’ creation. I think that is perhaps what people, in my view must understand. There is a procedure in the 1999 Constitution as to how a state can be created.

The question we had put to Nigerians in the course of the exercise was whether we should retain the procedure or amend it. So as it is, it is argued and rightly too, that to create a state under the present constitution is cumbersome and it is almost impossible to achieve.

"So, I believe that people have to understand that this constitutional amendment process was not meant for a state creation exercise; it was to look at the provision of the constitution and see if we could amend the process. And if we could amend it, then people can submit their re-

quests based on the new conditions as basis of amendment, but if we don’t amend, it means that people can only take advantage of the present position to be able to make a claim for state creation.

"This is the way I understand it; I think a lot of people were misled into thinking that we can carry out both state creation and the amendment process at once.

There was no way that would have happened."

A 300 level engineering student lamented the increase in fare which he said was not adequately communicated to the students. He noted: “Even the vehicles were not even available when the school authority began to harass students over payment. The matter is that we do not want this VC any more. Federal Government should look for a more competent hand to govern the affairs of the school.

“How can we pay N200 for the Federal Government intervention vehicle? It is not done.

We are not going to accept this.”

The Chief Security Officer, Col. Nyong (rtd) who was chased out from the campus admitted that school management brought in a private consultant to handle student transportation from the town campus to the permanent site but at the rate of N100.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Etim Dickson confirmed the riot in the University and denied knowledge of the death of any student. According to him, the situation is not clear as to what is going on in the campus as the police are not allowed to enter inside the school.

He added: “We are outside to prevent escalation of the protest. We are aware of the demonstration, but we don’t have authorization to enter campus.”

From Right: Hon. Friday Ossai Osanebi, member representing Ndokwa East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, inspecting one of his drainage projects in Beneku, Ndokwa East of Delta State, while the indigenes watch

Arik marks Bayero's anniversary with promo fares

I

KEJA—ARIK Airlines, yes terday, introduced a special promo fare to celebrate Alhaji Ado Bayero’s 50 years on the throne as the Emir of Kano.

The promo would enable passengers travelling on the Lagos-Kano-Lagos route to buy a return ticket for as low as N35, 392 and on the Abuja-KanoAbuja route for N30, 253.

The airline’s Managing Director, Mr Chris Ndulue, announced the fare in a statement made available to

newsmen in Lagos by Arik’s Head of Media Communication, Mr Ola Adebanji.

Ndulue said the promo fare was for Lagos- Kano-Lagos and Abuja-Kano-Abuja routes.

He noted that the promo was a special way of appreciating contributions of the Emir of Kano to the political and socioeconomic development of Nigeria, adding: “We in Arik Air see Kano as very strategic to our operations and this explains why the ancient city was our first

destination in Northern Nigeria when we started commercial flights in 2006.

“The Emir is a father figure in Nigeria and his reign has brought monumental developments to the ancient city of Kano and Nigeria in general. We identify with the Emir and the people of Kano on this special occasion of the golden jubilee anniversary.”

He said that the fare would be valid for travel between June 14 and June 16.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 —53

Mandela responding to treatment, says Zuma F

ORMER South African President Nelson Mandela is “ responding better to treatment” for a lung infection, President Jacob Zuma said yesterday.

Zuma told parliament that he was happy with the progress being made by the 94-year-old antiapartheid leader after a “difficult few days”.

Meanwhile, for the fifth straight day, former South African President Nelson has been in a Pretoria hospital receiving treated for a recurring lung infection.

The 94-year-old icon was hospitalized on Saturday.

Meanwhile, two of Mandela’s daughters and his former wife visited the hospital where Mandela is staying.

Mandela, the leader of South Africa’s anti-apart-

heid movement, spent 27 years in prison during white racist rule.

He was freed in 1990, and then embarked on peacemaking efforts during the tense transition that saw the demise of the apartheid system and his own election as South Africa’s first black president in 1994.

His admission to a hospital in Pretoria, the capital, is Mandela’s fourth time being admitted to a hospital for treatment since December.

T

CLEVELAND man accused of holding three young women captive for a decade has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, rape and murder for beating one pregnant captive until she miscarried.

Colorado wildfires destroy homes

F

Police keep watch as Ndaba Mandela (R), one of former South African President Nelson Mandela’s grandsons, arrives at a Pretoria hospital where Nelson Mandela is being treated.

police cleared the Istanbul square at the center of almost two weeks of protest against Prime

Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

Abdullah Gul, who has taken a more conciliatory tone than

US surveillance: Ex CIA employee vows to fight if ….

E

DWARD Snowden, the ex-CIA employee who leaked secret US surveillance details, has vowed to fight any attempt to extradite him from Hong Kong.

Mr Snowden told the South China Morning Post that he was “neither traitor nor hero. I’m an American”.

It is the first interview he has given since disappearing from his hotel room in Hong Kong on Monday.

•Snowden His leaks led to revelations that the US

is systematically seizing vast amounts of phone and web data.

Mr Snowden left Hawaii for Hong Kong shortly before the highly sensitive leaks surfaced.

“I am not here to hide from justice; I am here to reveal criminality,” Mr Snowden told the Post, adding that , “My intention is to ask the courts and people of Hong Kong to decide my fate.”

US officials have confirmed the existence of a secret programme to draw data from the internet, codenamed Prism.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence gave details of the programme last week, after Mr Snowden’s leaks led to a series of articles in the Guardian and Washington Post newspapers.

Erdogan during the unrest, said it was the duty of government to engage with its critics but appeared to close ranks with the prime minister, saying violent protests were a different matter.

Erdogan, who has dismissed the demonstrators as “riffraff ”, was due to meet a group of public figures to discuss the unrest, which began as a peaceful campaign against plans to build on Gezi Park abutting Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

“If people have objections ... then to engage in a dialogue with these people, to hear out what they say is no doubt our duty,” Gul told reporters.

U.N says Israel-Syria ceasefire jeopardized by Golan violence

W

HILE Syrian rebels have attacked a village in the country’s east, killing dozens of Shiites, mostly progovernment fighters, a spillover of violence from Syria’s civil war into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights is jeopardizing a decades old ceasefire between Israel and Syria, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a report to the United Nation Security Council yesterday.

Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in a 1967 war. Syrian troops are not allowed in an area of separation

under a 1973 ceasefire formalized in 1974.

Israel and Syria are still technically at war.

Ban recommended to the 15-member council that self defense

capabilities of a U.N peacekeeping mission in the area, known as UNDOF, be enhanced, “including increasing the force strength to about

1,250 and improving its self defense equipment.”

UNDOF, monitors an area of separation between Syrian and Israeli forces, a narrow

strip of land running 45 miles from Mount Hermon on the Lebanese border to the Yarmouk River frontier with Jordan.

Vatican: Pope confirms ‘gay lobby’ at work

P

OPE Francis lamented that a “gay lobby” was at work at the Vatican in private remarks to the leadership of a key Latin American church group, a stunning acknowledgment that appears to confirm earlier reports about

Ohio kidnapping suspect pleads not guilty

A

Turkish president urges dialogue URKEY’S president yesterday called for dialogue with legitimate demonstrators after riot

B-R-I-E-F-S

corruption and dysfunction in the Holy See. The Latin American and Caribbean Confederation of Religious the regional organization for priests and nuns of religious orders confirmed Tuesday that its leaders

had written a synthesis of Francis’ remarks after their June 6 audience.

The group, known by its Spanish acronym CLAR, said it was greatly distressed that the document had been published and apologized to the pope.

In the document,

Francis was quoted as saying that while there were many holy people in the Vatican, there was also corruption: “The ‘gay lobby ’ is mentioned, and it is true, it is there ... We need to see what we can do. “ the synthesis reads.

IRE crews, yesterday battled a windwhipped wildfire that burned dozens of homes on the edge of Colorado Springs, while another blaze shut one of Colorado’s top tourist attractions and prompted the evacuation of more than 900 inmates from a prison.

