Supreme Court halts Saraki's trial at CCT

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Supreme Court halts Saraki's trial at CCT

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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•Says parties should wait for it to study Saraki's suit •Gives them 7 days to file, exchange briefs of argument

B U J A — TEMPORARY reprieve came the way of the Senate President, Dr. Olubukola Saraki, yesterday, as the Supreme Court aborted bid by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, to begin full blown hearing on the 13-count criminal charge preferred against him by

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Ministerial matters •P.17

Between the desert and the deep sea •P.19

Mr & Mrs COMMISSIONING—Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left), cutting the tape to commission the Mile 12-Ikorodu BRT Extension and launching of new Bus Rapid Transit, yesterday. With him are Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (2nd right) and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (left).

FEDERAL CABINET: We won't condone Solving herdsmen, farmers face-off through legislation See inside

Nigeria in good corruption, incompetence, Buhari hands 9 11 warns permsecs —Tinubu

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POCKET CARTOON

NEW PERM SECS—President Muhammadu Buhari (5th L); Vice-president Yemi Osinbajo (4th L); Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, and new Permanent Secretaries after their inauguration by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Supreme Court halts Saraki's trial at CCT Continues from Page 1 the Federal Government.

In a ruling, yesterday, a five-man panel of justices of the apex court, led by Justice John Fabiyi, directed the CCT to ‘tarry awhile’ to enable it look into Saraki’s appeal.

It will be recalled that the Justice Danladi Umarled tribunal had on November 5 declined to suspend hearing on the case.

The tribunal, while refusing to hands-off the matter, gave the Federal Government the nod to call witnesses to testify against the Senate President on November 19.

Justice Umar anchored his decision on Section 305 (c) of the newlyenacted Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, which he said gave the tribunal powers to conclude the trial and pass sentence, but suspend execution until such a time the

appeal before the higher court was considered and decided.

The decision infuriated Saraki’s lawyers who walked out on the tribunal, even as they accused the panel of engaging in “an act of rascality” by refusing to accord respect to judicial hierarchy.

CCT should halt proceedings until...

However, in its ruling, yesterday, the Supreme Court ordered the CCT to stay its proceedings to enable it look into legal issues raised before it by Saraki.

Though government had at the tribunal opposed Saraki’s move to stay his trial, it, however, made a U-turn at the Supreme Court yesterday, saying it would not go ahead with the trial until the appeal was determined.

Prosecuting counsel,

IT'S UP TO YOU

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Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, entered an undertaking that “no unusual step will be taken by the Federal Government”, in relation to the charge against Saraki.

He, however, sought an accelerated hearing of the appeal, adding that the Federal Government had already filed a counteraffidavit where it adduced reasons Saraki should be allowed to face trial. He told the apex court that the 25-paragraph counteraffidavit was sworn to by one Samuel Adeyemi on November 10.

Rotimi said his decision to enter an undertaking on behalf of the Federal Government was to protect the validity of Section 306 of the ACJA, 2015, which he said forbids the granting of stay of proceedings in a criminal trial.

He argued that the essence of the section would be defeated should the apex court issue an express order directing the tribunal to stay its proceedings.

“I can give an undertaking not to proceed with the case before the tribunal, but for your lordships to grant stay is what I am concerned about. I am worried about what it will portend for the criminal justice system and for Nigeria”, Rotimi submitted.

Nevertheless, in their unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court judges gave both Saraki and the Federal Government seven days each to file and exchange their briefs of argument.

“In view of the fact that the learned counsel to the respondent has given an undertaking that no unusual step will be taken, it is imperative to state that all the parties, including the Code of Conduct Tribunal, should

tarry a while to enable this court determine the appeal before it.

“In effect, further proceedings at the CCT should be stayed, pending the hearing of the appeal. Hearing date will be communicated to all the parties”, Justice Fabiyi ruled.

Prior to the ruling, Saraki had, through his team of eight Senior Advocates of Nigeria, led

by Mr. J. B. Daudu, challenged the competence of the 13count charge and the jurisdiction of the CCT to entertain same.

He maintained that the CCT panel erred when it decided to go ahead with the trial, despite pendency of the appeal before the apex court. Saraki’s lawyer argued that the Justice Umar-led panel ought to have shown respect to the Supreme Court, being the highest court of the land.

He said: “The dignity and finality of the apex court must be preserved at all times to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and avoid anarchy.”

Saraki sought the intervention of the Supreme Court after he failed to persuade a threeman panel of justices of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, to quash the criminal charge against him.

In his appeal marked SC/852/2015, he prayed the apex court to invoke its powers and quash the 13-count criminal charge against him.

He wants the Supreme Court to set aside the judgement of the appellate court which had on October 30, granted the Federal Government the nod to go ahead with his trial.

He applied for: “An order staying further proceedings in Charge No: CCT/ABJ/01/2015

between Federal Republic of Nigeria vs Dr. Olubukola Abubakar Saraki fixed for hearing on November 5 and 6, 2015 pending the determination of the appeal before the Supreme Court against the judgment of the Court of Appeal dated October 30, 2015.”

Saraki's grounds of appeal

In his seven grounds of appeal, Saraki, asked the apex court to overrule the appellate court, void all the steps that the Justice Danladi Umar-led tribunal had taken so far, as well as, quash the 13count criminal charge against him.

He contended that the appellate court panel, led by Justice Moore Adumein, erred in law when it affirmed the competence of the proceedings of the CCT which sat on the appellant’s case with only two members against the three provided for in the provisions of Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution.

Saraki’s lawyer, Daudu, also faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that there was lacuna regarding the quorum of the tribunal.

He argued that the application of the Interpretation Act to hold that two out of three members of the tribunal could validly sit “is to circumvent and reduce the number prescribed by the Constitution for the due composition of the CCT”.

Similarly, Saraki faulted the majority decision of the appeal court where it held that the CCT was a court of limited criminal jurisdiction and that the charges were validly initiated by a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. M.S. Hassan, in the absence of a substantive Attorney-General of the Federation.

More so, he challenged the decision of the appeal court which held that Saraki had been properly served with the charges, at a time when his legal team only filed motion for

conditional appearance before bench warrant was issued against him by the CCT. Saraki’s lawyer further argued that the court of appeal erred in law for refusing to hold that the tribunal violated the order of the Federal High Court in Abuja which he said ordered the tribunal to appear before the court to show cause why its proceedings against Saraki should not be halted.

According to him, the appeal court erred in law when it held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 was applicable to the proceeding of the tribunal.

The appellate court had in two-to-one split decision on October 30, dismissed Saraki’s appeal against the ruling of the Justice Umar Danladi-led tribunal. Whereas the duo of Justices Adumein and Mohammed Mustapha dismissed Saraki’s appeal and ordered him to submit himself to the CCT for trial, another member of the panel, Justice Joseph Ekanem, held that the 13count charge was incompetent, even as he discharged the accused person.

Saraki was in the charge before the CCT, marked ABT/01/15 and dated September 11, 2015, alleged to have falsely declared his assets, contrary to the constitutionally requirement.

He was accused of deliberately manipulating the assets declaration form that he filed prior to his assumption of office as the Senate President, by making anticipatory declaration of assets, as well as, operated foreign bank account while in office as a public servant.

The offence was said to have been committed while Saraki held sway as governor of Kwara State.

He was also accused of breaching Section 2 of the CCB and Tribunal Act, an offence punishable under section 23(2) of the Act and paragraph 9 of the said Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Navy hands over 2 robbery suspects to police in Warri

We have 7 notorious cultists in custody— Lagos CP We’re not cultists; they won’t let us reach our families—SUSPECTS  ‘I’ll spend all I have to clear my name’

By Esther Onyegbula & Ufuoma Tiveruahor

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—THE Nigerian Navy in Warri, yesterday, handed over to the police two armed robbery suspects allegedly caught among a gang terrorising night shoppers and staff at the Shoprite mall in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State.

The suspects, George Apollos and Ibeni Obruche, both 21, were writhing in pains and bleeding from gunshots injuries, when Navy Commander Aliyu Umoru of the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Delta, handed them over to APC Mohammed M’uazu, Warri Area Police Commander.

Umoru said: “Staff and customers at the Delta Mall have been suffering repeated attacks by hoodlums, particularly at night.

“At about 9p.m. on Tuesday, our men, who have initiated patrol of the area, caught these two men shortly after robbing staff of Shoprite. Our men found a gun on them and we are here to hand them over to the police.”

Meanwhile, in two separate operations, men of NNS Delta, yesterday, carried out dawn raids on crude oil thieves and illegal refineries in their area of jurisdiction, resulting in the destruction of volumes of stolen crude and refined products.

Commodore Raimi Mohammed, Commander, NNS Delta, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the operations, said at Osiagbene in Burutu Local Government Area, his men found 55 drums; 39 of which contained kerosene and 16 filled with diesel.”

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AGOS—OFFICERS of Lagos State Police Command have arrested seven notorious cultists, after they allegedly broke into the shop of a woman they referred to as Iron Lady.

While parading the suspects yesterday, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the suspects were arrested in an effort to reduce cultism and street fights.

Owoseni added that after profiling the suspected cultists, police discovered that some of them were connected with previous murder cases during the last electoral campaigns in the state.

All the suspects denied being cultists. One of them said he would employ legal means to fight the police and prove his innocence and clear his name.

THE SUSPECTS: The seven suspected cultists, accused of robbery, paraded before

journalists, yesterday.

According to one of the suspects, Afolabi, who is from Isale-Eko, “I am married with two children. I was arrested for armed robbery alongside Lateef and five others by one Ola

Jigawa commissioner’s husband arrested over fake currency fraud; bailed

By Aliyu Dangida

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UTSE—THE police in Jigawa State have apprehended the husband of one of the commissioners (name withheld) in the state.

The suspect was arrested by officers from Hadejia Divisional Police Headquarters, having been accused of defrauding many people with fake foreign currency.

Items recovered in his possession included N79,000 and somefake denominations of US dollars and Euros.

Vanguard gathered that he was released with the

intervention of his wife, but that his vehicle was still in police custody.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usman Tilli, said he received a signal from the Divisional Police Officer of Hadejia on the issue of a man arrested for defrauding people in the name of producing foreign currencies for them.

He described the act as a criminal offence, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to others.

In a related development, the people of Gwaram in Jigawa

B

ENIN—AN Evboriaria Magistrate’s Court sitting in Benin has remanded one Lucky Jerry, 39, in prison custody for allegedly killing one Aimuanmwosa Otabor.

According to the Police prosecutor, ASP Aigbedion

State, has decried the spate of kidnapping in the community, even as the village head of Malaji, Malam Bala Musa, was abducted.

Spokesman of the community, Musa Kailua, said the menace of kidnapping was becoming the business of the day in the area, calling on the police and other relevant security agencies to rescue the community.

He said the abductors demanded a ransom of N7 million from the family of the district, but added that they were given N350,000 before his release.

Mob nab suspected car snatcher in Yenagoa

By Emem Idio

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ENAGOA—A suspected car snatcher was, yesterday, nabbed by a mob along Imgbi

Road, Amarata, a suburb of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The suspect, believed to be in his 20s, had attempted to use a master key to start the car, a

Man, 39, remanded in prison for alleged murder

By Gabriel Enogholase

Williams, popularly known as Iron lady.

“She claimed we fought her.

She said we came to make trouble with her in her shop and stole some of her wares. I work

Obakpolor, the accused person committed the offence on May 19, 2013, at 21, Amadasun Uwa Street, Benin, at about 8p.m.

The offence is punishable under Section 324 and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol. 11 Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, now applicable in Edo.

He alleged that the suspect shot the deceased with a singlebarrelled gun.

The trial magistrate, Mrs. F. O. Idiake, noted that the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the case, sent the file to Director of Public Prosecution for advice and adjourned the case to December 30.

white Toyota Camry, with Rivers number plates 706 AA, when the owner, who was eating at a buka, sighted him and raised alarm.

An eyewitness, Mr. Sylvester Dogo, told Vanguard that he was with his friends when he heard shouts of ‘thief,’ which prompted them to give the suspect a chase.

According to him, the suspect, who was beaten black and blue, confessed that he was a member of a gang. He said the suspect confessed to have been in the act for a long time.

He was later handed over to the police.

and have never killed anyone.

“I was arrested in my workplace when policemen came to raid the area two weeks ago. The person that fought with the woman was not even arrested; police arrested me in place of the person they were looking for.”

He added that since he was arrested, he had not seen the light of day except for yesterday, when they were paraded.

‘Police ask us to beg one Iron Lady’

He said: “My family would be worried sick, because they do not know my whereabouts.”

Another suspect, Lateef, said: “I do not know why I was arrested, but the police said a woman called Iron Lady said we broke into her shop and destroyed her properties. Some of the policemen that arrested us are our friends.

“They asked us what we did to the woman. They told us to go and beg her. Since our arrest, they did not allow any of us to contact any member of our family. Immediately I was arrested, the officers switched off my phones.”

A third one, Ogundimi, said: “I work at Lagos Island Local Government Area as a park attendant. I was not caught with a gun. I asked the police why I was arrested because I do not know why I was arrested.

“During the election campaigns, I ran away from the area because of the killings.

After the election period, I came back to the area.

“All the scars you see on my body were sustained during the election campaigns, when Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, thugs attacked me. It was Iron Lady that ordered our arrest. I am not a cultist.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—7

How breast-feeding exposed baby factory syndicate

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—PLANS by a 25year-old mother of four to sell a one-week-old baby boy, who was stolen in Onitsha, Anambra State, to a barren woman in Lagos, has been botched and the suspect arrested.

It was her inability to breastfeed the baby that set off the alarm, which led to her arrest and subsequent confession.

The suspect, who claimed to be a farmer and an apprentice in Onitsha, said she was on her way to hand over the baby to the buyer at Cele Bus Stop, along Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, when she was arrested.

Preliminary investigation, as gathered, revealed that the baby was stolen from his biological mother, who fled home on discovering she was pregnant.

Trouble started for the suspect, identified as Nkechi Obi, after the driver of the vehicle she chartered from Asaba, Delta State, became suspicious when he observed that she never breastfed the baby, even though the child cried ceaselessly during the six-hour journey to Lagos.

Not satisfied with her incoherent explanation, the driver was said to have stopped at Oshodi, where he alerted some policemen who subsequently subjected the suspect to interrogation during which it was discovered that the baby was not hers.

Suspect’s tale

The suspect claimed that the baby was given to her by her

boss, whose identity she gave simply as Ngozi, in Onitsha, to take to a ready buyer in Lagos.

She said: “I was in the shop located at 2 Ourline Street, Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday, when my madam, who I sell clothes for, came and ordered me to go and change into something better, that I was to embark on a journey to Lagos.

“Thereafter, she handed the baby to me and gave me a food flask and baby milk. She only gave me the telephone number of the woman I was to hand the baby over to. The woman in question is barren. I was to meet her at Cele Bus Stop. The would-be buyer was arrested.”

Report had it that the wouldbe buyer had two female children, but opted to adopt a male child due to pressure from her husband who threatened to marry another woman.

Asked if her husband was aware of her journey to Lagos, Obi who claimed to be an orphan, said she had separated from her husband, who she alleged used her as a baby factory.

‘I was baby factory for my husband’

She said: “I got married aged 16 years to Polycap Eze, who had no child from his wife. I was brought in to bear children for them. After the birth of my fourth child, he drove me out of the house, saying I have fulfilled the purpose for which he married me.

“I moved in with one of my relatives who later introduced

Calabar-Itu Road rehabilitation work in progress, yesterday.

By Daud Olatunji

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The suspect, Nkechi Obi. me to my madam.”

Speaking on her arrest, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said when the lady was arrested, she claimed that the baby was hers.

He said: “She claimed at first that her lover abandoned her with the baby. Later, she confessed that her aunt was a co-suspect. Two other persons, who have connection with the sale of the one-week-old baby,

were also arrested.

“We have kept the baby in proper custody through the Family Support Unit. Further investigation into the case has taken us to the eastern part of the country where the principal suspect lives.

“But she fled on hearing that we have arrested Nkechi Obi. We will ensure that everyone behind this case is arrested.”

Police arrest 100 robbery suspects, recover 706 weapons

By Evelyn Usman, Ufuoma Tiveruaor & Faith Ake

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AGOS State Police Command, yesterday, said it had arrested over 100 suspected criminals for various offences ranging from murder, kidnapping and child theft to robbery within the metropolis, in the last two months.

A total of 706 weapons were recovered within the period under review.

This came as father of the four children, who were killed by mudslide last Sunday at Orisha community, Magodo, Lagos, said he was not a policeman as widely reported by some newspapers (not Vanguard).

Also, the Inspector General, Mr. Solomon Arase, condoled

with the bereaved family.

The IGP sent a condolence letter and an undisclosed amount to the family.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, during a briefing at the command’s headquarters, Ikeja, said plans were on by the state government to inject about 100 patrol vehicles, 20 BMW bikes and helicopter to the command to help patrol the metropolis throughout the Yuletide period.

Crime statistics in the months under review, according to Owoseni, showed a down slide, adding that 40 robbery suspects were arrested in the month of September, while 30 were arrested in October, with 64 and 642 ammunition recovered, respectively.

Man jailed 6 months for mysteriously escaping from detention

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—FOR escaping from police cell where he was detained, a middle-aged man, Taye Isaac, was yesterday sentenced to six months imprisonment by a Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Akure, Ondo State.

The court, presided over by

Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo, however, ordered the accused to pay N20,000 fine as an option.

Isaac was arrested for hitting the head of one Sunday Akinola with a bottle during a fight. After his arrest and detention in police custody, the accused person mysteriously escaped.

Police arrest robbers with explosive devices, others in Ogun

However, he was later rearrested and charged to court.

According to the police prosecutor, Pelumi Adejuwon, the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 135(a) of the Criminal Code 37Vol. Laws of the Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Isaac pleaded guilty to the offence, while the police

prosecutor tendered the statement written by the accused person to the court as an exhibit.

Counsel to the accused person, Mrs Grace Obanigba, appealed to court to be lenient in its verdict for the fact that the Isaac had confessed to the offence and did not waste the court’s time.

BEOKUTA—OGUN State Police Command, yesterday, paraded four suspected bank robbers with explosive devices allegedly meant for operation in Ijebu-Ode area of the state.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Finance and Administration, Celestine Okoye, who paraded the suspects at the Police Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the state capital, said the suspected robbers were arrested last month with four explosive devices and connective wires.

The DCP said all the suspects were coming from Delta State to meet another leader of the syndicate, simply identified as Wisdom, who was arranging the operation in Ijebu-Ode. He explained that the case was still under investigation and would be charged to court at the appropriate time.

Police arrest man with stolen car

By Esther Onyegbula &Faith Ake

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AGOS—THE police in Lagos State have arrested a man with a stolen car, number plates HZ813ABC, which he said he bought at a hotel.

According to the 34-yearold suspect, who identified himself as Roy Omoriere, “I bought this car at Sango in a hotel where I went to pass the night. I slept there because it was late as I was on my way to Cotonou.”

Vanguard learned that the suspect was arrested last week in his house in Ogun State, after he bought a stolen vehicle and replaced the original plate number with a fake one, LND505CJ, to wade off suspicion.

Omoriere said: “I am a mechanic engineer, married with two kids. Please help me, it was a mistake.

“I do not know where the guys are from or where their office is. I never knew that this car will bring me this trouble and disgrace.”

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Threat to life: Court hears Dasuki’s suit against FG today

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA— THE Abuja Division of the Federal High Court will today hear the fundamental rights enforcement suit lodged against the Federal Government by former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

Dasuki, in an application he filed pursuant to Sections 36(5) 37 and 41 of the 1999 constitution, as well as, Sections 1(1) and (2) and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, alleged threat to his life.

He told the high court that he had been kept under house arrest by armed operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, since November 3.

The suit was lodged before the court by his lead counsel, Mr. Ahmed Raji, SAN. Dasuki, who was NSA under former President Goodluck Jonathan, told the court that DSS operatives laid siege to his house and prevented him from travelling abroad for medical treatment, despite a subsisting court order that permitted him to go and take care of his budding cancer and return to the country within three weeks to continue his trial.

He is praying the court to uphold his rights to dignity and security of life.

Besides, Dasuki is seeking a mandatory order compelling the Federal Government and its agents, especially the operatives of the DSS to vacate his house located at 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro, with immediate effect.

Nigeria sliding into dictatorship, PDP raises alarm Seeks international community's help Says APC has failed to implement campaign promises

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA — THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday drew the attention of the international community to what it described as

increasingly fascist inclination of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. The party’s assertion in a communiqué issued at the end of a Special National Conference in Abuja,

CONFERENCE: From left: Centre Manager, FirstBank Sustainability Centre, Dr. Ijeoma Nwagwu; GMD/CEO FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; Guest Speaker and CEO, Golden Palm Investments, Ghana/USA, Mr. Sangu Delle; and Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Folake Ani-Mumuney at the FirstBank Sustainability Centre International Conference, in Lagos, yesterday.

Crude oil swap: NNPC, crude oil dept, PPMC frustrating our investigations —Reps

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives ad-hoc committee on Refined Products Exchange Agreement/Crude Oil Swap, yesterday, said the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC; Crude Oil Department and Pipeline and Products Marketing Company, PPMC, were frustrating its investigative enquiry into crude oil swap regime.

Chairman of the adhoc committee, Zakari

Mohammed, APC, Kwara, said: “We are having difficulties with the NNPC, the Crude Oil division and the PPMC and you are all aware, pursuant to Sections 88 and 89, we have been empowered to expose corruption and at the same time be able to straighten the books.”

He, however, issued a Wednesday, November 18, 2015, noon, deadline to the defaulting agencies to comply with the committee’s directive and threatened to issue a subpoena to them to appear before the committee.

He said: “But as it appears,

Lamorde still Police Commissioner, to be posted soon — Okiro did very well. He did the

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By Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor

AGOS — THE Police Service Commission, PSC, yesterday, said the embattled former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, who recently proceeded on his terminal leave, is still a Commissioner of Police and will be duly posted as soon as he reports for duty.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard on phone, the

yesterday, came as senior PDP chieftains mocked the ruling APC administration for not being able to implement one of its campaign promises.

They also accused a serving APC governor and

Chairman of the commission, Sir Mike Okiro, said he performed creditably well at the EFCC, adding that the force is proud of him.

According to him, “he is still a serving Commissioner of Police. He will come back to us for re-posting. He was only seconded to EFCC. He will not be required to go through any process because he was just on secondment. The moment he reports, we will post him.”

Prodded further to comment on his performance as the EFCC boss, Okiro said: He

Police proud. He performed his beat and we are happy and proud of him.”

Lamorde, who served as the Chairman of the EFCC for four years, proceeded on terminal leave last week ahead of the end of his tenure in February 2016.

He was replaced in acting capacity with Mr. Ibrahim Magu who, until his appointment, was the head of EFCC’s Economic Governance Unit, EGU, during the tenure of Nuhu Ribadu as Chairman.

the NNPC is trying to subvert our investigation, we have written them a letter just like every other agency, those ones have responded, the NNPC hasn’t responded, the crude division and the PPMC and we even wrote a remainder, they only responded passively on Tuesday, saying they needed more time.

“By their own commission,

by Wednesday it will elapse, but we want to make it abundantly clear that the 8th Assembly would insist on protecting the rights of Nigerians."

Some of the documents requested by the committee include all documentation in respect of the contract deeds, award, transfer of crude, receipts of products and completion of contracts, annual reports from 2005 to date, Swiss Traders OPV in Nigeria Report, revenue losses if any, evaluation of the performance of the swap policy, and any other document that may assist the committee in its assignment.

He said: “As a House, we want to expose these people who have taken monies that do not belong to them, cause them to return them to the coffers of government...we are talking of billions of naira

party chieftain of colluding to milk the treasury of N25 billion through implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA. PDP officials, led by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; acting national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; PDP governors, led by Dr. Segun Mimiko; senators, led

by Senator Godswill Akpabio; House of Representatives minority leader, Leo Ogor, all took turns to deride the APC administration, enumerating campaign promises they said the administration had failed to implement.

They also alleged a gradual emergence of dictatorship characterised by impunity, victimisation of opposition elements and the emasculation of the judiciary.

The event was the one-day national conference organised by the PDP, yesterday, in Abuja with the theme, “PDP and the Sustenance of Democratic Ideals in Nigeria,’, where the party also set March 2016 as its national convention to change its national officers.

Speaking earlier, Secondus noted that the APC had failed, saying the party had yet to implement a single of all its election promises.

Secondus also urged the Senate to carry out a proper investigation into the alleged payment of N25 billion as commission to a company on account of the implementation of the TSA. Senator Ekweremadu, the highest elected official in the Federal Government, while applauding the unity of the Senate as an institution in supporting the Federal Government, irrespective of partisan hues, however, said he was at the conference as a proud member of the PDP. Ekweremadu enumerated some of the campaign promises of the APC, adding that none of them had been actualised.

The Deputy President of the Senate also enjoined the media and Civil Society Organizations to partner the PDP to hold the APC accountable and preserve democratic ideals.

Also speaking, PDP BoT Acting Chairman, Bello Mohammed, who disagreed with those apologetic of the party’s 16 years in leadership, said there was no reason for PDP to apologise to Nigerians because the party had been vindicated, having laid the foundation, adding that the APC had failed in its promises to Nigerians.

Also in his remarks, Governor Mimiko of Ondo State who spoke for present and former PDP governors, urged President Buhari to be fair to all Nigerians, irrespective of party affiliation by conducting free and fair elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states as well as release the bailout funds for Kogi State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—9

Law reforms: We’ll review 200 laws within 5 months —Dogara

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has promised Nigerians that all the 122 bills and 200 laws reviewed by the House Committee on Law Reforms would be passed by the end of the first quarter of next year.

The speaker made this disclosure when he received the interim report of the committee from the Director-General of the National Institute for Legislative Studies, NILS, Dr. Ladi Hamalai, in Abuja.

Dogara expressed satisfaction in Dr Hamalai’s competence and the committee members’ dedication and commitment which produced a professional touch to the enormous work presented.

According to him, democracy is all about rule of law and due process and any democracy can only be as buoyant as the laws in place.

Hamalai, while submitting the report, said the document, which was an outcome of thorough research, commitment and dedication, produced an extensive and in-depth material which would go a long way in assisting the House of Representatives to achieve its legislative agenda.

She explained that the committee was able to review over 200 pieces of acts in the laws of the federation and produced 122 draft bills for the consideration of the House of Representatives.

“While some of the legislations require repeals, some require amendments and some consolidations and reforms, while a few new bills were introduced as a result of review of existing laws,” she said.

She explained that the drafted bills and repeals were also done in tabular form for ease of work for future user, adding that the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, was approached to provide logistics support.

Buhari to PermSecs: My govt won't condone corruption, incompetence Swears in 16 of 18 newly appointed PermSecs

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, issued a stern warning to the Permanent Secretaries and the entire civil service that his administration would not tolerate corruption, incompetence and excesses.

The president spoke while swearing in the 18 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in Abuja.

He said: “I must, however, sound a note of warning. It is within public domain that ministers as chief executives of their ministries as well as other government officials involved in policy formulation and implementation often complain of the intolerable levels of incompetence, indifference or even suspected sabotage by some of the top echelon of the civil service.

“Even where Permanent Secretaries, in some instances, are exempted from these accusations, they are still responsible and liable for failing to provide the required leadership, control and direction.

“This administration will not condone any excesses, indifference, incompetence, and corrupt practices in any form. Permanent Secretaries are, therefore, advised to note these words of caution and disseminate them to all civil servants accordingly.

“I am sure the Permanent Secretaries and all other civil servants appreciate the fact that I have always considered the civil service as an indispensable reservoir of experience, expertise and loyalty. I, therefore, consider the service as a dependable ally in my quest to change this country for the better.”

The President, who congratulated the Permanent Secretaries on their appointments, also tasked them on the financial prudence. He reminded them that the expectations of Nigerians from the government were high, restating his resolve to create jobs and diversify the economy."

Meanwhile, 16 of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries took oath of office.

They are: Ayotunde Adesugba, Taiwo Abidogun, Dr. Bukar Hassan, Mrs. Wakama Belema Asifieka, Mr. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, Mr. Sabiu Zakar, Mrs. Obiageli

Phyllis Nwokedi, Mr. Aminu Nabegu.

Others are Mr. Alo Williams Nwankwo, Dr. Shehu Ahmed, Mr. Ogbonnaya Innocent Kalu, Mrs. Nuratu Jimoh

Batagarawa, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa, Mr. Bassey Akpanyung, Mr. Louis Edozien and Dr. Ugo Roy. However, two other

Permanent Secretaries, who were absent at the inauguration, were said to have travelled out of the country on official assignment. They are Mr. Bamgbose Olukunle Oladele and Alhaji Mahmoud IsaDutse.

LAUNCH: From left, Yewande Laditan, Brand Specialist, Globacom; Mrs Gladys Talabi, Executive Director Legal, Globacom; Mr Kamaldeen Shonibare, Head Corporate, Sales and Nnemdi Bakwenye, Brand Specialist, during Globacom launch of Twin Bash, in Lagos. Photo: Photo Shola Oyelese.

I’m not interested in Gbajabiamila’s position —Chief Whip

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — CHIEF Whip of the House of Representatives, Alhassan Ado Doguwa, has denied nursing any ambition to unseat the incumbent Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Doguwa has also denied any knowledge of a secret meeting where he was pressurised by the loyalists of the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, to warm up to take the office of majority leader.

Recall that before the election of presiding officers of the 8th Assembly, Doguwa, who was then in the same political platform with Gbajabiamila, had campaigned to be the majority leader while Gbajabiamila was positioned by the All Progressives Congress, APC, leadership to become the speaker but lost to Dogara.

Speculation of the alleged plot to remove Gbajabiamila by Dogara loyalists heightened as a result of the absence of the majority leader

during the special session for the inauguration of the 96 chairmen and deputy chairmen of the Standing Committees on Monday.

Speaking against the background of claims in some quarters that he (Doguwa) was being positioned by the speaker’s supporters to replace the embattled majority leader, the Chief Whip said the allegation was the figment of imagination of those peddling it.

Explaining the reason behind the impromptu meeting of the APC caucus which he allegedly summoned recently and the fracas between Dogara’s supporters and those of Gbajabiamila, he said: “Members were fed up. It was as a result of that action that it happened.

“Officially, as a member of the House and as the Chief Whip, I have no interest in Gbajabiamila’s position.

There was no such plans.

But you cannot stop such a speculation when you continue to create an unnecessary vacuum.

“Nobody has approached

me officially to ask me of my intentions to fill Gbajabiamila’s position. The House Leader is my good friend and we have always remained so.

“Naturally, you cannot stop speculations. These are things you cannot take away from a parliament. I also heard of the same speculations that I was being pencilled down to take over from Gbajabiamila as leader of the House.

“When you create a vacuum, these are the kinds of things that happen. There was no reason why Gbajabiamila should absent himself from the special session where committee chairmen were inaugurated.”

