4 die, as helicopter plunges into lagoon

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62470

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

4 die, as helicopter plunges into lagoon •12 aboard, including crew; 6 rescued, hospitalised •Chopper heading to MMA, Ikeja from oil rig in Escravos •NCAA, confirms incident; AIB begins investigation •Staff of Indigo Drill Nig. Ltd on board; 6 survivors named

By Jimoh Babatunde, Olasunkanmi Akoni, Lawani Mikairu, Bose Adelaja, Daniel Eteghe & Richard Udofia

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A G O S — A HELICOPTER belonging to Bristow Helicopters with 12 people on board, yesterday, crashed into the Lagoon near the Oworonsoki end of the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

According to an eyewitness, the aircraft, marked 5NBGD was said to be coming from one of the oil rigs in the Escravos area of Delta State and was said to be heading to Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja when it went down around 3.p.m.

According to reports,

Continues on Page 5

Ife Council formally announces Ooni's demise >>11

Above, a Bristow helicopter. TOP & RIGHT: Rescue operations, recovered items and part of the helicopter that crashed into the lagoon at Oworonsoki, Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor and Lamidi Bamidele,

Come and confess, Sagay's committee urges looters >>9

COLUMNISTS: Chief Philip Asiodu's reminiscences of Nigerian Life •P.17 C M Y K

Who is afraid

Did Pat Utomi say that? •P.19 to borrow?•P.19

Shekau ousted as leader of Boko Haram >>8 — Chadian President

Justice ministry takes over OPC rape case >>7 Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

POWER— President Muhammadu Buhari(M); Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo(5th L); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali (4th L) and directors in the ministry, after a meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Four die, as helicopter plunges into lagoon Continues from Page 1 three of those on board were confirmed dead, while six others, who were rescued, were moved to the nearby Gbagada General Hospital and a private hospital.

The crash occurred at the back of Oworonsoki Police Station after a loud bang was heard from the helicopter. The National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, its Lagos State counterpart, LASEMA, and policemen were said to have embarked on rescue operations immediately after the crash.

According to the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Oworonsoki, Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Chijioke Nduka, who led officers to the scene to rescue victims, there was a loud sound from the aircraft before the crash.

He said more officers including the Area Commander, Ikeja

Command, were at the scene assisting operatives of NEMA in the rescue operations.

To make rescue operations easier, routes to the site of the crash were cordoned off.

Director of Fire Services, Lagos State, Mr, Rasaq Fadipe and Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Mr. Kehinde Adebayo, confirmed the incident when contacted.

According to Fadipe, the number of casualties could not be ascertained at press time but rescue operation was still ongoing.

“We are on ground, the fire has been put out while further rescue operation is still ongoing. We will give details later,” Fadipe said.

Adebayo, in his comment said, LASEMA upon receipt of distress call raced to the scene and immediately commenced

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

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OTHING worthwhile is ever achieved in the absence of strong discipline. Discipline is what gets you to do what you should do rather than what you want to do; it is the assertion of will power over more basic desires. Once you have the commitment, you need the discipline and the hardwork to get there. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Someone will always be prettier. Someone will always be smarter. Someone will always be younger.

But they’ll never be you — Take Heart Quotes

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O matter what you do, you can pretty much always find someone else in the world that has more than you or better than you at something.

Yes, you may feel good for a while when you get a nicer car than your neighbour. But a week or two later, you’ll see someone from the next block with an even finer car. Instead of comparing yourself to other people, create the habit of comparing yourself to you. See how much you have grown, what you have achieved and what progress you have made towards your goals.

rescue operation.

According to him: “Three bodies were recovered from the debris of the crash while two that were also rescued were rushed to hospital for prompt medical attention.

The immediate or remote cause(s) of the crash, at press time could not be ascertained but it was gathered that the chopper went down, as smoke was seen trailing it before if finally came crashing.

How it happened — Witness

Rescue operations, however, continued at the site of the crash as local fishermen were being joined by NEMA officials combing the lagoon for the remaining bodies.

The bodies of the dead three were conveyed by an ambulance of State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit with Lagos number SMK 303BK at about 6.15pm.

A resident who witnessed the plunging of the chopper into the lagoon said the pilot did well to prevent land casualties as the chopper almost landed on a church close to the Oworonsoki Police Station on Atanda Street.

Alfa Rasaq Bolaji, an eye witness said he was inside when children on the street, who saw the way the chopper was wobbling in the sky started shouting.

“It was their shout that brought me out only for the chopper to crash into the sea. I believe most of the dead were killed by the blades of the chopper as those who were rescued had cuts from the blades on their bodies”.

LASEMA confirmed that four bodies, all male, have been recovered so far, while six victims were rescued. Four of the rescued victims were said to be in stable condition and responding to treatment at Ggbagada

General Hospital while two others are receiving treatment at a private hospital in Oworonsoki.

Rescue team, including local divers, at press time were still in search of two persons, but it was gathered that the possibility of recovering the victims alive was slim because of the number of hours spent underwater.

It was gathered that the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, immediately ordered that the survivors be given adequate medical treatment as the state government will pay all medical bills incurred in the process.

Attempts to speak with survivors was thwarted by medical staff and security operatives because they were said to be in a state of shock.

Names of six survivors The suvivors were named as Solomon Ude, Joshua Emekema, Chukwudi Onah, Dolu Epiejura, Ononode Ojeite and Iniala Opaimi The incident led to a heavy traffic gridlock on the Third Mainland Bridge. Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, however, diverted traffic to other link bridges, Carter and Eko bridges to ease off the attendant gridlock on Third Mainland Bridge which was cordoned off to make rescue operations easier.

NCAA confirms crash

Reacting to the accident, the regulatory agency, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, said contrary to earlier reports that there were four people on board the crashed helicopter, the actual number of people on board the chopper was 12, including the crew.

According to Mr Fan Ndubuoke, General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, “A Bristow Helicopter with registration number 5N BDG - 760540 from one of the nation’s oil rigs crashed at Oworonsoki in Lagos this evening.

“The helicopter scheduled to arrive Lagos 3.35 pm had 12 souls on board including the crew.

However, the number of casualties is yet to be determined.”

Officials of the Accident Investigation Bureau was heard by Vanguard asking the Bristow Helicopters safety officer to get all information about the chopper and the pilot ready for them.

The Bristow official said they have them ready for the aviation industry investigators.

AIB commences

investigations

Spokesman of the Accident Investigation Bureau, Mr Tunji Oketunbi has also confirmed that the bureau has commenced investigation into the crash. In a text message to Vanguard, yesterday, Mr Oketunbi said: “Investigation has commenced with AIB Commissioner, Dr Felix Abali leading the team. 12 souls were believed to be on board. There were casualties and survivors.

It was Britow's helicopter on approach to land in Lagos”.

Mood at Bristow Helicopters at Lagos airport

The mood at the headquarters of Bristow Helicopters at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos was that of bereavement as most of the staff of the company were talking about the crash, as they made their way home after the close of work.

Efforts made by Vanguard to get information from the Managing Director of the airline, Captain Akin Oni, proved abortive.

However, the Public Relations Consultant to the company, Mr. Cornelius Onuoha, told Vanguard that he was busy preparing a press statement which was not ready at press time.

Crashed caused by neglect of tradition – Monarch

The Traditional ruler of Oworonsoki, Oba Basiru Oloruntoyin Saliu, who spoke to Vanguard in a telephone conversation said as soon as the incident occurred, he deployed all his chiefs and princes to the scene to assist in the rescue operation.

Oba Basiru also lamented total collapse of traditional rites in the area, saying this may be responsible for yesterday ’s incident.

"The government no

longer pays attention to traditional rites which is necessary to prevent such occurrences. For instance, how many times have we appeased the goddess this year?

"An occurrence like this may be caused by the goddess because no human being can depict the depth of the lagoon; but if the goddess is appeased, she would have prevented such occurrence."

Staff of Indigo Drill Nig. Ltd on board

Meanwhile, a report on the crash by L ASWAwater guard confirmed that the passengers on board the crashed helicopter were staff of Indigo Drill Nigeria Limited an offshore drilling company.

The report was issued by the Managing Director of LASWAwater guard, Mr Yinka Marinho.

The latest crash is coming barely four years after the airline’s helicopter crashed in Port Harcourt. It will be recalled that a Bristow Helicopter with registration 5N-BMM crashed at Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) on July 14, 2011.

The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) had said that investigation carried out on the crash revealed that the two pilots in the cockpit were captains and were paired despite the fact that the airline has no pairing policy.

About the crashed helicopter Investigation revealed that the aircraft said to be Sikorsky S-76 and Sikorsky S-92, were among the brands of helicopters in the fleet of Bristow. According to one of the Pilots of the airline, the ill-fated plane might have been an either of the models.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Police demanded N.5m to investigate our brother's death—DELTA FAMILY

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—FAMILY of Bestman Tobore, the 37-year-old motorcycle ticket sales person, allegedly stabbed to death by a robbery suspect, has accused the police of extortion, under the guise of investigating the case.

Tobore, popularly known as Agbari, died on Friday, May 8, from stabs and head injuries he sustained, following an alleged attack by a robbery suspect, identified as Ejaiyeta, alias Ghana Boy, who had escaped police custody at Ovwian Police Station in Udu LGA, Delta State.

Speaking to Vanguard yesterday, a female relative, who did not want her name in print, disclosed that having provided police with information of his killers and series of petitions to that effect, they were asked to make a payment of N500,000 for mobilisation.

At press time, state Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, had not responded to text messages sent to her on the matter.

Waiter allegedly caught on CCTV stealing $1,400

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AGOS—A waiter, Patrick Archibong, who allegedly stole $1,400 dollars (N336,000) from a traveller, was arraigned at an Ikeja Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, yesterday.

Archibong, 29, who lives at Oredapo St., Akowonjo, Lagos, however, said he was not guilty of the onecount charge of stealing he was charged with.

Prosecutor, Inspector Frank Inah, said the money belonged to one Mercy Okoro, who was travelling to Paris, France.

He said the accused stole the money at the Gabfol Lounge, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, and was caught on camera.

Chief Magistrate M. O. Osinbajo granted the accused N50,000 bail and adjourned till August 19.

Lawyer allegedly fondles 9-yr-old in court

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A Lagos-based lawyer (names withheld) was yesterday caught fondling a nine-year-old girl’s breasts and private part in the premises of Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

The victim, said to have just arrived the country from England, had accompanied her grandmother, who had a civil case in court and needed a lawyer.

At the court, she enquired from a court clerk of a lawyer who could help her handle the case and was referred to the said

‘He touched my breasts, private part’ lawyer.

The lawyer allegedly lured the little girl to an alley within the court premises and fondled her private part.

The cry of the little girl attracted the grandmother, who asked her what the matter was and she started pointing to the lawyer, saying that he fondled her breast and also touched her private part.

According to eyewitnesses, after the court proceedings, the lawyer was seen walking around the court premises with

the little girl and when he was asked who the girl was to him, he said she was his daughter.

He was also alleged to have carried the girl on his laps and gave his mobile phone to her to play with, while he was busy touching her breast and fingering her.

The eyewitnesses said it was when the girl started crying and went to report to her grandmother, who started slapping the lawyer that they got to know what happened.

The noise, which disrupted

the court proceedings, brought the matter to Chief Magistrate K. B. Ayeye’s attention.

The little girl was said to have told the Chief Magistrate what the lawyer did to her.

The magistrate ordered that the lawyer be taken to Lion Building Police Station, Lagos Island, and when Vanguard visited the station, a police source said that Assistant Commissioner of Police had taken over the matter and also confirmed the presence of the lawyer at the command.

Nine suspected fraudsters and a fake Assistant Supretendent of Police (inset) were paraded by Oyo State Police Command, yesterday. PHOTOS: Dare Fasube.

25-yr-old marriage crashes over late meals

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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HE 25-year-old marriage between Olufade Adekoya, 57, and his wife, Olusola, has been dissolved by an Ikorodu Customary Court in Lagos, over lateness in preparing meals.

President of the court, Olu Adebiyi, dissolved the marriage after noting that there was no longer love in the union.

“The court had tried several times to reconcile their differences, but all efforts proved abortive,” Adebiyi said.

Adekoya told the court he was totally fed up with his wife not cooking for him regularly, adding that when she did, the food came late.

He said: “My wife had failed in her matrimonial obligations.

She does not prepare my food on time and I have warned her several times, but she would not listen to me.

“Most times, I go to the canteen to eat when I am

He wants to marry another woman, wife tells court hungry. There is no point in harbouring a wife that makes me hungry.

“I am totally fed up. Please separate us; I am no more interested in the marriage.”

Denying all the allegations, Olusola accused her husband of wanting to take another wife.

Robbers trail man from bank in Ogun, arrested

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—MEN of Ogun State Police Command, yesterday, arrested two suspected armed robbers for allegedly trailing and robbing a bank customer of the money he withdrew at a new generation bank in Ado-Odo/ Otta Local Government Area of the state.

The two suspects, Victor Igoche, 32, who hails from Benue State, and Thomas Frank, 34, from Delta State, were said not to have fixed residential address when they were arrested.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the operatives attached to

Onipanu Division of Ogun State Police Command made the arrest on Tuesday at 3:30p.m.

Adejobi said: “The police detectives, who were assisted by some members of the community and Vigilante Service of Ogun State, swung into action and raced to the house of the victim, where two suspected armed robbers were arrested, and their operational vehicle, a black Audi A4 car with number plates KTU 629 CU, was recovered.

“The suspects have confessed to have been involved in many robbery operations and other crimes in the area and they have been charged to court on Wednesday (yesterday) by the

Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence, Eleweran, Abeokuta, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, Abbdulmajid Ali. “The Commissioner of Police has commended the police detectives and members of the public and Vigilante Service for the good job they have done.

“He, however, urged members of the public to avoid moving with cash and be conscious of their environment whenever they embarked on any transaction in banks or cash centres.

“The police boss also assured the people of Ogun State of adequate protection of lives and property and improved security networking within the state.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—7

2-yr-old boy stolen in Enugu

By Francis Igata

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Some of the pregnant internally-displaced women with their dignity kits donated by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, in Borno State, yesterday. NAN PHOTOS.

Justice ministry takes over OPC rape case I

NDICATIONS emerged

yesterday that the Lagos State Ministry of Justice may have taken over the case of the reported rape of a 30-year-old woman in Lagos by four members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC. A source close to the victim told Vanguard that the case had been reported to the state Ministry of Justice, following suspected moves by the rapists to suppress the case.

The source also disclosed that the traumatised victim was still receiving treatments at a hospital in Lagos.

A hospital source told Vanguard: “We cannot tell you anything about that now.

“We will advise you to get in touch with the authorities of the hospital, which should be in a position to authorise us to give you the information you need.”

The case It would be recalled that a 30-year-old woman was allegedly raped last week by four members of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, at Alapere area of Ketu in Lagos.

While sources close to the victim said she was gangraped by four OPC members, police denied receiving such report at Alapere Division.

It was also gathered that the victim was beaten and raped by the four men inside her makeshift shop at Mile 12 market.

According to the source, after raping her, the suspects threatened to unleash more harm on her should she

attempt to report the incident to anybody.

It was gathered that the victim was rushed to a hospital where she narrated

her experience to workers.

At press time yesterday, police authorities were yet to confirm the incident.

Man, 30, charged with sucking 9-year-old boy's genitals in Lagos

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AGOS—A 30-year-old unemployed man, Emeji Christopher, was yesterday charged before a Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly sucking the genitals of a nine-year-old boy.

Emeji, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of indecent treatment of a child, but he pleaded not guilty.

However, police prosecutor, Inspector Rita Momoh, said

the accused committed the offence sometime in November 2014 at Jaja Hall toilet of the University of Lagos, Akoka.

She said the accused tricked the nine-year-old into one of the toilets in the hall, where he sucked his genitals.

She said: “Police had been on the lookout for the accused, following a report by the boy's parents. The accused was only apprehended recently after he

was seen roaming the university aimlessly.”

Momoh noted that the offence contravened Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and carries a penalty of seven years jail term.

Chief Magistrate P. A. Adeeyo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to October 12 for substantive trial.

Man seeks divorce, alleges wife's frigid, She does not respond like her for rituals. oversleeps someone actually making love “The swearing indicated that

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AGOS—A commercial motorcyclist, Moses Ayodeji, 40, yesterday pleaded with an Ojo Customary Court to dissolve his 10-year-old marriage because of his wife’s tendency to oversleep and frigidity during love-making.

The complainant also alleged that his wife, Kehinde, always denied him his marital right at night.

He said: “One day, I shaved my wife’s pubic hairs while she slept, which goes to show that she actually oversleeps.

when we even do it.

“I am no longer interested in our marriage because she also denies me my right as her husband. I do not want to continue with a woman that fights me whenever I correct her.”

He added that the respondent had accused him of wanting to use her pubic hairs for rituals.

Ayodeji said: “She dragged me before the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, men and made me to swear that I did not nurse the intention of using

I will lose my life in seven days if the accusation was correct, but that did not happen.”

He urged the court to dissolve the marriage, which had been blessed with two children, saying he was willing to pay N3,000 monthly as upkeep allowance for the care of the children.

He also said the court could give Kehinde custody of the children.

President of the court, Chief Joseph Ogunmola, adjourned the case to September 1 for further hearing.

NUGU—POLICE in Enugu State have commenced investigation into alleged theft of a twoyear-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Nkwegwu, residents of Orie Engine, UmumbaNdiagu, Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The victim, Chinemere Nkwegwu, was stolen in their house by yet-to-be identified persons on July 30 at about 3.15p.m.

Mother of the baby said: “I left him at the balcony of their room to get water for his bath within the compound.

“On getting back, I could not find the baby where I left him. I conducted a thorough search within the compound, to no avail. We have made several efforts at finding the baby which, at this point, have not yielded fruits.”

Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, confirmed the incident, lamenting that theft of babies was an emerging trend, assuring the parents of speedy investigation to recover the stolen baby.

Policeman dismissed for killing bus driver in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— SERGEANT James Imhalu, who shot dead a bus driver last weekend in Port Harcourt, has been dismissed from the police force.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, made this known yesterday in Port Harcourt, while addressing newsmen.

He said the police sergeant was found guilty in an orderly room trial, adding that he was also arraigned in court yesterday.

He said: “He has been tried in departmental orderly room, found guilty for offences against discipline, to wit misuse of firearms and discreditable conduct, dismissed from the force and charged to court today (yesterday).”

He also paraded some cult leaders arrested at different locations in the state.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Shekau ‘ousted’ as leader of Boko Haram —Deby, Chadian President Group picks Daoud as new leader ‘Boko Haram’ll be finished by end of the year’

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BUJA — ABUBAKAR Shekau, the head of the Boko Haram Islamist group that kidnapped more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls last year, has been ousted as its leader, it has been claimed.

Shekau, who gained worldwide notoriety after appearing in a series of videos in which he threatened to sell the girls as slaves, has been replaced by Boko Haram's deputy who is said to be open to peace talks, according to Idriss Deby, the president of Chad Republic.

Deby, whose forces have been fighting Boko Haram militants around Nigeria’s border areas, made the comments in a press conference, Tuesday, in which he claimed that the group would be finished “by the end of the year.”

“There is someone apparently called Mahamat Daoud, who is said to have replaced Abubakr Shekau and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government,” he said, adding: “For my part, I would advise not to negotiate with a terrorist.”

It was not clear how Deby had obtained his information, although rumours have been circulating in recent months that Shekau had gone on the run or even fled Nigeria altogether as a result of increased military operations against Boko Haram by the Nigerian and Chadian governments. Little is known about the man named by Deby as his successor.

Deby was speaking to reporters in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, on the 55th anniversary of Chad’s independence from France.

His claims that Boko Haram are facing imminent defeat will, however, be questioned by some given the carnage the group has wreaked in recent days across its strongholds in north-east Nigeria.

On Tuesday, a bomb killed at least 47 people and wounded dozens more in the village of Sabon Gari, near the northeast city of Maiduguri. Two days before that, jihadists shot dead four people and abducted five more in the same area.

Nigerian and Chadian commanders maintain that they have at least stopped the group controlling entire towns and neighbourhoods, and that the recent attacks amount to a return to hit-and-run tactics.

While claiming progress in the fight against the jihadists,

who have repeatedly hit border areas of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, Deby admitted that suicide bombers still posed a threat.

But he added: “Boko Haram is decapitated. There are little groups (of Boko Haram members) scattered throughout east Nigeria, on

the border with Cameroon.

It is within our power to definitively overcome Boko Haram.”

Power problem more of transmission than generation —Buhari Promises to address problems

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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PRESENTATION: From left: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Amb. Godknows Igali and President Muhammadu Buhari during the presentation of Made-in-Nigeria prepaid metres to the President at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Auditors find N183.7bn unaccounted for at NDDC — Ukura

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BUJA — THE AuditorGeneral of the Federation, Mr Samuel Ukura, said N183.7 billion could not be accounted for by auditors who conducted a special check on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, from 2008 to 2012.

Ukura said this, yesterday, in Abuja after submitting three special reports to the National Assembly.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, two of the reports were on the environmental audit on the drying up of Lake Chad while the third was on Special Periodic Checks on the activities and programmes of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Giving a highlight of the report, Ukura said a lot of discrepancies were noticed in the NDDC accounts, adding that about N183.7 billion was expected to be refunded to the federation.

Ukura said a breakdown of the refund included the N70.4 billion unaccounted for from the mobilisation of various contractors that never

reported to site. It also includes “N5.8 billion paid to contractors for projects not executed or abandoned.

N90.5 billion was spent on extra budgetary expenditure without approval by legal authorities, while undeducted taxes from contractors are N1.2 billion."

About “N10.07 billion should be refunded as tax deductions made without evidence of remittance to FIRS. N3.1 billion was transfered to unauthorised accounts and unaccountable staff advances were N1.7 billion. It is our belief that all the money spent by government, if it was properly spent in the region, Niger Delta would be a better place.”

Ukura said N785 million of N1.1 billion contracts for the supply of furniture to various schools in Delta State was also unaccounted for.

He said that the additional details of their findings were contained in the report he submitted to the Clerk, National Assembly, Mr Salisu Maikasuwa. On the drying up of the Lake Chad

report, Ukura said the reclamation of the lake would revive economic activities of the North East and end insurgency in the region.

“The key message is that Lake Chad is drying up very fast from 25,000 sq. km in 1960 to just 1,500 sq. km as at present. We must save Lake Chad from extinction.

Right now, the part of the lake with water is in Cameroon and Chad. Hence farmers, cattle breeders in the Nigerian side are suffering and economic activities in the region have dwindled significantly. The drying up has brought about so many problems like the clashes between herdsmen and farmers and Boko Haram as well.

“This is because the youths are idle and like the saying, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Ukura said when the committee members on public account at the National Assembly were constituted, his office would organise a workshop to enlighten them on the subject matter.

BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has said that the problem of power sector in Nigeria was more in the transmission than generation.

He, however, pledged his administration’s readiness to rectify the problem to realize steady power supply in the country.

According to him, the realisation of steady power supply will launch the country into faster socio-economic development.

The president gave the assurance after taking briefing of the activities of the sector by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, in his office.

President Buhari said that his administration had already identified the critical problems in Nigeria’s power sector and was taking appropriate actions to address them.

“The problems besetting our power sector are not difficult to identify. Therefore, priorities can be easily set in order to tackle them. The problems are more with transmission than generation, and we equally need to secure the power infrastructure round the country. We will address all these issues,” the President assured.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Igali told the President that power generation in Nigeria which was 1,750 MW in 1999, has improved at 4,600 MW. He added that gas was available to take generation to 5,500 MW in a short time, but that the country needed to expand its electricity infrastructure to a c c o m m o d a t e additional power generation.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—9

Come and confess, anti-graft c'ttee urges looters Assures there won't be selective justice

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS — CHAIRMAN of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, yesterday urged all those who know their hands are dirty to come forward and confess, assuring that certain lenient terms can be obtained by doing so.

Speaking with Vanguard, yesterday, on the challenges before the committee, Sagay promised that the fight against corruption will not be selective even as he disclosed that the agenda for the anticorruption committee was still being worked out by the Federal Government.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed a Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption headed by Sagay.

The committee’s brief, according to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, is to advise the Federal Government on the prosecution of the war against corruption and the implementation of required reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Sagay, who said the agenda of the committee was the prerogative of the Federal Government, explained that “the agenda is still being worked out, it is not my personal thing. In fact, the whole agenda belongs to the Federal Government.

“The committee is still meeting to work out the details of its operations and their priorities, that is when the issue of the agenda will arise. It is premature to talk about that now.”

There won't be selective justice Dismissing claims that the war against corruption was selective, he said “as for the question of selectivity, let me put it this way: any person, who has not been guilty of corruption, who has not looted the funds of Nigeria has no cause for alarm. So, all this escapist attitude of talking of selectivity and victimisation cannot arise, you cannot victimise an innocent man.

"And anyone who knows that his hands are dirty, should come out and confess.

I am sure, certain lenient terms can be obtained by him, but let them not hide under the cloak of selectivity ignoring that their hands are

deep red with guilt.

"For me, there is no selectivity, it is plain and straight forward. Those who have looted the country ’s funds are going to be requested to return them and in fact, prosecuted if necessary. It has nothing to

do with selectivity.”

On his appointment and challenges, the professor of law said: “I see it as an honour because this (corruption) is a major problem for the country, if we are going to develop, if we are going to eliminate poverty, misery and

joblessness. These ills we are facing arise out of depletion of our resources by very focused anti social elements, who have sucked us dry.

“If we resolve it (corruption), we have resolved a major problem holding this country back. It is an honour and all of us in the committee are glad to put hands together with this government to try and solve that problem for the liberty of Nigeria.”

CONFERENCE: From left, Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Sessional Chairperson and Speaker of Parliament of Lesotho, Hon. Ntlhoi Motsamai; and Senator Abdirahman Hasan of Kenya at the 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Africa Region Conference, in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday.

Be patient with Buhari’s govt, Oyegun pleads Says the president'll appoint ministers in weeks

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA — NATIONAL Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John OdigieOyegun, has appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He said the new government inherited a battered economy which has made it difficult for the government to fully take off.

Oyegun was, however, excited that President Buhari has taken two months to under-study the system which he said would enable him manage the economy well.

He also revealed that it was a matter of weeks for the President to assemble his ministers.

The APC national chairman spoke while receiving the Association of Northern Students, who visited him on the occasion of his 76th birthday and one year in office as the national chairman He said: “What some of us

in the progressive movement that has now transformed into a government in this country cannot accept is that the nation needs to be as bad as it is today.

"Yes, the circumstances of last 15 years ago are different, the nature of economy is different, people have evolved but the basic facts remain the same and that is for any nation, for any government to have any legitimacy, its key emphasis and the whole justification for its existence must be the welfare of the people who have entrusted that party or that leader with the governance of their common affairs, that is the key thing.

“Fortunately, we have a blueprint which makes your welfare and everybody ’s welfare the core of his attention. Yes, things have turned out to be worse in the economy than we expected when we were campaigning.

Every known indicator of good conduct has been violated and our institutions have factually been destroyed, even to the extent of tampering with security institution.

“So we have a major reconstruction efforts ahead of

us. One can only say at this time to plead through you to Nigerians to be patient with us and with the pace at which the changes we envisage start occurring because things are much worse than we expected.

“In the next few weeks he will now assemble the team who he can now give confidently, direct instructions as to what he expects to be done. Which means he is in a better position to measure whether anybody entrusted with any function is performing or not performing, he is meeting target or not.

“So, we have a totally new situation, a new reality and a new approach to governance which is emphasising target and deliverables in the lives of the people that he has been entrusted to govern.”

Speaking earlier, chairman of the Northern Nigerian Students, Comrade Mike Omoba, said they came from different campuses to celebrate Oyegun on his birthday.

NBS reports N107 per litre average fuel price across the country

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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AGOS— AVERAGE fuel price across the country has remained significantly higher than official pump price despite efforts by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to beef up supplies and enforce compliance to price regime.

According to the monthly research report of the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, entitled ‘Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch’, fuel prices averaged N107.4 per litre in July 2015 as against the stipulated pump price of N87.

Last month, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, set up a task force to supervise and monitor the sale of petrol in some depots, against the reports that most petrol stations were selling fuel at prices significantly above the official price due to a hike in ex-depot prices.

DPR had summoned the stakeholders in the fuel distribution chain: Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, PPMC; Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority, PPPRA; Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria, MOMAN; Depots and Petroleum Products Marketers Association, DAPPMA and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, and conveyed its displeasure at the illegal sale of petrol above the stipulated prices.

To curb sharp practices, the DPR had suspended direct sales of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and Dual Purpose Kerosene, DPK, from the affected depot owners and major marketers.

Also, the regulatory agency had visited some of these facilities and sealed the depots of a few oil marketers, while most other culprits escaped the agency’s sledge hammer by the whiskers.

But despite these measures, marketers appear to be outsmarting the regulators had successfully been selling significantly above the official depot price going by the NBS survey report released, yesterday.

However, at the average N107.4 per litre, the national average appears to be on downward trend as the previous month’s record shows an average price of N112.1 per litre.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Briton urges court to quash $8.8m fraud charge

By Abdulwahab Abdulah, Bartholomew Madukwe & Jane Echezona

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AGOS—DEEPAK Khilnani, a British chartered accountant, has prayed an Ikeja High Court to quash the $8.8 million fraud charge brought against him by the Lagos State Director of Prosecution,DPP, for want of jurisdiction.

This was contained in a preliminary objection filed before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye by his counsel, Mr Kayode Ajekigbe.

Khilnani and an alleged accomplice, Dr Sushil Chandra were charged on a fourcount charge of conspiracy, cheating, stealing and false representation.

The duo were accused of duping their Nigerian partner, Green Fuels Limited, to the tune of $8.8 million in 2008.

Part of the charge read that they: “fraudulently tricked Green Fuels Limited to pay greater sum for machinery purchased from Gentec Limited than it would have paid.”

They were also accused of making false statement to the Corporate Affairs Commission in order to facilitate the fraud.

They were expected to appear before Justice Ipaye yesterday for their arraignment after they failed to turn up in court on July 31.

However when the matter came up yesterday, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs Idowu Alakija told the court of the prosecution’s intention to amend the proof of evidence by substitution.

Subsequently, the judge adjourned the matter till November 10 for hearing of the application.

Amosun sacks permsec, 5 others over ‘offensive' exam question

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U TA — GOVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, yesterday ordered the sack of six officials of the Ministry of Education, including an acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs Folashade Oresegun, three directors and an examiner over an ‘offensive’ Senior School English language summary passage.

An examiner, Adegbenro Joel had prepared English language exams questions for the third term academic session of the state's Unified

Examination in Public Secondly Schools, which had a summary passage that took a critical look at the alleged negligence of the education sector by the government.

The governor reportedly got infuriated over the development and allegedly ordered the sack of the officials of the ministry that were directly in charge of the examination.

Those affected were; an acting Permanent Secretary, who was a level 17 officer, Folashade Oresegun; Director of curriculum, Mr. Ganiu Odunsi and a deputy director, curriculum and evaluation

simply identified as Mr Majekodunmi.

Others were; the examiner who also taught at Mayflower School, two desk officers whose identity were not known as at press time.

Vanguard gathered that, Oresegun and Odunsi’s sack was converted to compulsory retirement while the four others were summarily dismissed.

Vanguard however, obtained the question paper with the ‘offensive passage’ which in essence examined the situation of the sector in the country.

The passage read; “There is no arguing about the fact that the VISIT: From left; Prof Alpha C o n d e , President of G u i n e a C o n a k r y ; National Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, during a courtesy visit to the Guinean President at the Presidential Villa, Guinea Conakry.

government is merely paying lip service to the development of the education. It is true that a lot of money is being spent on education sector but, with little or no impact felt by the people, except where we want to deceive ourselves.

“Many schools run by the government, which were formerly known for academic excellence have suddenly lost their prestige and are living on past glory. No wonder many parents and guardians are left with only one option, to withdraw their wards from these schools to other ones that are better managed.”

When asked to comment on the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa told Vanguard on phone that he could not.

Adeoluwa said; “The issue is a civil service matter. The best person to comment is the Head of Service. Please call Head of Service”.

While confirming the sack, Adeoluwa said, “I heard it yesterday the way you did and I asked them what happened.

It is a civil service matter, and I cannot react to it.”

Attempts to get a reaction from the Head of Service was however unsuccessful as she did not pick her call nor respond to the text message sent to her mobile phone.

EJIGBO TORTURE: Victim’s husband testifies

By Abdulwahab Abdulah, Bartholomew Madukwe & Jane Echezona

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AGOS—FREEMAN Agomo, prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of 10 persons accused of torturing Mrs. Ajoke Agomo and two of her wards for allegedly stealing pepper at the Oba Morufu International Market in Ejigbo area of Lagos, on February 11, 2013, yesterday explained to a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja how members of the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, tortured and stripped his wife naked.

The defendants are being prosecuted before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye by the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions.

Those standing trial are the market leader, Isiaka Waidi (61), Buhari Yusuf (22), Abdullahi Haruna (20) and Saheed Adisa (29).

Others are Lateef Tijani (37), Ahmed Adisa (65),Azeez Akinosun (36),

Jimoh Busari (50), Adekunle Adenuga (38) and Oloruntoyin Dauda (46), the woman leader of the market.

The defendants are facing a 19-count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempted murder, sexual assault, maliciously administering poison, obtaining money by false pretences and deprivation of liberty.

Led-in-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Mrs E.I. Alakija, Akpomah pointed out that it was the woman leader of the market, Oloruntoyin, who is the only female among defendants, that asked the OPC members to strip his wife naked.

He said: “I am a palm wine tapper, married with three children. I know some of the defendants in court. On February 11, 2013, I left home for work. Later my wife came to meet me, saying that my daughter (Nike Salami) and her step-daughter (Juliana Agomo) went to steal pepper in the market.

