Naira at lowest level in 43 years, now N305/$

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62671

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

N34bn fraud: EFCC slams 40-count charge against Tompolo, Akpobolokemi, others 34

Naira at lowest level in 43 years, now N305/$ • As stock market losses peak at N1.2 trillion •Market capitalization down by 12.36 per cent

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor & Babajide Komolafe

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AGOS—THE financial sector appears to have entered a heightened pressure, yesterday, as both the foreign exchange and stock market sustained major negative trends.

The Naira depreciated further to a 43-year low at N305 per dollar as

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS: P.17

MODIBBO

KAWU Fathers and sons incorporated P.19

JOSEF

OMOROTIONMWAN

CJN and the burden of justice

Mr & Mrs FEC MEETING—From Left: Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu; Director-General, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP), Mr Emeka Eze, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Oyo monarchs not part of $2.1bn arms scam — Alaafin 11

MISSING BUDGET: Senate sets up search committee 8

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—5

POCKET CARTOON rate closed in Abuja at N298 but was above N300 during the day. He however said that it was difficult to quote any specific rate now as the situation was unpredictable.

He opined that the rate would stabilize by next week, when the market would have absorbed the impact of the new CBN policy.

Financial analysts believe that the CBN’s state-of-the-economy address which came with the BDCs forex ban are having immediate negative effects on the economy, causing investors to withdraw from the Nigerian bourse to safer securities on the continent.

LECTURE—The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (R), briefing newsmen after delivering a lecture on "Nigerian Army: Challenges and Future Perspectives", at the National Defence College in Abuja, yesterday. With him are the Commandant, National Defence College, Rear Admiral Samuel Alade (M) and Chief of Training and Operations, Army Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubaker. Photo: NAN.

Naira at lowest level in 43 years, now N305/$ Continues from Page 1 scarcity of dollars intensified in the unofficial market.

From an average of N287 per dollar on Tuesday, the parallel market exchange rate rose to an average of N305 per dollar across the country.

Similarly, the new year stock market haemorrhage entered the eighth day yesterday, with a total N1.22 trillion losses to investors, giving a year-to-date decline of 12.36 per cent in market capitalisation.

The market key index, the Nigerian Stock Exchange All Share Index, NSE ASI, declined year-to-date by same margin.

The stock exchange, which opened this year at market capitalisation of N9.851 trillion began a free fall till yesterday, closing at N8.63 trillion while the NSE ASI which opened the year at 28,642.25 points closed yesterday at 25,103.05 points.

The losses were heightened in the last 48 hours with a cumulative two-day loss of N430

IT'S UP TO YOU

T

BY AYO ADIO

HE competence you grow would determine the problem you solve, the problem you solve will determine the degree of success you accomplish.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Creativity is not a talent or ability. It is the fruit of a person’s decision to matter —Eric Maisel

I

F you keep on doing the same things, then you will keep on receiving the same things.

Challenge yourself to experience new things or embark on new adventures and endeavors. Creativity is fueled by passion. Expand your interests by shifting your focus to include other interests that you may be passionate about. Focus on developing and honing new skills and talents.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

I

F you want to know how your wife will be in her old age, take a look at your motherinlaw.

billion following the escalated foreign exchange management crises which came with CBN’s announcement of its decision to cease sale of foreign exchange to BDCs on account of the precarious state the operators had forced the entire economy.

Since Monday when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stopped weekly dollar sales to Bureaux De Change (BDCs), the Naira has been depreciating against the dollar.

BDC sources who confirmed the development to Vanguard , however, said that the exchange rate situation is uncertain as the rate changes from time to time.

Vanguard investigation revealed that though the exchange rate touched N305 in major cities like Lagos, Abuja and Kano, it dropped slightly to between N295 and N300 per dollar in Lagos and Abuja at the close of business, while it closed at N305 in Kano.

Chief Executive Officer, H.J Trust BDC, Mr. Harrison Owoh, told Vanguard that the market is fluid.

“You cannot quote any rate for anybody now because the rate is changing every time.”

An Abuja based BDC operator who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said that the

CBN justifies action against BDCs

Justifying the ban, the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, had said: “This fall in oil prices also implies that the CBN’s monthly foreign exchange earnings has fallen from as high as US$3.2 billion to current levels of as low as US$1 billion.

“Yet, the demand for foreign exchange by mostly domestic importers has risen significantly.

For example, the last we had oil prices at about US$50 per barrel for an

extended period of time was in 2005. “At that time, our average import bill was N148.3 billion per month. ‘’In stark contrast, our average import bill for the first nine months of 2015 is N917.6 billion per month, even though oil prices are now less than US$35 per barrel.

“The net effect of these combined forces unfortunately is the depletion of our foreign exchange reserves. ‘’As of June 2014, the stock of Foreign Exchange Reserves stood at about US$37.3 billion but has declined to around US$28.0 billion as of today.

“With the current economic realities in the country, the NSE, with the aim of hitting N200 trillion market cap by 2019, may well be

moving away from its target.

Reps speaker meets BDC operators

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives yesterday held a closed door meeting with the leadership of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) over the continued depreciation of the naira.

The meeting was still ongoing as at the time of going to press.

Also today the Director General of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema is expected to present the market outlook where investors’ sentiment is expected to be shaped.

Senate seeks probe of $40m loan to aviation industry A

BUJA —THE Senate has mandated its committees on aviation and anticorruption to commence investigation into alleged disbursement of 40 million dollars ($40m) loan for rehabilitation and development of infrastructure in the aviation industry.

The mandate is part of a 15-point recommendation adopted while considering report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Aviation on the poor state of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso (APC Kano Central).

The committees were also mandated to probe a N33.55 billion alleged to have been released by the Federal Government in 2011 for the same purpose.

The upper chamber further called on the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to stop the collection of navigational

charges on all training aircraft in the country.

It also recommended that only qualified and properly trained personnel should be employed, in view of the delicate nature of the aviation industry, while capacity building should be given priority.

The Senate called on the aviation sector, under the Federal Ministry of Transport to collaborate with the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to ascertain the cause of high price of aviation fuel.

Equally, the red chamber urged NAMA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to pay more attention to the provision of state of the art flying equipment to enhance safety and assist pilots to do their jobs professionally.

It noted that the provision of the equipment would further guard against a situation where planes could not take off and land because of poor visibility.

Chief executives of

aviation parastatals and the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology were also urged to put in place a programme to replace aging pilots to pave the way for young pilots.

The Senate also urged officials of the aviation sector not to interfere in the running of specialised units in the industry.

FAAN was also advised to rehabilitate and complete all abandoned structures and pull down those that had lost their value.

The Senate also recommended that abandoned aircraft in custody of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) should be resuscitated, while the Federal Government should develop a financial programme as a bailout.

The bailout, according to the upper chamber, should be tailored toward growing airlines in the country.

“The framework of this financial programme can take into consideration funds for acquisition of new equipment", it said.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

How 2 bankers allegedly stole N16.5m

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—A police prosecutor, Corporal Cyriacus Osuji, yesterday, told an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, how two bankers, Akanni Kehinde and Mustapha Abdulwaheed, allegedly stole N16.5 million, property of their employer, First Bank Nigeria Ltd., Orile, Lagos branch.

Osuji said that the defendants used their offices as the ATM custodian officers to steal N2.9 million; converted cheques worth N12.2 million meant for Leadway Assurance to their personal use and stole a cash sum of N1.4 million, all property of First Bank.

“The total sum of money stolen by the defendants was N16.5 million, all belonging to their employer,” Osuji stated.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences between July and September 2015.

The suspects, who were docked before Magistrate A. T. Omoyele, pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Omoyele granted them bail in the sum of one million naira each, with two responsible sureties each in like sum.

She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed, show evidence of two years tax payment, and their addresses verified.

2 docked over firearms possession

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—TWO men, Okechukwu Achinulo, 27, and Ogbuefi Emmanuel, 60, who were alleged to have received stolen properties and were also in possession of firearms, were yesterday remanded in prison custody

by Magistrate O. Kusanu of an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

She ordered that they remain in custody pending legal advice from the office of Director of Public Prosecution, DPP. Meanwhile, Achinulo, a driver, and Emmanuel, a security consultant, pleaded not guilty to the charges, but their plea was not taken.

Ex-Ondo Speaker's abductors reduce ransom to N5m

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—FIVE days after the former Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Mr. Victor Olabimtan, was abducted, his captors have reduced the ransom from N20 million to N5 million.

Dependable sources told Vanguard that the kidnappers

had opened negotiation with the family members, who are reportedly begging them to accept N2.5 million.

They said talks between the kidnappers and Olabimtan's family were expected to continue last night as the kidnappers promised to call his wife.

Olabimtan, a governorship aspirant on the platform of All

Family begs with N2.5m Progressives Congress, APC, was allowed to speak with the wife, yesterday, to assure the family that he was in their den and alive.

Vanguard gathered that Olabimtan and the state Chairman of Muslim Welfare

Board, Alhaji Abdulrashidi Ajifowowe, were kidnapped on their way to Abuja from Akure.

Reports had it that they were abducted separately.

Vanguard could not confirm if Ajifowowe's abductors had contacted his family.

CAPITAL DUMP: Onopa Road, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

28-yr-old man kills pregnant woman for N50,000

By Tom Moses & Onuegbu Chioma

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YO—A 28-year-old man, Edet Stephen Asuquo, yesterday, made revealing statements to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command on how he was hired by a village council leader in Itu Local Government Area to kill a pregnant woman for ritual purposes.

Vanguard gathered that the suspect was arrested by the police on January 11 through the combined efforts of his brother and sister (names withheld) who reported the matter to the police, and the body was found by the police on a plantain farm.

Parading the suspect yesterday at the Akwa Ibom State Police Headquarters, IkotAkpanabia, Uyo, state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Cordelia Nwawe, said the suspect who was the victim’s customer, lured her to the market to buy oysters, later took her home to buy more, then killed and hid her body, hoping to harvest the foetus for rituals.

Nwawe said the suspect’s sister, who witnessed the act, reported to her elder brother who later alerted the police.

Suspect’s story

The suspect, Asuquo, told newsmen: “What brought me to the police station is because of the job given to us by a village council chairman.

“He paid five of us to kill a pregnant woman so her head and her unborn child would be

Exposed by his siblings used for charms.

“He said after we have carried out the job, he will give us N50,000 each. He did not give us any advance payment. After we had done the job, my brother

became angry.

“He said that this is not the kind of job I should have gotten myself involved in. He called my other senior and reported the matter to him.”

Rubber tappers mistaken for kidnappers in Delta, shot

By Emma Amaize

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GHARA—MEMBERS of an Oghara-based vigilance group in Ethiope West Local Government Area, Delta State, tracking a group of kidnappers have shot two rubber tappers, Messrs Raymond Dowe and Happy, working for a contract staff of Pamol Rubber Company.

The vigilance group members, who were on a joint patrol with the police, fired the duo on their way to the plantation on both arms and legs at about 5a.m.

The incident has sparked a row between the vigilance group and members of the

community.

Their employer, Mr. Godwin Ogele, who took journalists to the scene of the incident, showed them the tapping equipment, foodstuff and jerry can of water carried by the two workers on the ill-fated day.

He said they made distress calls after the shooting and he had to race down to the plantation to rush them to the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

We identified ourselves, begged, yet...

Speaking to reporters at the hospital, the victims said they identified themselves and pleaded with the vigilante

members, who refused to listen to them.

A police source in Oghara said the shooting was not deliberate, adding that people saw the kidnappers that abducted a prominent woman in the area running into the bush, hence the pursuit.

The chair of the local government council, Mr. Solomon Golley, is reportedly shouldering the victims’ medical bills.

Meanwhile, Vanguard learned that the joint team of police and vigilance group members succeeded in arresting five suspected members of the actual kidap gang later same day.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—7

Pipeline vandals disguise as scavengers, use garbage trucks … as JTF arrests five suspects, recovers 23 cars, two guns

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Victim knocks down robbery suspect with car

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—FIVE suspected pipeline vandals, said to be on the wanted list of the Joint Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, have been arrested with two dane guns, 23 live cartridges and 23 vehicles used to transport siphoned products recovered from them.

The arrest, as gathered, was made Sunday after a shoot-out which lasted about 15 minutes at Wawa area of Arepo, Ogun State.

Recall that JTF operation, code-named Operation Awatse, Hausa for ‘Sweep,’ was instituted last year to checkmate excesses of vandals and to protect Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, pipelines from Atlas Cove to Mosinmi Depot.

To beat the operatives, the arrested vandals reportedly disguised as scavengers, using waste disposal trucks to convey siphoned products from vandalised pipelines to their ready buyers.

However, they met their waterloo when a patrol of the JTF comprising the Army, Navy and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, caught up with them, Sunday.

The suspects, Afeez Isiaka, Nurudeen Fatai, Oladele Godfrey, Ogbonna Agbo and Kayode Ademola were arrested, while others escaped.

Briefing newsmen while handing the suspects over to the NSCDC yesterday, the Maritime Component Commander of the JTF, Navy Captain Yahaya, said: “Our troops were deployed for patrol on Sunday, January 10, based on intelligence report about the activities of vandals at Wawa area.

“The patrol team arrived the area and on approaching, the vandals opened fire against the troops, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Recovered

“We, however, overwhelmed the vandals and arrested five men with two dane guns and 23 live cartridges, while others escaped into the forest.

Additionally, 23 different types of vehicles and nine motorcycles were recovered and several containers filled with stolen products, as well as empty containers.”

The Commander, 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Bulama Biu, said the Army provided support for the operation, which ensured the success of the exercise, noting that “there is a renewed vigour

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The suspects, their loot and tools. in this fight against pipeline vandalism and I can assure you that there will be no hiding place for these vandals.”

Also, the Commandant NSCDC Lagos State Command, Gabriel Abafi, decried the effect of pipeline

vandalisation on the nation’s economy, assuring that prosecution would commence immediately.

‘I learned how to rob in prison’

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—AN ex-convict, Olawale Adenoju, who was paraded alongside other suspects, has revealed that he actually learned how to rob while in prison custody.

According to Adenoju, who

was nabbed by police officers a week after he was released from prison after six months for fighting on the street, said: “It was in prison that they taught me how to burgle houses and rob unsuspecting victims.”

The 26 years old suspect said: “I am a trailer driver. I was

arrested because I went to rob a house. When I came back from the prison, I called a job agent to help me get job. He asked me to come to his office on Tuesday morning.

“I do not know what entered into me on Monday. I went to Thomas Estate, Ajah, to rob.”

NITSHA—AN unidentified robbery suspect met his waterloo yesterday while three of his gang members escaped, when their victim allegedly knocked him down with his vehicle shortly after a robbery operation.

Eyewitnesses said the four-man robbery gang had allegedly blocked a motorist at Obosi by-pass along the Onitsha-Owerri dual carriageway and dispossessed him of all his personal effects.

The sources added that after the robbery, the victim used his vehicle to knock down one of the suspects, while the others escaped into the nearby bush.

They added that as soon as the suspect was knocked down, some passers-by held him and were taking him to the nearby Obosi police station when he gave up the ghost.

The lifeless body of the robbery suspect was in front of the police station for about an hour before it was evacuated to a nearby mortuary.

Efforts to get in touch with the Divisional Police Officer at Obosi to comment on the incident proved abortive, but the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Ali Okechukwu, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident.

Court dissolves 7-yr marriage over infidelity, threat to life

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Mapo customary court, Ibadan, yesterday, dissolved a seven-year-old marriage between Iyabo and her husband, Dare Adeyemo, over hooliganism, threat to life and infidelity.

The presiding president, Mr. Ademola Odunade, held that the court looks at issues of threat to life with seriousness.

He said: “It is obvious that there is no love whatsoever in trying to instil discipline through the use of machete.

“Therefore, the union between Iyabo and Adeyemo is, hereby, dissolved in the interest of peaceful coexistence.