He also advised the majority leader to work in harmony with the Speaker having lost the position which he had contested for despite being the preferred candidate of the APC. He said: “It does not matter what anybody says outside the National Assembly as long as we continue to operate under a peaceful atmosphere. The APC, as a party, wanted to field a candidate as Speaker which has always been the tradition. At that earlier stage, we stood by the party’s position."

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Stanbic IBTC: You embarrassed us, FG, FRC tells CBN

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) yesterday accused the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) of acting in bad faith and embarrassed the Federal Government in its reaction to the Council’s regulatory action against the Stanbic IBTC Holdings.

These accusations were made by the Chief Executive Officer, FRC, Mr. Jim Obazee, in a letter to the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, dated Tuesday November 10th 2015.

Recall the CBN had written to the Council on Monday November 2nd, faulting its regulatory action on Stanbic IBTC. But in response, Obazee, stated, “The CBN issued a letter to our Council and posted it on the internet claiming the CBN had cleared Stanbic IBTC and maligned the FRC. The said letter to our Council which the news media noted with pride was leaked to them, did not get to our office in Abuja until 6.30p.m on Tuesday 3rd November 2015.”

Furthermore, the FRC said that CBN’s reaction to its regulatory decision on Stanbic IBTC was contrary to the decisions reached at a meeting held with the Chief of Staff to the President on October 29th 2015.

The Council also observed that the CBN in its reaction, “mixed up the issues and ended up with very wrong and hasty conclusions. The regulatory decision of the FRC refers to a particular “Purchase and Assignment of a Banking Application software” request made to NOT AP by Stanbic IBTC on July 3. 2013 which is another transaction other than the one your letter addressed. “ The FRC also faulted the CBN’s interpretation of the FRC Act 2011, saying “We would like to inform the CBN that it does not have the competence nor the authority to evaluate the FRC Act and the process of inspection of the FRC. That should be left to the

Continues on Page 44

Why NAFDAC slammed N1bn fine on Guinness

By Chioma Obinna & Princewill Ekwujuru

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AGOS — THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, was said to have slammed a fine of N1 billion administrative charges on Guinness Nigeria Plc for its failure to adhere to the recommended good manufacturing practice procedures.

A source from the Enforcement Department of the agency, who pleaded anonymity, told Vanguard that the agency had conducted a routine check on the company’s factory in Ikeja, Lagos on November 5, 2015 where shocking revelations were made.

According to the source, the NAFDAC team came back with unsatisfactory appraisals about

how some of the materials used in the production processes were being handled.

Further findings revealed that the team that visited Guinness was worried about the manner the raw materials used in the factory were stored.

“The unhygienic storage condition of the raw materials was a major source of worry for the agency,” the source said.

They reportedly found that the raw materials used in their factories were exposed to rodents, and some of the expired products were discovered to have been revalidated.

The source said following the startling discoveries and a report made by the team to the enforcement team, a letter to the effect was actually conveyed to the firm.

The source, who said NAFDAC was yet to make an

BRIEFING: From left: Amb. Chibuzo Patrick, member, Mr Elisha Attai, Founder, AWLO Global; Mrs Maureen Omeibe, AWLO Lagos State Chapter and Mrs Nene Rasheed Olaoluwa, Member during the the African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO) briefing on its coming induction ceremony and project unveiling on December 9, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

LASUTH performs first kidney transplant

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

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AGOS — LAGOS State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, yesterday joined the league of hospitals that offers kidney transplant services following a successful kidney transplant on a 56-yearold man in Lagos.

The life-saving procedure which took two and half hours was the first of its kind in the tertiary institution.

Speaking on the feat, the elated Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Wale Oke, said the successful kidney transplant was part of the state government’s promises to deliver excellent healthcare services to the people of Lagos

‘National carrier shouldn’t be Nigeria’s priority’

By Lawani Mikairu

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AGOS — The Federal Government should not preoccupy itself with the problem of setting up a national carrier now, considering the fact that the country is going through an economic recession.

An aviation consultant and the Chief Executive Officer, FMC Aviation Services Limited, Dr. Herbert Odika, said this in Lagos while fielding questions from aviation reporters.

official statement on the development, told Vanguard that the N1 billion mandatory administrative charges may just be the basic action to be undertaken by NAFDAC. “Our team visited Guinness and the reported findings were true. The agency is, however, going to make a public statement to this effect at the appropriate time, as the management is still studying the reports submitted by the team,” the source said.

Reacting, yesterday, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, Managing Director of Guinness said the said raw materials store is not a production facility and that “we are engaging National Agency for Food Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC, for clarifications and resolution of the issues.”

According to Odika, "the current domestic airlines operating in Nigeria are not making profit. The proposed national carrier may not also make profit as the aircraft type, Boeing 737, commonly used by airlines in Nigeria, is expensive to maintain.

“Our economy for now is going through a recovery process like other countries, that went through such and are doing well today. So, we are going

through a recession and restructuring a lot of things. I would like to say at this point that the national carrier is not a priority for Nigeria at the moment.

“Let us get our processes right, our training right, have the versatility on the aircraft type we operate in Nigeria. We can key in with the trend now because of the associated cost, if we are able to do that, we will be able to start reporting profit and then talk of national carrier.”

State.

Oke revealed that prior to the surgery, several consultations were made to ensure that the patients were well selected to avoid complications after the exercise.

“But thank God today, both the donor and recipient are in sound health,” he said.

The Chief medical Director who assured Lagosians that the hospital would continue to bring such services in-country.

Speaking, leader of the transplant team, a Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Jacob Awobusuyi, said the initiative was conceived three years ago.

Awobusuyi explained that gaining the confidence of the patients was very tough but after the operation, they were both excited.

“Before the operation, both the 56-year-old recipient and the 26-year-old donor who was the patient's nephew expressed concern. But after the operation they were both fine,” he said.

Don’t disappoint Nigerians, PENGASSAN tells ministers

By Victor AhiumaYoung

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HE Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, yesterday, in Lagos, said the newly inaugurated ministers cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians and President Muhammadu Buhari that appointed them The association, while congratulating the ministers on their appointments into the Federal Executive Council, FEC, insisted that Nigerians had high expectations from them.

PENGASSAN in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Ojugbana, commended Buhari for taking his time in the choice of the ministers and assigning them to the right portfolios.

PENGASSAN noted: “Most of the new ministers are great achievers in their various past endeavours and governance. They have to bring those achievements and vigour that earn them the confidence of their appointments by Mr. President to bear on their new appointments. “

Lawmaker, council boss solicit support for LASG

By Chris Onuoha

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AGOS — THE lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency 1, in Lagos the State House of Assembly, Mr. Desmond Elliot and the Executive Secretary of Surulere Local Government Area, Mrs. Aduke Hussein, have canvassed support for the state government.

While the council boss emphasised that the ban on commercial motorcycles has not been relaxed in Surulere, she called on residents of the council to avoid flouting the state traffic law.

Elliot on his part, urged his constituents to support the efforts of the state government at making Lagos the model of all states.

The duo spoke at an interactive forum in Lagos, which was also carried out simultaneously across the 40 constituencies in the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—11

UACC holds 50th convention

T

MISS NIGERIA: From left— Chief Operating Officer/Managing Director, Miss. Oluwatoyin Olajide; Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Allen Onyema; Miss Nigeria 2015, Leesi Peter-Vigboro, and Director, Flight Operations, Capt. Wellington Eyimina, all of Air Peace airline, during the visit of Miss Nigeria, the airline’s Ambassador.

Federal cabinet: Nigeria in good hands—TINUBU

By Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

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AGOS—BARELY 24 hours after the Federal cabinet was inaugurated, All Progressives Congress, APC, national leader and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has assured Nigerians and the global community that the nation was being managed by credible personalities that will restore the glory of Nigeria.

This came even as Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State launched the Mile 12Ikorodu Road expansion and Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, operation with 434 buses for the pilot scheme.

The occasion was graced by prominent personalities led by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and top government functionaries, traditional rulers, market women, among others.

Tinubu told the large crowd at the launch of the bus scheme: “We will continue to develop this country to compete with the superpowers. When we started the urban renewal, they thought that we were lost and had no vision. But they do not know about the planning period that is required to modernize any decay in government.

“Today, it is applicable to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The planning period that it is taking to re-engineer and redesign the governance of Nigeria was the same method they were blaming us for then.

“They called me ‘go slow’ and at that time, I was complaining about the paucity of funds.

“Oil was selling at about $11 per barrel and I said that we will be out of it soon and people said that I should go and do my plan and stop the lamentation.

“But my cabinet, including Governor Rauf Aregbesola of

As Lagos launches Mile 12-Ikorodu BRT with 434 buses Osun State and the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, were part of that dream and the vision for the mission to reclaim and redevelop Lagos State.”

Says Fashola ‘ll succeed

Tinubu said: “Leadership is about how many other leaders one is able to discover to do great things for the country.

We deserve what we are getting in Lagos; success, continuity and good governance.

“For instance, Ambode did not lobby for the seat of Lagos, but we discovered him. I am

now a great grandfather.

“You could see that when the announcement was made yesterday, Lagos State took the front seat in Fashola and we believe that he will succeed and many of them, too.

Nigeria is now in good hands.”

In his brief address at the event, Ambode said his government was committed to improving the transportation network in a bid to reduce traffic and attract investors to the state, basically to fund the strategic master plan.

The governor said: “The

plan is already being implemented. It is a 30-year plan that will deliver an integrated transport system with six rail lines, one monorail, 14 BRT corridors and 26 developed water routes.

“We are working towards commencing operation of the first phase of the blue line rail project in the next 12 months.

“The challenges are daunting, but we will not be discouraged. We are committed to turning the challenges to opportunities.

“We will ride on them to create a future that residents of Lagos will be proud of.”

Terror attack imminent in S-West—NOA

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO-EKITI—THE National Orientation Agency, NOA, yesterday raised alarm of imminent terror attacks on the SouthWest Zone by Boko Haram terrorists.

Sequel to this, NOA has advised schools, churches and mosques, among other usually crowded places, on the need to put measures in place to arrest any possible attacks.

A statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti by the state Director of NOA, Mr. Dayo Famosaya, said the alarm had become necessary because of the need to be security conscious and watch out for strangers in their neighbourhood.

Famosaya, in the statement entitled Public information on security consciousness and

awareness, said Boko Haram fighters may have infiltrated the South-western part of the country, going by the content of security agents reports.

He said: “They have threatened to deploy cluster bombs in the zone. These cluster bombs are usually housed in discarded metallic

materials such as cans of beverages and soft drinks.

“The bombs may be concealed in bags and for it to have more grievous effect, they have planned to deploy these bombs in crowded places such as schools, markets, stadia, churches and mosques.”

HE United Apostolic Church of Christ, UACC, kick-started her 50th golden jubilee convention from November 9 at its convention ground, Orugere, Oke-Odu along Ipinsa Road, Akure, Ondo State, on the theme Total Liberation.

In a statement, Archbishop Moses Fayehun, General Overseer of UACC Worldwide, established in 1965, said Rev. James Owoyemi had been elevated Deputy General Overseer, while Rev. G. I. Alo will be elevated General Evangelist.

Others to be elevated are Pastor J. F. Abioye, Assistant General Financial Secretary; Pastor Dele Ishola, Deputy General Superin-tended, Lagos; Pastor Paul Erakhifu, Assistant General Superintendent, Lagos; Pastor Dele Kayode, State Secretary, Lagos, among others.

PRONET seminar

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ROFESSIONALS in medicine, politics, banking, journalism, law, accounting, entertainment, architecture and energy, on the platform of the Professional Network International, PRONET, will hold a seminar on Career Management and Work— Life Balance, tomorrow at Megalife Centre, Greenfield Estate, Okota, Lagos, at 10a.m.

The guest speakers are PRONET President, Dr. Dennis Inyang; Managing Consultant, Distinct Act Coy, Engr. Chucks Ahiakwo; and Head, Recruitment, Human Edge Ltd, Olajumoke AleokeMalachi.

Burial

Airline budgets N200m to train Miss Nigeria, others

By Lawani Mikairu

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IR Peace airline and the Foundation of Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria, FEHN, have said they will spend over N200 million on the training of newly-crowned Miss Nigeria, Miss Lessi PeterVigboro and others in nonviolence and conflict management at the Emory University, Martin Luther King

Centre, Atlanta, USA. Chairman of Air Peace and FEHN, Mr. Allen Onyema, said this when the beauty queen paid a courtesy visit to their head office in Lagos.

Onyema said the training will equip Peter-Vigboro and others to benefit from the three-tier training skills in resolving conflict-related issues, including insurgency and ethnic agitation.

C

HIEF Akpan Etefia of Mkpat-Enin LGA, Akwa State, 75, will be buried on November 21.

Chief Etefia, who retired from Oceanic Bank Plc, was a devout Christian.

He is survived by a widow, brothers, sister, children, and grandchildren.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

I want to leave a buoyant state for my successor —Oshiomhole

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AHEAD the 2016 governorship election in Edo State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole, yesterday, said that he wants his successor to meet a robust Internally Generated Revenue base, adding that the task of moving the state to the next level was not negotiable.

He insisted that the wealthy in the state must pay the land use charge for the interest of the poor as he intends to ensure that his successor in office does not suffer paucity of funds.

Oshiomhole, who spoke on his stewardship as governor of the state in the last seven years, used the opportunity of the seventh anniversary celebration to dispel accusation by former Governor Lucky Igbinedion that his administration failed to build industries in the state, saying: “The so-called industries built by the Igbinedion administration never functioned and they were all sold by the same administration.”

Oshiomhole said that his coming into the politics of the state had ended godfatherism, brought development and created conducive environment for industrialization despite the fact that when he came in as governor, he met an empty treasury.

“In 2008 when I came to Edo State, we had three ruling houses.

These families determined who

became a councillor, who contested elections to the state Assembly, the National Assembly and of course who became governor.

“So, it was the beginning of wisdom to worship those godfathers, which was why when I stepped forward to vie for governorship, many people did not give me a chance. I was told by a civil servant when I came in that we needed to organise a formal swearing-in ceremony, which was a state function and we needed funds

for it. I asked the Accountant General how we could fund the swearing-in ceremony and he told me that we didn’t have a dime in the treasury of the state.

“In the next 12 months, we will move to complete the projects that we started. We will start new ones that we need to start and re-engineer the finances of the state. We will enforce the collection of land use charge in areas that are covered and I like to explain that even in the name of revenue drive, we will collect land use charge from high

density areas. Land use charge is restricted to low density areas.

“If you occupy 10,000 square metres, you will pay the charge.

Let me assure our people, we will not collect land use charge from old family houses. We will not collect land use charge from poor communities. Even in Ugbuyoko, they deserve support. We will not collect land use charge from churches, mosques, the poor, but this government will collect land use charge from the rich. If you don’t pay we will charge you to court in accordance with the law."

NBA NEC MEETING: From left: Attorney-General of Rivers State, Emmanuel Aguma, SAN; Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, President, Augustine Alegeh, SAN, during the National Executive Committee meeting of the NBA, in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

ANEEJ, rights groups protest alleged extra-judicial killings

By Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—AFRICAN Network for Environmental and Economic Justice, ANEEJ and civil society groups, including Edo Forum Against Impunity and Traders Welfare Association in Edo State, yesterday, staged a peaceful demonstration in Benin, Edo State, condemning alleged spate of extra-judicial killings nationwide.

Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, who spoke for the demonstrators, called on security agencies and other relevant authorities to put machinery in place to forestall human rights violations with a view to protecting the rights of citizens.

Ugolor stressed the need for Governor Adams Oshiomhole to fulfil his electoral promise made in 2012 to set up a Public Defender Unit to provide free legal aid to victims of human rights abuses.

He said that the state government should, as a matter of urgency, speed up the administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, with a view to ensuring the domestication of the Act in Edo, adding that the law which was already in

force at the federal level had helped in the improvement of the administration of criminal justice system.

He said: “We are using this opportunity to call on Edo State Government to domesticate the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 in Edo State to improve administration of criminal justice system in the

state.

“There are cases of human rights abuses across the country, and Edo State is no exception. We have also noticed the wide spread extra-judicial killings across the country. Edo is also not an exception. One of the primary purposes of the civil society is to tackle these challenges that arise from

human rights abuses. So, we thought it wise to build an alliance across the state.”

He lamented the rising cases of human rights violations ranging from extrajudicial killings and unlawful arrests in the state, adding, "This year alone, several lives have been cut short and their families are yet to get justice.”

Bayelsa to NIS: Probe immigration status of entry into Nigeria. It is of Koreans, other nationals terms a fact that the said Mr. I.S. Seo

By Emem Idio

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ENAGOA—THE Bayelsa State Government has call on the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS, to carry out comprehensive investigations into the true immigration status of two Koreans and other foreign nationals working with Daewoo Nigeria Limited Infill Project in Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

In a letter to the NIS, and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, the Senior Special Assistant on Oil and Gas to the Bayelsa State Government, Mr.

Basil Kenbo, gave the names of the expatriates as Mr. I. S. Seo and Mr. Park Seo-Young, stating that the call for their probe became necessary because of reliable information that “most of them do not have valid and approved travel documents.”

Kenbo, who decried the unbecoming lifestyles of the officers, accused them of taking undue advantage of their stay in Nigeria, noting that Mr. Seo has been using his position in the company to stoke communal crisis in Obunagha, the host community to the LNG project.

Kenbo said: “Mr. Seo has been operating with false documentation contrary to the

was granted entry into Nigeria by the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS, over 20 years ago as a technician. But quite amazingly, Mr. Seo has taken appointments as Administrative Manager and Community Affairs Manager, respectively in the company at different times in the last 20 years and more.

“Yet a worrisome and devastating development under the unholy administration of Mr. Seo as the Community Affairs Manager is the deliberate refusal to comply with and implement FTO, (Freedom to Operate) agreements thus escalating crisis between youths, communities and the company."

Bayelsa poll: Dickson assures on completion of YenagoaOporoma road

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has reiterated his administration's commitment to the completion of the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road project.

The multi-billion naira project when completed is expected to open up the far flung communities in the hinterland of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state, one of the biggest councils in the federation.

Dickson gave the assurance when he led the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Restoration Campaign Organisation to Southern Ijaw council in continuation of his meet the people, community to community tour.

Dickson urged the people to vote for the PDP as the party represents their yearnings and aspirations for the growth and development of the state and the Ijaw man.

OML30: Host communities task CDB on GMoU implementation

By Lucky Oji

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HE people from oil producing communities in OML30, Delta State, have urged the Community Development Board, CDB, to prudently utilise the funds provided by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, for the rapid development of the host communities.

A leader from Ofuoma community, Mr. Chris Eriyamremu, who spoke for the host communities, yesterday, in Warri, also urged the CDB to ensure full implementation of Global Memorandum of Understanding, GMoU, signed by NPDC and host communities.

According to him, “The host communities in OML30, are full of commendation for the management of NPDC for providing the funds and we are eagerly expecting to see the funds being used adequately to execute projects across the communities.

“The host communities shall remain peaceful and friendly to NPDC, while the members of CDB should do everything possible to ensure that host communities feel the impact of the funds provided by NPDC as contained in the GMoU.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—13

Delta community wants FG to probe alleged corruption in NDDC A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE people of Agbarho Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, alleged massive corruption in Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. They called on the Federal Government to probe the activities of the commission, alleging abandonment of the N2.4 billion 23km Agbarho township roads with comprehensive drainage project after disbursement of N720.7 million to Serena Rocks Limited, the contractor to whom the project was awarded.

The people, in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, said that the contract was awarded in 2009 “after several years of neglect. After a long process of securing presidential approval to fund the project in 2011, the contractor (Serena Rocks Limited) was paid N360.7million being 15 percent mobilization to commence work on the project.”

The letter, by the Osuivie of Agbarho Kingdom, HRM Andrew Okpalefe III, President

General of Agbarho Urhobo Improvement Union, Chief John Gbenedio and Major General O. E Obada (retd), said: “In 2012, the contractor received another payment of N360 million payment for the same project with nothing on ground. We were later told that the project design did not include stonebase and drainage although in NDDC approval budget for 2011 and 2012, the project was

captioned ‘Construction of Agbarho Township Road with Comprehensive Drainage.

“All efforts by our community leaders to get the contractor to execute the project have met brick wall and NDDC is not forthcoming with information.

NDDC officials confirmed to us that over N688 million had been disbursed to the contractor for over five years without any job done on the project.

“From a search conducted by

Wike vows to complete projects abandoned by predecessor He said that his

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has reassured that his administration will complete every project of value abandoned by his predecessor, adding that his government will not encourage waste.

The governor who spoke, yesterday, when he played

host to the National Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA led by its President, Mr Augustine Aleghe, SAN, said it will amount to waste of public funds if projects abandoned by his predecessor were allowed to remain in such state.

The governor said he had granted the judiciary financial autonomy to run its affairs, promising to always support the NBA.

PDP CONVENTION IN ABUJA

From left: PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metu; acting National Chairman, Uche Secondus and Chairman BOT, Haliru Bello.

From left: Senator Jeremiah Useni, former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

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us at the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, it was discovered that all the three directors of the company were foreigners (Imad Aoun, Laurent Aoun and Jean Aoun) who only paid and filed the annual returns of the company in 2009.

“It was also discovered that the three directors of the company curiously applied to have their signatures changed in 2010 after the award of the contract and the said application was granted.”

administration will brand one of the offices of the NBA in Abuja with the name Rivers State Government.

“Frankly speaking, I want to say that as a member, I will do everything to support the NBA. I want to clearly state that without the NBA, most Nigerians will be oppressed and have their rights trampled upon. The hope of the common man rests on the NBA,” he said.

Uroye lauds Okowa on road construction

T

HE former transition committee chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, and chairman, Road Committee of Atori Layout, Tankers Park Road Ekpan, Mr Augustine Uroye, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for responding quickly to the plight of people leaving within and outside the layout by constructing the one kilometer road with concrete drainages at both sides.

He said: “The road was constructed within the first 80 days of his administration. It is a wonder to the people living in the area, because in the last five years, we have been suffering from the bad state of the road and all hope was lost especially with the bad economy of the state as we never expected that the road would be repaired so soon."

Photos: Gbemiga Olamikan

Cross section of dignitaries at the convention.

From left: Former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu; Chief Tom Ikimi and former Rivers State governor, Peter Odili.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

I'll fight corruption to stand-still —Magu .Takes over from Lamorde

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

N

EW CHAIRMAN of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr.

Ibrahim Magu, yesterday took over the reins of power at the agency, with a firm promise to tackle corruption in the country to a standstill.

Magu also made it clear that

REGIONAL CONVENTION AT OTA: Jehovah’s witnesses invite public

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HE 2015 Regional Convention Series of Jehovah’s Witnesses enter the final lap this weekend in Ota, Ogun State.

The convention series, with the theme, ‘’Imitate Jesus, which started in late September, would be concluded between December 9 and 13, 2015.

A statement by the Ota 9-12 Convention Series Media Services Department said: “The programme starts at 8:20 a.m. each day and closes at 3:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2:45 p.m. on Sunday. We warmly invite interested members of the public to attend the programme free of charge. Everyone is invited and no collection will be taken.”

The statement gave the highlights of the convention to include a moving two-part theatrical production that will portray events in Jesus’ life,

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interviews and demonstrations on practical ways to imitate Jesus today, as well as the special Bible discourse, entitled “Jesus Christ, World Conqueror—How and When?” to be presented on Sunday morning.

It quoted J. R. Brown, spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at their world headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, USA, as saying: “This year’s convention theme recognises Jesus Christ as a universally known figure and a positive role model for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.

"We believe that the public will enjoy the fresh presentation of significant events in Jesus’ life.

This year’s programme promises an interactive approach, incorporating meaningful and exciting video features that will show how we can benefit from imitating Jesus in our everyday lives.”

there was no better time than now to confront the menace of corruption and instil international best practices in the nation’s scheme of things to make Nigerian a better place.

Accordingly, the new helmsman, who received handing over notes from his predecessor, Ibrahim Lamorde, said he was all out to tackle corruption in all its ramifications and save the nation from its throes.

The chairman said it was imperative to do away with corruption to ensure that the commonwealth of the nation did not end up in a few private pockets, thereby impoverishing the majority.

He said corruption could not coexist with any meaningful development and must be done away with.

Magu said: “Indeed, there is no better time to ginger up the anti-corruption campaign than now that we are faced with economic downturn and the attendant sharp decline in government revenues.

“There is therefore the need to make sure that whatever is gotten for common use did not end up in private pockets.

“Again, to attract foreign

investments that would complement the income of the government; we need to clean up our systems in line with global best practices. We intend to pay serious attention to these important areas.”

While promising to be guided by the rule of law in running his administration, Magu warned his staff against corruption so as to be taken seriously in the task ahead.

He saids: “In all that we do, I will be guided by the fear of God and patriotism. We will also have as our watchwords the rule of law and national interest. We will work in an open and transparent manner to ensure accountability.

We will also take whatever decision with the highest sense

of responsibility.

“To the staff at all levels, I seek your maximum support and cooperation. This is a collective responsibility that can only be driven by the spirit of teamwork.

I pledge to be a listening leader and one that is responsive to your welfare and capacity development.

“I am ready and willing to work with everybody without any primordial concerns. However, everybody must sit up and demonstrate willingness to do the work.

“While we will intensify on our work out there, we will also keep an eye internally. I will not tolerate indiscipline nor condone abuse of office or acts of corruption."

Ex-Finbank boss, Nwosu, loses dad

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HIEF KEVIN Nwosu, father of pioneer Group Managing Director of defunct Finbank Plc, Mr. Okey Nwosu, is dead, aged 86.

Late Chief Nwosu, as an examplary Catholic, dedicated his life to teaching and education. A self-made man, he believed in hard work and perseverance.

After graduation from the University of Ibadan in 1966, he

continued in his teaching profession and retired as a principal from the Imo State Education Ministry in 1985.

He was appointed a commissioner in Imo State Civil Service Commission and served meritoriously for two full terms between 1989 and 1999.

His remains will be laid to rest on November 27, 2015, at Ihiteowerri in Orlu Local Government Area.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—15

By Jimitota Onoyume, Chidi Nkwopara, Kingsley Omonobi & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

S

EVEN PERSONS have been arraigned by the Police before a Chief Magistrate court in Port Harcourt for their alleged role in the Tuesday pro Biafra protest in the state.

This is coming as markets , schools were shut in Owerri, Imo state captital as MASSOB, IPOD, protest again.

It will be recalled that forty four persons were arraigned by the Police at the magistrate court over similar protest recently in PortHarcourt.

This time among the accused is a female. They are Benedict Egine (55), Uchenna Emenike (25), Chukwunonso Nwaolisa (36), Obilor Onyemachukwu (29), Ogbonna Godwin (31), Wilson Ezeka (42) and female, Destiny Amuchechukwu (19).

They were charged for conspiracy and breach of peace.

Count one accused them of conspiring to "levy war against the Federal Government", thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 37 (2) of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

In count two, they were accused of " unlawfully demonstrating and chanting "war songs" and the need for a Biafra nation, which caused panic in the neighbourhood.

Markets, schools shut in Owerri Schools and markets in Owerri, the Imo State capital, were shut, yesterday, as scores of loyalists of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, again processed through the major streets of Owerri.

This is as seven people were arraigned in Port-Harcourt, Rivers state for their alleged role in Tuesday's protest.

The pro-Biafra groups who were spotting uniforms and carrying the Biafran flag and other insignia, chanted songs and danced to the rhythm of their music.

A trader, who simply identified himself as Ikechukwu, and spoke on ground of anonymity from his Douglas Road store, wondered why the group had suddenly decided to disrupt the peaceful business climate in Owerri.

“Owerri has been very peaceful since the current protest started sweeping across the South East and South South states. Although they have been very peaceful about the protest, my fear is that hoodlums may buy into it and cause unimaginable harm in the society,” Ikechukwu said.

Although he appealed to the government to find a way of assuaging the feelings of the demonstrators, Ikechukwu however pointed out that “the military training and instinct in President Muhammadu Buhari, may scuttle this plea.

It was not clear at press time if anybody was arrested, but

Police arraign 7 over pro-Biafra protest •Markets, schools shut in Owerri •Proposed meeting of S’East govs, Ohanaeze postponed •Rivers elders say indigenes not Biafrans •‘Buhari’s disposition encourages pro-Biafran agitation' •Army warns officers against lukewarm attitude •Markets, schools shut as MASSOB, IPOB protest

VISIT: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle), Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo, Deputy Governor (Ist left), and Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, MD/CEO, Nigerian Breweries Plc, during the visit of the governor to Ama Brewery.

Vanguard noticed that the security agencies were on high alert and kept a tab on the protesters.

All efforts to reach the mobile line of the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem, failed as the service provider continuously announced that he “could not be reached.”

Proposed meeting of S-East Govs, Ohanaeze postponed Meantime, the planned meeting of the South East governors, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other stakeholders, will now hold next Tuesday, in Enugu.

According to a statement by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Samuel Onwuemeodo, the meeting, which was initially slated for Owerri, had been moved to Enugu, for strategic reasons.

“The expected meeting of the governors of the South-East states, the leadership of Ohanaeze and other stakeholders, initially slated for this weekend in Owerri, at the instance of Governor Rochas Okorocha, to discuss the continued pro-Biafra protests across the South-East states and other neighbouring states, has been shifted to Tuesday, November 17, 2015,” Onwuemeodo said.

Okorocha’s image maker also explained that “the venue of the meeting had also been moved from Owerri to Enugu, which had been the traditional headquarters of the South-East states.”

Giving the reason for the postponement, Onwuemeodo said it was informed by the need for all those expected at the meeting to be in attendance.

“The South-East governors, Ohanaeze leadership and others, who will be at the meeting, will deliberate on the pro-Biafra

protests that had gained momentum in recent time and for the governors and other leaders to do what they are expected to do in the circumstance,” the CPS said. ...Rivers elders warn against proBiafra protest, say indigenes not Biafrans In another twist, Rivers State elders have warned against any form of pro-Biafra protest and gathering in the state, insisting that Rivers people are not Biafrans.

Chairman, Rivers Elders and Leaders Council. RELEC, Chief Albert Horsfal and the secretary of the body, Mr. Lawrence Ibiayemie said most of the proBiafra protesters were transported into the state from neighbouring states, describing such an act as bad politics.

According to the group, the intention of the protesters and their sponsors were to turn the state into a battle-ground for any fracas arising from their acts of rascality.

“The attempt by these elements to focus on Port Harcourt for their political rascality is totally unacceptable and is hereby condemned by Rivers Elders and Leaders Council. The action so far taken by the Biafra protesters in Port Harcourt is highly provocative to all genuine sons and daughters of Rivers State, who have so far restrained themselves from confronting the demonstrators in Port Harcourt. We ask that the choice of Port Harcourt may be a deliberate ploy to make Port Harcourt the battle-ground for any fracas that may follow their rascality, “ they said.