“As we were talking, two members of OPC came on a

motorcycle (Abolore and one other) came and told us to follow them. They took us to the market, where Nike and Juliana were already held and beaten. They asked me to sit outside and took my wife inside a place. Soon I heard my wife screaming that they have torn her clothes and they started beating her.

“Later Baba Oja (market leader)- Waidi asked me to bring N150,000 as bail. After my friends begged him, he came down to N50,000. He said if the money was not brought before 7pm they will kill them (Agomo, her daughter, Nike Salami and her step-daughter, Juliana Agomo).

“I met my mechanic friends and was able to raise N20,000.

Baba Oja then ordered me to enter into an agreement that I will bring the balance of N30,000 later. My friends with one of my sons signed the paper. They did not give us the original but photocopy.”

The prosecutor showed the witness the said photocopy of the agreement given to him during the incident and after

he identified it, same was tendered before the court as an exhibit.

According to the witness, it was Haruna that brought the pepper that was used during the incident and Adisa came to inform my landlord to send us out of our apartment.

How tortured victim, Juliana died

The witness explained further that, “Around 10pm, my landlord sent me and my family out of the house.

Three days later Juliana fell ill. She said she was feeling hot inside her and pains all over her body. I took Juliana and her children to a hospital in my village. Nike’s mother had come to take her to Kwara. Before I returned home, I took Juliana to a traditional herbal clinic since her health was getting worse. I then returned home where I was informed that she died.”

The matter was adjourned to October 14 and 15 (12 noon) for continuation of trial.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 11

Ife Council formally announces Ooni’s demise He was a great man and bridge-builder — AREGBESOLA

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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S O G B O — SPECULATIONS surrounding the death of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, were yesterday finally laid to rest when the Ife Traditional Council announced the demise of the paramount ruler.

The Obalufe, Oba Solomon Omisakin, who led the traditional council to Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Government House Osogbo, told the governor that the monarch has joined his ancestors.

He held that the delay in the announcement of Ooni’s death was due to strict adherence to Yoruba tradition of announcing the death of a monarch.

Omisakin stressed that it was imperative for the council to lay to rest the rumours making the rounds on the death of the Ooni, saying the announcement of the monarch's death was not supposed to be made in the market place or social gatherings.

He asked for the support and cooperation of the governor and the state government for peace and progress of Ife Kingdom and Yoruba Land in general.

His words: “We, the Ife Traditional Council have come here to brief you, the governor and the government of Osun about the passing-on of our royal majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife.

“The breaking of the news of the demise of the king must follow traditional ways and rites, that is why it is coming at this time.

“The news of the transition to glory of any Yoruba monarch is not a pedestrian news that one can just announce at a market place or a social gathering.

“The announcement of the death of a great man like our royal monarch is a great news that must be announced in a grand style.

“On behalf of the entire Sijuade family, the Ife Traditional Council and the entire Ife indigenes, we hereby announce the passing on to glory of His Imperial Majesy, Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse the II.” Responding, Governor, Aregbesola recounted the last message he received from the late monarch on the 23rd day of July when he briefed him of his medical trip abroad.

Aregbesola described Oba Sijuade as a person, who during his lifetime, did everything humanly possible to uplift the Yoruba tradition the world over.

He held that it should be on record that during his lifetime, he showcased the Yoruba tradition anywhere he visited across the globe.

In the course of his address, Aregbesola read verbatim the message the Late Ooni sent to him when he was going for medical trip abroad; “I am still not feeling good, so I am travelling

abroad for further medical treatment this week.

“I place you and your government in the hand of God and under His continuous guidance.

“This was the last conversation I had with the late monarch, we dearly miss his charisma, demonstration of loyalty and his position as a rallying point for all Yoruba people and a bridge builder across all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“Indeed, he was a great man and he left an indelible mark on the sand of history, not only in Yorubaland, Nigeria but across the world,” the governor said.

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B U J A — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II. Reacting after receiving the news, President Buhari hoped that Oba Sijuwade’s place in posterity has already been assured by his long and worthy service to his people and country as well as his notable contributions to the development of his community, state and country as a leading businessman, administrator and inspirational traditional ruler.

He extended his sincere

condolences to the late Ooni’s family, his friends, associates and subjects, as well as the government and people of Osun State on the departure of the monarch.

The President also joined the people in mourning the late traditional ruler, saying he would be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy services of more than three decades, as the Chief Custodian of the traditions of the Yorubas.

President Buhari also commended the late monarch's invaluable contributions to the sustenance of the cultural heritage of his people within and outside Nigeria.

Executive Director of Obafemi Awolowo foundation, Dr. Olatokunbo

At Ooni’s palace, procession of Oro, which had nine people, comprising mainly members of Isoro Cult left for other parts of the town about 9:45 am.

Just as the the procession was leaving Ile Oodua, trees

Situation in Ife earlier yesterday

Meanwhile, as earlier announced, first open traditional rites of passage for Ooni Sijuade, was yesterday held in Ile Ife, even as residents stayed in door in compliance with the restriction order.

Head of Oro Cult in the town, Oba Layi Adereti, had on Monday announced that Oro procession will move round the town from 9am to 4pm as part of rites of passage for Ooni Sijuade, calling on residents to stay indoors during the duration of the rites.

His position was however countered by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola, who, on behalf of Royal Traditional Council of Ife, told residents to go about their normal business activities.

Residents of the town

...As Buhari, others mourn departed monarch

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

stayed indoors as the Oro procession, which started few minutes to 10am moved round the town.

Banks, schools and other public institutions were under lock and key and streets were deserted.

within the palace premises were being cut as tradition demands before formal announcement of Ooni’s passage.

Newsmen, who had gathered at the entrance of Ooni’s palace were chased away shortly before the Oro procession began.

Awolowo-Dosumu has described the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, as the exit of an icon.

She also said the late Ooni of Ife was an exemplified stature who is well respected both locally and internationally.

Reacting to the death of the monarch, Dosumu said, “We received with shock and utter dismay, news of the death of Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife, after 35 years on the throne.’’

Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Yoruba nation over the death of Ooni Sijuwade.

OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF OONI'S DEMISE: Gover nor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (2nd left); Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade (left); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd right), and Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, during the official declaration to Governor Aregbesola of the death of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade at Government House, Osogbo, yesterday.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

I'll be ready for PDP in 2016 —OSHIOMHOLE B

By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole has said that he was ready to face the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2016 governorship election, noting that the PDP’s attempt to play politics with lives of victims of the Boko Haram at the camp in Edo State will not give them victory in 2016.

Oshiomhole who was reacting to insinuations that his administration was behind the botched attempt to relocate the victims and comments made by some PDP leaders who visited the camp, also warned the media not to spread falsehood capable of destroying the nation, admonishing all Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the insurgency and insecurity in some parts of the country.

Speaking after visiting the Internally Displaced Persons camp in Edo State, he said “I am not a desperate politician, I earned my votes, I don’t steal votes. My people love me, I am not desperate, I don’t need to

blackmail somebody to win votes.

I won my votes on merit and I will do my best any day. I tell people that I am not one of those governors, who make decisions because election is at the corner,

no, I make decisions when I am convinced.

“And you know when somebody talked about the camp, I said I will need to know first who is in that camp. I am not looking for

camera opportunity. My conscience is clear. When I am convinced I take action. So if the PDP wants to play politics with the lives of the children that is their business, I will be ready for them in 2016.”

VISIT: From left:Mr. Emeka Nwuzor, Publicity Secretary, Okeke Chinyere, Second Social Secretary, Uloh Kelechi, Secretary General, Chief Mike Okoye, President, all of University of Nigeria Alumni Association, UNAA, Mr Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Newspapers and, Mr. Adile Iroajugh, Assistant Secretary, UNAA, during a visit by the UNAA team Media Limited, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau.

....As Dickson tasks candidates on issue-based campaigns

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—AHEAD of the December 5, Bayelsa State governorship election, Governor Seriake Dickson has called on all political parties in the state to engage in issue-based and peaceful campaigns rather than incite people against the government of the day.

Dickson on a radio programme monitored in Yenagoa, urged the political parties to play the game according to the rules, as only one candidate would emerge at the end of the contest.

Speaking on a wide range of issues, Dickson said he was aware of all the political meetings taking place in the state, yet there have been no incidents of harassment or violence on account of such meetings, as it was the case in the previous administration.

Calling on the political class not to disrupt the peace, which his administration had worked hard to achieve in the last three years, he noted that, Bayelsa was ranked among the most peaceful states in the country.

He said “People who are inciting you to violence do not love you and the state. But, a leader worth his salt attracts peace and development to the state. It is a free world, anybody in an election is free to aspire, but in doing so, you campaign on issues when the time comes.

But a situation where people stay

afar, who should be supporting the cause of development and security, because government is a collective task, rather they put their personal interest and

agenda over and above the interest of the state.

“And, so you the young people, guard against incitement by some of these people. You have the

right to support and vote for any candidate of your choice when elections come, anybody who is interested should be talking to you about his dreams for developing our state."

Firm sues Navy over illegal detention of vessel

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By Godfrey Bivbere

AGOS—MERCURY Oil Company, an indigenous firm has dragged the Nigeria Navy before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, over the alleged unlawful detention of its vessel, MT Sapphire 1.

Counsel to the firm, Mr Norrison Quakers, SAN in the fundamental rights suit, is also challenging the arrest of the four crew of the vessel, who were detained alongside the vessel.

The four crew members are Folorunso Olayiwola, Joshua Arthur, Asabalahie Johnson and Wale Alade.

Also joined respondents in the suit are the Chief of Naval Staff and the Flag Officer Commanding, FOC, Central Naval Command.

In an affidavit in support of the suit deposed to by Adekunle Folorunsho, the Managing Director of Mercury Oil company, he averred that sometime in February 2014, the vessel and its crew members were arrested by officers of the Nigerian Navy along the Brass Rivers, Bayelsa Sate, on suspicion of engaging in illegal operations.

Adekunle averred that after investigation by the Nigerian

Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, which is the body responsible for the investigation of the alleged illegal act, the applicants were cleared of any wrongdoing or illegal activities, and recommended that the applicants should be released, the said directives of NSCDC were not immediately obeyed and by the Nigerian Navy, but it was only obeyed in part by the release of the vessel’s crew members after seven months, as Navy wilfully refused, ignored and failed to comply with the said directive to release the vessel from February 2014 to date.

Fake anti-malaria drugs drop by 16% The National survey on —NAFDAC represents more than 50 per cent quality of anti-malaria

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By Chioma Obinna & Victoria Ojeme

AGOS—NIGERIA may have started winning the war against counterfeit medicines as a new report has shown that quantity of fake anti malaria drugs in circulation had dropped significantly.

Malaria is highly endemic in Nigeria with a burden estimated at 100 million cases per year with over 300,000 deaths. This figure

of the total deaths caused by malaria worldwide.

The feat recorded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, followed the result of a nation-wide survey of the quality of anti-malaria medicines in Nigeria. The sturdy revealed a drastic reduction of counterfeit anti-malaria drugs from 19.6 per cent in 2012 to 3.6 per cent in 2015.

medicines which was conducted in six geo-political zones of the country was jointly undertaken by the National Malaria Elimination Programme of the Federal Ministry of Health and NAFDAC with the funding support by United States Pharmacopeial and USAID. The national survey of quality of medicines using Truscan device was conducted by NAFDAC in 29 states including FCT, Abuja.

Urhobo youths urge Buhari to dissolve FUPRE governing council

By Ochuko Akuopha

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LEH—URHOBO youths under the aegis of Coalition of Urhobo Youths Organisation, CUYO, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to dissolve the Governing Council of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, FUPRE, Delta State, over its alleged failure to follow due process in the appointment of the institution’s Vice Chancellor.

The group, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Stephen Ohwokirerhuo, said that the “Last minute appointment of the Vice Chancellor by the Governing Council shortly before former President Goodluck Jonathan handed over to Buhari is a breach of the statutory law of Nigeria universities and falls short of National Universities Commission, NUC requirements.

Academy of Management gets new exco

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AGOS—SOME reputable scholars under the aegis of Academy of Management Nigeria, have elected new executive committee members to run the affairs of the body for the next two years.

At the 9th Annual Conference of the Academy held at the University of Benin, Edo State, Professor Barnabas Agbonifoh of the University of Benin was elected President while Professor Bamidele Adepoju of Bayero University, Kano and Dr Mande Samaila of the National Open University, Lagos emerged as Vice President and National Secretary respectively.

Others officials are Professor E. Okereke, University of Port Harcourt (Treasurer), Professor Anayo Nkamnebe, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (Editor-in-Chief),Dr. Edith Odia, University of Benin (Publicity Secretary), Dr ChineduOgbuji, University of Port Harcourt (Business Editor) and Professor B. .Oghojafor, University of Lagos (ex-officio).

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—13

Police tear gas Peterside, Abe, others at INEC headquarters Over demands to inspect Rivers State electoral materials

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By Jude Opara

BUJA—THE crisis trailing the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Rivers State took a dangerous turn yesterday, with security agencies attached to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, tear-gassing the candidates of the All Progressives Party, APC, in the elections who had besieged the commission to register their displeasure over what they termed the refusal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Mrs. Gesila Khan to release the documents used for the polls.

The politicians led by the Rivers State APC governorship candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside and Senator Magnus Abe got more than they bargained for when the police after failing to stop them from getting close to the main gate of the Commission, quickly locked the gate and immediately threw the tear-gas which left everybody within the vicinity chocking and coughing, ceaselessly.

Meanwhile, INEC’s Director of Security, Shetima Ngelare explained to the gathering that there was no prior knowledge that the APC candidates from Rivers State were coming to the commission, but he received a petition submitted by the party to the commission’s Chairman.

Addressing newsmen after the stand-off which lasted over two hours, Peterside said they decided to collectively visit INEC to lay their complaint after the Rivers REC, allegedly refused to give them the documents that were used in the conduct of the elections for them to present at the tribunal.

According to him, the continuous refusal by the electoral body to give them the documents was a calculated attempt to deny them the opportunity of presenting damming evidence to prove that the elections in the state were widely manipulated.

“Before our various petitions were filed, we had through our

respective counsels applied to the REC Rivers State for the release of certified true copy of materials used in the conduct of the said elections to enable us prosecute our respective petitions. The law stipulated that we have 180 days within which the petition should be determined but we are being frustrated by the same INEC that

caused the whole problem.”

The politicians comprising senatorial candidates, House of Representatives candidates as well as state Assembly candidates arrived the headquarters of INEC at 11.15 a.m., and the security operatives comprising the police and Department of State Services, DSS, stopped them at the barricade just before the main

entrance.

Senator Abe told the securitymen that they were at the commission to register their displeasure to the acting INEC Chairman, Mrs. Amina Zakari over the alleged refusal of the Rivers State REC Khan, to give themdocumentsusedintheconduct of the polls won by the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

PROTEST: Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Dakuku Peterside (left) and APC South East Senatorial candidate, Sen. Magnus Abe, gasping for breath after they and other Rivers State APC candidates were tear gassed at the gate of INEC head office, during a protest to the INEC National Chairman in Abuja, yesterday.

Access bailout fund to pay workers salaries, Edo Assembly urges Oshiomhole

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—THE Edo State House of Assembly has passed a resolution authorising the state government to conclude the necessary arrangements with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to enable it access the Federal Government bailout funds where the state is expected to earn the sum of N3,167,798,144.34k, for the payment of salary arrears of workers in the 18 local government areas of the state.

The resolution was passed following the request by Governor Adams Oshiomhole in a letter, seeking the permission of the

House to access the funds as required by the Federal Government.

Majority Leader of the House, Foly Ogedegbe, who moved the motion, pointed out that apart from

three councils, which have been able to pay salaries to their workers, others were owing areas, adding that the motion was timely so that the councils will be able to pay the arrears to their workers.

Ignore rumour against Iyalagha —OMONADE because of his strong

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R. Presley Iyalagha has said that there was no truth in the rumour that he was instigating communal war in Ogulagha and Odimodi communities of Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Iyalagha in a statement by his counsel, Omonade Matthew of Festus Keyamo Chambers, said that the rumour being propagated by some greedy and self-centered individuals against him was

opposition to the continuous embezzlement of community funds meant for the betterment of the hapless people of Odimodi community, hence the resort to blackmail, and defaming of his character and hard-earned reputation before the good people of the communities.

Omonade noted that Iyalagha as a bonafide and law-abiding son of Odimodi community with high respect for other neighbouring communities (Ogulagha community inclusive) cannot, take steps or any action that is capable of threatening the peace and tranquillity of any of these neighbouring communities.

A'Court dismisses Okowa, PDP's appeal against ruling

By Gabriel Enogholase & Egufe Yafugborhi

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ENIN—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Benin, Edo State, yesterday, struck out two appeals by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, against earlier rulings of the Delta State governorship election petition tribunal at Asaba in the petition by Olorogun O’tega Emerhor and the All Progressives Congress, APC. Okowa and the PDP had appealed the ruling of the tribunal delivered June 30, which held that all preliminary objections to terminate the petition be heard alongside the substantive petition.

The presiding judge, Justice I. Saulawa, in his ruling, adopted the issues for determination raised by the appellant, including the issue of whether the chairman sitting with other members of the tribunal in delivering the said ruling did not act contrary to paragraph 27(1) of the 1st Schedule which provides that only the chairman sitting alone should entertain interlocutory matters.

Ndokwa group lauds Buhari on Boroh

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MPRESSED by the appointment of Brigadier General Paul Boroh (rtd), as the new Coordinator of the Presidential Committee on Amnesty, the Oluku Ndokwa Envoys-Initiative, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the decision of the Federal Government to entrust the programme in the hands of the highly competent retired armyofficer.

The elite group also known as OrganisedNdokwaEffort,ONE, which is a liaison of various Ndokwa organisations, applauded the appointment of the Bayelsa State born Boroh, sayingthatNigeriansshouldgive him the free hand needed to improve on the very great performance of his predecessor, Chief Kingsley Kuku and reposition the Amnesty office which has indeed assisted in curbing militancy, restiveness, training and rehabilitating Niger Delta youths towards gainful employment and skills acquisition.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Helicopter crashes into Lagos Lagoon

Medics trying to resuscitate some victims at the scene of a helicopter that crashed into the Lagoon, at Oworonshoki, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo-Editor & Lamidi Bamidele

Sympathizers at the Lagoon. Photo: NAN

Some of the retrieved luggages from the wreckage.

....Sympathizers

I need your maximum support in the fight against crimes, new GOC tells soldiers

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE new acting General Officer Commanding, GOC, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ibrahim Attahiru, has enjoined officers and men of the Division to render their maximum and unflinching support in the renewed effort intensified against crimes and its related offences within the jurisdiction.

He solicited for their support during handing and taking over ceremony held at the GOC’s Conference Room, headquarters, 82 Division complex in Enugu.

The new 82 Division helmsman reiterated that his administration will focus on training and retraining of troops with contemporary equipment and will create situation awareness within 82 Division Area of Operational Responsibility.

While describing the mantle of leadership that came to him as an act of divine providence, he charged commanders at all levels on the need for capacity development of their troops under command, pointing out that the Division was a peculiar

one that had the capacity to fight both on water and land.

General Attahiru further noted that the outgoing GOC "is a mentor and worthy of emulation by all

following his achievements and developmental strategies witnessed by the Division since he assumed duty," emphasizing that the standards set would never be forgotten in a hurry.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—15

N17M CONTRACT BRIBE: ICPC quizzes

Onyeka Onwenu

By Caleb Ayansina

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BUJA—FINALLY, the Director-General of the National Centre for Women Development, NCWD, Onyeka Onwenu, has honoured the invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over the allegation of N17million contract bribe levelled against her.

She was drilled and granted administrative bail by the commission.

An impeccable source at the ICPC confirmed to Vanguard, yesterday, that Onyeka Onwenu appeared before the commission, Monday and after answering some questions, she was allowed to go home on self-recognition, while investigation continued.

“She honoured the invitation on Monday 10th of August and she has been granted bail,” the source confirmed.

However, the source refused to talk further on the outcome of the investigation, maintaining that she had not been indicted, as the investigation is still ongoing.

According to the source, “We are waiting for further directive, the next action depends on whether she is culpable or not.”

Onyeka Onwenu had, Friday last week refused to honour the invitation of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over an alleged N17 million contract bribe, citing health challenges.

Other persons earlier interrogated on the matter were Mukhtar Usman, Jauro Jibrin and Sadeeq Umar, who were all released pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Onwenu is being interrogated after her personal

assistant, Chika Abazu, who was on July 10 arraigned before a Federal Capital Territory High Court on a sixcount charge of bribery and gratification, was involved in a N17 million bribery

allegation.

Abazu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The aide was denied bail and ordered to be remanded in the Federal

Prisons, Kuje, until the case is dispensed with.

The presiding judge, Justice Chukwu Ndukwe, adjourned the case till September 28, for trial.

ARRIVAL: Governor Okorocha with Deputy Governor Prince Madumere; SSG, Sir Jude Ejiogu; Chief of Staff, Hon Uche Nwosu; Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Pascal Obi, and some top government functionaries, at Imo Airport, on governor's arrival from overseas trip, yesterday.

I'll not respond to distractions —-OKOROCHA

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MO GOVERNOR, Rochas Okorocha has reiterated that the state has not received the bailout fund, promising that once it comes, the issue of workers’ salary will be a thing of the past. He also said that he would not be reacting to a propaganda because his desire is to ensure that the state is

industrialized, pointing out that since 2011 when he came on board as governor of Imo State, he had been paying salaries as at when due until the current challenge, which is a nationwide problem.

Okorocha spoke to newsmen at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri shortly

on arrival from a two- week overseas trip.

The governor reminded all that four years ago, he made a promise on free education and that became a reality, pointing out that the 27 general hospitals, schools and on- going roads will soon be completed.

Enugu Court of Appeal dismisses Ndukwe's application against Andy Uba

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, has thrown away an application from the former Chief Executive Officer of the

Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe seeking to bring in 68 additional witnesses in proof of his petition challenging Andy Uba over the National Assembly Election.

Lead Counsel to the petitioner, Ndukwe, Dr. Nnoruka Udechukwu, SAN had urged the elections tribunal to allow the application on the ground that the additional witnesses and their oaths were necessary to answer to new issues of facts raised by the respondents in their replies.

But the application was opposed by 1st respondent's Counsel, Mr. Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN. In a unanimous judgment of the court delivered

by Justice Emmanuel Agim, it held that the application lacked merit as the 68 additional witnesses and their oaths ought to have accompanied the petitioner's reply.

The ruling had, therefore, stalled the bid by the petitioner to bring the additional witnesses before the Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Awka,Anambra State challenging the election of Senator Andy Uba as Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District held on March 28th this year.

The petitioner, Ndukwe, had, following the refusal of the lower tribunal to grant his request to produce additional witnesses approached the Court of Appeal to quash the rejection of his application which was further turned down by the appellate court.

Ebonyi House summons EDDC officials

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI— EBONYI State House of Assembly has summoned the manager of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company over her billing method on Ebonyi electricity consumers.

Making a submission on a matter of urgent public importance, member representing Ikwo –North Constituency,Hon.Humphrey Nwuruku prayed the House to compel Enugu Electricity Distribution Company to provide Ebonyi state consumers with prepaid meters.

Hon Nwuruku argued that electricity including roads and water were social infrastructure that enhances development and advancement of the society which as a result of the challenges in the power sector, the federal government decided to partner the private sector in power distribution.

Nigerian youth body tasks Buhari on appointments, projects

By Anayo Okoli

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M UA H I A — A Nigerian umbrella youth body, The Youth of Nigeria,TYON, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to discriminate against any part of the country in his appointments and projects.

Specifically, the group made a case for the South East zone which feels sidelined in the scheme of things so far, saying that there was need for every part of the country to be carried along.

Rising from its inaugural meeting in Aba, Abia State, TYON, however, lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for the way he has so far piloted the affairs of the nation, particularly his avowed determination to recover all looted funds within and outside the country.

The youth body also commended the Federal Government for its effort to sustain the peace in the Niger Delta and cleanse the oil spill in Ogoniland as well as the renewed effort to address the insurgency in the North East.

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Foundation to give lavish care to widows, less privileged juveniles

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BADAN—THE Esther Folorunsho Ayantayo Foundation, EFA-F, will inaugurate its interest free loan, donate vocational materials, provide free health care for widows, and donate food to less privileged juvenile and rehabilitation homes during the fifth edition of its empowerment programme for the less privileged members of society this year.

The programme which is scheduled for August 21, will be a two-in-one event, to celebrate Prof. Jacob Ayantayo’s 50th birthday, and to present the vocational materials and food items to the widows, widowers, physically challenged, orphans, the aged and the sick.

A statement by the Director General, Operations of EFA-F, Prof.

Jacob Ayantayo, said the event will feature an annual lecture entitled, 'Be awake to tap your potentials,' by Dr. Christiana Olutunde; a round-table discussion of Prof.

Ayantayo’s contribution to the study of sociology and ethics of religion, as well as book presentation, entitled, 'Rudiments of Research and Research in Religious Studies.'

Anambra police arrest 7 robbery suspects

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—SEVEN armed robbery suspects have been arrested at Oraifite in Ekwusigo local government area and at Umunze in Orumba South local government area of Anambra State by the state police

command.

The state commissioner of police, Mr. Hosea Karma said yesterday in Awka that they were arrested in the bush which they used as one of the hideouts.

According to him, in their bid to escape from the police at Oraifite, the two dropped one pump action

gun, one AK-47 Magazine, 24 rounds of ammunition and three cartridges.

Five others, Karma said, were arrested at Umunze in Orumba South local government area, adding that they were the set terrorizing the entire community for a long time.

You have 14 days to prove your case, Election Tribunal tells parties

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE State and National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Enugu has given petitioners and respondents deadline of 14 days each to logically prove their cases as such petitions would by law,

elapse by October 13, 2015.

Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice M.O. Adewara, who stated this, Tuesday during pretrial, asked the parties concerned to adhere strictly to the 14-day arrangement as the tribunal was running out of time.

He stated that the tribunal had only 11 days left to deliver its

judgment after the 14 days, noting that they have no option than to treat all the cases within the allowed time frame.

Justice Adewara is heading the recently constituted second tribunal in the state in addition to an early existing one headed by Justice Ahmed Kwajafa.

NGO raises alarm over babies in prisons

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—A nongovernmental organization, Child Rights Advancement and Protection Initiatives, CRAPI, has raised alarm over the fate of 15 babies held with their mothers at Federal Prisons, Umuahia, Abia State.

The NGO revealed that the statistics from the Umuahia Prison showed that the youngest baby, who was circumcised last week,

is merely 10 days old while the oldest is two years and three months.

According to the them, the future of the children could be mortgaged if they were allowed to be nursed and raised up in a harsh environment as the prison.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia Tuesday, the National Coordinator of the NGO, Ozioma Patsy Onyenweaku lamented that allowing the babies to grow up in the prison “will deny our society of peaceful sleep in the near future.”

Karma told reporters that the suspects have been taken to the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) at Awkuzu in Oyi local government area for further interrogation.

The CP hinted that the command would next week begin massive raid in all parts of the state to ensure crime free Ember months.

He said: “We are warning others who are planning to make Anambra residents uncomfortable during these Ember months to desist from such plan as the state will be too hot for them.

“Starting from next week, we are going to be on rampage on all criminal hide outs in the state in a manner the criminals will not like us”.

Also, yesterday, the police commissioner, Karma decorated four officers of the command, promoted to the ranks of Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP) in their new ranks.

They were Mr. Tope Olajire Fasugba, Lewis Suleiman, Ben Abang and Jaiyeoba Joseph.

He said their promotion was based on their hard work in the state command and warned them not to deter in their fight against crime in the state.

UACC celebrates 50th golden jubilee

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HE UNITED Apostolic Church of Christ, UACC, will hold her Annual Supreme Executive Council Meeting from

August 14 -16, 2015, at the UACC General Headquarters, 5, Tesi Street, Off Olowojeujeje Street, Ajegunle, Apapa Lagos.

The annual event, 50th this year, would be an avenue for ministers of God of UACC to brainstorm and suggest ways to move the mission forward and deliberate on the church's achievements in 50 years.

According to the General Overseer of UACC, Archbishop Moses Fayehun, this year ’s meeting will enable all ministers of the church to deliberate on the progress of the church in the past years and shall discuss on the way forward.

He said: ‘’UACC has come a long way; we thank God for His infinite grace and mercy upon every member of the church. God has been faithful to all of us."

JOGS 74/79

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J E B U - O D E G R A M M A R School, JOGS, Old Boys Association 74/79 set's next meeting will hold on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Imperial Fortress Guest House, 22,Ayodeji Street, Molipa Ayesan, Ijebu-Ode. According to General Secretary, Adelana Adeola, the host is Adekoya Cosmas, Chief Executive Officer Comets Constructions, Ijebu-Ode

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 17

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HEN Chief Philip Asiodu reflects on the Nigerian condition, we learn very useful lessons. That is why I always read with relish every interview done with that remarkable man. And early this week, VANGUARD newspaper gave us very juicy servings from a venerable Nigerian whose long life at about eighty has allowed him to live through some of the momentous events that defined Nigerian history.

He saw the years leading to independence and has been lucky to play very active roles at different junctures in the development of Nigeria.

It seems obvious from reading Chief Asiodu, that he was lucky to have seen some of the highpoints of Nigerian development, including the achievements that came from an honest and efficient deployment of the national will and he has, unfortunately, also seen the points when the rot gradually began to set in, leading to the troubling

Chief Philip Asiodu's reminiscences of Nigerian Life reality of contemporary Nigeria.

It is easier to stroll the shores of hindsight, but no nation can find its way out of the morass of underdevelopment, when there is no active sense of connection with what had been achieved before. Memory is a very useful navigational aid!

Unfortunately, from Chief Asiodu’s experience, the mass purge in the civil service in 1975, will rank as one of the worst decisions of post-independent Nigeria.

He was a victim; but beyond that, as an intellectual, he was also able to gauge the long term

impact of that momentous decision: “I was retired and I was the number one civilian among those retired with immediate effect!

Later on, the military added an amazing phrase to our sack saying that it was done with increasing alacrity! It shows how

the attractions of the neighbourhood was the Hausaonly brothel, which had a heavily made up MAGAJIYA, who was serenaded practically every evening by different groups of Hausa musicians. Magicians, artists of different genres were almost always performing with that old prostitute holding court and we watched in remarkable incredulity because these were prostitutes and their leader who carried herself with so much panache. The MAGAJIYA seemed to enjoy the respect of the men who came to keep her company.And there were other groups of prostitutes at Sabo Line, Sabo Oke, Mararaba, behind Niger Hotel and also on Oyo Bye Pass, that became Ibrahim Taiwo Road in 1976, after the coup which killed General Murtala Muhammed and then Kwara State military governor, Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo. Several other newer brothels would emerge during the 1980s and beyond!

GANI, a deportee from Ghana, in the wake of the deportations carried out by the Ghanaian President, Dr. Kofi Busia in 1969.

He was the Muezzin in our mosque and collected the daily “Asusu” and his best clients were the prostitutes behind the famous Niger Hotel, Ilorin. They made daily contributions from January till a few days to Christmas, when they collect the proceeds of their labour to travel home for the holidays, usually returning to work, by the first week of January.

Like prostitutes, like politicians

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T was from an online news platform Tori. Ng, that I saw the story. We might even question its veracity, but the human-interest content is very rich! It said that on Sunday, August 9th, the 2015 election of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes (NANP), ended in chaos, when violence broke out, following the declaration of a certain Jessica Elvis, as winner with 300 votes, to defeat incumbent secretary of NANP, Madam Felix Efoyo, who got 153 votes, while the Nasarawa state coordinator, Tamar Tion, came third with 63 votes.

The 2015 electoral committee chairman (the NANP equivalent of Professor Attahiru Jega), Franca ‘Top Up’ Chikam, had announced the result of what was apparently a keenly contested election. But Madam Efoyo was said to have “revolted and ordered” fresh election insisting that she had been rigged out.

Commercial sex workers The election, according to Madam Efoyo was marred with irregularities. Naturally, what followed was an argument that led into a fight breaking out, according to the Tori. Ng report: “In the process, one of the commercial sex workers believed to be loyal to Efoyo broke a bottle and stabbed another of her colleague(s)”.

This scenario with the members of the NANP resembles exactly what happens with members of the Nigerian political elite. We can substitute NANP with any of the nation’s political parties and the situation would still very much be the same.

Politicians dispute the results of elections; they never accept that their opponents won ‘fair and square’ and when push comes to shove, they will get their thugs to express their frustration in the manner that members of NANP also resorted to “self-help”, breaking bottles and cracking heads! It is the political culture C M Y K

that has been extrapolated into society, and reproduced by members of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes or could it be that these attitudes are intrinsic to the underdevelopment of our societal ethos, and are therefore taken into social engagements by the politicians and their prostitute compatriots? It is remarkable that an incumbent secretary of Nigerian Prostitutes disputed the result of elections that went against her, in the same manner that every election that is lost by a Nigerian politician had been “rigged”! Sitting tight is the in thing, whether with leaders in the prostitutes’ association or amongst members of the nation’s political elite!

And talking about prostitutes, I am not sure of when they began to organise under the banner of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes (NANP), but just a few weeks ago, on a different thread, I was remembering prostitutes from a different era in our national life.

From the age of eight, I went to live in one of the Hausa neighbourhoods of Ilorin, where my mother came from. The Okesuna area of Ilorin is also where the oldest primary school, the Okesuna Primary School is located, and was attended by generations of children from my grandfather’s generation. One of

The kernels of prostitution seem to be central to the praxis of politics, as politicians ‘port’ and ‘de-port’ from one party to the other without any semblance of honour or principles

Margin of society Prostitutes, or commercial sex workers as they eventually became identified, seemed to be located on the margin of society even during the 1960s, but the fact that they were there nevertheless, spoke to the essential role that they played in society, even when the service they provided was frowned upon from the standpoint of religion, ethics and culture.