Tuareg rebel group ready to sign accord

T

HE Tuareg rebel group occupying a part of northern Mali has expressed readiness to accept a proposed agreement with the government, a positive sign that could remove the main obstacle to the planned presidential election this summer.

Moussa Ag Attaher, a spokesman for the National Movement for the Liberation of the Azawad, or NMLA, said yesterday in Burkina Faso where the negotiations are being held, that his group was ready to validate the agreement “in the interest of peace.”

Anti-Putin protesters march in Moscow

T

HOUSANDS of Russian opposition activists marched through Moscow yesterday , decrying President Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian rule and calling for the release of people they consider political prisoners.

The march on Russia Day, a national holiday, was to show support for 27 people arrested after a protest turned violent on the eve of Putin’s inauguration more than a year ago.

54 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Imo: More than he can chew When Owelle Rochas Okorocha took office in May 2011 he confessed he was on a rescue mission. At mid term there is every indication that the rescue mission itself needs to be saved.

G

OVERNOR Rochas Okorocha wormed himself into the hearts of a good percentage of Imo people when, on assumption of office on May 29, 2013 he pledged to give serious attention to governance instead of pursuing mundane and political goals.

For one, he pledged not to institute a probe of the preceding Ikedi Ohakim administration, even though he said he would audit the accounts of the state government. He also reiterated that his campaign promise of free education to all Imo children remained irrevocable.

However, some of the school heads, speaking on the basis of anonymity, claimed that despite the governor’s verbal order on free education that he had not used his office to facilitate it.

Irked by the unpaid salaries of workers, the lawmakers urged Governor Okorocha to source for money and immediately clear the arrears of salaries owed civil servants in the state. Okorocha obliged and went ahead to adopt some other cost-saving policies enunciated by the lawmakers.

Cost saving policies “In line with the policy thrust of my administration, I am donating my entire monthly salary into the education fund. This is my little sacrifice to ensure that all Imo children acquire education”, Okorocha told Imo people.

He appealed to all public officers to “make some sacrifice towards the crusade of rescuing Imo from its present decay”, adding that he would not look kindly on any civil servant that is in the habit of delaying files on his table.

In his maiden broadcast to Imo people, Okorocha sacked beneficiaries of Ohakim’s 10,000 jobs. He equally sacked the elected local government chairmen and councilors, the State Council of Traditional Rulers, the State Judicial Service Commission, Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, House of

Assembly Service Commission, as well as the managements of local government development areas.

Apart from throwing out the occupants of these tenured positions, the Governor also sacked the boards of government establishments. The Acting Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Osita Nwebo, was also sacked in the same maiden broadcast and replaced with fiery academic, Professor Bertram E.B. Nwoko.

Not too long after, the governor again sacked Nwoko under yet to be explained circumstances and replaced him with the immediate past national president, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Ukachukwu Awuzie.

The 106 autonomous communities created by law and approved by the immediate past government were cancelled by fiat. All the royal fathers recognized and given their staff of office as prescribed by that law were sacked by Okorocha. He claimed that “the creation of these autonomous communities did not follow due process.”

Okorocha also showed some eccentric inclinations in the two years under review. He once stopped his convoy along a busy street in Owerri, came out of his car, walked straight to a woman roasting maize and purchased a few cobs and started eating openly. This was the first time such a thing was happening in the state. Some people around the place admired the act.

At one other occasion, the Governor stopped over at Akabo Girls Secondary School and took the students on a jolly ride in Commerce. He has equally gone round the state to confirm the existence of projects his predecessor claimed to have started, as well as ascertain the level of completion.

Currently, work on the resurfacing and construction of new roads in Owerri municipality, as well as the other local council areas, is going on. Work is equally going on in the reshaping and rehabilitation of the legislators’ and commissioners’ quarters. The Multi Purpose Hall,

•Okorocha: His hands are full as well as the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, have been pulled down by Okorocha and new structures constructed and appropriately named. The governor also within the first two years in office, advanced the sum of N2.7 billion to the 27 local government areas of the state for the rehabilitation of state schools in their areas of jurisdiction.

Governor Okorocha introduced what he termed “Community Government Council, CGC”. The Governor explained that by this contraption, governance has been moved to the grassroots. The drivers of the CGC include traditional rulers, town union presidents, government liaison officers, as well as women and youth leaders.

Another significant issue within the period under review is the N458 million bribe scandal that rocked and is still rocking the administration. This ugly scandal led to the impeachment of Sir Jude Agbaso as deputy governor. Agabso was impeached from office despite the absence of any evidence that he collected the money from the contractor who he claimed was introduced by the governor.

It has not been all rosy for the administration as it is already getting some serious knocks. The Leader, a newspaper published by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, in one of its editorials captioned “rescuing the rescue agenda” stated: “We recall that on assumption of office, Chief Okorocha pledged to complete all ongoing projects and we note with concern that victims of the suspended 10,000 jobs have continued to live in anxiety, as their fate is yet to be decided”.

,

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

However, some of the school heads, speaking on the basis of anonymity claimed that despite the governor’s verbal order on free education that he had not used his office to facilitate it

Niger: Mixed legacy GOVERNOR Babatunde Aliyu came on board with a promise to revolutionise the state. While every one agrees he has spoken much, there is, however, serious disagreement on what he is doing on ground.

By WOLE MOSADOMI

G

OVERNOR Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu of Niger state had a vision immediately he took over the mantle of leadership in 2007. It was vision 3:2020 which is propelling the state to one of the three best

economies in the country by the year 2020.

Attainment of this vision is centred on Education, Health, Civil service, Employment generation and security. He has remained focused on this vision while other stakehold-

Continues on page 55

•Gov. Babangida Aliyu

,

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 55

Akwa Ibom: Lingering legacy Governor Godwsill Akpabio pursued an aggressive development agenda at the onset of his first term in office. With political jostling here and there ahead of the 2015 elections, some allege the governor’s aggressiveness on ground is markedly ebbed

By TONY BASSEY

G

OVERNOR Godswill Akpabio in the middle of his second term could well have been said to have run a successful race. He has largely shown his presence and legacy through phenomenal projects that his associates now describe as the uncommon transformation.

In the first four years, Akpabio went about the business of governance like there was no tomorrow, building and completing projects conceived by his predecessor and laying down ingenious plans of his own. The state became robust, enterprising, and the toast of investors, and the nightmarish past almost became history, with the development strides offering some useful lessons for the Nigerian project.

In the second term there are suggestions that the administration seems to be pausing for breadth.

If the views of the opposition are to be taken seriously, Akpabio has taken on too much debt, and the years ahead are likely to provide a serious test of whether the economic machines of the state are as prudent as claimed by administration officials or it requires a financial benchmark that badly needs an overhaul.

The litigations in the tribunals and the courts after the elections according to some contributed to slowing down the pace of

Akpabio: Is he slowing down? work in the second term.

Akpabio has done so much for the state that made him to be known as Uncommon Transformer, and it would be difficult for the state to forget him in a hurry. But he has also failed to fulfill some of his campaign promises.

The ten community fish farms promised for each of the federal constituencies of the state which were included in 2012 budget and which the government said will produce 5,700 metric tons of fish per annum, valued at N2.4 billion and generate create employment opportunities for 30, 445 persons are yet to materialize.

The 2012 Budget of the State christened ‘the Budget of Industrialization,’ and the nine point highlighted under the implementation strategy was to ‘Develop Agriculture through the supply of improved agricultural inputs, credits and extension services and encourage the cultivation of cash crops, poultry and economic trees such as cassava, rub-

ber, cocoa, palm trees, yam, livestock by provision of improved seedlings with simplified agricultural technology machineries to encourage the farmers embark on mechanized farming instead of subsistent method, is a ruse as no one mechanized farm either of the government, or a farmer can be pointed at. The agric loan at a point became a mere political compensation.