Continuing, the group said they viewed the action of the pro-Biafra agitators as highly provocative, stressing that they aligned with

the warning issued by the state government against such action and pro-Biafra gatherings in the state.

“Rivers State people are not Biafrans and had never been and will never be. The RELEC wishes to call all elders and leaders of the states from which these youths have been pouring into Port Harcourt for this unwelcome and unwholesome political rascality to call their youths to order and forbid them forever from staging further demonstrations and protest in Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State. RELEC will wish to observe the good neighbourly relationship which has always existed between us Rivers people and our neighbours. We wish the cordial and mutually beneficial relationship to continue to exist and therefore seek that those responsible put an immediate halt to these unfriendly activities forthwith,“ the statement read. ...Buhari’s disposition encourages Biafran agitation— Ohanaeze chieftain But a chieftain of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and former President General of Onitsha Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, Chief Pius Ozoh Anaekwe yesterday said the renewed agitation for Biafra by members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and South East Youths is a result of the entrenchment of marginalization of Ndigbo in the five months old administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Chief Anaekwe in an interview with newsmen in Onitsha, stated that President Buhari’s utterances, policies and actions spurred the agitation by the members of IPOB and South East youths who are sympathetic to the

actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra.

“How can you appoint people to govern Nigeria and you ignored Ndigbo with their mammoth population and contribution to the development of this country.”

He regretted that operatives of Directorate of State Security (DSS) have taken over the Nigerian judiciary, dictating the outcome of cases.

“Buhari’s government has been based on the next of kin arrangement. When insensitive people are leading a country, that country will never know peace.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), has deceived Nigerians.

Their policy is to deny the promises they made to the people and defend Buhari’s unguarded utterances,” he said.

He said that the protest by the members of IPOB was as a result of the continuous marginalization, intimidation and injustice meted to Ndigbo, stressing that “Buhari’s government in my own humble opinion has changed from bad to worse. I challenge Buhari’s supporters to tell Nigerians any segment of the country that is happy with Buhari’s actions in the last six months.

“For the past six months, there has been no government. Only his so called anti-corruption crusade against ex-Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors and his perceived political enemies is what we have seen."

Chief Anaekwe alleged that the President has hijacked the election tribunals, warning that if Buhari was not checked, he may derail Nigeria’s democracy.

“Late President Umaru Yar’dua negotiated amnesty deal with the Niger Delta militants, former President Jonathan offered hand of fellowship to Boko Haram insurgents although they refused, but Buhari uses autocratic means, which is counter – productive,” he said. ...Army warns officers against lukewarm attitude In a new development, the military high command has warned its officers against shying away from their duties following what has been described as the lukewarm attitude displayed by officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army during current internal security challenges unfolding in the country like the violent Biafra protests in the South and other political threats as witnessed in the run up to the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

Towards this end, the Army yesterday directed its officers and men engaged in internal security coordination with Nigeria Police to be alive to their responsibilities of adequate protection of lives and property and desist from taking sides.It warned that officers found taking sides in any internal insurrection or failing to perform their responsibility as expected would face the consequences of their actions.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Abia PDP, APGA bicker over tribunal judgment

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the main opposition All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) of recruiting the services of an unnamed South East Governor to influence the Judges of the Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri to upturn the judgment

of the Governorship Election Tribunal which gave judgment in favour Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

PDP alleged that already, APGA had held two meetings in Enugu and Owerri over the issue.

According to the party, the alleged Enugu meeting was attended by an unnamed deputy governor while the Owerri meeting was attended by yet an unnamed Governor.

The party also accused APGA

of deliberately misinforming and abusing the minds of the public in the State and Nigerians to the effect that the judges of the Abia State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal were compromised to arrive at the judgment in favour of Governor Ikpeazu.

State Secretary of PDP, Charles Esonu, yesterday issued a statement followed by a press briefing addressed by two other

INDUCTION: From left, Dr. Charles Ugwu, Director, Professional Development, CIPM; The Best Gradating Student, Ishola Fusat, receiving award from Mr. Anthony Arabome, President/Chairman, of Council (CIPM), during the 21st Induction Ceremony of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM, in Lagos.

senior members of the party who are serving Commissioners, Gab Igboko and Hagler Okore, alleging that nocturnal meetings were held in Enugu and Owerri “towards the arrangement for the said Governor to possibly interface with the justices of the Court of Appeal to influence the outcome of the intending appeal by APGA.” But in a swift reaction, APGA through its State Chairman, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, dismissed the allegation as “baseless, mischievous and misleading”, saying that PDP was afraid because they “purchased their judgment at the tribunal.

“Why they are afraid is because they purchased their judgment and it is hunting them. What they are doing is diversionary. They should be ignored. I urge Abians to be patient because we are going to reclaim our mandate,” APGA chairman said.

PDP however said that the Governor of Abia State would stay focused towards the delivery of quality services to Nde-Abia and will not be “distracted by the disoriented action of frustrated individuals” in APGA. It said that APGA failed woefully at the tribunal to prove any of the issues they formulated and “they were unable to convince the tribunal to declare them winners of the same election they had argued to have been marred by malpractices, violence and non compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended)”

CHILD ABUSE: Increasing rate worries Mrs Ugwuanyi

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—THE wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi has lamented the high rate of child trafficking in the country.

Mrs. Ugwuanyi expressed sadness that despite government efforts to forestall the ugly situation, Nigerian children are still trafficked across its boarders to be used as domestic servants and sex slaves.

In an address on the occasion

of a workshop/retreat for members of the State Committee Against Child Abduction and Trafficking, she regretted that the current upsurge of baby factories in Nigeria has also introduced a new dimension to the numerous cases of child abuse.

The governor’s wife called for a speedy passage of the child right law in the state to enhance the fight against child abuse and other

vices against children.

In an address, the State Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Princess Peace Nnaji, noted that the event was a collaborative effort among the state government, UNICEF and other stakeholders.

She also called for a speedy passage of the child right law in the state to ameliorate the suffering of children.

Imo scraps 8 ministries

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—IMO State Government has in line with what it called “disturbing economic situation in the country”, announced the reduction of its ministries from the existing 22 to 13, as the organized labour warns that it would react if this leads to job losses.

While the government statement was signed by Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr. Samuel Onwuemeodo, the organized labour made its position known through the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Austin Chilakpu.

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“Following the disturbing general economic situation in the country, which has compelled both the Federal Government and the states to resort to the adoption of certain adjustment measures and the determination of the Rescue Mission government in the state to make the ministries effective and productive, the number of ministries in the state has been pruned from twenty two to 13,” Onwuemeodo said.

Imo govt urges citizens to industrialize state

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—IMO State Government has passionately appealed to wealthy indigenes of the state to come home and assist in industrializing and providing job opportunities for the teeming jobless youths.

Governor Rochas Okorocha made the call while performing the commissioning ceremony of a borehole and an ultra modern bus stop built by an industrialist, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, at Amawuihe, Ubomiri, Mbaitoli local council area of the state.

The Governor, who was represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant, SSA, on Assets and Liabilities, Mr. Ethelbert Ibebuchi, expressed happiness that apart from making solid investments and absorbing some unemployed citizens, this was the 19th borehole sunk and commissioned by Mbisiogu in differents parts of the state.

“Government is happy that Mr. Mbisiogu positively responded to our clarion call on wealthy individuals to come and invest.

His solid investments has helped in reducing the unemployment rate in the state."

JOGS 74/79 set meets

T

HE MONTHLY meeting of Ijebu-Ode Grammar School, JOGS, Old Boys Association 74/79 set, according to Adeola Adelana (General Secretary) will be hosted by Adeeko Segun on November 15,2015, at Ologuneru Road, Adetokun Deeper Life junction, (after Eleyele Round-About), Ibadan,Oyo State.

....Urhobo College Old Students too

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RHOBO COLLEGE Old Students Association, UCOSA, Lagos branch, will hold its monthly meeting on Sunday, November 15th 2015 at White House hotel, 31 Joel Ogunnaike street, GRA, Ikeja, by 4pm. All old students of the college are invited.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 —17

•Babatunde Fashola

I

HEARTILY thank Mr Presi dent for making Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, the immensely capable representative of my state, Rivers, his Minister of Transport.

I was also very pleased when I heard that the Aviation and Transport ministries have been merged…and that Senator Hadi Sirika, a highly skilled ex-pilot who comes across as a serious modern professional, will be the Minister of State.

I’m certain that Amaechi will do an excellent job and make Rivers People proud…and that Sirika will help him ensure that Port Harcourt International Airport – which has been a total disgrace for a long time and was recently voted the worst airport in the world by CNN, the American TV station – will finally become passenger-friendly.

Babatunde Fashola

I heartily congratulate Mr

•Kemi Adeosun

Ministerial matters President for formally recognising the considerable talents of Babatunde Fashola, the famously industrious and effective former Governor of Lagos State, by bestowing a ministerial appointment on him. But isn’t it somewhat risky and overly optimistic to expect a lone individual to competently manage three important and time-consuming portfolios - Power and Works and Housing - in a country as large, complex and messed up as Nigeria?

After decades of regular electricity outages, chronic corruption, infrastructural decay and interminable debates about the best ways forward on the generation, transmission, distribution and pricing fronts, the power sector is, on its own, more than enough wahala for any one per-

son to worry about.

Works and Housing, meanwhile, are less challenging and less chaotic than Power; but they are still huge economic sectors that are riddled with endless nightmare scenarios that need to be resolved as soon as possible.

Fashola will no doubt recruit some clever experts and get support from his Deputy and civil servants. But the buck will stop on his desk; and he will be blamed for anything that goes wrong and for any area in which there is insufficient progress.

If anyone can simultaneously handle several tough challenges without collapsing or turning in a lamentably mediocre performance, Fashola can. But his plate is extremely full and his cup is likely to overflow; and I don’t envy him one bit.

•Rotimi Amaechi

Kemi Adeosun

There is widespread consternation about the appointment of Kemi Adeosun, the new Minister of Finance. Several concerned citizens have contacted me to say that they don’t think that she should have been given such a powerful position. And, having watched her Senate screening on TV, I share these reservations.

Bluntly put, Adeosun – who was Commissioner of Finance in Ogun State - seemed like an inoffensive and fairly bright young lady; but she didn’t strike me as someone who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with accomplished foreign counterparts like the British Chancellor of the Exchequer or the American Treasury Secretary.

Nor could I imagine Adeosun confidently discussing fiscal policy with Christine Lagarde, the impressive Chief Executive

Should Jonathan have stepped down?

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ARLIER on this week, Raymond Dokpesi - the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain who owns the AIT channel and is chairing the organising committee of the PDP’s upcoming national stakeholders’ conference - said that his party should have been sensitive to internal zoning issues and should have chosen a Northerner, rather than Dr Goodluck Jonathan, as its 2011 presidential election candidate.

Dokpesi was referring to the fact that when ex-President Yar’Adua died in office in 2010, many Northerners felt that another Northerner should replace him…and were mightily aggrieved when Jonathan deprived the North of this opportunity.

Dokpesi went on to apologise “unreservedly” for this “error”.

Shortly afterwards, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Olisa Metuh, responded to Dokpesi’s statement by describing it as a mere personal opinion that did not reflect the views C M Y K

of all PDP members or the party’s official position.

I disagree with Dokpesi and can see why some PDP members reject his stance.

I once passionately supported Jonathan, but lost faith in him and voted for Buhari last March because I felt that Jonathan was too weak to provide Nigerians with the type of leadership we needed…and that Buhari was a much stronger man who would fearlessly confront corruption, deal with the Boko Haram insurgency more dynamically and

Yes, Jonathan disappointed me; and while I’m willing to express regret about his performance, I will NEVER join Dokpesi in apologising for his ascendancy

approach governance issues in general in a more inspiring way.

However, it really annoys me when people talk as if Jonathan and the entire South “owed” the North another presidential slot as soon as Yar’Adua •Dr. Goodluck Jonathan died.

I sympathised with Northerners when their Big Brother tragi- Nigeria’s wealth!

Jonathan came from a zone that cally passed away prematurely.

But Northerners had, at that had been cheated and neglected stage, ruled Nigeria for at least for years and years and years and 35 of the 50 years that had years. And I don’t blame him for elapsed since our Independence not meekly stepping down. As a matter of fact, I was one of the from British colonialists.

And I didn’t – and still don’t - people who urged him to stay see why a region that had en- firmly put!

Yes, Jonathan disappointed me. joyed such political supremacy for so long should feel so impe- But he had every right to be there riously entitled to yet another at that point in our history. And reign at a time when mine and while I’m willing to express reDokpesi’s region – the long-suf- gret about his performance, I will fering oil-rich Niger Delta – had NEVER join Dokpesi in slavishly not produced a single Head of apologising for his ascendancy State, despite producing most of and presence.

of the International Monetary Fund.

Adeosun doesn’t even come close to matching the stature of her predecessor, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who made mistakes as ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s Minister of Finance, but was still a globally respected Woman Of Substance who had held down senior posts at the World Bank before she came home to serve.

I am not, in a nutshell, convinced that Adeosun possesses the gravitas, experience or knowledge to be put in charge of the Giant Of Africa’s financial wellbeing! And, for now at least, I wish Mr President had chosen someone else for this hot seat.

Harsh criticisms Having said all this, appearances can be – and often are deceptive; and Adeosun may actually be more special than she sounded at her Senate screening last month.

Furthermore, harsh criticisms from folks who claim to know her and have told me that she has been promoted above her abilities may turn out to be utterly unfair.

And I sincerely pray that Adeosun eventually proves me and other Doubting Thomases wrong because I don’t have any grudge against her and will be genuinely happy for her and Nigeria as a whole if she winds up becoming a shining star on the Federal stage and a major asset to Mr President and the rest of us.

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 NOVEMBER 9th, 2015 has gone down in history as a day Nigeria produced two world champions in the games of juvenile football and scrabble. The Golden Eaglets defeated their Malian junior national team counterparts by two goals to nil at the Sausalito Stadium, Chile, to retain the trophy they won two years ago in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Across the world in the Australian city of Perth, Nigeria also produced Africa’s first world champion in the game of scrabble when Mr Wellington Jighere trounced an Englishman, Lewis MacKay 4-0 in the English Language World Scrabble Championship.

The two resounding victories came as a boost for to a country whose citizens have lately been reeling from several socio-political and economic downturns, including Boko Haram terrorism, the renewed pro-Biafra protests in the East and dwindling economic for-

Nigeria dominates the world tunes of the nation.

President Muhammadu Buhari, who had the honour of receiving the maiden world cup won by the Golden Eaglets as a military leader in 1985, was in the forefront of cheering and motivating these worthy Nigerian ambassadors before, during and after their gallant endeavours.

The Eaglets not only lengthened their victory run to five wins in 30 years, our own Victor Osimhen set a new games record of ten goals, thus carting away the Adidas Golden Boot, while team captain, Kele-

chi Nwakali, also won the Most Valuable Player of the tournament along with the Adidas Golden Ball.

Jighere, on the other hand, beat an Englishman to a game in the latter ’s own language, thus showing that Nigerians are now masters of a language considered as the most influential in the world.

We congratulate the Golden Eaglets, both as individual players and as a team, for their feat which has put smiles on the faces of Nigerians all over the world. We particularly give a pat on the back to team coach, Emmanuel Amuneke,

who has proved his worth both as a player and coach. We commend Wellington Jighere for his brilliant performance and achievement.

Nigerians are very proud of these patriots who have lifted our flag aloft above those of other nations in the world. We join President Buhari and the people of Nigeria to accord these heroes a rousing welcome home to the warm embrace of appreciation.

We hope that other Nigerians will be inspired by these achievements and put in more effort to win and bring fame and fortunes to themselves and more glory to the nation. We urge the citizenry to emulate these achievers and channel their energies and creativity to positive endeavours that will lift the people and the nation at large, rather than bring us shame and dishonor.

Congratulations, and more grease to your elbows.

OPINION EFCC,

Afromedia

By Abdullahi Mantu

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HE establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in 2004 marked a watershed in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

For the first time, Nigeria had all previous laws and enactments on different aspects of financial and economic crimes consolidated under one agency in order to achieve a seamless and co-ordinated detection, prevention and prosecution of financial crimes.

The EFCC is charged with enforcing the provisions of other laws and regulations relating to economic and financial crimes including the EFCC Act of 2004, Money Laundering Acts of 1995 and 2004 and Advanced Fee and Other Related Offences Act of 1995.

The others are the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act of 1994, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act of 1991 and the Miscellaneous Offences Act. From the foregoing, it is apparent that the EFCC has enormous powers. It actually needs to be empowered properly for it to acquit itself creditably.

In the last few years, Nigerians have come to appreciate the EFCC's work.

However, while the officers and leadership of the anti-graft agency have shown great professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties, the junior officers appear to be on the loose. Even cases of financial disagreement between business partners or friends that can be sorted out by simple

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and

Citizen

arbitration are referred to EFCC operatives. Instead of handling such low profile cases with circumspection to preserve the dignity of those involved, these operatives behave in a way that thoroughly embarrasses those unlucky to be in their net and expose them to public ridicule.

One such cases is the arrest on September 12 of Alhaji Mohammed Gobir, a former director of Afromedia Plc in his residence in Ikoyi, Lagos. On that day, operatives of the anti-graft agency had stormed his (Gobir’s) house, accused him of advanced fee fraud and what they called ‘corporate fraud’ and whisked him away. It was a Saturday and he was not released till the following Wednesday.

What was the issue? The EFCC had relied on a petition by Mr. Akin Olopade, managing director of Afromedia in which he accused Gobir of collecting various amounts of money in a phony business deal. Shortly after Gobir was arrested, his picture was taken and the media was called in. Within 48 hours, the story went viral but in all of that, his own side of the story was not heard.

If the EFCC operatives who stormed Gobir’s house had taken time to look at the other side, they would have realised that contrary to the impression created

by Olopade, the transaction was not between Gobir and Afromedia but a

After being a clean businessman for 30 years, it is not now Gobir will want to be associated with fraud

Gobir business transaction involving two individuals who were hitherto bosom friends. They would also have known that when Gobir and Olopade decided to end the transaction, the Afromedia CEO asked for refund of his money and that Gobir had started making refunds to him in three currencies - naira, dollars and pounds sterling - all documented.

The true position is that as somebody who was in charge of business development in Afromedia from 2009 up till the time he resigned from the board of the company in 2013, Gobir’s main duty was to secure high level business opportunities for the company. It was on this basis that in one of the several private meetings he held with Olopade, both men agreed on the possibility of the company exploring and receiving capital investments following the melt down in the Nigerian stock market. In accessing the capital investment, money was required to process and access the fund of which part of the sum was expended by Mr. Olopade who later turned around and requested for refunds of which several payments were made as repayment to him (Mr. Olopade.)

Both men disagreed on the arrears to be paid having deducted earlier payments from total sum, with the two parties resolving to seek legal adjudication on the matter to determine what was due.

That was the main issue in contention.

It is on record that Olopade even got a mutual friend involved in the matter.

While they were still discussing, EFCC operatives arrived that Saturday,

September 12 and whisked Gobir away for interrogation, accusing him of “corporate fraud” and “419”.

Linking him with ‘419’ is what is beyond comprehension for a man of Gobir’s standing. In 30 years of doing business in Nigeria, he has never been indicted, has never been arraigned for any criminal offence, he has never been involved in fraud. Why would he now, at the height of his professional and business life be involved in ‘419’ or what they called ‘corporate fraud’? He has been a credible businessman and contractor to federal ministries, para military and state governments.

It is this background in business with extensive contacts that earned him the recommendation to join the board of Afromedia in 2009 at the time the company was seeking funds to enhance its operations. He was specifically invited because of his network and goodwill which Afromedia identified and needed at the time to obtain big accounts.

And he did not disappoint. In the four years he served on the board of Afromedia and headed the business development committee of the board, he got businesses worth over N2 billion for the company.

If you are right-handed from birth you cannot learn to be left-handed in old age.

After being a clean businessman for 30 years, it is not now, at the height of his career when the stakes are too high that Gobir will want to be associated with fraud or shady deals.

We are in democracy and the EFCC itself is a creation of democracy.

Therefore, it’s method of operation should be based on democratic principles. *Mr. Mantu, a civil rights activist, wrote from Kaduna, Kaduna State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Between the desert and the deep sea

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INISTERS from seventy countries camped in France for three days from this Sunday. It was humanity’s War Cabinet meeting for the third time this year. It was like a country being under carpet bombing, and the Executive debating how to scramble jets into the sky to mitigate the disaster.

For centuries, humanity has mercilessly plundered the earth’s resources without a thought for its implications. Now the earth is fighting back like an awaken giant extracting its pound of flesh. The reparation being sought by mother earth is unaffordable. All we hope to do at the 195-nation United Nations Climate Change Forum in Bourget, France from November 30 to December 11, 2015, is to try mitigate the disaster.

There is already climate change; what humanity is trying to do is make propitiation to mother earth. To mitigate the catastrophe, humanity has for six years now, negotiated amongst itself, for a maximum two percent global warming above the pre-Industrial Revolution level, rather than the current four – five degrees. This week, all the promises made to

cut global warming will bring it down to a high three percent.

Even at that, these are promises that may still be broken on the altar of political convenience.

No matter the talks and actions taken, the salvage mission has come too late for some in the world. The Pacific island nations of Kiribati and Tuvula are likely to disappear in the sea like the legendary Atlantis. With rising sea levels, the countries now stand at a little more than one metre, or three feet above sea level. For them, it is a matter of time before the sea swallows them. The options being considered including purchasing land in other places like Australia to grow food and relocating their entire population, or building manmade islands to absorb them.

Kiribati is concentrating on building skills so that if its population has to move like the migrants from war torn countries are now forced to, they would not be a liability to the receiving nations. Given the fact that there are fourteen pacific nations, it means that more countries may be claimed by the seas.

One year before the 2012 floods that devastated large parts of

Nigeria, the US Institute for Peace had published a Report that in the last forty years, rainfall in the Southern states had increased by 20 percent.

When the floods came in 2012, villages and human beings were washed down the River Niger from the Northern parts of the country. When the floods reached the Niger Delta, huge populations fled; whole towns were submerged. My grand mother’s house where I was born in, did not flee with the population; it stood resolute in the floods for weeks, but when the waters finally receded, it had huge gaps and cracks like a house bombed.

The American Report said in fifty years, sea levels in Nigerian coastal areas rose by one foot, and that in the next seventy five years, it will rise by between 1.5 and 3 feet. On the other hand, it said that within the same period, large parts of states in the North

My grand mother’s house where I was born in, did not flee with the population; it stood resolute in the floods for weeks, but when the waters finally receded, it had huge gaps and cracks like a house bombed

Welcome our ‘change' ministers

By Clement Udegbe “And already, the axe is lying at the root of trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into fire” ---- John the Baptist.

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IX months after this government was inaugurated, we are getting an administration amidst challenges created by the government through politics of body language, propaganda, and mixed messages. The president, says one thing, the media, opinion commentators, pick it up, write, shout, reason and argue over it, and the man goes ahead to do what he wants to do, no matter what the people say, and so we have a team of ministers comprising professionals, the old, the not too old, the young, the corrupt and not too corrupt, whom we must look upon to deliver the change agenda of the APC, until when we will have to assess their total performance to decide what to do with them as a political party.

We are not unmindful of their plans to remain in power beyond the next elections through manipulations of the system, from their choice of INEC officials, without respect to balancing in the spirit of the constitution, to the ‘can do anything and get away with it’ attitude of the APC. They are ridding on the crest of change that Nigerians wanted, but change in itself, can be apparent, real, positive or negative. While we expect an advanced form of rigging in the next elections, this is the team that will give APC, the basis to ask us for re-election come 2019. People are following Mr. President, whether, we

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will have more than 36 ministers or less, whether the constitution will be respected, or continued to be disregarded, as he has done in the choice of the INEC leader from his own north having failed in installing his own blood relation as head of INEC, whether or not he will have ministers without portfolios as we hear, the president will soon get to a stage, where some lawyers will decide to challenge and test every unconstitutional move he will make. This is because the axe is already lying at the root of the trees, and any unconstitutional tree shall be cut down!

We heard that some ministers were so zealous to serve Nigeria, that they were ready to render their services free of charge.

How preposterous! It is as unscriptural, as it is un-constitutional, because a worker deserves his wages. Nigeria can afford to pay any number of ministers without

APC must not repeat over Biafra, the mistake PDP made over Boko Haram.

Our Retired Generals in politics and power got Boko Haram wrong, and they are already misfiring over Biafra

like Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Kasina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe and Zamfara, could turn into deserts.

This means that more lands will be lost, leading to more pressure and conflicts over farming and grazing lands.

Africa is particularly vulnerable with advancing deserts and the entire West African coast from Lagos through Cotonou, Lome, Accra, to Banjul being quite vulnerable. Worse still, we have oceanic countries like Seychelles, Mauritius, Madagascar and the Comoros that are directly threatened by rising seas.

With twenty three percent living in coastal areas, humanity faces catastrophe. A US–based research group, Climate Central reports this week that large swathes of New York and Shanghai may go under the waves. The Green Peace with the slogan ‘Real people can’t live under water’ reports that “Of the thirty nine big metropolitan areas with a population over 5 million, sixty percent are located within 100km of the coast. These include twelve of the biggest 16 with populations exceeding 10 million although the great majority of people live in smaller settlements in the coastal zone.

High densities of people are also found in delta regions, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding.” The World Bank on November 8, reported that with climate change, 100 million additional people will be under the poverty line by 2030.

The issue is not that we need energy to survive, the problem is the type of energy. Currently, only 14 percent of our energy usage is based on Renewables.

The balance is built on energy harmful to the environment; oil

blinking, so those of them who suggested working for free, make us look at them as guys, who want to come to steal. Our new ministers need to bear a few things in mind as we welcome them. First, the President was once reported as referring to them as noise makers. It is up to them to prove him right or read him correctly and accept the challenge to make a difference.

For example, when the President says that Nigeria is broke, he is telling us that he will not be willing to throw money and largesse around, because he knows as much as we do that Nigeria is not broke, and cannot be broke. How can Nigeria be broke when only six months ago we were one the largest and best performing economies in sub Saharan Africa ? Where are all the billions of Naira that corrupt politicians are returning to government coffers as we were told? What is the Prof.

Itsay Sagay Committee doing, about who has stolen what, and when they are returning the loots ? Why do we still maintain a Presidential fleet of about eight planes ? Nigeria is not broke, but we need to read the President correctly.

Second, our new ministers should be alive to the fact that all this government has going for it, is the belief that the President has come to fight corruption. He told their Indian Prime Minister recently that he is here to fight corruption, and from the composition of this team, the President should be read correctly. The President is saying that Nigerians should expect that Ministers must live by good example. Our ministers should now begin to accept responsibility for corruption or gross wrong doing in their ministries.

Nigerians expect that Ministers will begin to resign their appointments when gross negligence or misconduct is established against them at any point in time. They are Ministers over a corrupt nation, the President wants us therefore to expect that

accounts for 31 percent, coal 29, gas 21, and Nuclear, 5 percent.

The bad news is that these sources of energy are cheap and available in large quantities.

We all know the dangers, but world politicians continue to bicker. The biggest polluters are the industrialised countries in Europe and America. But having developed their countries primarily by polluting the environment and with less population growth, they have less need for such energy.

However, good news continue to flow from the Polluter-in-Chief, the US which hitherto, had scuttled negotiations including the Kyoto agreements. Now, President Barrack Obama promises US co-operation. To underline this, on November 6, he stopped the Keystone-XL Pipeline project that would have carried Canadian oil through America to the Gulf of Mexico to the world market. Vladimir Putin, to underscore Russia’s commitment, has announced he would personally attend the UN Forum. Leaders of the new big time polluters, Xi Jingping of China and Narendra Modi of India also promised to attend.

Underdeveloped countries want financial guarantees to enable them move towards Renewables.

Generally, humanity needs to conserve energy usage, especially at home, ensure Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for appliances, encourage energysaving industries, plants and machinery especially in cement and steel factories, and build power stations near consumers to minimise losses in distribution and transmission. When God was said to have given humanity dominion over all things, he did not give us the license to destroy the world.

it cannot be business as usual for his team of ‘change’ ministers. Corruption plus brokage is a bad mix, and can discourage investors, so they should read the President correctly, and manage him, to stop painting Nigeria black in the international communities from hence forth! No nation is completely free from corruption.

Third, the Ministers arrived six months behind schedule, and may really start the work sometime early next year, dragging us into the ninth month after inauguration. The President may be comfortably disposed to ‘Go Slow’, but Nigerians did not vote him for that. The Ministers are expected to hit the ground running, and avoid noise making. Let their works speak for them, not propaganda; Nigeria is tired and wearied with the overuse of the blame game by APC. As a good team, Nigerians expect them to take the peace and stability of the nation, as priority, by managing the President to resolve the key issues of Boko Haram, Fulani Herdsmen, Kidnapping, Biafra, and National Confab Report implementation. APC must not repeat over Biafra, the mistake PDP made over Boko Haram. Our Retired Generals in politics and power got Boko Haram wrong, and they are already misfiring over Biafra. With every due respect, they should not be allowed to retire Nigeria!

Finally, as desertification is destroying land in the north, erosion is killing the South especially the South East. We have had enough noise over erosion control in the South East, we expect the current tide to the stemmed by this change team. We say welcome to our ‘change’ ministers, even as the axe is already at the roots of the trees.

*Mr Udegbe, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Catholic cemetery, where the living meet the dead ‘

•Priests celebrating Holy Mass at Topo Badagry venue of this year’s Feast of All Saints

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By Charles Kumolu & Maximilian Anosike

OPO Island, a sleepy community in Badagry momentarily came alive recently following the presence of a huge number of Catholic faithful, who solemnly converged on a colonial cemetery.

The mission of the devotees, who had come from various parts of Lagos State, was two-pronged.

One, they were there to spend time with the dead. On the other hand, the gathering was to reflect on the essence of man’s spiritual being.

Such visit, which happens once in a year, was in commemoration of the Catholic feast of All Souls.

Sited beside the Atlantic Ocean in an uninhabited area of the island, the venue presented an impression of a disused place despite the presence of newly painted tomb stones overlooking the ocean.

Obscure location However, its obscure location and perhaps forgotten state, is in contrast with the significant roles the site was said to have played in the rise and spread of Christianity in Nigeria.

Interestingly, from the desolate appearance, one would hardly agree that same place once hosted a thriving seminary, church and rail tracks in the early days of the Church in Nigeria.

From there, many pioneer missionary priests, who came through the sea, commenced the spread of the gospel across the then semi-primitive ethnic nationalities that later metamorphosed into Nigeria.

Many of the Reverend Fathers and Sisters who died at that time were also buried at the cemetery C M Y K

located at same site.

As the gospel was spreading across the country, the site was also losing its prime position as the number one Catholic destination in Nigeria, resulting to its present disused state.