Of course, there reigned a culture of hypocrisy about prostitutes and prostitution in general, because people used their service, in very clandestine circumstances while openly staying within the frames of societal disapproval of services procured from prostitutes. The fact these women came from other parts of the country to ply their trade made them very much outsiders. But they had a savings and thrift culture, because around our family house resided BABA

Dozens of prostitutes The cycle then begins again; until one year, just about a few days to when the monies are normally collected, and it was discovered that Baba Gani had disappeared into thin air! A few days later, dozens of prostitutes took over the neighbourhood, many wailing and shouting obscenities! A whole year ’s saving from active service had disappeared with the man who seemed an example of piety but who chose to scam commercial sex workers big time!

There seemed to be some method to the ‘madness’ of the prostitutes of that era, almost like the more gentle approach of the political elite of the period. Today the culture of broken bottles and fight over the election amongst members of the National Association of Nigerian Prostitutes resembles very much the way that our politicians act with serious consequences for the health of our society.

In fact, the kernels of prostitution seem to be central to the praxis of politics, as politicians ‘port’ and ‘de-port’ from one party to the other without any semblance of honour or principles. It is absurd that society accepts one tradition of prostitution with its politicians, but frowns at the work done and services provided by prostitutes.

Talk about double standards!

people were not really thinking through what they were doing at that time”. The consequences were dire: “When the service was truncated and dislocated, we were left without role models to ensure that there is institutional memory…It didn’t do us good because we lost institutional memory…”

But a lot more got lost in that period of shock that was akin to madness: “In our days we used to send people to schools to get their best graduates even before they graduated. We made the civil service the preferred destination...So with the great shock of 1975, stars were driven out of the service. They made sure that the civil service was no longer the choice destination. My father was a civil servant, which was attractive then.

If someone did not die early in service, that person was sure of being comfortable. It was not the route to becoming the richest man in the country”. These were the words of Chief Philip Asiodu. And it is clear that Nigeria has continued to suffer the consequences of the choice made in 1975, just as much as the irresponsible abandonment of planning regimes has come to haunt us in practically every area of national endeavour.

The VANGUARD interview is a two-part one, which contained gems of enlightening information about the journey that has taken us to where we are today.

Governance structure I think the interview has come at a very important time, when President Muhammadu Buhari has also begun to tackle head-on the accumulated rot of the past couple of years in our governance structure. There were processes in the past that kept systems functional and were able to assist in effective delivery of service to the Nigerian people. The problem emerged when the subversion of processes became the new way to keep going because that offered advantage to individuals to fester personal nests. And once a country embarks on such a journey, it becomes almost impossible to halt the descent to perdition. But halt it we must, if we have to set our country back on a path of restitution.

This is why the memory of individuals as venerable as Chief Philip Asiodu, can be very useful banks from which to lend wisdom for the re-charting of the course of national re-birth. Memory is very important in creation of the new, since we cannot chart the routes of progress where we have not sufficiently identified the progress we made before and those points where we derailed.

I have always learnt very useful lessons about the history of Nigeria; the structures of its administration and the wonderful architecture of planning that allowed Nigeria to rapidly advance at certain historical junctures. At the same time, I have also seen more clearly the pitfalls that have defined the problems that we confront today!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 FAILURE of the Federal Government and Nigeria Ports Authority to dredge the Calabar port channel is adversely affecting economic activities the port was meant to sustain. Previous efforts to dredge the port ended without improvements in the capacity of the port to take bigger vessels. More than 30 years ago, the Calabar Port was envisaged to serve the South East, parts of central Nigeria and the North East, for which a train service was planned.

Also, vital projects by the Cross River State Government designed to create wealth and jobs (such as Tinapa, and the Export Processing Zone, a federal project) are among the projects that the poor depth of the port has affected.

The Calabar port in its current poor state cannot attract investments. Businesses, like cocoa and palm produce exports that boomed through it have ground to a halt. The higher costs of importing through Lagos alone, and the congestions that imports meant for other parts of Nigeria that are forced to pass through Lagos have created, are among reasons why the port in Calabar needs immediate attention.

By extension, the congestion in Lagos ports mostly accounts for the devastations that the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway faces. It is therefore

Imperatives Of Dredging Calabar Port disturbing that the federal authorities have continued to undermine the strategic importance of the port, which is closer to the big commercial centres and cities in the eastern flank of Nigeria.

Shippers finally abandoned the Calabar Port after considering the extra costs of using smaller vessels to trans-load cargo to the port. A dredged Calabar port would admit bigger vessels, which would make shipping to the destination cheaper.

It could, with its proximity to Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe, compete as a hub

in the Central African oil and gas industry.

The on-going construction of the two-lane bridge over the Cross River at the Cameroun Nigeria border (Ekok/Mfun) coupled with the Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok-Abakaliki-Enugu Road would create more users for the Calabar Port and spur the establishment of ancillary developments in those areas. A working Calabar Port would serve as a trans-shipment hub for Nigeria’s landlocked neighbours of Chad and Niger. Even the planned reconstruction of the North East would benefit from a functional Calabar port.

Calabar’s challenges centre on absence of a channel management policy unlike ports in Lagos, Onne, and Port Harcourt, with channel management policy that ensured their dredging and maintenance even after concessioning of the port terminals.

We call on the Federal Government to dredge the Calabar Port and unlock the economic potentials of the agricultural, commercial and tourism businesses that thrive in that flank of Nigeria. Further delays in dredging the port would result in continued waste of government and private investments in those zones.

OPINION APC,'Party supremacy' and signs of implosion

By Gbenga Dada

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ISTORY has a strange way of repeating itself. Especially when actors refuse to learn from their predecessor’s missteps. This is particularly so in world history and indeed in recent Nigerian history. As recent as 2013 when the then Governors of Niger, Jigawa, Rivers, Kwara, Sokoto, Kano and Adamawa stormed out of a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Abuja over dispute between the Governors’ preference for top party positions and the party hierarchy’s insistence on having its way.

Ominously, the then Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur reportedly dismissed the seven governors, saying that the party can do without them. As it turned out, that event sounded the death knell for the PDP and laid the foundation for its loss to the rival APC in the last general elections. And by the look of things, the APC is toeing the same line.

Fast forward to December 2014 in Lagos.

The APC was holding its presidential primaries. In the battle for the party’s ticket were former Kano State Governor, Sen. Rabiu Kwakwanso, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okworocha, former Head of State, General Mohammed Buhari, ex-vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Mr. Sam Nda-Isiah.

Against all expectations, the primaries were transparent, rancor-free and credible, leading to Buhari’s emergence as the then opposition party’s flag bearer and eventual victory as the country’s new president.

In the process, the APC not only proved skeptics wrong by holding credible and generally accepted primaries, it positioned itself as a champion of transparency and inclusiveness. It seemed the party had booked a place for itself in history as one-created, built and run on transparency. Alas, the party seems to have forgotten so soon, that a house-divided against itself cannot stand.

Certainly, not when its foundation pillars are wobbly or are being undermined.

Events since that December 2014 morning, have proved that APC’s attempt at transparency was either an exception or has been jettisoned by the its leaders. Indeed, the APC’s first attempt at choosing its leadership, this time at the National Assembly reflected anything but transparency. Instead of the vaunted equity and transparency on which the APC rode to power what we saw was a few leaders manipulating the selection of principal officers of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives through a dubious mock-election.

It was unbelievable that a party that had built a reputation on respect for procedure and positioned itself as anti-impunity will

organise a shadowy straw poll and not inform its members as to the agenda before hand.

Even more curious was the APC leadership’s refusal to learn from the interference that led to the PDP failing to secure the Speakership of the House of Representatives for its preferred candidate in 2011 and the role played by impunity in the party’s electoral woes four years later.

To put it bluntly, therefore, impunity and lack of transparency lie at the heart of the crises in the party and the muddle in the National Assembly over the emergence of Yakubu Dogara and Bukola Saraki, as Speaker House of Representatives and Senate President, respectively.

Clearly, what happened was an attempt by certain party leaders to present their agenda as that of the APC as a whole. Without equivocation, it is clear that these leaders, rather than Saraki and Dogara, are the ones acting contrary to overall wish of party, which, I deduce, is predicated on adherence to equity, and transparency. The crises in the party is therefore directly traceable to this and should be resolved if APC is to survive.

And from President Muhammadu Buhari’s body language, he seems to be toeing the party line of blackmailing Dogara and Saraki as anti-people. Under the guise of respecting party supremacy, Buhari appears to have bowed to the desire of certain elements in APC to isolate the leadership of the National Assembly forgetting that the Presidency can ill afford a frosty relationship with that arm of government. Or how do you explain that fact that Buhari has only met Hon. Femi

Gbajabiala and Senator Lawan groups and continues to give a cold shoulder to Saraki and Dogara? The signs are ominous.

There is another reason why the APC needs to look beyond the desires of a few leaders, practice inclusiveness and give all stakeholders a sense of belonging. If it continues to hunt Saraki, Dogara and sideline other nPDP elements, the party could be setting the foundation for its own failure. In case the APC leadership has forgotten, it took Saraki, ex-Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and the other four governors' movement to APC from PDP to give the ruling party national status.

Prior to that, the APC was perceived as a regional party that could not have mustered the numbers to win a national mandate that the APC got in the last elections. To sideline or antagonise this group is dangerous and does not portend well for the APC’s future.

APC must invoke the equity, transparency and inclusiveness with which it won the hearts of Nigerians, allow equity to trump the agenda of its leaders and forge ahead.

The task ahead is enormous.

As the PDP’s demise has shown, you cannot run a party based on impunity and exclusiveness and hope to survive.

To put it bluntly, APC won the general elections because the PDP failed. If the APC toes the same line, another party, however ill-prepared for leadership, will swoop in and take over. History is sounding a loud warning.

I hope the APC is listening. *Mr. Dada, a political analyst, wrote from Abuja.

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

Did Pat Utomi say that?

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been actively implementing his “97%/5% formula” since he assumed office.

In his recent visit to America, he defined the formula as a “political reality” that must come to play, whereby Nigerians will be rewarded according to the quantum of votes they gave him during the elections. This president had, during his inauguration, pledged to be fair to all Nigerians with his aromatic sound bite: “I belong to everybody. I belong to nobody”.

His “97%/5%” formula for allocation of resources and positions in his government clearly runs contrary to “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”. It says he belongs to some people and not to some. You do not have to look far to satisfy yourself that this formula is in operation. Buhari has appointed his personal staff, Service Chiefs and recently, a six-man advisory committee on anticorruption. The vast majority of these appointees are Northern Muslims.

There are spicing of people from the South West and to a lesser extent, South-South. The South East, where he got the least number of votes, has not been

favoured with the post of even a cleaner. I wonder how people like Governor Rochas Okorocha, Dr Chris Ngige, Chief BB Apugo and Chief George Moghalu feel among their fellow “broomites” in the All Progressives Congress (APC) while they are treated as if they do not matter.

PMB says the appointments he made so far are based on “merit”.

Perhaps, that is why Northerners made the grade and not a single South Easterner did.

You wonder the standard of “merit” that could possibly be at play, whereby a people with proven track records of dominant competitiveness will not find even a spot! You have no choice but to conclude that it has nothing to do with “merit” but a political fallback to the ignoble “97%/5%” formula.

Actually, this formula propounded by Buhari is a very old one, and that is a topic for another day. After the civil war, there was an unwritten policy of reducing the Igbo ethnic group to a “Minority” to ensure they do not threaten the powers that won the war again. I call it “minoritisation policy”.

Virtually all the commanders on the federal side subscribed to this policy irrespective of tribe,

section or religion. Even during his military rule, Buhari made the North dominant in his government, with today’s South East given a mere token mention.

True merit is never really followed. It is obvious what will happen if genuine merit is applied, for instance, in the allocation of seats to candidates for federal institutions such as schools, universities, civil service, military, security, customs, the diplomatic service and police. Suddenly, the criteria are turned the other way up: things like “population”, landmass, educationally disadvantaged and quota system will be dredged up.

Some of these problems were addressed during General Sani

It is very wrong for Utomi to endorse Buhari’s “97%/ 5%” formula in a country where the federal character principle is constitutionally guaranteed

Who is afraid to borrow?

W

HEN we hear some Christians praying that God should make them lenders and not borrowers, we think they are short-changing themselves and restricting their chances to smaller opportunities, for in today’s world, most viable projects are financed on borrowed money.

Ours is a world of borrowing.

Governments the world-over usually borrow by issuing securities, government bonds and treasury bills. Less creditworthy nations sometimes borrow direct from supranational organisations like the World Bank or other international financial institutions.

Government debt, known by several other names – public debt, national debt, sovereign debt, etc – is the debt owed by the central government.

The CIA World Fact-book, 2013 reveals that as at the end of 2012, the world’s public debt profile stood at US$56.308 trillion. On the Table, the United States debt profile was $17.607 trillion, representing 31.27% of the entire world’s debt and 73.60% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP. Japan was in the second place with a public debt profile of $9.872 trillion, representing 17.53% of the world total and 214.30% of the country’s GDP. In the third place, China had a debt profile of $3.894 trillion, representing 6.91% of the world’s total and 31.70% of the country’s GDP. Germany had a public debt burden of $2.592 trillion – representing 4.60% of the world’s total and 81.70% of the nation’s GDP. The latest entry indicates that as at Tuesday, 4 August 2015, China’s debt burden escalated to $23 trillion.

In the case of Nigeria, we rely on the former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. C M Y K

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala while providing details on the N4.493 trillion 2015 appropriation. “The Federal Government has raised its borrowing level from N570 billion to N882 billion to enable it meet its financial obligations to workers and contractors”. She blamed the situation on the decline in oil revenue in late 2014, which accounted for 50% cut in the total federally collectible revenue as well as the low revenue receipts from non-oil sources.

She explains further: “About N380 billion came from external sources while the balance is from domestic borrowing”.

Banks are the biggest borrowers and the biggest lenders. They thrive on those deposits we all make for onward lending to bigger customers.

Essentially, when an organisation stops borrowing, it stops growing and starts dying. Borrowing is the only plank that offers tomorrow’s opportunities and advantages at today’s low cost.

The defunct Bendel Development and Property Authority, BDPA, with this writer as Board Chairman, provides an illuminating case study. In its burning desire to house its people, Bendel State found that it did not have even one kobo on ground. We quickly floated a N20million bond.

From the subscription to the bond, we provided the Ugbowo Housing Estate in Benin City; the Igbudu and Ugborikoko Housing Estates in the Warri Metropolis; the Okwe Housing Estate in Asaba; and

If all a man has is the hammer, everything he sees would look like nail

Abacha’s Constitutional Conference in 1994/95. Once and for all, the principle of “federal character” was agreed and eventually enshrined in the 1999 Constitution to ensure that every one of the six principal sections of the country is accommodated in the sharing of federal offices and resources. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) even made “zoning” part of their constitution and manifesto and operated it quite creditably throughout their sixteen-year reign.

The principle of federal character recognises the fact that in today’s Nigeria, no section is so educationally or otherwise backward that it cannot fill its own allotment, no matter the standard of merit employed.

Professor Pat Utomi, a university don, political economist, entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, knows better than to say that Buhari is “free” to choose all his officials from one village. I don’t know what he is eyeing. In this country, people say things depending on what they are eyeing or hoping for. It is very wrong for Utomi to endorse Buhari’s “97%/5%” formula in a country where the federal character principle is constitutionally guaranteed. It is incorrect for him to describe a policy to carry everybody along in a complex, plural society like ours as being “small and petty”.

When people from a part of the country dominate, it usually results in large-scale corruption and looting. There is more consanguine conspiracy. They see the government as their sectional property to use as they like because it is their time to

we expanded substantially, the Oregbeni Housing Estate in Benin City.

NET RESULT: BDPA Became the hub of government activities and became selfsustaining; we were able to amortise the loan at maturity; some of the houses we sold for N30,000 in 1984 now go for N10 - 20 million; and even at the highest level of financial prudence, today you would need not less than N100 billion to approach the facilities we provided for less than N20 million then. That’s what borrowing does – it enables you buy into the future!

The Oshiomhole-led Administration has demonstrated, to the admiration of all, that it is not borrowing that matters; but the use to which you put the borrowed money. Borrowers must develop sufficient absorption capacity for their loans – the loans must be put to appropriate uses; there must be willingness to pay back; and you do not embark on building sky-scrapers in the wilderness.

Is anyone still in doubt that the noise around Edo State Government’s request to draw-down on a loan already approved by the World Bank is absolute hog-wash?

Obviously, the World Bank is a reputable organisation that does not throw its money in the trash can. It offers money to organizations only after due diligence checks. Of the $225 million Development Policy Operation, DPO, the Edo State Government has already accessed the first tranche of $75 million under the 2012/ 2014 framework. Having been thoroughly satisfied with the quality of work done under the first tranche, the World Bank had no hesitation, whatsoever, in approving the second tranche.

“enjoy ”. Those who are not represented have nobody to speak for them. This is the malady that the federal character principle seeks to address by ensuring that all eyes are on the table.

You cannot move the economy of Nigeria forward and fight corruption with people from only a section dominating with a few pickings from other parts thrown in. It is only when all Nigerians feel a sense of belonging that all hands will be combined to build the nation. That is what I expect a patriot like Utomi to remind Buhari of if he has the president’s ears.

No such village exists where Buhari can exclusively bring people of excellence and merit to revive the economy, defeat Boko Haram and fight corruption, unless you are referring to Village Nigeria. Buhari has a duty to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging. The presidential office he is occupying does not belong to a select group of Nigerians alone. It belongs to all of us. The resources he is dispensing everyday are principally derived from the Niger Delta but they belong to all of us.

The mandate Buhari is holding belongs to all of us, irrespective of how we voted. It is not his prerogative to marginalise any Nigerian. That would be unpatriotic and a big letdown. He is not “free” to do so as Pat Utomi erroneously asserted. It is Buhari’s duty and responsibility to govern Nigeria in the overall interest of all Nigerians, not a section thereof due to their close relationship and voting pattern.

Away with nepotism and marginalisation in Nigeria!

It smacks of criminal irresponsibility and idle-mindedness for the Edo State Chapter of the PDP to proceed, post-haste, to address a world press conference, demanding that the draw-down be rejected and, by implication, that the projects already embarked upon be abandoned.

Admittedly, if all a man has is the hammer, everything he sees would look like nail. Coming from a tradition of loan money as “kill-and-divide”, the PDP knows nothing else than seeing any loan as just another veritable source of slush fund.

Long after the rest of us may forget, the perpetrators can never escape being hunted by the sordid deal a few years back, when they took a World Bank facility of some $300 million for urban water supply but we are yet to know how many cups of water they provided before the loan money evaporated into private pockets.

In contrast, the Oshiomhole-led Administration has turned a once virtually comatose State into an Eldorado.

In 2012 the administration raised a N25-billion bond for the Benin City Storm water project. While the project execution progresses satisfactorily, Edo State Government has kept religiously to the terms of repayment – N520 million monthly – with the result that the project is nearing completion and the loan is nearing full liquidation. It’s a winwin situation!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, AUGUST 13, 2015

Killing of bus driver by cop: Uneasy calm in PH, Obio Akpor after protests

By Jimitota Onoyume, Port Harcourt

the better part of last F FridayandSaturday shopsand offices aroundtheWhimpyjunction OR

part of the ever-busy Ikwerre road in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, were locked asprotesterstookovertheroad. The angry protesters were heard denouncing the brutal and mindless murder of a commercial bus driver, Mr David Legbaraa, by a triggerhappy policeman, Sergeant James Imhalu,allegedlyoverN100.

Somecommercialbusdriverswho spoketoVanguardMetro,VM,used the opportunity to complain about what they termed incessant harassment and intimidation from policemen at the popular Whimpy junction. “The policemen controlling traffic here give us a lot of headache.

Sometimes you ask if they are here to control traffic or to generate revenue from bus drivers, “ Uche, a bus driver, said.

Conflicting accounts There have been conflicting accounts on what happened between Sergeant Imhalu and the slain bus driver that fateful Friday.

Someeyewitnessesallegedthatthe policemandemandedforN100from the bus driver who was reluctant to part with it. His refusal was said to have prompted the policeman to open fire at the driver.

Another account has it that the policeman ordered the driver to park properly and the next thing they heard was a gunshot. “I heard the policemantoldthedrivertoparkwell.

I was trying to catch a bus going to Rumuokoro. So I did not really give much attention to what was happening between the driver and the policeman. But the next thing I heard was a gunshot. I ran for safety immediately,” a lady said.

The Rivers State Police Commissioner,MrChrisEzike, said hehadorderedfullscaleinvestigation intotheincidenttounravel whattruly happened.

The sad incident grounded business and other activities in the area for the better part of Friday and Saturday. As soon as it was confirmed that Legbaraa, the bus driver, did not survive the gunshot hiscolleagueswithdrewtheirvehicles from the road. Protesters subsequentlytookover,denouncing theactionofthepolice.Theysetburn fires, forcing motorists to seek alternativeroutestotheirdestinations.

C M Y K

The protest caused a heavy traffic gridlock that extended to NTAand the Rumuokoro end of the EastWestroads.Somepassengershad to alight from their vehicles to cover long distances on foot. The Police were forced to fire canisters of tear gas in order to clear the road.

Thefollowingday,beingSaturday, theprotestersregroupedontheroad, this time numbering over 2000.

Appeal from the Police to them to leave the road fell on deaf ears.

Some eyewitnesses said they smashed windscreen of several vehicles during the protests but this could not be confirmed by our reporter.“Iheardsomevehicleswere destroyed around Mile 3 area. But here in Mile 4 no vehicle was damaged. We only took over the road, “ one of the protesters said.

Obviously overwhelmed by the crowd, Police appeared helpless to controlthesituation,thusallowingthe protesters to run wild. Unconfirmed report said the widow of the deceased driver at a time went to Kala Police Station, located few metres from where the killing occurred, to lament the brutal murder of her husband. VM gathered that the lady is pregnant and due to deliver soon.

It took the intervention of Governor NyesomWiketocalmtheprotesters on Saturday. The Governor appealed to them to allow the law run its full course on the issue, assuring that the trigger-happy policemanwillpayforhislawlessact.

The state Police chief, Mr Ezike in a press statement after a meeting

•Governor Wike appealing to the protesters (Inset) David Legbaraa, the slain bus driver

withthefamilyofthedeceaseddriver on Saturday condemned the action of the policeman, saying he had been arrested and would be tried accordingly.

He said he had also briefed the Inspector General of Police, Mr SolomonArase, on the situation.

The Police Commissioner expressed worry over the attitude of the protesters, alleging that cultists and bandits hijacked the process.

He said some of the protesters were dressed in uniforms and attires identified with cult groups.

“Isympathiseandcondolewiththe family of the deceased over the loss of their loved one. I condemn in unmistakeable terms the action of the policeman as preliminary facts revealed his action was clearly avoidable. However, I shall await the outcome of full investigation as already ordered before any

Conclusive action The Inspector-General of Police is fully briefed but is saddened by the action of the personnel and has ordered that he be charged to court on conclusion of investigation.

“Theprotestsyesterdayandtoday appear to have been hijacked by hoodlums and cultists as entreaties for peace fell on deaf ears. Two wrongs cannot make a right. I, therefore, appeal to the deceased family, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, drivers union, and indeed parents and guardians to calm frayed nerves and allow peace to reign. We shall ensure that justice is done on this matter,” he said.

Counsel to the family of the

deceased driver,Asagora Debon, told newsmen after a meeting with the state Police Commissioner that they did not organise the protest. He said all they wanted was peace in the state. He appealed to hoodlums not to exploit the ugly and painful incident to pursue selfish interest.

“We dissociate the family of the deceased from the protests. Weare here to toe the path of peace. The police have their internal disciplinary measurestodealwiththepoliceman.

We want to state that the family members who are here can’t resort to self-help. Those on the street demonstrating don’t have the consent of the family to do what they are doing. The Commissioner of Police has assured that the wife of the deceased, a pregnant woman, will be assisted by the Police,” he said.

Chieftaincy titles for Tinubu, Obasa, others at coronation of new Ayangburen’s coronation

By Ishola Balogun

is now set for the final A coronation of the new Anyangburen of Ikorodu, Oba LL

Some eye witnesses alleged that the policeman demanded N100 from the bus driver who was reluctant to part with it; his refusal was said to have prompted the policeman to open fire

conclusive action is taken.

Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Adegunrushen V. The event which comes up on August 15, 2015 will mark the final coronation of the new traditional ruler.

Briefing newsmen in his palace shortly after his return from a compulsory 60-day seclusion, or Ipebi, Oba Shotobi disclosed that eminent personalities, including the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress,APC and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashir Obasa, among others, will be conferred with various chieftaincy titles.

Describing his ascension to the throne as the will of God, Oba Shotobi sued for peace while urging other contenders to join hands with him to move the town forward.

“Having fought gallantly, and God has ordained his own, I earnestly plead with all my brother princes to please sheathe their swords and collaborate with me to usher into Ikorodu a glorious reign. I hereby invoke the spirits of my progenitor and founder of this throne, the first Oloja LASUNWON and indeed other Obas who have ruled this town to pray for peace, harmony, and unprecedented development during my reign. I see imminent signs for change and glorious future for lkorodu. Oba Shotobi warned the youths to refrain from cultism and acts of violence,

saying he will not tolerate any act of violence in his domain. “I urged our children to be at peace and engage in positive and productive ventures towards building a future for the unborn children. There shall be no room for cultism, brigands, hooliganism, and disruption of public peace in my domain. I shall always be available to work with all youth organizations, and support all efforts to promote the interest of the youth for positive and productive values.”

Oba Shotobi who is of Lasunwon Royal Family was picked by the Kingmakers after a keenly contested process with 23 other qualified princes. The former governor of the State, Babatunde Raji Fashola presented a staff of office to him on May 26, 2015.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

— 21

Firm invests N300bn in Badagry dockyard project

T

FORUM:From left, Director of Ethiopia Standards Agency, Mrs Almaz Kahsay; President, African Standardsation of Organisation (ARSO)/DG, SON, Dr Joseph Odumodu; Head of Trade Division, Department of Industry, African Union, Mr Nadir Merah, and ARSO Secretary General, Dr Hermogene Nsengimama, at the ARSO 52th General Council Forum, in Ethiopia.

CBN’s forex restrictions hit Norway’s stockfish trade A

NORWEGIAN dried fish supplier is close to bankruptcy after currency controls imposed in Nigeria destroyed its biggest market.

Nigerians have a huge appetite for ‘okporoko’, as unsalted, airdried cod is known locally, using it as the key flavouring in the soups which accompany grain staples, the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation NRK, has reported.

The report said “In a normal year Nigeria is Norway ’s biggest single market for stockfish, with the trade, mainly in dried fish heads and other offcuts, worth some 486 million Norwegian kroner ($58m) a year.

“But since Central Bank of

$135.75

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By Franklin Alli

- 14.00

$10.63

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196 196.5 POUNDS 305.662 306.4418 EURO 216.4036 216.9557 FRANC 199.1465 199.6545 YEN 1.569 1.573 CFA 0.3083 0.3183 WAUA 271.9734 272.6672 RENMINBI 30.9799 31.0594 RIYAL 52.2597 52.393 SDR 273.714 274.4123 KRONA 28.9902 29.0642

197 307.2215 217.5077 200.1626 1.577 0.3283 273.361 31.1389 52.5263 275.1105 29.1381

CBN Exchange Rate as at 12/ 08 /15

C M Y K

employees to cut costs until business returns to normal.

He said that the Nigerians were the main country worldwide with a taste for dried fish heads. Italy has traditionally been the biggest buyer of the more expensive cuts of stockfish. Falch said that his company normally exported as much as 100 tonnes of stockfish to Nigeria every week in the peak season.

Instead he now has some 500 tonnes of unsold stock in his warehouse, which he fears

may soon become unsellable.

Stockfish, which is laid out to dry across the Lofoten Islands and other parts of northern Norway while there is still snow on the ground in March, has been exported from Norway since Viking times. Falch said that the Norwegian government needed to work harder to have stockfish removed from the list of goods facing currency controls.

Stockfish is dried in Norway to ancient, time-honoured techniques.

‘Over 13,000 jobs at risk in manufacturing sector’

-1.45

$3,068.00

DOLLAR

Nigeria in June banned importers from using the foreign-exchange market for some goods, including stockfish, business has ground to a halt.

“Nigeria is our main market.

Over half of our turnover is stockfish and if the business stops for a few months, our company will be rapidly in the red,” Erling Falch from Saga Fisk in the Lofoten islands told NRK. He has already laid off almost half of the company ’s 50

HE Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company (BSMEC) on Wednesday said it had invested 1.5 billion dollars (about N300 billion) on the Dockyard project in Badagry, Lagos State. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by the Public Relations Officer of the SIFAX Group, Mr Oluwuyiwa Akande.

The statement noted that Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of BSMEC and Sifax Logistics and Marine Services Ltd, denied a rumour that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) was funding the project.

“BSMEC is the sole owner of the Badagry Dry Dock Project and no one else. The company is made up of five different successful Nigerian companies who came together as core investors to form the Badagry Ship Repair and Maritime Engineering Company.

“BSMEC is a joint venture between Sifax Logistics and Marine Services Ltd, Energy Nature Ltd, GMT Energy Services Ltd, Japaul Oil and Maritime Services PLC and SIVC Infrastructure DMCC (Sahara Group Ltd).”

ANUFACTURING Association of Nigeria, MAN, hinted yesterday that over 13, 000 workers across the various companies in the industrial sectors of the economy will be massively retrenched and the companies closed down, blaming government’s fiscal and monetary policies in recent times.

MAN President, Dr. Frank Jacobs, told reporters in Lagos that unless the Federal Government urgently addresses the problems of tight monetary and exchange rate policy including raw materials that are not available locally, among other issues, manufacturers won’t be able to continue in their production, and the implication could mean massive retrenchment and factory closures.

He disclosed that workers that will be mostly affected are in the pharmaceuticals, steel, Food, Beverages and Tobacco companies that are the largest employers of labour among MAN sectoral group.

“A total of 3,966 new workers were

employed across all sectoral groups and industrial zones from July to December 2014, while the aggregate workers employed in 2014 by manufacturing sector stood at 9,487.

Food, Beverages and Tobacco sectoral group topped with 3,125 jobs.

This followed by Chemical and Pharmaceuticals group with 1,668; and third on the ladder was Domestic/Industrial Plastic and Rubber with 1,241 jobs,” he said.

According to MAN President, in order to avert the looming crisis in the interest of the overall economy, the Federal Government and by extension, the Central Bank of

Government should issue a policy statement that will assure the private sector of policy consistency

Nigeria, CBN, had better “Remove raw materials that are not available locally from the list of items not valid for foreign exchange and allow reasonable time for affected manufacturers to embark on backward integration process before relisting the affected raw materials.

“Government should issue a policy statement that will assure the private sector of policy consistency, backed up with appropriate gazette that will phase the implementation of the policy over a reasonable period of time to safeguard the huge capital investment associated with manufacturing “The CBN should adopt appropriate mix of monetary instruments to promote reduction in lending rates to single digit and effectively manage exchange and inflation rates.”

Also, MAN demanded that the import adjustment tax of 20 percent should be introduced for imported finished pharmaceutical products with HS Code 3003 and 3004 because Nigerian manufacturers have the capacity to produce these medicines.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Entrepreneurs are some of the most driven people around and this is out of necessity

,

,

Traits of successful entrepreneurs S

uccessful entrepreneurs regardless of their industry generally have very similar traits even if they have extremely different personalities. People who lack these traits can’t typically cut it as an entrepreneur.

Some people are born entrepreneurs while others can develop into one over time. Seeing the opportunity to work for themselves, make more money and have more say on the direction of projects is often appealing enough for people to try and change themselves for the better. The following are some traits that all successful entrepreneurs embody, while the less successful may be missing a trait or two.

Confidence Confidence is projected onto others in the workplace so the entrepreneur has to be a confident person. Confident people will sell more and thus be more successful in the business space. Being confident in yourself will also make it seem that you are more than just confident in your product or service.

Risk taking There are many entrepreneurs who quit their very profitable jobs in order to try and venture out on their own. Entrepreneurs have to take risks but great entrepreneurs take calculated risks.

What most entrepreneurs think is that taking a gamble on themselves is not a gamble at all. There will be some pivotal times in a young company’s life that will require some kind of risk to be taken.

Constantly evolving Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning about the industry they are in. This is why some of the best entrepreneurs end up in an industry other than the one they started out in. They evolve and can come up with great ideas and get people to follow them. Asking an entrepreneur how much they have changed in a decade and all will respond that they have changed immensely.

Determination The determination that an entrepreneur has to have is immense and many people who think they are ready to start a business quickly find

out that they don’t have the tough mental fortitude to do so. Growing a business is difficult but with determination and the ability to consistently hit micro and macro goals, it can be accomplished, however it’s a process that many people cannot handle.

Entrepreneurs are some of the most driven people around and this is out of necessity.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (11/08/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N)

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196

196.5

197

305.662 216.4036 199.1465 1.569 0.3083 271.9734 30.9799 52.2597 28.9902 273.714

306.4418 216.9557 199.6545 1.573 0.3183 272.6672 31.0594 52.393 29.0642 274.4123

307.2215 217.5077 200.1626 1.577 0.3283 273.361 31.1389 52.5263 29.1381 275.1105

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

Persistence What many people think a startup requires of them sometimes have no idea.

Startups require an insane amount of work and extreme persistence. Persistence can be fleeting for some.