Indeed, though N13.0477 billion was proposed in the 2012 budget for agriculture, nothing has been heard much under the sector. Akpabio’s star, however, shines well in the area of road construction given the uncommon touch that has been given to some of the major roads in the state. The administration has also lifted the capital city, Uyo with state of the art libraries, relaxation centres, malls and other glitzy things that can be found in any part of the world.

One distraction that may be hindering the governor in his second term is his increasing influence in Abuja especially after his appointment as the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.

Critics allege that his activities in Abuja and duties as chairman of PDP GF are removing him from the day to day job in the state.

More than any other governor since the 25 years of the state, Akpabio has tried to cultivate a man of the people image. When he boasted he had visited the 31 Local Government Areas of the state as commissioner for Local Governments and that this had helped him understand the peoples problems. ‘I know what they expect….I will live up to their trust.’ Their expectations, however, may have exceeded his capacity, but nevertheless, the world today continues to marvel at the transformation wrought by the governor.

Some also grumble that he has made less progress with his pledge of developing all parts of the state equally and building industries, and revamping the ailing ones. But that would not stop the state from remaining a landmark courtesy of the giant strides of Governor Akpabio.

Niger: Mixed legacy Continues from page 54 ers in the state have also keyed into it and people are now enjoying the harvest period.

TOP ON CAMPAIGN PROMISES. Knowing full well that education is the catalyst for any meaningful development especially accomplishing his vision 3:2020, the governor took an aggressive step towards rehabilitating the existing educational structures while new ones were constructed.

This turnover in the education sector is a focal point towards actualizing the vision 3:2020. Niger state is generally referred to as the foodbasket of the nation and it is leaving no stone unturned to improve on its present achievements. The state is the largest rice grower in the country and has embarked on another multimillion naira rice programme to maintain its lead and also to jump to the largest rice producer and exporter in Africa.

One programme dear to the heart of the Aliyu administration is the Ward Development Project otherwise known as Peoples Participatory Project under which peo-

ple in each of the 274 wards in the state are allowed to identify projects of their choice for execution. Initially, each ward was given N500,000 monthly for such project but the amount has been increased to N1m monthly. Some states have come to understudy the scheme towards implementing such in their respective states.

After the 2011 government election, the governor who expected a smooth victory based on what his associates thought were his achievements was shocked over the very difficult terrain he passed through to coast to victory. The governor after the election noted “This is a period we need to ask ourselves some vital questions of where we went wrong for things to have been so difficult. Is it that people don’t care of performance or is it that we have redefined the role of the party or is it that those we appointed and working with us don’t seem to care about the common people or is it that the party that is supposed to be the bridge between the government and the people have suddenly become the goalkeeper.”

Based on this question, the governor in the last two years has looked more inwardly

by embarking on peoples more oriented projects in order to win their hearts, not particularly to himself but to make the PDP more relevant in the future elections. While foundation stones on many projects including roads, hospitals, electricity, water, housing, education and other infrastructure are being laid, some projects are also being commissioned side by side. However, political pundits in the state are quick to observe that other numerous projects embarked upon but abandoned so far under the public partnership progarmme (PPP) should be resuscitated and pursued with renewed vigour. They are of the opinion that if these projects are executed according to specification, they are capable of launching the state into the next level.

56— Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

•Little Fuji Onerritta captured in action

Onafujiri: Three year-old baby as photographer •Fuji Onerritta (m) with his siblings (Onatteni and Onafujiri

T

HREE year old baby Fuji Onerrittta will for a long time remain a surprise to the world. The story of this infant prodigy’s celebrated entry into the world stage of fame began last week when the Lagos culture space was drawn out to witness the making of history.

It was the occasion for the flag off of three year old Onafujiri Rene Remet’s photo exhibition at the Terra Kulture located at Tiamiu Savage, Street, Victoria Island.

The event tagged, A Media Introduction was one significant moment that launched the brilliant photo works of the only known world’s youngest photographer to the public space.

Given birth to by equally very talented and creative parents: Augustine and Lilian Remet , both computer graphicist and painter, baby photographer, Fuji can be described as a child from a family of great artistic tradition going by the exploits of his equally two other siblings.

Some years ego, Fuji’s senior sister, Onaritta , equally surprised the world, when at age fourteen months she held her own surprising painting exhibition that also startled the visual art community.

This same feat , some years later, was equally repeated by his second sibling, Onatteni, who also exhibited at age eighteen months.

These unmatched exploits have greatly branded the Remet’s family as one of the world’s youngest exhibiting

families.

As Fuji’s great exploit is being wired across the world through the interface of the international media and other forms of socio media, tongues are beginning to wag and questions being asked regarding the authenticity of Fuji’s parents claims to ownership of shots. This reporter is equally among those, who doubted the professional ability of a three year old to handling a high density camera capable of capturing the kind of shots displayed at the show.

But like many other doubters,

,

By MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU

hardly talks. But he is very intelligent. Suffice it to say that what we are witnessing today is built on strong foundation.

Before my wife and I got married, we promised ourselves that we were going to give our children the best if God ever gave us Children.

On the day Fuji was born. He was given birth to at 12 minutes after twelve in the afternoon. A very symbolic moment one’ d say. But beyond that, there was no other symbolic thing about his birth.

But we knew that every child is coming into the world with

Fuji’s exploits are a lesson to parents and Nigeria and underscore the importance of solid foundation for not only the development of the child into better adult but also for better and strong corporate health of the nation

I was proved wrong.

Two days before the exhibition, Fuji’s parents on my insistence dared heavy rain fall and drove their son from their Magogo Lagos home to Festac where the little boy gripped by rain cold and sand-witched between his two siblings was brought to convince me that there is a Fuji. And Two, to demonstrate that he really took the shots.

Seeing the innocent taciturn looking baby. I was further taken aback. He looked up from the wound glass of his father’s car and scanned my face as I said:”hello Fuji?”

And his father took over: “He

,

great promises and capable of doing great exploits if the conditions are created.

“So, this exhibition showcases a collection of Fuji’s photographs since he began to express himself with camera.”

The photographs are taken along busy streets and captures Fuji’s passion for mobility.” He further explained.

Continuing he said that Fuji’s exploits are a lesson to parents and Nigeria and underscore the importance of solid foundation for not only the development of the child into better adult but also for better and strong corporate health of the nation.

According to him, “Society can only achieve its corporate dream from the quality of people it has, and this starts with the values we are able to create in our children.

We have taken this dream this far to inspire early parental attention from parents to their children.” Continuing he said : “ As we speak, world acclaimed photographer, Pa Ojeikere, has taken it upon himself to serve as a mentor to

Onafujiri.”

Surprisingly, Fuji’s photo shots bear the imprint of a professional. Besides his poses, which are equally captured by another camera man, there is a certain shade of light that marks a stamp of professional difference on his shots.

From what one saw at Terra Kulture of Fuji’s works, it may not be too early to conclude that a great photographer has been born.

Splendid Literature & Culture Foundation call for entries

T

HE submission of entries for the 2013 annual competition organized by the Splendid Literature & Culture Foundation to select and publish the best six (6) unpublished stories by Nigerian writers of children’s literature aged 11-21 years has opened.

According to a release by the body, the submission which is for only those resident in Nigeria began on the 1st of June and will close on August, 31 2013. It said that the submitted stories should be able to entertain and enlighten, with strong Nigerian/African content. All entries must be original, unpublished stories in English. Plays and poems are not eligible.

Th entries are in two categories: Junior category which should not be more 3,000 words for children between the ages of 8 – 12 and Senior category of not more than 6,000 words for young adults between the ages

of 13 and 17 The best three stories per category will be selected for publication by the Foundation’s Panel of Judges.

The Foundation’s judges will assess each entry on the depth, originality and quality of the writing and the story’s appeal to its intended audience. Above all, these stories are to stimulate the imagination of the readers to think and problem-solve in novel ways.

Entrants are not expected to illustrate their stories unless they wish to do so. This will not affect the assessment.