“Iyabo shall take custody of the four-year-old child, while Adeyemo shall pay N5,000 monthly allowance for the upkeep of the child.

“Adeyemo shall, in addition, be responsible for his education

and general welfare.”

In her petition, Iyabo said that Adeyemo, popularly called Okuta (stone), was “a hooligan and a drug addict.

“My Lord, Adeyemo carried out an attack on our church one day and brought the service to a halt, sending worshippers to run in different directions.

“That day, he came with a machete threatening to inflict

cuts on the pastor for fornicating with me.

“He is in no way responsible since we got married in 2009 as he takes all forms of hard drugs and drinks, including Indian hemp, ogogoro and lots more.

“My lord, there is no more love between us as I am tired of his embarrassment and irresponsibility.”

Adeyemo did not deny any of

the allegations, but said that the court should grant her wish.

“I deliberately went to disrupt the church service in order to send some messages of warning to the pastor to stop sleeping with my wife.

“Iyabo is such a disobedient wife and a prostitute. Despite my warning and counselling over time, she never repented from her bad ways.”

Onion seller docked over N12m fraud

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS—AN onions seller, Micheal Ojo, who allegedly obtained N12 million from his co-operative member was docked before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos.

The defendant, 40, who hails from Ekiti State, is facing a

three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud and stealing.

Prosecutor, ASP Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that the defendant committed the alleged offences on May 22, 2015, at Ijesha in Amuwo-Odofin.

He said that the defendant and others, who are still at large, obtained the said sum from one

Adebayo Adisa, under the guise of purchasing a lorry load of onions for him from the north.

The magistrate, Mr. W. B. Balogun, admitted the defendant to N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of tax payment.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Missing budget: Senate sets up To submit report today search c'ttee C'ttee quizzes Buhari’s NASS aides, others

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — SENATE President, Dr Bukola Saraki, tacitly admitted, yesterday, that the 2016 budget was missing from the National Assembly, when he openly said a search committee set up by the Senate for the missing document would present its report today.

Saraki’s confirmation of the report came just as Vanguard gathered that the search committee quizzed aides of President Muhammadu Buhari in the National Assembly as well as staff of the offices of the clerks to the Senate and House of Representatives, yesterday.

Vanguard sources said those interrogated gave useful information to the committee which would be presented to the Senate in plenary today.

The Senate President, who had earlier at the beginning of Senate’s session, yesterday, announced to senators that copies of the 2016 budget document would be made available to them today, in readiness for general debate on it next Tuesday, eventually owned up on the missing document while responding to Senator Abaribe’s point of order.

Abaribe had, through Order 42(1) of the Senate standing rule, drawn the attention of the Red Chamber to media reports that the budget document was missing and called for immediate deliberation on it by pointedly asking the Senate President: “ where is our budget?”

He said: “The matter that I refer to through this order, is what is in every newspaper today, everywhere in all the talkshows in the radio of a missing budget and therefore Mr President, I want to bring to your attention and that of all my colleagues that yesterday ( Tuesday) in our closed door session, this matter also came up and some of us who are worried, who have been inundated by messages from our constituents who are really worried about what their fate will be in 2016, are asking us, where is our budget.

“That is why Mr President, I think, it is definite and it is urgent that we look into this matter of missing budget now.”

Abaribe’s submission pushed Saraki to admit that the budget document was not in sight in the Senate, contrary to the earlier denial of the Senate that the document was missing.

Saraki did not only confirm that the issue was raised and discussed at the Senate closed door session on Tuesday but also said a search team had been set

up to look for the missing document.

Search c'ttee to submit report today

Saraki added in his response that the search committee set up on the missing budget is expected to file in its report today, which according to him, would help in ending the quagmire.

He said: “Because of the importance of this matter raised through your point of order, I will take it as an exception in not ruling you out of order.

“You know we were all part of the decision at the closed session yesterday (Tuesday), and as part of that decision, we are still waiting for those we have referred to carry out the assignment to come back to us.

“I think they will come back to us by tomorrow (today) and

we will go into a closed session again and finish up the report and we will be able to debate it properly.”

Anyanwu, Nwaoboshi, Ndume differ

Speaking to journalists after Senate plenary, yesterday, on the controversy, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Senator Sam Anyanwu (PDP, Imo East), confirmed that the search committee had already swung into action at unraveling circumstances that led to the missing budget.

According to him, ”the committee has as at this morning queried some people suspected to be involved in the missing document.”

He, however, added that the committee as disclosed by the Senate President at plenary,

would turn in its report to the Senate today for deliberation.

Also, a member of the committee, Peter Nwaoboshi (PDP, Delta North), confirmed that the budget document was missing and the committee was investigating it.

He said: "The document is missing. We want to find out.

We have interviewed some people so far this morning. We are continuing in the next few minutes with out investigation.

And we are almost at it. We will conclude in the next few hours because we have already known what is happening.”

However, the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, in his reaction, insisted that the document was not missing and that it would be distributed to senators today for commencement of general debate on it next Tuesday.

COMMISIONNG: From left, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar and the Logistics Command Public Relations Officer, Squadron Leader Reginald Obi-Obasi, during the commissioning of the Nigerian Air Force remodelled flight line offices, in Lagos.

Senate moves to stop FEC from contract awards Urges Buhari to set up Public Procurement Council

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA —THE Senate, yesterday, commenced a process aimed at stopping the President and the Federal Executive Council, FEC, from awarding contracts of any kind in the country.

The legislature said there was no basis for the FEC to award contracts, insisting that the status quo must be changed.

To this end, it passed a resolution, urging President Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, set up what it called the “National Council on Public Procurement, NCPP,” to be saddled with the role of

contracts awards.

The Senate said the establishment of such body would give life and meaning to the Public Procurement Act so as to achieve the laudable objectives for which the Act came into being.

The development came following a motion tagged “Urgent need to compel the National Council on Public Procurement of Nigeria,” sponsored by Senator Theodore Orji, PDP, Abia Central and Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South.

The lawmakers said the good intention of the legislature in passing the said act into law was to establish a regulatory

authority for monitoring and oversight of public procurement.

They added that since the passage of the act in 2007, the National Council on Procurement has not been established, adding that without the establishment of the National Council on Procurement, the Procurement Act is as good as dead.

The senators further added that since the cabinet ministers were in place, it was time for the Federal Government to act, explaining that the setting up of the council will avoid erosion of public confidence in the procurement process.

TrustFund assets hit N300bn Decries abuse by employers

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA — THE management of TrustFund Pensions Limited, yesterday, disclosed that it has generated assets in excess of N300 billion within 10 years of operation.

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of TrustFund, Helen Da-Souza, made the disclosure at the 10th anniversary lecture of the Fund with the theme, "Sustaining the contributory pension scheme," in Abuja.

The managing director, who expressed delight over the success recorded so far by the fund, said 8,000 registered contributors of the 600,000 contributors now earn monthly pensions from the company as pensioners.

According to her, “we are proud because despite the initial critical operational setback, the company still found a place in the top league of the PFAs. “We could not have done any less because the vision of the company is to be the leader and market maker or funds management in the financial services industry.

Da-Souza,who decried the gross abuse of the existing framework of moral suasion and escalation to PenCom, urged that “legal and punitive measures, in line with the Pension Reform Act of 2004,should be activated.

“A good number of employers have been running foul of the Pension Reform Act (PTA 2014) in terms of prompt and regular remittances of pension contributions in favour of their employees registered with PFAs. “These customers are shortchanged and denied their investment incomes that should have accrued to them had their pension deductions been remitted as and when due. On the other hand, some employers remit only the employees’ portion thereby creating loss of revenue to both their employees and the industry operators.”

Also speaking at the anniversary lecture, factional President of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, commended the efforts of former President Olusegun Obasanjo towards the actualization of the contributory pension scheme especially into the public sector.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—9

Dasukigate: I'm not at war with Buhari, EFCC over court orders —CJN

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA— THE Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mahmud Mohammed, said, last night, that he was not at war with President Muhammadu Buhari or any agency of government over the purported non-compliance with court orders freeing suspects of the arms scandal who were granted bail by judges.

A top source in the judiciary told Vanguard, last night, that contrary to claims in certain quarters that the CJN was furious with Buhari for allowing EFCC to ignore court orders freeing the Dasukigate suspects, Mohammed had nothing to do with the issue.

The top official noted that though there were concerns among judges that some of their orders had not been carried out to the letter by some government agencies, there was also fury in the judiciary that many judges had aided and abetted top government officials to loot the treasury with impunity through frivolous orders and injunctions which were against the interest of the country and its people.

The senior official close to the CJN said: “I don’t think that the CJN has issued any statement on any court order relating to the investigation of the arms cash, individuals or groups since he believes that the courts are well able to discharge their duties as enshrined in the laws of Nigeria.

“Again, the thinking in the judiciary seems to be that some judges misused their offices to encourage some corrupt key government functionaries to slip away to foreign land with huge public funds under the guise of seeking avant-garde medicare.

“If the question may be asked, was it the CJN that ordered those judges to work against the interest of Nigeria by granting frivolous orders that enabled corrupt Nigerian public officers to make away with public funds?

“Let it be known that the CJN does not and will never encourage any form of misdeed having taken the oath of office to remain incorruptible, just and firm in the discharge of his duties to Nigeria and its people.

“I can tell you that the CJN is aware of the frivolous orders being issued by some judges and he cannot, therefore, sympathise with people who threw their integrity to the winds when they should have done the right thing at the right time.”

Yesterday, the media was

C M Y K

awash with claims that the CJN had fallen out with Buhari over his refusal to obey court orders granting bail to some suspects implicated in the sharing of

$2.1 billion meant for arms procurement.

In particular, the commentators said that the CJN was upset that the President had not released

the former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd), and the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, from detention after being granted bail by courts.

VISIT: From left, Executive Director and General Counsel, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC ); Dr. Adesegun Akin-Olugbade; President and Chief Executive Officer, African Finance Corporation, Andrew Alli and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during a courtesy call on the Vice President by AFC executives at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. yesterday.

Boko Haram: UK deploys troops to train Nigerian military personnel

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA — THE British Government has concluded arrangements to move its military training team to help train the Nigerian troops involved in the ongoing fight to end Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

A statement from the British High Commission in Abuja, yesterday, said the 35 soldiers, who are to be drawn from the Second Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment (2 R ANGLIAN), will arrive Nigeria any moment from now to deliver infantry training to Nigerian military personnel preparing to tackle the extremist group in the north of the country.

The statement signed by the Information and Press Officer of the High Commission in Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Abuku, said the deployment of the personnel followed last month’s visit by the British Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, to Nigeria during which he announced a stepup in training to help Nigerian forces stamp out the threat posed by Boko Haram.

During the visit, Fallon met with President Muhammadu Buhari and the top echelon of

the Nigerian military and discussed the way forward for ending the Boko Haram menace.

The enhanced commitment announced last month by the Defence Secretary includes an intention to more than double the number of British personnel deployed on training tasks in Nigeria in the coming year, with up to 300 expected to provide support during 2016 and the deployment of a specialist team to provide assistance in countering improvised explosive devices, as well as medical training and advice.

Similarly, a new RAF training team to improve the knowledge and skills of the Nigerian Air Force in airfield defence and counter insurgency, which is part of the 300 personnel, is also on the way.

It will be recalled that 2 R ANGLIAN, based in Cottesmore, Rutland, provided support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria throughout 2015, which included the deployment of Short Term Training Teams, and support to smaller training tasks to assist the resident British Military Advisory and Training Team – which has grown in size over the last year.

Around 130 UK military

personnel were deployed to Nigeria on a wide range of training tasks last year.

This included training in infantry skills, civil-military affairs, media operations, command and leadership, IED-awareness, and support to Nigerian military training schools and establishments.

Almost 1,000 Nigerian military personnel have benefited from training to prepare them for counterinsurgency operations in north east Nigeria, and the work by 2 R ANGLIAN, known as The Poachers, is now well-recognised across the AFN. The UK also supports a Nigerian intelligence and analysis cell focussed on the north east and based in Abuja, and nearly 30 UK Armed Forces personnel are deployed in Nigeria on an enduring basis in training and advisory roles.

Reflecting on the development, the UK Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said: ”We stand united with Nigeria in its efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram extremists. Stepping up our training efforts will help support the Armed Forces of Nigeria for crucial counterinsurgency operations.”

Reps urge FG to provide funds to tackle Lassa fever

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to make available funds to the Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control and other relevant agencies with immediate effect for them to tackle the outbreak of Lassa fever that has claimed many lives.

The House also directed all the relevant health agencies to intensify efforts towards stamping out the Lassa fever in the country.

This was part of the resolution in a motion sponsored by the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, Chike John Okafor, entitled, ‘Urgent need to stop the embarrassing outbreak of Lassa fever virus in Nigeria and the need to step up the fight against further spread and loss of lives.”

Okafor, in the lead debate, noted that the deadly disease which has so far infected over 93 Nigerians has spread to Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Gombe and Oyo states.

Stressing the need to take deliberate actions toward containing the disease which currently has no cure for the virus, Okafor observed that “this is the first time Lassa fever virus is occurring in Nigeria which has continued to wreak havoc in the lives of helpless Nigerians who fall victims of this disease.

“The House is worried that since the outbreak of this killer virus, with the rate at which it has spread into 10 states in the country, citizens of the country have continued to live in fear.

“We are aware of the measures and interventions of the Federal Ministry of Health to contain this outbreak and the need for all Nigerians, stakeholders and relevant agencies to get involved in creating awareness in the fight to stamp out this killer virus in Nigeria.

“The House is concerned that about 80 per cent of people who become infected with Lassa fever virus have no early visible symptoms as the incubation period of the virus ranges from 6-21 days and symptoms at this stage include: high fever, vomiting, backpain and bleeding. Death usually occurs within 14 days of obvious signs in fatal cases.”

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2016

‘Lagos needs 2,500 more environmental officers to fight Lassa fever'

By Gabriel Olawale

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AGOS—THE Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria, EHOAN, Lagos State chapter has called on the Lagos State Government to recruit more Environmental Health Officers, EHOs to enhance preventive healthcare delivery services in the state.

Making the appeal, its state chairman, Mr Samuel Akingbehin said that the available 547 environment officers in the state cannot guarantee preventive and hygienic environment service required in the fight against Lassa fever and other disease outbreak in the state.

Akingbehin noted that the state will need to recruit an additional 2,500 trained, certified and licensed EHOs to keep its ever increasing population and the environment safe.

FSTC Yaba PTA condemns protest over levies

By Amaka Abayomi

T

HE Parents Teachers Association, PTA, of the Federal Science and Technical College, Yaba, has condemned the recent protest by some parents against the levies charged by the school for ongoing hostel project and laundry.

Some national dailies (not Vanguard) reported that some parents converged at the school gate around 9am in protest of the N6,500 and N3,000 charged for ongoing 1,200 bed-space girls hostel project and students’ laundry respectively.

The protesters were reportedly dispersed by the school’s authority, but a few adamant ones resisted and carried placards with such inscriptions as; ‘Ugorji (Principal) stop the extortion’ and ‘Down with criminal PTA’, among others.

Charging parents to seek clarifications on certain issues, the PTA Chairperson, Mrs. Oby Igwilo, said before any levy is proposed, it must have been approved by the school’s congress.

C M Y K

INFRASTRUCTURE: FG approves $200m World Bank loan for Lagos govt

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA—THE Federal Government yesterday acceded to the request by the Lagos State government to borrow additional $200 million from the World Bank to finance infrastructure in the state.

The approval was one singular item that dominated the meeting of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, yesterday, the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and the Minister of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola said the loan would enable the state government to meet its infrastructural needs.

Specifically speaking, Fashola who is the immediate past governor of the state said that the loan was initially $600 million, hinting that the agreement was reached in 2011.

According to him, it was agreed that the money would be released in tranches of $200 yearly but suffered delays due to political differences between the state government and the previous PDP-led government.