However the most successful entrepreneurs go after

Successful entrepreneurs never stop learning about the industry they are in clients that have turned them down time after time, because they have a true passion for what they are building. While many startups are laid back the workload is anything but.

Expect to work nearly double the hours at a startup and get used to hearing “No” and then trying again and again.

Entrepreneurs are constantly changing our world on a daily basis. With the mental toughness and resolve that they have, it is not surprising. While these trains are generally ingrained into someone’s being, they can be learned over time, through practice and experiences. If you don’t feel like you aren’t ready to be an entrepreneur today, that you don’t have these traits, put your mind to it and practice and learn from every experience. Every time you get hit down, or are told “no” to, get up and try again and you’ll start to develop these important entrepreneurial traits.

How to recover from business failure

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

F

ailure is just part of life. When we learn a new skill we fail at it time again before we get it right. It happens when we learn to ride a bike or swimt.

If we avoided failure altogether we•fd never try anything new.

With so many startups failing, we should be sharing our experience of failure. It's this knowledge that can help the failed entrepreneur and others learn important lessons. Not talking about one’s failure and hiding from it doesn't help you get over it. And it certainly doesn't help you learn from the experience. So, how should you deal with failure? Dr. Frank La Pira, a blogger and founder, The Rebel Entrepreneur, enumerates the following four steps to help entrepreneurs recover from business failure.

Review

If you experience a failure, it's important to talk about it to your business partners, to your employees and even to your business friends. Because it will help you better understand what went wrong, and because of its therapeutic value.

Understanding what went wrong will help you in future ventures.

La Pira narrated his personal experience thus: "In our family, it has been a topic of discussion for the best part of 7 years since we lost close to 750,000. It's not because we love to dwell on it. It's because we have several businesses and the learnings from that experience are invaluable.

When we started sharing our experience we learnt some valuable lessons. Talking to friends in the same industry we learnt that we'd spent too much on our initial capital outlay. We had the money to spend and we just spent it. The lesson, be frugal when starting a business. There were many times towards the end when

that extra money could've helped."

Some questions you should consider are; did I pick the right target market, was my offering right for my market, did I understand the competitive landscape. Was my level of funding adequate for my industry/market. Did I leave too many assumptions unanswered and did I understand the industry I was getting into. Was my strategy appropriate? Or was I just a victim of an industry that has

It is a therapeutic experience and worthy of your time and effort to write down what you've learnt

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 23

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& YOU

dity de

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higher than average failure rates?

"When I think about those questions I can say I didn't understand my target market, our strategy was wrong. We left too many assumptions unanswered, and we didn't spend enough time getting to know the industry. After our business failed we took a few months off and wrote a case study on our experience. It is a therapeutic experience and worthy of your time and effort to write down what you've learnt," La Pira further stated.

In the strategy literature, there's an argument that the external environment plays a large part in the success or failure of a business. But in entrepreneurship we talk about business as if we have total control over our business.

The entrepreneur is one of many factors that can cause a business to fail.

Some industries have higher failure rates. You may need a certain level of experience. Or you may need access to limited resources, that are only available to certain people. It could be that it was a competitive market full of people who are there because that's what they love. Money is a secondary issue, think lifestyle businesses. It's important to consider that not every industry provides the same returns.

Refocus Now you have an opportunity to refocus your goals.

Through this experience, you've learnt a great deal about your strengths and weaknesses and about your values and beliefs. This is a great opportunity to revisit your long-term goals and strategies.

With this knowledge, you can refocus and develop a business with a better

,

Why great companies should constantly think differently

COMMODITIES (12/08/15) Last 43.56

Thinking differently starts when we begin to question the old ways of doing things that have not yielded results

understanding of your values, and beliefs. After failure, many entrepreneurs re-evaluate their goals.

As part of the refocusing process, I recommend taking the time to focus on your own well-being. It is an emotional upheaval and taking time for yourself is important in the process of moving on.

Reset After our business failed we decided to take several years off from operating our own business. We both joined the workforce. It is important you spend time exercising or on some other activities.

Don't ignore your emotions.

Let them out because as you try to avoid them they will linger. Use that anger and frustration to push you when you're exercising.

Spend time outdoors. Go bushwalking, take a canoe out on a lake or swim on a beach. Ride your bike through a forest. Spending time outdoors will help you get centred.

Restart Not everybody returns to business after a failure. But if you love the rush, excitement, and freedom of doing your own thing, you need to get back on the horse. Because nothing else will invigorate you as much. The best thing you can do is to take the learnings from that past experience into consideration in your next business. This should be part of your research when you are doing your industry analysis and building your business model.

Failure is part of life. We cannot be brilliant at everything in life the first time we try. Your role as an entrepreneur is to learn that it•fs okay to make mistakes and fail. Yes, it is hard to recover from failure. But it will make you stronger and wiser and you will be grateful for the experiences.

By ‘Uju Onwuzulike “Discovery consists in seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought”…lbert SzentGyorgi

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egardless of whatever reason(s) any business was established, the desire to achieve better result will always be prevalent. Then, again, achieving better result to most organizations is characterized by increased in profitability. Desiring an increased in profitability is an acceptable proclivity for organizations as a result of the services being rendered and paid for. But, the established truth is that no organization can achieve increased profitability by desiring or wishing for it alone except by thinking differently and doing things differently.

Years back, Steve Haines said something to me that changed my worldview about thinking.

He said, “You don’t need to think more, you just need to think differently”. That made me to realize that as individuals or organizations, we do not need to think more (quantitatively) just for thinking sake, we need to think differently with the result in mind – we need to think strategically. The same applies to organizations, to achieve better results, we may not necessarily do so many things for our customers in terms of quantity, but we need to begin to do things differently for them.

We might just focus on doing one particular thing differently for them. The other time I was discussing with an executive whose company has spent so much money on transformation, and I realized one key thing that was lacking – attitudinal change. For an organization to think differently and achieve its transformation goals, attention must be paid to develop the right attitude of its workforce first and foremost.

This is why I always encourage organizations or corporations that have merged or acquired others to pay attention to “Attitudinal Change Transformation”- a key area

Uju Onwuzulike

that cannot be ignored. This is because one person with a wrong attitude can sabotage and make a mess of all the transformation effort. And right attitude is like a lubricant that will oil the wheels of “thinking differently”.

Unbelievably, and despite the fact that most organizations are doing the same thing year in year out,

When we blend in to what others are doing, we may not be able to stand out with a different result

using the same business strategy and initiatives that have not worked, and yet they expect to have different and better results (that is impossible). With the stiff competition in the business world, if you keep doing your business the same way you have done it for five years; you will never even achieve the old results that you are used to, but rather below what you have been achieving. That goes to show that to desire improved results in all facets of business operations, we must have a paradigm shift, and that comes by thinking differently. The truth of the matter is that sometimes, we know why our organization is performing so badly, but we are stuck to the old ways of doing things – and we are not ready to try something new.

All organizations that are stuck to the old ways of doing

things that have not yielded them better results will end up becoming “Defenders of Decline” instead “Architect of the future”( example is Apple Inc. vs. others). Apple succeeded in becoming the “architect of the future” while others are busy defending the decline, little wonder Apple’s slogan is “Think Different”.

To paint a clearer picture of what thinking differently should mean to organizations, we need to realize that in our various organizations, there are strategies that are not working, marketing initiatives that are not producing the numbers, activities that are not worthwhile and generally things that are not working for the organization.

Thinking differently starts when we begin to question the old ways of doings that have not yielded expected results and begin to push the boundaries and think in new ways that lead to improved results. Thinking differently is akin to committing to make a difference. In order words, organizations that are thinking differently want to make a difference in the lives of their customers and employees. It is this committing to a make a difference that brings improved and sustainable results for the shareholders.

When we begin to think differently, we would realize that there is no just one way of doing things. Of course, it is a red signal to assume there is only one way of doing things. Employees must begin to ask optimal questions in order to have optimal answers. Questions like: why are we not achieving our desired results? Why are we not having enough customers to patronize our business? Why do our customers complain?

Are there things we are not doing well? How can we be different from competitors?

The fact is that when we blend in to what others are doing, we may not be able to stand out with a different result. That means we need to be different in all areas of our business (we need to be perceived differently and better) and that is the only time we shall stand out as an organization of choice.

C M Y K

24- Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13,2015

BusinessLMonev Guide ATM withdrawal limit only applicable to overseas withdrawals -CeBIH

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HE Federal Government plans to raise N62.43 billion in Treasury bills of 3-month and 6-month tenoronAugust20, 2015, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN said on Wednesday.

The apex bank said in a statement thatitwill raise N32.43 billion worth in the 3-month paper and N30 billion in the 6-month debt, using the Dutch Auction System.

Nigeria issues Treasury bills twice a month to borrow funds from the banking system to fund the government's budget deficit and help manage liquidity in the economy.

Meanwhile Nigeria's consumer inflation rate which is at 9.2 per cent year-on-year in July has remained unchanged from the previous month, marking the highest rate since February 2013 and above the centralbank's tmget upper limit, the national bureau of statistics office said.

"Food inflation remained at 10.0percentyear-on-yearinJuly, unchanged from June, as slower increases in some food categories such as meat and fruits weighed on the index," it said.

Recall that analysts at Financial Derivatives Company last month predicted a one percent increase in inflation for the month ofJune, arguing that another devaluation of the naira was inevitable despite additional restrictions to the foreign exchange market recently announced by the CBN. The analysts had at the time said that "If (the prediction) is accurate, this will be the seventh

The Central Bank of Nigeria would have to proffer solutions to address inflation, depleting external reserves and determine an eiiident exchange rate price mechanism

~OMMITTEE of e-banking

VISIT: Managing Director\CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa (middle) flanked from le!t by A;fanaging Director, Process Concepts & Technologies Ltd, Mr Victor Olomo, Ma~agmg Director, Tropical Development Engineering Ltd; Mr Tony Egba; President, Agnc~!tural Mechil!e!r Equipment Fabricators Association of Nigeria (AMEFAN}, Mr AdemJI Lucas and Divzswnal Head, Large Scale Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Mr Joseph Babatunde, during a visit of members of AMEFAN to the bank, in Lagos.

FG to raise N62.4bn in Treasury bills • • As inflation in July remains at 9.2% Stories by Jonah Nwokpoku

consecutive monthly increase in inflation since November 2014, and the highest level in two years."

According to them, factors that had contributed to increased inflation include" reduced supply of food, owing to logistics issues and heavy rainfall, which has

affected planting in some regions of the country, and higher price of imported goods due to the exchange rate factor."

They had recommended that, "The Central Bank of Nigeria would have to proffer solutions to address inflation, depleting external reserves and determine an efficient exchange rate price

CBN confirms Somefun as Unity Bank's MD

By Yinka Kolawole

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entral Bank of Nigeria CBN) has confirmed the appointment of Mrs. Tomi Somefun as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank Plc. This is coming on the heels of the departure of Henry J. Semenitari, who resigned his appointment with the bank

last month. The confirmation of Somefun was contained in a letter to the bank dated August 10, 2015, signed by CBN's Director of Banking Supervision.

Somefun has over three decades of cognate experience of which 26 years were in the banking sector.

She started her career in

Fidelity emerges SME lender of the year 2015 'T""b.HE Lagos Chamber of .l Commerce and Industry, LCCI has adjudged Fidelity BNK the SME Lender Bank of the year 2015. The declaration was made in Lagos at an award ceremony to recognize deserving corporate organisations that have made significant contributions towards the advancement of the economy.

LCCI said Fidelity Bank came tops in all the measuring parameters after a rigorous selection process involving competing SME focused banks in the country.

"This award is the outcome of a painstaking selection process from entries received for this award and backed by feedbacks from industry/ market monitoring and regulatory bodies," said President of LCCI, Alhaji REmi Bello.

Receiving the award, Managing Director, Fidelity Bank Plc.

mechanism. This is a significant development given the apex institution's decision to restrict access to the interbank currency market on 41 select items, including staples, rice, cement, tomato products and poultry.1his pushes the pressure towards the parallel market."

Nnamdi Okonkwo said that the award underscores Fidelity Bank's role in the SME space which completely aligns with the government's goal of ensuring rapid economic development using the SMEs as the catalyst.

Okonkwo who spoke through the Executive Director, Shared Services, Chijioke Ugochukwu explained that the Bank recog· nizes the role of the SMEs as the engine room of the e conomy prompting the management of the Bank to set up the Fidelity Managed SME to address the gaps in the sector.

"Tilis award is a testament to the Bank's efforts at raising a new generation of entrepreneurs through the deployment of tailored, low-cost products and services which is in line with government's objectives of reviving the economy." nlrr"lkwo, who is a member of

the Technical Implementation Committee of the National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the body charged with the task of developing a value chain intervention strategy for SMEs in the country and solve the difficulties encountered by small businesses in their strive to source finance, also stated that Fidelity Bank offers MS· MEs access to markets via the shared platform to enable them sell their products and services as well as access to funding by providing specialized funding agencies.

According to him, ·~other strategythebankemploysinserving MSMEs is the cluster lending approach," adding that un· der the cluster model, Fidelity offering addresses the peculiarity of the business environment where such businesses operate.

accounting and financial consulting with Peat Marwick & Co, and subsequently Arthur Andersen & Co (now KPMG). She has worked in several areas across the industry, spanning t reasury and institutional banking, investment banking, retail and commercial banking.

Prior to joining Unity Bank, she had a distinguished career with United Bank for Africa where she managed and sat on the board of several subsidiaries, including being the maiden CEO of U BA Pensions Custodian which she managed for eight years, as well supervising the SouthWest Region of the Bank.

She holds a B.A. (Hons) in English Language (Second Class Upper Division) from the Obafemi Awolowo University. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and has benefitted from numerous Executive Education Programmes from INSEAD, Harvard Business School, University of Columbia, and Wharton Business School.

Prior to her appointment, Tomi was the Executive Director responsible for Lagos and South West Regional Operations, and oversight on Treasury and Financial Institutions Division.

~dustry Heads, CeBIH has said that the cash withdrawal limit placed onA1M is only applicable to withdrawals made abroad.

In a statement clarifying the limit imposition, the body said the newly introduced limits by the Central Bank of Nigeria is applicable only to holders of Naira denominated cards who use their cards for cash withdrawals abroad The statement read: "The attention of the Committee of eBanking Industry Heads (CeBIH) has been drawn to the confusion created in the public domain as regards the imposition of limits on cash withdrawals from ATM terminal across the country. '"This is to confirm that the newly introduced limits by the Central Bank of Nigeria is applicable only to holders of Naira denominated cards who use their cards for cash withdrawals abroad. For such customers, the CBN has imposed a limit of $300 per day and an annual limit of $50,000 on such customers. The directive was contained in a circular issued recently by the CBN. "It should be noted that this limit does not apply to the withdrawal of Naira from ATMs within the country. The limit for withdrawal of Naira is set by the individual banks in line with the bank's corporate operative procedure.

"It is also to be noted that the limits are not applicable to fuS and online purchases. Customers are hereby enjoined to confirm what the limits are in theirvarious banks."

Union Bank unveils 'Activate & Win' promo to drive e-payment NION Bank of Nigeria U PLC has announced anew promotion to encourage customers to adopt cards and alternative payment channels.

The "Activate and Win Promo" will reward Union Bank customers who request and activate any Union Bank MasterCard, VIsa or Verve debit card with instant prizes such as airtime and also qualify them for monthly prizes. All customers participating in the promo will also qualify for a grand prize of an allexpense paid trip to Dubai.

Speaking about the promo, Head of Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, said, '1\s the cashless initiative gets set to roll out nationwide, it is our goal to ensure that we put a card in every customer's hands, and encourage the use of electronic payment platforms and othere-channels. ''

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 —25

514 tertiary institutions employees storm ICPC's anti-graft workshops

By Dayo Adesulu AT a workshop of 514 participants, consisting of ViceChancellors, Rectors and Provosts or their representatives; Registrars, Bursars, Directors of Academic Affairs/Academic Planning, Directors of Physical Planning, Directors of Works, Chairpersons of Committee of Deans of Universities, Colleges of Education and Polytechnics, representatives of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and other critical stakeholders have agreed to deal with corrupt practices bedevilling the tertiary institutions.

The workshops organised by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria, ACAN, the training arm of ICPC on July 6-10, July 27-30 and August 3-6, 2015 in ICPC Auditorium, Abuja was on Academic Integrity and Entrenching Integrity in Procurement Process of Tertiary Institutions.

Resource persons were drawn from among practitioners and experts conversant with the issues and proven records, including facilitators from the Bureau of Public Procurement, Abuja.

The workshops were organized with the support and co-operation of major stakeholders in the Nigerian tertiary education system including the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the National Commission for Colleges of Continues on Page 26

NANS gives Lagos govt 7 days ultimatum to address LASU crisis PG. 28

Unicef partners Pearson on educating marginalised kids PG. 29 C M Y K

UNVEILING: From left Mr Lanre Olusola, Leadership Coach; Norden Thurston, Marketing Manager, Seven-Up Bottling Company; Mr Bankole Makanju, winner, 2015 Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship Award; Yinka Adesina, General Manager, Human Resource, Seven-Up and Dr Abigail Ogwerry-Ndisika, Head of Mass Communication Department, University of Lagos during the Seven-Up Harvard Business School Scholarship 2015 awardee unveiling held at University of Lagos on Tuesday. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

11 varsities make N1.7bn from post-UTME screenings

By Dayo Adesulu, Tare Youdeowei, Elizabeth Uwandu & Glory Ekwenuya

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OLLOWING the submission of Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) to the will of parents and students who kicked against JAMB's posting of students to institutions they didn’t pick, eleven federal universities are to share the sum of N1,577,414,000 or 1.5billion Naira in the on going post UTME exercise across tertiary institutions nationwide.

Year in year out as students in Nigeria conclude their secondary school education, they aspire to further their studies in tertiary institutions. The first step in the series of stepping stones is WAEC, GCE or NECO, then comes JAMB. The last is post UTME which some quarters say is irrelevant since JAMB exists and others say is important as tertiary institutions use it to further “sift the dirt from the shaft.”

Upon the purchase of University of Benin post-UTME forms, 60, 020 applicants, at 3,550 Naira each, would add 213,071,000/213million to the

SCHOOL 1.UNIBEN 2.UNILORIN 3.UNN 4.DELSU 5.UNILAG 6.UNICAL 7.UI 8.OAU 9.ABU 10.UNIPORT 11.FUTA TOTAL

POST NO OF APPLICANTS UTME

60,000 85,945 57,539 78,854 49,059 17,975 38,520 34,409 52,785 28,254 15,678

school’s coffers. Being renowned for having the highest number of applicants, University of Ilorin has 85, 945 applicants who picked up the forms at 4000naira each and provided the school with 343,780,000/ 343million. The Lion’s Den was not left out as

FEE

REVENUE ACCRUING

N3,550 N4,000 N2,000 N3,000 N4,000 N6,500 N4,500 N3,500 N2,000 N2,000 N4,000

N213,071,000 N343,780,000 N115,078,000 N236,562,000 N196,236,000 N116,837,500 N173,340,000 N120,431,500 N105,570,000 N 56,508,000 N 62,712,000 N 1,739,524,500

the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with 57, 539 prospective students, at N2,000 trapped 115,078,000/ N115million.

Birthed by Delta State Government, Delta State University would bracket 236,562,000 / 236 million, from 78,854 applicants

at N3,000 each, whether they are admitted or not, whether they succeed in writing the exam or not. In the heart of the nation’s economic capital, University of Lagos, with 49,059 applicants would bag

Continues on Page 26

26- Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Vanguard Learning 514 tertiary institutions storm ICPC workshops to stem corruption Continues from Page 25

Academic corruption

FORUM: From left, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Minister for Education, Ghana and Mr. Laolu Oguntuyi, Director Technical and Vocational Services,Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board{LASTVEB) in Accra, Ghana during the African Leaders in Education Forum organised by Worldview in collaboration with British Educational Suppliers Association.

11 varsities make N1. 7bn from post-UTME screenings Continues from page 25

96,236,000/ 196 million at N4,000 per form.

The first capital of the nation, Calabar in Cross River State which hosts University of Calabar has g e nerated N116,837,500/ 116million from 17,975 applicants at 6,500 per form.

Thirty eight thousand five hundred and twenty (38,520) applicants purchased UTME form at N4,500 from University of lbadan, that would accrue N173,340,000 to the institution.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, which exists for learning and culture charged each of the 34,409 applicants N3,500 a nd bagged N120,431,500/ 120million.

voice of submission.

Mr Effiom Ekpeyong, whose son picked up University of Uyo's post-UTME form for N3,500 said; "I do not have a choice, before you finish clamouring he re and there time has gone, the university will do what they want and the child will spend one year at home.

Let him do it and go."

At N3,300 Mr Chijindu Chinazor bought post-UTME form for his child to test and hopefully get admitted into Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

His reaction goes thus; '1\rn not bothered, provided they get admission. If people think education is expensive they should try ignorance. That is however not to say that we should be

Voice of submission Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and University of PortHarcourt both charged 52, 785 and 28, 254 applicants respectively N2,000 for UTME and bagged N105,570,000 and N56,508,000 respectively.

Despite the large number of applicants, the highest number that can be admitted in varsities is five to six thousand. The question then is; what happens to the rest?

Does it get turned over to the government as income? Does it count as internally generated revenue?

Why not just produce the cards according to the spaces available? Why not have these exams conducted at minimal cost then charge students school fees upon admission?

These are the questions some stakeholders ask. While others do not mind, "provided they get admission ." Theirs is a

I am not happy that some candidates will forfeit higher institution due to high cost of fonn, I want the federal government to come to the rescue of students because education ought to be the right of evezy Nigerian child

extorted from.

"My first daughter went in 2008, she bought her's 1,000 from University of Benin, that it is now 3,550 is a simple factor of inflation which is in evecy se ctor of the e conomy, why should the education sector be different?"

Pastor Chuks Obi who has three wards that are sitting for post utme, lamented that UNIBEN has taken close to N20,000 from his coffers for his wards post UTME form.

PostUTME form Analysing the amount he spent, Obi said, "Before this post utme form came out, one of my daughters who is a student of Uniben asked me to send N1,500 each to her siblings for pre- post UTME test which I sent. When the actual form came out, she demanded I send N2,500 for the forms, Which I gladly did. I became worried when m y daughter from UNIBEN called and said the form was no longer N2,500 butN3,550.

"I became alarmed over what I call unnecessary expense by some universities. What if I can't afford such amount, what of other parents who are unable to afford such amount for a candidate talk more of two candidates?"

An applicant of Uniben, Joy Obi said " I thank my parents for paying my post utme form, however, the form is too expensive. I am not happy that some candidates will forfeit higher institutions due to high cost of form. I want the federal government to come to the rescue of students because education ought to be the right of every Nigerian child.''

It was to significantly reduce, and ultimately eradicate, corruption in the procurement process oftertiaryinstitutions by building the capacity of the accounting officers, procurement professionals and other senior managers of the institutions concerned with procurement matters, in procurement practices and procedures, understanding of the public procurement law and the penalties for infractions, and building their capacity to eradicate corruption in procure ment matters at the institutional level.

Attheworkshops, participants observed that corruption in any form is unacceptable, but corruption in tertiary institutions strikes at the vecy heart of the future of the country and, as such, should be tackled with vigour by all stakeholders concerned.

Moreover; it was agreed that Academic Integrity is "adherence to a state of high moral principles and professional standards and values in scholarship especially in teaching, learning and research." Embodied in this definition is honesty and responsibility in scholarship.

In a communique signed by the Provost of ACAN, Professor Sola Akinrinade, Chairman, COHEADS (for tertiary institutions) Dr. Kabir Ibrahim Matazu and the Head, Rapporteur Team Ashiru Baba disclosed that the participants concurred that Academic Integrity is the moral code or ethical policy of academia and includes: avoidance of cheating or plagiarism, maintenance of academic standards, honesty and rigourin research and academic publishing.

According to the participants, commitment to academic integrity implies commitment to five fundamental values: honesty. trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

They said: "Responsibility for ensuring integrity in academic processes lies with all stakeholders in the system not

Corruption in any fonn is unacceptable, but corruption in tertiazy institutions strikes at the vezy heart of the future of the country, as such, should be tackled with vigour by stakeholders concerned

an

just the principal managers of tertiary institutions. As such, all academic and non-teaching staff should appreciate their role and play their part."

These senior executives in tertiary institutions noted that the central issues in entrenching integrity in the procurement process are understanding "corruption risks" and taking steps to "entrench integrity" at evecy stage of the procurement pmcess.

It was believed by participants that nine steps are critical in the procurement process, adding that any violation of any of the nine could only lead to corruption. ''Adherence to all the provisions of the Public Procurement Law is the panacea to corruption in the procurement process,'' it added.

Procurement process Meanwhile, after careful deliberations and thorough scrutiny of the 24 papers presented at the workshops, participants resolved to using the lCPC/NUCTemplate, individual institutions to assess and document the integrity challenge in the context of institutional pe culiaritie s and challenges.

According to resolutions, the selfassessment should be as honest as possible in order to permit the developmen t of appropriate responses at institutional level.

Thereafter, institutions should develop and implement evidence-based and robust interventions.

It was resolved that the AntiCorruption Academy of Nigeria should work with the regulatocy authorities (NUC for Universities, NBTE for fulytechnics, Monotechnics and Allied institutions, and NCCE for the Colleges of Education), and with the Corrunittees of chief executives of tertiary institutions (Assodation ofVice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Committee of H e ads of Polytechnics and Allied Institutions, Committee of Provosts of Nigerian Colleges of Education), to introduce Integrity Ranking for Nigerian tertiacy institutions.

Moreover, part of the resolutions by the tertiary executives stated that Nigerian tertiary institutions should develop and sustain a culture of integrity, stressing that a first step should be the development and implementation of contextuallyrelevant institutional policy or code of academic integrity. It explains that the policy should include institutional definition of acade1nic integrity and clear descriptions of issues which fall under the label. The institutional policy should be widely disseminated and institutions should conduct workshops to familiarise staff and students with its provisions.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 —27

Participants laud UN Global Forum for devt in education

By Tare Youdeowei

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Emeto Chisom

Asuquo Mirabel

Ihejirika Jonathan

3 emerge winners of Mike Okonkwo National Essay contest

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE trio of Emeto Chisom, Asuquo Mirabel and Ihejirika Jonathan have emerged winners of the 12th Bishop Mike Okonkwo National Essay competition The Chief examiner Prof.

Akachi Ezeigbo of English Department, University of Lagos who disclosed this said: ‘’Two thousand nine hundred and ninety seven (2,997) entries were received for the 2015 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition for Secondary School Students in the country.”

According to her, from the 2,997 entries, Master Chisom Emeto of Port-Harcourt International School emerged the overall winner for this year’s competition. She said that Emeto scored 73% at the first stage of the competition and 66% at the second stage to emerge the winner of the competition this year.

Closely allied to Emeto was Asuquo Mirabel of Redeemers International Secondary School, East-West Road, Nkpolu, PortHarcourt, Rivers State who came second scoring 72% in the first stage of the competition and 65% in the second stage. Just as the third position went to Ihejirika Jonathan of Kings College Lagos who scored 71% in the first stage of the competition and 60% in the

second round of the competition.

The fourth position in this year’s competition went to Awe, Iyanuoluwa Modupe of Chapel Secondary School Ilorin, Kwara State who scored 65% in the first entry and 56% in the second stage of the competition. Fifth position is Aladegbami Oluwadamilola of Hallmark Secondary School Ondo State, she scored 66% in the first stage and 55% in the second stage.

Muhammed Babayo of Premier Academy, Lugbe, Abuja FCT scored 65% in the first stage and 51% in the second stage to come 6th while the 7th position went to Iro Akanma of Kuramo Senior Secondary School, Victoria Island, Lagos who scored 60% in the first stage of the competition and 50% in the second stage.

For coming top in this year’s competition, Master Emeto Chisom of Port-Harcourt International School will go with a cheque of N100,000, a Laptop, a plaque, while the school gets three set of internet ready computers and a printer.

Asuquo Mirabel of Redeemers International Secondary School, East-West Road, Nkpolu, PortHarcourt, Rivers State who came second will get a cheque of N75,000, a plaque and the school will get two Internet ready computers and a printer.

For emerging the third position

in this year ’s competition, Ihejirika Jonathan Ikechukwu of Kings Collage Lagos will go home with a cheque of N50,000, a plaque and the school gets an Internet Ready Computer. The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh candidates will get a consolation price of N20,000 each.

The prices for the winners of the competition will be presented at this year ’s Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture at the Shell Hall Muson Center, Onikan, Lagos on Thursday September 3th, 2015.

The theme for this year’s lecture would be The Nigerian Political Class and the Citizens Quest for Good Governance part of activities to celebrate the Birthday of the Presiding Bishop of TREM, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR) and more importantly to contribute to the development of the Educational Sector.

Dr. Mike Okonkwo, has continued in this gesture for the past 12 years using his God given talent, strength and resources to be a blessing to the younger generation in the pursuant of academic excellence by encouraging them to cultivate the habit of reading and writing effectively. This man of God, who believes in absolute development of mankind in all facet of life, has used the institutionalization of Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition to achieve this dream and desire.

VER 400 participants from higher education institutions, business, government, and civil society who gathered at the 2015 Global Forum (a UN initiative) for Responsible Management Education – 6th PRME Assembly, in New York have commended the ongoing work of the PRME community.

The forum which was designed to carve a path for management education and business also charged participants to take a leading role in shaping and achieving the global sustainable development agenda.

The major theme that resonated among participants during the Global Forum was the prospect of business and business education, and their roles in achieving the UN’s forthcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Participants were also encouraged to take a leading role in shaping and achieving the global sustainable development agenda.

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Ban Kimoon, Susana Malcorra, Chef de Cabinet, said: “I am encouraged to see the progress you have made at your academic institutions, and as a community.” She also observed that as educators, researchers, and thought leaders, the role of participants in achieving the SDGs is essential.

Jonas Haertle, Head of the PRME Secretariat, noted that the eight years of PRME have grown the initiative into “a thriving network and a truly global platform for learning and

action with over 600 institutions in over 80 countries, all of which have heeded our call to ‘place sustainability at the heart of management education.”

According to him, over the last one and a half years, 18 PRME Chapter and Regional Meetings have been held—with PRME Chapters now reaching 12 around the world.

Resources and deliverables presented at the Forum included a report on PRME Chapter activities, a toolkit on public reporting (a mandatory requirement for PRME signatory schools), a transformational model to support broader and deeper implementation of the Principles of PRME, and reports on Faculty Development and Learning in a Social Context.

PRME Working Groups on AntiCorruption, Gender Equality, and Poverty met, and new work streams were launched on Business for Peace, Business and Human Rights, and Climate Change.

The mission of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative is to inspire and champion responsible management education, research and thought leadership globally.

The Six Principles of PRME are inspired by internationally accepted values, such as the principles of the United Nations Global Compact. They seek to establish a process of continuous improvement among institutions of management education in order to develop a new generation of business leaders capable of managing the complex challenges faced by business and society in the 21st century.

Honeywell graduates 9th class of Excellence Programme

By Princewill Ekwujuru

T

HE Honeywell Excellence Programme, HEP, has produced set 9 of its trainees. The programme inaugurated in 1993,was borne out of the vision of the Group’s Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko to provide a platform for young Nigerian graduates to hone their business management skills by providing them with comprehensive training in business management principles over a 12month period.

Speaking at this year’s graduation ceremony Dr Otudeko, said: ‘’In Nigeria’s march towards economic greatness, the place of a smart, knowledgeable and resourceful workforce cannot be over-emphasised.

This all-important requirement is what Honeywell Group

seeks to augment with the Honeywell Excellence Programme initiative. The Programme is indeed a veritable platform to nurture and groom the next generation of business leaders as the Programme’s content is targeted at bridging the wide gap between the standard university curriculum and the business world’s expectation of graduates.The Group has built a solid track record in the Nigerian business environment; successfully establishing thriving, worldclass companies which are market leaders in their respective sectors.”

HEP has continued to be a vehicle for infusing skills and professionalism into the Nigerian economy since its inception.

Trainees have the unique opportunity to learn from the various departments in the Group’s operating companies and from seasoned professionals across various spheres who impart knowledge, mentor and ensure that the trainees imbibe the right work ethos and culture.

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Career counselling for Nigerian universities (2)

Cross section of students from Intel Private School, Obanikoro, Lagos, during a cultural dance to mark the graduation of the school's 2014/2015 set.

NANS gives Lagos 7 days ultimatum to address LASU crisis

By Dayo Adesulu

I

N the quest to arrest the perennial crisis rocking the Lagos State University, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone D South West has given seven days ultimatum to the Authorities of LASU to address it.

“LASU senate and administrative block must be opened by the Lagos State Government within 7 days or face the wrath of our Union.”

Speaking in Lagos, Secretary General, NANS Zone D, South West, Comrade Obanobi Bidemi said: “It is embarrassing for LASU staff unions to barricade all entrance leading to the university and disgraced the Vice Chancellor, Professor John Obafunwa by pelting him sachet water which drenched him head to toe.”

Academic environment According to Obanobi, this act by the staff union is dehumanizing, degrading and embarrassing, which should not be thought of in an academic environment.

Lamenting the scenario, he noted that ever since, the Vice Chancellor has been sent out of the campus, he is forced to continue the administration from Ikeja satellite campus.

He said: “We want to reiterate the fact that the vice chancellor is not only the vice chancellor of the staff alone, but also the vice chancellor of over 15,001 LASUITES thereby making the students the largest stakeholders in the institution.”

In advance institutions, he averred, it is very vague and unheard that because of failure to pay the arrears of staff union,

the administrative aspect of citadel must be jeopardize. “If the vice chancellor is sent out of the institution, will that solve the problems of the 31 years old institution, he asked.