Certainly, it is in recognition of the contributions of the clergy buried at the venue that the Badagary Deanery of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Lagos, opted to celebrate this year’s Feast of All Souls at the site.

Leading the faithful to the island, which was only accessible by boat, was a Caucasian priest from Cork City, Rev. Fr Eddy Hartnett, whose mastery of the Yoruba language is amazing.

During the well attended Holy Mass, Fr. Harnett, who celebrated the mass alongside 12 other priests, admonished Christians to often pray for the dead, saying that such is an obligation with a Biblical background.

He also reminded the faithful about the import of the All Souls Day, which is celebrated on November 2 globally, saying that

Every believer in the birth, death and resurrection of Christ should see the feast of All Souls as a day of solemn reflection on the essence of life

it was a day commemorating the faithful departed in general, but not exclusively one’s relatives. ‘’The celebration is being done throughout the whole church today in remembrance of all the faithful departed in our church, community, and throughout the whole world. We remember the dead people and pray for them because of the pilgrimage they are making now to the home land in the kingdom of heaven.

We pray that they will get there, they will renew their friendship with Jesus, and they will see the day of resurrection and see God’s face. So we are praying for them because yesterday they prayed for others,” he noted.

In addition, he cautioned the living thus: ‘’Death speaks to us by telling us that the dead were like us and we will be like them

someday. So we should live our lives like pilgrims by working for God. Coming here is a pilgrimage.

We walked to this place with faith and as a community we pray for peace, we pray for forgiveness, we pray for goodwill for everyone. ‘’We have been talking about the dead.

Who are those that will pray for the dead?

Is it not those who are alive? So for those who are alive be wise, be the wise virgins and not the foolish five virgins. The question is, as we are living now so after now where will you be? There is a song which says: ‘Jesus is coming back, Jesus is coming soon, are you ready to follow him today’. And so as for everyone, where will you be on that day of the Lord?”

On the choice of the venue, he said: ‘’Reverend fathers and sisters are the ones buried here.

They have been here since 1878.

The sisters were here too. They came in 1892, we have come to remember them. They were the ones who opened the doors of faith for us in this area. Their life speaks to us today; can we let God speak to our life, can we let him do the great things that God wants to do? Can we trust him as they trusted him?”

An attendee, who spoke to Vanguard Metro, after the nearly two-hour colourful activity, Mr. Chinagorom Nelson, said: ‘’The feast is not only important to Catholics. Every believer in the

birth, death and resurrection of Christ should see the feast of All Souls as a day of solemn reflection on the essence of life.

Thinking about the dead gives us a rare opportunity of accepting our susceptibility to death.

The experience takes one back to the drawing board preparatory for death that will come at any time.”

Meanwhile the Feast of the All Souls as highlighted by Wikipedia, involves: ‘’The setting aside of a particular day for praying not for certain named individuals but for whole classes of the departed was well established by the end of the first millennium.

Well known saints “Prayers for the deceased members of Benedictine monasteries were offered in the week after Pentecost and the practice of praying for the dead at a date near Pentecost was also followed in Spain in the seventh century.

“Other dates chosen were Epiphany and the anniversary of the death of some well-known saints, as shown by evidence from the beginning of the ninth century. By about 1980 October 1 was an established date in Germany. The 11th century saw the introduction of a liturgical commemoration in diocesan calendars. In Milan the date was October 16 until changed in the second half of the 16th century to November 2.

“The day after All Saints’ Day, was that which Saint Odilo of Cluny chose in the 11th century for all the monasteries dependent on the Abbey of Cluny. From these, the November 2 custom spread to other Benedictine monasteries and thence to the Western Church in general.”

Benue flood victims: Relief at last from NEMA

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UCH needed relief came the way of 32, 000 persons affected by the recent flood that devastated communities in nine local governments areas in Benue State as the National Emergency Manage-ment Agency, NEMA, at the weekend rallied to their aid with relief items which were handed over to the Governor of Benue State, Dr Samuel Ortom, for onward distribution to them.

Presenting the relief items to Governor Ortom in Makurdi, Director General of NEMA Muhammad Sani Sidi, expressed satisfaction with the positive response of most states government to the flood warning alerts issued by NIMET and NEMA, thereby averting more losses. He however, urged the Governors to sustain awareness

on the risk of flood in communities living along river plains as well as permanently relocate them to safer higher grounds.

Sani Sidi who was represented

by NEMA’s Director of Relief and Rehabilitation, Mr Eugene Udemezue Ezeh, said a joint assessment carried by NEMA and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency indicated that more than 32, 000 persons were affected by the flood. He also said that the relief items delivered were based on the identified needs of the affected persons and aimed at complementing the supports of the Benue State Government to them.

Receiving the items, Governor Ortom expresed appreciation to NEMA for coming to aid of the flood victims. While assuring that the items would be distributed to

the beneficiaries, he called on the Federal Government to urgently address the frequent occurrences of flood along the River Benue by constructing a buffer dam to collect excess water from Lagdo dam as well as fast track the dredging of the river.

The Governor immediately handed over the items to the Executive Secretary of the State Emergency Manage-ment Agency, Mr Boniface Otise, for distribution to the flood-affected persons.

TheExecutiveSecretaryofBenue SEMA, Mr Otise, confirmed the items received from NEMA as made up of large quantities of food and non-food items, including bags of rice, maize, building materials, mattresses, etc. He said the agency had obtained approval of the Governorbeforetheofficialhanding over of the items.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

— 21

NEXIM Bank’s funding of mining sector hits N7.17bn

By Franklin Alli

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HE Nigerian Export-Im port Bank (NEXIM Bank) says it has channeled N7.17 interventions funds to the mining sector and created more than 4,302 direct jobs. This is since inception of the bank till date.

Mr. Roberts Ungwaga Orya, the bank’s Managing Director, disclosed this when he received a team from the World Bank led by Dr. Francisco Igualada, Senior Mining Specialist, Energy & Extractives Unit, and Mr. Linus Adie Utsu of Mining Investments Consult that visited the bank to share ideas on how to provide structured intervention towards revamping and deepening Nigeria’s mining sector.

Foreign exchange inflow According to Orya, NEXIM since inception till date has provided interventions to the sector to the tune of N7.17 billion, and this has created more than 4,302 direct jobs plus many indirect jobs in addition to facilitating foreign exchange flow inflow of U$80,142 million annually.

Besides direct funding, towards providing assistance to Nigerian miners, NEXIM had in 2013 supported the Miners Association to move from their inaccessible office in Jos, Plateau State and provided them with free office spaces and facilities at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Mr. Orya informed the World Bank team that NEXIM was set up to assist the government in

diversifying the Nigerian economy away from the oil through the provision of export credit facility, risk bearing facilities, trade and market information and export advisory services to export-oriented investors in the manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals and services (MASS) sectors.

Focusing on solid minerals extraction, Mr. Orya stated that Nigeria is endowed with huge solid mineral deposits, with about 34 products identified in commercial quantities in different parts of Nigeria.

However, the failure of Nigeria, since independence in 1960, to

Nigeria is losing lots of resources from untapped mineral deposit as well as from the little that is being mined mostly by illegal miners

MEETING:

From Left, Partner & Head, Advisory Services, KPMG, Mr. Kunle Elebute; Managing Director, United Capital Plc, Mr. Wale Shonibare; Regional Director, West Africa, African Infrastructure Investment Managers (IAIIM), Mr. Olusola Lawson; Chief Investment Officer, African Finance Corporation (AFC), Mr. Oliver Andrews; and Partner, Project Infrastructure & Corporate Finance, AELEX, Mr. Lawrence Fubara Anga at the IPFA West Africa event organized by KPMG. put in place a structure that will make the benefits of the exploitation available to all Nigerians has been the bane of the country.

The low activity in the solid mineral sector is not yielding the desired financial revenues as there are scanty records of payment of taxes and royalty to the government.

He said Nigeria is losing lots of resources from untapped mineral deposit as well as from the little that is being mined mostly by illegal miners who smuggle the products out of the country.

At the moment, according to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reports, the sector accounts for only 0.14 per cent of GDP and 3.8 percent of the non-oil export revenue.

Mr. Roberts Orya stated that despite its huge potentials, the sector is still grossly underdeveloped and dominated by SME/ artisanal and informal miners using crude machinery and equipment.

“There are other challenges of poor access to long term funding due to the capital intensive nature of the industry; lack of ac-

credited laboratory for testing and poor infrastructure – roads, rail facilities – to move the products,” he said.

Dr Francisco Igualada, the World Bank Senior Mining Specialist, wondered why Nigeria, with all its huge resources and potentials has continued to earn less than Ghana, Mali and Burkina Faso from mining activities. He pointed out that the World Bank has a PPP (Public Private Partnership) arrangement which it could recommend for the development of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria.

FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange quotes N17.7bn Nigerian Breweries CP

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MDQ OTC Securities Exchange yesterday recorded another milestone with the quotation of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc N17.7 billion commercial paper (CP) on its platform.

The N17.7 billion NB CP at 12.16 per cent was the 116.20 0.60 first non-financial institution CP to $3,296. 00 _11. 00 be quoted on the FMDQ trading $14. 86 0.17 platform.

CP is an unsecured, shortterm debt 45. 20 -0.61 instrument issued 42.35 -0.58 by a corporation, typically for the CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL financing of DOLLAR 195.98 196.48 196.98 a c c o u n t s POUNDS 297.7132 298.4728 299. 2323 receivable, EURO 210.0514 210.5873 211.1232 inventories and FRANC 194.695 195.1917 195.96885 meeting shortYEN 1.5918 1.5958 1. 5999 CFA 0.3008 0.3108 0.3208 term liabilities.

WAUA 269. 7092 270. 3973 271.0854 Maturities on RENMINBI 30.7763 30. 8553 30.9342 commercial paper RIYAL 52. 2572 52.3905 52.5238 rarely range any SDR 270.3936 271.0835 271.7733 longer than 270 days. The debt is CBN Exchange Rate as at 12/11 /15 usually issued at

a discount, reflecting prevailing market interest rates.

Speaking at the quotation ceremony in Lagos, Ms Tumi Sekoni, FMDQ Group Head, Business Development, commended the company for deepening the country’s debt capital market. Sekoni said that the company had set pace for other companies to come and raise money from the market.

Mr. Bola Onadele, FMDQ Managing Director, also said that the quotation would deepen the nation’s capital market. Onadele said that “FMDQ provides a platform for the registration, listing, quotation and trading of bonds and other fixed income securities’’.

He said that the company had empowered the Nigerian debt market with price discovery, transparency and market integrity through market development initiatives.

Onadele said that listing and quotation on FMDQ provided a host of benefits across the debt market value chain, positively

impacting on stakeholders in the Debt Capital Market (DCM).

“FMDQ’s value-add to DCM includes visibility and transparency to the listed/ quoted debts, improved secondary market liquidity, benchmark pricing and price formation,’’ he said.

The managing director said that FMDQ had made the nation’s capital market globally competitive with continuous disclosure of relevant information on fixed income

The N17.7 billion NB CP at 12.16 per cent was the first non-financial institution CP to be quoted on the FMDQ trading platform

issues listed on its platform.

Mr Mark Rutten, Nigerian Breweries Chief Financial Officer, said that the company was pleased to contribute to the deepening of the Nigerian debt capital market. Rutten, who commended FMDQ for hosting the quotation, said that it was a memorable day for both companies. He said the company would continue to support the growth and development of the debt market.

“We are pleased with the first series, this is just the beginning, there are more to come,’’ Rutten said. He said the company decided to quote on the securities exchange to facilitate active secondary market, promote liquidity and aid the growth of the domestic capital market. He said that the company was excited with the CP programme because of its enhanced benefits.

“I call on other chief financial officers and managing directors of companies listed on the stock exchange to emulate NB and embrace FMDQ ,’’ Rutten said.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

FMDQ appoints Daisy Ekineh as independent non-executive director

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PROMO: From Left: Utsalo Nicholas, Public Relations Officer, Consumer Protection Council

(CPC); Kalyan Bandyopadhyay, Commercial Director, Wilmar Ltd; Funlola Aofiyebi, Brand Ambassador, Mamador and Fidelis Ajibogun of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC) at the Mamador Cook & Cruise promo raffle draw in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund crosses N50bn mark Stories by Nkiruka Nnorom

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TANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc’s Money Market Fund has hit the N50 billion marks in Net Asset Value.

The Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund(SIMM), managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, achieved this milestone in October 2015 and further burnished its position as the largest listed fund in the country.

The latest report on collective

investment schemes by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the industry regulator, showed that Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund has N50.19 billion, representing 22 per cent of the N230 billion Nigerian Collective Investment Scheme/Mutual Fund market in assets under management in the week to Friday, 16 October 2015, with an effective yield of 12.45 per cent.

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management described the milestone, as an industry first, which the five-year old Fund accomplished after a period of

CIS, Anambra State partner on development projects

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HE Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has commenced talks with the Anambra State government on a range of development issues that may bring about strategic partnership.

Details of the discussion are still hazy, but when concluded, Anambra State government may emerge as one of the institute’s strategic partners for project execution next year.

As a prelude to the final decision, the institute’s principal officers visited Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State recently to canvass for the state government’s support for the institute’s projects.

Addressing Governor Obiano and his team, the acting President and Chairman of Council, CIS, Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, explained that in line with the institute’s strategic plan, strategic partners are required for execution of many projects.

According to him, the projects include sponsorship of customized training programme for the staff of Anambra State government agencies, C M Y K

sponsorship of 20,000 indigents of Anambra State for the institute’s diploma programme in securities and investment, sponsorship of mega television documentary that highlights the substance and essence of investment through the capital market, sponsorship of the annual national conference, workshop and allied major events.

“In view of the above and the strategic positioning of the CIS in the area of capacity building and certification of professionals, we would like to among others collaborate with the Anambra State government in the area of capacity building and employment creation among the teeming unemployed youths through the institute’s training and certification programme”, Abe said.

Responding, Gov. Obiano commended the institute for its foresight in the area of capacity building and assured the principal officers of the willingness of his administration to participate in development projects. He, however, explained that his administration would study the highlights in order to take decisions appropriately.

consistent growth, as an indication that investors view the Fund as an investment haven, one with a history of consistent and exceptional returns to its subscribers.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, said the historic N50 billion mark not only demonstrates the Fund’s leadership position in the industry, but also shows the level of expertise and commitment by the fund managers to ensure safety of invested funds while enhancing returns.

“This is an important milestone for us. The Fund is just five years old, and to have achieved asset under management of over N50 billion is a remarkable feat, which highlights the solidity and competencies of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management as Nigeria’s leading asset management company,” Dayo-Olagunju said.

Stanbic IBTC Money Market Fund, established in 2010, invests 100 per cent of its assets in fixed income investments, including treasury bills, money market placements, commercial papers and other instruments approved by SEC. The Fund has consistently paid dividends to its subscribers since inception.

Other funds managed by Stanbic IBTC Asset Management include: Stanbic IBTC Nigerian Equity Fund; Stanbic IBTC Bond Fund; Stanbic IBTC Guaranteed Fund; Stanbic IBTC Balanced Fund; Stanbic IBTC Ethical Fund; Stanbic IBTC Imaan Fund; Stanbic IBTC Conservative Fund; Stanbic IBTC Absolute Fund; Stanbic IBTC Aggressive Fund; and Stanbic IBTC ETF 30 Fund.

HE Board of Directors of FMDQ OTC Plc has announced the appointment of Ms. Daisy Ekineh as an independent non-executive director, effective October 30, 2015.

Her appointment, according to a statement by the securities exchange, followed a noobjection received from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Ekineh has over 30 years of capital market experience and was a former acting DirectorGeneral of SEC from May 2009 to January 2010.

She is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Global Mandate Consulting Limited.

Whilst at SEC, she, at various times, served as Executive Commissioner (Operations) and Director, Securities and Investment Services where she was responsible for the regulation of all public offers of securities, mergers & acquisitions amongst others.

As a capital market doyen, Ms. Ekineh has played a critical role in driving several policy initiatives in the Nigerian capital market, having served in several committees, including the Technical Committee of the Bond Market Steering Committee, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (Nonoil and Non-agriculture sub-

Committees) and as the Chairman of the Information Sharing Sub–Committee of the Financial Services Regulation Coordinating Committee (FSRCC).

She contributed significantly in designing the Capital Market and Regulation Strategy of the Financial Sector Strategy (FSS) 2020.

A one-time Chair of the African & Middle East Regional Committee of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), her experience and expertise in capital market regulation and operations will serve towards the realisation of FMDQ’s market development and governance agenda for the transformation and alignment of the Nigerian Fixed Income and Currency (FIC) markets with global standards.

To ensure equitable representation, FMDQ’s 13man Board of Directors was constituted along stakeholders’ influence, thereby allowing participation from its diverse stakeholder groups.

The directors have been strategically selected to provide broad yet specialised representation considering the company’s dual functions as a securities exchange (market organiser) and self-regulatory organisation (SRO).

M&B MD bags Fellowship of Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy

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HE Managing Director/ CEO of May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, has been honoured with the fellowship of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy (FNAPharm). He was inducted on Tuesday, October 27, 2015 along with 21 others as the second set of Nigerians to bag this elite award.

With the award, Okafor now holds the two most prestigious fellowship awards of the pharmacy profession in Nigeria as he was also in 2006 honoured with the fellowship of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, (FPSN).

Medical representative Okafor studied Pharmacy at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and graduated in 1983 with a second class Honours (upper division). He went on to obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Marketing from the Enugu State University of Technology in 1998 and was in the year 2000 AMP class of the Lagos Business School.

He commenced his career as

a medical representative in May & Baker in 1985 putting up superlative performance that made him rise very rapidly in the company. On the 11th of June 2003, he was appointed to the Board of May & Baker Nigeria Plc as Executive Director, Sales & Marketing. In this capacity, he restructured the local Pharmaceutical business into what remains today the biggest contributor to the company’s revenue and profit achievements.

Again in January 2006, he was appointed the Chief Operating Officer with the responsibility of championing the company’s diversification into the foods business.

To cap his long and meritorious contributions to the success of the company, he was on February 1, 2011 named the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the company. As managing director, Mr. Okafor has led May & Baker to the enviable position of a world class pharmaceutical manufa-cturing company evidenced by the certification of its facility for current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2014.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—23

Demands for steel’ll grow when govt stabilizes — MD, Hongxing Steel

Dangote invests N2.4trn on local production

Andy Lu is the Managing Director of Hongxing Steel Company Limited, with staff strength of 700 and over $100 million invested so far in Nigeria’s steel sector. In this interview with Vanguard , he is optimistic that the lull in the industry will soon give way to boom , following the inauguration of ministers by Presideent Muhammadu Buhari.

Excerpts:

IN a bid to save the economy N1.3 trillion spent annually on food imports, Dangote Group has invested over $12 billion(about N2.4 trillion) on local production of four commodities where Nigeria has comparative advantages.

These commodities are rice, sugar, refined petroleum and fertilizer.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria, N1.3 trillion is spent on average importing rice, sugar and other agricultural commodities into the country annually.

Data obtained from Dangote showed that in order to make sure Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in these commodities, the conglomerate has made over $12 billion (about N2.4 trillion) investment in the local production of these commodities.

A breakdown of this figure showed that Group has invested $1billion (N165 billion) in rice production and processing operations across fives States in Nigeria.

Dangote is also constructing $9 billion oil refinery with capacity to produce 500,000 barrels per day at Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos. The project when completed by 2017,will cut reliance on international markets for the country’s fuel needs.

Dangote is also building a fertilizer plant at Agenebode, Edo State. The $2 billion fertilizer plant is being

Stories by Franklin Alli HAT is the profile of your company?

First, let me do the introduction of this company. Hongxing was incorporated in 2008 and we started production in 2009. When we started, we were a small manufacturing company with 100 staff, and with years of development, the company has made a lot of progress and today we are one of the most important players in Nigeria’s steel industry. Right now, our Nigerian staffs are numbering well over 700 direct employees and indirectly, we have created jobs in the haulage and scrap industry.

What have been your impacts since you came into this industry?

I am very passionate about our investments in the steel industry.

The first and foremost reason is that we are turning waste to wealth by turning scrap iron to iron-rods.

Our product is iron rods which are used by the construction industry.

Second, we generate a lot of employment directly and indirectly.

As I said, we have over 700 Nigerians on our payroll and apart from earning income; they learn skills on the job. Third, as a company, we generate income for governments in terms of corporate and excise tax, so that is the additional benefit of our impacts on the economy and the sector.

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Impact on the economy Fourth, we help Nigeria to save the cost of importation of steel products. Before this industry came up Nigeria relied on importation of the products for its construction needs. I am very passionate about this industry, not financially but fundamentally.

Fifth, before we came into the market in 2008, the price of iron rods was N180,000 per tons, which was very costly and only few people could afford it; but today as a result of our efficient sourcing of raw materials and other activities, we have reduced the market price to N100,000 per tons. These are some of our impacts on the industry and the economy.

How is the CBN FOREX restriction telling on your operation?

The bulk of the raw materials we use are actually scraps but there are add-ons like silicon, ferrous, which are not available locally and which have to be imported and because they are not available locally, the restriction by the CBN C M Y K

doesn’t affect us. We are in support of the ban because it is really helping us local manufacturers by making our products competitive, and it is helping the economy to have a direction and not to rely on crude oil.

Is there high demand for your products?

Right now, the pur*Andy Lu chasing power of consumers is weak and there is temporary lull in the completed, the total cost will be well market and because of low deover $120 million. If you are investmand, we cannot produce more ing this kind of money in the for the markets. Government is economy, certainly, we are here to the largest customer of steel prodstay and not running away from ucts and we believe by the time the country. this government stabilizes and the The production line is designed new ministers are on ground, the for 1 million tonnages per annum. demands for steel products will The plant will also produce other shoot-up. steel products; we are targeting Do you think local producexportation to other countries in ers can meet demands in Africa which will generate foreign Nigeria? exchange. We believe we would Yes, like I said, in terms of have exhausted the Nigeria marquantity, the supply is more than ket at that time and when the Aba the demand. And in terms of plant is completed and running, quality, our products are competiit will be the biggest steel plant in tive than imported ones because West Africa, and with the economy they are certified by SON. We have of scale, we should be able to prothe capacity to meet whatever the duce cheaper for West African market demands. Like I stated, countries. earlier, we are expanding and Why did you go to Aba? hopefully, by April next year, we We went to Aba for so many will commission our Aba plants reasons: the land we acquired took which will be the biggest steel us less than one month to get the plants in West Africa. Our capacity Certificate of Occupancy, C of O. is increasing, but our output is deand we talking about space, I am creasing slightly because demand not sure we can get enough of that is not picking enough. Nigeria is kind of space in Lagos. The facan emerging market compared to tory in Aba is sitting on over 100 what China consumes annually, hectares of land. it is very small. With the coming What opportunities did you see on stream of Nigeria automotive inin Nigeria and how can governdustry, demand for steel products ments help you stay in business? will go up because they also use a The opportunities I see in lot of steel products.

Nigeria are the huge consumer How much have you inmarkets- it is the most populous vested in your project in Aba? country on this continent and we Right now we have invested $50 believe in China that Africa is the million dollars but by the time it is next future. Second, this country is developing. Last year, Nigeria overtook South Africa as the largest economy in this continent.

We are negotiating Government should help us to have cheap access to facilities. with the Nigeria They have one for the agricultural Electricity Regulasector and we need such in the manufacturing sector. There is a tory Commission, CBN facility called Real Sector NERC, to give us a Supporting Fund, RSSF, but actually, the policy backing it preferential billing makes it not accessible, so, we or tariff system to want government to make it easy for us to access cheaper loans for bring down our expansion.

production cost

constructed by Saipem while the Indian Tata Consulting Engineering company is the project manager consultant (PMC) for its Edo Fertilizer project in Nigeria.

“By the third quarter of 2017, we expect to be looking at commissioning,” Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director of stakeholders management and corporate communications,” said.

Specifically on rice, Vanguard learned Dangote has acquired farmland in Edo, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kwara, and Niger states totalling 150,000 hectares to be used for the commercial production of rice paddy. This will create thousands of jobs for Nigerians and boost food security.

The rice plants is estimated to produce 960,000 metric tons of mill rice, representing 46 per cent of rice imported into Nigeria.

Earlier, Aliko Dangote stated: “We are deeply grateful and indebted to the governments of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we look forward to continuing to enjoy their support and encouragement as we expand our investments not only in cement manufacturing but also now in the agriculture and petroleum sectors in Nigeria.”

70% of Coca-Cola distributors are women —NBC

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HE Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Limited has revealed that women account for 70 percent of CocaCola distributors in the country.

Uzo Odenigbo, Head Public Affairs and Communications, NBC Limited stated this during the handover ceremony of the trade assets and products to the women at the Jakande Estate Pitch, Isolo,Lagos.

He said: “As a business, we leverage women’s economic power as a force for growth to further our shared objective of social and economic development. Our route to market is leveraged on women entrepreneurs who represent nearly 70 percent of our dealers, operating our distribution channels and retail outlets across the country.

“We believe that unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of women is one of the surest ways to make our business sustainable, and one of the most effective and lasting ways we can help families and communities prosper.

“NBC has continuously partnered with the communities, identifying women with

entrepreneurial mindset, who are diligent and would live up to the expectation of growing their businesses to support their families and communities. In addition, the women were exposed to practical business skills training relevant to managing and nurturing a business in a sustainable manner.”

Ifeoma Okoye, Public Affairs Manager Lagos and West NBC, stated that under the 5by20 global initiative of the Coca-Cola System seek to economically empower women entrepreneurs across our value chain. In the light of this NBC has identified and trained two women each from the four communities who will each receive CocaCola products and trade assets for a sustainable retail business.

She disclosed that other beneficiaries of the initiative are community women in Agege, Oworonsoki and Orile in Lagos State. The four communities received upgraded pitches from COPA CocaCola as part of their efforts towards developing grassroots football and raising young talents.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 24

By Jimoh Babatunde & Gabriel Ewepu

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HE new Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, says the ministry is going to carry a new burden as stakeholders in the sector have urged him to turn around the ministry with his wealth of experience as an administrator and farmer.

Audu Ogbeh, who comes into the ministry with huge experience in agriculture, runs Efugo Farms that is into castor oil, groundnut oil, hatching of fishes and chicken and broiler production. Audu Ogbeh who resumed office on Wednesday with his minister of state, Heineken Lokpobiri, said there are high expectations from the agricultural sector based on the drive on diversifying the economy from the oil and gas sector.

He said: “This ministry is going to carry a new burden now, oil and gas has served Nigeria well but we didn’t manage the resource well.

“Now the attention is turning to agriculture and how we are going to make it works on the new dynamics is a burden all of us will carry together.

“We have to intensify research, marketing home and abroad, we have to deal with the huge import of food which is $2 billion a year and we have to decide all of us to challenge the situation where certain interests outside the shores have almost taken over the sector.

Nutrition problem “What is even worse we will together deal with is the nutrition problem. Cancer, liver and kidney cases have increased over 25 per cent. A lot of poisoning is getting into our food system from packaging alone.

We have to deal with the problem of our seed policy, there is no point giving the farmer the wrong seed and expect him to make profit and pay bank loan.

“We import milk to the tune of $1 billion annually and some of it not very good. According to UNICEF recently, 37 percent of our children are malnourished.

“We shall work together as team and also encourage our young people to get into agric as the farming population is fast ageing and we need more food as our population in three years time will be 200 million people.”

He charged the directors and staff on being proactive and hard working to achieve the goals before the ministry and surmount the challenges inherent.

“Many of you will be pushed a little harder to achieve results, and I want to thank the former Minister, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for laying the foundation and we shall build on that,” he stated.

However, the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, said that “The time for C M Y K

•Audu-Ogbeh

•Heineken Lokpobiri

Stakeholders task agriculture minister on way forward ...as Ogbeh, Lokpobiri resume duty change has come and I want to pledge that we are going to work together throughout our stay here.”

Meanwhile, the Minister has been urged by stakeholders in the to turn around the ministry with his wealth of experience as an administrator and farmer.

Speaking on the appointment, the Prince Wale Oyekoya, the Chairman, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCIs), agriculture sector wants Audu Ogbeh to reform the Agricultural sector by bringing back the glory of the sector as it was in the 60s during groundnut pyramid in the North, rubber plantation in the west and cocoa plantation in the south.

Oyekoya, who is also the MD/ CEO of Bama farms, said most of the good infrastructures in the country today were built through agriculture before the discovery of oil.

He wants the new minister to focus on mechanization of the

sector, this was re-echoed by Alhaji Tafida Mafindi, the CEO of Famag-ja, who said mechanization is the way to go. Mafindi said: “Mechanization is the way to go and you can only do this if the farm land is available, because you cannot use private capital to clear land. You can not clear land privately to plant and get something back in terms of profit in three years. There has to be venture capital that will come in to clear farm land and be recoverable over a long period of time, so that the farmer will not be burdened with too much of interest on his productivity.”

Agriculture as business Alhaji Mafindi said he wants to see the Agriculture minister come up with a deliberate policy to organize, standardize all the crops produced in Nigeria so that they can create a genuine market for the farmers to sell their

products and get good values so that they can re-invest against next season. “So that they will not allow middle men to buy the crops from the farmers when there is good harvest and make profit off the farmers and the middle men become richer while the farmers remain poor", he said, "Mafindi and Oyekoya will want the new minister to encourage Nigerian youths to take to farming as business."

In the words of Mafindi: “I expect to see the agriculture minister encourage the youth to take to farming; I want to see young graduates from the various fields taking to agriculture as business. I want to see a minister of agric that will turn around the livestock sector, so that the hidden resources in our goats, ram, chicken, peacocks and cows can be exposed.”

Mafindi noted that with the proper policies put in place, the agricultural sector is capable of paying 80% of the tax collected in

Nigeria “as 70% of Nigerians are farmers and if all the tax they generate can be harnessed, it will re-base our economy and the economy will change from eight trillion per annum to about 250 trillion per annum which we are capable of doing.” Alhaji Mafindi added: “Our expectation from the agric minister is to shift from importation of rice to exportation of livestock, cassava chips, and rice. We need to harness our exportation strength in major crops.

“We need the minister to network feeder roads for farmers to take their produce to the markets, just as we need him to provide storage facilities for all our perishable items and be able to standardized them at the airports for cargo to be taken to countries that we are having trade with. We will also be happy to see him create a market for a well processed meat that will be sold in well preserved conditions.”

Reduction of post harvest losses While urging the minister as a farmer himself to carry along stakeholders, Oyekoya said there is need to pay attention to value chain development in the sector, just as he wants him to build more storage facilities to reduce farmers post harvest loss and lease the existing ones to private sector.

Also speaking with Vanguard, the General Secretary, Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria, FACAN, Akin Gbadamosi, wants the minister to liberalise the sale and distribution of agricultural inputs.

Gbadamosi who is also a cocoa farmer and processor, stated that the issue of fertiliser and incentives, should be left in the hands of the private sector for effective distribution and accessibility.