Fashola said: “The point to make

is that this is not a new loan. It is a segment of a programme of developmental initiatives and it was approved in 2010 with a total sum of $600 million for Lagos State to be disbursed in tranches of 200 million each year starting from 2011-2013.

“But it suffered delays as a result of partisan political differences in the last dispensation. After the first tranche was disbursed, there was a freeze on the second tranche.

The initial agreements we had with the World Bank were a 40year loan, a 10-year moratorium and a 0.5 percent interest rate.

“But because of the delays that subsequently characterised the partisan interference that took place, our profile as a nation also changed. We had become a bigger economy although money was being lent to us not now as a highly indebted nation anymore. So by the time this one

was approved now because of the delays, we had lost the opportunity of 40 years as it is now a loan of 25 years.

“The moratorium has reduced to five years instead of 10 years. The interest rate had gone up to 2.5 percent, but what is still heartwarming about it is that it helps to finance infrastructure.''

Fashola, who expressed gratitude to President Muhammed Buhari for facilitating the process, said that the loan would make life easier for the people.

MEETING: From left; Deputy Head of Mission, Italian Embassy, Dr Luca Attanasio; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Fulvio Rustico; and Minister of State, Solid Minerals, Abubakar Bwari, during a meeting in Abuja.

IGP gives scholarship to children of woman killed by policeman

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—THE Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has awarded scholarship to four children of a woman, Mrs. Comfort Udoh, who was killed by a trigger-happy policeman in Lagos last year.

In a similar vein, the President of Women Arise For Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Okey-Odumakin, has urged the judiciary to speed up the trial of the killer cop, who has since been dismissed. Corporal Musiliu Aremu allegedly killed Mrs. Udoh over N2,000 bribe.

The Lagos State commissioner of police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, while

presenting the scholarship to the the deceased, who was also shot family reiterated the resolve of the in the jaw by the dismissed Police to instil discipline in officers corporal, thanked the police chief for the scholarship, noting and men of the Force.

He also assured members of the that his wife is still lying in the public that the police will not mortuary and will only rest in shield any bad egg in the Force. peace when she gets justice.

Dr. Odumakin said “The Owoseni said; “The police is starting a Trust Fund. The first leg of the fund covers scholarship for the four children from the primary to secondary school. This is the first step to help family like these and families of indigent officers and those who died in service. We

By Bartholomew Madukwe are positive that the Foundation will be expanded to do more in human rights the coming years.” activist, Mr Ebun-Olu Mr. Godwin Udoh, husband of Adegboruwa, yesterday called on the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Speaking at the launch in Magu, to apologize to Nigerians Lagos, Managing Director/Chief for saying that suspects arrested Executive Officer of GTBank, over corruption allegation would Segun Agbaje said: not be released on bail and will “Understanding that customers not be charged to court, until they are always on the go; mobile have refunded all the money banking puts us in the palm of alleged to have been laundered our customers and provides a by them.

In a statement, Adegboruwa unique opportunity to offer quick and more efficient ways of banking said though Nigerians voted for democracy and good services. ''As a Bank, we remain firm in governance, through President our objective to deliver value Muhammadu Buhari, the adding services that are tailored commission cannot prosecute the to meet the diverse needs of our anti-corruption war in an ever-growing customer base by atmosphere of lawlessness and leveraging technology to make wanton disregard for the rights banking more convenient for of the citizens.

According to him; “It was all our customers.”

GTBank to reward customers with N100,000

By Dave Oso

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AGOS —FOREMOST financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), has launched the # GT B a n k M o b i l e Wi n 1 0 0 k competition to reward its mobile banking customers by availing them of an opportunity to win N100,000 weekly in the 'mBank' January rewards.

The competition will run throughout the month of January 2016 and 10 lucky customers will win N100,000 weekly during the period.

scholarship is a welcome development and we appreciate the police authority for this gesture.

However, this is this is not enough. ''We are demanding that the police authority and the government should give this family a house of their own.''

Adegboruwa faults EFCC boss over non-release of suspects on bail

A

totally baffling to read what has been ascribed to the EFCC Chairman, especially on the fate of suspects invited to the Commission for investigation; namely that such suspects will not be released on bail and will not be charged to court, until they have refunded all the money alleged to have been laundered by them. I have waited for the EFCC Chairman to rebut this statement, but since he has not done so, it means he truly uttered them.

“The EFCC is not a debt collection agency, existing only for debt recovery. The due prosecution of offenders is of more value to society than debt recovery, by which people can still find their hands in the national treasury, after returning their initial loot.

“The implication of the Chairman’s statement is that any suspect who has been invited in respect of any anti-corruption case, is guilty before being tried.''

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 11

COMMISSIONING: Otunba Bola Onabadejo, District Governor, Rotary International (left) unveiling the classroom, while Otunba Sola Adenuga Taiwo, President, Rotary Club of Gbagada; Mrs Bimpe Carena, Board member, SUBEB and others watch, during the commissioning and handover of 3 blocks of classrooms and 6 toilets with water system renovated for Ayeroju Primary From left— Oba Niran Olamiju, Baale of Soluyi; Chief J. A. Lawal, Bashorun of Oworo and Chief Adegbenro, during the commissioning.

School, Oworonshoki by The Rotary Club of Gbagada in Lagos. Photos by Shola Oyelese.

Oyo royal fathers not part of $2.1bn arms money scam — ALAAFIN

By Ola Ajayi

O

YO—THE Oyo State traditional rulers have denied benefitting from the $2.1 billion arms fund, which the Traditional Council of Nigeria was believed to have benefited from.

The monarchs spoke through the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, in Oyo town, yesterday.

According to Oba Adeyemi, he had never hidden his disapproval for the setting up of the council in the first instance and that he never supported it.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had alleged that TCN was one of the beneficiaries of the slush fund.

While exonerating himself and other members

APC wants Fayose to pay pensioners’ benefit

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

DO-EKITI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC in Ekiti State has called on Governor Ayodele Fayose to effect the payment of Ekiti pensioners' retirement benefits.

The party added that the governor’s refusal to pay pensioners their retirement benefits had resulted in the deaths of some pensioners, saying those who have served the state meritoriously in the past should not be allowed to suffer.

Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that the appeal became imperative on the heels of the recent death of the State Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Pa Rufus Ogedengbe, who died because he could not afford simple medicare.

He said it is heartless for the governor to deny pensioners their entitlements over purported shortage of funds while buying up pages of newspapers to abuse the President for self-serving motives on a daily basis. The APC spokesman also berated the governor over refusal to pay the state workers who are children of pensioners their entitlements.

of the council in the 33 local government councils in the state, the Alaafin, who spoke with members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Oyo Council led by Mr. Gbenga Opadotun to commemorate his 45th coronation anniversary, said he stood firmly against the illegality of TCN and possible crisis it could engender among the traditional rulers in the country.

Alaafin said, “When you talk of the arms deal fund, to the best of my knowledge, none of the traditional rulers in all the 33 local government councils in the state collected from such money.

We are not part of it.”

The monarch threw his weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war, commending efforts he had made since his assumption of office.

However, he warned that

By Dayo Johnson

T

HE kidnapped former Speaker of the Ondo state House of Assembly Victor Olabimtan has been released .

Secretary of the Initiative for Change & Emancipation (VOICE) Gboyega Ajayi who con-

firmed this in a statement at about 10 pm last night said, “I am glad to announce the release of Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan by his captors. “The former speaker of Ondo state house of assembly and APC gubernatorial aspirant was abducted on the evening of Sunday 10th of Janu-

SOGBO—PROMINENT Nigerians including former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and governors of South West states are among dignitaries expected at Saturday’s coronation of newly-appointed Oluwo of

Iwoland, Oba Adewale Akanbi. Briefing newsmen on the activities for the ceremony, coordinator of the Oluwo Coronation Ceremony, Mr. Remi Ishola, said invitations have been extended to the presidency.

He, however, said that identities of those that

will be in the Federal Government delegation has not been revealed.

According to him, as part of the coronation ceremony, the Oluwo will be meeting his subjects at a town hall meeting to discuss how development of the town can be fast tracked.

know their limitations too and do everything in accordance with the dictates of the constitution in order not to be seen as vindictive.”

He noted that since his

ascension to the throne 45 years ago, he had initiated a number of developmental projects in the Yoruba nation and the country at large both nationally and internationally.

Oyo free of Lassa fever — GOVT

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—OYO State Government has confirmed that a patient, who tested positive to Lassa fever had been treated and discharged allaying fears of residents that the state is free from the disease.

While quoting the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Communication and strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka said the Minister had declared the state free.

He said this yesterday while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.

Kidnapped former Ondo Speaker released

Obasanjo, govs for Oluwo’s coronation

O

caution should not be thrown to the winds in the course of fighting the hydra-headed vice called corruption.

The traditional ruler said, “People in authority should

ary 2016, on his way to Abuja. He was released some minutes ago and is currently undergoing medical checkup and treatment.

“We thank and appreciate the Federal government under the able leadership of President Buhari, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, leaders of All Progressive Congress (APC) at the national and Ondo state chapter.

“We also thank the people of Ondo state, all friends and associates of Olabimtan and the general public for your prayer and supports”.

Reports had it that N3m ransom was paid by his family before he was released last night.

He said, “I received a call from the Minister of Health, Prof Adewole, who confirmed that there was one index case of Lassa fever in Oyo, but the patient was treated immediately and has been discharged.

“The patient’s family members and all those who have had contacts with him during the process have been tested and the result

was negative. Prof Adewole said we need not to wait for result from any reference laboratory in Lagos. ''He said since UCH has confirmed it, then there is no Lassa fever in Oyo State again, but urged us to place more emphasis on public sensitisation for the people to keep their food away from rats and maintain hygienic environment.”

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

I'm in the A-Ibom gov race, says Akpan, AP candidate U

By Tom Moses

YO—THE standard bearer of Accord Party, AP, in Akwa Ibom State, Bishop Sam Akpan, has refuted speculations in the state that he had collapsed his political structure into that of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate, Obong Umana Umana, insisting that he is the next governor of the state.

Bishop Akpan, yesterday, while addressing thousands of his supporters at his campaign secretariat in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, explained that his resolve to contest the state's governorship election was because of his conviction that justice will prevail in the said contest as already demonstrated by the Court of Appeal verdict of December 18, 2015 on the April 11, 2015 bungled governorship election in the state.

Akpan, who hails from Onna in Eket senatorial district, urged all equity-conscious Akwa Ibom people to support Eket senatorial district to produce the next governor of the state as Uyo and IkotEkpene senatorial districts have already had their fair share of power in the past 16

years.

He frowned at what he described as the barbaric manner in which the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, allegedly rigged Governor

Udom Emmanuel into power in the said April 11, 2015 governorship election, insisting that the time had come for the people to appreciate the court’s

verdict, rise up and fight and reclaim their stolen mandate and bring an end to impunity, imposition, violence, bad governance and abuse of public funds.

THANKSGIVING: From left: Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, former Minister of Police Affairs; his wife, Justice Roseline Bozimo and HRM Emmanuel Sideso, Abe I, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, during the 70th birthday thanksgiving service of Hon. Justice Bozimo, Administrator, National Judicial Institute of Nigeria and former Chief Judge of Delta State at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Effurun, Delta State, yesterday. Photo: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Non-indigenes in Delta rally support for Okowa

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By Festus Ahon

S A B A — N O N INDIGENES in Delta State have urged the people of the state to remain firm in their support for the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

Thanking Okowa for appointing five of their members into his cabinet, they said the governor’s gesture was a display of the love he has for non-indigenes in the state.

Chairman of the non- indegenes in the state and member of the state Advisory and Peace Building Council, Chief Joseph Ikhena, in a statement, reaffirmed the support of non-indigenes in the state for the Okowa administration.

Expressing confidence in the prosperity agenda of the state government, Ikhena said that in the next four years, millions of Deltans, particularly the youths would have been adequately empowered.

He named the non- indegenes appointed into Okowa's cabinet to include Chief Joseph Onuora, Special Assistant to the Governor, (non indegenes); Alhaji Wali Mukta, Special Assistant to the governor, (non-indegenes); Alhaji Badmus Sule, member, Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sulaiman Jauro, member, Pilgrims Welfare board and Alhaji Adamu Kuta, member, Pilgrims Welfare board.

In another development, Delta State Muslim Community and C M Y K

Indigenous Moslems in Obiaruku, Ukwani Local Government of Delta State, has commended Okowa for appointing Dr. Ismaila Okudaye

as Chairman of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.

They said that contrary to the report that the current chairman, Dr. Okudaye, was not an

indigene of the state, his choice was the best option by the state governor. They added that Dr Okudaye is from Obiaruku and a true Deltan.

Odubu faults Edo PDP Chair over comment on state budget office of his deputy. resources of the state as funds

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—DEPUTY Governor of Edo State, Dr. Pius Odubu, has described as spurious, the figures presented by the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, alleging shortfall in the 2016 budgetary allocation to his office.

In a statement yesterday in Benin by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kelly Odaro, he insisted that the 2016 budget proposal was still before the state House of Assembly for consideration.

It will be recalled that Edo State chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, had, while addressing newsmen recently on the 2016 Edo State budget, described it as a budget of misappropriation, pointing out that the state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, appropriated the sum of N10.65 billion, representing 9.6 per cent of the total budget of N111.50 billion to his office as against the N35 million allocated to the

He also accused the governor of voting the sum of N3.5 billion for the construction of the Accident and Emergency Ward unit at the Benin Central Hospital, adding that the hospital ward has become a conduit pipe used to siphon the

had been allocated to the wards in the last two budgets.

However, the Deputy Governor, while dissociating himself from the purported information by the PDP, called on the public to discountenance the information from the PDP.

Delta APC chieftain threatens court action over suspension of council boss

E

By Perez Brisibe

KU—A chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Erubu Siakpebru, has threatened to drag the state chairman of the party, Prophet Jones Erhue, to court over the suspension of the party ’s council chairman, Mr. Steve Eruotor.

Eruotor was suspended by the party for allegedly refusing to deliver the sum of N6.4 million meant for the 2015 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the state.

Describing the suspension

of the embattled chairman as illegal and unconstitutional, Siakpebru said that the state party chairman, had no power to suspend the party’s council boss.

He said, “Eruotor's emergence as chairman was through a well attended congress and by virtue of his position, a member of the state executive of the APC party.

“Based on this, there is no provision in the party ’s constitution that empowers members of the party to convene a meeting and effect the suspension of the party's council chairman.”

Ex-militants allege sale of amnesty training slots for N.5m

H

UNDREDS of exmilitants under the Federal Government's phase II Amnesty Programme have accused officials of the Amnesty Office of allegedly selling training slots meant for ex-militants to influential Nigerians for N500, 000 per individual.

Making the accusation, yesterday, the ex-militants, who converged at Ughelli, Delta State, also denied reports that they were used and paid by the Federal Government to perpetrate violence in the Bayelsa State election.

Speaking on behalf of the ex-militants, leader of Okurugbolu Amphibiou barrack, Mr. Clinton Ebiama, alleged that though the Federal Government had approved the training for exmilitants, staff working in the office of the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, were in the habit of selling the slots to persons who are not original beneficiaries of the programme.

Warning the Federal Government to be wary of the activities of these individuals, Ebiama said: “This has been the case during the Kinsley Kuku era.

Now these individuals are perpetuating the same act under the tenure of Gen. Paul Boroh (retd).

“We are using this opportunity to alert President Muhammad Buhari to be watchful of what is going on in the Amnesty Office because the good intentions of his administration are gradually being truncated by these individuals.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—13

Bayelsa: Dickson, Sylva not democrats —Clark

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—FORMER Federal Commissioner for Information an an Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, yesterday, described Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and former Governor Timipre Sylva as nondemocrats who do not know anything about democracy, adding that all they were interested in was grabbing power.