Submissions should be typewritten or legibly handwritten, double spaced on numbered pages. Entries submitted online should be in clear and legible fonts. They should also include a passport photograph, name, residential address, phone number and email address on the title page of the manuscript and sent the foundation.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 57

I

N spite of the demands of motherhood coupled with the demands of a banking job, award winning artist and graduate of Fine Arts of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Ronke Aina-Scott is set for her first solo exhibition tagged Colours on my Mind, an exhibition of Acrylic, Pastel and Pen & Ink paintings.

The exhibition which will feature about 50 works through which the artist showcases her expression of the various aspects of African culture is scheduled to open at the Mydrim Gallery, Ikoyi, on June 22 and will run till July 3rd, 2013.

Through the body of works which are mostly in semi-abstract; that is representational art, rendered in pointillism, mosaic and some in mixed media executed with Acrylic paint & Pastel and some works in Pen &Ink, Ronke who is especially inspired by the African woman in society tries to address various issues.

African woman in society She also appreciates some aspects of the African culture with special focus on the role of the African Woman in the society. Some of the works which can be seen as abstract in nature and vibrant with colours shows the laborious beauty, devotion and joy found within the African culture.

On the theme “Colours on my mind”, She said, “I simply wanted to portray the fact that the African people are a naturally colourful people. I have

,

Stories by JAPHET ALAKAM

There are many people out there with talents, many are buried, many have self-imposed limitations, I want to challenge them not do allow it to die no matter the circumstances

, •Amukoko, the potter, one of the works by Ronke Aina-Scott

Aina-Scott celebrates African women in a feast of colours tried to portray on canvas the vivacity and energy that colours brings to the mind.

Most of the paintings have been executed with colours which have been skillfully combined to give an overall pleasing effect to the eye. I have always been very comfortable with colours and there is no dreariness experienced when one looks at the paintings on display.

On the deeper level or the underlying message what I am trying to pass across is more

motivational in nature. There are many people out there with talents, many are buried, many have self-imposed limitations, I want to challenge them not allow it to die no matter the circumstances.”

A look at some of the works on display shows that she is a versatile artist who is able to, in a simple, yet diversified way, to exhibit dexterity in the use of oil paints, pastel, acrylic, gouache and even pen and ink as a medium and her technique leans towards the ab-

stract.

Some of the works are: Where are the trees?1 & 11; And there are none; Back from the stream 1 & 2; Iya ni Wura & Iya mi; Aje ni ya; Fura de nunu;Egwu Umu-agbohor” Maiden Dance; Ariya Celebration 1; Ijo ya; Celebration 2; Agogoro Eyo; African Masks; Mo yo fun e; mo yo fun ra mi and others.

For example, three of the works speak on environmental issues. Where are the trees?1 & 11 speaks against

Omenka magazine debuts in style A

T last a new specialized art magazine that aims at giving visibility to modern and contemporary arts in Africa by providing updates on various art movements, show reviews and event schedules is out. The fully illustrated quarterly magazine known as Omenka magazine which is coming from the coffers of Revilo, The Ben Enwonwu Foundation and Omenka gallery was presented to the public last week in Lagos.

The launching of the magazine which was described as Nigeria’s first art, business and lifestyle magazine with the latest news and insider intelligence on African art market was graced by notable dignitaries and especially the friends and followers of art in Nigeria.

According to the publishers, the magazine which started as The Awakening few years ago, as a solo effort of Ben Enwonwu Foundation, is now published

jointly by the foundation , Revilo and Omenka gallery.

The magazine is divided into the following segments; Antennae (sneak peek, reviews, trends), Focus (interviews and profiles), Lifestyle, Market file (auctions, investments, gallery, artist dossier), Report (studio visit, show and tell, Omenka reads), and Feature.

The first edition which is beautifully designed to meet the readers taste is laced with the iconic painting, Tutu, by Ben Enwonwu on the front cover. As art from the continent continues to gain increased global attention and command staggering fees on the international market, the maga-

zine takes a look at the different auction reports and art transaction prices. Omenka also investigates key trends and showcases the artists who drive the in-

dustry.

The edition has three leading articles as it focus on the rising secondary art market in Nigeria and abroad. Two of them include interviews with Giles Peppiatt, director of African contemporary art at U.K-based Bonhams and Robert Mbonu, director of an art brokerage group, Art Exchange. It also has artist, Nnenna Okore as a ‘Material Girl’ and Abass Kelani in his Lagos studio.

The next issue will focus on photography and it promises to be informative and entertaining featuring in-depth articles, exhibition and book reviews by today’s most forward thinking writers, artists, and curators.

In addition, the magazine will publish regular reports on museum acquisitions and international art fairs as well as profiles on eminent collectors and recent interviews with high profile contemporary artists.

deforestation and on the need to cultivate the habit of planting trees. Apart from the fact that they provide ornamental appeal, trees play a large role in providing clean air and freshness in the atmosphere.

And there are none…portrays the fast disappearing fishes from our rivers due to the effects of global warming. Back from the stream 1 & 2, speaks on the non-availability of portable water in most African society today while Iya ni Wura & Iya mi elaborates the influence that mothers have on their children and also the love of a mother for her child.

Creative industry Speaking about the exhibition, the artist who discloses that she was inspired by her mother said that her passion had always being in the creative industry and that the exhibition is a dream come true. “As a little girl, my colour pencils were the most prized of my earthly possessions and whenever they got missing, which was very often, I was usually reduced to tears. Painting fills me with a sense of accomplishment and I am most at peace with myself when I am at work on my canvas. Art for me has proven a most amenable vehicle for translating inner vision to outer reality.” She said.

The exhibition which will be declared open by the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the event , Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Managing Director & CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc will be graced by notable art lovers.

58 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Nig, Spanish ambassadors harp on legal migration

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

N

IGERIA nationals in Spain and other countries abroad are still embittered with what happened to their fellow compatriots who got drowned in the ocean in their bid to enter Spain ilegally.

Mr. Ibegbunam a businessman who travels often to Spain, spoke to Vanguard Consular Advisory. In his view, “Majority of the people who were involved in the mishap came from the Eastern part of Nigeria, the Igbo speaking areas in particular and it is a very shameful way to lose ones live.” He added: “It is even more disheartening that the country they struggled to get into through illegal means, was not better off than Nigeria”.

Ibegbulam's comment came on the heels of the statement credited to the Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu who regrettably noted that the unfortunate incident would have been avoided if the victims had the prior knowledge that their problem of unemployment would have remained unsolved even if they succeeded in entering Spain since the country suffers same problem of unemployment as Nigeria.

Ambassador Ojukwu said: “As an ambassador to Spain, I come face to face with the trouble people are going through, and I get bothered with the fact that things are not going on well for them in Nigeria the way they anticipated it should. But boarding ships to Spain is not the way out.”

Regretting that it was hardship and suffering that lured Nigerians, mostly the men to nurse the urge to migrate to various countries they

Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain

should all contribute in the fight for a better Nigeria, rather than often seeking for greener pastures where in the real sense, are never greener.

In a related development, the ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Mr. Alvaro Castillo Aguilar, also urged members of the Nigerian-Spanish Association (NISPA), a non-political and non-profit organization which aims to promote business, friendship, cultural integration, tourism and mutual understanding between Nigerian and Spain, to engage in business investment and relationship with Spain.