Another stakeholder in the sector, Kwara State coordinator, Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, CAFAN, Ajibola Olawale, stated that farmers want the Minister to continue from where the former minister stopped by improving on identified loopholes in the Growth Enhancement Support, GES, scheme.

Kano Govt approves N1bn loan to rice farmers

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We import milk to the tune of $1 billion annually and some of it not very good. According to UNICEF recently, 37 percent of our children are malnourished

HE Kano State Government has approved one billion Naira as soft loans to rice farmers’ association to boost its production in the state. The Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said this at a news briefing at the end of the State Executive Council meeting in Kano recently.

Garba said that the council also approved N100 million to wheat farmers association to procure improve seeds and equipment to boost their yield.

“This loan will not only boost production but also bring about effective and efficient rice production, thereby increasing the production of rice in the state,” he said.

He said that the state government had approved over N600 million for the procurement of 40 trucks to Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) in the state.

He said the trucks would help in the evacuation of the heaps of refuse in the metropolis.

“The council also approved N74.3 million for the procurement and installation of four raw water pumps with starters at Chalawa Dam,” he said.

The commissioner expressed the government's determination to develop infrastructure in the state as part of the welfare initiatives for the people.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—25

JOCKEY FOR JUICY COMMITTEES IN HOUSE:

It’s all politics — DIMEJI BANKOLE •Says it’s too early to assess Buhari MR. Dimeji Bankole came to national renown in October 2007 when he, in his second term, emerged as speaker of the House of Representatives and steered the affairs of the House to the end of its term in 2011. He did not seek a return to the House despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the platform upon which he came to the House.

Dimeji, son of Chief Alani Bankole, himself, a former national officer of the defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN and also chieftain of the former All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, Dimeji has since his exit as speaker, remained on the periphery of the political circus in his native Ogun State. An attempt by him, allegedly at the instance of former President Goodluck Jonathan, to unify the party in Ogun State was laced with much intrigues as some political stakeholders saw his bid as an attempt to undermine them.

Speaker Bankole, 46 tomorrow, was a guest at a recent youth programme in Lagos, and on the sidelines of the programme, he spoke in an interview on the recent crisis that engulfed the House of Representatives over the distribution of Committees, on the challenges before the Muhammadu Buhari administration among other issues. Excerpts:

By Dapo Akinrefon

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OU have been lying low for some time now. Are you still in the PDP? Of course I am in the PDP. I do not have to contest to be in politics. I chose not to contest.

What is your assessment of the Buhari government so far?

It is too early.

But if you are to set an agenda for the APC led government, what do you think the administration should focus on?

Every particular sector in Nigeria has issues. The Buhari government, just like all governments before, needs to settle those issues.

I cannot decide for them but there are a lot of problems before them I can assure you.

What is your take on the crisis rocking the House of Representatives, arising from the recent composition of committees by the House C M Y K

leadership?

Well, it is just pure politics and I am sure we will pass this as well.

What should be expected of you now?

Right now, I will keep engaging the young Nigerians and encouraging them to be of strong character and get involved in their country.

The PDP was in power for 16 years but lost power to the opposition, what do you think caused the loss?

Well, the PDP could have done better, no doubt.

Nigerians decided they wanted something else and they got it.

I wish this government the best but be rest assured that if Nigerians are not satisfied with them (APC), they will change them.

Was the party entangled by a leadership problem?

Leadership in this country is

•Bankole: The House will overcome this stage

not rocket science. There has been a change in leadership in the last six months and

I wish this government the best but be rest assured that if Nigerians are not satisfied with them (APC), they will change them

Nigerians believe it is part of democracy and are planning to give this government a chance and see what happens.

What is your perspective on the Boko Haram insurgency?

It is a major problem for us and we need to think as Nigerians first before thinking as members of political parties.

I don’t believe that this government or past governments like its citizens being killed by any one.

Political issue The fact of the matter is that we are all in this together and we have to make sure that we give the government the support to make sure they solve it.

I think it is too early to judge this government (Buhari’s government) on Boko Haram or any other issue. I am not in

agreement making this (Boko Haram) a political issue or a party issue. For now, we should be concerned about all those young people that are being killed and make the best that this thing comes to a stop.

How do you see your interaction with the young professionals, who are interested in changing the country?

The fact that they have started it, you need to applaud them for it, they have decided to come home because a lot of young Nigerians do not come anymore.

They have decided to come home and take the bull by the horn and struggle here in Nigeria with us and they are now looking for solutions to the problem beyond their personal benefit. They care about the country and the should be encouraged to do so.

26—VANGUARD, FRIDAY,

NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Even the land of Bayelsa has rejected Sylva — Agbedi Hon. Fred Agbedi, DirectorGeneral of the Restoration Campaign Organization of Governor Seriake Dickson is the member representing Sagbama-Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Agbedi, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa State in this interview said the APC flag bearer, Chief Timipre Sylva is not electable and has been rejected by the people.

Excerpts:

BAYELSA DECIDES

By Samuel Oyadongha

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OW do you see the alleged plot by APC to deploy federal might to secure victory?

Democracy has gone beyond what they refer to as the use of Federal Might. In democracy, there has to be vote casting and the votes must be counted. If we have grown democracy to that level and judging by the outcome of the last elections, it is clear that mandate can only be given by the people and not the Federal Might. Federal •Agbedi: Federal Might will not help Sylva Might is not a voter. The Federal Might is an umpire.

And an umpire is not a voter. holding it. Sylva was left with the pole and was standing without An umpire is to provide the enabling environment for the people a flag. Everybody knew that the God we all serve has rejected to cast their votes. So, the Federal Government’s involvement in him because of his attitude and bad administration in Bayelsa. an election is to provide funds needed by the umpire to work And if you remember again that when we had the other properly by providing security for safety of the people governorship primaries that brought in Governor Seriake Dickson, We believe that the December 5 governorship election will have Sylva, who was a sitting Governor, did not participate because nothing to do with Federal Might. Bayelsa people will be allowed God clearly spoke that he has been excluded from the process to vote en masse. and that he can no longer rule his people. As God has spoken The APC has accused the governor of running away from a against Sylva, no man can turn the decision of the people. God television debate. Is that so and why? has excluded Sylva to rule Bayelsa.

That is not true. The Governor has called on the other candidates If you analyse the storyline, it is no longer a battle between for a debate. Not just the candidates of the APC but all the political Dickson and Sylva. It is about Sylva and the heavens. And no parties. In the same way, I as the Director General of the Dickson’s man can turn the hands of God. I keep saying that Bayelsa people campaign, we are ready to take anybody on. For us, we are ready. should remember that with such decision, no one is running Maybe they are the ones not ready for the debate. Since they are against Dickson. It also means that the APC does not have a without a significant presence in Bayelsa, except for few posters candidate running against Dickson. Unfortunately, the APC has and brooms, they are jittery. There was no time Governor Seriake a candidate that has been rejected by God, the people and the Dickson rejected a debate. heavens.

The APC has also accused the Governor of embarking on Posters and projects he can never finish. They said the state is littered with broom unfinished projects?

I think clearly it is no longer something that is new to the people Rather, the governor has called on them severally to come and of the state. Even the President, Muhammadu Buhari has come debate so that we can tell Bayelsa people what we have done out to say that Nigeria is broke. That is the President of the Federal and what we intend to do in the next four years.

Some loyalists of the former NDDC Managing Director, Timi Republic of Nigeria.

Alaibe, recently defected to PDP from the APC with the latter Issue of describing them as a political waste. What is your take on this? salary I don’t know who described them as political wastes. But I know that the Governor said that those people were misled and that at The President of the APC Federal Government says Nigeria is the appropriate time, they will come back. And of course, they broke. What do you say about states of the Federation? If the are coming back. And in party politics, when people decide to come back and join the party, you can receive them. That is the centre is broke, the states are also broke. But let me tell you that the issue of salary is difficult. reception we held for them, for them to tell the world that they There has been no time the issue of salary was delayed in moved before and have decided to come back home.

Bayelsa. You also know that the state was a construction site. He There is nothing wrong with that. And that is exactly what we also initiated a transparent government. He always tells the people have done. A lot more people will come back. Why they are coming about what the state got and how it was spent. When Sylva was back is because the APC has been rejected by the land of Bayelsa. there, the state got N45 billion and N36 billion. But if you ask, Could you please explain? they will not tell you anything. When the difficulty came in This rejection happened in the open glare of all. It was not planned by anybody. The land said you have treated my people government spending, Dickson told the people of the state.

Projects not going on and salary payment delay in Local with disdain and high handedness and we don’t want you Government Councils is a direct effect from poor allocation. anymore. It was clearly shown at the Samson Sisia Stadium. I, Government is working on it. All these are because Nigeria is again told Bayelsa people that I was part of the PDP primaries broke. The APC promised to pay N5,000 to unemployed Nigerians. won by Sylva and annulled by the court. In those primaries, Sylva When the PDP Senators brought it up, the APC Senators shouted defeated us and became the flag bearer of the party. And the it down. But the Dickson administration in Bayelsa has been party in its procedural manner went to hand over the party flag to paying the elderly a stipend of N5,000 monthly in the last four him in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. years.

And I was present and we knew he was rejected by the land.

When they gave him the flag, the flag flew away from the pole

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I keep saying that Bayelsa people should remember that with such decision, no one is running against Dickson. It also means that the APC does not have a candidate running against Dickson

The APC promised to pay N5,000 to unemployed Nigerians. When the PDP Senators brought it up, the APC Senators shouted it down, but the Dickson administration in Bayelsa has been paying the elderly a stipend of N5,000 monthly in the last four years

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—27

BAYELSA DECIDES endorsed him. And now, there is another round of endorsements. The simple question is, have those rounds of endorsement expired? And if these ones have expired, what is the life span of these new endorsements? Are these ones going to expire before the governorship elections? You can see that these endorsements are exercise in futility and vanity. And as you know, vanity upon vanity is vanity. It is just all a charade. So, these endorsements are for television. They have no value.

There appeared to be a crack in your party as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank recently slammed Sylva over what he called “selfishness” and “lacking proper consultation”. Is he right?

I have to say that the Sylva/Igiri campaign is very disappointed at Timi Frank’s outburst. Timi Frank is a true friend of our flag bearer, Chief Timipre Sylva. It is sad that he could make such •Egba: Endorsements will not help Dickson comment about the party and Chief Sylva. We had expected that, even if the outcome of the primaries of the party, did not meet his expectation, he should have cued into the party’s acceptance of the process. If he is a true party man, he should have cued in behind the party flag bearer. But with what we saw was of his outburst, one begins to question his loyalty to the party.

Be that as it may, the campaign committee CHIEF Nathan Egba served as commissioner for Information wants to say that his claim against Chief Timipre and Strategy in the Timipire Sylva administration and is presently Sylva on lacking proper consultation is not true. That he is not the Director of Media and Publicity for the Sylva/Igiri Campaign carrying everyone along is false. Every other aspirant within Organisation of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bayelsa the party is working closely with Chief Timipre Sylva. Senator Felix Oborop is one of the members of the Elders Council of State. the Campaign team. One of the other aspirants, Chief Dikivie In this interview, Egba explains the difficulties of the Serikae Dickson government and rebuffs assertions by the APC’s Deputy Ikiogha, has just been announced as the Chairman of the Reconciliation Committee of the Campaign.

National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank that the party has lost This clearly showed that the aspirants during the last primaries Bayelsa with Timipre Sylva as its candidate. are working with Timipre Sylva. Even Timi Alaibe is a member He also dismissed the speculations making the rounds that the of the National Campaign of the Party. Alaibe, who Timi Frank APC is relying on federal might to swing the polls in its favour supported, is fully behind Sylva. Alaibe even sent a statement just as he described as a non issue the gale of endorsements for from London declaring his full support for Sylva and that anyone the incumbent governor, which according to him did not translate that claims to be his true supporter should do same. to victory at the poll for President Goodluck Jonathan, who enjoyed such endorsements prior to his loss of the presidential Continuous election. Excerpts: process

Why Bayelsans'll ditch Dickson — Nathan Egba

By Samuel Oyadongha

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OW do you rate the acceptance of your candidate in the state?

The APC has become a party to beat. The sensitization efforts to Nembe, Sagbama, Brass, and others areas of the state showed that the wind of expected change from slavery and the oppression of the PDP has caught up with the people. Many decampees from the administration of Dickson showed wide acceptance. As at the last count, many of the decampees are from the present administration.

At Toru-Orua community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the people accepted the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the party of choice to help liberate the people.

The people of the community, the country-home of Governor Seriake Dickson treated the Sylva /Igiri campaign train to a colourful reception with a carnival to show their love for the change party. The people of the community could not hold their excitement as they danced and waved their brooms, symbol of the APC and sang songs of liberation and emancipation saying” they are very happy that the APC has finally come to redeem them.

But major stakeholders including traditional Rulers, State House Assembly members, Local Government Chairmen and others have endorsed Governor Seriake Dickson as their choice for the Governorship election. How would the APC handle this?

You will recall that before the presidential election, there were spates of endorsements in Bayelsa State. Every group that endorsed the former President was forced to endorse the governor, Seriake Dickson. They did it from Local Government Councils to the State House of Assembly. Group by group they

One begins to wonder what Timi Frank is talking about. In a nutshell, the entire gamut of Timi Frank’s statement does not hold water. Consultation is a continuous process.

How would you react to the recent defection of Alaibe’s loyalists, Chief Alex Ekiotenne and Senator Brambaifa? They claimed to have been deceived by the APC? If they said that it is most unfortunate. I spoke with Alaibe about these elders and Alaibe told me that he was indeed surprised at their action. And that Chief Ekiotenne and Senator Brambaifa actually came to meet him and convinced him to come and stand for the APC Governorship primaries. Who is deceiving who? And like I said elsewhere, as far as the APC is concerned, when these elders defected into the APC months ago, it was the PDP that was kind enough to advise that the APC should not take them serious.

The PDP said that these elders possess no electoral value and secondly that they are selfish and greedy. These were the words of the PDP and that they have insatiable quest for money.

These were the words of the PDP. All they are after is money.

We were kind enough to put them at arm’s length. This was why the APC leadership failed to bring them to the mainstream of the party.

What surprises us about the whole defection was that after PDP itself advised us not to give these individuals concern, it was surprising that they could not take the same advice that they gave us. We just want to remind them that the advice that they gave about these elders on how to be careful about them is true. We expected them to take their own advice. Because we are at the height of campaigns, the PDP started celebrating these people. The defection is of no electoral value. Whether these people are in APC or in PDP it would not affect the outcome of the election.

The APC has become a party to beat. The sensitization efforts to Nembe, Sagbama, Brass, and others areas of the state showed that the wind of expected change from slavery and the oppression of the PDP has caught up with the people

The PDP said that these elders possess no electoral value and secondly that they are selfish and greedy. These were the words of the PDP and that they have insatiable quest for money

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28—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

2015: KOGI DECIDES

PPA candidate challenges other candidates to policy debate

By Kingsley Fanwo

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•Wada and Awoniyi: PDP team

We have put Kogi on the path of progress --- Awoniyi Stories by Kingsley Fanwo OGI Deputy Governor and PDP governorship running mate, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi has said that the forthcoming election is between falsehood and integrity and charged voters to reelect Capt Idris Wada to put Kogi on the path of progress and transformation.

Awoniyi made this known in an interview with Vanguard in Lokoja recently. He said the Wada administration has recorded great achievements in the areas of education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialization and empowerment.

On the administration’s impact on education and healthcare, he said: “When we came in, we knew that for Kogi to match our development target, we need to revamp our education and healthcare. An informed and healthy populace will be able to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

“Apart from employing more health officers, we have also strengthened the capacity of our health-training institutions to match our rising profile in health infrastructures. The General Hospitals in Kabba and Obangede have been reverted

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to Specialist Hospitals to increase their capacities for tertiary healthcare delivery.

“As a responsible government, we have also come to the realization of the need to strengthen primary healthcare delivery at the rural areas and have received commendations for that”.

On agriculture and industrialization “Even our detractors are left with no option than to commend our agricultural initiatives. We have been able to strengthen the capacity of Kogi farmers to produce. Our specific crop targets have been yielding fruits as we gradually move Kogi into mechanized agriculture.

Agricultural policies “Through our agricultural policies, we have been able to engage a number of our youths across the state. The government has improved the credit worthiness of our farmers by providing funds and guarantee for farmers to access capital. “In the area of industrialization, I make bold to say we have proven doubters wrong. We have been able to attract Agrade industries into the state to take

advantage of our agriculture and mining.

These are achievements that cannot be hidden”.

Sports and Youth Development “In the area of sports, our administration has been able to complete the magnificent Confluence Stadium, a magnificent project undertaken by our predecessor and leader, Alh. Ibrahim Idris.

Criticism of the Administration “My boss, the governor of the state has captured it aptly. Opposition will never hail a sitting governor, especially when election is around the corner. Some of the opposition leaders had said great things about our government. But today, they are saying we have not done anything, just because they want to win elections.

“We respect everyone and will keep our feet on the ground to continue to serve Kogi people”. The November 21 Governorship Election “I have said it before that the upcoming governorship election is a battle between integrity and falsehood, humility and arrogance. The past four years has witnessed silent revolution in many sectors of our economy.

Kogites will make the right choice on November 21.

12 years of PDP cannot match what I did in 4 years --- Audu

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OVERNORSHIP candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC Prince Abubakar Audu has promised the people of Yagba West Local Government Area that he would end the alleged diversion of revenue meant for grassroots development.

He has also pledged to put an end to the alleged payment of only 25 percent of salaries to local government workers if elected. He accused the state government of diverting the revenue of the Local Government Councils into private pockets, Audu at a rally in Yagba West assured that

an APC government will ensure that workers are promptly paid.

Audu said: “The PDP government has failed Kogi people. No good roads, no water, no healthcare, no salaries, yet, they are clamouring for re-election. Will you re-elect a failure? Will you re-elect the government that is stealing your salaries?

Will you re-elect the government that has failed in giving you social amenities? Join hands with the APC to bring back the glory of our dear state.

“During my time as governor of the state, all of you saw what we did. What I did in

Ozigi to work with royal fathers

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S the campaign train of the governorship candidate of the Peoples Progressive Alliance,PPA, made a stop at Mopamuro Local Government Area, , the governorship candidate of the party, Mr. Emmanueli Ozigi pledged to work with traditional rulers to ensure rapid grassroots development.

Ozigi disclosed this at the palace of the Elulu of Mopa and Chairman,

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Mopamuro Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Oba Julius Joledo.

Speaking to Vanguard at the end of the tour, the PPA Chairman in Mopamuro LGA, Mr. Ade Akogun said the people of Mopamuro are prepared to ensure the emergence of Ozigi as the next governor of the state.

He said the PPA standard bearer is the most competent of all the candidates.

•Audu: Says legacy destroyed by PDP four years could not be matched by the twelve years of PDP. They have destroyed all the legacies I created. They are only interested in embezzling the resources of the state. Vote them out on November 21 so that we can reinvent our state and bring development to our people”.

Also speaking at the rally, Audu’s running mate, Mr. James Faleke said Audu is key to the development of Kogi.

The rally was graced by party chieftains, state and federal legislators as well as party supporters.

ANDIDATE of the Peoples Progressive Alliance, Emmanuel Enesi Ozigi has challenged other governorship candidates to a debate, noting that such is needed to enable the people know their plans.

A statement by his campaign organisation, said it is imperative to engage the leading candidates in the race on their manifesto and timeline for implementation.

The statement reads: “We are at a crossroads in the political history of our state. We are having a political and socio-economic situation where only the best should be saddled with the responsibility of paddling the ship of our state.

“Many of the candidates parading themselves as leaders today are bereft of the ideas to power the affairs of our state and create possibilities for our people. It is high time we created a platform to showcase the capacity of the candidates to proactively fit into modern challenges of governance.

“The beauty of democracy is the power of the voters. We can not lose track of this perspective as we prepare for the November 21 poll.

“Having seen the performances of Captain Idris Wada in the last four years and the tenure of Prince Abubakar Audu, I want to introduce new dimensions into the governance of the state. They have failed and should leave the stage for new, big and workable ideas.

Violence, insecurity: Our fears --- Ameh, PPA chair

By Chris Ochayi

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HEAD of the next week Saturday’s governorship election in Kogi state, the National Chairman of Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, Chief Peter Ameh, has expressed grave concern that recent activities of miscreants and political thugs might pose a threat to the successful conduct of the poll.

Chief Ameh thus called on the police and security agencies to take preemptive steps to nip in bud the activities of the enemies of the state.

Speaking with Vanguard in an exclusive interview in Abuja, Ameh said security agencies must uproot the miscreants and political thugs to clear way for smooth election.

According to him, “there are fears because the preparation for the election is not as stable as it used to be, you know the new National Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu and the other six Commissioners just resumed duties. Yes, the government is continuing process as they are going to be duly briefed.

“The fear is that PDP is afraid, thinking things are going to go this way, they are afraid the APC will come with their might and there will be clash of the titans and our able citizens in the state will fall victims as many may lose their lives.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 29

African music stars light up Lagos as AFRIMA 2015 holds •DNG

By Benjamin Njoku

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HE city of Lagos, is bound to reverberate this Sunday, as this year’s edition of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, holds amidst gaiety.

Already the city is bubbling with excitement as top African music stars arrive the country ahead of the big show, holding at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Earlier in the week, the organizers announced Ivorian actress, Aurelie Eliam and popular Kenyan radio presenter and musician, Davidson Ngibuini a.k.a DNG, as co-host.

Just as Nigeria’s Denrele Edun, Maria Okanrende and Estelle Ahonda from Cameroon will be holding forth on the red carpet.

DNG is an Eastern African award winning singer, model and an On Air Personality. He is the host of “Sakata Mashariki”, Kenya’s biggest Dance TV Show.

Aurelie Eliam, actress, model and On Air Personality, is a household name in Côte D’Ivoire, her home country and Africa, particularly for her role in the highly successful television series, “DR. BORIS”.

AFRIMA is expected to be broadcast live to over 80 countries across the world with

African superstars billed to light up the stage. Already on the line up to thrill guests at the event include, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, AKA, Sakordie, Charlotte Dipanda, Ahmed Soultan, Flavour, Dr. Jose Chameleon, Alikiba, Vanessa Mdee, Wiyaala, Cassper Nyovest, Dark Suburb, Bebe Cool, Darey, amongst others.

AFRIMA is an annual African Union Initiative, to celebrate, honour and reward the best of African Music, Arts and Culture. AFRIMA is designed to be hosted in various African Nations with Nigeria hosting for 3 years.

2Face Idibia hosted 2014 AFRIMA edition, in Lagos.

•Aurelie

Seyi Shay bags Pepsi Ambassadorship!

By Anozie Egole

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ECENTLY, global beverage brand Pepsi announced on its instagram page that one of the country’s top female artiste, Seyi Shay will be joining their starstudded brand ambassadors in Nigeria.

This development makes her the face of one of the biggest beverage brands in the world.

The announcement was C M Y K

4real Eze returns with Power, gets new car W

•4real Eze

made after Seyi Shay and Wizkid alongside other celebrities engaged their fans on social media as they shared with them the things they long for earlier in the week.

The singer got everybody talking when she said,her long throat wish was to become a Pepsi ambassador.

Barely 24 hours later Pepsi revealed a photo of Seyi Shay signing her contract with the blue chip company.

•Seyi Shay

ITH songs like ‘Cold’ featuring 2Face Idibia, Hot , ‘Double Traffikator’ that featured Wizboy, and ‘Super ’ still enjoying appreciable airplay, Eze Franklin Chekwube a.k.a 4real Eze needs no introduction in the Nigerian music scene.

While music enthusiasts might be thinking that Kakuri, Kaduna State-born afro-pop artiste has taken a back seat after a royal outing with musical video of his popular song titled ‘Super ’, it may interest you to know that 4real is back with a dance track titled ‘Power’!

However, as 4real’s ‘Super’ video is still enjoying heavy rotation on popular music channels, the aspiring music star also known as ‘IceCream4real’ is set to make a statement with ‘Power’, Although, some people see ‘Power’ as inspirational song, it is a club banger to many.

The song produced by Don Maeratte Entertainment in-house music producer, MoreMoney, is learnt to be an idea to further showcase 4real’s versatility.

Moreover, 4real’s record deal with Don Maseratte Entertainment is still very intact as it can be authoritatively revealed that the upwardly mobile record label got him an expensive Acura SUV, a couple of months ago. This is said to be in accordance with the mouth-watering deal he has with the Record label’s boss, Don Maseratte, the acclaimed world famous clothier.

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30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Toni Tones goes braless at AFRIFF 2015

By Benjamin Njoku

released a series of photos as promo for her HERE is no doubt that up and single ‘Hey Boy’, where she flaunted her coming singer, Toni Tones doesn’t sexiness by wearing a black long sleeve pretend that she’s got boobs to flaunt. And leotard. The celebrity photographer delved that’s why any time an opportunity into music in 2013, releasing her debut single presents itself for her to do so, she doesn’t and video titled ‘I know what you like’. disappoint.

As a tradition, last Sunday was not different. The photographerturned-singer tantalized her male admirers as she stormed Genesis Cinemas at The Palms, Lekki,venue of the opening ceremony of this year’s edition of the Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, looking hot and daring.

Dressed braless in a plunging red gown, which revealed her boobs and other parts of her body.

The sexy singer was the cynosure of all eyes at the show. Heads turned as she walked the red carpet, carrying herself like a lioness.

In fact, she allowed her bare chest to do all the talking and attention grabbing. But some of the adventurous hunks at the event, did not spare her as they went after her hugging and exchanging pleasantries with her.

Some even said the show belonged to her.

Toni has a record of flaunting •Mrs Sammy Okposo and others her boobs. In recent past, she had shared a picture in which she HE much talked about movie, Taxi Driver revealed her boobs. She also (Oko Ashewo) was premiered last weekend at FilmHouse Cinema Apapa.

The movie which stars Femi Jacobs, Saka, Odunlade Adekola, Ijeoma Grace Agu and others has been generating a lot of excitement because it’s the first time the three will be acting together in a movie in a predominantly Yoruba language movie. Besides, Odunlade who has become the king of mass market will be making cinema debut commended Globacom for performed a drama sketch on the in cinemas for the first time. It remains to be seen “rewarding its subscribers with highhandedness of landlords who whether he can translate the mass market appeal such a fantastic show”. maltreat their tenants. There were to the cinemas.

Before the start of the show, the performances by other top Taxi Driver (Oko Ashewo) tells the story of how last episode of Glo-sponsored comedians such as D Don, Still Adigun copes with dealing with the multitude of Dance with Peter, Africa’s biggest Ringing, Bash, Acapella and Seyi odd characters he comes across working at night dance reality TV show, was Law who ensured guests subscribers from Delia the queen prostitute, to Kakanfo the screened to the delight of the had a fun-filled time. unseen vigilante, the notorious assassins ‘three audience. They screamed and wise men’, to the Godfather, Baba Mistura and c l a p p e d many more interesting characters that ply their enthusiastically to trade in Lagos at night. appreciate the A strong contender as one of the most beautifully intricate dance shot film ever, to have come out of Nigeria. This steps of the dark comedy story brings a rich mixed bag of contestants in the emotions from love to greed to betrayal, show. shenanigans, contradictions and self-discovery.

Papy Luwe and The movie directed by Daniel Emeke Oriahi will a n o t h e r be in cinema across Nigeria from today.

Nollywood Speaking on the movie, Dom Omope, the incomedy act, house producer at FilmOne said, Taxi Driver (Oko B o l a j i Ashewo) is the last of three films I have produced Johnson this year as head of film production at filmOne Amusan and it’s by far my most ambitious of all. The movie known as which has been described as a good mix of talent M r •Di Ja and Ibu and ambition by movie critics is expected to be a Latin, big box office hit.

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Taxi Driver goes to Cinema

•Toni Tones

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Di’ja, Mr Ibu, Papy Luwe, Osupa, others delight Ijebu Ode at Glo Laffta Fest

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LOBACOM, on Sunday night engaged the leading acts in the nation’s comedy and music industries to delight its subscribers at its comedy show, Glo Laffta Fest, held on Sunday night in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papy Luwe, Fuji king, Saheed Osupa and fast rising female singer Hadiza Blell, known widely as Di’Ja. Highly excited subscribers to the network who turned up at the De Prime event centre, venue of the event, expressed gratitude to Globacom for bringing the entertainment show to the city less than two months after it held its music concert, Glo Slide ‘n’ Bounce, in the same town.

A hair salon operator, Funmilayo Ojo, and Tunde Braima, a secondary school leaver, described the show as a highly memorable one. They said it was an evening of fun, dance and laughter and

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 31

Grappleline launches ‘What if’ campaign F

By Laju Iren

AST growing digital agency, Grappleline, has kicked off a social conversation contest titled the ‘What If ’ challenge.

Speaking at a press conference to mark the launch of the campaign in Lagos recently, Head of Strategy at Grappleline Limited, Mr. Seun Owolabi gave a sneak peek into the challenge.

His words: “The ‘What If ’ challenge is simple but revolutionary. We want to get people asking questions that really matter, questions that solve problems and questions they’re passionate about. And in the spirit of empowering solutions, we’d be rewarding the 3 most thought-provoking and interesting questions, to the tune

of $5,000 in form of cash, consultancy and advertising.

We’d also be working closely with the top 3 winners to build their idea, and make sure those questions are answered.”

To participate in the challenge, interested persons are required to submit a sentence, which must be written in English language.

Innovative project The sentence written and posted must be a question, not more than 20-words long and begin with the phrase “WHAT IF…” The sentence must then be http:// submitted to grappleline.com/what-if on or before November 30.

The “#WHATIF” sentence must express a dream, a problem

Colourful surprises in Spectranet new ‘Blackbox’ I

N a world where smart devices are a dime a dozen, it could be pretty refreshing to enjoy all your digital entertainment in one place.

Imagine if, through a simple connection to your TV, you can download your videos, play 3D games and have social media interactions. Internet Service Provider, Spectranet, says that with its latest partnership deal with First Hurts Technologies, the Villion smart box makes this imagination a reality.

The smart box comes with 8GB local storage with 2GB RAM, combined with a 3DHD and UHD video output, it also comes with Wifi and Bluetooth functions.

Bluetooth functions It contains numerous preinstalled TV channels and applications for Spectranet customers to enjoy and access numerous applications to download from Google play store.

Part of the promise of the new technology is to enable Spectranet customers streamline movies, have social media interaction and send emails on their HDTV/LED TV. Speaking on the new

development, Head of Marketing, Spectranet, Mr. Mike Ogor said, ‘the partnership between Spectranet and First Nurts Technologies Limited gives Spectranet subscribers a whole new real time experience via their television couple with a fast and affordable internet services.