Obanobi who vowed to curtail the excesses of the staff union said, hence, the National Association of Nigerian Students will mobilize students from across south west to exhibit the displeasure of LASUITES. Arguing on why the vice chancellor is to immediately return to his office on campus, the Scribe pointed out three salient issues that is of students’ interest.

He said: “It is very important for the university senate to call for an emergency senate meeting to consider the results of the just concluded examination of all LASUITES so as to fast track the process of release of results.

“A delay in the consideration of the students result might delay the release result and prolong the academic pursuit of most students on campus.

On postponed convocation, said he: “Lagos state University

A delay in the consideration of the students' result might delay the release and prolong the academic pursuit of most students on campus

before Professor Obafunwa became LASU vice chancellor, it always merge convocation of 4 to 5 years together. However, since Obafunwa came, he has held three consecutive convocations. “Those who were admitted in 2011 ought to convocate on 18th of May, 2015, but the convocation was jeopardized by the crisis on campus which will indirectly prolong issuance of certificate of the purported convocants.

Gunshots on campus Touching on security, he added: “During our visit to LASU, the ambiance of the school was in disarray with gunshots on campus. This is not the institution of our dream and it occurred because of the vice chancellor ’s absence. We demand for adequate security of our members in LASU as their welfare is our concern.” his words: Our positions is that LASU senate and administrative block must be opened by the Lagos State Government within 7 days.

“The administrative activities in LASU must commence in full within the given ultimatum. The state government should swiftly address reasonable demands of the staff union.

“The report of the committee set up by senate on the withdrawn Ph.D should be considered by the senate at their next statutory meeting.

The infrastructural projects of LASU campus should continue as we noticed that the crisis has impeded further development on the projects.”

THE average Nigerian child [or university student] rarely comes across a book which will educate him/her with regards to all available professional courses..”

Professor Sotonade, Professor of Counseling Psychology, in Foreword to 40 CAREERS: A Career Guidance Book.

L

AST week, I used my own history as a case study in how Career Counseling can help students to discover their true mission in life – instead of the kalokalo approach we have adopted in Nigeria; with disastrous results. One of our classmates at Igbobi College, Tunde Kuboye, JAZZ 38, was forced to go and study Engineering in the UK. He returned as one of the most famous Jazz Musicians of our generation.

So, before anyone accuses me of “abuse of forum” (apologies to Prince Tony Momoh), here is another example – of career change which had enabled some individuals to achieve their destinies.

Let us now take a look at the “stars” of this two-part article – the book itself and the author, Mr Oluseyi Olusanya (Olu2). Instead of bothering the readers with a lot of words, I have adopted the Chinese proverb as guide. “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Below, reproduced is the front cover of 40 CAREERS: A Career Guidance Book.

Olu did an excellent job of listing careers, but he probably did not reckon on having fastidious people from the “Old School” reading the book. I counted 41 careers instead of 40. Not only that, he left out careers which, perhaps, are just as important as those included. For a start journalists will never forgive him for not specifically separating their profession from Mass Communications, Astronomers,

Archeologists must wonder if theirs is no longer a profession; so will the Clergy and religious leaders of all faiths. Ask Professor Wande and he will insist that Ifa is now a branch of study in some universities.

However, despite all those minor criticisms of the book, it is perhaps the most valuable book for parents and kids in our universities to acquire – after text books and a good laptop.

Olu2 had one a good job of describing most of the careers and what a student needs to do to become an aspirant, first, and a professional later. He has also included the list of universities offering those courses. But, here again a word of caution is required. The inclusion of a university among those offering a course does not mean endorsement of the university.

Aspiring students still need to find out if the university has obtained Full Accreditation for the course or Provisional Accreditation.

Provisional accreditation Undertaking a course of study in a university without Full Accreditation for a course is risky as the National University Commission, NUC, might withdraw the provisional accreditation at any time – leaving the students stranded.

This is particularly important for those embarking on Professional courses like Law, Medicine or Architecture.

The Council on Legal Education recently refused admission to the Nigerian Law School to those studying at the National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN. Prior to that, the NUC had closed some Law faculties of universities to which Provisional Accreditation was granted. So, when the issue is enrollment at a university, the best advice to aspirants remains caveat emptor (buyer beware).

Will I recommend the book to people? Certainly, I just gave my copy to my daughter. That is the best recommendation one can give to any book.

But more importantly, I strongly advocate that Nigerian universities should employ career counselors. They in turn should undertake continuous training to avail themselves of information about new careers being created. Bloggers!!! The did not exist twenty years ago.

Vanguard, THURSDAY,

AUGUST 13, 2015-29

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Understanding your greatest asset-Your mind (2)

GRADUATION: Kofoworola Oguniusika with other graduands at the event showcasing her celebration cake. Held at GOD'S Will Nursery and Primary School, Alagbado, Lagos.

UNICEF partners Pearson on educating marginalised kids

By Dayo Adesulu NICEF UK and Pearson U are holding a series of high level events over the next year which will bring together expe rts, thoughtleaders and innovators from a range of industries and countries across the world.

The 'Activate Talks' will examine how new technologies, products and businesses can help tackle the major issues confronting the world's most vulnerable and marginalised children.

The talks hold particular pertinence for Nigeria, where according to Unicet, despite significant increases in the country's enrollment rates 40% ot children aged six to 11 do not attend any primary school.

An estimated 4. 7 million Nigerian primary school aged children are not enrolled in

school, and for those who are enrolled, learning attainment rates are low. These statistics are even worse in poor or rural areas, with Northern Nigeria possessing some of the worst e ducation indicators in the world.

Muhtar Bakare, Managing Director Pearson Nigeria expressed that the Activate talks will draw attention to the plight of children who are missing out on the opportunity to progre ss their life through education, commenting that; "New technologies and innovations give us an unprecedented opportunity to bring quality learning solutions to the world's most vulnerable children. With the right tocus, remote communities in Nigeria and across Africa will be important beneficiaries. By

convening development professionals, innovators and businesses at the Activate Talks, Unicef UK and Pe arson hope to broke r a conversation that builds partnerships and develops solutions that contribute to the goal of giving the world's most marginalised children the education that is their right".

The first in this series ot Activate Talks took place in London on the 25 June on the topic ot Future Learning and was moderated by BBC Click presenter, Spencer Kelly. It tocused on the challe nge of addressing the learning needs of the world's young people, an estimated 250 million ot which are unable to read and write.

Sp e akers at the event included:

r-rHE mind could be likened 1. to a bush or a garden depending on the use to which it is put. The bush is disorganized natural system that is allowed to run wild. The bush is open to all kinds of influences that may want to gain entrance into it without restriction. The bush is an inaccurate syste m that misrepresents nature in its chaotic form ; it is an embodiment of falsehood that is a deviation of the way things really are. The reverse is the case in regards to the garden .

The gcuden is a natural system that iswell planned and organized; the seeds planted in it are deliberatelychosen and specifically mapped out in the soil. Thegcuden is well guarded; protected from intruders such as weeds that may choke the seeds in it. It is a well nourished and nurtured system that demands controlled attention.

The conscious mind could be likened to the gcudener while the subconscious mind is the gcuden.

You continually plant thought seeds through you're your conscious mind on the soil of your subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind is a very tertil.e soiL just as the soil will cause to grow whatever seed is planted in it; good or bad. likewise, the subconscious mind will cause to grow and produce fruits after its kind of whatever thought seeds is impressed upon it. The subconscious mind operates independently of the five physical senses. It is the seat of emotions and the bankofmemory. It controls all the involuntary functions of the

body such as secretions, breathing, digestion etc. The subconscious mind repairs and operates the body. It is also the seat of habits. Whatever thoughts are impressed on your subconscious mind is expressed in yourcircumstances, experiences and events of your life.

The underuse and misuse of the subconscious mind is the ftmdamental cause for all failures in theworld. Yourhabitual thinking pattern creates your actual living condition. The subconscious mind wields almost unlimited power; can keep you in perfect health and magnetize all the good things of life to you.

Thoughts are transmitted to the subconscious mind through repetition, faith and expectancy.

Your subconscious mind is continuously shaping and forming your experience. The law of the mind is: You will get a reaction or response from your subconscious mind to the nature of the thought or idea you hold in your conscious mind. Any idea accepted by the subconscious mind is executed innnediately.

Faithful

servant

The subconscious mind is subjective to suggestion. It is a faithful servant that will carry out orders without argument. Just like the captainofthe ship issues orders to the crew members and the crew carries out the order without questioning, so the conscious mind which could be likened to the captain of your ship-body, environment and affairs issues out orders and the subconscious -----mind-an obedient servant <~ Study In Porto Novo ___ carries it out to its full implantation creating your life experience.

It the suggestions given to the subconsciou s mind are erroneous or negative Djeregbe, Porto Novo Republic Of Benin the subconscious mind www.ismadonai.net; ismadonai@ismadonai.net will still execute it, Approved by Ministry of Education Benin manifesting it in your Accredited by C.A.M.E.S & ACBSP Certified By International Standards Organizations ISO 9001 body, condition and Recognised ln Nigeria By The Federal Ministry Of Education, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) experience. To change anyenuneousornegative impression on the subconscious mind there IN must be a trequent * BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION * MASS COMMUNICATION repetition ot constructive, * INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS * ECONOMICS positive and harmonious * BANKING & FINANCE * POLITICAL SCIENCE thoughts by the conscious * LAW * AC CO UNTI NG mind which is transmitted * HUMAN RESOURC ES MGT * NURSING to the subconscious mind .-1N_O_S_T_R_I_K_E-,1 for execution.

MODERATE FEES! CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT The subconscious mind is the still small voice Admission Requirements within that stills lite's tempest and distills the * WAEC/ NECO/ NABTEB 5 credits including Eng. & Maths* negatives out of life and * Birth Certificate * 8 Passport Photos gives our lives unerring * Travel Document * Transcript for Masters & Ph.D applicants guidance.

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30 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

By Sam Oyadongha

•Tambuwal: Mobilised support for Dogara

•Dogara: Backed by eight of ten principal officers

•Gbajabiamila: Was not rewarded for past support for Tambuwal

Tambuwal’s thump in Dogara’s doggedness Tambuwal’s confessions on Monday of his unhidden role in the emergence of Yakubu Dogara as his successor in the House of Representatives are revealing

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

I

T was fitting that Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State would tell the home truth about his role in the emergence of Yakubu Dogara as his successor as speaker of the House of Representatives before Dogara’s home crowd last Monday.

Speaking to a delegation of Dogara’s Sayawa Community of Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of Bauchi State who paid him a thank you visit in Sokoto, Tambuwal said that he sided with competence above every other consideration in backing Dogara ahead of his friend, fellow principal officer and lead supporter, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Religious conflict Tambuwal’s staunch support helped to ensure that some other governors, notably Governor Yari of Zamfara backed Dogara. With governors of Sokoto and Zamfara backing Dogara, a northern minority Christian, attempts to divide the contest into a religious conflict between the two major contestants was easily checked.

Tambuwal’s support for Dogara against Gbajabiamila had come as a shock to many outside the House. It was especially devastating to many members of the All Progressives Congress, APC from the Southwest who C M Y K

knew the investment the political leadership of the Southwest, especially Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, paid in foisting Tambuwal himself as speaker in 2011. Tinubu’s men in the House led by Gbajabiamila had pulled a fast one when they helped Tambuwal to become speaker against the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s preferred nominee, Mulikat Akande-Adeola.

It was even more striking that Akande-Adeola was from the same Southwest geopolitical zone as Tinubu and Gbajabiamila when they seemingly conspired to deny their daughter and sister the prime position of speaker in 2011.

Suggestions that Tambuwal would reciprocate the political gesture from Tinubu were seemingly tempered by the former speaker’s own seemingly nationalistic inclinations as he told Dogara’s kinsmen on Monday.

“The survival of the legislature as an important arm of government made it imperative that competent hands are headhunted to be its leaders,” Governor Tambuwal said. That fact is undoubtedly buttressed by the very positive impressions many have said of Dogara.

That claim, he said, was underlined by the support Dogara received from the principal officers of the Seventh House. Eight out of the ten members of the body of principal officers according to the former

speaker backed Dogara, who is himself not a principal officer against Gbajabiamila, who was the minority leader at that time.

“Eight out of ten members of the Body of Principal Officers in the last Assembly supported Dogara’s aspiration,” Tambuwal said as he noted that the only support for Gbajabiamila came from Rep. Datti Ahmad and Gbajabiamila himself.

Noting the basis of his support for Dogara, he said: “I have strong affinity with Hon Femi. He was closer to me than Dogara. But

when talking about leadership and collective decisions, sentiments have to be put aside.

I’m not here to tell you that my support made Dogara the Speaker, no. Two things made Dogara become the Speaker, one is God and two, Dogara’s competence.

“The acknowledgment of Dogara’s competence did not start with me. It started from the time of Hon Patricia and Etteh and Hon Dimeji Bankole when they entrusted him with a sensitive position of the Chairman of House Services Committee.

Procurement processes

The survival of the legislature as an important arm of government made it imperative that competent hands are headhunted to be its leaders,” Governor Tambuwal said. That fact is undoubtedly buttressed by the very positive impressions many have said of Dogara

“The committee is one of the most sensitive in the legislature.

Apart from taking care of the welfare of members, the committee oversees all procurement processes. As the Speaker, I only did what my predecessors did by giving Dogara this sensitive position.

“No person, as far as I know, has ever served as chairman of the House Services Committee in two dispensations. Dogara broke that jinx.”

Putting aside the fact that Dogara himself did not support his own emergence as speaker in 2011 when people like Gbajabiamila were rallying the troops for him, Tambuwal continued: “All through my tenure, I brought Dogara close to me

because I found in him a person who is competent, accommodating, and with capacity to lead.

“Anyone doubting Dogara’s ability to lead, should ask members of the 7th Assembly how he handled their matter. So we supported Dogara, not for any reason but because he was competent to deliver on any task given to him.”

Tambuwal’s explanations, however, did not sufficiently clear the air on other political undercurrents that preceded the stunning move by Dogara to upset the apple cart as determined by the APC leadership.

It had been whispered in some circles that Tambuwal’s support for Dogara was a payback by the former speaker for the failure of Tinubu to back his Tambuwal’s alleged presidential aspiration.

His explanation on Monday tended clarify his position.

Another element which he only partly elaborated on was the historical relationship between the people of the Old Caliphate and the people of Bauchi State.

“The relationship between people of Sokoto and Bauchi States was amplified in the First Republic when the first Prime Minister of Nigeria, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa worked in harmony with the leader of his party and then Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahamdu Bello,” Tambuwal said.

His assertion helped to buttress claims of a deliberate effort by the Sultanate to rebuild that relationship in the light of divisions wrecked by religious and ethnic divisions in the north.

In projecting a minority northern Christian, the Sultanate may have rekindled the spirit of One North that was the hallmark of the Ahmadu Bello – Tafawa Bello era. However, in doing that, Tambuwal has toyed with Tinubu who is waiting and waiting perhaps for a recompense!

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 31

politics is rung, capitalists like Chief Majekodunmi, Otegbeye and T.O.S Benson; a Zikist, will return to their political tents.

They may not be in the same political party. Under such circumstances, he cannot claim to be the Yoruba leader.

What could have led to the unanimous endorsement by these leaders?

Awolowo had been in incarceration. And when he came out, Gowon knew that he needed Awolowo’s influence. Before his imprisonment, he had been winning elections in other regions aside the Western Region.

This was because he had created a Pan-Nigerian image for himself despite some claims that he was tribalistic. Another reason was that at that time, Gowon had emerged as the Head of State and Awolowo didn’t support him. Ojukwu had emerged as leader for the Igbo.

Yoruba leader

•Osoba: I disagree with Obasanjo on whatever claims he has on Awolowo

How Yoruba chose Awo as their leader — OSOBA •Explains why Obasanjo should see Abiola as a hero FORMER Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, in this interview deflates claims by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in his recent book that the Yoruba never had a leader. He argues that the former president is distorting history. Osoba also spoke on other issues.

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

D

O you agree with Obasanjo that the Yoruba never had a leader?

I cannot share such opinion with him because 49 years ago, precisely on August 12, 1966, I was present at a forum where Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was unanimously elected the Yoruba leader. And the election involved all stakeholders -political, cultural and intellectual in Yoruba land.

I have records to prove that Chief Obafemi Awolowo was elected aside the newspaper publications after the election in Ibadan. I disagree with Obasanjo on whatever claims he has that Awolowo was handpicked by some of his supporters.

At the event where Awolowo was elected as the Yoruba leader, there were people of diverse political interests. For instance, late Dr. Koye Majekodunmi, had same political ideology as Awolowo. Late Chief T.O.S Benson, a staunch supporter of Late Chief Nnamdi Azikiwe was there. I want everyone to know C M Y K

that Awolowo was released from prison two weeks before his election as leader of the Yoruba.

He was unanimously elected by all stakeholders. The military governor of the Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo on Tuesday, August 10,1966 held meetings with intellectuals and activists.

Intellectuals and activists The next day, which was 11, he held meetings with traditional rulers before the meeting of all stakeholders on the August 12.

And on this day, there was not a dissenting voice against the election of Awolowo. These are some of the facts.

What do you think was the reason for Obasanjo's assertion?

I hate to play the role of a mind reader. But my worry is that if I fail to come out as someone, who was involved in the activities leading to the election of late Chief Awolowo, history would be distorted. And in future,

historians and researchers will base their conclusions on Obasanjo’s record of events. He was also an active participant in events of that period. As the Garrison Commander in Ibadan, he was an active member of General Adeyinka Adebayo’s cabinet.

I do not think that he would have forgotten so soon the sequence of events that threw up Awolowo as Yoruba leader. He has direct knowledge of what transpired before and during the election. In fact on that evening, some of us (journalists) interviewed Awolowo after his election. And the statement was that he would remain the leader of the Yoruba for the duration of the military administration.

And we asked that why should he limit his election as the leader of the Yoruba to the military period. And I can remember vividly that his response to the question on that day was that the Yoruba race is so intelligent and sophisticated that under no circumstance in a political dispensation will the Yoruba follow same political ideology.

And that he decided to limit the honour bestowed on him to only the period when the common interest of the Yoruba was threatened. He argued that the day the bell for the commencement of partisan

The Yoruba at that time needed someone who will be a rallying point. But there was no one who could contest it with Awolowo.

Besides, the Agbekoyas were holding the military to ransom.

It was only Awolowo who could go into the jungle to persuade them to lay-down their arms.

These were some factors that led to the emergence of Awolowo as the Yoruba leader.

Obasanjo said the late Chief Adisa Akinloye and few others objected to the emergence of Awolowo as Yoruba leader. How true is that?

Late Chief Adisa Akinloye never kicked against the election of Awolowo until his death. He was one of the admirers of Awolowo. He was the one who coined the word Afenifere.’I was close to Akinloye even during his days in London where he was in exile. He never disagreed with the fact that Awolowo must be respected as a person. There is a difference between members of

I hate to play the role of a mind reader. But my worry is that if I fail to come out as someone who was involved in the activities leading to the election of late Chief Awolowo, history would be distorted

different political parties and having respect for a particular person.

For instance, when Aminu Kano was alive, he often visited the Sardauna of Sokoto for consultation. Though they had different political ideologies.

Aminu Kano had the Talakawa (welfarist) ideology. Sardauna was for the Oligachy. He was aristocratic. Joseph Tarka was for the emancipation of his people.

I don’t know why anyone in death should denigrate the reputation of Awolowo.

On implications of the statement I will not like to judge exPresident Obasanjo. I don’t want to join him in the condemnation of individuals. My aim is to put the fact straight. I respect Obasanjo. He has his own strong points and weaknesses.

But one of the things I disagree with him on is the act of condemning people. I feel bad when he does these despite the luck he had. At the end of the civil war and when General Murtala Muhammed was killed, he was opportuned to assume the leadership of this country.

Whether he likes it or not, late Chief MKO Abiola will continue to be the hero of modern democracy in Nigeria.

He laid down his life and I expect Obasanjo to recognize the fact that he became a beneficiary of his effort and see Abiola as a hero. Nobody can claim to be the only hero in a society; a society is made up of different people.

Denigration of heroes Today, within the Egbas, the Kutis are heroes. This family produced Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Beko Kuti and Prof. Olukoye Ransome-Kuti. Other Egbas are Prof. Wole Soyinka, Akintola Williams and others. A tree cannot make a forest. It hurts me when Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo denigrate heroes.

Has Obasanjo shown inclination towards feeling offended that some of you do not respect his status in the country?

In Yoruba, we believe that one must earn whatever status he wants. We submit ourselves to any leadership voluntarily and not by coercion. He (Obasanjo) should be someone that everyone would visit for consultation. I remember when Papa Simon Adebo was alive; Obasanjo and I often visited him to learn from him. That is what people should do at the moment for Obasanjo. He must earn it.

The Yoruba often say that when one is aging, he puts aside some attitudes in him.

General Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalam Abubakar do not speak often. But they contribute to the country’s development.

They also play key roles internationally. At this age, I believe that we should be careful of what we say.

32 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

My opponents only see negative things — WADA •I have done well

Governor Idris Wada was recently in Lagos during which he had an interactive session with newsmen on his efforts in governance, allegations of a N1 billion bribe demand from his party’s national officers among other things. Excerpts

By Emmanuel Aziken

A

RE you expecting an automatic ticket from your party for the governorship election given that past incumbent governors were given?

Automatic ticket has no place in the PDP. From my experience, the only person who got it in the PDP was the immediate past president of the country, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

It was automatic in the sense that he was the sole candidate during the primary. The others withdrew before the day of the primaries. That to an extent was the only semblance of automatic ticket. Normally, in the contest for leadership of the state, people show interest.

Those who show interest see the incumbent as a challenge?

And because you are incumbent, your second run for office is not as free. You are restrained until you are in office again. So, you don’t have the same space like those outside.

Issuing of statements You don’t have the same opportunities, as those who are outside, in terms of issuing statements. You are restrained, you have a lot of restriction because of the position you are occupying.

That is why you see lots of people coming out to contest.

But, all must go through a primary, even when nobody shows interest, you must go through primaries.

It is a yes vote or no vote, that determines whether you get the ticket or not. I don’t know of any position in the PDP constitution that gives automatic ticket to anyone. We are not at that point yet, you will hear from me when we get there.

Is it true as it was reported that the NWC of the party demanded N1 billion from

you for the ticket?

On the issue of the PDP and the National Working Committee demanding money from me, that is a matter to ponder about.

Whoever is insinuating that the sum of N1 billion was demanded from me is evil, it is a lie. It is part of this evil machination by people who don’t want progress. In Kogi State, we don’t have N1 billion to give to anybody, I can assure you.

Having paid our workers up to date and embarking on infrastructure development, I can tell you that we don’t have N1 billion to give to anybody.

And nobody has ever asked me for N1 billion.

What will I get from the chairman to invest N1 billion just to earn a ticket? So, let us be realistic, when some of these things are said, we should question the logic in them. So, it is just a figment of the people’s imagination.

There is no basis or foundation for that kind of statement.

How are you prepared to face the opposition in your state during election?

With regard to the Presidential election, won by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, it was basically because of Buharimania. It is a movement which many people boarded the train. That is why we are where we are today.

It is not because the PDP is not doing well in the state. The PDP is on ground, it is a solid party and has added value to the lives of the people. We have structure in every local government, we have structure in every ward and we are confident we will win by the grace of God, in the next election.

And if I will correct another wrong impression, the PDP won major of the seats in the Kogi State House of Assembly election. That is a reflection of the fact that once you remove the Buharimania out of the

•Kogi State governor, Idris Wada...blocking leakages equation, PDP is solidly on ground, we will win the next election.

As regards to performance, of course, you will not expect my opponents to praise me.

They will always find something wrong. What we do as a sitting governor, our opponents will always see something bad in them.

Your administration has been accused of not performing...

If you look at the money that has come into the state during my tenure, you will agree that we have performed in term of

If you look at the money that has come into the state during my tenure, you will agree that we have performed in term of development of the state. We have done well with the fund available to us. The projects are there for you to verify

development of the state. We have done well with the fund available to us.

The projects are there for you to verify. These are comments from our opponents, and you will remember the contest of my coming on board, that people who lost out despite our effort at reconciliation, have continued to hammer us.

Reality on the ground Some went to court, with two of them ending up at the Supreme Court level. Some of them are still in the court despite the fact that we are approaching another election.

In such an environment, they only look at what you have done wrong, but the reality on ground, is that we have performed.

We have tried to follow due process; we have done well within the resources made available.

What is the debt profile of the state and how are you reducing the cost of governance?

In the effort to reduce the cost of governance, we have reduced many areas of waste as you can see. We are focused on ensuring, that government business is done transparently well and in a competitive way.

We are ensuring that government gets value on whatever money we spend on projects. We are ensuring the completion of projects being executed and prompt delivery.

On labour matters, we are very

sensitive to the nature of our state; it is a civil service state.

We ensure that the issue of down-sizing does not arise, trying to accommodate as many workers as we can within the resources available.

We are blocking leakages and ensuring prudent management of resources available. For any project that we embark on, we properly cost them and award them to competent and reliable contractors to execute for us.

We are also trying as much as possible to improve our IGR.

Financial system Our financial system is now computerised, reducing the use of papers work. These are efforts to reduce waste. The money to be accrued from this will go a long way, to for the benefit of the state.

On the debt profile, we have very low debt profile. We have overdraft of N1 billion, we have about N1.5 billion in term of money that is taken as counterpart funding for primary education.

We have a bond that we subscribed to in the capital market amounting to N20 billion, from which we have drawn N8 billion so far. We are using the bond money for the tourist projects, most of the projects are in the degree of 40 percent completion. We still have close to N12 billion to draw. We are in the process of doing that.

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 33

34 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position on probe of past govts

By Ben Nwabueze

I

N this write-up, the word “fight” is used instead of “war” to describe the efforts to stop corruption. It is an abuse of language to call the make-belief that has been going on until now by the name war.

It is not anything remotely like a war, nor is it even a spirited fight.

But whatever we call it, the fight or war, to be meaningful and successful, should be waged holistically across the lines separating successive Administrations, and should not be constrained by any dividing line between one Administration and another.

Why probe of corrupt practices should not be confined to the Jonathan administration only Probing corrupt practices is being demanded for two main reasons. The first reason has to do with the purpose or end intended to be achieved by probing corruption.

A probe is being demanded not for the sake or fun of it, but rather as a means of stopping or eradicating corruption which, apart from Religious Divide, is the foremost factor strangulating the country. Probing just the Jonathan Administration, when there are other past Administrations

corruption under the Obasanjo Administration of all credibility and effectiveness.

Indeed, the entire EFCC outfit as an agency of government and the way it was used by Obasanjo as an instrument for the harassment, persecution, victimization and repression of opponents ostensibly for corruption, while his favoured group, “the Obasanjo Boys”, as they were called, were left untouched, need to be investigated, and the EFCC itself overhauled.

There is, however, the rather strange argument that Jonathan has a “duty to have probed the [Obasanjo] government from which he took over”, and that, because he failed to do so, “Buhari has no business going to a government which is not backto-back with him.”

Strange argument

The insincerity of this argument is transparent on its face. It is simply an argument of convenience or expediency, one that completely disregards the compelling need to eradicate corrupt practices, which, as earlier stated, is the raison d’etat for probing them. To begin with, from the point of view of truth, it is not correct that Jonathan took over from the Obasanjo Administration; Umaru Yar’Adua did.

More importantly, the argument conveniently disregards the inescapable reasons precluding Jonathan (and Yar’Adua too) from probing the Obasanjo Administration.

All three Administrations were PDP Governments, and it seems inconceivable PROF BEN NWABUEZE that one PDP Government equally or nearly as corrupt as, should probe another. or perhaps more corrupt than, his, Standing above all this is the will not stop or eradicate circumstance that Obasanjo was corruption. It will not therefore the father of the PDP (albeit selfachieve the purpose or end for proclaimed), its leader for life which a probe is wanted; it will and, on the cessation of his tenure not even add much to the as President, the Chairman of the attainment of that purpose.

Party’s Board of Trustees (BOT), Probing the Jonathan with power to direct the PDP State Administration alone when there Governors. It was he who chose are other past Administrations Yar ’Adua as the Party ’s equally or nearly as corrupt as his presidential candidate in the own is not right, proper or 2007 election, with Jonathan as justified for various reasons. his running mate, and foisted the (i) It is selective, and two of them on the Party and the selective probe has the country. Thus, there was simply appearance of a vendetta aimed no way Jonathan (and Yar’Adua mainly at denigrating or too) could have probed the demonising individuals. It Obasanjo Administration. discredits the exercise, and Yet, the existence of factors deprives it of public confidence. precluding Jonathan from The people must be made to probing the Obasanjo believe in the genuineness and Administration does not remove sincerity of the exercise if they are the compelling need for such a to give up the entrenched and probe. rampant culture or habit of For the PDP, as a ruling Party corruption. This is the factor that for 16 years (1999 – 2015), was a robbed the so-called war against government characterised by so C M Y K

much evil, including corrupt practices and impunity, which reached their zenith during the eight years of Obasanjo’s rule.

The country yearned for deliverance, for a change from PDP rule to rule by another Party.

The deliverance, the change, came with the March 2015 presidential election that flushed out the PDP, replacing it with APC as the ruling Party. (The personal characteristics of the man heading the APC Government, President Buhari, as well as those of former President Jonathan, raise an altogether different issue, which makes choosing between them a perplexing matter.)

Taking over from the PDP Government, the new APC Government is, to use the language of the argument above, “back-to-back” with the PDP Government and, by the logic of that same argument, owes it as a duty, not only to itself, but also to

the Constitution and the Nigerian people to probe the corrupt practices that took place during the rule of the PDP Administration from which it took over.

It is a duty it can only shirk at the peril of disappointing the passionate expectations and aspirations of the people and thereby losing credibility in their eyes.

As to how far it should go in probing past Administrations, the limit is set by the facts on the ground, and by the magnitude and enormity of corrupt practices during each of the successive Administrations that is within common knowledge.

The Gowon Administration (1967 – 1975) has been investigated by the Mohammed/ Obasanjo regime, the Shagari Administration (1979 – 1983) by the Buhari/Idiagbon regime; the Abacha Administration (1994 – 1998) by successor regimes.

Successor regimes

Selective probe is unfair, and unjust.

It is contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria

That leaves the Babangida (1985 – 1993)and Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 – 1999) regimes as the past regimes that need to be investigated, in addition of course to Obasanjo’s Administration (1999 – 2007). (ii) Selective probe is unfair, and unjust. It is contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria which ordains in section 17(1) that “the state social order is founded on the ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice”.

This is the principle that must inform all actions of government.

It offends against Justice to probe the Jonathan Administration, and not other past Administrations equally or nearly as corrupt as, or perhaps even more corrupt than, his. (iii) Probing the Jonathan Administration alone is not justified by the reason that there is massive and readily available evidence of corruption committed during that Administration.

No evidence of corruption is more visible and concrete than palatial houses built by past rulers, multi-billion projects like

a university, a library, a mechanized farm etc. A probe will ferret out hidden evidence, which is available in various places. (iv) Probing other past Administrations beside Jonathan’s is not a distraction, as the Presidency says. A distraction from what, one may ask?

Apart from the destructive and devastating crisis arising from the Religious Divide, nothing else is more important for the survival and development of the country, and creates more imperative necessity for change, than the eradication of corruption, as to make probing of past Administrations a distraction.

The second reason why a probe is necessary and demanded is that eradication of corruption will enable Nigeria to make a New Beginning, which is an imperative necessity if the slide to state failure is to be halted.

Nigeria needs a New Beginning, a clean slate unsmeared by the prevailing rottenness due to rampant corruption.

A New Beginning requires or implies a Social and Ethical Revolution. This is a vital part of the change desired by Nigerians, and which the new APC Government under President Muhammadu Buhari is supposed to usher in. It is a duty it owes to Nigerians.

Radical action A New Beginning cannot be launched, nor can corruption be eradicated by probing just the Jonathan administration. It requires more radical action. Jerry Rawlings launched Ghana on a new beginning by the public execution of some past rulers perceived to have perpetrated corrupt practices of enormous proportions.

I do not approve of his method but the Ghanaian example does suggest that the matter requires very radical action. Until very radical and drastic action is taken to stop corruption, Nigeria cannot make a new beginning. Probing the Jonathan administration alone cannot stop corruption or even have effective impact on it and cannot therefore start Nigeria on a New Beginning.

Probing buccaneering or piratical corrupt practices otherwise called stealing or theft Stealing or theft of crude oil or of money taken straight from the coffers of the state is a corrupt practice of a buccaneering or piratical type that cries loudly for probing, no matter under which Administration it occurred. It began with the coming of oil as the predominant source of national revenue.

Since then corruption is no longer confined to the rake-off on land, business, supplies and so on purchased on behalf of government at grossly inflated prices or licences issued or other patronages dispensed, or to the percentage on contracts awarded, or to the form which it originally took, i.e. bribery – the taking of money or other valuable thing as a condition or inducement for the performance of an official act in favour of a person or for forbearing Continues on page 35

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 35

Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position on probe of past govts Continues from page 34 action. But its charactisation as stealing or theft does not make it any the less a corrupt practice deserving to be probed and eradicated. Its operations straddle various past Administrations.

The Niche newspaper in its issue of Sunday 26 July, 2015 describes it as a business involving “an international syndicate of politicians, top military officials, businessmen, warlords, who use others to cover their tracks. ‘You may have to peel off four or five layers of men to get to the bottom of their operations’. The crime also involves officials of the Villa, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigeria Maritime Administration and safety Agency (NIMASA), local chiefs, militants, and petty thieves.”

At the valedictory meeting of his Federal Executive Council on 27 May, 2015 President Jonathan himself alluded to malpractices in the allocation of “our oil wells, oil fields and marginal wells” – we might add oil blocks – and asked : “Do we follow our laws when we make these allocations”.