The call according to Aguilar became necessary in view of the declining business relationship between the two countries. He, however, promised to assist Nigeria in the areas of As an ambassador to Spain, I traffic control, come face to face with the trouble health, energy, agricultural sector people are going through, and I and others. get bothered with the fact that Stressing that the idea of Nigerians things are not going on well for travelling abroad them in Nigeria the way they for medical treatment would anticipated it should reduce in the next desired, the Ambassador calls on all 10 years owing to the proposed regulatory authorities, NGOs, state training of Nigerian doctors by and Federal Governments to create experts from Spain. enabling environments that would Supporting Nigerian businessmen positively slow down the pace at Ambassador Aguilar also noted that which Nigerians migrate overseas. the association’s social and cultural Bilateral Commission: activities are designed not only to Ambassador Bianca stated: “Nigeria bring Nigerians and Spaniards and Spain are strongly bonded in together, but to also afford them a their bi-national relationship, and forum to maintain contact with those the Commission has promised who have studied in different Nigerians who seek visa to Spain for universities in Spain to keep in touch diverse genuine reasons, a better and with each other. improved consular assistance, that And like Ambassador Ojukwu, he would be cordial. Nigeria has signed assured that businessmen would a lot of memoranda of understanding, experience easy travelling to Spain, (MoU) with Spain on various areas as the government is working of both countries’ economies, towards supporting companies in the including cultural cooperation, country for proper functioning in education, as well as transportation terms of fund, getting visa, educating and infrastructures.” businessmen, especially in the area She also commended the efforts of of communication to cut down on the likes of Dr. Okei-Odumakin, problems created by language National President of CD, for their barriers. respective activists’ roles in helping to educate consularadvisory@vanguardngr.com Nigerians on why they

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 —59

Giving up on love

By ONOZURE DANIA

Re: Challenges of parenting (2)

.

Dear Yetunde, The issue of parenting could be tasking for many parents especially with the economic situation in Nigeria. Many parents find it difficult to exert much control and supervision over their children since they are busy chasing money.

But then, the family needs the money in order to be able to take care of its basic needs so that life will be meaningful.

You need the money as a family but that should not be at the expense of catering for your children’s other needs which go beyond financial needs.

From the story under review, Chief Tony meant well for his family and that was why he kept traveling to different countries to make money as a businessman.

He knew that staying at home will never give him the wherewithal to cater for his family financially. He loved his son Segun and wanted the best for him but his constant absence from home as a father still left much to be desired.

The fact is that, money alone cannot take care of a child. Children need both financial, emotional and as well as psychological care from parents and when any of these is lacking, there will be problem either now or later.

Parents should realize that to successfully bring up children, it takes a whole lot of efforts and sacrifice.

A lot of resources are required to bring up children and one very important resource is having quality time for the child.

There is the need for parents to have time to constantly monitor the progress of their children and also impart positively into these children who are leaders of tomorrow.

Parents should not just give birth to children for the sake of it but should have a plan on how they intend to take care of these children and therefore make concerted efforts to accomplish such plan.

No matter how you look at it, whatever a child will become in life

is greatly determined by the parents. Parents can set the pace for the success or failure of their children by their actions or inactions as the case may be.

As a result, the society will be better off today if parents live up to their responsibilities towards their children. Crime and other social vices would be greatly reduced if children are properly nurtured in all ramifications by their parents who incidentally are their first teachers and first point of contact with the society.

When a family decides that the wife should become a full time housewife as in the case of Segun’s mum, there is nothing wrong with this to an extent. As long as the man of the house earns as much income as to cater for the family needs, the woman would do

,

Hi, Sometime ago, we published a series of narratives on the problems of parenting in modern day Nigeria and how it can be effectively tackled. The piece you will be reading today is a contribution from a young lady. Please note that there is no time limit to contributions on any issue raised on this column. You may still send in your views on this or any of the topics raised on this column. Our address remains: The Human Angle, Vanguard, P.M.B. 1007, Apapa, Lagos and e-mail add r e s s : thehumanangle93@yahoo.com Happy reading!

The article you will be reading today is a contribution from one of our readers also. I find his views quite interesting and educative.

You have to create time to be with your children once in a while no matter how busy you may be in order to see to their emotional and psychological welfare which money can never take care of no matter how you dish out the money to them.

Another issue is that for every landmark step a child undertakes, there is the need for at least one of the parents to be available to offer counseling and words of advice.

For Segun to have secured admission into the university and his father could not find time to at least come home that period and give him some words of advice left much to be desired.

In the university, his poor academic performance as a result of his constant fellowships cannot be blamed on anybody because there are students that actively take part in church

Another issue is that for every landmark step a child undertakes, there is the need for at least one of the parents to be available to offer counseling and words of advice

well to take care of the home front which incidentally is the exclusive preserve of women.

But as a man, even if I am a globe-trotter and I travel all over the world for business, why would I not be able to find time to be with my son once in a while to monitor and counsel him so that he can feel the presence of his father?

Can business or career success without a corresponding success at the home front be justified?

Should the home front be sacrificed for the sake of business or career and if one is to be preferred to the other which would it be? I think that parents would do better to set their priorities right and do the right thing at the right time.

Although it is not easy but with efforts and prayers you will get there. Chief Tony was just not available at the home front when his son Segun needed him most to play that fatherly role.

There are times when a child would be confused about something and would turn to his parents to get clarifications and when the parent is not there, the child would have no option than to confide in a stranger who may end up misleading such child. For Chief Tony and many other parents in his shoes, it is just not enough to send money to your family and think that because you always send them money then all is well with them.

,

activities while on campus and still do excellently well in their studies.

He only did not know how well to manage his time and know when to read and when to go for fellowships.

As a result of his desperation to read harder and remedy his poor academic performance, he unwittingly joined a bad gang who initially pretended to be purely academic and harmless but alas they were bad boys affiliated to another group of cultists and before long, Segun was introduced to their dangerous world of partying, drinking,womanizing and sex.

That is the usual story of cult groups.

They always lure their unsuspecting and naïve victims into believing that by joining them, they would make money, be highly protected or pass their exams in flying colours.

But after crossing the Rubicon, these new converts would later discover that those were empty promises after all and only a bait to lure them into their devilish society of blood suckers.

They believe they possess enormous powers and are usually involved in other violent crimes such as armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, assassination and so no. But they never end well. It is either they are eventually arrested or killed in one of their nefarious and clandestine operations or they are killed by a rival cult group. In this case, nemesis caught up with them and they were eventually arrested. This is usually one of the prizes parents have to pay for not properly monitoring their children and

Are you starting to feel like real love is just not going to “happen for you?” That you are not meant to have the kind of relationship other women seem to enjoy effortlessly? If you have ever, for once felt this way, you feel hurt and hopeless that you will never experience the love you crave and deserve.

You have been disappointed again and again, and you don’t know if you have the strength to keep trying.

Maybe you have had too many bad dates, so you are taking yourself off the market entirely. Or you have stopped trying to “talk things through” in your relationship and have resigned yourself to be without pleasure and affection. Why bother trying when it never works out anyway?

When we have been disappointed by love and relationships, it seems impossible to believe that everything will work out.

But it is this belief itself that actually prevents us from getting what we want and what is right. We are, and do, what we believe. Your negative, internal beliefs come across to a man as defensiveness,controlling coldness, neediness, or “drama.” They eat away at your confidence, your selfesteem, so that you become either closed off or desperate.

Every man feels “lackluster” or worse, you believe that no man will stick around, so you cling desperately to any crumb of affection and attention you get. This is exactly what happened to a friend before she met and married her husband. She went through one dead-end relationship after another and her self-esteem sunk somewhere below floor level. She did a lot of therapy and “self-help” but nothing worked because she was not changing her core beliefs about who she was and how she felt about herself. Deep down, she did not believe she deserved the kind of love she wanted.

So she allowed men to walk all over her and with every heartache she proved to herself that she was really unlovable and incapable of

following them up ‘’bumper-tobumper’’ if possible.

Therefore, no matter the constraints, parents should strive not only to provide for the financial and material needs of their children and families but should also ensure that their emotional and psychological

a real relationship.

Is it possible, that you too without even being aware of it are actually pushing a man away and allowing your internal beliefs to become self-fulfilling prophecies?

Like you, she wondered why there were no good men around. She wondered why she could not be comfortable around a man.

She walked around pretending everything was okay. But it was not. That was when she decided she needed to do something to turn things around and she did it.

Do you know how it feels like to almost give up on love? That was the question a friend of mine asked me recently before she narrated her story to me on how she perceived love. Here is the story she shared with me.