At Spectranet, we understand the needs of our customers very well and have kept on improving services to offer the best internet solutions and as well taken a step further to make internet experience more entertaining for our customers.”

identified in the society, or an innovative project that adds value to the society.

Organisers say each entry must be achievable, and thus, cannot be based on vague or non-existent technologies.

Speaking on the rationale behind the initiative, Owolabi said: “In our years of work as a software and design agency, we figured out that the most successful ideas we’ve helped execute for clients usually came out of simple questions they asked us, such as:’What if I could sell my custommade shoes in over 30 countries without having a physical presence?’ or ‘What If I could keep my day job and still build my ideas by the side?’

The Managing Director, First Nurts Technologies Limited, Bishop Joshua Ketiku said, ”New technology is evolving every day.

Viiion Smart Box is a proof of the evolving nature of technology and we have decided to partner with Spectranet 4G LTE Nigerian because they are second to none when it comes to speed in terms of connectivity and as well affordability regardless of your social status”. ‘’Viiion Smart Box is very affordable and easy to install.

All you need to do is plug it, connect to Spectranet 4G LTE and enjoy New TV experience, he said.

The Spectranet team in conjunction with First Nurts Technologies will be at the trade fair to engage consumers.

As a result, the company decided to give everyone else an opportunity to share their own ‘What If’ questions. “It turns out people are really passionate about asking questions that matter,” said Owolabi, “because within the first 24 hours of kicking off the

challenge, we had over 200 entries.”

“We’re really excited about working with the winners to help build their idea. And we’ve also partnered with some of the most influential thinkers in the industry to be the contest judges,” he added.

WRC 2015 will redefine radio services globally — ITU Boss

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ECRETARY General of the International Telecommunications Union, Houlin Zhao has said that the World Radiocommunication Conference which began in Geneva earlier this week, will define new and better ways to regulate radio services and applications.

In a press statement released to Vanguard Hi-tech, Zhao said: “In a world where radiocommunications play an increasingly important role in connecting people, I am convinced that the outcome of the conference will contribute towards making the world a better place for all.”

Treaty making conference The treaty-making conference which will be in session until November 27 will review the international regulatory framework for radiocommunications – the Radio Regulations – and revise them as needed. This process will take into account the rapid evolution of information and communication technologies ICT, ensuring the global management of the radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits, and enabling people to live and travel safely while enjoying high performance radiocommunications.

Over 3000 participants, representing more than 160 out

of ITU’s 193 member states and about 100 observers from among ITU’s 700 private sector members along with international organizations are currently attending the conference which is presided over by Mr Festus Yusufu Narai Daudu of Nigeria was appointed Chairman of the World Radiocommunication Conference along with six Vice Chairmen.

“With the relentless expansion of wireless services worldwide, all services relying on radio waves are competing for a share of the radio-frequency spectrum to support new applications, growing user numbers and exploding traffic,” said François Rancy, Director of ITU’s Radiocommunication Bureau.

“The deliberations at WRC-15 and its outcomes will ensure that we can maintain a stable, predictable and universally applied regulatory environment that secures long-term investments for a multi-trillion dollar industry.” WRC 2015 will address a number of key issues such as Mobile broadband communications, emergency communications and disaster relief, Monitoring the environment and climate change; Unmanned aircraft and wireless avionics systems.

Global flight tracking for civil aviation; Enhanced maritime communications systems; Road Safety; Operation of satellite systems and the feasibility of a Coordinated Universal Time would also be discussed.

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32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Owambe: The grandiose lifestyle of Nigerians

A rich display of Aso-ebi

By Josephine Agbonkhese & Anino Aganbi

I

N Nigeria, virtually all events are opportunities for celebration: births and child dedications, deaths, wedding, acquisition of new cars, houses, etc. Some even throw parties to celebrate getting visas to travel abroad, buying new designer shoes, phones, clothes, power generating sets, and even flat screen television sets. Seriously, Nigerians would rank richest in the world if parties and lifestyles were yardsticks for measuring a nation’s net worth.

All over the world, parties thrown by Nigerians are usually the most colourful and glamorous, and the most sought after, whether for food, entertainment, fashion and style. The ubiquitous aso-ebi (uniform) specially adds a rich blend of colours, and also unearths class difference with an ostentatious heterogeneous display of accessories, makeup, plus designer wrist watches, perfumes, shoes and bags.

Though different tribes have got names for these lavish parties, ‘Owambe’, as it is called by the Yorubas, has become the general term for parties across the

country.

Hence the urban dictionary defines Owambe as “a large, grandiose party thrown by Nigerians anywhere in the world, especially Yoruba Nigerians, that involves a lot of food, dancing, loud music, and spraying (Nigerian term meaning the act of throwing money on a

Some go as far as spraying bundles of money to display wealth. Yet, 70.8 percent of the country’s population, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, live on less than one dollar a day

dancing person) [with aso-ebi] (uniform).”

Nigerians make money look stupid: The spraying of money which can be described as ‘gross disregard’ for money, is actually one aspect of Owambe that clearly differentiates Nigerians from every other people in the world. Some even go as far as spraying bundles of money to display wealth. Yet, 70.8 percent of the country’s population, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, live on less than one dollar a day.

Cost implication: But Owambes do not exist just for pleasure. Annually, they gulp a

whopping thirty-six billion naira yearly on the average, according to former Lagos State governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, in 2013, and keep the economic machinery well-oiled, particularly in states like Lagos.

But trust Nigerians, that’s insignificant compared to the realm of extraordinary pleasure into which Owambe catapults most Nigerians.

From conception to finish, Owambes such as weddings consume both the time of their hosts and also that of guests who are compelled to pay multiple visits to tailors and boutiques for their entire ensemble if their

wardrobe has no matching colour for the selected aso-ebi. Most men do not find these funny at all as they often have to bear the financial brunts.

For caterers, the Owambe culture can grow perennially in leaps and bounds because they never would have existed without it. This is because surplus food and drinks are an indispensable part of Nigerian parties. As caterers up their game, they compel party organisers to do same. Hence, nowadays, most hosts become jittery if they cannot treat guests to, for example, small chops before food is served; and

Continues on Page 33

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—33

‘Owambe’: The grandiose lifestyle of Nigerians

08094000028 (text only please). lipstickmc@yahoo.com

L

Continues from Page 32 when food is served, it must come in varieties, with plenty of ‘o b s t a c l e s ’ (meats).

Booming catering industry: Although there are different angles to making Owambes colorful and successful, catering service plays a very vital role in determining how Surplus food, a neccesity successful a party is. It would also determine if the women so the job will not be caterer can drum up more tasking. I believe that if I do not business through that platform. present myself well as a caterer, There are a lot of people who are then the chances of getting other skeptical about using a catering bigger jobs become slimmer. firm but to a large extent, it eases With every party I cater for, I work a lot of burden from the hosts of with the best in ensuring that such parties. guests have little or no complaint With the organization and about the food I serve”. serving of food to guests which Bubbling beer market: Of are usually handled by caterers course drinks, especially and their team, the planners of alcoholic, should exceed every such events are relieved of not other thing present, even a 10having to go through the stress year-old Nigerian child would of cooking, cleaning up and a tell you, and the reason is not far host of other things. Caterers fetched: Nigeria has the second who uphold honesty in their largest beer market in Africa, services also stand good chances after South Africa. And with the of being referred to other clients largest population in Africa, a for an exceptional job well done. growing middle class and a large number of drinking-age consumers, the brewing Career in multinationals can never, ever go catering bankrupt.

Nigerians just love to live life Mrs. Adegbitan, a socialite and and make money look stupid: caterer, tells Lipstick, “ I chose a career in catering because as a One of such parties that won’t wife and mother, it gives me room be forgotten in a hurry was that to stay at home with my children of the son of the Olu of Warri, and also earn some money. Being Tsola Emiko, and Ivie Okunbo, a caterer, you must improve the daughter of billionaire yourself at all times to make your businessman, Captain Hosa food taste more palatable and Okunbon which held in Benin edible. You do not just say you City, Edo State, last November. can cook and leave it like that. The wedding had at least 15 When I take jobs to cater for private jets which went about parties, I go with my group of picking wedding guests from

AST week, the Mirabel Centre recorded its 1000th client since it opened to the public on July 1 2013.

Majority of these clients are children- the youngest a 10 month-old baby defiled by her own father; and the oldest a 70 year old grandma raped by her son’s tenant. 23 males different parts of the country. It who were abused by men is rated as one of the most have also reported for expensive celebrity weddings of treatment. Healing from 2014. rape and sexual assault is Take away, gifts: Even after all not an easy journey, spent on food, drinks, decoration, taking into consideration security, parking lots, and all, the way the society sees you rarely return from a real rape.

Owambe without something to Our practices, music, keep the memory fresh. From entertainment and jokes customized plastic bowls, that we commonly engage buckets, hand-fan, etc., this trend in as a society excuse, has progressed to breakable condone and tolerate plates, notebooks, pens, bags, tea rape. It is time to take a cups, and more. closer look at our rape Former President, Dr. culture, a situation where Goodluck Jonathan, took this to rape, sexual assault and violence in general are trivialized another level when he gifted and excused. We see this everyday in the things we do, the guests at his first child’s wedding things we listen to and the way we react to the things we see with gold-plated iphones last and hear. year.

•We see this when we hear that a woman “asked to be Debts, wastes: The bad side of raped” by the way she dressed.

Owambe is that it leaves many •We see this when we ignore the fact that it’s our duty to in debt and turns a venue to an teach the boy child to be responsible, to respect girls and after-party sea of wasted food and women, to take responsibility for his actions and understand refuse. Its beauty is actually in that sex without consent is a crime. the communal functions •We see this when companies portray women as sex objects ceremonies performed for in order to promote their products. traditional African communities •We hear this in the lyrics of songs that our superstar and not the ostentatious lifestyle musicians release on a daily basis and in the video industry. it has come to represent today.

•We see this when opinion leaders, parents and religious But, as a typical Nigerian leaders beg on behalf of the alleged rapists, telling would not hesitate to say, ‘life na the survivor to forget and forgive so that God can also one and should be lived to the forgive them. fullest.’

•We hear this when men are said to be seduced by what they see as if men are animals that have no control over their feelings.

•We read about this when the media focus on the survivor and her story and not on the perpetrator.

•We see this when issues of rape and gender Lipstick asks men what they feel about having to spend large amounts on party based violence are trivialized by the police uniforms- commonly known as aso-ebi. Find their reactions below:and survivors told to go home and settle, calling it a domestic matter.

•We hear this when women are told to take measures to prevent being raped rather than men being told not to rape.

•We see this when less than 5% of cases of rape are successfully prosecuted and perpetrators sent to jail.

•We see this when the justice system takes more than 2 years to prosecute cases of rape and sexual assault.

Wale Aiyedogbon Yomi Obikoya Kpezi Ororo Andy •We see this when a survivor of rape is asked Well, you know what they say, your It is usually very hard and tiring Towa Melbury It has its own impact on the man by the police to provide money for case file, to wife’s good looks is a reflection of especially on the pocket. These Aso-ebi and Owambe are especially if he’s footing the bills. transport the alleged rapist from the prison to you. When she is gorgeously dressed things cost money and can be expenses which are The cost implications has to be necessary for the society to taken into consideration. No one the court room and even pay for the taxi that at social gatherings, it means you very expensive. Money spent on are doing a good job when it comes Aso-ebi could have been used move on. It eats into a says buying Aso-ebi for parties will take the police officer to court. man’s income, agreed. But is bad but it really doesn’t favour The list is inexhaustible as examples permeate to her up keep. I do not take cost for a better project or an into consideration with regards to investment for the future. Besides, I think it is an important me as a man since I would be our society at all levels. Are you contributing to my wife because I love it when my part of our party culture paying a lot more than what the the rape culture? Are you contributing to the woman looks good. These same you don’t only spend money on that beautifies occasions. market value is for an Aso-ebi clothes alone, you still have to menace of rape in our society? Now that you young men that think it is spend more at the Owambe It makes life sweet. my wife cannot use more than know, what are you going to do about it? unnecessary would buy a UNILAG once for any event.

Are you contributing to the rape culture?

VOX-POP

babe an Iphone.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 , 2015

Ndokwa youths cut off Agip's transmission line ....accuse firm of refusal to step down IPP

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—THE rift between youths of Ndokwa nation and Nigeria Agip Oil Company, NAOC, over alleged unwillingness of the company to step down its Independent Power Plant at Okpai, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, for the benefit of Ndokwa people, has deepened.

The irate youths, under the aegis of Ndokwa Youths Alive Progressive Forum, NYAPF, have cut off a transmission line of the plant over the alleged failure of the company to meet their demands.

It will be recalled that Ndokwa youths have been at loggerheads with Agip for allegedly reneging on its promise to step down the facility to boost electricity supply in Ndokwa nation, 10 years after its establishment in the area.

Vanguard learned that the cutting off of the transmission line came as stakeholders and the representatives of the company held a meeting at the office of the Deputy Inspector General of Police in Abuja to resolve the contentious issues.

It was gathered that the transmission line was cut off from the plant’s tower at about 4a.m., on Wednesday.

Claiming responsibility for the action, the group's Public Relations Officer, Odanike

Azuka, said the move was aimed at pressing home their demand which he said, also include the construction of a bridge across Ase creek.

Azuka, who spoke to Vanguard on telephone, lamented that Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West and Ukwani Local Government Areas, which make up Ndokwa nation, have been in total darkness despite the presence of the IPP which he said was stepped down in Obosi in Anambra State and is

providing electricity in nine states and parts of Abuja.

Noting that Agip was insensitive to the plight of the people, he said the company cannot account for at least five Ndokwa indigene under its employment as direct staff since it started operation in their land in 1962.

Azuka said their action would also serve as a deterrent to other oil companies operating in Ndokwa nation which are working against the interests of the people.

On why the group decided to cut off the transmission line while the stakeholders’ truce meeting was ongoing in Abuja, he said the meeting was the company’s ploy to buy time, adding that a similar meeting with the company in time past did not yield the desired results.

Meanwhile, one of the stakeholders who attended the Abuja meeting told Vanguard that the deliberations were fruitful.

ANNIVERSARY: From left: Deputy Governor, Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu; Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa and Governor Adams Oshiomole, during the celebration of the governor's seventh anniversary in office, in Benin.

Crisis rocking Ijaw National Congress deepens

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— THE crisis rocking Ijaw National Congress, INC, deepened, yesterday, with the alleged suspension of the national president, Mr Boma Obuoforibo, by the National Representative Council, NRC, of the body.

A communiqué by Pastor Victor Burubo, Sir Theodore Esonfade and Professor Sikoki Francis, said that Charles Ambaiowei should immediately step in as acting president to complete the tenure of the suspended president.

A counter statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the body, Mr Dagogo Tamunomiebi, said that the alleged suspension should be disregarded, describing same as the handiwork of disgruntled former members of the congress.

In a statement, yesterday, he said Mr Obuoforibo remains the elected national president of the body.

Meantime, the communique from the NRC alleged that Obuoforibi was suspended over issues relating to gross misconduct, adding that a seven-man investigative panel was constituted by the

congress to look into the allegations levelled against him.

It said it was the recommendation of the panel

that was ratified by the national representative council.

It noted that it was resolved that the eastern zone should produce the president to complete the

tenure of the suspended national president, thus the emergence of Ambaiowei from the eastern zone as acting president.

Okowa orders release of N3.2bn for payment of LG workers effect of the contributory welfare

By Emma Amaize

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has ordered the release of N3.2 billion from the state’s share of the bailout fund for the payment of salaries to local government workers in the state.

He also instructed the chairmen of the councils not to use the money for anything outside the payment of salary to workers.

Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state, David Ofoeyeno, who commended the governor, said the release, though a temporary relief, “will serve as an interim measure to cushion the effect of non-payment of workers in the local governments.”

He added, “The governor has also set up a committee to monitor the use of the fund and has directed that it should not be used for anything outside the payment of salaries. He has instructed all council chairmen to use the released money for the payment

of salary in the local governments only.”

Vanguard learned that the state government has also released about N2 billion to cushion the

scheme to pensioners in the state. It has also promised to address the 33 per cent increase for pensioners that retired on the old scale.

Nigerians urged to ensure robust economy

N

By Evelyn Usman

IGERIANS, especially those occupying public offices, have been urged to exhibit the right attitude that would attract sustainable investment aimed at helping the country realise a robust economic development.

Chairman, Education Committee of Association of Consulting Architects of Nigeria, Mr Austine Emuan, gave the charge at the second 2015 Esan summit organised by the Esan Journalists Forum, EJF, in conjunction with the Esan Council of Enigies, at Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State, while presenting a paper on Economic Development and

Investment Opportunities in Esanland.

Emuan stressed the need for Nigerians to get their politics right, adding that no one would be willing to invest in an unhealthy political environment where people believe in “taking rents and investing in luxuries.”

He noted that the summit with the theme, The future of Esan nation: Reason to be hopeful, could not have come at a better time, positing that to realise a sustainable and inclusive development in Esanland, its indigenes must look inward for opportunities such as natural endowment and created opportunities.

Edo govt clears Oghiadomhe

E

DO State Government has cleared the air on the ownership of some companies whose privatization it said would be probed as a result of suspected fraud.

The government, on Wednesday, said it would begin the probe of a $31 million cement company project which was started by the government of Chief Lucky Igbinedion but which it alleged was a fraudulent project.

It also said a quarry company in Ikpeshi, AkokoEdo Local Ggovernment Area and a solid mineral processing industry which was 100 per cent owned by Edo State Government, was established in 2003 with the sum of N85 million. The company was allegedly sold to another company called Copex Solid Mineral Processing Company, which is said to be owned by a former deputy governor of the state, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.

However, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Abdul Oroh, told newsmen that latest checks indicated that the company was not owned by Oghiadomhe.

“Mike Oghiadomhe was the chairman, Technical Committee on Privatization, at that time of the privatization, and not the owner of the company,” he said.

Amb. Ogbonaya for burial

A

MB. Osondu O g b o n a y a , Managing Director, Eberechukwu Farms, Achalla Ibusa, Delta State, is dead, aged 48.

His remains will be conveyed from his Ibusa residence to his home town at Ojukwu’s compound, Colony Road, Lohum Imenyi, Bende, Abia State on November 14, for interment.

He is survived by an aged mother, a widow, children and other relations.

Late Amb. Ogbonaya

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—35

FEDERAL ROADS: NULGE wants S-East govs

War veterans appeal to NASS over stipends

to intervene

By Vincent Ujumadu & Francis Igata

By Elizabeth Uwandu

A

WKA—THE Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, in the South East geopolitical zone has called on the governors in the area to mobilize funds and repair the dilapidated federal roads in the zone, rather than waiting indefinitely for the federal government. This is coming as members of the Enugu State House of Assembly have declared a state of emergency on all the federal roads in the SouthEast geopolitical zone.

The affected roads include Enugu –Onitsha, Enugu –Port Harcourt, Oba –Okigwe and Owerri –Elele, which have all been in a deplorable condition and causing nightmare for the users for many years.

Rising from its meeting in Awka, NULGE officials from the five South East states observed that though the roads belonged to the federal government, the governors in the zone should rehabilitate them because it is their people that are adversely affected.

National vice president of NULGE, Comrade Patrick Igwe, who read the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting wondered why the governors should feel comfortable with the condition of the roads when the

T

HE SENATE President, the Speaker and members of of National Assembly have been called upon to expedite action in ensuring speedy debate and recommendation for payment of stipends to the members of the Nigerian civil war veterans under the registered name of the Care First for the Aged Welfare Development Association of Nigeria as promised by The Presidency.

The plea is contained in a release jointly issued on behalf of the body by its National Chairman, Dr. Ubi Ikoi and Secretary, Engr. Ray Chime at the association's head office in Enugu.

The veterans stated that they were currently compiling names of all the living members of the group who fought the civil war between 1967 - 1970 for onward submission to the National Houses of Assembly as directed by the Presidency for eventual payment.

...Enugu House declares state of emergency

people are suffering.

According to NULGE, the governors should consider the affected roads a priority, suggesting that they should work on them and later ask for refund from the federal government.

“It is shameful that commuters can no longer drive smoothly on these roads and the state governors are not pressurizing the federal government to work on them. We are not saying that the federal government should be absolved from the blame, but the affected state governors, whose people are the end users, should

Steer clear of NUJ election, journalists warn Anambra govt

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—TENSION is mounting in Anambra State following an attempt by agents of the state government to force a chairmanship candidate in the state council election of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr. Abuchi Nwozo, to step down for a favoured government candidate, or be prepared to lose his job.

Nwozo, who works for the state –owned Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, is vying for the office of chairman with Mr. Emma Ifesinachi of the state Ministry of Information. Campaigns for the election, which is expected to take

Pay us our arrears of salary, council workers urge Gov Ikpeazu

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, has called on Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to effect the payment of their arrears of salary in line with his promise to clear the workers’ salary

arrears by end of October.

The state president of the union, Mr. Onyenaucheya Ijioma told newsmen that it was a surprise that after receiving the bailout fund, the government was still not ready to pay council workers their three months arrears of salary.

Ijioma urged government to be sincere and not to take the

mobilize funds to repair the roads because it is their people that are using them,” the union said.

NULGE also commended the governors of Anambra and Ebonyi states for making the welfare of workers in their states a priority through regular payment of salaries and urged other states to emulate them.

It regretted the hardship being experienced by the health and agricultural staff in the local government system in Imo State due to non-payment of their salaries for the past six months despite the fact that the state

patience of the workers for granted, lamenting that the workers have suffered enough.

According to him, it was a bad story that in November, council workers in the state were yet to get their August salaries despite the assurances from the government that the bailout was enough to pay the arrears.

place tomorrow, had reached the high pitch level with the candidates doing their last lap mop-up in all the 15 chapels in Anambra State council.

Surprisingly, however, two senior special assistants to Governor Willie Obiano on Tuesday, went to Nwozo’s boss, the managing director of ABS, Chief Uche Nworah and directed him to invite the NUJ chairmanship aspirant for an impromptu meeting.

On his arrival, Nwozo was told in plain language to step down for Ifesinachi, although no reasons were given.

Worried by the development, the NUJ immediately summoned stakeholders' meeting, yesterday, and issued a statement, urging the state government to steer clear of NUJ election, arguing that it would not be in the interest of government to meddle in the affairs of the union.

The statement signed by three former state chairmen of NUJ namely, Messrs Dom Ekpunobi, Victor Agusiobo and Nathaniel Anigbo regretted the threat on the NUJ chairmanship candidate, describing it as unheard of in the history of NUJ in Anambra State.

government received bailout funds and has been receiving its federal allocations regularly.

It also frowned at the recent policy of Imo State government to concession government- owned health institutions, adding that the exercise has negative effects on the affected workers.

State of emergency The declaration of state of emergerncy on South East roads by the Enugu House is sequel to a motion where the House condemned the deplorable state of all federal roads in the zone.

In the motion, which was sponsored by Hon. Chinedu Nwamba, representing NsukkaEast constituency, the lawmakers took turns to speak and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards rehabilitating the roads.

Hon. Nwamba had in the motion stated that,”residents in Enugu State and its environs for over a decade now have been faced with myriads of problems as a result of the deplorable condition of federal roads there.

“It seems the State is forgotten in the areas of construction of new roads, rehabilitation and maintenance of federal roads.

Incidentally, this ugly trend has persisted despite promises made by the successive federal government regimes on the said roads.

“Among the roads in question, are the Port-Harcourt-Enugu and Onitsha- Enugu highways which are in the most pitiable condition.”

He added that ”the EnuguOnitsha road used to take about 40 minutes when the road was good, but now takes three hours.

The road is so bad that almost every vehicle that plies it usually breaks down before completing a full journey. On the Enugu-PortHarcourt highway, the story is the same as the journey which normally lasts for two hours now lasts for five hours."

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On President Buhari's 25 merged ministries

T

he merging of ministries together is for the betterment of our dear country. It is a nice move. We have to start somewhere. I am fully aware that majority of government agencies do absolutely nothing and are allocated huge budgets. -Mr. Collins Ojomah, Worker

M

erging of some ministries is a welcome idea from President Buhari.

Things have to change; it is not going to be business as usual. Some ministries are absolutely waste of tax payers’ money. We are tired of waste. -Mr. Chuku Oparadike, Entrepreneur

I

support this move. I have always thought that it does not make any sense having Aviation and Transport ministries. Issues will always arise when security agencies work separately or deliberately hoard information from one another. Miss Chioma Emele, Businesswoman

I

totally agree with President Buhari that some ministries need to be reconstituted and well funded. The President would need to delegate power and set up people to watch these minsitries and their ministers. -Mr. Okie Darlington, Communicator

I

t is an action long over due; we are waiting for the committee for the downward review of remunerations to submit the report for implementation.

I know that employment is a function of economic growth and development.

-Miss Mabel Ogechi, SelfEmployed

S

ome ministries should be merged or scrapped.What is the justification for full Departments of Reforms and the General Services Office when they can function as divisions in the department of Administration and Human Resources Management. -Miss Anne Kelechi, Fashion Designer

36 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 37

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GLO LAFTA FEST: From left—Ace comedian, Bovi Ugboma; immediate past Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Alhaji Rasak Daddah; Ijebu Ode-based Mrs Oluwakemi Osiyale, and popular comedian, Seyi Law, at the Glo Laffta Fest comedy show in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

WOMEN ENGINEER: From left— National Treasurer, Association of Professional Women Engineer of Nigeria, APWEN, Engr. Ozo Nwokeabia; Vice Principal, Epe Senior High School, Mr. Owabumuwa Clement; APWEN's President, Engr. Nnoli Akpedeye; senior APWEN member, Engr. Titilola Tetede, and past APWEN President, Engr. Idiat Amusu, during the introducea-girl-to-engineering event on Spark My World, organized by APWEN at the grammar school, Epe, Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

FUTURE OF ESAN: The Onojie of Opoji, HRH Ehidiame II (2nd left) and other traditional rulers from the 35 kingdoms of Esanland at the Future of Esan Nation summit organized by Esan Journalists Forum, EJF, in conjuction with Esan Councils of Traditional Rulers, at Okeijisan Hall, Irrua, Esan Central, Edo State.

Chairman, Education Committee, Association of Consulting Architect of Nigeria, Mr. Austine Emuan (left) and former President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Mr. Peter Esele, at the two-day summit organized by Esan journalists Forum, EJF.

NIMN CONFAB: From left— President and Chairman, Governing Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, NIMN, Mr. Ganiyu Koledoye; Lieutenant-Col. O. K. Ajibola, and Capt A. A. Akinola, during the NIMN Marketing Educators conference at the University of Calabar, Cross River State.

CLIMB WITH REMI: From left— Climb with Remi Project Ambassador, Mrs Remi Abere; former member, House of Representatives, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and One Channel Business Executive Partner, IBM, during a briefing on climbing of Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for women and childern of internallly displaced persons, IDPs, in Nigeria, in Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

QUANTITY SURVEYORS: President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Mallam Murtala Aliyu (left), presenting the blueprint for the Nigerian Quantity Surveyors Academy to Mr. Agele Alufohai, Chairman, Board of the Academy.

EMPOWERMENT: Beneficiary of Moni Pulo Limited, MPL, Mr. Abiah Effiong (left); Head, Community Affairs, Mr. Clifford Daerego (2nd left); Deputy General Manager, Corporate Strategy and Development, Mrs. Julia Ibokette (right), and Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Solate OvundahAkarolo, both of MPL, during the firm's community empowerment programme in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

38 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 39

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40—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Safar 1, 1437 A.H.

Obedience to Allah: Prophet Ibrahim (a.s)as role model

By Haruna Razaq

A

N example of the earlier prophets of Allah before Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) who obeyed the commandments of Allah with absolute submission and thus achieved the good of this life and the hereafter is Prophet Ibrahim (a.s). In fact, the place of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) in Islam cannot be overemphasized.

There are copious injunctions of Allah in the Quran that emphasises the example and precepts of Prophet Ibrahim. (1) Allah directs Muslims to follow him in the Qur ’an (Q 60: 4) (2) Allah distinguished Ibrahim first in the Qur ’an with the title of Khalilu llah (an intimate friend of Allah). (Q 4:125) (3) Allah declared him as: an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa (i.e. to worship none but Allah), not Al-Mushrikun; thankful for Allah’s Graces… (Q 16: 120-122) Great acts of worship (4) There is a special place in Ka‘abah at Makkah called “Maqam (Station) of Ibrahim” in which those who perform Hajj and Umrah are encouraged to perform two Nafilah after tawaf. (5) Prophet Ibrahim (A.S) is regarded as the father of the religion (Islam.) (6) A chapter in the Qur ’an (i.e. Suratul Ibrahim) Chapter 14 was named after Ibrahim. (7) Prophet Muhammad (SAW) named one of his sons after Prophet Ibrahim (AS). (8) The great acts of worship in Islam, such as Hajj, Umrah, Day of Arafah, ‘Iidul Adha, Al-Udhiyyah, and Ayyamut Tashriq, etc. emanated from Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. (9) One of the recommended Asalat is Asalat Ibrahimiyyah. (10) He was

given righteous wives and children. (11) Allah accepted his prayers (e.g. concerning the blessings of Allah on his progeny) (Q 14: 37) etc.

But, most of us do not really understand what Ibrahim (AS) went through before he became prominent in the sight of Allah to the extent that he occupied the aforementioned position in Islam and was made Imam (leader) for mankind in line with the Qur ’an (Q 2: 124).

It is on record that despite he was born in the land of AlKaldanieen (Chaldeans) or Babylonia into the environment of idol worship where the head of the family was not even an ordinary Idolator, but was one those who carved idols, he (Ibrahim) did not follow his people in error, rather he sought the guidance of Allah (Q 6: 76-78) and was guided (Q21:51) (2) He called his people to Islam (Q 26: 69-82) (3) He faced persecution from idol worshipers (Q21: 68) and did not surrender to their shirk, then, Allah saved him from their persecution (Q 21: 69-71 and Q 29: 24) (4) When his peoples were not ready to accept his dawah he migrated (Q29: 26) with his wife and lot to Ur, to Haran, to Palestine

to Egypt etc.

More importantly, Allah tried him with certain commands, which he fulfilled according to (Q 2: 124) that says: And (remember) when the Lord of Ibrahim tried him with (certain) commands, which he fulfilled. He (Allah) said (to him), “Verily, I am going to make you an Imam (a leader) for mankind (to follow you)… (Q 2: 124).

Some of these commands have been mentioned earlier.

(6) Above all, he is always ready to carry out all the commandments of Allah. As a result, commenting on verse (Q 2: 124) stated above Sheikh Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir says: Allah is informing us of the honour of Ibrahim Al-Khaleel, who He made an Imam for the people, and a model to be imitated, because of the way he conducted himself and adhered to Tauhid. This honour was given to Prophet Ibrahim when he adhered to Allah’s decisions and prohibitions. Therefore, anyone who wants his/her name to remain in goodness as Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) should follow the commandments of Allah.