Addressing newsmen at his Asokoro residence, Abuja, Chief Clark, who described the violence that characterized the Bayelsa State governorship election where lives were lost as a brazen and open show of shame, accused both candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, of being responsible because of the level of desperation that enveloped them.

Chief Clark, who said he was constrained to talk even though he had resigned from partisan politics because of what happened during the governorship election, stressed that he cannot

exonerate the two contenders of the violence.

He said, “The two contestants have served the people as governor of the state, the people already know their individual capabilities. They should have allowed the electorate to peacefully decide who they wanted. It is very unfortunate

that both of them are not democrats and therefore, they do not know what democracy means. What they know is power.”

The Ijaw leader who explained that the political violence in Bayelsa State was due to desperation and greed, stressed that if both Dickson and Sylva had put

1/10th of the efforts put in the Bayelsa State election in the Presidential election of March 28, 2015 to campaign for their various Presidential candidates, both former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari would have had higher figures in their election in Bayelsa State.

MEETING: From left, Executive Secretary, TETFUND, Prof, Suleiman Bogoro; Director, Executive Secretary Office, Mallam Aliyu Na’iya and Director, Monitoring and Evaluation , Ach. Matthew Abu, during an interactive meeting with senate committee on the allegedly missing N200 billion tetfund money in Abuja... yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Dickson's re-election'll consolidate ongoing devt, police invitation." prosperity in Bayelsa —Rights group The group, meanwhile,

W

AKE Up Bayelsa, WUB, a civil society group championing good governance in Bayelsa State and the Niger Delta, has said that reelecting Governor Seriake Dickson for another four years will consolidate the ongoing development, prosperity, peace and security in Bayelsa State. The group, in a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Mr. Timi John, also condemned the violence which characterised the poll in Southern Ijaw, Nembe, Brass and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.

The group accused the Federal Government of creating a conducive environment for the killings of innocent civilians by refusing to arrest the militants before, during and after the election even when President Muhammadu Buhari and the security agencies received petitions and intelligence on the deadly activities of the militant leaders. The group vowed to sue the Federal Government for murder of innocent Nigerians in the course of exercising their franchise.

The group said: “Prominent Bayelsans and traditional rulers wrote formal petitions to President Buhari and the security agencies particularly the Inspector General of Police, the Director of State Security on the activities of the militants but the government

looked the other way.

“We have copies of these petitions. In deed when the Bayelsa State Police Command

invited the militants for a meeting before the supplementary election, the two militant leaders shunned the

commended Governor Dickson for cancelling the celebration of “his well-deserved victory in honour of the victims of election violence.”

My re-election saved Ijaw nation from ridicule —Dickson

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday said that his reelection did not only save the Ijaw nation and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from ridicule, but also scuttled efforts aimed at turning Nigeria into a one party state.

Dickson, at a meeting with his political appointees at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Yenagoa, said PDP's victory at the state governorship election had put to rest, speculations and propaganda that the party was heading for extinction.

He noted that despite the setback the party suffered at the immediate past general election, the PDP has what it takes to recapture power in 2019 and render better grassrootsoriented leadership to the people of Nigeria.

The governor, who dedicated his electoral victory to God, was full of appreciation to all his

appointees and Bayelsans for their resilience and support in the face of what he described as an “all-out war” unleashed against them by the main opposition party.

His words: “I am aware of what you all went through. We

all know what the entire state experienced. In all our political lives, we have not seen an election like this, where they brought on us the full weight of their arsenals at the polling booths, communities, wards, local governments and across the whole state. We saw it."

Senator, others laud Ayade for expanding govt

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HE decision by Cross River State governor, Senator Ben Ayade, to open up the space for more participation in governance has been commended by various stakeholders in the state.

Describing the policy as pragmatic and coming at the right time, Senator representing Cross River North senatorial district, Senator Rose Oko said: “The essence of the enlarged government is to provide employment opportunity for the teeming youths of the state in the face of the harsh economic realities of our time,” stressing that it was a commendable effort

by the governor.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Ethiopia and lawmaker in the lower House of the 7th National Assembly, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, who dismissed criticism against the policy, noted: “Governor Ayade's idea of expanding government is a model meant to serve as a shock absorber to the impact of the current global economic reality.

“The initiative will fertilize and serve to bolster the economy by opening up the space for more persons to not only have employment but also to provide political power to the people."

A-Ibom gov poll: Court hears suit against Umana Jan 18

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—JUSTICE Evoh Chukwu of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, fixed January 18 to hear a suit challenging the eligibility of the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umana Okon Umana, to participate in the re-run governorship poll in the state.

The suit, by a chieftain of APC in the state, Mr. Akpan Udoedeghe, through his lawyer, Mr. Mahmud Magaji, SAN, is contending that Umana was not validly nominated ab-initio by the APC to participate in the Akwa Ibom State governorship election.

He told the court that Umana was not a registered member of the party as at the day he bought his form to contest the April 11, 2015 governorship election that was eventually nullified by the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja.

The plaintiff insisted that Umana, whom he said was previously a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, neither registered at the ward level of the party nor was he granted a waiver prior to the governorship poll.

He told the court that as at the time APC ticket was handed to him Umana was still in court contesting for the governorship ticket of the PDP.

Odinkalu for burial

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HIEF Augustine O d i n k a l u (Eziafaego) who passed on recently, aged 79, is to be buried today.

Funeral Mass holds at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Umuhu-Okabia, Orsu LGA, Imo State.

Chief Odinkalu will be laid to rest immediately after the Mass.

On Sunday January 17, outing and thanksgiving mass will hold at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Late Chief Odinkalu

14—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2016

NNPC bags Reuters' award for $1.2bn oil well financing deal

By Michael Eboh

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VISIT: From left: Alhaji Aminu Asiru, Member, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Alhaji Rasak Raji, Member, Dr. Abdul Alimi Bello, President, Mr. Adekunle Adekoya, General Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Hajia M.H. Dankaka, Second Deputy President, Dr. Rowland Ogbonna, Council Member, Col. Dudu Usman (retd), Member and Usman Saulawa, Director-General, during a visit by the chamber to Vanguard Newspapers' Head Office, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

Reps want foreign companies to pay minimum wage

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA—THE House of Representatives yesterday passed into second reading a Bill seeking an amendment to the Minimum Wage Act 2004 to reverse the exclusion of companies that have foreign interests from the list of establishments exempted from payment of National Minimum Wage in the country.

The Bill which was sponsored by Rep Peter Akpatason, APC, Edo State was titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Minimum Wage Act Cap N6, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to exclude the Establishments that have foreign participation from the list of Establishments exempted from the Payment of the National Minimum Wage and for Other Matter Related Thereto.”

In his lead debate, Rep Akpatason said it was regrettable that companies that make millions and billions of Naira in Nigeria do not have up to fifty(50) workers, yet do not pay the National Minimum Wage of eighteen thousand naira (N18,000).

According to him, the inclusion of foreign-owned companies from the list of establishments that were excluded from the payment of minimum wage had done a great disservice to the nation in terms of its revenue.

C M Y K

He explained that in Section (6) sub-section (3) of the existing Act,the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation has the discretion to determine who to prosecute or not in terms of contraventions of the law on payment of the national minimum wage.

While urging the lawmakers to support the proposed amendment, he noted that in the last amendment to the existing Act, the interpretation of the foreign companies included those that have up to 50 per cent equity participation by foreigners.

The House Bill was unanimously passed into second reading when the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara who presided over the plenary called for a voice vote.

The Speaker later referred the matter to the House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity for more legislative inputs.

Group urges Sen Adeyemi to defect

By Emmanuel Aziken

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OKOJA—AHEAD of the imminent exit of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP administration in Kogi State, one of the pillars of the party was yesterday being wooed to exit the party for the All Progressives Congress, APC. Senator Smart Adeyemi, who represented the Kogi West Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2015 in the Senate was yesterday under pressure from the Kogi West Progressive Group, a political

pressure group in the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State to team up with the APC. The group made the declaration in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting in Iyara, Kogi State.

The communiqué, endorsed by the group’s leaders, including Hon. JM Omonuwa, Chief Ayo Olorunjuwon, Alhaji Ibrahim Adoba, Hon. Sadi Uba Inuwa and Alhaji Halilu Idris among others said the group had become logical in the light of the intrigues in the PDP against

Adeyemi’s style of progressive politics.

“The group noted that Senator Adeyemi’s loss in the last Senatorial election would appear to be with the connivance of some party, PDP, elite (including the establishment) with the opposition.

His loss at the Tribunal was intriguing; re-runs were ordered in similar cases in the state Central and Eastern Senatorial Districts, but Senator Adeyemi’s case was turned down. The group believes that he has won in God andpeople’scourt,” thecommuniquéread.

MTN rolls out mega centres nationwide

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AGOS—IN further demonstration of its commitment to contributing to a comprehensive national database, MTN, has commenced the operation of special mega centres across the country for revalidating and updating customers’ SIM registration details.

For ease of access, some of the mega centres are located in Lagos - Oshodi, Festac, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja and

Ipaja, Alimosho. Others are located in Abeokuta, Ibadan, Ilorin, Enugu, Aba, Owerri, PortHarcourt, Warri, Calabar, Kano, Katsina, Jos, Bauchi, Abuja and Kaduna. The mega centres are designed to reduce the queues and facilitate a seamless registration process.

Speaking on this development, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, stated that the roll-out of the mega

registration centres nationwide is part of the extensive measures and steps taken by MTN to streamline the registration exercise in order to ensure a smooth registration process for our valued customers.

Iweanoge said: “We have extended opening and closing hours of most of our outlets from 7am-10pm every day of the week as well as on Saturdays and Sundays, dedicating 95 per cent of resources at our outlets to facilitate the SIM registration process for customers."

BUJA—THE Joint Finance Team of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and its Joint Venture Partners, Chevron Nigeria Limited, were yesterday, named the winner of the Thomson Reuters/PFI Magazine ‘Africa and Middle East Oil Deal of the Year Award for 2015.’

The NNPC in a statement signed by its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, stated that the award is in recognition of the $1.2 billion multi-year drilling financing package for 36 Offshore/Onshore Oil wells under the NNPC/ CNL Joint Venture initiated under the Accelerated Upstream Financing Programme executed at a signing ceremony in London in September, 2015.

He added that the award was in recognition for the effort at conceptualizing, structuring and delivering an over-subscribed deal in a challenging macroeconomic environment.

According to Alegbe, the initiative was designed by the NNPC to address the perennial challenge experienced by the Federal Government in providing its counter-part funding of JV upstream activities.

He said: “Codenamed Project Cheetah, the $1.2 billion alternative financing package, was the first to combine funding of both oil production as well as domestic gas to support power generation in Nigeria from a medley of carefully sequenced offshore and onshore wells.”

He said the deal is projected to fund 36 wells and deliver 41,000 barrels of crude oil per day and projected peak incremental production of 127 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (mmscfd) in the years ahead.

Alegbe also stated that the package is projected to generate between $2 billion and $5 billion of incremental revenues to the Nigerian government over the life of the project, subject to prevailing oil price in the upcoming years.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—15

Court extradites Nigerian fugitive, Asemota, to UK for trial

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—THE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, ordered the extradition of one Franca Asemota to the United Kingdom to face human trafficking charges.

The extradition order followed an application that was filed by the office of the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Asemota, who is 36 years old, was declared wanted by the UK government over his alleged involvement in trafficking of minors to Europe through London.

She was alleged to be the leader of a network that trafficked young women, mostly teenagers, from remote Nigerian villages into Europe, using Heathrow Airport as a transit hub.

The girls were promised education or jobs such as hairdressing in countries including France and Spain, but were forced into prostitution.

Asemota, was however, arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on March

24, 2015, in Benin, Edo State, on suspicion that she was involved in money laundering.

Upon her arrest, checks on her profile revealed that she had been on the wanted list of the National Crime Agency, NCA. When the case came up, Monday, January 11, 2016, Asemota’s counsel, Mr.

Ugochukwu Ezekiel, prayed the court to grant his client bail to enable her seek medical attention as she had spent almost a year in custody.

The application was vehemently opposed by government lawyer, Mr. Akuta Ukeyima, who urged the court to expedite the extradition process, saying the

accused would get proper medical attention in the UK. In a ruling, yesterday, Justice Abdul Kafarati said he was satisfied that the Asemota had a case to answer in UK. Consequently, Justice Kafarati gave the Federal Government the nod to extradite her to the UK for prosecution.

SESSION: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle), his wife, Monica, and the immediate past chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Council, Pastor Sam Ihiogwe, during the New Year prayer session of State Women Prayer Network, at Michael Opkara Square, Enugu, yesterday.

Traditional stool tears Anambra community apart

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—TENSION is mounting in Oraukwu community, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra, State following crisis that erupted in the area over the selection of the traditional ruler

for the town.

Since the demise of the former traditional ruler of the community five years ago, it had been difficult for the king-makers to agree on the modality for the selection of the replacement for the late monarch.

Vanguard gathered that while most people of the community

insist that the constitution of the town must be followed strictly in selecting a new monarch, a group came up with the argument that certain rigid measures should be dropped in order to make the selection easier.

Meanwhile, recently, the group that wants the community to drop some aspects of the selection

Lassa Fever: Enugu govt raises alert level

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—FOLLOWING growing concerns indicating that Lassa Fever has claimed 41 lives from the 93 reported cases in 10 states of the country, the Enugu State Government, yesterday, raised its alert level geared towards warding off the disease from the shores of the state.

This comes as the disease has claimed lives in Bauchi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Edo, Plateau, Gombe and Oyo states.

In an interview with Vanguard, the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Samuel Ngwu explained that government had embarked on an aggressive sensitization campaign in rural areas, especially border communities to educate the people on the need to shun consumption of rodents that are the carriers of the disease.

According the Ngwu: “We are telling our people to resist the urge to burn bushes which will drive the rodents into people’s houses and contaminate or infect the people. They should equally avoid open defecation in order not

get infected during stooling.

“We have heightened our surveillance and monitoring in all the 17 councils in the state to enable us dictate and access sign and symptoms if they happen to come up. The disease surveillance health education officers are on their toes to record any sign and symptom of Lassa Fever like body pain, bleeding from the mouth, ear, noses, among others.

“If cases like this emanate, our people should quickly rush to the nearest primary healthcare facility and report to the health officer."

processes tried to force the regent of the town, Chief F. Chiedu to anoint a particular aspirant as the next traditional ruler without going through the laid down processes.

Chiedu told Vanguard in his palace at Oraukwu that most members of his cabinet insisted that the constitution of the town must be strictly followed to the letter in selecting the new traditional ruler.

He argued that as the custodian of the customs and traditions of the people, he will not compromise the constitution of Oraukwu on the matter, adding that most people in the community also insist that an unpopular candidate should not be foisted on them.

He said: “Igweship in Oraukwu rotates among the villages that make up the community.

Usually, the village whose turn it is to produce the Igwe nominates three candidates from which one would be elected and crowned the traditional ruler."

Enugu paralysed as petrol stations shut down

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—Commercial activities in Enugu metropolis and beyond, yesterday, were grounded as petrol filling stations closed shops following enforcement measures by the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, of Federal Government’s

approved pump price of N86.50 per litre of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, otherwise known as petrol.

All independent and major marketers closed shops between 8a.m., till noon to protest DPR's enforcement stance.

Vanguard checks showed that commuters and motorists were

stranded, forcing many to trek long distances while few vehicles plied the road.

At the Onu Asata axis of the metropolis, black marketers had a field day as they sold at N300 per litre even as motorists fell over themselves to buy to refill their vehicles that ran out of petrol on the roads.

When contacted, Head, Office

of Senior Special Adviser to the Governor, Inter Ministerial Affairs, Monitoring Unit, Mr. Okenwa Anthony, said that the fillings stations were shut following DPR’s resolve to enforce the new price regime of N86.50.

“They shut the filling stations to resist DPR’s enforcement drive,” Okenwa regretted.