She said there was a time in her life when she thought she would never find a good man who would love her unconditionally and completely, whom she will also love in return. Every time she met an interesting or attractive new man, she would feel hopeful that this would finally be it. But then, he would tell her that she was only really "a friend" to him or he would start flirting with another woman, or he would start to be less and less affectionate until one day he would just walk out of her life. She said that she knows that her bad experiences in love weren't making things any easier for her, as she was probably settling for a lot of bad behavior from men because she so much wanted to be loved, get married and have a family of her own. And by accepting the bad behavior and over functioning and treating the man as if he mattered more than her feelings, she wasn't very attractive to the men she was dating.

In hindsight “I can see that I appeared needy and clingy, maybe a little too "forgiving" of things even they knew weren't right. Like when the man she was dating flirted with his female "friends" right in front of her while she sat there feeling completely mortified and numb with jealousy and shame.

needs are taken care of as well in order to enhance the children’s developmental capabilities.

Tayo Demola Director/CEO, Book Editors Nigeria, Lagos

60—Vanguard,THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Osogbo’s Freedom Park Dear Sir,

I

HAVE lived in Osogbo for about seven years. The last one and a half years have really been remarkable because of massive government projects going on in various parts of the state.

Although I must confess that these projects, especially the road dualisation starting from Old-Garage, have had a disruptive impact on the life we have been used to in Osogbo, but I’m taking it in my stride as well as many others. However, I am particularly impressed by the development of the rail terminal at Old-Garage because I am very familiar with that area, which is my major route of operations.

The Old-Garage rail terminus, like many others around the country, had for long been allowed to lapse into a state of disrepair. But just a little over a year ago, the place was resuscitated which culminated in the launch of the Aregbesola train about April last year. I had thought that would be the end of the story.

But, I was wrong. Few months later, the bulldozers came calling on the minishanty settlement. Before anyone could bat an eyelid, the slum was gone in its place

is what we now know as Freedom Park. I find its sheer beauty breath taking, to say the least. This is probably because I still find it hard to get off my memory the ugliness of the slum that had given way to the new park.

The rail terminal is now a carefully paved and macadamised platform with clearly marked-out parking spaces, complemented by a giant electronic screen where residents can be entertained by satellite TV programmes such as one does in the more comfortable confines of one’s living room.

The park’s real beauty comes out at night when the bluishwhite flood lights beam down on the vast space. The park also serves the additional purpose of separating vehicular traffic coming from Okefia and heading towards Olaiya intersection away from that heading towards Aiyetoro and Igbono, thereby reducing the bottleneck that builds up at the rail crossing.

The new park is now talk of the town and it’s a compelling site for first timers to the city.

If this is what government is about, then I think the people of Osun State are in for positive development.

Mrs. Titi Ajayi,Ilesa, Osun State.

Corruption: Our bane Dear Sir, HERE did the rain really begin to beat us? To know where the rain began to beat us, we must first identify the Nigerian problem. My twitter foray somehow summed up this problem as corruption.

I do not completely agree that the cause of the Nigerian predicament is corruption.

Corruption, I agree is a problem in this country, but it is just a symptom of a larger problem. In any case, corruption is a global problem.

Yet, so many other countries have managed to develop despite the best efforts of corruption to impede their advancement. Even the United States of America is a corrupt country, yet she managed to be such a role model to many democracies the world over. Nigeria is a corrupt country I accept, but our problem is deeper than that.

There are factors that occasioned the corruption in the country and these factors are the real causes of the Nigerian predicament.

W

Niger Delta and oil theft

I

T beats my imagination that some former governors and politicians with pending corruption cases in court are today senators and representatives, when they should be in jail. That government has not deemed it fit to tackle the growing corruption in the country is understandable: most public office holders are guilty of this offence.

It is unfortunate that in Nigeria people get elected into public office while in detention or while criminal charges against them are still pending.

It goes to show Nigerians celebrate corruption.

Nigeria’s constitution should be amended to bar people with questionable character from vying for elective posts until they are cleared. Until this is done, criminals will continue to dominate all tiers government.

Lekan,Lagos State

June 12, 1993

Presidential election

The 593 Local Government Area Electoral officers who conducted the June 12, 1993 presidential elections are

,

Forgotten cases

The Niger Delta is fast becoming a wasteland. With the activities of the oil thieves on the rise, we are sitting on a time - bomb, soon to be set off by our greedy brothers and sisters. Government and the communities must work hard to bring sanity to oil business in Nigeria. We must educate the people on the dangers of wanton abuse of the

If 36 adults could not conduct a free and fair election, imagine what will happen in 2015. Nigeria is greater than any individual.These governors and their godfathers should remember what led to the unfortunate 1966 and 1983 coups and try to amend their ways

,

forgotten just as their master Prof. Humphery Nwosu and close colleague Prof. Ideria are abandoned to their fate for their credibility and transparency. What are Nigerians doing with over 50 political parties? What a wonderful country!

Barr. A.O Obi 08056009586

environment.

Samson 0803582233

Still on oil theft

Many people are unaware of the danger depletion of the ozone layer constitutes. Those operating illegal refineries or bursting oil pipelines do not value their own lives, These

Corruption manifests (and not exclusively in this manner)through people desiring to suck the state dry in order to enrich themselves and their own people. In Nigeria, it also manifests in the

placement of people who are incompetent as the decision makers of the country. These have led to the country being stagnant because people are bent on personal enrichment and of course the compensation of people who are part of the caucus of the people who find themselves in positions of authority in either government or in other key companies or corporations. One thing is certain though, corruption is only a manifestation of a social situation created a long time ago in the country.

-Nnaemeka Oruh (liliemmy@yahoo.com)

Open letter to the late Chief Abiola

D

EAR CHIEF ABIOLA, The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, it is about 15 years since you left this sinful world for eternity. What was revealed to me about your journey to the world beyond was that it took you a long time before you came to terms with where you found yourself.

I remember how you were taking round by a guide who introduced many beautiful places to you. You wore your Agbada that was made of Adire with a good cap to match.

When you were with us in this world, you said that the future of your pet company, Concord Press of Nigeria was not bleak. Like any other mortal, you knew you would pass on someday but it didn’t occurred to any of us that it would be so soon. You didn’t imagine the company would go

under but you now see the pathetic state of Concord Press from the astral world. I was told by a colleague that you bit your finger in disappointment when you noticed that Concord building had become a monument.

Many of your former workers had joined you. They all died of hunger and frustration. That would not have happened if you had not died. The milk of human kindness that ran in your veins would not have allowed that to happen. You would have paid their gratuities or compensation before their death. May your kind and gentle soul continue to rest in peace till we meet to part no more.

James. O. Adeyemi, Ex-Concord Staff.

08026106556

activities will not affect only the Niger Delta region but all of us.

Dele 07044092117

1966 and 1983 coups and try to amend their ways so as to avert a recurrence.

Uche,Rivers State

Governors Forum

Why did the members of the Governors forum decide to vote when they knew from the beginning that their constitution does not approve of such a method of choosing their chairman?

Nigerians are not fool by their antics because things did not go their way. They cry foul in vain. If 36 adults could not conduct a free and fair election, imagine what will happen in 2015. Nigeria is greater than any individual.

These governors and their godfathers should remember what led to the unfortunate

Still on Governors Forum

All Nigerians with a sense of propriety and hope for the future of a united, democratic Nigeria should pray for Governor Amaechi , that God will deliver him from the hands of political terrorists who are terrorising him and Nigeria’s unique democracy with impunity.

Many of them seem to have forgotten what brought the First Republic to its knees. Are there no true elders with sanity in that fold?

Emeka 0804678990

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS 1.You have to know when to stop and let go of somethings for they say "A stubborn fly follows the corpse to the grave"

Simon Adewale08056180103, Lagos State .

Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable. You will be paid N100.00 for every saying published. Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 61

FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Malawi 2 Kenya 2 M

ALAWI ended their strike in time to claim a 2-2 FIFA World Cup qualifying draw against Kenya on Wednesday.

Unpaid Malawi players did not attend Tuesday’s training session as part of a boycott and they threatened to not honour the important fixture at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

But an 11th-hour agreement saw the match go ahead, although the result was not ideal for Eddington Ngonamo’s side.