Allocation of oil blocs He said that a probe of these malpractices should not be confined to his Administration only but should be extended to other past Administrations as well. It is a fact well-known to many people in the country that most Nigerian billionaires and multi-millionaires acquired their wealth through the corrupt allocation of oil blocks, oil wells, oil fields and marginal wells.

These corrupt allocations should be probed no matter in which Administration, Jonathan’s or some other past Administration, they occurred.

In the same valedictory speech, President Jonathan said : “The Attorney-General is aware of massive judgment debts; if we aggregate all of them it is almost US$1 billion. But how did we come to this kind of huge judgment debts? These issues should be probed”.

He obviously implied that they arose from corrupt practices going beyond his Administration. He cannot have been accusing his own Administration. But perhaps more despicable and more utterly subversive of the national interest, and which therefore calls more desperately for a probe, is the theft of money recovered from the thieves, by the very persons entrusted by statute with the duty of catching them – the EFCC and its officials. Here is a case of the authorised thief-catchers joining the thieves!! This may sound like a fable, but it is a fact of by no means infrequent occurrence, and it involves billions of naira.

Only one of the many cases will

President Muhammadu Buhari suffice to illustrate this horrible phenomenon in the management of public money in Nigeria.

The case is concerned with the sale of properties found to have been corruptly acquired by former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, and which, after their conviction for corruption, were forfeited to the Federal Government.

A probe of the sale revealed, according to report of its findings published in Saturday Independent of May 15, 2010, that the sale was irregularly conducted, as no proper valuation of the properties was carried out and as other requirements of due process under the law were not followed; that of the nine buyers of the Tafa Balogun properties, six, whose names were stated as limited liability companies, were in fact non-existent, as they were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission; that the proceeds of the sale were paid into an unauthorized account, instead of into the Consolidated Revenue

Of the various anticorruption laws, the Constitution is the most far-reaching in the generality of public servants covered and the amplitude of its provisions on the matter

Former President Goodluck Jonathan Fund of the Federation as required by section 31(2) of the EFCC Act 2004; that the receipts of the lodgment of the proceeds were not deposited with the Auditor-General of the Federation in accordance with the Financial Regulation 2520; that some cheques and bank drafts received in payment of part of the proceeds of the sales were left in the vaults of the EFCC where they remained and became stale.

Above all, figures as to exactly how much was realised from the sales are conflicting, as no proper records of the sales were kept.

About N12 billion, according to the probe report, was said to have been realised. The findings of the probe were thus a serious indictment of the EFCC and its officials in charge of the sales, especially its Chairman at the time, Nuhu Ribad.

Plea bargaining arrangement Is a veil to be drawn on such buccaneering corrupt practices and other such practices perpetrated by the EFCC merely because they occurred before the Jonathan era?

Buccaneering corrupt practices or stealing also take place under the cover of plea bargaining, which, as will be explained presently, is an arrangement dictated by necessity. But it serves as a ready instrument used by the authorised thief-catchers to steal huge amounts of the stolen money they are mandated to recover.

There have been reports of culprits complaining that the amounts stated in the plea bargaining documents are much less than what they surrendered to government under the plea bargaining arrangement. The difference is taken by the authorized thief-catchers for themselves.

This is what makes plea bargaining suspect to the public, who are unable to understand the whole idea of the arrangement, and why a thief of public money, after an admission of, or conviction for, the theft, should be allowed to keep part of the money.

The arrangement is resorted to because in most of the cases of

stolen money, the money is in bank accounts in foreign countries whose laws do not permit withdrawals or other dealings in the bank accounts concerned without the authorisation of the account owner, which makes the cooperation of the latter a condition for the Nigerian government getting access to the money or any part of it.

Hence the necessity for plea bargaining. There seems to be pretty little that can be done to stop this type of stealing, but it should nevertheless be probed.

Constraints on President Buhari probing other past Administrations beside Jonathan’s.

President Buhari probing other past Administrations in addition to Jonathan’s is constrained by two main factors. One, with perhaps more constraining force, is the existence of a group known as “the invisible government of Nigeria”, whose existence and activities with respect to governance in Nigeria are not known to many people, because it operates stealthily. Hence it is called “the invisible government”.

They, together with other reactionary oligarchic elements opposed to democratic rule, manipulate governmental affairs, unseen, from behind the scene.

Political process Nigeria must be one of the few democracies in the world, outside Africa, where retired military officers, with oligarchic outlook and interest, wield such great influence in government as well as in the political process after transition to democratic rule.

This clearly augurs ill for democracy in the country. The country deserves to be left alone to pursue its experimentation with constitutional democracy free from the retarding influence of retired military men.

This group, whose most notable members are former Military President Ibrahim Babangida and Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, both of whom were former Heads of the Federal Military Government, had declared support for Gen. Buhari in the March 2015 presidential election,

as reported in the Vanguard Newspaper of Tuesday 20 January, 2015.

Their rank and influence have been augmented by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, self-proclaimed father of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the progenitor of godfatherism in Nigeria, who has now left the party after declaring and vowing that it will rule the country in perpetuity. The constraint on President Buhari in probing the Administrations of these three past rulers is near insurmountable, but it is better to admit it openly than to call such a probe a distraction or to hide under some other argument based on expediency or convenience.

The other factor comes from a group of die-hard Islamists determined to impose Islamic (Sharia) system of government on Nigeria – a theocracy, such as the Caliphate and Sultanate systems and other dictatorial forms – and to whom a New Beginning for Nigeria and the Liberal Democracy it implies is anathema.

We will wait and see how President Buhari can overcome these constraints on his powers, and betray the sponsors of his election to the presidency.

Constraints on his power Now about the law on corrupt practices, their adequacy or otherwise, and how unswervingly or resolutely they have been enforced or implemented by successive past Administrations with a view to the accomplishment of their set objective, i.e. the eradication of corruption. This dictates an investigation across the board.

The laws on corrupt practices and their enforcement or implementation (i) Adequacy of the laws on corrupt practices The laws on corrupt practices are quite adequate. They come from three different sources, viz the common law, the Constitution and the statute law.

As regards the common law, it is a well-established principle of our law, laid down in decided cases, that an employer, public or private, has a right to the money or property acquired by his employee by means of corruption or abuse of office.

This is not strictly forfeiture, as the term is commonly understood as connoting a penalty for crime.

The right of the employer at common law, though often referred to as forfeiture, is intended, not to punish (i.e. penalty), but to provide a method of recovering the money easier and quicker than the process of forfeiture as penalty for crime under the statute law.

Of the various anti-corruption laws, the Constitution is the most far-reaching in the generality of public servants covered and the amplitude of its provisions on the matter. By section 172 (section 209 in the case of a State) “a person in the public service of the Federation shall observe and conform to the Code of Conduct.”

To be continued C M Y K

36 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

To win battle against corruption, deliver infrastructure — Adegboruwa Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is a Lagos-based lawyer. A product of late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) Chamber (1995-2000). He is known for human and civil rights advocacy. Adegboruwa is a member of Campaign for Democracy, the Civil Liberties Organization and Committee for the Defence of Human Rights. In this interview, he spoke on human rights observance and factors militating against their enforcements, corruption in some of the law enforcement agencies and the need to decentralize the Supreme Court.

Excerpts:

•Adegboruwa Ebun

By Bartholomew Madukwe

C

RITICS have argued that observance of human rights in Nigeria is unattainable, would you subscribe to this?

It is quite unfortunate that we cannot get the observance of human rights because the agency that is mainly involved in that promotion of it is the law enforcement agencies. What is human rights?

It is the right guaranteed by law to secure citizens- right to life, right to movement, right to liberty, right to association, right to freedom of expression and right to dignity of human person. These rights are to be protected by law enforcement agencies and they are the ones breaking them.

Congestion in courts If you are arrested by the police without any reason, you take any steps and they will lock you up in ransom for somebody else. When the victim happens to seek for remedy, then it is between a cross-road.

The courts are congested. A person who is arrested wrongly, sent to Kirikiri (prison) and spent up to one month before his case will be assigned and granted bail. Even if he is granted bail, the conditions are so harsh; then at the end of the day the man is innocent.

You see that we cannot observe human rights because the complimentary agencies (police and court) are not well equipped. The police know that there is no way you can file an application for bail and get

yourself out in one month.

They know the bureaucracy of the court, so they take advantage of people. The police extort money from people and force them into accepting situations that ordinarily would have been resisted.

So when you talk about Nigeria, there is no observance of human rights. It is only on paper that human rights is being observed and not in times of the actual physical monitoring of the respect for the rights of the people.

When you go to the police station, there are many people in the cells or inmates in custody who should not be there. There are many people in the cells at the police stations over issues of landlord, boyfriend and girlfriend, pure commercial transaction and others. We do not have respect for human rights in this country.

Are you saying that the Nigerian police is corrupt?

It goes beyond corruption.

Yes, the police is corrupt. But that corruption will not represent the deterioration on the abuse of human rights. Many of the police members do not know these rights that we talk about and this is the person assigned to enforcing such rights.

The starting point is the level of illiteracy within the police itself will not even allow the rights to be asserted. Secondly, the various Executive agencies have taken the police to be an extension of their offices. A governor or Special-Assistant to the Governor will be traveling and will be on convoy, he has escorts.

Can civil servants expose corruption without fearing Pg 41 persecution?

C M Y K

The police is unable to detach itself from loyalty to the Executive because they see them as people in power or control and they do not accept that power belongs to the people. The police is not to the people but to the leadership, President, Governor- from whom they take directive either to suppress the people or deny them of their rights.

So it goes beyond corruption but lack of education, awareness and proper enlightenment. The average police man does not even know the provisions of the Constitution because he has never read it. That is why when a lawyer goes there to make case for his client the police gets embarrassed. The police get unduly provocative and have this sense of inferiority as if you are coming to tell them what is not right. So the starting point is for the Nigeria Police Commission, police, Inspector Gen-

If the schools are working, electricity, education, employment etc., if they are workingmany people would go to public office and not be interested in bank account but performance

eral and the relevant agencies responsible in monitoring the police need to set-up enlightenment agencies that will go round the barracks, police stations, all the enforcement agencies- that include the army, custom and immigration, to tutor them on the basic requirement on the observance of human rights.

So what is the best way to fight corruption?

The best way to fight corruption in any country, especially in Nigeria, is for government to deliver by providing the basic need of the people.

What is the meaning of corruption? A school dropout that becomes a councilor, looks back at the situation of poverty that he is coming from, now he is seeing money- he will want to get to the position that forever he will never go back to poverty.

Abandoned public schools Where did he live? He left a “face me and face you” house.

He left a situation where there was no water or drugs in the hospital and abandoned public schools. Now that he gets into power and sees money, he will want to live his life in way that will make him promote himself and leave all that circumstances. In order for him to do that (build a mansion, send his children abroad since Nigeria schools are known for embarking on strike etc) he has to deep his hand into the coffers of the public. If the government makes all these available to the masses, corruption would have been fought.

If the schools are working, electricity, education, employment etc., if they are workingmany people would go to pub-

lic office and not be interested in bank account but performance because they know that after the work, they can return to the village and meet everything working.

But the average politician looks at himself and say “if I leave office and I do not return to power, I will be returning to suffering, poverty and darkness that I left.” Then what he does is to accumulate a lot of wealth, so that when he goes back home he’ll build the road that leads to his house, he will put electricity and solar system in his house- with the money he has stolen.

The first level to fight corruption is to deliver infrastructure.

When this is done, it will no longer be attractive for anybody to want to put himself in public treasury.

Go to America, if you drive a Limousine, people will jump into train and go to their work and they do not care how many convoy you carry. If you like build a house and put a skyscraper, it is nobody’s concern because there is a place to sleep and there is electricity. Look at Bill Gates, he does not walk around in Kaftan. He is always on sweater. Facilities are available for the people.

Battle against corruption You look at Obama, he is not interested in getting kickbacks.

When he retires from office, he goes back to his home. Everything is working. And that is why you see in America the Presidents are alive. The father of Bush is alive, Bush is also alive, his son wants to be President. Clinton is alive. This is because the life-span of an American person is longer, fa

Continues on page 37

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—37

‘Some law enforcement agencies are ignorant of human rights' Continues from page 36 cilities are working, society is improved and leaders deliver.

We should not just think the battle against corruption is to get people and hand them over to EFCC and draft charges against them. We do not know how much money have been recovered. The fight starts with government being sincere with their promises to make life better for ordinary man, that even if you go to public office without embezzling money, you can return and not regret- that is how to fight corruption.

In fighting corruption, the judiciary too has to be lifted up with a massive restructuring because it is a law (EFCC Act, Criminal Code, ICPC law) that you will use in charging those corrupt ones.

Court system The President cannot on his own grab a Minister who has stolen money and lock him up, it is not possible. You have to use the law and the law is abandoned. Law is about the court system, prosecution, police and judges.

You said fighting corruption is about the court system, but at most times cases are adjourned because there is no light and judges do not siteven most courts are decorated with microphones and speakers that are not working.

So do all these suggest that government is not serious about fighting corruption?

If you want to fight corruption, there should be no reason why a case should be adjourned because there is blackout. I know some judges who drive by themselves and when there is accident, they will have to wait- whether their car will be repaired.

By the time they get to court, litigants will be waiting, the judge being tired will ask his registrar to adjourn all cases.

Average number of cases on a Cause List of Lagos high courts

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119

dayobenson@yahoo.com

•Ebun Adegboruwa Leaders don't feel accountable to the

people...

is about 70. Same in the magistrate courts. The judge is a human being, sitting from 9am to 4pm, how many trials will he take? In a country of about 187 million people, what is the number of our judges and what are we paying them?

You go to a magistrate court in Lagos State, there is even no chair for lawyers to sit down.

The judges in Lagos are less than 50 overall, in a state of about 18 million people. Obviously, criminals will be arrested everyday and there are about 100 disputes to deal with; how would the judiciary cope with all these?

They cannot! I think the court system should be restructured.

I have a case I am handling for a client that we filed the appeal in 2006 in the Supreme Court. I have been told by apex court that it is not my turn to get a date for hearing, that currently it is treating 2004 ap-

peals. So you can imagine the backlog that we have. And the list keeps enlarging everyday.

How can Nigeria have a single Supreme Court sitting? It is not possible.

Then what is your advice on this?

When a lawyer goes there (police station) to make case for his client the police gets embarrassed. The police get unduly provocative and have this sense of inferiority as if you are coming to tell them what is not right

Divide the Supreme Court according to the zones, at least 200 judges with 10 panels- sitting everyday to avoid conflict of decision.

Those panels, one day the Chief Judge (CJ) would say “go to the South-East zone- sit in Port Harcourt and treat all appeals coming from Enugu, Calabar and other states. When you dispose of them, then return to Abuja.”

The CJ can send another panel, go to South-West and do the same thing.

How can you be asking people to come to Abuja from Lagos everytime they have a case in Supreme Court and they get there only to see that the court is not sitting. You have wasted money on flight and hotel.

These are not the faults of judges, they are overwhelmed.

And when the politicians saw this, what they just did was to take away their cases and made a law by amending the constitution, saying that every matter that involves election petition must be handled and finished in 180 days. So they removed their own cases out of the glut, out of the problem.

Commercial dispute Now once they file their election petitions, you will see the judges rushing to finish it in 180 days. The politicians have taken away their own interest and that is selfishness. The EFCC cases, landlord/tenant, commercial dispute, husband and wife matter, all these cases are hanging. Immediately election petition comes, it will be taken out. That is not a solution! It is selfish bye-pass which has brought us back to where we are.

Also, judges should be made to retire into peace. Justice Funke Adekeye, when she was reading her final speech on the day she was retiring, she was lamenting that she is retiring without a roof over her head, without a house. This is a judge of the Supreme Court, a

judge who rose to the highest rank in the land, has no bedroom to retire to. How do you want such a person not to be corrupt, if having another chance.

I think the system itself is just talking about corruption just to please international community. If this government is serious about fighting corruption, there should be evidence of it translating into a revamping revival of the judicial system.

They should give the same attention they gave to the National Assembly to the judiciary.

Average senator Take an average senator and look at the number of Personal Assistants he has, look at his salary too. Compare what a senator earn to what a judge earn, and we will say we are fighting corruption. We are not ready but just deceiving ourselves. I have not seen that evidence of really fighting corruption.

In Section 14 of the Constitution states that sovereignty belongs to the people, is that really the case now in Nigeria?

That same section also stated that government shall derive its power and authority from the people. What that means is that, in good settings like America, UK and others- where power belongs to the people and they exercise it during elections, the leadership is always accountable because they know that in the next dispensation if they take up policies that are unpopular the people will speak through their vote.

But in our own system here, where God-fathers determine who rules, or where the ballot is not counting, where the political parties sit down and lord it over the people, we won’t have respect for human rights.

When the leaders get into office, they do not feel accountable to the people; they feel accountable to their God-fathers, sponsors and thread upon the rights of the people. They also trample upon constitutional guaranteed rights and get away with it.

38 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Can civil servants expose corruption without fearing persecution?

public on allegations of corruption and abuse of office by the Rector of the College.

The Federal Ministry of Education set up a panel which actually indicted the Rector. The College equally set up a “Committee on Investigation on Alleged Corruption at Yaba College of Technology ” to investigate the alleged corruption at the College. Ibirogba, was invited for questioning by the Committee. The Committee concluded, on the basis of some alleged telephone call logs, that Ibirogba was the person who made information about corrupt practices in the college known to the owner of the telephone number who was said to be the author of the petition to the EFCC. The College authorities queried Ibirogba, accusing him of gross misconduct, despite the denial by Ibirogba of not having contacts with the author of the petition to the EFCC. The College initially suspended Ibirogba for 3 months and placed him on half salary for the duration of the suspension.

By Femi Aborisade

U

NDER the law, can civil servants (or more appropriately, public sector employees and staff, simply covered by the concept of ‘public officers’) expose corruption in public office without fearing victimization or persecution?

The simple and direct answer to this question is “YES”. Any public officer can expose corruption in any public office, including institutions, schools, colleges, ministries, establishments, enterprises, departments, agencies, and so on, owned or financed by any arm of government, without the fear of being victimized. Even if an anti-corruption public officer had been made to suffer any form of punitive measure, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) could, if approached, not only set aside any punishment the anticorruption public officer might have suffered, the whistle blower could also be entitled to monetary damages for the deprivation, harassment and/or humiliation she/he might have been made to go through.

This is the essence of the unprecedented, striking landmark anti-corruption decision by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in a Judgment delivered on 1 July 2015

by Hon. Justice B. B. Kanyip, PhD, of the Lagos Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court.

Industrial court

•Femi Aborisade The Judgment was delivered in the suit between Olu Ibirogba and The Council, ‘The Federal Polytechnic Yaba’ otherwise known as ‘Yaba College of Technology, Yaba Lagos (Suit No. NICN/LA/582/2013).

From the text of the Judgment, the facts of the case, in brief, were as follows. The claimant was Olu Ibirogba, the Bursar of the Yaba

College of Technology. He had cause to question certain transactions of the College which bordered on mismanagement of funds by the Rector. Sometime in 2013, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited Ibirogba to make statements with respect to petitions, which the EFCC received from members of the

The National Industrial Court, per the said Judgment, held that while the employer has the right to suspend, the power of suspension must be exercised reasonably, from the point of view of public interest

NIC voids sack of Union Homes employees

By Dayo Benson & Bartholomew Madukwe

A

NATIONAL Industrial Court, NIC, sitting in Lagos has said that the termination of employment of Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc employees can only be on grounds of misdemeanour or misconduct, otherwise they have to be declared redundant by the employer.

Delivering judgement in the suit by 210 employees of Union Homes, through their counsel, Ekene Odum, the judge, Justice O.A. Obaseki Osaghae, said: “By the contract of service between the claimants and the defendant, as contained in clause 3.8 of the Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc Staff Policy Guideline of July 2007, the employment of the claimants with the defendant can only be terminated on grounds of misde-

meanour or misconduct.

“By the contract of service as contained in the Staff Policy Guideline, the termination of the claimants appointment was not based on clause 3.8 of the Guideline; it is a termination arising from redundancy as provided in clause 8:11 of the Guideline.

“Redundancy benefits as provided in Clause 8:12 of the Staff Policy Guidelines are to be paid to the claimants whose employment were terminated within 60 days from the date of this judgement.

“The defendant is to pay the claimants all their outstanding terminal benefits and Pension as provided under the contract of service. Costs of N100, 000 is to be paid by the defendant.”

The claimants had approached NIC seeking the following reliefs: “A declaration that by the contract of service between the claimants

and the defendant as stated in clause 3.8 of the Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc Policy Guideline of 2007, the employment of the claimants with the defendant can only be terminated on grounds of acts of misdemeanour such as refusal to comply with lawful order or instruction, disclosure of confidential information to unauthorized persons, conducts that are inimical or tarnishing to the image of the defendant, unsatisfactory performance of duties and any other actions detrimental to the defendant company.

“A declaration that the termination of the appointment of the claimant on grounds not stated in contract of service as stated in clause 3.8 of the herein before stated Staff Policy Guideline of July 2007 is in breach of contract and is unlawful.

“A declaration that by virtue of the contract of service as contained in the Staff Policy

Guideline, in the absence of cases of dismissal for misconduct or termination for misdemeanour, or termination due to redundancy or resignation by the claimants are to remain in employment until retirement when they attain 60 years of age of service whichever comes first.

“An order that the claimants be paid their salaries, emoluments, entitlements and other benefits up to and until they attain the contractual retirement age of 60 years or on the attainment of 35 years as duly computed.

“In alternative to prayer 5, an order that the termination of the appointment of the claimants is and be deemed a redundancy exercise pursuant to clause 8:11 and that the appropriate redundancy benefits as stated in Clause 8:12 of the Guidelines be properly calculated and paid to the claimants.”

He was later suspended indefinitely.

Ibirogba instituted the suit to challenge his suspension, on the grounds that he was not responsible for leaking information to those who sent petitions to the EFCC and that, alternatively, assuming without conceding that he gave information to those who petitioned the EFCC against the Rector, he was protected against any liability or punishment under the Constitution, the EFCC Act and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, among other judicial authorities.

For example, section 15 sub (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, provides that “the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

Specifically, section 27 sub (2) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, prescribes that: “27(2). Nothing contained in the Criminal Code or Official Secret Act shall prejudicially affect any public officer who, without authorization, discloses to any person, an information which he reasonably believes t to show – 1.A violation of any law, rule or regulations; 2. Mis-management, gross waste of funds, fraud, and abuse of authority…”

Against the claims of Ibirogba, Yaba College of Technology (the Defendant), among other judicial authorities cited, contended that under the Federal Polytechnics Act, it has statutory powers to suspend any of its staff who is being investigated to pave way for unimpeded investigation of the affected officer, as part of its power and right to discipline its staff.

The National Industrial Court, per the said Judgment, held that while the employer has the right to suspend, the power of suspension must be exercised reasonably, from the point of view of public interest.

Public interest Based on an erudite review of authorities, domestic and foreign, the NIC held that the suspension of Ibirogba was unreasonable, from the standpoint of public interest.

Among other holdings, the National Industrial Court, held that: “Resolving the issue involves a balancing act on the part of the Court of the competing values of the right of an employer to suspend and the societal value of not discouraging the fight against corruption….”

In the fight against corruption, law must not be seen to be an impediment.

If a staff is queried and suspended for being a whistle blower, it will be retrogressive for any technical provision of the law to be used to go against such a whistle blower as the defendant has done in this case.”

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Why Ijaw withdrew opposition to DESOPADEC amendment bill — OKIRIKA

By Emma Amaize & Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—IJAW leader and former chairman of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Chief Wellington Okirika, yesterday, said that Ijaw oil and gas producing communities mellowed down on the amended DESOPADEC bill because Governor Ifeanyi Okowa listened to wise counsel.

Chief Okirika in a statement commended the state House of Assembly for doing a good job on the bill, which was recently passed into law. He added that he advised the governor to allow wider consultation on the widely criticized bill and he accepted by meeting with Ijaw traditional rulers and leaders to break the deadlock.

Ijaw oil and gas communities had given an ultimatum to Governor Okowa to rescind the bill, as well as oil companies to vacate their facilities in their territories.

Okirika said: “As a result of the fruitful discussions with the governor, Ijaw communities withdrew the ultimatum issued on the bill and made their input on the bill which had just been passed into law, Okowa is a listening governor.”

On the attacks he received over

his earlier comments on the bill before its passage by the state House of Assembly, he said he would not join issues with the critics, but would rather set the records right.

“Thirteen per cent derivation fund as enshrined in the 1999 amended Nigerian constitution belongs to the oil and gas producing communities as compensation for loss of fishing and farming rights by the

affected communities. Its implementation and discussion as a result should be for oil and gas areas.

“When the 13 per cent derivation was being implemented unconstitutionally by the federal and state governments, I rose up to a second agitation and advocacy that led to the creation of oil commissions in some states; Delta, Edo, Imo and Abia.”

He said that further agitation by critical stakeholders led the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, to affirm that 13 per cent derivation belongs exclusively to oil and gas communities, while the 2014 National confab resolved that 50 per cent of the 13 per cent derivation be paid directly to oil and gas producing communities.

LAUNCHING: From left: Chairman of the occasion,Chief Sunny Odogwu, the Initiator of Okiki, Mr Femi Dada, representatives of Lagos State Governor and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, Mrs Olufunke Balogun, Co-initiator, Mr Bayo Dada and Prince Demola Dada, during the launching of Okiki, a movie streaming platform agaist movie piracy in Nigeria in Lagos.

Slain bus driver did not belong to any political party —FAMILY P

By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— FAMILY members of the late commercial bus driver, who was shot dead last weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State by a Police Sergeant, has denied that the deceased was a member of one of the political parties in the state.

Counsel to the family, Mr Gobaride Bon said that the deceased was extremely apolitical, adding that he was coming from a mechanic workshop when he met his untimely death in the hands of the trigger happy policeman.

The family also complained about the slow pace of investigation into the matter, saying that all they wanted was for the trigger happy policeman, who shot the late David Legbaraa dead to be made to face the full weight of the law.

Meantime, Special Adviser to the state governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Opunabo Nko-Tariah, has accused the All Progressive congress, APC in the state, of being behind the security challenges in the state.

Nko-Tariah in a statement, however, reassured people of the state that the government will continue to take steps to

protect lives and property.

In response, the APC blamed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the

security problems, saying it had continued to unleash terror on the people of the state.

ARREST OF EX-NIMASA BOSS: Group warns against

ethnic bias

L

By Charles Kumolu

AGOS—WORRIED by reports that the Department of State Services, DSS, may take over the investigation of the recently disengaged Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobokemi, from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, a group, Niger Delta Advancement Movement, NDAM, has warned

against prosecution of the task with ethnic bias.

It cautioned that getting the DSS into the matter, would give the fight against corruption a vindictive colouration.

A statement by NDAM’s Tamarapreye Victor, described the alleged move as an indication of ethnic witch-hunting.

He said: “We are compelled to draw the attention of Nigerians to the above issue as published in most national dailies. For the avoidance of doubt, we advocate

progress and development in the oil-rich Niger Delta region, but we do not in any way, condone corruption. We do not also take delight in protecting those whose activities have impoverished the already underdeveloped region that has oiled the nation’s economy over the decades. Succinctly, we had considered the ongoing investigation of the immediatepast Director-General of NIMASA, Akpobolokemi by the EFCC a welcome development meant to check corruption in the country."

Delta North APC leaders get confidence vote

E

M U - U N O — REPRESENTATIVES of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Delta North drawn from the nine local government area of the senatorial district in Delta State, have passed a vote of confidence in some of its leaders in the area.

Speaking during a meeting at the residence of the deputy governorship candidate of the

party, Chief V. Abanum at Emuuno in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, some members who include Dr. Kingsley Nwachukwu, Chief Kizito Ijeh, Dennis Nwanokwai and Mrs. Beatrice Etuwogu, among others described the leadership style of Chief Donald Ugbajah, and Mr. Hyacent Enuha as a focused and committed administration that can take the party to greater heights.

The party members on the occasion condemned the incessant and unnecessary attacks on some of the leaders of the caucus by some disgruntled elements in the senatorial district and called on them to retrace their steps and join hands with the leadership of Delta North senatorial leaders caucus of the party.

Create ministry for us, Persons with disabilities urge Okowa

A

SABA—PERSONS with disabilities in Delta State have asked Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to create a ministry for them and also consider them as he makes his appointments.

They made the demands during a visit to the state Assembly ’s Deputy Speaker, Mr. Friday Osanebi.

Leader of the delegation, Mr. Lucky Nwamaka, said aside from visiting to congratulate the Deputy Speaker, they were seeking his help to take their requests to Governor Okowa.

He said: “We want a ministry that will be in charge of our affairs and the governor should be reminded that we voted for him and he should remember us as he makes appointments.”

Promising to take their request to the governor, Osanebi said they were in the plans of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led government of the state, adding “Be confident in yourselves and never forget that there are innate abilities and potentials in you, which you must develop.”

Akwa Ibom NCWS urged to eschew rancour

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—A WOMEN group, National Council of Women Societies, NCWS, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has been advised to eschew all forms of ill feelings towards one another and to be good example to the younger generation looking up to them.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet, gave the advise at a meeting with the State Executive members of group, yesterday in her office, in Uyo. Edet frowned at the factions springing up recently in the women group in the state, and urged them to desist from such acts but to see themselves as role models to their families and the society in general.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Okowa’s media aides not all from Ika nation —TIDI

Publish report on recovery of public fund, Imo people tell Okorocha

By Chidi Nkwopara

By Tare Youdeowei

O

A

WERRI—IMO State Government has been urged to revisit and publish the findings of the Sir Jude Ejiogu panel on the recovery of public funds allegedly squandered by contractors.

The Ejiogu panel, which

SABA—Michael Tidi, Special Assistant on News Media to Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has condemned those claiming that all of the governor’s media aides are from Okowa’s Ika ethnic nationality.

In a statement made available to newsmen, yesterday, in Asaba, Tidi lamented a recent claim by “one Ben Etaghene to the effect that all the governor's press aides are from his enclave,” describing the statement as “a blatant lie completely at variance with the true composition of Governor Okowa’s media team.”

He said: “I am a member of Governor Okowa’s media team. I am Itsekiri and all my non-Itsekiri relations are either Urhobos or Ijaws. I have no link whatsoever with Ika and there are several other ranking members of the governor's media team who have no connection whatsoever with Ika.” While describing those peddling claims of an Ika agenda in government house, Asaba, as ethnic jingoists, Tidi wondered whether “it is now a crime to hail from Ika as if Ika are no longer bona fide citizens of this state.”

According to him: “This madness of ethnic polarization and cooked-up allegations as verified facts must stop. Ika are part and parcel of us and originally came from Benin like most of us from Delta South and Delta Central."

included some security personnel, was set up by Governor Rochas Okorocha and charged with the responsibility of going after and recovering public funds paid to non-performing contractors that collected money and absconded.

Most respondents, who spoke to Vanguard, yesterday, were in agreement that the panel was set up about two years ago and ought

to have finished and handed over its report to the governor, especially now that government is in financial difficulty.

A top civil servant, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, said he was hinging his appeal on the prevailing economic crunch that gave birth to the inability of government to pay workers' salaries.

Ekweremadu wants África to establish special anti-terrorism courts Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—WORRIED at the widening activities of terrorists across África, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has asked for establishment of special anticorruption courts in África.

This was even as he called on African nations to pay attention to judicial reforms as they embark on reform of legal frameworks and institutions to fight terrorism.

Senator Ekweremadu, according to a statement from his Special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, spoke in Nairobi, Kenya, yesterday, at the ongoing 46th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, CPA, African Region Conference.

He said the special anticorruption courts, when established, would strengthen the war against terrorism and insurgency in Africa.

He said: “Our courts and judges are overwhelmed by lawsuits and the wheels of justice ground very slowly in most African countries.

There is also the issue of the suitability of our conventional courts in terms of security for the trial of such high profile crimes.

The theme of the conference is

'Democracy and Development in Africa: Policy Options in the PostMillennium Development Goal Framework.'

Speaking on the sub-theme, 'The Role of Parliament in Tackling the Menace of Terrorism on the Continent of Africa,' Senator Ekweremadu, who is at the head of the Nigeria National CPA Delegation, warned that terrorism in Africa was more widespread than was generally recognised.

He said the Information Technology, ICT, penetration in Africa meant that terrorist groups could now mobilize, train, establish, and maintain cells and links without the physical obstacles of borders.

“We should therefore consider amending our laws to set up

special courts to try terrorism suspects. If punishments were to be swiftly meted out to offenders, it would deter prospective terrorists and their sponsors.”

The senator expressed the strong belief that besides lawmaking, African parliaments could contribute immensely to the war against terrorism by effectively utlising the powers of oversight, appropriation, approval of certain appointments, ratification of international treaties and conventions on terrorism, among others.

He emphasised that “insecurity anywhere is insecurity everywhere” and advocated a continent-wide parliamentary partnership to galvanise actions to combat terrorism.

“Sir Jude Ejiogu is a serious minded public officer. A lot of us heaved a sigh of relief when he was given that assignment, but we are no longer comfortable with the apparent inability or unwillingness of the state government to inform citizens how much was recovered from the fleeing contractors,” the civil servant said.

Answering a question, the civil servant recalled that “apart from J-Pros, who was paid over N1.3 billion, many contractors were equally paid without living up to expectation.”

He recalled that the governor personally ordered the arrest of some of the contractors, when he toured the local council areas to assess the scope of work done.

A pensioner, who identified himself as Chief Chimereze, urged Governor Okorocha to recover all the monies he paid to contracting firms that failed to deliver on their mandate.