Labour leaders storm Owerri, warn Okorocha on anti-labour policies

By Chidi Nkwopara

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W E R R I — L A B O U R leaders across the country, including the National President of Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, yesterday, stormed Owerri, Imo State to empathize with Imo workers that have been having a running battle with the state government.

The NLC boss and his colleagues first led the aggrieved workers in a peaceful protest march through the major streets of Owerri, before addressing them in the premises of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, on Port Harcourt Road.

Some of the placards carried by the workers read: 'Recall the 400 workers sacked via concession in ITC,’ ‘Workers say no to premature retirement,’ ‘70 per cent basic to pensioners is killing,’ ‘Workers' salary is not a gift but a right,’ ‘Do not concession our hospitals,' 'Imo Rubber Estate deserves a better management,’ ‘No to illegal suspension of workers' 'Pay us our 14 months arrears of salaries,’ among others.

Addressing the workers, Wabba described the situation in Imo State as “a serious situation that requires serious attention and solution,” pointing out that “injury to one is injury to all.”

He said that the manifesto of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, promised creation of jobs, Wabba wondered why Governor Rochas Okorocha should be thinking of sacking the workers.

“During the electioneering period, Okorocha promised to build industries and create jobs, but today, he is planning to summarily sack workers. He promised to increase salaries and today, he has slashed salaries. He cannot continue to fool Imo people,” Wabba said.

According to the NLC boss: “This is the only state that owes legal officers for upwards of eight months.

Imo Newspaper workers are owed for 18 months and the governor is thinking of privatizing hospitals and clinics. Government can’t deprive the citizens of their right to life.”

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

PRESENTATION: Chief Emma Nwabuko,Chairman, Senator Theodore Orji Scholarship Scheme, presenting cheques to some of the 2015/2016 scholarship beneficiaries.

South East APC disowns bad comment on Nwobodo

By Emeka Mamah

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HE SOUTH East zone of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has disowned the leader of the APC Leadership Caucus, Osita Okechukwu, in the zone for his commentary on the entry of Chief Jim Nwobodo into the party, saying that APC can “conveniently accommodate everyone.”

In a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party in the zone, Mr. Hyacinth Ngwu, he said: “The attention of the APC, South East zone has been drawn to comments credited to a certain Osita Okechukwu, wherein he purported to be speaking as spokesman for the APC South East Leadership Caucus.

“The said Osita Okechukwu in the statement under reference took the liberty to cast aspersion on the action and person of eminent citizen and statesman in the person of Senator Nwobodo, who joined our great party recently from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “Perhaps there would have been no need to revisit his personal opinion, if he had not claimed to be the “spokesman of the South East Leadership caucus of APC,” a position clearly nebulous and structurally non-existent in APC’s Constitution (October 2014 as amended) “The APC constitution in

Article 12.6(v) recognises the position of a zonal publicity secretary and Hycienth Ngwu is the officer currently vested with the office. It is obviously anti-party and uncharitable for Osita Okechukwu to invent a dubious self-serving

platform, appropriate and use same to sabotage and bring the party into hatred, contempt, ridicule and disrepute.

“APC South East heartily welcomes political defectors into our fold. APC is a big party and can conveniently accommodate everyone.”

MASSOB, MOSOP to partner for Biafra actualization

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

A

BA—LEADER of Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Solomon Chukwu, has said that his group was partnering a faction of Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People, MOSOP, for the actualization of an independent state of Biafra.

He assured that the people of the Niger Delta have nothing to fear as they will be allowed to control their resources if Biafra was actualized.

According to him: “When Biafra is actualized, children of the Niger Delta and Ogoni would be given scholarship. We assure the Niger Delta and Ogoni people from Rivers State that the Igbo do not hate them. The hatred story being bandied, but only exists in the minds of Nigerians who want to destroy the unity of the Biafran people.”

Chukwu, who spoke through MASSOB’s National Director of

Information, Sunny Okereafor, after a meeting of the two groups in Gokana, Rivers State, said that the factional leader of MOSOP, Goodluck Freeman, who led the Ogoni group delegation to the meeting, promised to partner MASSOB. The MASSOB spokesman informed that Freeman insisted that Ogoni people had suffered greatly under Nigeria and were looking for a platform to be liberated, which he said MASSOB had provided in its struggle for the state of Biafra.

Okereafor said that the MASSOB leader, Chukwu, while addressing the gathering, assured people of the Niger Delta and Ogoni that they would not only enjoy full autonomy under Biafra, but also control their resources and pay tax to the federal government of Biafra.

He added that this was in line with the seven-pillar of MASSOB/Niger Delta agreement of 2004, at MASSOB headquarters in Okwe, Imo State.

Enforce official petrol pump price, Abia residents tell govt

By Eric Ugbor

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BA—RESIDENTS of Abia State, particularly Umuahia, the state capital and Aba, the commercial hub, have called on the government to enforce the sale of approved pump price of N86.50k for Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, at all petrol stations in the towns to ensure compliance with

the Federal Government directive.

The residents, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in the state, said, that it was not justifiable for the marketers to rip Abia residents off their hard earned money in the face of new fuel price regime.

Speaking separately, many of the residents said that only forceful compliance would make Abia marketers comply with the government directive.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016— —17

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NE of the most significant issues of recent revelations of high wire corruption in Nigeria today, is the way that leading politicians have brought their children into the corruption loop. Top Nigerian politicians are appearing in courts together with their sons. Humungous sums of public money are stolen and shared by fathers and sons (their daughters are entering the political fray too). Ruling class irresponsibility has led to the detention and arraignment of fathers along with their children, for stealing monies in their care, expected to be used for the betterment of society.

Grand theft has become domesticated and turned into a family enterprise. Politicians “won” elections ostensibly to make life better for all citizens, but turned the privilege of access to state funds, into avenues to carry out the unconscionable looting of our states and country. This they have done in cahoots with their children.

In the “DASUKIGATE” affair, the same Fathers-and-Sons tag teams have also emerged: Aminu Baba Kusa and son; Attahiru Bafarawa and son; Dr. Bello Haliru Muhammed and son; while in earlier cases, there were Murtala Nyako and son; Bamanga Tukur and son; Amadu Ali and son; Sule Lamido and sons.

Feudal culture It is customary in feudal culture to prepare children for successions; and there are very elaborate processes of leadership development to ensure that these children become ready to assume leadership. In the United States, we have seen the establishment of political dynasties within the context of democratic politics, as in the case of the Kennedys and in recent times, with the Bush family producing two presidents, and a third now aspiring, as well as the Clintons, man and wife. Modern Nigerian politics has never really seen the trend consolidated. In the First and Second Republics, the Awolowo family attempted to create a political dynasty; Segun died, but Oluwole and Tokunbo became politicians of some visibility. However, they came from a background of genuine service to community and country and had been tutored within the disciplined ambience associated with their patriarch, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

People knew what they stood for and their followers could plot their public conduct as politicians and their values to society.

The new Nigerian form of Father-to-Son intervention in contemporary politics has nothing honourable associated with it. It is elaborately concocted within the context of a captureand-control form of politics, where individuals become governors for eight years and they then use the opportunity to loot their states blind.

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Fathers and sons Incorporated One of the major phenomena of Nigerian politics, in the period since 1999, is the emergence of governors who after their years in power, have ended up becoming richer than the states that they have governed. They institute processes to retain power through proxies after their years of governance, in order to continue to control the finances and the political processes of their states.

This process has been implanted in Kwara, Lagos and Akwa Ibom, for example, and is the template that most governors have tried to implement, to varying degrees of success.

In many instances, stolen funds have often been kept with business associates who often ended up betraying their governor benefactors/ associates, after they vacate power. The fear of what might happen to stolen funds, kept with friends and associates, has largely been responsible for the new phenomenon, where fathers now use their children to keep stolen funds. President Muhammadu Buhari’s emergence is helping to expose this grand process of theft and the budding Fathersand-Sons-Kleptocratic Complex that is taking shape in Nigeria.

The final piece of the jigsaw of this complex is an attempt at creating a copycat political and economic scheme. The Saraki family is the most successful example of a family that has taken full control of the political and economic space in Nigeria. The patriarch of the family, the late Dr. Olushola Saraki, was the most dominant political force in Kwara state for

The truth is that a new era is dawning in Nigeria, where citizens are much more dedicated to interrogating the excesses of the ruling class

over three decades. While it lasted, he built and oiled a political machinery that installed and removed a succession of politicians in Kwara state. Most people did not reckon that he had a grand plan, and that was to bide time until his children came of age.

By 1999, he kicked that final piece of the jigsaw into place, with the son, Bukola, becoming a Special Assistant in Obasanjo’s presidency, while the daughter, Gbemisola, entered the House of Representatives. Finally from 2003 to 2011, Gbemisola served as senator for eight years and

Bukola Saraki governor for the same period. The funds of Kwara state literally became an extension of the Saraki purse and the family through Bukola Saraki, has remained in control for twelve years and counting!

The Saraki process of political and economic control as well as financial domination has no parallel in Nigeria. They took Societe Generale Bank under (along with the funds of hundreds of Nigerians); they also superintended the demise of Kwara and Kogi states’ owned Trade Bank and at a point, a longterm Bukola Saraki sidekick also ran Intercontinental Bank!

This unique template of graband-control has also largely escaped interrogation. The family seemed able to weather any and all forms of political, economic and security storms.

What other politicians want to do is assume political, economic and financial control in their states, in the same suffocating bear hug way that the Saraki clan has held Kwara state for decades.

Bola Tinubu is trying to institute the same process in Lagos.

Fortunately, these newfangled Fathers-and-Sons Corruption Complexes are now being exposed by the Muhammadu Buhari Presidency’s anti-corruption drive. Those who want to copy the Saraki (or even the Tinubu) template of domination and control have chosen a very difficult moment in Nigeria to implant that form of domination.

The truth is that a new era is dawning in Nigeria, where citizens are much more dedicated to interrogating the excesses of the ruling class. A Fathers-and-Sons Corruption complex can no longer work in contemporary Nigeria!

The case of citizen Sunday Vincent

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ANA yawon banza. Yana lake-lake da mugun nufi”. “(A typical accusation of “ wandering” in a colonial Northern Nigerian court).

Last week, the media reported the case of 27-year old Sunday Vincent, who was sentenced to three weeks imprisonment for public nuisance, by a Kado Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja. The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq gave Citizen Vincent the option of paying N3, 000 fine while warning him “to desist from committing any crimes”. The media report had described Sunday Vincent as a “convict, of no fixed address” and had been “convicted for wandering a round the streets and gave no satisfactory explanation on what he was doing”.

Satisfactory explanation The prosecutor, Zeerah Douglass told court that Vincent had been arrested by a police patrol team attached to Adetokuno Ademola Street, Wuse Two, and was then taken to the Kado Police Station, Abuja. This was on January 1. Citizen Vincent’s offence was said to be punishable under Section 198 of the Penal Code.

This case would have escaped all of us, as dozens of other such cases. Citizen Sunday Vincent’s case is a typical expression of the class dynamics in our neocolonial country, and this law with its roots in colonial society is a throwback to periods in history that should have been overcome.

The offence of “wandering” had long been abolished as long ago as the Second Republic, under President Shehu Shagari, and it is a surprise that it is still embedded in the Penal Code, which is applicable in Northern Nigeria. It is also incredible that

Citizen Vincent was sentenced by an Area Court, given the level that it belongs in the overall effort at administering justice in our society. How can a citizen of the Twenty-First Century in a democratising country, be “convicted for wandering around the streets”? Incredibly enough, on January 1st, a day when people are usually in a mode of revelry! What was the mental state of that citizen? Was the question asked at all? And what about the sociological issues associated with survival in a society where the predatory, neo-colonial capitalist economy isn’t creating jobs, housing and other essentials of life?

Colonial laws: It is absurd that citizens of Twenty-First Century Nigeria will be convicted under laws that have their roots in the Vagrancy Act of 1824 England, whose intention was to remove those classified as “undesirables” from public view.

The 1824 Act in England “had assumed that homelessness was due to idleness and thus deliberate, and made it an offence to engage in behaviours associated with extreme poverty”, according to WIKIPEDIA. So when Citizen Sunday, was described as “of no fixed address” and therefore “convicted for wandering around the streets”, we can see the direct historical links with England, and the law under which he was convicted.

The truth is that the law in a class society basically reflects the dynamics of class relations. In Nigeria, we have managed to build one of the most unequal and unjust societies in the contemporary world. Our predatory form of neo-colonial capitalism insulates members of the ruling class from the law, or allows them many opportunities to manipulate or circumvent the law. There are leading men and

women of business and politics, who have looted funds in public and private institutions. They employ the best lawyers to help in ensuring that they go scot-free or when they get convictions, they spend time in hospitals. It is therefore no surprise, that one of the easiest ways out for the rogues of the Nigerian ruling class, is to plead for opportunities, to go see their doctors abroad. When they are looting Nigeria, they are hale and hearty, but when time comes to get their comeuppance, they suddenly fall sick!

Stewardship and husbandry Last week, the histrionics reached a greater height, with one of the Mandarins of Nigerian political society, arriving in court in a wheel chair! This is a gentleman, who has spent the past sixteen years being recycled from one position to the other.

Bukola Saraki, for example, has done everything under the sun, to stave off the possibility of being called to account for his stewardship and husbandry of the finances of Kwara state since 2003.

He has the finances to employ the best lawyers and has been moving from different courts to ensure that he does not get a day in court. If he and other Mandarins can pull it through, what they want is to get the type of perpetual injunction worked out for Peter Odili!

For our ruling class, their words resemble those of a character from one of Victor Hugo’s writings, who said having become so rich he has earned the right to be above the law! That is not the situation for Citizen Sunday Vincent. In his arrest, conviction and imprisonment he underlines the injustices of Nigerian society today.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 BARELY a year and a half after the Ebola plague and its containment, the nation is grappling with another scourge, Lassa Fever. So far, 41 lives have been lost and cases have been confirmed in 10 states accross the country namely: Plateau, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Nassarawa, Niger, Kano, Edo, Ondo and Oyo. There were unconfirmed cases in Lagos and Rivers. The situation has fuelled a fresh fear of more loss of lives if urgent steps are not taken to stem the tide of its spread.

Lassa Fever manifests itself in the form of an haemmorrhagic fever [bleeding fever] caused by lassa virus.It has its origin in a small town called Lassa in Borno State back in 1969, where it was first discovered. It is a communicable disease that can be contracted through contact with the urine and faeces of rats. Transmission through breast milk has also been observed.

Its mild but ravaging symptoms are: weakness, headaches, slight fever, and

Lassa fever outbreak general malaise. At the advanced stage, carriers suffer haemorrhaging of the eyes, gums or nose, repeated vomiting, respiratory distress, back pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, facial swelling, shock tremors, hearing loss and inflammation of the brain. Lassa fever is an annual epidemic that records 300,000 to 500,000 cases each year resulting in about 5,000 deaths globally. This figure is,however, disputable due to inaccurate survey.

That’s why we call on the Federal Government to take urgent and sustainable preventive cum curative measures to prevent it’s further spread just as it was done in the case of Ebola in 2014.Hence,we commend

the report that funds have been made available for this purpose. However, we recommend that appropriate government agencies and departments should ensure that the funds are not diverted but quickly disbursed to the affected states who are expected to channel them to various local governments for appropriate actions.

We equally advocate for rigorous sensitization and awareness campaigns in communities to educate people on preventions. In the same vein, sanitary inspection units of various local governments should be revived and their personnel should be properly retrained for the arduous

OPINION indisputable fact is clear in this. It is that Akwa Ibom: Of legal consequences this self-de-robing of the appellate judiciary has been insistent and is and delegated desires occurring, perhaps studiedly, in the era

By Ugar Usem

I

F a state was created for peace, it is Akwa Ibom State. If a citizenry has generally practiced the science of being in peace with one another, it is the peoples of Akwa Ibom State. Since the creation of the state in 1987, the peoples of Akwa Ibom have been at peace.