From left: Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Dr. Mashuud Adenrele Fashola presenting some Literatures of Ahmadiyya to the new Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-Edo and Delta; Alhaji Dauda Akinoola Makanjuola, during a courtesy visit at his residence in Ibadan, recently.

From left: Alhaji Sulaiman K. Mustapha, PA on Religious Matters to Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-EdoΔ Alhaji Abdul Ghaniy Ahmad, Secretary Tarbiyya, Ahmadiyya, Alhaji Dauda Akinoola Makanjuola, Aare Musulumi of Yoruba-Edo& Delta; Dr. Mashuud Adenrele Fashola, Amir, AhmadiyyaMuslim Jama’at Nigeria, and General Secretary, Ahmadiyya, Alhaji Abass Olawale Iromini, during a visit to the new Aare recently.

Ahmadiyya congratulates Lagos Home Affairs commissioner, others

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HE Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Lagos state, has congratulated the Lagos state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Abdul Lateef Abdul Kareem on his appointment as the Commissioner in charge of Home Affairs.

The Islamic organisation applauded this choice sequel to the remarkableperformanceoftheAlhaji Abdul Lateef as a member of the LagosStateMuslim PilgrimsWelfare Board in couples of years now.

Accordingtosomeofthemembers of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat who have performed Hajj through Lagos

Quote from the Quran "Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term has ended. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous who fear Him." (Quran 9 vrs 4)

state government, there has been remarkable improvement in the entire hajj operations in the state with the leading role of the new Commissioner for Home Affairs.

The organisation challenged him to improve on the standards of recordofperformanceintheministry and appreciate the gesture of the Lagos state government of putting the round peck in the round hole.

In the same vain , the other new Commissioners and Special Advisers have been urged to hit the ground running and ensure that Lagosians feel their impact in the laudable programmes and policies tobeembarkeduponbythevarious ministries.

It reminded the new public office holders that they should live above boards, shun corruption and be transparent in the discharge of their duties. According to the members of the Jamaat “to whom much is given, much is expected”.

The Jamaat therefore resolved to assist government in the propagating its policies among its members and also assist in fervent prayers in the deliverance of public good for the people of the state.

From left: Naib Amir Special Duties, Ahmadiyya, Alhaji Hamed Al-Hassan; General Overseer, Methodist Church of Igan-Okoto Land; Rev Timothy Fadipe; Dr. Mashuud Fashola, Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria; HRH Oba Adokun of IganOkoto Land, Mikail Akanbi Salako during the Oba's initiation ceremony into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at recently

From left: Oba Adokun of Igan-Okoto Land; HRH, Mikaila Akanbi Salako, Chief Imam Igan-Okoto Land; Al-Shaikh Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipupo, Obaladi of Afon Land; HRH Busari Alamu Adelere Adetona and Naib Amir and Missionary incharge Ahmadiyya; Maulana Abdul Khalique Nayyar at the initiation ceremony.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—41

Safar 1, 1437 A.H.

Muslims gather in Abuja for Criterion biennial conference

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HE Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs) Idiat Oluranti Adebule is expected to lead other Muslim Women across the country to the 8th biennial National Conference of the Criterion (an Association of Muslim Women in Business and the Professions) coming up in Abuja between 18th and 21st November, 2015.

In a Press statement jointly signed by the National Amirah and the National PRO of the Association, Dr Mrs Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi and Hajia Shakirat Abdulmajeed, the association explained that, Dr Adebule will be the special guest of honour at the conference themed: ‘Challenges of Globalisation on Muslims’

Dr Abdul Baqi explained that, the choice of the theme is informed by the fact that the linkage of the world via Information and Communication Technology and its attending spiral effect on all citizens of the world calls for a concerted effort to attain a knowledge of reality through common reflection and action in order to make informed contributions towards self and global development.

She explained that, it is the tradition of the organization to hold a Biennial National Conference to bring Muslim elites together to discuss contemporary issues as they affect the Ummah and the society at large.

The opening ceremony of the 8th Biennial conference

is expected to be chaired by Alhaji Ahmed Tunde Popoola, the Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau Ltd on Saturday, 21st November at the Abuja National Mosque while Alhaji Abdulfatah Adeyemi will present the lead paper.

Other activities lined-up for the occasion include, courtesy visits to notable personalities within the FCT, Educational Chat with secondary school students (Friday 20th November), Interactive Session with Muslim Women groups, Humanitarian visit to Durumi Internally Displayed Persons’ (IDPs) camp and Nurul Bayan Orphanage home where the group hopes to hold memorable interactive sessions with the inmates and distribute relief materials.

From left: General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria; Alhaji Abass Olawale Iromini, Amir Ahmadiyya Nigeria; Alhaji Mashuud Adenrele Fashola, Ewi of Ado-Ekiti HRH; Dr. Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, Aladesanmi III (CON, JP), Naib Amir and Missionary in-charge Ahmadiyya, Nigeria; Maulana Abdul Khalique Nayyar at and Ekiti Circuit President, Alhaji R. Lawal during a courtesy visit to Ewi’s Palace recently.

From left, Acting Managing Director/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc, Mahe Abubakar; Chairman, Board of Directors, Jaiz Bank Plc, Umaru Abdul Mutallab and outgoing Managing Director/CEO, Jaiz Bank Plc, Muhammad Nurul Islam at a send forth dinner in Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan C M Y K

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 43

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44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Stanbic IBTC: You embarrassed us, FRC tells CBN Continues from Page 10 office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice or a Court of competent jurisdiction.”

TheCouncilalsofaultedthe claim by CBN that its action against Stanbic IBTC undermines the stability of the financial system. It stated, “Contrary to the concern expressed in the letter from the CBN on the regulatory actions of our Council, we make bold to say that high quality corporate reporting is key to improving transparency, facilitating the mobilization of domestic and International investment, creating a sound investment environment and promoting financial stability.

This is what we expect the CBNtoinformrelevantstakeholders that the efforts of the FRC have achieved in the situation under reference.”

MeetingwithChiefofStaff to the President The FRC boss stated, “ On Thursday October 29th , 2015, His Excellency, the Chief of Staff to Mr. President, met with you and I in his office and advised that we schedule a meeting to come up with a harmonized position as two regulators on the review of the Financial Statements of Stanbic IBTC for years ended 31st December 2013 and 2014.

“Hewentfurthertostatethat the CBN should also be sanctioned if it is discovered that the errors observed in the said financial statements are true because the CBN approved the said financial statements before they were issued. At that meeting, you claimed that what the CBN has done since you received the Regulatory Decision of the FRC was to get on opinion from a consortium of lawyers on the provision of the FRC Act 2011. You said your next step was to invite foreign lawyers to review the opinion you received.

“You even sought the permission of His Excellency, the Chief of Staff, and read out selected paragraphs of the opinion you got from the consortium of lawyers. At the end of that meeting, His Excellency, the Chief of Staff, directed as follows: “That you should write to

the management of Stanbic IBTC directing them to immediately stop all negative publicity being sponsored against the FRC. He directed you to send a copy of that letter to me. (Up till now you are yet to send a copy of that letter to my office and Stanbic IBTC has simply increased the negative publicity to even include my person) He also said that the FRC should not put up any write-up again in the newspapers but that if Stanbic IBTC writes on FRC, the FRC is entitled to a rejoinder; “That a team from the CBN should visit Stanbic IBTC to review the records again to knowwhethertheerrorswere due to oversight or incompetence or compromise; “That the FRC should secure a written position on the matter from the external auditors of Stanbic IBTC; “Finally, that you and I should agree a date to meet thereafterandreviewthedocuments received and reach a final decision.

Immediately, after that meeting you and I met in the waiting area of the office of the Chief of Staff and agreed to meet on November 10, 2015. I told you that I would just have returned from a United Nations meeting on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting where I was to preside over the opening ceremony, and also speak on country case study on monitoring of Compliance and Enforcement of high quality financial reporting.

“Friday,October30th,2015: You telephoned to inform me of your agenda on how you intended to deal with your own side of the directive by the Chief of Staff. You said that on Monday, 2nd November, 2015, you would meet with the Directors of Stanbic IBTC; Tuesday, 3rd November, 2015, you would meet with the External Auditors of Stanbic IBTC; Wednesday, 4 th November, 2015 you would meet with other relevant parties including shareholder groups that have been petitioning to regulators, and finally on Thursday, 5th November, 2015, CBN will meet with the FRC. “I responded to your call by first drawing your attention to

another write-up in Thisday Newspapers of 30th October 2015 front page, painting the FRC in bad light and reminded you of the letter you were to write to Stanbic IBTC and copy my office (you told me that you had read the story in the newspaper and you believed it was sponsored by Stanbic IBTC and that you were going to call the Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Mr. Atedo Peterside immediately).

“I also informed you that I would not be available to meet with you on Thursday 5th November, 2015 because I was to speak in a United Nation’s event on Friday 6th November.

2015 in Geneva. Switzerland. I told you that if you urgently needed to meet with me, I could come and see you in Abuja the following morning. Saturday 31st October, 2015. You informed me that you do not work on weekends.

“Meanwhile, my office had written to KPMG. Professional Services (giving them seven working days) to send to the FRC relevant documents as advised by His Excellency, the Chief of Staff.

We also wrote to you informing you of this development and attached a copy of the letter to KPMG. Professional Services: duly acknowledged by them Saturday 31st October 2015 and Sunday 1st November 2015 were weekend days that you claim you do not work.

“Monday November 2nd 2015: The CBN issued a letter to our Council and posted it on the internet claiming the CBN had cleared Stanbic IBTC and maligned the FRC. The said letter to our Council which the news media noted with pride was leaked to them, did not get to our office in Abuja until 6.30p.m on Tuesday 3rd November 2015.

I have taken time to outline this sequence of events to you so as to let you know that the CBN has not acted in good faith and that the actions of the CBN were calculated to embarrass the FRC and indeed the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

N270m cash payment for Asokoro house: EFCC, Ohakim’s lawyers clash in court

By Soni Daniel

T

HERE was drama in court yesterday as a prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and a lawyer defending former Imo State governor, Ikedi Ohakim, in a N270 million money laundering case, clashed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The clash followed strident attempts by Ohakim’s lawyer, Awa Kalu, SAN, to be shown the copies of the

petitions which the EFCC claimed were written against the former governor by several groups and individuals prompting his trial.

Ohakim is alleged to have made a cash payment of $2, 290,000.00( N270 million ) for a piece of land at Plot No. 1098 Cadastral Zone A04, Asokoro District, otherwise known as No.60, Kwame Nkurumah Street, Asokoro, Abuja.

While answering a question by the defence counsel, Awa Kalu, SAN,

prosecution witness, Ishaya Dauda, said the Commission received over five petitions against the accused person.

Dauda, a Senior Detective Superintendent, SDS, with the EFCC, told the court that some of the petitions against the accused person were received from the following sources: Alliance of Redemption and Destiny Organization; Aggrieved Imo State Citizens; Citizens for Imo Economic Security and 27 people (who are all signatories to a petition) from each of the 27 local governments in the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—45

Don’t abandon national automotive policy, NECA begs FG

By Victor AhiumaYoung

N

IGERIA Employers’ Consultative Association, NECA, has expressed grave concern over the recent calls on President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to jettison the National Automotive Policy.

It also called on the President to ignore the clamour to lower the import tariff on automobile products, saying it would negatively affect the policy.

Director-General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, who spoke in Lagos, argued that government should sustain and deepen the policy through faithful implementation, without waiver or threat of possible reversal, except for the recognition of certain categories of non-luxury

heavy duty vehicles that could not and would not be assembled in Nigeria.

The National Automotive Industry Development Plan, NAIDP, was hailed as a welcome development when initiated as it was billed to stimulate growth in the automotive industry and overall evolution of the economy.

But in recent times, individuals and groups suspected to be working for automobile products importers have been claomuring for the government to jettison the policy.

However, Oshinowo said: “One developmental challenge of Nigeria and major hindrance to sustainable national growth had been successive government’s policies inconsistency and programmes somersault. ‘’The time has come for

succeeding government to put the economic interest of the country ahead of political considerations. ‘’Government should imbibe the culture of adopting well-meaning policies of past governments.

The Automotive Policy is one of such that need to be sustained.”

He urged the Buhari administration not to be sucked in by calls for the reversal of the policy as this would be detrimental to the economy.

He said: “Government should sustain and deepen the policy through a faithful implementation, without waiver or threat of possible reversal, except for the recognition of certain categories of non-luxury heavy duty vehicles that cannot and will not be assembled in Nigeria."

Adopt new method in dealing with employers, NUEE chair advises exco

L

By Boluwaji Obahopo

OKOJA — CHAIRMAN, National Union of Electricity Employee, NUEE, Kogi State chapter, Mr. Medupin Segun, has called on the association's executive to adopt moral persuasion in dealing with their employers.

Segun, who stated this in Lokoja, yesterday, after emerging as chairman of the state chapter at the state delegate conference, said the union must adopt and do things differently from the old ways of negotiating for workers’ welfare.

He said: “Our employers are new, we must, therefore, embrace new method in dealing with them. We should embrace moral persuasion in our dealings with them so as to have a smooth relationship. We cannot continue to agitate in the same old way."

Segun, who eulogised the outgoing state executive for its efforts in piloting the affairs of the union in the past three years, also sought the support and cooperation of members in order to take the association to the desired heights.

“I promise to uphold

and defend the interest of the association, and work towards a better welfare for our members.

However, to achieved this I require the support of all the members to take the union to the promised land," he said.

The North Central Organising Secretary, Mr. Temple Eworima, who conducted the election,

urged the members of the association to put aside their differences and work for the common interest of the association.

“There is no division in any labour union.

Though we may differ in ideology, but our ultimate goal is to defend the interest of the members together.”

Wada promises enabling environmemt for corps members and Sports, Sule Ikani,

By Boluwaji Obahopo

L

OKOJA—Kogi State government has promised to sustain the good working relationship with the management of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme in order to create an enabling environment for corps members carrying out their primary assignments.

The governor of the state, Capt. Idris Wada, made the promise during the 2015 Batch B corps members swearing in ceremony at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Asaya Kabba.

Wada, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth

advised corps members to learn more about Nigerians from other regions of the country.

He said: “This would enable you shun harboured prejudices about others, eradicate negative ideas that have kept the country apart and foster unity among us all.”

Earlier, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Agatha Olabanji,had said 2014 corps members made up of 1242 males and 862 females were registered for the orientation course.

Olabanji urged corps members to learn a skill at the camp which would focus on the entrepreneurial and selfreliant spirit as well as how to explore income generating opportunities.

Delta and another building collapse Dear sir

T

HE heavy rains that characterised the month of September have come and gradually going, leaving behind loss of property worth billions Naira but no loss of lives . The rains caused the collapsed of Mekaval Hotel in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Fortunately, there was no life lost but minor injuries sustained which were quickly treated.

The Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) visited the site to ascertain the immediate and remote cause of the collapsed building, but all efforts to ascertain the cause of the collapse hotel proved abortive as nobody could be reached to gather facts relating to the structure as at the time of the visit.

However, the NIOB will carry out a thorough investigation before arriving at an appropriate conclusion over the collapsed Mekaval Hotel.

Building collapse has become a regular phenomenon in Nigeria, especially in urban and semi-urban settings. For the frequency of building collapse in the country, it is no longer news when a building collapses in any part of the country. The only

Stop FFulani ulani herdsmen in Benin Dear sir

I

WRITE to draw the attention of government to the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the communities off Sapele Road in Benin City.

Instances abound in Obayantor I Village along Sapele Road, and environs in Benin City where these herdsmen uproot cassava plants from farms for their cows to feed on.

Residents have challenged them several times but they scoff at these challenges and insist that they have settled the people in authority.

In one instance, they brazenly carried out reprisals on farms owners who had challenged them. During these reprisals, they raped women and murdered local residents in Obayantor Village.

Government should move in quickly to check these herdsmen before an allout confrontation between them and the communities on the Sapele Road breaks out.

challenge is the survival of occupants at the time the accident occurs.

Buildings under construction these days fall apart like a park of cards.

This has become worrisome for building professionals as its effect on the profession cannot be quantified.

Building projects are dynamic, complex and unique hence cannot be treated with kids’ gloves considering the impact of building collapse on the builder, the owner and the occupier at the moment of the crash. The National Building Code, spells out in unambiguous term the minimum acceptable standard adopted to regulate the design, construction and maintenance of buildings for the purpose of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the occupier or owner of the building.

Today, in urban and semi-urban cities, high rise buildings or sky scrapers are springing up in every nook and cranny of cities. Big cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Lagos, Benin, Ilorin, Jos and others now have high rise sky scrapers. Such buildings cannot be handled by quacks as mistakes made in the construction have detrimental effect on the structure.

There is therefore need for proper control and quality management by monitoring and evaluation of construction sites.

Professionals and all stakeholders in the build environment must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that buildings whether sky scrapers or bungalows are handled by relevant professionals so that the image of professionals are not put to disrepute.

Governments have to establish a more proactive operation of an effective development control organ at the federal, state and local government levels to ensure and enforce the code that guides activities of building construction to forestall this perennial collapse of buildings in Nigerian cities.

The increasing cases of building collapse can be` traced to the use of quacks over and above professionals.

The invasion of quacks into the build industry has become a challenge to professionals. They aim at deceiving gullible Nigerians so as to make huge money from them. Their action has continuously led to collapsed structures nationwide. Nigerians should be encouraged to patronise professionals in all building related issues.

Moses Juwah, Asaba, Delta State.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku, Benin City.

Let Buhari change style of his body language Dear sir

T

HE body language of President Muhammadu Buhari speaks of his unrelenting effort to fight corruption and bring perpetrators to book.

However, our findings begin to reveal that his attempts to combat corruption so far show that certain regions, ethnic groups, and religions are the scapegoats.

The fight against corruption is a priority over ethnic, religious and party interests. Those found guilty of sabotage and any form of corruption should be treated as enemies of Nigeria irrespective of religious, ethnic, or party affiliation.

Charles Iyare, ANEEJ, Benin City.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

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as

Asuquo Bassey Omo. All former documents remain valid. General

THOMAS—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Gabriel Emmanuel Thomas, Mr. Saturday Emmanuel Thomas, Miss Mary Emmanuel Thomas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Gabriel Emmanuel Ntedeng, Mr. Saturday Emmanuel Ntedeng, Miss Mary Emmanuel Ntedeng. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GEORGE—I, formerly known and addressed as Jokotade Ajoke Oladeinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Chief Mrs. Jokotade Akin George. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NURAT—I, formerly known and addressed as Nuga Nurat Funmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Nuga Alowonle Titilayo Norat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONKWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Okonkwo Levi Emeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Obidigwe Levi Emeka.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALUKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Aluko Mary Oseneade, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwole Mary Oseneade. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MASA—I, formerly known and addressed as Masa Musa Zakariyau, now wish to be known and addressed as Zakari Musa Hussein. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNLEYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Elizabeth Olubukola Ogunleye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Olubukola Odiai. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

OSINULU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnamdi Sola Osinulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amoo Olusola Ebun. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

AMOS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebimpe Omobolanle Amos, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebimpe Omobolanle Dada. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

UBAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Ifeanyi Peter Ubah, now wish to be known and addressed as Ifeanyi Peter Aghadike. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Akana Amah Peter and Akana Peter is the same person as Akana Amaonyeiwe Peter, now wish to be known and addressed as Akana Amaonyeiwe Peter. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—47

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of name I Mohammed Akanni is the same person as Mohammed Hassan.

All document remain valid. ARM Pension Managers Limited, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc and general public please take note.

OKOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Okobi Anwulika Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obodoechi Anwulika Juliet. All document remain valid. Nigerian Bar Association and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name Nsidibe Enyinekpe Nsentip and Nsentip Mark Nsentip is one and same person. All documents bearing the names above remain valid. UBA, First Bank, Zenith Bank and general public please take note.

CHIDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Nathaniel Chidi Egenuka, now wish to be known and addressed as Nathaniel Chidiri Egenuka.

All document remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINROLABU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinrolabu Loveth Mojisola Akin Moji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anunimorigha Loveth Mojisola. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

ENYIAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Enyiaka Chinwendu Gloria, now wish to be known and addressed as O k e r e a f o r Chinwendu Gloria.

All document remain valid. General public please take note.

ESSIEN—I, formerly

please take note.

ADIGUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yetunde Safurat Adigun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yetunde Safurat Odulaja. All document remain valid. General public please take note.

OFORDIRE—I, formerly known and addressed as Ekene Ofordire, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekene Emmanuel Obi. All document remain valid. ECOBank and general public please take note.

DELE—I, formerly known and addressed as Dele Ilesanmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayobamidele Emmanuel Ilesanmi.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWOSU—I, formerly known and addressed as Nwosu Michael Chileaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Etoh Michael Chileaka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

APITIKORI—I, formerly known as Franca Apitikori, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Francis Franca Ogaga. All former documents remain valid. The general public and t o whom it may concern should please take note.

A S A G WA R A — I , formerly known as Asagwara Benice Nonye, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Chime Hope Ifeoma Nonye.

All former documents remain valid. The general public and to whom it may concern should please take note.

Reconciliation of name I, formerly known as Kokouvi Ebioku now wish to be known, called and addressed as Kokouvi Ahadji.

That all documents bearing any of the above names are mine and remain valid. The general public and to whom it may concern should please take note.

SHITTU—I, formerly known as Miss Shittu Remilekun Omonike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yekini Remilekun Basirat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKINSIPE—I, formerly known as Miss Akinsipe Oluwaseun Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odeyemi Oluwaseun Elizabeth. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PATS—I, formerly

ALPHONUS—I, formerly known as Nkechi Rita Alphonus, now wish to be known and addressed as Enwereuzo Rita Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name The general public is hereby informed that Adanoritsewo Gborgi-Bicoff Mercy is a valid name as Gborgi Mercy Adah and Bicoff-Gborgi Adah. This notice is to clear all doubts as to the valid identity of the bearer of the Bank Verification Number (Bvn):22231061399 registered in Adanoritsewo Gborgi-Bicoff Mercy at UBA Nig. Plc. Union Bank Nig. Plc and EcoBank Nig. Plc take notice that Adanoritsewo Gborgi-Bicoff Mercy is the same person as Bicoff- Gborgi Adah And Gborgi Mercy Adah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIABUA—I, formerly known as Miss Joy Anwuli Chiabua, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Anwuli Nwamba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEYEMI—I, formerly known as Miss Adeyemi Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinyosoye Omotola Oluwakemi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SUNDAY—I, formerly known as Sunday M.O.G. Omulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Calistus S. Omulu. All former documents remain valid. All authorities concerned and general public please take note.

GODFREY—I,

Confirmation of name

ABOLADE—I, formerly known as Aremu Azeez Abolade, now wish to be known and addressed as Aremu Azeez Akorede. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that the names: Ogala Goodie Anthony, Ogala Goodie Chukwuemeka and Ogala Goodie Chukwuemeka Anthony refer to one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Ogala Goodie Chukwuemeka.

All former documents remain valid. Delta State University (DELSU) and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name

known and addressed as Imoh Essien, now wish to be known and addressed as Jameson Imoh Richard. All document

remain

valid. General public

known as Jude C. Pats, now wish to be known and addressed as Jude C. Patrick. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

formerly known as Ikpi Godfrey Eteng, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikpi Edet Eteng. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

public please take note.

public please take note.

NWOKOCHA—I, formerly known as Miss Nwokocha Tochi Precious, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egbochie Joseph Tochi Precious. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJILE—I, formerly

public please take note.

THOMAS—I, formerly known as Edwin Utoware, now wish to be known and addressed as Edwin Thomas. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJOSE—I, formerly known as Miss Ajose Dayo Mautin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dosu Mautin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GANDONU—I, formerly known as Miss Gandonu Dorcas Mauyeme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyanju Dorcas Mauyeme. All former documents remain valid. Concerned authoritiea and general public please take note.

ABASS—I, formerly known as Abass Adeniyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Nurudeen Adeniyi Adekunle. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ECHETA—I, formerly known as Miss Martina Ndidiamaka Echeta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Martina Ndidiamaka Enwerem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ACHOJA—I, formerly known as Miss Achoja Ese Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenekevwe Ese Doris Egbo Onomueriya.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O R O G U N — I , formerly known as Miss Takama Weneso Orogun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igho Takama Orogun Destiny. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MBA—I, formerly known as Mba Rhoda Ogbonne Mba, now wish to be known and addressed as Rhoda Eze Sunday. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KODU—I, formerly known as Miss Ebuorayen Susan Kodu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ebuorayen Kodu Oyewo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BELLO—I, formerly known as Miss Temitope Oluwaseun Bello, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oladipo Temitope Oluwaseun.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AZUH—I, formerly known as Miss Chinye Joy Azuh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinye Joy Eziam. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I Obeya Favour and Obeya Ayisat Ebiojo is one and the same

Confirmation of name I Ikechukwu Maxwell and Iyke Maxwell is

person. All former

one and the same

documents bearing

person. All document

stated names above remain valid. General

known as Ojile Ehi Gift, now wish to be known and addressed as Abutu Ehi Gift. All former

documents

remain valid. General

remain valid. General

I

Yaahaya

Ojochide,

Maria Yahaya

Maria and Josephat Mary is one and the same person. All document

remain

valid. General public please take note.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED

public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Uka Jimmy Ukaegbu refers to one and same person as Uka Jimmy Ukaegbu Abarike, but now wish to be known and addressed as Uka Jimmy Ukaegbu Abarike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OHUE—I, formerly known as Ms Helen Philomena Ohue, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Helen Philomena Ellerby. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name TOPE—This is to confirm that Julius Oloruntope Stephen and Olabode Stephen Tope is the same person and wish to be known as Olabode Stephen Tope in all my documents.

Authorities concerned, the general public and First Bank Plc to please take note.

ABU—I, formerly known as Miss Abu Talatu Omono, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Itomo Omono Talatu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJOGGAR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajoggar Lily Oghenerukevwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbunu Lily Oghenerukevwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENAGIEWHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Grace Enagiewhe Omudu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Grace Omudu Uviejitobor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GODBLESS A.—I, formerly known and addressed as Godbless A. Barami, now wish to be known and addressed as Abraham Barami. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ETUREH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Omenogor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Omenogor Obi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NANNA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nanna Aruorivwo Tracy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uthakpa Aruorivwo Tracy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMRAYEBURE—I, formerly known and addressed as Francis Amrayebure, now wish to be known and addressed as Francis Arebinne. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MUKORO— I , formerly known and addressed as Efe Mukoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Efe Mukoro Peter Enakoko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGBANU—I, formerly known and addressed as Uju Jane Agbanu And Agbanu Obiora Jane Uju, now wish to be known and addressed as Uju Jane Obiora. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TOKIRI—I, formerly known and addressed as Tokiri Zebelon And Josiah Zebulon, now wish to be known and addressed as Tokiri Josiah Zebulon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGHAREVBA—I, formerly known, called and addressed as Egharevba Isaac Ekhozyimwen, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Osairhueghiomon Isaac.

That all documents bearing Egharevba Isaac Ekhozyimwen or Osairhueghiomon Isaac belong to the same person. Zenith Bank Plc and general public note for record purposes.

OKORODUDU—I, formally known and address as Miss Beauty Okorodudu, now wish to be known and address as Mrs. Beauty Uwawah. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. Urhiapele Primary School, Ethiope Mixed Secondary School, banks and all relevant agencies should take note for record purposes.

BRAIMAH—I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss O k h u m a v h i a Onoshokhue Braimah, now wish to be known, addressed and called Mrs. Okhumavhia Onoshokhue Ezire. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. The general public and all authorities concerned should please note for record purposes.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Elijah Sunny and Elijah Godwin belong to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public please take note.

TA D E N I A W O — I , formerly known and addressed as Princewill Tadeniawo Abang, now wish to be known and addressed as Princewill Johnpaul Eddy Abang. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEGBOYEGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Joseph Adegboyega Abang, now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Eddy Abang.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIAMAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Chukwuka Okeke Obiamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwuka Okeke Miford. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, Guaranty Trust Bank and general public please take note.

ETIM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mma Essien Etim, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mma Bassey Okpa. All former documents remain valid. UUTH, Uyo; UBA Bank, Sterling Bank and general public please take note.

Reconciliation of name This is to confirm that the Names(s) Kalu Uche Edu, & Uche Edu Dunga refers to one and the same person. However, i now wish to be known and addressed as Uche Edu Dunga. All former documents remain valid.

Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and the General public take note.

NWOSU—I, formerly known and addressed as Nwosu Akachukwu Christopher, now wish to be known and addressed as Igwe A k a c h u k w u Christopher.

All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, Unity Bank Plc. General public please take note.

I F E A N Y I CHINEDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Ifeanyi Bright Chinedu. Now wish to be known and addressed as Makuley Bright Williams. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc and the general public please take note.

FINESS—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Mbonu Finess Maxwell, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Mbonu Finesse Maxwell All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

DURU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Duru Ogochukwu Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osuji Ogochukwu Stella.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OFOGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oghenevwede Joanna Ofogba now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oghenevwede J o a n n a Onwuegbuokwu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ATUMU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okiemute Atumu now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okiemute Emojevu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GENDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gende Lucy. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Binaebi Lucy All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IJADOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijadola Oluwabusola Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs O m o b o y e Oluwabusola Rebecca.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALFRED—I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Alfred Orhonise Doris now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Umujane Orhonise Doris. All former documents remain valid. Delta State polytechnic, OtefeOghara and General public please take note.

OKUTU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okutu Anwuli Joy. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olise Anwuli Joy All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKOGHO—I, formerly known and addressed Miss Patience Ikogho now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Owhowho .

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDOJA—I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Edoja Oghenerukevwe Rachael now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Iweta Oghenerukevwe Rachael . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ode Joy Aghogho now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Temisanren Joy Aghogho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ULOKO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Uloko Oshiolene Jennifer now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omegbinore-Abulu Oshiolene Jennifer.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AHWEYEVU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Margaret Oghenetejiri Ahweyevu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Margaret Oghenetejiri Okagbare. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESOMONU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esomonu Obianuju Mary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nwafor Obianuju Mary. All former documents remain valid. Ministry Of Transport, Delta State and General public please take note.

TORITSEJU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akumagba Flora Toritseju. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Toritseju Akumagba Okorodudu All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SANNI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanni Muyiwa L. Lilian. now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olausi Muyiwa Laju.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOYE—I, formerly known

as

Okoye

Chidimma Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Enwerem Chidinma Stella. All former

documents

remain valid. General

EYAGBOMADI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eyagbomadi Evelyn Igho now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adjarho Evelyn Igho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—49

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OGHOMIENOR— I,formerly known and addressed as Miss O g h o m i e n o r Oghenekevwe now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs O g a g b e Oghenekevwe. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University Teaching Hospital (Delsuth),Oghara Delta State and General public please take note.