“There is no doubt that the Governor paid various sums of money to all manner of contractors. It is also not in doubt that we have a lot of uncompleted and abandoned projects in all the 27 local government areas of the state. We need to be told who is owing the other,” Chimereze said.

Anambra to employ 1,500 teachers

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—ANAMBRA State government has said that it would soon employ about 1,500 holders of the National Certificate of Education, NCE, into the state primary school system.

Chairman of Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board, ASUBEB, Chief Nzemeka Olisa said in Awka,

yesterday, that the employment of the teachers was necessitated by the retirement of about 600 teachers in the state school system.

According to him, the board had already promoted about 4,000 teachers, adding that 87 of the teachers were promoted from Grade Level 15 to 16, which accorded them the status of directors.

He explained that the

promotion was an accumulation of the exercise for 2012 and 2013, adding that the exercise for 2014/2015 was being compiled and would be released soon.

Olisa said the board had adopted a system that succeeded in checking urban drift of teachers by posting teachers to their home places with the attendant mouth –watering allowances, if such areas were rural communities.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Boroh as Coordinator of Niger Delta Amnesty Programme

B

oroh must conduct a social impact assessment, hold town hall meetings with various groups, involve them at every stage, hold contractors to timeline of their contracts and ensure that communities carried along always.

Miss Okonta Rose, Student

I

think the Niger Delta people, who have been depending on handouts from oil companies, should be educated and made to understand that vandalism is not the way to better their lives. Mr Okechukwu Nene, Student

W

hoever that still continues to display tribal bigotry in this new Nigeria is doing so at his own peril because nothing will change. Every close watcher of PMB will know that he committed to the progress of the nation. Mr Okafor Christain, Cameraman

T

he long-term solution to the Niger Delta problems requires quality education for the indigenes or the natives including high scale capacity b u i l d i n g a n d radical revitalization of the dilapidated infrastructures in ND. Mr Chukwuma Nwaonicha, Worker

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oroh has peace keeping management background and must have done well in his last appointment in Kaduna to merit this one. He has background knowledge of the happening in the region.

Mrs Mgbemena Nnenna, Graduate

I

think President Buhari prefers who can talk to the Niger Delta Youths in the event of any agitation.

However, appointing him is not an honour, as President Buhari cannot appoint a Yoruba man or an Igbo man to be the Minister for FTC. Mr Emmanuel Iyoke, Businessman

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 47

Kógi prepared for predicted flooding, says govt

Lalong’s committee discovers N222.3bn debt left by Jang

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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O K O J A — FOLLOWING the release of Lagbo dam by the Camerounian government and the warning by the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, of expected flooding, Kogi State government has warned residents along the Riverine areas to move to a higher ground.

The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, who stated this in his office in Lokoja yesterday, after a meeting of the State Flood Management Committee, however, said the state was in a better position to handle any effects of flooding that might occur this year.

Awoniyi, who said the State Flood. Management Standing Committee had identified nine local government areas, including Ibaji, Bassa, Idah, Lokoja, Kogi, Ajaokuta, Omla, Ofu and Igalamela as areas to be affected by the predicted flooding, said adequate preparation had been made to tackle the situation.

Job-Link named Africa best

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OS—CONTRARY to the earlier claim that Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, inherited a debt profile of N104 billion from his predecessor, Jonah Jang, the report of the Transition Committee set up by him on inception of office revealed that the state was left with N222.3 billion by May 2015.

Submitting the report to the governor yesterday, the Deputy Governor, Prof. Sonni Tyoden,

O B - L I N K Recruitment Services has been named by The African Quality Institute as Africa’s best quality job solutions provider of the year 2015.

Companies were honoured for their achievements in delivering quality service with integrity and anticipating their customers needs with great attention to detail.

As one of many companies nominated for the award, JobLink was selected based on such criteria as its commitment to the community and those seeking employment, as well as bridging the gap between employers and job seekers.

In her reaction, Managing Director of Job-Link Recruitment Services, Mrs Mary Dinah said: “The award is a source of great pride to our company and shows our dedication to connecting more job seekers with employers, especially in the most remote areas”.

rules of procedure after 2011, there was a sharp decline and the descent of governance to the level of bestiality where impunity, nepotism, sectionalism became the order of the day.

“For instance, there was an individual who was a jack of all trades, who appropriated three titles to himself, each conveying separate and identifiable functions. He was a “StatisticianGeneral”, a “Salary Administrator” and a “General Manager” all at the same time.

“From the records, between

PRESENTATION: From left; Mr Nicolas Utsalo,Senior Public Relations Officer, Consumer Protection Council, Lagos; Mr Tope Ashiwaju, Head, Public Relations Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc; Mr Sheriff Ayinde Salihu, winner of the Indomie Flash & Win Promo and Mr Amber Yadav, Brand Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc at the cheque presentation of Indomie Flash & Win Promo held in Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau.

UNICEF expends N1.993bn on health, others in Jigawa

By Aliyu Dangida

J

who headed the committee, stressed that there was monumental fraud in the last administration as most of what were documented in the handing over note by the last administration were false.

He said: “From the findings of the transition committee, this state has been rendered prostate, we wish to observe that while governance between 2007 and 2011 can be said to have been conducted along familiar lines, with some semblance of respect for known

D

UTSE—THE United Nations Children Education Fund, UNICEF, has expended a whopping N1.993 billon in provision of health and nutrition service, water sanitation and hygiene in Jigawa State in the last four years.

The UNICEF chief field officer in charge of Bauchi zonal office, Dr. Abdullahi Kaikai, stated this while speaking on a courtesy call to Jigawa State governor, Muhammad Abubakar Badaru, at Government House, Dutse, said over 40,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition in the state were treated.

According to him, UNICEF has to improve the lives of children supported the state in the and women in the state. provision of safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services at the cost of nearly N980 million. ‘’The coverage has reached a population of over 300,000, including rural women and ARELY six weeks after school children with safe Vibrant Micro Finance Bank drinking water and sanitation and hygiene promotion services,” (MFB) Issele-Azagba, Delta State began operations, more reassuring Kaikai said.

He explained that in fulfilment disclosure has come on the unique of its mandate of ensuring child services the bank provides for its survival, development and teeming customers.

Speaking to Vanguard on the protection of the rights of the child as given by UN General level of progress made so far, Assembly in 1946, UNICEF was Vibrant MFB’s Managing happy to continue to collaborate Director, Mr. Nnamdi Chizea said with Jigawa State government the MFB was poised to build

J

OS—PLATEAU State government has distributed over two million insecticidal nets between January and February this year to combat the menace of malaria in the state.

‘Suspension of Delta Civil Service Commission chair unfair‘

A

N Itsekiri socio-cultural group, Warri Progressive Society, WPS, also known as Otonloye, has decried the continued suspension of Chairman and members of the board of Delta State Civil Service Commission, describing the action as unconstitutional and unfair.

In a statement by its National President, Mr. Godwin Etete, the group said the government’s decision did not follow due process and flouted the Constitution, which guides the operation of the commission.

He said: The government action was undemocratic since no panel of investigation was set up before the suspension of the board of the commission. It is like putting the cart before the horse. Otonloye cannot understand the statement of Delta State governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the Delta State House of Assembly and others that the recruitment carried out by the commission was ‘faulty’.

“According to our source, the number recruited by the commission was not more than the nine hundred and eighty six (986) approved by former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.''

Your funds are secure, Vibrant MFB boss assures customers customers confidence that their

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Plateau shares over 2m insecticidal nets to fight malaria

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

May 2007 and May 2015, the sum of N525.35 billion was the total income that accrued to the state, statutory allocations inclusive, but the state was left with a debt of N222.3 billion by May, 2015.

The Acting Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Mr. Solomon Musa, stated this in Jos while addressing a gathering of religious and community leaders participating in a Flagoff/Training of Faith leaders to promote the fight against malaria in the state.

The event was organized by the Nigerian Inter-Faith Action Association, NIFAA, in collaboration with National Malaria Elimination Programme, NMEP, to train faith leaders to promote the use of long lasting insecticidal net and other malaria preventive commodities.

funds were secured and will be available any time they needed it.

Chizea said the MFB has been able to tap into the confidence built already, by hitting more than a million naira deposit barely a month after opening shop, adding that they have also attracted a large number of depositors in the locality.

He further stressed that before the MFB came into operation, the people in the area had to travel to faraway places like Asaba and Ogwashi-Uku for their banking services, but now that they conveniently bank without having to travel to those cities.

Chizea disclosed that aside accepting deposits, the MFB has a unique software connected to commercial banks that enables their customers to receive transferred funds from other banks.

“We have an upgraded software that is connected to the commercial banks which makes withdrawal of money sent from other banks possible here.''

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

VISIT: From left— Sean Hoy, Irish Ambassador to Nigeria; Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, and Fr. Kevin O’Hara, during a courtesy call on Governor Dickson in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.

NSE: From left— Mrs. Yinka Edu, Vice Chairman, Capital Market Solicitors Association, CMSA; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange; Mr. Uche Val Obi, Chairman, CMSA; and Ms. Tinu Awe, Head, Legal and Regulation Division, NSE, during the ringing of the closing gong at the NSE in Lagos.

From left—Mr. Oriakhi Daniel, Project Manager; Linda Eiremiokhae, Client Service/Project Manager; Andrew Eiremiokhae, Logistics Director, and Anita Eiremiokhae, Client Service Executive, all of Oracle Experience Ltd., that won Best Experiential Marketing Agency of the Year, Gold Category, at the Nigeria Brand Award 2015 in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

OLIVET'S 70TH: From left— Mrs. Kemi Ogunniyi, Chairperson, 70th Anniversary Committee, Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, National Old Students Association, NOSA; Dr. Kunle Ogunmola, National President, Olivet NOSA/ former Lagos/Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, and Dr. Lekan Adelakun, Chairman, Olivet NOSA, Lagos State Chapter, at a briefing on the 70th anniversary in Lagos.

AWARD: From left— Funmi Lawal, Ifeoma Odalonu, Mr. and Mrs. Chijioke A. Eke, and Mr. Norbert Ofili, during the presentation of Titans of Technology Merit Award to Mr. Eke.

THAKSGIVING: From left— Bishop Akinola Ajayi, Bishop O. P. Odejayi, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi of Ikorodu, Olori Kudirat Abosede Shotobi, Sup. Evangelist Emmanuel Adegoke, Chairman CAN, Ikorodu, Bishop Dawodu and Bishop S. O. Ayodele, during a thanksgiving service for the new Ayangburen of Ikorodu in Lagos.

BURIAL: T. J. Abass, son of the deceased (4th left), with some traditional rulers and others during the burial of Alhaja Rufudat Abass in Epe, Lagos.

VALEDICTION: From left— Dr. Oluyemisi Oyeyemi, Lady Director; Dr. Adebayo Oyeyemi, Director; Onunwor Daniel, overall best student, all of Good Shepherd Schools, and Mrs. Mfon Onunwor, Daniel's mother, at the valedictory service/prize-giving day of the school in Atan, Ogun State.

AWARD:

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

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Vanguard,THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—51

Only seven states are funding pension schemes •As CPS enrolls 6,515, 736 workers Stories by Victor AhiumaYoung

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ORE than 10 years since the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, following the Pension Reforms Act, PRA, of 2004, only seven out of 36 states of the federation are funding their pension schemes, even as no fewer than 6,515, 736 have now been enrolled into CPS. The First Quarter of 2015 report by National Pension Commission, PenCom, named the states that have commenced funding their CPS as Anambra, Delta, Lagos, Rivers, Niger, Ogun and Osun States.

According to the report, CPS "membership increased by 120,046 from a total scheme membership of 6,395,669 as at the end of fourth quarter of 2014 to 6,515,736 at the end of the first quarter, 2015. This represented an increase of 1.86 percent. The Retired S a v i n g Account,RSA,membership, which increased by 1.88

percent accounted for the highest proportion of scheme member-ship.

"While membership of Closed Pension Fund Administrators, CPFA s , declined by 0.09 percent during the period, the Approved Existing Schemes, AES, remained constant at the level of previous quarter

CPS ‘membership increased by 120,046 from a total scheme membership of 6,395,669 as at the end of fourth quarter of 2014 to 6,515,736 at the end of the first quarter, 2015.

A cross section of pensioners at a workshop figure of 40,951. The decline in membership of CPFAs could be ascribed to the retirement of some members of the sch eme and some redundancies in the sponsoring institutions. It should be noted that membership of the scheme is restricted to staff of the sponsoring institutions."

On membership of RSA, the report noted that RSA registration increased by 1.88 percent during the first quarter of 2015.

According to it, "a sectoral breakdown of RSA registration shows an increment of 1.26 and 2.46 percent for both public and private sectors respectively.

Analysis of RSA registration by gender shows that male RSA holders dominated the scheme with 71.46 percent, while the female members accounted for a balance of 28.54 percent.

Further analysis indicates that the private sector

Meet Onanuga, LASPEC, new Director-General

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AGOS State Government has appointed Mrs. Folasade Onanuga, as new Director General, DG, of Lagos State Pension Commission LASPEC. The appointment follows the sacking of Rotimi Adekunle Hussain, as LASPEC's DG. Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji, said Mrs Onanuga's appointment took immediate effect.

Onanuga was until her appointment, the Executive Director, Technical in LASPEC. A 1983 graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), she is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, London; Fellow, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators; and fellow, Certified C M Y K

Pension Institute.

She was a former President, Professional Insurance Ladies Association (2006 – 2008) and Co-opted Member, Council of Nigerian Corporation of Registered Insurance Brokers which deliberated with government on the CPS introduced in 2004 i.e. the 2004 Pension Reform Act. With over 25 years management experience, Mrs. Onanuga had worked all her life in the Insurance and Pension sectors of Nigeria’s economy, starting with Glanvill Enthoven Life & Pension Consultants between 1983 and 1989, where she served as Assistant OfficerSuperintendent, responsible for Client servicing and marketing of life & pension products.

According to the Head of Service, in approving Onanuga’s appointment, due cognizance was given to her integrity, selfless service and record of impressive performance.

Mrs. Folasade Onanuga

retained lead in the number of registered RSA holders, accounting for a proportional contribution of 51.93 percent of total RSA registration.

"An age distributional analysis of RSA holders revealed that the largest proportion of RSA holders is the very young as almost 80 percent of the members were below 50 years and 51 percent of the members were below the age of 40 years.

Thus, the demography of the scheme favours putting pension funds in long-term investible instruments like the infrastruc-ture products, which can be used for the yawning gaps identified in the nation’s quest for economic development.

Economic development "The memberships of CPFAs and AES were 24,344 and 40,951 respectively as at the end of the quarter under review. The membership of CPFAs witnessed slight decline of 0.09 percent as a result of retirement of some members and nonadmittance of new members into the scheme as stipulated by the PRA 2014. The total membership of AES remained constant at 40,951as at the end of the first quarter as revealed in Table 3.6.

This could be partly explained by the fact that the AES is an occupational pension scheme that is largely restricted to the employees of the sponsoring organization."

Compliance, Enforcement According to the report, the Commission scaled up its compliance and enforcement strategies to enhance compliance with the provisions of PRA, 2014.

"Consequently, sanctions were applied on some operators in line with the

compliance framework. In addition, the Commission had participated in public enlightenment program-mes as well as collaborated with various stakeholders to enhance compliance.

The Commission retained the services of consultants in order to follow-up and conclude work on the recovery of outstanding pension contributions and penalties from defaulting employers.

"During the quarter, N540.94 million representing principal contributions of N145.85 million and penalty of N395.09 million was recovered. This brought the total recoveries made to date to N6.73 billion.

During the quarter, the Commission received 1,050 applications for issuance of Compliance Certificates, out of which 840 employers were issued the Certificates while the remaining applications were rejected on the ground that they did not meet the requirements", the report said.

Review of applications Similarly, the report explained that ‘during the quarter under review, the Commission received a total of 1,330 applications for the transfer of NSITF contributions amounting to N91.68 million.

Following the review of the applications, the Commission granted “no objection” to Trustfund Pensions Plc to pay N82.14 million to 1,200 contributors. This suggested that 130 applications amounting to N9.54 million were rejected due to incomplete documentations.

This brought the total NSITF contributions transferred to RSAs of beneficiaries to N9.22 billion. The amount was transferred on behalf of 123,917 NSITF contributors.

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 53

Rites of passage for the Ooni Stories by Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor & Gbenga Olarinoye

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•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II

NCE the chiefs have been informed of the Ooni’s passing, the Lowa of Ife, who is the head of the Kingmakers in Ife, would announce the passage upon the sounding of a bell at the Enu-Owa square located in front of the Palace.

After the announcement, markets would be closed while all forms of merrymaking including drumming, drinking and partying would be suspended in the town for a number of days. The process of breaking the news to the public starts with the eldest prince, who would tell the traditional council and the Ife Traditional Council would, in turn, inform the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers.

The Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers would subsequently inform the governor of the state officially after which the rites of passage would commence. Details of the rite of passage are shaded in mystery, but details of what the

rites of passage would entail, is known to include drummers who would come to the palace and beat special drums for several days.

After this, some elders and women would also gather at the palace and sing dirges – poetry for the dead- for a number of days

too. Once the rites of passage have been completed, the Lowa of Ife would come to the main entrance where he would beat the gong and announce the demise of the Ooni to the public.

During this period, the throne would remain vacant for a period of mourning before the ruling houses would present names of contestants to the stool. The four ruling houses in Ife are Giesi, Ajagbun, Osikola, where the late Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi hailed from, and Ogbooru, where Oba Sijuwade belonged. The Oluomo of Ife, Chief Gbenga Owolabi, said that it was wrong to say that the “Ooni is dead.” According to him, the Ooni is an institution and a royal stool, not a person.

Lineage song (Oriki) of Ooni Sijuwade This is usually sung in honour and praise of the Ooni: Olubuse Eri Ogun Sagogo nju Okun mo losun kun molata Oribiti Apelunda Solukue Abanise mase banise Osun mo sile sunmo eni Igi meta ona ilare Bi idi baba odi obadi Ki ire baba ore obare Bi ologun sese ba dari so o/ o daso Oni ilare nfobi kan Oloriburuku nfoju di Nle o, Olodo Tunbumbi Ogborun lokun, ajiwunmi bi omo Oke ilare ko jugun, aje lo ngbeni gun Omo Ogboru keke fo isa Olori Omo Ladejokun, Ojire loni o.

54 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Okowa urges reorientation over National Health Act

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L-r: Mr. Abiola Odukomaiya, Mrs. Yetunde Aderinto, Mr. Kunle Aderinto, Mrs Bola Odukomaiya, Mr. Tayo Odukomaiya, and Dr. Biodun Odukomaiya, the deceased children at the service of songs for late Mama Rachel Aduke Odukomaiya in Lagos, yesterday.

L-r: Mrs Bola Odukomaiya, Mr. Tayo Odukomaiya, and Dr. & Mrs Biodun Odukomaiya, during the service of songs yesterday. Photos:Diran Oshe

Saraki in quandary as Senators reject pay-cut A

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

B U JA — S E N AT E President, Bukola Saraki, appears to be currently in a state of confusion, as his plans to considerably reduce the salaries and allowances of senators apparently hit a brick wall yesterday.

Saraki had, in his early days as Senate President, hinted that his leadership would review downward, the perceived bogus salaries and allowances of senators, saying his decision was in line with the mood of the nation.

The Senate President had constituted an ad-hoc committee on the review of the finance of the Senate for the purposes of cutting cost of governance through downward review of salaries and allowances of senators.

After weeks of deliberations the 10-man committee, chaired by Senator James Manager, PDP Delta South, submitted its report to the senate last week Thursday with recommendations on a slight reduction in the salaries and allowances of senators.

The report, according to a source, recommended a 10 per cent cut in the allowances and salaries of all senators.

The report which was to be openly debated on the floor of the Senate yesterday for possible adoption, was stood down for further legislative input after about two hours of closed door

session by all the senators on it.

At the resumption of sitting yesterday, Senator Saraki following a closed door session, said that senators agreed to step down the report for further legislative input without giving any reason.

But some senators, who later spoke to Vanguard on the issue

on the condition that their names must be kept secret, said the report was stood down due to its total rejection by the majority of the senators.

Senators it was learnt, warned that the matter must be cautiously handled.

One senator said that though majority of the senators agreed

Leadership publisher asks CBN to probe Enterprise Bank over N80m loan

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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BUJA—LEADERSHIP Newspaper publisher, Sam Nda-Isaiah, has dragged Enterprise Bank limited before the Central Bank of Nigeria, asking the apex financial institution to investigate the commercial bank over a loan of N80 million his company applied for.

Nda-Isaiah, who is the promoter of Banana Republic Limited, said in his petition dated August 11, 2015 and addressed to the CBN Governor, that Enterprise Bank was wrong in publishing his name as one of its debtors when in fact he was a victim of the bank’s unprofessional policy.

The former APC presidential aspirant complained that although his company applied for a loan of N80 million to expand Banana Republic to the Maitama District of Abuja, Enterprise Bank reluctantly allowed it to drawdown only N61,920,000.00 while it nonetheless charged

interest on the whole amount applied for.

He pointed out that as soon as the loan was approved by the bank, its account officers started behaving strangely and unprofessionally, making it difficult for the company to fully draw down the full amount for the intended purpose while compounding its problems in the process.

The publisher said that upon approval, the Enterprise account manager opened an escrow account in Banana Republic’s name without the company’s knowledge and deposited N67.5 million and started charging interests right away from July 25, 2013, on the entire N80 million sum, without any form of notification.

He said: “It was only several weeks later that we knew that this unusual banking practice had happened. We were not allowed to draw the equipment facility even though they had started charging us interest on the entire approved sum.

How we traced N15m bribe money to Yobe REC's account, EFCC tells tribunal

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, narrated before the Yobe State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, how it traced the origin of N15 million that was lodged into bank accounts of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for the state, Mr. Abu Zarma, few days before the April 11 election.

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that funny allowances like the monthly N42,000 wardrobe allowance should be cancelled or cut off completely but that many reasoned that substantive statutory emoluments should be sustained in the face of increasing financial requests from constituents and other Nigerians on daily basis.

An investigative officer with the Commission, Mr. Emmanuel Aremo, who testified before the Justice Mojisola Dada-led tribunal yesterday, confirmed that the cash was actually paid into the REC’s accounts by the Aidede-Camp, ADC, to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, Mr. Zakari Deba.

The EFCC told the tribunal which is currently sitting in Abuja, that its investigations revealed that three days before

the governorship election held in Yobe State, Deba, who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police, paid N8 million into the Diamond Bank account of Zarma and another N7 million into his Zenith Bank account.

Both transactions according to the anti-graft agency, were perfected on April 8, 2015, with the help of one Mr. Bamaji Mohammed Kukawa, an assistant branch manager of Diamond bank in Damaturu.

“The first drawdown of N18,647,500.00 in August was only allowed nearly one month after they had started charging interest on the entire loan sum.

“The next drawdown of N43,372,500.00 in September 2013, was only allowed nearly two months after commencement of interest charges to us."

AGOS—DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has called for “a strategic healthcare service reorientation” in the nation’s health sector in order to “achieve the goal of Universal Health Care in Nigeria as encapsulated in the provisions of the National Health Act 2014.”

In a keynote address he delivered at the 10th Annual All Fellows Congress and Scientific Conference of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Dr Okowa asserted that “an important step in this reorientation process will be a robust Health Insurance Scheme that gives access to affordable and quality health services backed by an effective legislation.”

Speaking on the topic, National Health Act: Translating the Law into Quality and Accessible Healthcare, the Governor called for the full implementation of the Universal Health Care system in the country because “it progressively saves lives, increases economic growth and ensures prosperity for all citizens.”

Dogara moves motion for rehabilitation of North East

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—APPARENTLY disturbed by the plight of Nigerians in the North East ravaged by the Boko Haram scourge, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday, moved a motion for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the zone.

Dogara made history, Wednesday by being the first speaker to step down from the Green Chamber podium in Nigeria to lead 49 other lawmakers to move a motion on the North East debacle.

But immediately, the speaker finished reading the motion, Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, APC, Surulere Federal Constituency raised a point of order challenging Dogara.

Gbajabiamila had cited Order 6 Rule 19 of the House insisting that “since this motion has something to do with the North East and the

name of the Minority Leader is listed I insist that all members should be listed in the Order paper.”

The Presiding Officer, Yusuf Lasun, however, saw it the other way and simply noted the Leader ’s position but ruled that “it is virtually impossible for now to include all members so it is noted.”

An attempt by Gbajabiamila to amend prayer 1 and 4 of the motion that they were the same requests was also resolved that he should withdraw his amendment.

The speaker was at this juncture asked to lead the debate by the Deputy Speaker.

Dogara noted that “the terrorist activities of Boko Haram in most parts of the North East Zone of Nigeria comprising Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi and Taraba states since 2009 has devastated most parts of the region and resulted in the death of thousands of people, including boys, girls, and children and generally, women, men and other vulnerable persons in the society.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015—55

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—NO fewer than six people were killed on Tuesday evening, while four women were abducted by Boko Haram insurgents, who invaded Bale Mamman village, near Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

This came as six suspected suicide bombers were, yesterday, arrested by members of the civilian JTF and paraded at Sector 4 located at Milk Shop in Maiduguri.

Bale Mamman village is Shuwa Arab and herdsmen community located on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the state capital.

Although there was no official confirmation from the Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun, as his phone lines were not reachable at press time, many residents of Maiduguri metropolis could not sleep on Tuesday night, following the sounds of gunfire from the affected area.

A reliable security source, who

Insurgents kill 6, abduct 4 women in Borno 6 suicide bombers arrested is not authorised to speak to the press, said: “The notorious and acclaimed Islamic militants (Boko Haram) stormed a remote village of Bale Mamman, in the outskirts of Maiduguri last night (Tuesday night) in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State, killing six civilians and succeeded in abducting four women.”

A resident of the area, who fled to Maiduguri but did not want his name in print for security reason, said the terrorists came at about 6:30p.m. and killed six people before abducting four women.

Another resident, who simply gave his name as Ali Bale, said: “We fled into

bushes last night (Tuesday) when we heard sporadic gunshots targeting anybody on sight.

“Unfortunately, when we came back this morning (yesterday), we discovered that all our cattle, rams and foodstuffs were looted by the attackers.”

A local vigilante, Abba Kolomi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the terrorists killed four men and two children, abducted some women and carted away many cattle, rams and foodstuffs.

Meanwhile, the arrest of the six suspected suicide bombers in Maiduguri, is coming less than 48 hours after suicide bombers attacked Sabon Gari

Market in Damboa Local Government Area, killing dozens and barely 12 hours after local vigilante in Damboa reported threat letters warning of more attacks found at the scene of the blasts.

The latest arrest of the suspects, according to sources, took place in the evening as traders and buyers were rushing home after the close of business.

A member of the civilian JTF at the milk shop in Maiduguri, Umar Hassan, told Vanguard that the suspects hid improvise explosive devices, IEDs, under the basket they used for hawking medicine.

Bauchi pays N80m for polio immunisation

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AUCHI—BAUCHI State government has approved the payment of N80 million of the N160 million outstanding counterpart funding for the state government to strengthen routine polio immunisation in the state.

Governor Mohammed Abubakar, who stated this on the occasion of the state’s routine i m m u n i s a t i o n strengthening mid-year reviewing meeting in Bauchi, said the money was released after the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation towards strengthening immunisation coverage in the state.

He reiterated the commitment of his administration to the development of health services in the state, pointing out that the present administration had conducted two rounds of polio immunisation campaigns, maternal, neo-natal and child care week and response to diarrhoea disease outbreak in the state.

He said Bauchi State had approved the release of N87 million for the supply of essential drugs to all hospitals in the state.

PHARMACY WEEK: From left— Mrs. Biola Paul-Ozieh, Chairman; Mr. Ekhator Lawrence, Secretary; a member, and Mr. Okiomute Odekuma, immediate past Chairman, all of Association of Community Pharmacists, ACP, Lagos State branch, during a public sensitisation and awareness campaign on drugs for operators of commercial buses at Ojuelegba Motor Park, Lagos, to mark 2015 ACPN Day and Pharmacy Week.

CCB sued over non-verification of declared assets

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—THE Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, and its chairman, Mr. Sam Saba, have been dragged before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, over alleged failure to verify assets declared before the bureau by public office holders.

The Attorney-General of the Federation is also joined as a defendant in the suit, which was filed by Registered Trustees of Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and one Mr. Olorogun James Omeru.

The plaintiffs, in their suit, are praying the court to declare that the current practice of CCB in receiving assets

declaration from public officers without a valuation report signed by a registered estate surveyor and valuer, is in contravention of Section 3(a) and (b) Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The defendants were further

accused of violating Section 3(a) and (b) of the CCB and Tribunal Act, CAP C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and Paragraph 6(d) and (e) of the First Schedule to the CCB and Tribunal Act, by not authenticating the declared assets.

Osinbajo, Dangote others for textile union’s education confab

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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ADUNA—VICE President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, his Kaduna State counterpart, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, and Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Companies, are among dignitaries expected at the 27th annual national education conference of National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN. Also expected are the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, governors and National Assembly members.

The conference will hold in Kaduna on the theme Buhari Administration: Revival of Textile Industry and Employment Creation, between August 25 and 28.

The union, in a statement by its President and General Secretary, Oladele Hunsu and Issa Aremu, respectively, said: “The conference brings together all stakeholders, notably organised labour, from the remaining textile mills in Nigeria, captains of industry and government officials, among others, to discuss ways and means to help the new government fulfil its electoral promise of reviving the textile industry and creation of jobs within the shortest possible period.”

It said Mallam Mamman Daura, Chairman of the Board of Funtua Textile Mill in Katsina State, would chair the occasion

C'ttee puts Benue's inherited debt at N131bn

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—THE total debt inherited by the present administration in Benue State has been put at over N130.8 billion.

This was made known yesterday at the presentation of the report of Mike Iordyeled 16-member Transition

Committee set up by Governor Samuel Ortom at the inception of his administration.

Iordye, who briefed Governor Ortom on the findings of his committee, said the team thoroughly scrutinised the books of the last administration before arriving at the figure.

He explained further that his committee also undertook fact finding tours of various ongoing and completed projects across the state to ascertain the veracity of claims made by the last administration on indebtedness.

Ortom promised that his administration would look into the report with a view to taking necessary action.

56 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

Trump maintains lead in GOP race for White House

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HE Donald Trump bul let train charged full speed ahead, as the unfiltered US presidential hopeful slammed China, Barack Obama’s administration and Republican rival Jeb Bush while reveling in fresh poll results that he said show him “leading everywhere.”

Ignoring warning signs that his campaign may be running into trouble, the brash celebrity billionaire held a wide-ranging press conference before a speech in Michigan on Tuesday and lashed out on several subjects but declined to provide policy details.

Donald Trump “We’ll be announcing over the next two weeks numbers and specifics,” he said when asked of his jobs plan. “You have to be flexible on jobs and everything else.”

He used his take-noprisoners style to batter Bush in particular, saying the former Florida governor “will not be able to

negotiate against China (or) Mexico.”

Trump lit a powder keg during last week’s debut Republican presidential debate, when he refused to pledge he would not run as an independent, clashed with a popular Fox News moderator, and later made comments about her that many interpreted as crudely sexist.

But Trump, himself a former reality TV impresario, said he was responsible for drawing millions to that prime-time debate broadcast.

“Who do you think they were watching, Jeb Bush?

Huh? I don’t think so,” Trump quipped.

Climate change: Pope Francis differ with US Catholic oil interests

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OPE Francis heart ened environmentalists around the world in June when he urged immediate action to save the planet from the effects of climate change, declaring that the use of “highly polluting fossil fuels needs to be progressively replaced without delay.”

But some of the largest American Catholic organizations have millions of dollars invested in energy companies,

from hydraulic fracturing firms to oil sands producers, according to their own disclosures, through many portfolios intended to fund church operations and pay clergy salaries.

This discrepancy between the church’s leadership and its financial activities in the United States has prompted at least one significant review of investments.

The Archdiocese of Chicago, America’s third

largest by Catholic population, told Reuters it will reexamine its more than $100 million worth of fossil fuel investments.

“We are beginning to evaluate the implications of the encyclical across multiple areas, including investments and also including areas such as energy usage and building materials,” Betsy Bohlen, chief operating officer for the Archdiocese, said in an email.

Boko Haram's new leader ready to negotiate — Deby

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OKO Haram has a new commander willing to negotiate with Nigeria’s new government, Chad’s President Idriss Deby announced Wednesday, fueling speculation the extremist group’s previous commander has been killed.

Rumors of the death of Abubakar Shekau have grown since the leader has not appeared for months in videos broadcast by Nigeria’s homegrown Islamic militant group.

“There is somebody apparently called Mahamat Daoud who is said to have replaced Abubakar Shekau, and he wants to negotiate with the Nigerian government,” Deby said in comments broadcast by Chad state radio. He did not say where the information came from.

“I would not advise negotiating with a terrorist,” said Deby, though he himself led one failed attempt last year. Other attempts under Nigeria’s previous government also failed, partly because the group is believed fractured into several factions.

P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari

Idriss Deby has said his government is open to talks, but also

would pursue the military option.

Deby said a five-nation regional army based in Chad’s capital, N’Djamena, would be deployed in days and predicted it would destroy Boko Haram by year’s end. He said the group already has been “decapitated.”

Libya chaos deepens as PM threatens resignation

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HE future of Libya’s internationally recognised government was uncertain yesterday after Prime Minister Abdullah alThani threatened to resign, and as the latest UNbrokered peace talks ended amid optimism about a deal.

Thani made the resignation threat during an emotional live television appearance in which he faced a barrage of angry questions from citizens, but it was unclear whether he planned to follow through.

His remarks added to the political uncertainty as Libya’s rival factions met for a second and final day.