And since all parties were in for peace and all interests taken into account, Akwa Ibom turned up a natural haven for peace and political tranquility. So literally Akwa Ibom, politically engineered as stable and working powerhouse, has got into, in fact was racing on the runway, poised for the next phase of industrial takeoff.

It is a takeoff to be piloted by the current administration, led by its Governor Udom Emmanuel. For Udom, the game is to drive and deliver Akwa Ibom to a cruising speed as an integrated and integral economic miracle. His vision and horizon is to transform Akwa Ibom into a model of a shared greatness and goodness. This is Udom’s first mandate vision for Akwa Ibom and he has started on achieving results.

But all that is about to change. And with the change is that one of the key

centres of the production of the nation’s wealth may be thrown into political and sectarian chaos and the attendant consequences. The culprits of this destructive design are perhaps not as clear as daylight, but only perhaps.

However despite the fog and shadows, one can trace out the powerful images of political destroyers in human form, or in party formation.

And that image is made in the mold of the loud opposition party, the APC and its key functionaries. But first, a certain background.

Now, it is a notorious fact that the Nigerian appellate courts on matters concerning election and related petitions have earned an odious name. One

So a critical part of what the second level of appellate courts must do is to stand the machinery of justice as an independent powerhouse of its own

under the President Mohammed Buhari and his APC party machinery. Under the last dispensation nobody ever considered or insinuated the judiciary at its first instance, or appellate levels was under the white smoke of pontifical or ‘sheriffical’ interferences.

But as we write the matter appellate court has so fouled things up that even the Chief Justice of the nation has spoken in disgust. And one can’t blame the Chief Justice. Otherwise how does one explain the riotous conflicts of justice in the identical cases of Lagos APC-Akinwunmi Ambode versus PDP-Jimi Agbaje and its twin in Akwa Ibom State? In one case the same appellate justice system mystifyingly ordered fresh elections, while in the order it upheld the results of an identical procedure. And apparently the ‘revered judges’ acted in independence or were they guided by certain invisible hands?

Well if you believed in that independence then you have not been Nigerian or perhaps have been but in coma, political coma. Now you need to wake up to the following data and facts.

It is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. So when Chief John Oyegun the current Chairman of APC,

task. They should see to it that clean and hygienic drainage systems are maintained in homes and streets. They should also ensure enforcement of proper and regular waste disposal. We equally urge all states of the federation to embrace and enforce the monthly environmental sanitation which should include bush cutting to prevent rat breeding. The exercise should be replicated weekly in markets and motor parks.

We also recommend that there should be a concerted effort to educate citizens on food storage. Individuals and families should be made to appreciate the danger of eating rodents [bush meat]. Food and other consumables contaminated with rat secretions should be promptly discarded. Similarly drying food at open spaces and road sides where there may be contact with rats should be discouraged, while food cooked in the kitchen should be covered at all times and kept in rat proof containers.

couldn’t hold himself, he let out his party’s innermost secret, the recesses of its heart. In his own confession, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States are two states so geopolitically critical they must be won by the APC. To put it blankly, for Oyegun, who will rule Akwa Ibom and Rivers will have to be determined and fixed in Abuja by party not electorate.

Now the following has to be clear. Chief Oyegun as current scarecrow of APC is only a mouthpiece, the mouth of a dark and mischievous heart. So who are this heart? They are a dark and darkening inner conclave of the opposition, the APC. So while there are no memos directing the judiciary to self-immolate themselves, the demand to do so is provocatively suggested as a self-evident demand. And by fact that they are bent on dictatorial powers anyway, the judiciary is warned or cowed. It dictates: This is what we want if you are to be in my good books.

So a critical part of what the second level of appellate courts must do is to stand the machinery of justice as an independent powerhouse of its own. It must restore faith not only to its self, but so self-evidently that the rule of justice will be a fortress and defense of the weak and the persecuted.

•Mr. Usem, a Minority Rights expert, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANAURY 14 14,, 2016 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

CJN and the burden of justice NEASY lies the head that available. wears the crown. Lately, U The final winner praises the the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Judiciary to the high heavens.

Justice Mahmud Mohammed, has cried out twice on the fate of the Nigerian Judiciary.

At first, he expressed deep concern that the Judiciary was fast becoming the whipping boy of society. And that’s how it has always been.

When it comes to elections, Nigerians are bad losers. Politics is unlike the game of football, which could sometimes result in a draw. In politics, there are only outright winners or losers; hence people talk of the joy of victory and the agony of defeat.

As soon as the election results are announced, the credit and the debit sides emerge – the winner rolls out the drums in rather wild celebrations while the loser begins to locate the areas of fault. He blames everybody, from the electoral umpires to the security agents.

To him, all have compromised.

He proceeds, in all haste, to the election petitions tribunal as well as every appeal process

It is time to remember that the Judiciary is the last hope of everyone. On the debit side, the loser goes wild. He heaves abuses and casts aspersions on the Judiciary. It is time to remember how very corrupt and inept the Judges are.

The politician never sees himself as defeated. Even those with obviously terrible cases still approach the Judiciary, if only as a way of assuring their leaders that they have not been bought over by the opposing party, and per adventure they could also stumble into Judges hawking judgment in the open market.

In any case, they quickly remind you of the Benin adage, “It is better to say this is where a man was killed than to say this was where he ran into the bush”.

On the credit side, though, two major entries came into our honours list in 2015 – former President Goodluck Jonathan

and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi. These lame ducks met electoral defeat and embraced it with equanimity.

Despite the overwhelming pressure on them to behave Nigerian, they chose the path of honour and civilisation. We salute their courage and leave the rest to history.

Again, the CJN is beaming the search light inwards. He is deeply worried that in the last few months, the Appeal Court Divisions have delivered conflicting judgments in some of the National Assembly and governorship election petitions brought before them, even in cases where the facts and principles of such petitions were identical.

The CJN insists that as guardians of the law, judges must not only be just, they must also convey certainty in their justness. Hear him, “The overriding objective of every legal system in the world is to do justice. However, this cannot be achieved where there is confusion as to the state of the law as pronounced by the courts…

We are constantly engaged in a class war in which the legislators and the judges are in the same category of princes

Such judicial contradictions only result in untold hardship to the litigants in their quest for justice.

They further cast the judges in unfavourable light and leave the judiciary at the mercy of innuendos, crass publications and editorials.”

We commend Justice Mohammed’s advice on the urgent need for the Court of Appeal to have an Internal Law Report for the use of Justices.

This is also congruent with the 2008 counsel of Justice Niki Tobi, Justice of the Supreme Court as he then was, that immediately judgment is delivered in one Division of the Appeal Court, it must be promptly sent to other Divisions.

This will enhance uniformity and consistency of judgments.

Eminent jurists the world-over are agreed that the duty of deciding cases in accordance with the precedents that plainly fit them is similar to what the painter does. It is a process of searching and comparing. The judge matches the colours of the case at hand against the colours of the many sample cases spread out on his table. The sample nearest the shade supplies the applicable rule.

It is when the colours do not match; when the references in the index fail; and when there is no decisive precedent to go by that the serious job of the Judge begins. That is when he must spend sleepless nights searching the Constitution and the Statute books; and reading between the lines to ascertain what the lawmakers had in mind when the laws were made.

Where are the laws on which anyone can prosecute a good war

Edo 2016: Clowns in search of crown

By Ikhide Erasmus

O

VER seven years, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole became the governor of Edo State.His dynamic personality, and his remarkable talents as an organiser and former union leader infused a new life and determination into the polity and the people's hope to dream anew.

It's left to Edo people to now tell whether Governor Oshiomhole has lost his illustrious name; become a shell of his admirable former self, dispirited by raw power or has become an intrepid tribune of social reengineering, change agent or out-and-out democrat! Whatever perceptions or views one holds of the comrade governor depends largely on the political divide one finds him/herself.

Today, Oshiomhole is one significant politician who has the same and equal popularity across the divides. Those who admire him and those who despise him do so with equal passion. The succession political battle by the two main political parties, the ruling APC and the opposition PDP will be prosecuted on Governor Oshiomhole's failures or successes in the last seven and half years in office.

However, Governor Oshiomhole, undeniably, has enviable development records going for him. Since he assumed office in 2008, he has tackled the dearth of functional infrastructural facilities and basic amenities that had turned the state into a living hell. He has repositioned completely a scruffy political system where graft had become a pastime, and a dejected populace in dire need of purposeful leadership. He has restored sanity to a decapitated public service staffed by a disgruntled workforce; and the stone-aged educational system that was turning out ill-equipped individuals without the required productive capacities to contribute to the development of the state.

The Comrade Governor has resuscitated the lethargic health sector that left the C M Y K

sick at the mercy of charlatans, the health vendors who profit from the ignorance of help seekers. He has managed to contribute his quota by buying hundreds of Hiluxvehicles and communication gadgets for the Nigeria police to stem the tide of the mind-bending state of insecurity spurred by widespread cultism across the state. More than anything else, since 2008, Oshiomhole has striven to correct all the systemic woes that had bedeviled the state from its creation.

But there is a snag on Governor Oshiomhole's political empire. "One man, one vote" (or "one person, one vote") is a name that has been used in many parts of the world where campaigns have arisen for universal suffrage. During the 20thcentury period of decolonisation and the struggles for national sovereignty, from the late 1940s onwards this phrase became widely used in less developed countries where majority populations were seeking to gain political power in proportion to their numbers.

The phrase was used in this form in an important legal ruling in the United States related to voting rights; applying the Equal Protection Clause of the US Constitution, the Supreme Court majority opinion in Reynolds v. Sims (1964) ruled that state legislatures needed to redistrict in order to have congressional districts with roughly equal represented populations.

In 2012, Governor Adams Oshiomhole exhaustively dramatised the phrase in his re-election bid to draw a link between democracy and freedom of choice. He

Ogiemwonyi may not possess all the qualities needed in Osadebe Avenue at this historical moment, but he certainly has some critical and crucial ones

made the point then that democracy is a set of ideas and principles about freedom of choice, which consists of a set of practices and procedures that have been molded through a long, often tortuous history.

The point he was trying to make was that democracy is the institutionalisation of freedom, which includes human rights; the right for the civil populace to freely elect their leaders in government and equality before the rules. He also meant to say that a candidate in an election has his/her own Everest to climb without undue favouritism and manipulation.

Now, a great deal of the electorate are in an irritable mood on the governor's moves to truncate the "One man one vote" mantra with his rumoured endorsement of Mr. Godwin Obaseki. The believe is that the less well-known Obaseki did not entertain governorship notion until Governor Oshiomhole drafted him into the race, thereby pushing his candidacy down of the APC party leadership and Edo people. On this, the govefnor has to clear his name.

At the last count, nearly 30 aspirants have indicated interest to succeed the Comrade Governor from both the APC and PDP, a handful of them mere notional contenders, while many are pretenders who are there to make up the number.

From the camp of the APC are the former Minister of Works, Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi; Governor Oshiomhole’s deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, ex-Governor Osarhemhen Osunbor, PDP governorship candidate in 2012, Maj. General Charles Arhiavbere (rtd), Comrade Peter Esele, the former PENGASSAN and TUC president, Mr. Odia Ofeimu, the former Principal Private Secretary to the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chairman of the Edo State Economic Team, Godwin Obaseki, Commissioner for Works, Osarodion Ogie; Architect Austin Emuan, Lagos Based Business man, Mr. Kenneth Imasuagbon and movie producer Don

against corruption? In the area of white-collar crimes, we see victimmade laws perfectly tailored to suit the victim. What we have are the wrongs of paupers and the rights of princes.

In the abstract, we are quick to admit that corruption is the most heinous of all crimes. But each time we catch the armed robber – who by the standard of our treasury looters is a petty thief – he is dumped in prison while his trial lasts. We are told that his offence is not bail-able and no one talks of innocence before the establishment of guilt.

On the other hand, on the few occasions when we summon enough courage to question the politician who has stolen us blind, we spend a major part of the tenure discussing his bail conditions, until he is finally set free.

We even have cases where the culprits ordered the courts to slap perpetual injunctions on us, never to question them on what they have stolen from us!

Justice Mohammed should also realise that the Judge, too, has a duty to represent his class in society. We are constantly engaged in a class war in which the legislators and the judges are in the same category of princes.

This born-again President has seen it all. His experience should be an eye-opener that what is needed to truly fight the war against corruption is a benevolent dictator. The fight cannot be prosecuted with kid gloves that hardly scratch beyond the surface, such as we are currently doing. When will the prison gates be thrown open to admit these culprits?

Pedro Obaseki, and a host of others.

On the side of the PDP are the immediate past Edo South Senator Ehigie Uzamere; former member of the state House of Assembly, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; Vice Chairman (South-South) of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and Solomon Iyobosa Edebiri. No doubt, governing Edo State is attractive given the number of aspirants, but the fact remains that majority of them are mere pretenders, who are likely to drop out of the race before their respective parties’ primaries.

The Benin Leaders of Thought, BLT, a few days ago warned against the reintroduction of political godfatherism in Edo state, which they said Governor Adams himself fought hard against in the past. What a turn of the tide!

The warning came on the heels of the alleged imposition of a governorship aspirant by Governor Oshiomhole, for the 2016 gubernatorial election in the state.

Some aspirants have kicked and expressed their displeasure over rumours that the governor has ordered his aides to ‘go and market’ the Chairman of the State Economic Team, Dr. Godwin Obaseki, popularly referred to as Dangote man, to the people of the state.

Mr. Godwin Obaseki's misadventure into the Benin historical facts was a miscarriage as much as political mishap.

Granted that it will be almost impossible to find an ideal governor for Edo State in 2016, someone who will combine the best attributes of Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi, Pastor Ize-Iyamu and Dr. Pius Odubu's passion for the job. The ideal leader, just like the ideal man or woman, is perfectly academic. In the end we will have to settle for a leader, who, like the rest of us, is not perfect, but who hopefully possesses some abilities to make a difference.

Ogiemwonyi may not possess all the qualities needed in Osadebe Avenue at this historical moment, but he certainly has some critical and crucial ones. *Mr. Erasmus, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Benin City, Edo State.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 21

SENSITIZATION: From left, Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo; SEC Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services, Zakwanu Garuba and SEC Senior Manager, Mr. Nura Gwadabe, during a sensitization and awareness on e-Dividend registration, in Abuja.

FOREX hardships cripple tricycle assembly plants

By Franklin Alli

D

IFFICULTY to accessing foreign exchange to bring in Completely Knocked Down (CKD)parts have started crippling tricycle and motorcycle assembling plants in the country with spillover effects on outsourcing companies that supply labour to the industry.

A reference point is Dag Motorcycles Industries Nigeria Limited, the assemblers of Bajaj tricycles and motorcycles.

Ademuyiwa Abe , the company’s Secretary/Legal Services, said the firm has been forced to cut down its 1,000 per day production capacity by 40 percent and terminated the services of Ashton Consulting Ltd, who supply

1.30

$115.65 $2,892.00

32.00

$14. 46

0. 41

$31. 73 0. 39 $31. 64 -0.18 CURRENCY US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BUYING

196 285.7288 213.6008 196. 6292 1.6647 0.3056 270.7026 29.8113 . 52. 1873 28.6307 271. 5776

SELLING 196.5 286. 4577 214.1457 197. 1308 1.6689 0.3156 271.3931 29.8878 52.3205 28.7037 272.2704

197 287. 1866 214.6906 197. 6324 1.6732 0.3256 272. 0837 29.9643 52.4536 28.7768 272.9632

CBN Exchange rate as at 13/01/2016 C M Y K

the labour, until the situation improves.

According to him, the forecast for the Nigerian economy for 2016 is not looking too good, hence, we were forced to cut back on some of our operations.