Malawi could have moved ahead of Nigeria at the summit of Group F with a win in the second-round qualifying clash, but they were cruelly denied in the dying stages when substitute Chimango Kayira scored an own goal.

Following a goalless first half, Malawi took the lead after 46 minutes thanks to 20-year-old Robin Ngalande.

Kenya, who were with-

•Usain Bolt

Diamond League: Bolt in shape for fast time in Oslo 200m S

IX-TIME Olympic champion Usain Bolt says he is feeling “ wonderful” and is ready to run under 20 seconds for the 200m at today’s Diamond League meeting in Oslo.

The Jamaican has struggled for early-season form and was beaten in Rome over 100m last week by Justin Gatlin.

Bolt, 26, has been suffering with a hamstring injury but insists he is fit.

He said: “I’m in shape to run under 20 seconds.

I’m feeling wonderful. If I execute right, I’ll get a fast time.”

The fastest time in the world this year is exactly 20 seconds, set by another Jamaican Nickel Ashmeade in Kingston at the start of May. After his defeat in Rome, Bolt said he was struggling to stay moti-

vated after a historic year in 2012, which saw him retain his Olympic titles in the 100m, 200m and the 4x100m relay.

But he insisted he was not concerned about losing to Gatlin, and was focusing on this year ’s World Championships in Moscow and regaining the 100m world title he lost in Daegu in 2011.

He said: “It’s just one of those things - you win some, you lose some.

“But when it comes to the championships, I always show up. I understand that I will lose every now and again but when the big time comes up I will be ready.”

Bolt holds the 200m world record of 19.19 seconds and will be the strong favourite in a

field in Norway that contains only three other men who have run under 20 seconds in their careers.

European 200m champion Churandy Martina of the Netherlands could provide the stiffest test, while home favourite Jaysuma Saidy Ndure and American Curtis Mitchell may also challenge.

5 African champions to compete in Calabar

A

S many as five reigning African champions will be competing this year’s edition of the Cross River state-sponsored All Nigeria Athletics Championships which start next week Wednesday in Calabar.

Leading the class of champions from last

year’s African Championships in Athletics is Olympics long jump medallist,Blessing Okagbare who picked the gold medal at the biennial African tourney last year in Port Novo,Benin R e p u b l i c .

Okagbare will be hoping to extend her record as the first Nigerian woman to win the 100m gold

five times consecutively.

Also confirmed for the flagship event of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria is another sprinter,Gloria Asumnu who will be competing in her third national championships following her change in allegiance from USA,her country of birth to Nigeria,her country of origin.

out Celtic midfielder Victor Wanyama and Ajaccio striker Dennis Oliech, managed to produce a quick response as Jamal Mohammed’s 52nd-minute strike drew the visitors level.

Kenya cannot make the third round of qualifying but looked to be on the verge of causing an upset until Malawi midfielder Robert Ng’ambi, who scored twice at last year ’s Africa Cup of Nations,

bagged an 80th-minute effort. With only the top team from each group going through to the third round, the goal was crucially important for Malawi.

Their World Cup dreams took a blow in the final minute, though, as Kayira turned the ball into his own net.

The result was Malawi’s fourth draw from their five matches in the group, leaving them with seven points.

Haile Gebrselassie: I will run until I die

H

E’S broken every record in the book and won a glut of Olympic and world titles, but even at the age of 40, Haile Gebrselassie has no intention of resting on his laurels.

“A day without running is not a good day,” the Ethiopian athletics legend told CNN’s Human to Hero Series.

“Running, you continue until you die.”

Which spells bad news for his fellow competitors, although Gebrselassie does acknowledge he will have to call it quits at some stage.

“Competition stops somewhere, but when I don’t know,” he says.

“What I’m thinking now, is that I want to

break all the Masters records — over 40, over 50, over 60.

“I don’t know how long I’m going to live after this, but I hope the next 100 years!” he adds, breaking into his trademark grin.

•Gebrselassie

Zenith Bank is title sponsors of Delta Football League

Z

ENITH Bank Plc has emerged as tittle sponsors of the about to commence Delta State Football league. This was disclosed to sports writers in Lagos by a member of the newly inaugurated board of the Delta State League Management Committee, Patrick Uzoyi-Peters.

The state league conducted an very high and competitive play-off amongst teams in 25 local government areas of the state and 16 clubs qualified from all the centres across the state.

As part of activities aimed at preparing the teams for the league, the league management Committee recently held a stake holders meeting with representatives of the clubs to intimate them with the rules and regulations guiding the league .

It will be followed up with a match commissioners seminar on the 17th and 18th of June at the Warri City Stadium to further prepare the ground for effective and smooth take off the league.

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

EPL clubs target Joel Obi T

HE agent of Inter Milan midfielder Joel Obi has confirmed that clubs in the Premier League have enquired about the Nigeria international.

The 22-year-old has made 48 appearances for the Nerazzurri since signing from Nigerian lower division club NEPA of Lagos in the summer of 2010.

His 2012/13 season was badly disrupted by injury though, restricting him to just three appearances and forcing him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Despite his injury problems Premier League duo Newcastle and Sunderland have been linked with a summer swoop in recent weeks.

His agent, Renzo Contratto, has confirmed

Joel Obi

Chelsea's bid for Napoli star rejected C

HELSEA have submitted a bid for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani, but saw their offer of •40m plus Spanish striker Fernando Torres rejected by the Partenopei.

The Uruguayan’s release clause is set at •63m and Napoli are determined to secure that figure in any transfer fee, so they can use the money to sign a striker of their choice to replace Cavani.

Goal.com revealed the details of the bid from the Blues, but the striker himself, who scored the winning goal for his country against Venezuela on Tuesday evening, said he was unwilling to discuss the matter at the moment,

telling OMNISport before the World Cup game in San Cristobal: ”What I know is that I belong to Napoli and that I’m thinking about my national team.”

Manchester City have already seen a money plus player bid for the striker rejected, but despite the interest from England it is thought that Cavani

himself would prefer to go to Spain to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid, with Los Merengues thought to be preparing a mammoth offer.

T

U R K I S H champions Galatasaray on Wednesday assessed their sensational pursuit of Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi. This is contrary to an earlier report that Galatasaray have ended their pursuit of the Nigeria international.

President of Galatasaray Unal Ayisal, sporting

director Bulent Tulun and coach Fatih Terim will take a decision on their bid to sign the Nigerian international.

Mikel is the priority, according to Fotomac, a leading online football website in Turkey.

Galatasaray, will feature in next season’s UEFA Champions League and will likely have to splash a

fortune on the Chelsea star as he has a running contract till June 2017.

The possible transfer of

T

C M Y K

HE QPR shot stop per has held talks with several Premier League clubs after being told he can leave Loftus Road following the Hoops’ relegation.

César, 33, has confirmed that he would prefer to stay in London and Arsenal are considered frontrunners for the Brazilian’s signature.

Various bookmakers

have suspended bets on César moving across West London to North, although he isn’t expected to complete his move until he returns from Confederations Cup duty with Brazil at the end of the month.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is determined to sign an experienced ‘keeper this summer as competition for the inconsistent Wojciech Szczesny.

Mikel

fine.

“He will leave for the Inter pre-season and then we’ll see what the club wants to do.

“Obi is an Inter player and has a contract until 2017 but from now to the market’s end, no one can predict what will happen”.

Echiejile hints at Portugal exit S UPER Eagles star defender, Elderson Echiejile may soon be heading for the exit doors away from his Portuguese side Sporting Braga.

With just a year left on his four-year contract signed in 2010, Echiejile posited that there is greater chance of him leaving Braga this summer than staying over to add to his 68 appearances and eight goals in the colours of the modest Portuguese outfit.

Speaking on his newly launched personal website, Echiejile stated that a move away from Braga is around 70%.