A UN statement said the talks in Geneva had been held in a “positive atmosphere” and that there was optimism that the

Abdullah al-Thani, process of dialogue was approaching its final stages. The parties “underscored their determination to conclude the dialogue process as soon as possible”, aiming for the coming three weeks, followed by adoption of a political agreement and formal endorsement at the “beginning of September”.

Protests rock Ferguson on anniversary ..factions end talks with pledge of Police shooting to clinch deal county prosecutor Bob

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HE return of an armed militia group patrolling the streets of Ferguson drew criticism Tuesday from both protesters and the county police chief overseeing security amid ongoing demonstrations marking the anniversary of 18year-old Michael Brown’s shooting death.

St. Louis County Police Chief Jon Belmar said

the overnight presence of the Oath Keepers, wearing camouflage bulletproof vests and openly carrying rifles and pistols on West Florissant Avenue, the hub of marches and protests for the past several days, was “both unnecessary and inflammatory.”

Belmar plans to ask

McCulloch about the legality of armed patrols by the far-right anti-government activist group, which largely comprises past and present members of the military, first responders and police officers. But Missouri law allows anyone with a concealed carry permit to openly display a firearm anywhere in the state.

Bush, Clinton trade blame over Iraq war

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decade of anger over the Iraq war resurfaced in the 2016 US election race on Tuesday, with Jeb Bush and Hillary Clinton’s campaigns trading blame about that country’s continued instability.

Twelve years after president George W. Bush led the United States into an unpopular and troubled conflict, his brother, now

Hillary Clinton a Republican presidential hopeful, accused

Democrats of abandoning Iraq before the job was done. Jeb Bush blamed his Democratic White House rival, former Secretary of State Clinton, for allowing the brutal emergence of the Islamic State group by withdrawing troops from Iraq too fast.

“It was a case of blind haste to get out,” Bush told an audience in California,

LIBYA’s warring factions agreed yesterday to end the political crisis and military conflict in the country within weeks, the United Nations said at the end of two days of peace talks in Geneva.

Libya is split between two governments backed by armed factions fighting each other, with Islamic State and other armed groups exploiting the resulting security vacuum.

Highlighting the risk that the U.N. talks, which have dragged on for almost a year, become irrelevant as the security situation worsens, Libya’s rival governments flew air strikes on Tuesday against suspected Islamic State positions in two cities.

But the U.N. Support Mission in Libya

(UNSMIL), headed by special envoy Bernardino Leon, put a brave face on the situation after two days of closed-door talks in Geneva.

“The parties

underscored their determination to conclude the dialogue process as soon as possible, with a target date within the coming three weeks,” a UNSMIL statement said.

Ebola: Kenya refuses to accept chimps from Liberia

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ENYA has rejected a request to bring two young chimpanzees rescued in Ebola-hit Liberia to a Kenyan wildlife sanctuary due to fears about the deadly virus, the country’s top veterinarian said on Wednesday.

Ebola has killed more than 11,200 people in the West African countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea since late 2013. Liberia was declared Ebolafree by the World Health Organisation in May, but there have been some new

cases since then.

“There is a risk for us to import animals from West Africa because of Ebola,” Kisa Juma Ngeiywa, Kenya’s Director of Veterinary Services, told Reuters.

“There is no malice. We do not want to endanger the human and the animal population in this country.”

The two-year-old female chimps, Sweet Pea and Guey, were handed over to conservationists in April, and have been cared for by volunteers in the Liberian capital Monrovia.

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Nigeria, Indonesia explore complexities in cross cultural exhibition

By Prisca Sam-Duru & Vera Anyagafu

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T is not very often that Nigeria finds a good opportunity to mend its battered image which is why occasions such as the Biennale, an International exhibition which provides creative artists as well as performing artistes, a platform to showcase their countries’ endowments, becomes a rare privilege.

The Biennale Jogja XIII 2015 holding in Indonesia with theme, “Indonesia Meets Nigeria Staging Conflict, Hacking Harmony”, provides Nigeria a great opportunity to showcase to the entire globe, that the country is blessed beyond what many could imagine and that her people do not deserve the stereotypes.

During the Biennale Jogja XIII, artists, cultural figures and people of many different fields are expected to collaborate with the curators.

Working platform The collaboration is one of a kind that creates a collective working platform in the form of activity space both in terms of material and immaterial. The space in turn, will be shaped by exhibition space, workshop, study class, performance stage and a simulative information centre.

The Biennale is a space for producing work in a synergistic collaboration in the frame of interdisciplinary art. In this event, the curators Jude Anogwih who is assisting the Indonesian curator, will work as collaborators in the process of work-producing. Together with the artists, they will work collectively to develop ideas and produce art projects communally.

In order to strengthen the symbiotic relationship existing between Nigerian and Indonesian artists as well as ensure accurate representation of Nigeria’s narrative, two Indonesian artists Maryanto, a visual artist and Anggun Priambodo, a video artist, have been in Nigeria since June 2015, for a 30-day-long residency, to conduct researches on the works they will be presenting at the

Biennale Jogja XIII 2015 holding in November, in Indonesia.

Aderemi Adegbite, Nigeria’s photographer, who is one of the artists working with Maryanto and Anggun, who are on residency at the Centre for Contemporary Artists CCA, said that the Biennale takes place every year and moves from country to country. The reason they are collaborating with Nigeria this time is because Nigeria is on the equator and that’s how they choose venues

The Biennale provides Nigeria a great opportunity to showcase to the entire globe, that the country is blessed beyond many could imagine

• One of the works by Indonesian artist, Maryanto yearly. According to him, “These artists were in Nigeria last year for my own exhibition, they went to Segun Adefila’s and visited so many studios around the country.

At the moment they are researching on what they are going to present at the biennale in November. They have chosen different themes which they are working on. So far, they’ve done well with what they want.”

Adegbite who blamed lack of funds for the underdevelopment of Nigerian art, disclosed that the issue of funding is preventing so many artists who are ready to participate in the Biennale from doing so, as only 6 Nigerian artists have been selected.

Maryanto, the Indonesian visual artist, who dwells more on drawings and paintings, said that

he has long maintained his interest in unravelling challenges encountered by his country as well as others richly endowed with mineral resources.

Mineral resources “When I was invited to the Biennale, I decided to go on with research on this issue. I found out that Nigeria as a country is rich in oil and I try to find out the similarities between Indonesia and Nigeria in terms of oil, not just the benefit but problems.

Because even in Indonesia, there are difficulties in this area.

In this project, I try to find out the complexities, benefit and problems. Are the troubles worth it?, is one big question begging

for answer. So these issues will be reflected on my works in the Biennalle.” He said.

On why he decided to tackle the issue of Nigeria’s oil problems, Maryanto explained that his curiosity about the problems of Indonesia, made him form the opinion that most countries blessed with so much resources usually have numerous problems. According to him, his research seeks to simplify issues for people to see and also advise both countries to see the oil problems beyond money.

Anggun Priambodo, said the Biennale is a huge opportunity to help Nigeria tell her story. “ My work is about information.

How people can get correct information about Nigeria.

Customer Contact Solutions urges corporate support for Art Sector

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By Japhet Alakam

N the face of the dwindling oil revenue and its attendant effects on the Nigerian economy and the worrisome level of unemployment in the country, the Chief Executive Officer of Customer Contact Solutions Nigeria Ltd (CCSNL) Mr Ikena Odike has admonished corporate organizations to give needed support to the growth of the arts

sector in Nigeria.

The CCSNL boss a system integrator and Business Process Outsourcer firm that provides BPO services and solutions for Nigeria and West Africa made this known at a recent exhibition sponsored by the company with the theme ‘Illimite’. “As an organization, we appreciate natural talent and human creativity, hence we are

committed to leveraging the opportunities within the arts to encourage young minds to achieve their dreams”, he added The company partnered with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tresor D’Afrique and established Nigerian artist, Mr. Chinedu Ogakwu, to hold the art exhibition which showcased sixty eight pieces of his latest creative works in Lagos.

Creative works

• Baby's Day Out, one of the works by Chinedu Ogakwu

The artistic exposition which was held at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos had as its theme, “Illimite”, which in French means “unlimited”. The subject matter of the exhibition focused on the fact that the mind of an artist is naturally unrestricted in terms of ideas, media and styles of artistic expression. “ As an artist, I believe life itself is an artistic expression, even so we think that nature creates unlimited appeal for mankind which explains why there s no limit to what man can do with all

around him”, Ogakwu expressed.

The Port Harcourt based artist says the theme was informed by the notion that the Arts, as forms of creative beauty, are really everywhere, and that there is art in whatever we find ourselves doing as humans.

The 40-year-old mixed-media professional painter and holder of a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Painting, from Enugu Art School, in Enugu State, incidentally, started painting at age six.

Ogakwu’s Afrocentric art company, Tresor D’Afrique, which implies ‘Treasures of Africa’, is focused on producing artistic works that are mostly historical and cultural in nature.

These works, according to him, convey strong messages as they relate to the primitive life of an African man.

“My vision as an artist is to really remind Africans and the world at large of the former’s root and cultural heritage which should not be allowed to fade away,” he urged humanity.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 59

In The Great Leap ashola Leap,, FFashola sa ys his mind says

By Japhet Alakam

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HE story of the Lagos mega city project is arguably one of the most important in recent decades, when development issues are being discussed in Nigeria. It is one of a transformation that many people would have thought impossible a few years ago. The mega city project is thus so important that it will continue to resonate in many places and for a long time.

Today it has found its way into another book titled ‘The Great Leap’, which is a collection of major speeches by the immediate past Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola. The book was compiled and edited by Fashola’s former Special Adviser on Media, Hakeem Bello, also a former Editor of Daily Times, who authored ‘The Interpreters; Ritual, Violence and Social Regeneration in the Writing of Wole Soyinka’.

The Great Leap, is, however, coming alongside two other books –In Bold Prints: Thoughts of Babatunde Raji Fashola and The Lagos Blow Down: West Africa’s First Controlled Demolition. All the three will be presented at the MUSON Centre, Lagos on August 18 at the MUSON Centre.

While ‘The Great Leap; accommodates Fashola’s inauguration speeches, those he made at the launching of key policies, programmes and completion of projects, the mega city story stands in a conspicuous place as it was at the centre of the former governor’s success story.

which he had articulated his administration’s dream and plan for the project.

The speech comes under ‘Executing Programmes’ category, where we have others on the launch of the ‘Lagos Mortgage Programme’, ‘Commissioning of the Lagos State Records and Archives Bureau’ and ‘Handing over of the Lekki-Epe Link Bridge’.

Considering the significance of the mega city project, Bello creates a separate segment for it. Hence, between pages 172 and 182, we have Fashola’s speeches at the ‘Opening Ceremony of Lagos Mega City Business Expo’, ‘Building Infrastructure for a Mega City: Vision and Practice’; and ‘Declaration Ceremony of the Five Million Square Metres of Eko Atlantic City Project’.

As many people have acknowledged, the return of democracy has not only recorded landmark achievements in infrastructural development in a State like Lagos, it has also become a blessing for other hitherto marginalised sectors like art, culture and tourism. But stakeholders in the art and entertainment industry would attest to the fact that the Fashola administration paid attention to the sector too. They will remember, for instance, the coming on stream of the upbeat historical and cultural centre, Freedom Park; Oshodi Heritage Park and several others that now dot the city. They will also remem-

Budget presentation The speech that became the title of the book – ‘The Great Leap’, is at the centre of others, as the speech, delivered by Fashola in 2008 at the budget presentation at the Lagos State House of Assembly, captures the passion and determination that would eventually drive Fashola’s eight years sojourn in Alausa.

The governor’s analysis of the situation, what his administration had achieved within the first 100 days and the task ahead is so profound and ambitious that it covers all areas of development. In terms of transport, for instance, Fashola then noted the employment of many LAMATA staff and repair and widening of roads. The same cut through housing, health and economy in general.

Yet, as we have on page 47, the governor did not disguise the courage he wanted to deploy to tackling the then aggressive Atlantic surge and cummulative abuse that had turned the Atlantic ocean, which is otherwise a blessing, to a dangerous threat for the populace.

Other speeches under the agenda-setting category are ‘One-Day Stakeholders Forum Meeting on the incidence of Collapsed Buildings’, ‘Stakeholders Conference on Taxation’,‘Launch of Project Wheel’, ‘Second Lagos Education Summit’ and ‘2008 Public Health Sector’.

Also, Lagosians eagerly awaiting the completion of the Lagos metro project will be glad to read Fashola’s speech titled Investment Forum for the Promotion of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, in

THE GREAT LEAP, documents speeches of former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN) ber the Black Heritage Festival which has the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as one of the backbones; the return of the Eyo Festival as well as the annual Lagos Carnival. It is in this light that Fashola’s speeches recorded in Section nine of ‘The Great Leap’ – ‘2010 Lagos Carnival’ and ‘2011 Eyo Festival’ – are as important as any other ones.

In all, Bello’s efforts in compiling his boss’ speeches is commendable. Some people could be tempted to say it is a predictable project, since several people in his shoes have done similar things. But apart from the fact that Bello lived up to his profile of being a former Editor of the ‘Daily Times’, he showed professionalism in the packaging of the book – editing, proof reading, printing and all - the publication is likely to end up as a fundamental document in the socio-political history of Lagos. Besides, it contains vital lessons in leadership, politics and genuine efforts to rid one’s society of stagnation.

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Robotic surgery coming to Lagos

By Chioma Obinna

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N its bid to bring to Nigeria Robotic Gynaecological Surgeries as well as reduce the trend of medical tourism occasioned by the quest for world-class treatment by most Nigerians, a United States of American- based Nigerian doctor and President, Obgyne Consultants, Macon, Georgia, USA, Dr. Bola Sogade, has proposed to establish a world class obstetrics and gynaecology Centre in Nigeria.

The Centre which would be known as Obgyne Consultants Africa Projects and situated in Lagos, will offer cutting-edge surgery and health care services, education, training, research and development, for the benefit of African women.

Sogade, a Robotic Surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, regretted the many mismanaged surgeries in Nigeria, saying surgery all over the world had gone beyond the way it was done decades back from big incisions to little incisions and shorter admission and healing periods.

Sogade who has performed an average of 300 robotic surgeries and thousands of obstetric deliveries and complex gynaecological procedures with excellent track record of zero percent maternal mortality, in Macon, Georgia, said aggressive ways of performing surgeries have emerged which accords smaller incisions and the result being lesser blood loss, less chance of infection and quicker

SURGERY WITH COMPUTER: Robotic surgery, a method to perform surgery using very small tools attached to a robotic arm controlled by a computer operated by a surgeon. On the right is President, Obgyne Consultants, Dr. Bola Sogade. recovery time.

Speaking at a media parley in Lagos, she said her organisation tends to bring to Nigeria, the latest evolution in surgical technology, Da Vinci Surgery System and Monalisa Touch with minimally invasive surgery in which surgeons operate through just a few small incisions.

“This features a magnified 3D high definition vision system and tiny wristed instruments that bend and rotate far greater that the human wrist. It enables the woman

to operate with enhanced vision, precision, dexterity and control.”

She explained that with Robotic equipment, the surgeon is 100 percent in control of the system, which translates his or her hand movement into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instrument inside the body. Sogade stated that a woman can only be cut only when she has proper indication for a Caesarean Section.

“It is my desire to bring this technology down to the country so that people can

stop travelling very far to access it and also to help other women who need it but don’t have the resources to travel.”

Robotic surgery can be used to treat fibroids that cannot be treated with medications; check to know the fertility status of a woman and not puncturie the scar tissue and removal of endometriosis to aid a woman get pregnant;.

The procedure also looks for diagnostic purposes when women experience pain, oncology cases, among others.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

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Months later, I called again and they recommended Kangaroo. It was hands down the best. It made me so horny. I thought about sex every day and each time I did, I get so wet. I would take one capsule and feel like this for days. Best buy – Lola Three years ago, I bought a penis enlargement pump from you. My penis was about five inches long. I had wanted one of those instant enlargement creams but you advised me to take a penis pump if I wanted something with permanent results. I used it for a while.

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It will go back to my usual size after a while. But I kept using it. I never noticed any changes until my girlfriend was giving me oral one day and kept saying, ‘this is too big’. That was when I knew the enlargement was working – Bernard

I have been using the Extreme Tri Twister vibrator I bought now and there are no problems. I never had any doubts. My problem has always been men. The ones I have been with can’t satisfy me or give me an orgasm but with a vibrator, it is so easy. Remember not to use my real name for this thing you are doing – Samantha I am a Cockring man. I have never felt comfortable taking drugs. Whenever I want to impress and last longer, I just wear my Cockring.

As always, when I ejaculate, I am still hard and erect to keep on going and my woman does not complain so life is good – Kenneth I bought your Encounter Orgasm gel for my wife.

She is not available to comment but as far as I know she is not complaining. This is the third time I have bought it for her – Chinedu You people are behaving like MTN now. Only phone companies call to ask if you are satisfied with their services. I have bought many things from you. I like the movies especially and Magic Mike erection drug.

My wife buys your lingerie. We are fine and thanks for asking – Kayode I used your cream for premature ejaculation many years ago. I don’t like applying it when a woman is waiting for me to come to bed. That is my only complaint but it helped me so I use it when I need to - Yusuf That is all we have space for now. You are welcome to call us when you have any questions and we will also appreciate feedback on the products you have bought. As usual, the names of people mentioned here have been changed for their privacy.

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AAG: 12 boxers to represent Nigeria T

•Striking ... Yaya Toure lifting City up.

Toure prays for Chelsea’s downfall

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FTER scoring a brace in their opening game of the 2015/16 season against West Brom, Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure said this weekend’s game against Chelsea at the Ethihad Stadium will be massive and he can only hope for the Blues’ defeat.

City, lost the title to Chelsea last season. Both sides played a 1-1 draw in their Premier League ties last season, but on Sunday the importance of winning the match and start well is not lost on Toure.

“We have a massive game on Sunday against a direct rival. I hope it will be a good one for us.

“Sunday is going to be tough again — after that we have Everton. I think it is a strong start. We are fully focused this year.”

Toure added that he was “unfairly” criticised last season for a perceived dip in form but insisted he could not care less.

“For me, I’m quite surprised. Last season was not the best season for us, but second in the table, I think, is not bad at all,” the 32-

year-old was quoted as saying by the British media. One of the most dominant players in European football when on song, Toure insisted he was “not back”, as had been widely reported.

“I’ve always been there.

People have to understand football is not talking about one player, it’s about the team. I hope this year is going to be fine for us,” Toure said.

“The important thing is we have a target. That is to bounce back like we did two seasons ago.''

Pedro free to go, Barca affirms

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ANCHESTER United have been cleared to make a bid for Pedro after Barcelona con-

firmed that he has asked for a transfer.

United are yet to make a formal offer but are ready

Jordan more talented than Andre — Abedi Pele

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HANA football leg end Abedi Ayew Pele insists his youngest son Jordan Ayew of Aston Villa is the most talented of all his three sons even though Andre had a blistering start to his English Premier League career with Swansea City.

Jordan recently signed a five year deal with English Premier League side Aston Villa after excelling with French side Lorient where

•Abedi

he recorded 13 goals last season.

The Ghana international is however yet to fully convince the masses of his true potential after a nottoo-impressive debut in the English Premier League over the weekend.

However, his elder brother showed his potential by scoring and grinding out a solid performance in his debut for Swansea as they held champions Chelsea to a 2-2 draw.

Despite this evidence, their father Abedi Pele still insists the 23-year-old is the most silkiest of his talented footballing family.

“They are both my children and you take each person with his qualities but I am not the only person to say that even Andre also says that Jordan is the most talented in the family,”Abedi told Citi FM.

to meet the £22million release clause in Pedro’s contract following confirmation from Barcelona sporting director Robert Fernandez that the 28-year-old may have played his last game for the club.

Pedro started on the bench for Barca’s UEFA Super Cup thriller against Sevilla in Tbilisi but came off to score the winning goal in extra-time as Luis Enrique’s men sealed a 54 victory.

Before kick-off in Georgia, Fernandez told Spanish television: ‘Pedro has told me that he wants to leave. Right now there is nothing (no offers). Pedro’s clause is not negotiable, but this could be his last game.’

•Pedro

HE Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) yesterday unveiled a 12man boxing team to represent the country at the 11th All Africa Games (AAG).

The Games are scheduled to run from Sept. 4 to Sept. 19, in Congo, Brazzaville.

They are made up of 10 male and two female boxers. The team would be accompanied by four coaches.

They are Muyideen Oyakojo (49kg), Taiwo Abiodun (52kg), Sanusi Abiodun (56kg), Rilwan Oladosu (60kg), Shogbanmu Waheed (64kg), Korede Adeniyi (75kg) and Ademuyiwa Kehinde (79kg).

Other are; Danuloko Ekele (81kg), Efetobor Apochi (91kg) and Efe Ajagba (+ 91kg).

•Edith Ogoke Agu, Nigerian female boxer.

The female boxers are Caroline Linus (51 kg) and Ogoke Agu (75kg).

Adura Olalehin, an assistant coach to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the federation would be expecting two foreignbased boxers to join the team.

He said before the final selections, all the boxers in the camp were given equal opportunity to prove themselves

through the various trials organised by the federation.

Olalehin said with the high spirit and commitment of the boxers, the federation was sure that they would perform well to win gold medals at the competition.

NAN reports that 26 boxers were initially invited to camp in Lagos to prepare for the Games.

Yakmut decries prolonged litigation in NBBF

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HE Director-General, National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut has expressed displeasure over the unsettled rift ravaging the Nigerian Basketball Federation for almost a year and called on the basketball family to gear up towards its resolution.

According him, “having a case in court for a year is a disservice to Nigerian youths who are eager to play the game of basketball.

I think the game of basketball should be restricted to the basketball court and not the conventional court”.

Mallam Yakmut who presided over the meeting called for the reconciliation of the warring factions in Abuja today, remarked that despite the absence of some board members at the meeting, parties have agreed to abide by decisions reached at the meeting, through the apologies they sent.

He also noted the haphazard manner in which non-governmental organisations, and some federations juxtapose programmes without confirming if such events were in the sporting itinerary of the federations for the year.

The Director-General therefore directed the Director, Federation of Elite Athletes Department (FEAD) to develop checklists for the federations

•Olumide Oyedeji... D'Tigers captain. which would be subjected to amendment depending on the timeline of such events. He further directed that sponsors and

NGOs be allowed unfettered access to such checklists to ensure adherence and follow-up.

Rangers coach leaves hospital

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ANGERS coach Charles Offordile who was shot Monday night by unknown gunmen in Enugu has been discharged from hospital.

Rangers spokesman Foster Chime confirmed to Sports Vanguard that the coach “has been discharged from hospital.”

He disclosed that the players who travelled to Abuja Tuesday to keep a date with El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the

Federation Cup match visited the coach before travelling.

“The players and some members of the management team visited him before they travelled. He is fine,”Chime said.

Sketchy details suggested the assailants may even be known to the coach.

Rangers are 10th on the league table with 32 points from 22 matches.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015 — 63

Tanzania can’t stop us – Salami

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BOLAHAN Salami, the Warri Wolves goal poacher, has expressed happiness at being invited by the new coach of the senior national team and has promised to deliver if included in the final squad for the encounter in Dar es Salam next month.

Salami says he is more than ready to play under coach Sunday Oliseh.

Salami was a prominent figure under former coach Stephen Keshi and scored the opening goal in June’s 2-0 victory over Chad in Kaduna.

He said that playing for the Eagles has always been very exciting and ensuring that the maximum points is secured against the Taifa Stars would be the ideal tonic for the Eagles’ quest to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after the team’s failure to play in the 2015 edition held in Equatorial Guinea.

•Gbolahan Salami “I am always happy to be invited to the national team and another call up to the Super Eagles won’t be an exception,” Salami told Goal.

The Wolves goal sensation promised Nigerians that the Eagles would be competitive and be poised to record an impressive result in Dar es Salam.

“We are condemned to beat Tanzania away from home to stand a good

chance of qualifying for the 2017 Afcon.

“Everyone is still pained at our inability to play in Equatorial Guinea this year and we must do everything possible to qualify ahead of our opponents,” Salami said.

He has scored nine goals from 22 games this season and also added five goals in the 2015 Caf Confederation Cup before the Seasiders crashed out. He netted over 15 goals in the top plight last season.

Reps Continues from BP the pitch while playing for the country at the National Stadium, Surulere, 26years ago.

This was based on a motion under matters of national importance brought to the floor of the house by Rep Tajudeen Yusuf, PDP, Kogi who noted that , Wednesday, 12th August was exactly 26 years that an exemplary and patriotic Nigerian top footballer; Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, slumped and died at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, while playing for his fatherland in a World Cup qualification match against Angola.

He said Late Samuel Okwaraji was an embodiment of humility, commitment and patriotism, who unlike his colleagues, often paid his way to Nigeria and back to his base after honouring any National assignment without asking for refund. “ “26 years after the unfortunate death of Samuel Okwaraji, nothing concrete and enduring has been done by the Federal Government, Nigerian football authorities and

Imo State Government to immortalize the name of a great hero who in his lifetime assisted younger Nigerians in their respective footballing and other careers” “A player who displayed uncommon passion and unequaled patriotism playing for Nigeria, the only visible attempt to immortalize him, after sacrificing his life for Nigeria on August 12, 1989, at the age of 24, is a bust erected at the entrance of the National Stadium, Lagos, which is utterly derelict, completely weatherbeaten and painfully not befitting of the status of Samuel Okwaraji” “His only likely legacy a mini stadium purportedly named after him in his home town – Umudioka, Orlu in Imo State, whose construction was abandoned by s u c c e s s i v e administrations in Imo State for over 20 years, has now been displaced by an on-going road construction project, without any hope of possible relocation”.

He expressed worry that Nigerian football authorities that should be more sensitive and committed to the

immortalisation of Samuel Okwaraji, reneged on its promise to retire the Number 6 jersey he wore on that day.

The lawmaker further stressed that “apart from failing to immortalise Late Samuel Okwaraji, his aged Mother – Mrs. Janet Okwaraji and other family members are in deep economic situation, requiring rehabilitation”.

Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Rep Pally Iriase, PDP, Edo had argued that Nigeria needs people like the Late Okwaraji and constituting an adhoc committee may not generate positive feeling as it could discourage other patriotic Nigerians.

“I therefore urge that the House constitute a Committee to the family.

I think it is not time for us to open an old wound without taking steps to heal it”, Iriase said.

On the strength of this argument, the green chamber further resolved to send a high level delegation of lawmakers to visit, identify and show solidarity with members of Okwaraji’s family.

When it was put to voice vote by the speaker, Yakubu Dogara the aye carried the day.

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RESIDENT of W o r l d Taekwondo Federation, Chungwon Choue and President of Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel yesterday sent messages of condolence to the Vice President, African Taekwondo Union, Dr Jonathan Nnaji on the death of his mother.

Late Chief(Mrs) Mercy Mgbankwo Nnaji(Ezinne) died on July 21. She was 91 years old. ‘’I was deeply saddened to learn that your mother passed away. It shall be

NOC, World Taekwondo Federation condole with Nnaji on mother’s death impossible to imagine the sadness you and your family must have now . On behalf of the entire global Taekwondo families, let me offer my deepest condolences to you, the families and relatives. I can only hope that they will be given strengths to bear these difficult times’’, Choue wrote.

In another message to the former first Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and

Federation Cup Continues from BP by surprise packets Niger Tornadoes Feeders. Feeders had booted out top division club, Dolphins FC on penalties in the Round of 16 and again came close, before losing 3-4 on penalties after battling 2-2 draw at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

In Lokoja, Lobi Stars also shoved out another surprise package, BJ Foundation of Benin 21. A tantalizing semi final is on the cards as Lobi get set to battle Enugu Rangers.

In Abuja, Enugu Rangers’ march to a

Continues from BP

sixth title was sustained with a 3-0 thrashing of El-Kanemi Warriors.

In the women’s event, champions Rivers Angels were eliminated

by Confluence Queens in an interesting contest. The Kogi Queens edged the game 2-1, and will now tackle Bayelsa Queens, 2-0 winners over Edo Queens in the semi finals.

Also through to the semi finals are Nasarawa Amazons, who whipped Osun Babes 3-1, and Sunshine Queens, who defeated FC Robo 2-0 in Oleh.

NFF

endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation before he can vie for the seat.

But the federation must also consider section one of article 13 of the FIFA statutes on such election.

The section spells out conditions a candidate for the office of FIFA President must meet.

The article puts it this way: The candidate shall have played an active role in association football (as a board member, committee member, referee and assistant referee, coach, trainer and any other person responsible for technical, medical or administrative matters in FIFA, a Confederation, Association, League or Club or as a player) for two of the last five years before being proposed as a candidate (cf. art.

24 par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes).

It is against this background that the Nigeria Football Federation, even if it wants to endorse Kalu, may not be able to do so as the amiable football -loving former governor may not meet the above requirements.

Amaju Pinnick, President of the Federation said on television Monday that the federation would meet to discuss Kalu’s interest in FIFA presidency. A member of the federation said last night that their hands were tied by the statutory requirements to endorse Kalu.

Another member of the federation also advised that the former Governor ‘’should be wary of people who would want to defraud him’’.

President of Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Gumel said; ‘’we deeply mourn with Nnaji at this trying time and pray that God will give him the fortitude to bear the great loss’’.

The NOC President added: ‘’I know Nnaji to be quite close to the mother and the NOC identify with him in this moment of sorrow and pray that God will give the departed eternal rest’’.

Beinjing 2015 Continues from BP medal in 2008.

At the last championships in Moscow, Russia, Okagbare was denied a place on the podium in the 100m by Shelly Ann PraserPryce, Murielle Ahoure and Carmelita Jeta. However, she was able to rescue a bronze in the 200m, partly because race favourite Allyson Felix had a pull.

But going to China this time, Okagbare stated that she is not bothered by the quality of the opposition as there could be an upset.

“Anybody can be beaten, including Shelly-Ann or even me. We have all worked hard. Each time you participate in a competition, the essential thing is to run to full potential,” said Okagbare who also won silver in the long jump with 6.99m.

Ahead of the championships in Beijing, Okagbare has the third fastest time of the season.

A 10.80 seconds, she achieved in July. FraserPryce has fastest time of 10.74 seconds with English Gardner of the USA in second place with 10.79 seconds. Other athletes who are potential medalists include Ahoure of Cote’d Ivoire who has 10.81 seconds and Tori Bowie also with 10.81.

Nigerian athletes who are in the team include Gloria Asumnu, Stephanie Kalu, Deborah Odeyemi, Cecilia Francis, Patience Okon-George, Regina George, Oluwatosin Adeleye and Magaret Etim. Others are Rita Ossai, Uhunoma Naomi Osazuwa, Miles Ukaoma, Doreen Amata, Lindley Weyinmi Lindsay, Tosin Oke, ega Odele and Amaka Ogoegbunam.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2015

26yrs after: Immortalise Okwaraji now, Reps tell FG

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

M

EMBERS of the House of Representatives yesterday urged the

Federal Government to immortalise late Sam Okwaraji who died on Continues on Page 63

FIFA: Why NFF may not endorse Kalu I

T became clear last night that the Nigeria Football Federation may not endorse the candidature of former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu for Fifa Presidency.

Kalu is in the news for the office of Fifa president which Sepp Blatter will vacate soon.

Former Wimbledon star John Fashanu is among those campaigning for Kalu to contest the election.

Kalu must first be

Continues on Page 63

Federation Cup: FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Rivers Angels bundled out

G

•Kalu

•Blatter

Beijing 2015: Okagbare eyes Shelly-Ann upset

BY BEN EFE

•Okagbare

N

15th

I G E R I A ’ s delegation to the IAAF world

championships in Beijing is expected to depart on Tuesday August 18 and Blessing Okagbare is hoping to

outshine her strongest rivals in the Chinese capital city where she first won an Olympic Continues on Page 63

LO NPFL side, FC IfeanyiUbah has been thrown out of this year ’s Federation Cup competition after a tough duel with Nasarawa United at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin on Wednesday.

The Lafia kings reached the semi finals with a 1-0 win, and will now play fellow Glo NPFL side Akwa United in the semi finals.

Akwa United were stretched to the rubber

Continues on Page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Meat-pin (6) 5 Labour (4) 8 Harmonium (5) 9 Strive (3) 10 Idol (4) 11 Scrutinise (4) 12 Swim (5) 13 Decayed (6) 16 Record (4) 18 Deadened (4) 20 Scuttle (3) 22 Vegetable (3) 23 Animal (3) 24 Rod (4) 25 Final (4) 28 Knocked (6) 30 Impression (5) 32 Learn (4) 33 Assistant (4) 34 Horse (3) 35 Compel (5) 36 Victim (4) 37 Atelier (6)

DOWN 1 Harsh (6) 2 Poll (8) 3 Resounded (6) 4 Scatter (9) 5 Cleansing (7) 6 Formerly (4) 7 Ruler (4) 8 Sphere (3) 14 Tact (9) 15 Bird (3) 17 Ocean (3) 19 Shut (8) 20 Virago (3) 21 Ruin (7) 26 Gift (6) 27 Slowly (6) 29 Vessel (4) 30 Secure (4) 31 Confusion (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 3, Asked 9, Exhort 10, Riddle 11, Trend 12, Idea 15, Nice 17, Sitting 20, Tot 21, Grand 23, Edam 25, Trod 26, Saver 28, Asp 30, Despond 33, Beat 35, Ever 36, Koala 38, Trivia 39, Expire 40, Trade.

DOWN: 1, Aegis 2, Sheet 3, Art 4, String 5, Erne 6, Did 7, Admit 8, Beret 13, Diverse 14, Atlas 16, Condone 18, Greed 19, Ant 22, Drape 24, Mat 27, Reeled 28, Abate 29, Panic 31, Ovoid 32, Dried 34, Sour 36, Kit 37, Axe.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K