“In the last few months of last year, there was restriction on foreign exchange by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); so most of the time, there was no foreign exchange to bring in the CKD, not just the CKD, but other items required for assembling. Since there was no more foreign exchange, the situation became so bad that we had no choice but to terminate the services of our contractor who supplies the workers that do the assembling,” he said.

“We are appealing to the government

to consider manufacturers in the country, the exchange rate is gradually killing our business, we import at a certain rate and by the time we want

I will like to say this is a foreseeable problem likely to be encountered even if the foreign exchange is available for the manufacturing sector

to order for more materials we find that the value would have gone up to what we cannot afford thereby increasing the cost of production.

We are doing all we can to make sure that we actually remain in business.

We have submitted our list to the CBN to include us in the priority list but secondly, there is a fallout consequences that may come up because the exchange rate will not be the same with what it was,” he stated.

Fielding question on the impact of the forex on products price, he said: “Today it’s N285 to a dollar at the parallel market and if we factor other costs into it, you will find out the cost of the finished product will be out of the reach of the poor. When you think of buying a motorcycle with almost half a million, you will either think of buying a small car to use . With the current situation, the finish product will no longer be affordable and if it is unaffordable, the market segment is out of reach because there will be no demand and the purchasing power will definitely be affected. “ I will like to say this is a foreseeable problem likely to be encountered even if the foreign exchange is available for the manufacturing sector. This is a big problem” he said.

He explained that the production cuts affected Ashton Consulting Limited which supplies the workforce to the company.

“With this decision, there is bound to be reactions, because we are talking of 250 workers. The contractors understood the situation very well but the workers are the ones creating issues with fallout to the end users of the motorcycles. The workers have already gone to some media houses to express their grievances, so we felt we have to let the public know what really happened so that there will be no mismanagement of information.

If the situation improves and CBN lifts the ban on forex, we will call on them to recruit new or existing workforce,” he said.

Firm signs consulting agreement for 100,000 barrel capacity private refinery

By Godfrey Bivbere

A

Nigerian firm, Epic Refinery Group has signed a consulting agreement with a foreign firm, Chiron Refineries, for the completion of the construction of a 100,000 barrel refinery that is expected to provide employment for 100,000 Nigerians.

The agreement according to the Managing Director of Epic refinery, Barango Matthew Wenke Jnr, was necessitated following the granting of licenses for operations to the company by the Federal Government.

He said Epic Refinery Group is aware of the hardship and the needs of Nigerians and has taken a decision to commence operation of constructing a relocation refinery on its site in Bayelsa state.

He said his group has signed a consulting agreement with Mr Kuperberg and his company in order to find the best match for Epic’s location, saying the future is Brownfied, as opposed to Greenfield, to find a lasting solution to the energy problems in Nigeria.

The agreement for the construction of the refinery was sealed in Lagos by representatives of both companies led by the Wenke Jnr. and Managing Director of Chiron Refineries, Ron Kuperberg, an expert on relocation and asset management.

According to the President/CEO of Epic Refinery Group, Barango Mathew Wenke Jnr., the initiative is his company’s response to the growing demand for refined products in the country, in the midst of the sharp decline

in the price of crude oil in the international market.

He further noted that with the forecast that the price of crude oil, may further drop to below USD20, it is imperative for the country to commence refining of its crude.

It is also to meet the country ’s increasing demand and in view of the government encouragement to proceed with a relocation as opposed to a Greenfield.

Recall that the Federal Government and Epic Refinery and Petrochemical Industries recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a refinery with the capacity to create 100,000 new jobs.

Epic refinery boss had said that the firm would inject 7.5 million dollars into the project.

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

If you're the boss, should they be bracing for a serious conversation?

Or is it no big deal? Spare people the speculation and explain what you'd like to talk about

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Phrases to eliminate from your work vocabulary WE all have certain fall-back phrases we use at work. But some of them can be seriously annoying to co-workers and alarming to managers. Here are eight phrases you might use at work without much thought -- but are worth .removing from your office vocabulary 1. "Are you busy?"

This one is likely to make your conscientious co-workers cringe. Few people want to say, "Nope, just browsing some celebrity gossip." And someone who is busy may still be available for an interruption, depending on what you need.

They might be perfectly willing to make time for something urgent or important but not want to be interrupted to discuss the upcoming employee pot-luck. Instead say, "Do you have a few minutes to talk to me about X?" 2. "Can you please come by my office?"

Like phrase No. 1, this is frustrating because recipients have no idea what you want. Is it important enough to prioritize above other pressing responsibilities? Or can they defer until later in the day if they're busy? Do they need to bring something to take notes with? Are they going to be put on the spot about a project when they would prefer to have a chance to review notes before meeting? If you're the boss, should they be bracing for a serious conversation? Or is it no big deal? Spare people the speculation and explain what you'd like to talk about.

3. "I'll try."

You might think this is a reasonable response to an assignment or request if you're not positive that you can do what's being asked or meet a deadline. But it will leave your manager unsure of whether or not you're actually committing to get it done.

Figuring out how to prioritize Of course, you don't want to commit to something that you're too overworked to complete, but in that case, explain what you're thinking.

Rather than leaving it at "I'll try," it's better to say something like, "I think X might get in the way of that deadline. But if it starts looking like that will be the case, I'll come back to you well in advance to figure out how to prioritize."

4. "That's so fattening!"

Your co-workers don't want to hear you pass judgment on what they're eating. You're not the diet police, and you should avoid any temptation to comment on the calories in co-workers' meals, the number of snacks they've had that day or the unhealthiness of what they eat.

5. "It's not my fault."

It's not that you should take blame when you're not at fault. But a more constructive formulation that doesn't focus on who is -- or isn't -- to blame will reflect better on you. For example, say, "I think what happened was X. And to avoid it, we'd need the marketing department to do Y earlier in the future. I'll talk to Sarah about getting that on our client checklist." However, on the other end of the blame equation ...

6. "Sorry."

There are indeed times when you should apologize at work, such as if you've inadvertently offended someone or created additional work for a colleague. But some people tend to over-apologize, offering up regrets for everything from needing to ask a question to a project flaw that wasn't anyone's fault.

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BUSINESS

ACHIEVERS CLINIC : Personal visioning (1)

By Kelechi Anyalechi

O

NE of the most important things to do to create a life of endless success and possibilities is to have a personal vision! A vision is a mental picture of a desirable future.

Based on our definition, there are many people who have a mental picture of a desirable future.

The question lies in knowing its source. For you to succeed and always be at your best, you must have a personal vision. This means that it is the kind of vision you catch on a personal basis. You do not copy another one’s vision and run with it. Having a personal vision does the following:

1. DEFINES why you are who you are and why you do what you do. The truth is that your life today is a reflection of your mental picture exercised consciously or otherwise.

Having a personal vision reveals clearly the reason for your existence, the choices you make and the action steps you take. It is the vision that can keep a man awake till 3a.m., when he should be asleep. It is the same personal vision that can cause

a man who lived in the suburbs or rural areas to end up having regular meetings and deliberation with key government officials.

2.DEFINES who you are and what you stand for (your values and beliefs).

Values are deeply held beliefs that define what is right. They are also a reflection of one's disposition as to what is important in life. They provide guidelines for every choice you make and the corresponding action steps.

Your core values are central in defining who you are, what you do

From left: Pampers Paediatrician, Dr. Akionla Ronke;Pampers #momsknowbest Advocate, Tiwa Savage; Brands Marketing Director, Procter and Gamble Nigeria, Ehis Enekabor and Pampers Brand Manager, Ovais Yousuf, during the unveiling of the Pampers’ new campaign #momsknowbest.

How to start a beauty salon D ID you enjoy getting your hair done or watching older siblings do their hair when you were kids? Perhaps you took pleasure in making up your friends for parties and other special events? Most importantly, have you always dreamed of opening your very own beauty salon?

In the following illustration coupled with dedication and passion, you can very well be on your way towards opening a salon.

1. Figure out how much money you need. Starting a business can cost a lot of money, and most entrepreneurs don't turn a profit for the first year or two. Here's what to consider: Can you still support yourself while your business gets up and running? Calculate how much money you need for monthly expenses, how much of a cushion you have in savings, and how much you absolutely must make each month to stay afloat.

Come up with an operating budget. Calculate how much money you'll need to run your business every month. Include rent, licensing, training, payroll, supplies and

an emergency fund.

Figure out how much you'll charge for services. Once you have an operating budget, you'll know how much money you need to break even each month. To make a profit, though, you'll need to do more than break even. Estimate how many services (such as hair cuts, colors, manicures, etc.) you might perform in a week and figure out how much they need to cost in order for you to make money.

Comparable salons Keep in mind that though you need to charge enough to be profitable, you can't charge too much — or you'll drive away customers. Try to set a price point that is both fair for your clients and prosperous for you.

Get an idea of what other salons charge.

Browse comparable salons in your area, and take note of what they charge. Your prices should probably be in a similar range.

Do you need a small business loan? Make an appointment with a loan officer at a local

bank, and ask him or her to talk you through the process of getting a small business plan. Before you go, write up a quick summary of how you expect your salon to be profitable — whether it's because you offer a unique service or because there aren't enough salons in your area. Figure out how you'll pay taxes.

Paying taxes as a small business is different than doing so as an individual, so be sure to figure out what you need in advance. To save yourself time and trouble, consider enlisting the help of a CPA while you set up your business.

2. Choose the right location. Location is critical to the success of your business.

Consider these factors: Get into a high-traffic area. Busy streets, malls or spaces next to locations people visit often (such as grocery stores) are ideal. Try to have easy access. If parking is a hassle and traffic is thick on the way to your salon, people might not consider it worth the effort.

Stay away from the competition. Don't situate yourself directly next to another salon — you'll cancel each other out. Instead, try to stake out a place where you'll be the only salon for a few blocks.

3. Hire qualified and trained

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 23

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& YOU and the direction you are headed.

It is these core values that determine your beliefs, what you stand for and what is really important to you as an individual.

All of these are grounded based on your personal vision. 3.

3.REVEALS what you really want out of life. There are two questions that are always difficult for people to answer. One of such questions is, “what do you really want out of life?”

I have seen people go blank for long minutes and hours, without being able to answer this question.

Another way to tweak the question

The truth is that your life today is a reflection of your mental picture exercised consciously or otherwise. Having a personal vision reveals clearly the reason for your existence, the choices you make and the action steps you take

4.DIRECTS you in creating and designing your entire life and goals around your personal values. It is one thing to have values and it is another to live them out. In pursuing your vision, you will know how. It acts like a guide.

5.BIRTHS your dreams and DRIVES you towards the accomplishment of your goals. Your personal vision is the foundation on which your dreams and goals are birthed. This means that in accomplishing your set goals, you are actually living out your vision.

6.ENGAGES and ENERGIZES you on your path to greatness. When I see people who live care-free lives, I just know that they have no vision. It is not possible to meet someone who has a vision and is in an idle state. Visions are drivers. They engage you in several ways (your thoughts, words and actions). When you face challenges, you do not cower because you can see the future.

7.FOCUS on your priorities. Most of us are very busy people and we operate in very busy environments. We are pushed around by many competing forces, demands, wants and desires.

Many things call for our attention at almost the same time. Creating a personal vision helps you to stabilize and be well-grounded. It brings clarity, focus and most importantly, an alignment. This means that your time, efforts and energies are synchronized towards what you really want. You are able to major on your priorities and not run helter-skelter or live based on trial and error.

is, “what do you really want to do with your life? When I see someone who struggles with this question, I see someone who does not have a personal vision. This can be argued, but it is the hard truth. Your vision spells out in clear terms, what you want in life. 4.

8.INFUSES Courage in you. People who have personal visions are always very courageous. They are strong-willed and determined to make progress. They explore new dimensions and not afraid to break new frontiers. The only worse thing than being blind is having a sight without vision – Henry Keller.

personnel. The cosmetic procedures performed by untrained personnel may cause health problems to the clients. It is important that you hire only qualified and well-trained beauticians, stylists, and other personnel.

Remember, it is your responsibility as the salon owner to ensure that your personnel are adequately trained and understand each procedure offered.

Experience may give a beautician the expertise to render treatment, but, without proper training, she would be unaware of the merits and demerits of procedures.

Have a short but clear salon procedures manual in place as soon as you can, and give each employee a contract when they start. These documents are usually easy to find on the internet and you can then customize them to your business. It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run if you are set up properly at the beginning.

4. Create a clean and safe atmosphere. Salons thrive on an environment that is clean, safe and relaxing, where customers can receive prompt and professional service.

Cleanliness is a particularly important element that can draw clients in again and again. Be sure your towels, foot baths, and other equipments are washed, clean and odor-free.

Keep your tools sharp and current. Your clients must be able to trust that the products and tools that you use on them are of topnotch quality and safe. You cannot afford to put your clients at risk from infections, as it could damage your reputation.

Make the atmosphere relaxing. Play soft music, use gentle lighting and keep loud chatter between your employees at a minimum.

5. Offer a wide range of services . This could give you a distinct advantage over those who offer only one or two types of services.

Many clients prefer to have their hair, nails and face done in one place, instead of going to three different places.While you can specialize in one main area (e.g. hair), giving your clients the convenience of a one-stop beauty shop can set your business apart from your competitors.

6. Keep your clients satisfied. It is important that your business create and maintain the desirable reputation as a quality hair and salon operation, so that your clients keep returning for maintenance.

For a CEO to achieve the organisation’s vision, everyone in the organisation must begin to see the “big picture

,

Whose role is it to run your organization's vision?

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”…Dietrich Bonhoeffer

I

T

is a big risk when the leaders are the only people that understand the vision of an organisation.

There is yet a bigger risk when they chose to run with the vision alone.

Developing the vision is the first step; the second and most important step is running with the vision. Two pertinent questions to ask are: who owns the vision of an organisation, and who runs with the vision?

The CEO (with the board or senior management) is expected to develop the vision of any organisation. The vision helps them to know where they are going to, and what their end state results will look like. That does not mean that the CEO or senior management owns the vision.

As soon as any vision is being developed, it ceases to be the CEO’s “property”.

Everyone in the organisation now owns the vision.

Core strategies

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE might not work with their minds and hearts the way they ought to.

Points to ponder:

For a CEO to achieve the organisation’s vision, everyone in the organisation must begin to see the “big picture”. Mildly speaking, some employees do not know what their vision statement is. They also do not know what their core values are, so what guides them and what have they been doing?

Leaders are Leaders and Managers must avoid “DAD” to lead and syndrome when running navigate the affairs of the entire o rganisation.(“DAD” change in a stands for:

Running with the vision is akin to implementing core strategies that will help organisations achieve their end state. The CEO’s job is not to way that will implement the core strategies, his primary Deciding – Announcing yield roles are planning and – Defending). sustainable change. Employees implement the change, But rather must enforce results in order words they run “Parallel Involvement with the vision.

Process”- where the views of emI am disturbed. Why is it that in most ployees are valued. Being a leader organisations, only the senior does not confer us the right to use management sees the organisational “big veto powers on subordinates. Repicture”? These people constitute about member people support what they 20-30 percent in population. What help create. happens to the other 70 percent who are middle officers? These groups of people Final Note: in one way or the other are expected to It is not enough to have a vision. run with the vision. Can you see why I We need to have processes and am disturbed? Why is it easier for senior structures in place that will help management to see the big picture? The us achieve the vision. Remember answer is because they have been taken structures influences to a “helicopter ride” and from 5000 feet behavior.

T above the ground level they were able to he roles of leaders are to lead and see the big picture. navigate change in a way that will The CEO must ensure that everyone in yield sustainable results. the organisation sees and knows where These results are achieved the organisation is going to – this is a collectively. Senior management and critical task. the collective workforce should not Whenever I am teaching Strategic focus on their personal goals but Thinking to organisations, I always rather on the goals of the include a slide titled “Danger”. Why organisation. It is much easier to danger? Yes, there is a big danger when achieve one’s personal goal(s) after the CEO or Senior Management thinks helping the organisation’ achieve its that his/her idea is best and only idea. goal first.