Likely destinations

Galatasaray meet on Mikel

Júlio César closes in on move to Arsenal

Cesar

clubs in England have enquired about the player, who is now fit again, but insists that his future depends on Inter.

“I can say that Joel is a player liked in the Premier League,” he told FC Inter News. “The guy had a difficult season but now is

England fullback Ashley Cole to the Turkish giants will also be discussed at the meeting.

Echiejile could be the English Premier League where he has been linked with Norwich City and Fulham.

Last year, the 25-yearold left back was also linked with a move to perennial Greek champions Olympiacos.

Elderson started out in Europe with Stade Rennes in 2007.

Ameobi’s club future in doubt

S

HOLA Ameobi’s club future has been thrown into a state of uncertainty with emerging reports that Newcastle are closing in on out of favour Villa Park star Darren Bent.

The Nigerian who has faced competition in recent season at St James’ Park could be considering a summer move away from the club should Newcastle succeed in landing the England international.

The arrival of the former Sunderland forward would limit the chances of the Nigerian international who only managed to just 23 league games from available 38 with just a goal to his name.

Villa splashed out a reported £24million to sign the striker from Sunderland back in 2011 but are now ready to cut their losses and let him leave for a fraction of the price .

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 — 63

Messi Continues from BP ed he has done nothing wrong.

In a statement the Argentine forward hit back saying: “We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about this news, because we have never committed any infringement.

“We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants who will take care of clarifying this situation.”

His club has not commented yet.

Messi - who has won the world player of the year title FOUR times is one of the world’s highest paid footballers earning around £250,000 a WEEK. Any club wanting to

buy him would have to shell out an astronomical £320million to include his wages and £210million transfer fee to release him from the Spanish champions Barcelona.

But due to new tax laws in Spain, Messi’s new deal will cost Barca a lot more.

Instead of 24 per cent tax they will now pay up to 52 per cent on Messi’s salary which means his wages will increase from £10m-a-year to £17m.

Last December Messi turned down a monster £460,000-a-week offer to quit Barcelona.

As well as his Barcelona wages, he earns millions from sponsors including Adidas, PepsiCo and P&G and he is 10th on Forbes’s latest list of top-earning athletes.

250 cyclists storm Lagos for Cyclefest Race

N

O fewer than 250 cyclists from 16 states of the federation will take part in the inaugural edition of the Cyclefest Race billed to begin at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Sunday June 16, 2013.

The Cyclefest Race which has been sanctioned by the Nigeria Cycling Federation and the Lagos State Cycling Association, is the first privately organised cycling race in Nigeria and will be competed for in

Ayew brothers Continues from BP ing at the Flagstaff House in Accra, the Ayew brothers, who play professional football in France, rescinded their decision to quit international football.

“We are back to do everything we can and let Ghana get to the World Cup,” Andre Dede was quoted as telling the president, who asked them to communicate their decision to the GFA. The two announced an

end to playing for the Black Stars after they were excluded from the Ghana team to 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

While Jordan was not invited for the competition, Andre did not report in time for the team’s camping in Abu Dhabi and was subsequently axed

by Coach Kwesi Appiah.

The local media has also reported that KevinPrince Boateng was also on the verge of returning to the Black Stars.

four major categories namely: Men professional, Female professional, Men recreational and Female recreational.

The 16 state teams taking part in the race are

Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Gombe, Nassarawa, Borno, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Rivers and Imo while Lifestyle Cycling Club (Port Harcourt).

Riots

Continues from BP Istanbul,” the statement read. “It is not foreseen that the tournament areas are affected. We are in contact with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and receive regular updates regarding the security situation.

“The LOC will continue its close cooperation with law enforcement and will regularly update FIFA. Safety and security is one of the most important matters in preparation of any major

event. FIFA has full confidence in the Turkish authorities and their developed security concept for the Fifa U-20 World Cup which encapsulates any potential risks.”

England, coached by Phil Taylor, have been drawn alongside Egypt, Iraq and Chile and could play in Istanbul if it reaches the quarterfinal stage, and the Football Association has given FIFA full control over safety fears. The United States is also in the tournament.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Ayew brothers back to Black Stars T

Messi accused of £3.4m tax fraud S

UPERSTAR foot baller Lionel Messi is being investigated for an alleged £3.4MILLION tax fraud in Spain.

The Barcelona star and his dad, Jorge, are accused of filing fraudulent tax returns from 2006-2009 according to a spokesman for tax crime in Catalonia.

The 25-year-old recognised as the best player in the world and is rumoured to earn £250,000-a-week and £13MILLION in endorsements.

Last year the player agreed a new six-year deal with Barcelona worth an estimated £17million-a-year AFTER tax which will run until 2018.

He revealed his shock at allegations and insist Continues on Page 63

World cup qualifying results Namibia 1 -1 Nigeria Malawi 2 - 2 Kenya

A

•Messi

PUZZLE

•Ayew brothers reasons.

The two other prominent ones are Michael Essien and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

After Tuesday’s meet Continues on Page 63

Riots threaten FIFA U-20 World Cup the green light to go FRESH wave of riots erupted in Turkey yesterday after police stormed an Istanbul square packed with protesters.

Cops fired tear gas and rubber bullets at antig o v e r n m e n t demonstrators – with petrol bombs and stones hurled back in return during further violent clashes.

The country’s prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said three protesters and one police officer had died in the violent clashes.

FIFA has given the Under-20 World Cup which starts on June 21

ahead as planned Istanbul is due to host 11 fixtures, including the final at Galatasaray ’s Turk Telekom Arena, but antig o v e r n m e n t demonstrations in the city have prompted calls for the competition to be cancelled.

FIFA, however, has released a statement insisting it is still committed to hosting the tournament, with the decision coming after being assured the safety of those participating is not under threat.

“The riots deal with a domestic issue based in two contained areas in Continues on Page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

Sudoku TODAY'S

WO sons of Ghana’s football legend,Abedi Ayew Pele, who quit the national football team in a row with Ghana Football Association (GFA), on Tuesday agreed to return to the Black Stars.

Their return followed the intervention of Ghana President, John Dramani Mahama.

Andre Dede and Jordan Ayew held talks with President Mahama, who has made himself available to speak with all football stars who left the Black Stars for various

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Enthusiasm (5) 7 Labyrinth (4) 8 Leave (6) 9 Step (5) 11 Prosecute (3) 13 Pasty (3) 15 Incline (4) 16 Network (3) 18 Peace (4) 19 Carriage (7) 20 Gentle (4) 22 Stupefy (4) 23 Prospect (7) 25 Mislay (4) 27 Finish (3) 28 Press (4) 30 Sheep (3) 31 Kernel (3) 33 Fault-finder (5) 36 Puzzle (6) 37 Discourteous (4) 38 Hector (5)

DOWN 1 Obscure (5) 2 Encountered (3) 3 Born (3) 4 Append (3) 5 Observe (3) 6 Track (5) 10 Region (4) 11 Trip (7) 12 Surround (7) 13 Design (7) 14 Prominent (7) 16 Complete (5) 17 Meditate (5) 18 Lettuce (3) 21 Owing (3) 24 Just (4) 26 Due (5) 29 Excel (5) 32 Epoch (3) 33 Taxi (3) 34 Nothing (3) 35 Weep (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Steal 5, Capped 8, Model 10, Damage 11, Aped 14, Decide 15, Boredom 18, Nil 19, Tie 21, Slot 23, Penny 24, Anon 27, Dot 29, Mat 31, Relaxed 32, Editor 34, Tire 35, Eaglet 38, Lodge 39, Agency 40, Erred.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 2, Tea 3, Amazed 4, Log 5, Clad 6, Precis 7, Defect 9, Devoted 12, Pen 13, Dill 16, Omen 17, Minor 20, Entered 22, Ooze 24, Agenda 25, Omit 26, Nation 28, Danger 30, Tor 33, Rely 36, Age 37, Ewe.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-8944295. Advert Dept: 01-7924470; Hotline: 01-8737028; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Editor: MIDENO BAYAGBON. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.