TSETIMI—I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Lilian Roli Tsetimi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Lilian Roli Ojo-Ede. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MAZI—I, formerly

OYIBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyibo Orakpogbake Rukeme now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okpako Orakpogbake Rukeme. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UDOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udoh Ndifreke Jackson, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Joy-Ndifreke Wilfred Frank. All former documents remain valid. University of Calabar, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to certify that Afonughe Samuel Francis, Usenu Francis and Afonughe Samuel is the same and one person, but now wish to be know and addressed as Usenu Francis Kagbare Afonughe. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

Public Please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Chikere Ifeanyi James is the same person as Chikenu Ifeanyi James. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank Nig. Plc and General Public Please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that,Perekeme Ebiboloukami S u n d a y, Pe r e k e m e Ebiboloukami And Ebiarede Sunday is one and the same person as Perekeme Ebiboloukami Sunday.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BAKARE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bakare Esther Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Eyawo Esther Temitope. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the general public please take note.

EGENONU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Ifeoma Egenonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Stella Ifeoma Nwabugwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKOLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okolo Uche Frances, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibeneme Uche Frances. All former documents remain valid. General public, First Bank please take note.

ORJIAKOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Perpetual Ogochukwu Orjiakor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Perpetual Ogochukwu Onwuji. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IFEKUDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Ifekudu Emmanuel Chiemerie, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekperechukwu Emmanuel Chiemerie.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

A N A E K E U WA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Anaekeuwa Jennifer Ogechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nduka Jennifer Ogechukwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBUAGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rosemary Orie Ogbuagu, now wish to be known and addressed as Rosemary Orie Nkama Ekuma. All documents bearing former names remain valid. The general public should please take note.

SODOMOWEI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpabeere Lydia Sodomowei, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Akpabeere Lydia Angese. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTOKUMOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O t o k u m o r Orevaoghene now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Aloaye Orevaoghene.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBIKO—I, formerly

OBADASERAYE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aroedon Obadaseraye now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Ochuko Kesiena. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to certify Egbedi Harrison and Johnson Harrison is the same and one person, but now wish to be known and addressed as Egbedi Harrison. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to certify that Moses Benjamin Ufuoma and Ukugbe Benjamin is the same and one person but now wish to be known and addressed as Moses Benjamin Ufuoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AYEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeh Florence Chidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uyaebo Florence Chidinma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I G W U M E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwume Nwanneka Chizoba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igbokwe Nwanneka Chizoba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Augustina Onyebuchi Egbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augustina Onyebuchi Ogbechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOFU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okofu Garret Amarachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ibegbunam Garret Amarachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeke Faith Amarachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaegwu Faith Amarachukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIDINMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edith Chinwe Obidinma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okwelogu Chinwe Edith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHUKWUEWENIWE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chukwueweniwe A u g u s t i n a Nwagbomiwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Toma Tina. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and general public please take note.

OKWUOSE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okwuose Catherine Nkeiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Okwuose Catherine Nkeiruka Aina. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MORKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Morka Promise, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogoegbulem-Morka Promise Onyeka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name This is to confirm that Uduji Amarachukwu and Uduji Amarachukwu Ifeoma is one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Uduji Amarachukwu Ifeoma.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSALOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Enifome Onome Osalor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Enifome Onome Eniye Ogbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GODFREY—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Godfrey Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Julius Christiana Ataram. All former documents remain valid. Post Primary Schools Board, First Bank, Union Bank and general public please take note.

MAGAJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Magaji Pe t e r Nannim, now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Peter. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORUKAREKUMO — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss.

Orukarekumo Perekebina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pullah Perekebina. All former documents remain valid. Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and general public please take note.

APPAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Appah Doubara Susan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbudu Doubara Susan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FESTUS—I, formerly known and addressed as Festus Obunikem Prince, now wish to be known and addressed as Kiente J r.

Telemonye Dan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Peace Ifeoma Imo, now wish to be known and addressed as Peace Stanley Okuji Kalu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eke Chioma Cindy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onu-Wogu Chioma Cindy. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

N WA B U KO — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ucheoma Felicia Nwabuko, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ucheoma Felicia Ogbonna. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

KAYODE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Kayode Bilhamin Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. Olajire Bilhamin Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYENOWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Uzoamaka Judith Onyenowe, now wish to be known and addressed as Uzoamaka Judith Okorie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

known and addressed as Miss Mercy Mazi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Ofozie. All former

documents

remain valid. General

known and addressed as

Miss

Ogbiko

Florence now wish to be

known

and

addressed as Mrs Ugbodume Florence.

All former documents remain valid.

50—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr Oba Olalekan Olasunkanmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr Kunleoba Olalekan Olasunkanmi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKPODONOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpodonor Merit Enorho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jatto Merit Enorho. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MOBOLAJI—I, formerly known and addressed as Abiodun Mobolaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Abiodun Olumoyiwa Karaki. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AGAJI—I, formerly

public please take note

OIBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oibe Mercy Erima, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okpoto Mercy Erima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADELEGAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Femi Adelegan, now wish to be known and addressed as Adelegan Obafemi David. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

WILLIAMS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Monishola Roseline, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Olusanya Williams Monishola Roseline.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N N A N N A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnanna Blessing Ogechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Duru Blessing Ogechi. All former documents remain valid. Alvan Ikoku Federal Collage Of Education Owerri and the general public please take note.

NAFIU—I, formerly known and addressed as Nafiu Ibrahim, now wish to be known and addressed as Nofiu Ibrahim Yomi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

U M A G B A — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Umagba Ochanya Peggie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Efemena Ochanya Peggie. All former documents remain valid. National Bureau Of Statistics and the general public please take note.

SULEIMON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idowu Suleimon, now wish to be known and addressed as Alhaja Aliru .A. Idowu Naima. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMAR—I, formerly known and addressed as Joseph Ali Umar, now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Ali Omaonu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NELSON—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nelson Glory Mfon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okafor Glory Mfon. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALFA—I, formerly known and addressed as Alfa Hope Ojonugwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Zekeri Hope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I B U O W O — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ibuowo Nurat Folake, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Osunkojo Nurat Folake. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UBREI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Daisy Ubrei , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Daisy Kaka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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IGWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Igwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Adele. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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known and addressed as Mr. Agaji Joseph .O., now wish to be known and addressed as Peter A. Odey. All former documents remain valid. General

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015—51 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER; Here is a day when things are meant to go according to your plans and record success. Yong-at-heart may be in for a romantic day. You just have to take the initiative.

LEO; This is your day; although there will be some challenges within your base of operation, eventual success will be yours. Be more family minded.

VIRGO; Even if friends have failed to live up to expectation in the recent days you will need to leave the past behind you and forge ahead. Lovers are fairly favoured.

LIBRA; Recent challenges notwithstanding pleasant surprises are possible. The more financially ambitious you are today the better for your cause.

SCORPIO; Better opportunities indicated for those of you willing to be as self assertive as possible, and it could turn out to be a happy day to be remembered by real lovers.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Limiting Your Expectation

By Richard Eromosele

Rsted

ECENTLY, a journalist acme and co wanted to know from me what my expectation is concerning the new government. My answer simply is:

I expect nothing special. Before you crucify me, let me ask you. Haven’t we been having new governments

TERROR MUDA

in Nigeria? Government come and go but our problems don’t just remain, they get bigger and bigger.

in “Scavenger Elite”

Over the years, I have learned not to expect much from government as well as individuals. My policy is: blessed is he that expects nothing for he shall not be disappointed.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; Although you will need to keep your secrets for the next few days that is not to say you should not pursue your financial interest. Take care of your health.

CAPRICORN; Don’t wait till tomorrow before you make an important move because good luck and success are closer to you today than you image. Be hopeful.

AQUARIUS; Tomorrow will prove more rewarding financially but you will have good opportunity to do things rightly within your working arena. Be loving.

PISCES; Some of you who are travelling purposely for love are in for rewarding day. All of you will need to take your social life more seriously.

ARIES; Professional advice may be needed over your finances but if you are sure of what you are doing you can go ahead. Be more family minded; TAURUS; Unusual co-operation may come your way today but if you are carried away by this the whole thing may change tomorrow. Respect your spouse.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; Better than yesterday. Happenings within your working arena will not give you cause to worry but situation may change tomorrow. Your finance are favoured.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat tr ological datee and place of bir th ttoo the As Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my birthday ruler?

Dear Joshua, According to the date I was born I should be a Libran by my star but most of the time when I read horoscopes written by both yourself and foreign Astrologers Scorpio always applicable to me, why?

Kindly tell me how the planets lined up when I was born and the day of the week I was born but don’t publish my date of birth.

Femi, Sango.

Dear Femi, You were born on a Sunday meaning that mighty Sun rules your birthday. You were wrong to have taken Libra as your Sun sign because the Sun was placed in early degree of Scorpio together with many other heavenly bodies. Then with the Moon in Libra when you were born will equally be influential in your characteristics build up but, you are mainly a Scorpio born person.

You are both an intelligent and emotional person.

And as there was no planet at home when you were born, too many ideas will always struggle for prominent place in your mind, thus decision making is difficult but most times, your intelligence comes to the rescue.

Certainly, you appear to other as a gentle person who can be mistaken for soft fellow but your innerself is the personality with a steel like will power.

You are the consistent type who may find it difficult to change once you have made up your mind as indicated by distribution of the planets as written out in paragraph two of this exercise.

One major challenge you have been battling for a very long time is constant worries, some times, necessarily and the other time, uncalled for, as indicated by conjunction Mercury and Saturn formed when you were born.

Placement of your natal Sun (basic self head) and Moon (your sub-conscious self) in Scorpio and Libra respectively are indications of your being mainly Scorpio born person and partly in Libran. And that is to say basic characteristics of both Scorpio and Libra are highly pronounced in you.

Then, you are spiritually gifted; if you don’t develop it is another thing.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

52— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Europe begins crackdown on jihadist network •Suspects arrested in Italy, Britain, Norway

P

OLICE have targeted 17 people in raids in several European countries connected to a suspected jihadist network.

Among those arrested were six suspects in Italy, four in Britain, and three in Norway.

Police say some of the suspects may have travelled to Syria or Iraq.

Italy’s Ansa news agency said the suspects were accused of international terrorism association.

The network was allegedly plotting to free its leader, Mullah Krekar, who is already in detention in Norway.

Krekar, the Iraqi-Kurdish founder of the radical Islamist group, Ansar al-Islam, is one of those held in the operation.

Two other suspects were arrested in Norway. The three of them are suspected of plotting attacks in Norway and other European countries, according to Italian police.

They face extradition to Italy. The detainees are suspected of involvement in a group called Rawti Shax, described as a “terrorist organisation of Kurdish-Sunni origin”.

Some suspects could not be located, as they are believed

to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join jihadist organisations, according to the EU’s judicial co-operation agency, Eurojust.

Sixteen are Kurdish and one is Kosovan, according to Ansa news agency.

In a statement, Eurojust said Rawti Shax - or Didi Nwe - represented “an evolution” of Ansar al-Islam, which is listed by the UN as a terrorist organisation affiliated with al-Qaeda.

According to the Italian investigation, it was founded in Europe, with cells operating via the internet.

Race protests spread on US campuses

P

ROTESTS against ra cial injustice have spread beyond the University of Missouri as students at least two other US campuses have walked out of classes.

Rallies were held at Ithaca College in New York and Smith College in Massachusetts.

The president of the University of Missouri was ousted on Monday after students said he did not do enough to address racism.

Students at over 20 campuses have planned solidarity protests this week.

At Ithaca College, the demonstrators are also seeking changes in campus leadership.

On Wednesday, protesters chanted “Tom Rochon no confidence”, referring to the college’s president.

“With University of Missouri’s president stepping down, we demand Rochon to do the same as it is vital to fight against both covert and overt racism in all places of education and empowerment,” the protesters

OLICE in Greece have fired tear gas to disperse anti-austerity demonstrators after brief clashes broke out in Athens.

Nearly 25,000 people took to the streets on Thursday in three separate demonstrations in the centre of the capital.

Youths broke away from one protest march, throwing Molotov cocktails at police who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

However, the tension was a far cry from the more violent clashes that have broken out in the past during

T

HE European Union launched a fund for Africa on Thursday with an initial $2 billion to combat the poverty and conflict driving migration to Europe, but African leaders said more fundamental economic change was needed.

The trust fund, unveiled at a summit with African leaders in Malta, consists largely of 1.8 billion euros ($1.93 billion) put up by the European Commission, the EU executive, from the bloc’s central budget. The Commission wants member states to match that, but few have pledged much so far.

The new money, which adds to some 20 billion euros annually donated to Africa by the EU and its 28 states, will finance projects ranging from training and small-business grants and combating food shortages to schemes directly aimed at cutting emigration and tackling radical-

•L – r: President Macky Sall of Senegal, European Council President Donald Tusk and Maltese Prime Minister Joseph Muscat address a press conference at the end of the Valletta Summit on Migration in Valletta, Malta yesterday. ization and other violence.

With Europeans’ attention now gripped by over half a million Syrians and others whose arrival has plunged the EU into crisis, memories have faded of the drowned Africans whose deaths in April prompted the Malta summit. However, EU officials say that African migration presents the greater longterm concern.

German Chancellor Ange-

la Merkel stressed the summit was only a start: “We have a great deal of work ahead of us,” she said.

Amongthebiggestconcerns in both Europe and Africa is the extent to which climate change, turning vast areas aroundtheSaharaintodesert, may set large sections of Africa’s fast-growing billion-plus population on the move, both withinthecontinentandnorth across the Mediterranean.

...Fund not enough, says African leaders •US students protesting against racial injustice at Ithaca College in New York. said in a statement.

The protesters say Mr Rochon has failed to increase the number of minority students who attend Ithaca, among other complaints.

Protests were also held at Yale University in Connecticut after administrators sent out an email advising students about offensive Halloween costumes.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Writers urge Cameron to challenge Indian PM

M

ORE than 200 writ ers including Salman Rushdie, Val McDermid and Ian McEwan have called on David Cameron to address India’s “rising climate of fear” with its Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Greek police tear gas anti-austerity protesters

P

EU launches $2bn emergency fund for Africa to combat migration

general strikes and other protests in Athens.

The strike shut down public services across the country as workers protested against a new round of bailout-related tax hikes and an upcoming pensions overhaul.

“I don’t know if I will ever have a reward for the money I’m paying now. It’s as though I’m throwing it down a sewer,” Sophie Hatzipanayotidou, a bookseller taking part in the march, told Al Jazeera. “If there were a choice I would opt for private insurance without question.”

An open letter has been published by Pen International as Mr Modi flies into the UK for a three-day visit.

The writers have expressed concern over the “growing intolerance and violence towards critical voices” in India.

They want to urge Mr Modi to “safeguard freedom of expression”.

The letter has been signed by hundreds of members and supporters of Pen International’s centres in England, Scotland and Wales, including Nikita Lalwani, Henry Marsh, Hari Kunzru, Neel Mukherjee and Owen Sheers.

•Modi

T

HE $1.9bn (£1.2bn) European fund to tackle African migration is not sufficient, several African leaders have said after crisis talks with their European counterparts.

It was one of several measures European and African leaders agreed to reduce the flow of people into Europe.

The leaders said their aim was to “address the root causes of migration”.

The Europe-Africa meeting was planned after around 800 migrants died when their boat sank off Libya in April.

Senegal’s President Macky Sall, who currently heads the West African regional group Ecowas, told journalists on the sidelines of the summit that the money pledged was “not enough for the whole of Africa”. Later, at the closing press conference, he said he was pleased with the trust

UN council asks for options to boost presence in Burundi

T

HE United Nations Security Council on Thursday asked Secretary-

S/African farmers face draught as worsens S that a rain cloud, or “Iam I imagining things?” asks Jana du Plessis, speaking Afrikaans.

“I’d be thrilled if it is,” says her husband, Riaan du Plessis, with a joyless laugh.

The flimsy white clouds drifting above this South African farm are not enough to bring relief, or hope.

Six of South Africa’s nine provinces, including the North West province where the Du Plessis have a farm, have been hit by drought, with three provinces declared disaster areas. Water restrictions have taken effect in the capital, Pretoria, and Johannesburg, where two hospitals had to halt surgeries and dialysis treatment for a day as some

fund, but said he would like to see it “more generously financed”.

Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou echoed the Senegalese president’s sentiments and added that “reform of global governance” was also needed, to make world trade fairer, Reuters news agency reports.

suburbs were left without water, according to South African media. An estimated 2.7 million households, about 18 percent of the population, have been affected by the drought, according to the water ministry.

Normally, the Du Plessis’ 55-hectare (140-acre) farm yields about 700 bales of cattle feed every six weeks.

Now, he’s barely able to roll 150 bales. Only months ago, they were able to sell cabbages and corn at their roadside stall, harvested from their vegetable garden. Now the ochre-colored earth that is about half the size of a football field is dry and hard.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do,” says du Plessis, a phrase he repeats often, as he smokes one cig-

General Ban Ki-moon to report within 15 days on options forboostingtheU.N.presence in Burundi amid growing international concern that violence could spiral into an ethnic conflict. The 15-member councilunanimouslyadopted a French-drafted resolution that also backed contingency planning by the United Nations and the African Union to enable an international response to any further deterioration in the African state.

“Weneedtolookatthewhole range of tools that the United Nations has at its disposal, including potentially peacekeeping forces, but also other measures including further political pressure on the parties,”BritishU.N.Ambassador MatthewRycroft,councilpresident for November, told reporters.

KeyWesternpowersandthe UnitedNationsarediscussing the possible deployment of international peacekeepers to Burundi if the violence in the African country escalates, diplomats said on Wednesday.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 53

Eagles land in Swaziland, ready for Sihlangu

T

Kicking Strong... Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi (C) is tackled by Mali’s midfielder Mahamane Traore during a contest.

Swaziland Vs Nigeria

It’s a David vs Goliath war but...

S

WA Z I L A N D shocked Guinea 2-1 in an AFCON qualifier in June and they will be gunning for another famous win against a team coach Harries Bulunga calls “the Nigerian giants” when both sides clash today in a 2018 World Cup eliminator.

Swaziland 30-year-old captain Tony Tsabedze, who has posted spells in South Africa, scored twice in Casablanca against a team who reached the last-eight of this year ’s AFCON in Equatorial Guinea.

Before this famous win, the Kingdom of Swaziland had not won on the road in 20 other attempts in the Nations Cup since 1986.

And leading up to the Guinea game, they defeated Tanzania and Lesotho as well as held Madagascar in the COSAFA Cup. “We are the underdogs (against Nigeria), we are just a small country trying to establish ourselves in football,” said Bulunga, who leads a country ranked 130th in the world.

“But we’re prepared as we have worked very hard and are now looking forward to the game.

“We don’t have stars, we believe in team work, we are a very united team, who have been together for a long time and we fight for each other and fight for the nation.

“We fight on the pitch to have a level playing C M Y K

ground. So, it will be the quality of Nigeria against the hard work we will all put in.

“We want to make a name for ourselves. We will play to our strengths.”

Bulunga has had a week to train his squad of 23 players from the country’s local league and they have several local conditions working in their favour – the heat, a partisan home crowd and the match will be played on an

artificial pitch, which Nigeria’s Europe-based pros could well struggle on.

Nigeria, on the other hand, have thrice been crowned champions of Africa, featured at five World Cups and are ranked 71 spots above their hosts in the FIFA ratings.

However, they are mindful of the fact the home team could still pose a threat in this firstever meeting with Watford striker Odion

Ighalo quick to point out he will approach this tie as he would were he up against Arsenal in the English Premier League.

“There are no small countries in football and so I will prepare to play against Swaziland as I would against Arsenal,” vowed the 26-year-old forward, who will be flanked by jet-heeled wingers Ahmed Musa and Moses Simon.

We must stop corruption, wrangling “We have everything in sports — Dalung it takes to do so if, and

S

PORTS Minister, S o l o m o n Dalung has called on stakeholders to purge themselves of corruption and wrangling, if the country’s sports were to make meaningful achievements.

Dalung, who was speaking yesterday in Abuja noted that Nigeria can be great in sports if there was cooperation and dedication by all practitioners.

“We should collectively reject corruption, purge ourselves, re-dedicate ourselves and work towards making this country very great.

“We will make progress if we stop quarrelling, because quarrelling cannot bring progress.

We will be giants of Africa’s sports and we will even dominate world sports for a very long time.

PSG join Real Madrid in £80m fight to sign Hazard

P

ARIS Saint-Germain will battle it out with Spanish giants Real Madrid next summer to sign Eden Hazard from Chelsea.

The mega-wealthy French club, who bought defender David Luiz from Chelsea in the summer of 2014, believe they can convince Hazard to return to France where he previously played for Lille.

PSG paid Chelsea just under £50million for Luiz, but it will take a substantial uplift - probably £80m or more - if Hazard decides to move on at the end of the season.

only if, we tolerate each other, co-operate with each other and support each other to build this industry.''

•Dalung

HE Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Swaziland ahead of today ’s 2018 FIFA World Cup African Qualifying Round 2 clash with the Sihlangu Somnikati.

The delegation led by NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi, traveled aboard a chartered ARIK Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and landed at the Matsapha International Airport, Manzini at 4pm Swazi time (3pm Nigeria time), after six hours.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick, still travel–weary following a 25 –hour shuttle from Chile where the Golden Eaglets retained the FIFA U-17 World Cup on Sunday, saw off the delegation that also included Chairman of NFF Technical and Development Committee,

Chief Felix AnyansiAgwu.

The delegation also included NFF Technical Committee member, Mutiu Adepoju, 24 players, Coach Sunday Oliseh, other technical and backroom staff, NFF Management officials Chris Andekin, Bola Oyeyode, Ademola Olajire and Tunde Aderibigbe, some football stakeholders, few media representatives and some members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

At the Matsapha International Airport, the group was received by about three dozen excited Nigerians based in Swaziland, who cheered lustily and sang various songs as players and officials walked into awaiting buses. They were clad in T-Shirts specially made for the occasion.

FCMB to support 5th Copa Lagos Beach Soccer

F

IRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited, the major sponsor of the 2015 COPA Lagos Beach Tournament scheduled to hold between December 18 and 20 in Lagos has reiterated its commitment to the organisers of the event, Kinetic Sports Limited.

Speaking at a breakfast launch held at Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos yesterday to herald the 2015 edition of the tournament, Head, C o r p o r a t e Communications/CSR and Youth Segment & Diaspora Business of the FCMB, Uchenna Mojekwu, said that this year marks the fifth consecutive year FCMB has been a major

s p o n s o r. “ T h e involvement of the Bank in this exciting beach soccer fiesta is a demonstration of our unflinching support to the development of sports and the youth in Nigeria. This is because of the huge opportunities sport offers, not just to the people, but for national unity.

“The excitement and bond generated by previous editions of COPA Lagos Beach Soccer is a testimony to this. It is hence, FCMB’s continuous desire to champion and support worthy courses that benefit the youth and enhance national development.

FIFA boss Hayatou hands big kudos to Eaglets

A

CTING President of world football governing body, FIFA, Issa Hayatou has felicitated with the Nigeria Football Federation over the Golden Eaglets’ successful defence of the FIFA U-17 World Cup at Chile 2015.

In a letter dated 11th November and addressed to NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Hayatou commended the efforts of the Nigerian youngsters in

retaining a title they had won for a record fourth time in the United Arab Emirates two years ago.

“On behalf of the international football family, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Golden eaglets on retainingtheFIFAU-17World Cup crown in Chile last Sunday, a record fifth championship at this level.

“Your triumph was undoubtedly by a team effort

and besides the players who performed so well, I would also like to give special mention to your Coach Emmanuel Amuneke.''

•Hayatou

54— Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Ronaldo targeted by Chelsea in sensational £70-plus million deal *As Roman Abramovich plans Blues overhaul

R

OMAN ABRAMOVICH is lining up an overhaul at Chelsea — and plans to build a new team around Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Stamford Bridge supremo is prepared to make Real Madrid an offer they cannot refuse for the Portuguese superstar. And he is willing to sell Eden Hazard, Nemanja Matic and Oscar to fund the sensational move.

Seven defeats in their opening twelve games have seen the Blues flop to 16th spot in the Premier League.

And reports in Spain suggest Abramovich sees the three-time Ballon d’Or winner — who has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain — as the man to revitalise the faltering champions.

The Blues’ nightmare start has led to speculation boss Jose Mourinho could soon be shown the door.

Ronaldo, 30, played under Mourinho in Madrid, but Abramovich will push ahead with the deal regardless of whether the Portuguese coach is still at the club.

TOP TEN BIGGEST TRANSFERS Gareth Bale £86m Cristiano Ronaldo £80m Luis Suarez £75m Neymar £71.5m James Rodriguez £63m Angel di Maria £59.7m Zlatan Ibrahimovic £59m Kaka £56m Edinson Cavani £55m Kevin De Bruyne £54m

B

CHARGED! ...Real Madrid's forward, Cristiano Ronaldo celebrtes after scoring for his club.

O

NE of the seven candidates for the FIFA presidency has been excluded from the election after failing in-

tegrity checks.

FIFA’s electoral committee has announced that Liberian football association chief Musa Bil-

day.

The 79-year-old Blatter had suffered what has been described as a “small emotional breakdown”, having last week been ordered by doctors to take time off work with stress, and Stöhlker had originally said that he expected Blatter to be in hospital until next Monday.

Blatter is at the centre of a corruption crisis at Fifa after the Swiss authorities opened criminal proceedings against him.

*Blatter

ity has not passed the check and is not eligible to stand, but is not making the reasons for his exclusion public.

Asian Football Confederation president Sheik Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has passed the checks despite claims from human rights groups he was involved in a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in his home country Bahrain.

The other candidates cleared are Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein of Jordan, former FIFA official Jerome Champagne from France, UEFA’s general secretary Gianni Infantino from Switzerland, and Tokyo Sexwale, the former anti-apartheid

“NFF must monitor Eaglets progress”

By Ikenna Asomba

A

S encomiums continue to pour in for the Golden Eaglets, a football enthusiast, Toyin Sodipo has spoken of the need for proper guidance of the players.

C M Y K

AYERN Munich are set to offer Pep Guardiola an £18million deal plus bonuses over two years to ward off potential suitors such as Chelsea and Manchester City.

Guardiola’s contract is up for renewal next summer and chairman KarlHeinz Rummenigge had suggested last weekend that a decision would definitely be made before the Bundesliga’s winter break. But Bayern are understood to be hoping that Guardiola accepts their substantial offer so that it can be announced at their general assembly on November 27.

The German club sit five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after winning back-to-back titles since Guardiola took over in the summer of 2013.

But speculation has been rife on Guardiola’s intentions next summer when his contact expires.

Appointing him as manager is a so-far unfulfilled dream of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Manchester City have always been keen on the 44-year-old Spaniard.

However, his agent Josep Maria Orobitg admitted that even he does not know what his decision is going to be.

Orobitg told Munich’s TZ newspaper: ‘Not even I know what Pep’s intentions are.

‘We’ve had some intensive talks in the past few days, but when it comes to things like this, he’s very private.

‘He will make up his mind entirely based on his own impressions.’

Orobitg maintained that Guardiola is ‘very happy’ in Munich but added: ‘At the end of the day, it is a decision he is going to take by himself.

*Guardiola

FIFA confirm 5 presidential candidates

Blatter discharged from hospital S

EPP Blatter has been discharged from the hospital where the suspended Fifa president was admitted for a check-up after feeling unwell, his spokesman Klaus Stölhker told Reuters TV. “He had to stay a few days in hospital but now he is out, he is at home in Valais. He is ver y happy and he is relaxing a few days until the beginning of next week and then he will be back,” Stölhker said in an interview on Thurs-

Guardiola to be offered £18M deal to snub Chelsea, Man City

While congratulating the players for their sterling performance at the just concluded FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile, Sodipo said proper counseling would nip in the bud the problem of slave contracts to European clubs..

Stating that he was not surprised with the display of the team, the Tee & Tife boss said “these boys are now the toast of major clubs in Europe and we must offer advice that will protect their future.

“Football agents and

scouts are desperate to sign them but we must advise them so as to not jeopardize their future. We would like to see these boys forming the bulk of the Super Eagles at the 2022 World Cup.

activist from South Africa.

The electoral committee will not carry out integrity checks on Michel Platini, the UEFA president who is currently suspended for 90 days pending an ethics committee hearing into a £1.3million payment he received from FIFA in 2011, until the disciplinary process is complete.

The election of the successor to Sepp Blatter, who is also under a 90day suspension, takes place on February 26.

FIFA said in a statement: ‘The integrity check included a review of corporate records, litigation cases, bankruptcy proceedings, potential regulatory actions taken against the candidate.

Pa Ajom begins final journey T

HE remains of Pa Jerome Nyiam Ajom will be laid to rest Saturday, November 14, at his family compound at Arangha, Isobendeghe in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State.

The final journey begins on November 13 when the body leaves Holy Family Hospital mortuary, Ikom for Isobendeghe. There will be a lying-in-state and a Christian wake keep at his family compound. Interment will follow on the 14. Pa Ajom was survived by

Late Pa Ajom children, grand children and great grand, among whom is Jacob Ajom of the Vanguard Newspapers.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015 — 55

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2015

Eagles land in Swaziland, ready for Sihlangu Chelsea tempt Ronaldo with £70m-plus

Swaziland Vs Nigeria: Kick-off 6pm

Details on pages 45-46

It’s a David vs Goliath war but...

Guardiola to be offered £18m deal

•Ronaldo •Pep

FIFA confirm 5 presidential candidates

PSG join Real Madrid in £80m fight to sign Hazard

Blatter discharged from hospital •Hazard

Today’s Fixtures

•Musa

•Obafemi

•Ighalo

•Mikel

Libya Madagascar Comoros Kenya Angola Niger Liberia Mauritania Swaziland

v v v v v v v v v

Rwanda Senegal Ghana Cape Verde South Africa Cameroon Ivory Coast Tunisia Nigeria

12pm 12-30pm 1pm 2pm 3.30pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 6pm

QUICK CROSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Torment (5) 7 Satan (5) 8 Fruit (5) 10 Sorcery (5) 12 Obese (3) 13 Send (5) 15 Reasonable (7) 17 Worn (6) 19 Gained (3) 20 Erased (7) 23 Expired (4) 25 Dejected (4) 26 Dedicated (7) 30 Cushion (3) 31 Signify (6) 34 Refuge (7) 37 Ethical (5) 38 Wonder (3) 39 Liability (5) 40 Reverence (5) 41 Stitched (5) 42 Rate (5)

DOWN 1 Postpone (5) 2 Shy (5) 3 Exhilarated (6) 4 Dirt (4) 5 Purified (7) 6 Sum (5) 9 Resin (3) 11 Cringed (7) 13 Shrill (5) 14 Stirred (5) 16 Obtained (3) 18 Deciphered (7) 21 Giver (5) 22 Seraph (5) 24 Exhaust (7) 27 Tank (3) 28 Death (6) 29 Seat (5) 32 Famous (5) 33 Domesticated (5) 35 Sheep (3) 36 Harvest (4)

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 39, 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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