Nobody has the monopoly of best ideas.

Call or email us for your views or When the ideas of some group of people perspectives. (younger officers) are disregarded and Email: uju@hainescentre.com slighted, it negates the true fact that Mobile: 09091142093 “people support what they help create”.

When this happens, the people involve

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—25

AWARDS: From left, Director, Counselling Centre, Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, Adisa Salman; Vice President, Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Ibrahim Dikko; Dean, Student Affairs, ABU, Prof. Mohammed Sani; HOD, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, ABU, Prof. Mohammed Bashir; and Deputy Director, Colleges of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Ezekiel Funsho, at the 2015 Etisalat Awards, in Abuja.

Rethinking primary, secondary education in Nigeria

By Amaka Abayomi , Tare Youdeowei & Elizabeth Uwandu

F

OR several decades now, the Nigerian education sector has witnessed a steady decline, and stakeholders fear that the trend will continue if nothing is done to arrest the situation. Speaking at the end of year dinner of Urhobo College Old Students Association in Lagos, a Professor of Law, Joseph Abugu from the University of Lagos, listed the challenges facing primary and secondary education in Nigeria and proffered some solutions.

Describing education as a great instrument for social, political and economic development of a nation, Abugu said it liberates a man and equips him to take a place of pride in national development.

“Thus the strength, security and well being of Nigeria rests squarely on the quality of education provided for the citizens. It will continue to be a great asset to many as well as a steady source of manpower supply for the state and national economy”, he added.

Going down memory lane, the Professor of Law said “gone are the days when a clear dichotomy existed between secondary/grammar schools and technical schools; when the teacher was a prized and respected personality; C M Y K

when education inspectors visited schools and corrected ills and lapses; when vocational training in technical colleges complemented the grammar schools; when the students to teacher ratio was in the right proportion; when public schools were the centres of excellence for the breeding of a qualitative future generation.”

Primary Education “Government’s interest in education in the 1970s brought about changes in the educational system at the primary level, such as uniformity in the duration of studies. The National Seminar in 1973 led to the formulation of National Policy on Education in 1977, revised in 1981, also led to steady development at primary level in particular.

“Government’s effort to make education accessible to all school-age children, introduced universal primary education, UPE, in 1976 which attracted many children to primary schools that resulted in explosive enrolment in primary schools.

“The problems of the primary education sector over the years are cyclical, ever the same: dearth of infrastructures; funding; inadequate

curriculum and management of personnel amidst a growing school age population.

"These inadequacies dwarf the efforts of successive governments in addressing the problems of the sector,

Gone are the days when the teacher was a prized and respected personality; when education inspectors visited schools and corrected ills and lapses TETFund'll concentrate on academic, infrastructural devt —Scribe —Page 26

hence the apparent decline in the quality of primary education since in the 1970s.

“The introduction of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) aimed at making education accessible and making all citizens literate by the year 2010 is still a mirage. It is my humble view that the rationale and tenets of the UPE policy are still valid and the need dire.

Secondary Education “Early secondary schools were residential in nature patterned after the English grammar school system with emphasis on classical subjects which were requirements of both matriculation examinations and admission into training for professions.

"The demand for secondary education was born out of necessity for increased human resource manpower as out of 5,500 posts that existed in the country in the early 1900s, the estimated output of the secondary schools was between 200 and 300.

“The expansion of secondary educaContinues on page 26

Make education first line charge, Bogoro tells state govts —Page 27

26—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Expert seeks introduction of good governance in curriculum

By Amaka Abayomi

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AWARD: Dr Augustine Egbegbadia (left) recieving his award from Lead Times Africa Prize for Quality Service Delivery in Leadership from a board member, Dr. Eunice Eradiri.

Rethinking primary and secondary education in Nigeria Continues from page 25

tion from the 1960s was influenced by a number of factors, among them were the expansion in primary education; government's acceptance of Ashby recommendation for increased numbers in secondary schools; the revision of the curricula; adoption of Addis Ababa Plan which projected an annual intake of 45,000 secondary school students; acceptance of Dike and Banjo Commissions' recommendations; and, the public criticisms of secondary grammar schools programme.

"Consequently, there was a great increase in the number of secondary schools and their intake between 1960 and 1963.

There was a rapid development of secondary education in the country with the 6-3-3-4 system of education and the taking over of schools by the Federal Government.

Calibre of teachers "Secondary school enrolment rose to about 2.9 million in 1990 and 4.48 million in 1994. The secondary school level operates within the guidelines provided by the National Policy on Education (1981). This stipulates the objectives of secondary education, the calibre of teachers to teach in them and their qualifications, as well as the curriculum, content and methodology to be employed.

"With the introduction of 6-33-4 system of education, secondary school students ceased to take West African School Certificate Examination. Instead, they take Senior Secondary School Certificate examina-

tion. With effect from the year 2000, students in secondary schools had the option of taking senior school certificate examinations organised by the National Examination Council (NECO.)."

Problems of secondary education Mr. Abugu further added; "The problems of secondary education lies mostly with its management by the National Secondary School Board through the various State School Management Boards.

This structure is inadequate as the Boards are under the superintendence and funding of state governments. So whilst state governments strive to meet the demand by creating more schools and sometimes sub- dividing existing ones, little attention is paid to equipping and funding them.

"This structure appears also to have sounded the death knell of technical education and technical schools in Nigeria."

Recommendations: "The pitiable state of primary and secondary education in Nigeria is classically demonstrated by the dilapidated state of affairs in most of the public schools. The solution I proffer can be summed in urging government to give primary and secondary education great priority and upheaval revival and revalidation of structures and content in our schools.

"I also recommend a periodic accreditation and certification system similar to what obtains in post - secondary institutions.

The present structure is defective, as it sets a framework without providing the standards which must be met by state governments in infrastructural provisions, funding and management."

Phillips unveils online learning bundle for certification

By Elizabeth Uwandu

P

HILLIPS Consulting has introduced a learning device called Phillips Learning Bundle (PLB) aimed at empowering individual skills through a hassle free learning experience to improve their knowledge and competence.

Speaking at the unveiling of the bundle at Marina , Lagos, Phillips Consulting Chairman, Mr. Foluso Phillips said; “To solve the problem we have in education and skills, Nigerians need to pay attention learning and teaching.

"To revamp the ailing education system, the youths should concentrate and develop their learning skills such that they can learn anywhere and any time.

"It was against this backdrop that we developed PLB to enhance flexibility of acquiring skills, be it in academics or professional levels."

Phillips listed some of the benefits of the bundle to include it's provision of a wide range of e-learning courses customised specifically to the needs of learners and in a manner that ensures effective learning on varied devices.

HE Editor-in-Chief, Lead Times Africa magazine, Dr. Samuel Ogar, has called for the introduction of Good Governance as a course in the university system.

Speaking at the 2015 edition of the award presentation ceremony of the Joint University Standard Evaluation Council, World Association of Academic Evaluators and Assessors (WAAEA) in collaboration with State University of New York, Albany, USA, held at the University of Lagos, Ogar said there is the need for the National Universities Commission to restructure the varsity system curriculum so as to realign the thinking of undergraduates.

He said; “I suggest the restructuring of the varsity system by introducing good governance in the curriculum as a course so that virtues like corruption, transparency and accountability will be taught.

This will disabuse the thinking of undergraduates who are willing to do anything to make quick money upon graduating.”

Speaking on the essence of

the yearly summit and award ceremony, Ogar said it is to encourage Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their respective areas of endeavour and have contributed to national development.

“We have eight awardees who will bag the honourary award in various categories and Lead Times has its award to be awarded by the association. We expect more from the awardees in terms of alleviating the poverty level,”he said.

Responding, one of the awardees and a former President, Delta Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Augustine Egbegbadia,said the award was a dream come true and a fulfillment of a purpose for him.

Egbegbadia, who was awarded honourary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD.Science), said, “as a former president, if you were good in office, the highest honour one can get in the chamber movement is to become an honourarty life president. This award is a thing of joy because we don’t appreciate hard work in this country."

TETFund'll concentrate on academic, infrastructural devt —Scribe

By Dayo Adesulu

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HE Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, Professor Suleiman Bogoro, has stated that the fund will concentrate on both infrastructural and programme developments to place Nigerian tertiary institutions on the same pedestal with other institutions globally.

Speaking at the 6th joint TETFund/FIRS interactive forum in Lagos, Bogoro said: "In line with this new mandate, TETFund is concerned not only with infrastructural development but with massive programmes, development, recognizing that infrastructural development alone would not place our public tertiary institutions on the same pedestal with others globally."

According to him, TETFund has strategically intervened in key areas of academic needs in tertiary institutions, some of which are, physical infrastructure, academic staff training and development (M.Sc, Ph.D and conference attendance), national research, institution based research, book development (manuscripts development), journal publications, laboratory and library development.

He noted that this refocused mandate has improved the international ranking of public

tertiary institutions.

Bogoro said the interventions had continued to have great impact in tertiary institutions and beyond, and these achievements would not have been possible without the cooperation and innovation of FIRS which has actively ensured that all taxable entities in Nigeria pay their taxes as at when due.

"This has tremendously resulted in increased funds made available to TETFund to adequately carry out its statutory responsibilities," he said.

Meanwhile, the scribe said part of the objectives of the forum was to ensure sustainable level of interaction between officials of TETFund and FIRS for enhancement of Education Trust Fund, ET, collection.

It also addressed issues emanating from usage of the new templates for ET returns rendition, just as it creates a synergy between the newly established TETFund zonal offices withFIRS field offices.

On her part, Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Binta Masi Garba, assured that the committee will ensure that tax payers will see value for their money. She added that she will also ensure that the ranking of tertiary institutions improves and attracts scholars and students globally.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—27

Make education first line charge, Bogoro tells state govts

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WORKSHOP: Abigail Adeyanju, Lead Trainer, Fink Africa (left), and students of Pinefield Schools, Lekki, at a tolerance workshop, in Lagos.

Etisalat blazing the trail in academic excellence

By Amaka Abayomi

W

ORRIED by the declining state of tertiary education and the United States Department’s report that Nigeria is the largest source of students from sub-Saharan Africa to the US with over 6,560 Nigerian students studying in over 733 regionally-accredited US colleges and universities in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, telecommunication operator, Etisalat Nigeria, lent its weight to attempts to improve the quality of education in the country.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, Etisalat, in 2011, partnered with the British Council to launch a teacher training programme aimed at strengthening the skills of Nigerian teachers.

It equally rolled out a career counselling initiative to appropriately guide secondary school students towards making sound, positive and fulfilling career decisions, and partnered with Lagos State government to bring about sustainable change and development to public primary and secondary schools in the state by adopting three schools in the state for life, namely, Akande Dahunsi Memorial High School, Ikoyi; Edward Blyden Primary School, Lagos Island; and Rabiatu Thompson Primary School, Surulere.

It established the Etisalat Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n s Engineering Postgraduate Programme that offers a one-year master ’s course in telecommunications engineering.

Located in Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, it is set up in collaboration with Plymouth University UK, the

Etisalat Academy, UAE; and Huawei Technologies.

In 2009, the telecom service provider set up a scholarship programme for undergraduate students of Nigerian universities known as the Etisalat Merit

Awards which has seen over 1,400 undergraduate students of Electrical Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Business Management awarded N100,000 scholarship. Criteria for selection for this award are academic excellence and indigenous relationship to the location of each of the recipient tertiary institutions.

Fink Africa seeks tolerance among students

F

INK Africa Limited, a member of the EQ Global Network, has urged students to imbibe the habit of tolerance whether at school or home so as to curb cruelty and carnage in the society.

In socio-emotional workshops held on Tolerance at Pinefield Schools in Lekki and various schools in Lagos, the Lead Trainer, Fink Africa, Mrs. Abigail Adeyanju, said compassion seems far away in the world.

In an hour long interactive session, Adeyanju urged students to develop emotions that will enhance tolerance.

She said: “Students should

always think of the potential effects of intolerance in their immediate community, society and the world in general before they act.”

During the workshop, the students took part in activities that involved visualising the future they wanted to see and steps to take to achieve their goal as the next leading generation.

On her part, Adeyanju highlighted that injustice, violence, discrimination and marginalisation are common forms of intolerance in the society.

“Education for tolerance should aim at countering influences that lead to fear and hatred for others, and should help the youth develop capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning,” she added.

She said that Fink Africa believes that non-cognitive skills development such as perseverance, emotional intelligence, communication, leadership etc, are essential in the fundamental education of children and young adults.

All Nigerian varsities classical music contest begins, May

By Chris Onuoha

T

HE annual all Nigerian Universities Classical Music contest tagged “Campus Classical,” the first ever campus classical music contest in Africa begins in May 2016.

This maiden edition of the epic classical music contest, featuring students from various Nigerian varsities coming together in one single performance, will showcase musical talents in both theory and practical.

The project coordinator, Classical Showcase Nigeria Limited, organisers of the event, Sylvester Obriko, disclosed that the event is borne out of vision to make classical music a veritable alternative to

entertainment content in Africa.

He noted that music has been found to play a vital role in the education and general development of individuals, while enhancing the socio-economic and cultural development of a society.

Obriko said; “practitioners and listeners of classical and academic music perform better in all spheres of human endeavour; which will be a definite plus for promoting classical music within the Nigerian music industry.

“The competition will expose student participants in Nigeria to practical classical music beyond their immediate learning environment while giving them the opportunity to interface with their counterparts from other institutions.”

HE Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Professor Suleiman Elias Bogoro, has urged state governments to prioritise education and make it a first line charge in budgeting.

Speaking while delivering the 10th anniversary lecture of the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), in Ijagun, Prof Bogoro lamented the funding inadequacies confronting education at all levels, especially at the senior secondary school level.

He said; “In the circumstance of reality that education must be lifted to the priority ranking that it deserves, there is need for state governments to get their State Assemblies to make laws that compel education budgets to be in the first line charge, but more importantly, that it is monitored patriotically by persons of impeccable integrity.”

The erudite scholar made a strident case for the improvement of primary and secondary school education in Nigeria, drawing from the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 2004 National policy on Education, he affirmed that: “primary and secondary education are a vital aspect of the education sector, with implications for a country’s effort to improve the quality of life of its people. Primary and secondary education holds a key to development, which is why society insists that these levels of education must be job-oriented, providing school leavers who are functionally ready for work, as well as preparing students for higher learning.”

According to Bogoro, "without primary and secondary education, Nigeria cannot have the critical higher level skills and knowledge needed for economic growth, including further learning and training of professionals. In addition, primary and secondary education also plays a crucial role in socializing young people to become responsible members of the Nigerian society."

Lagos restates commitment to acessible education

By Tare Youdeowei

T

HE Lagos State government has reiterated the commitment of the Ambode administration to increase access to education and provide infrastructure for public schools across the state.

This was disclosed by the Director-General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, at the grand opening of Bridge International Academy in Igando.

Co-founded by Jay Kimmelman and Ms Shannon May, The Bridge International Academies is a group of schools established with the aim of giving children living in rural areas world-class education. It aims to enroll indigent children to enjoy quality education at a subsidised cost of N6,500 for nursery/ kindergarten and N8,000 for primary education.

Represented by the Director, Planning and School Registration, Office of Education Quality Assurance, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluremi Olatunde, Soyombo said “The state government is responsible and responsive and identifies with organizations that share the state’s vision of access to quality education by all children in the state.”

She commended the Bridge International Academies for the exemplary work they have been doing by bringing education to the reach of millions of children all over the world, adding that it is always heart warming to see organizations that are deeply committed to the advancement of education not only in Lagos State but Nigeria as a whole.

28—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

By Awa Kalu

I

WAS taken aback when in the course of a discussion with a colleague concerning the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, I was reminded that January 15th this year, will mark the golden jubilee anniversary (50 years!) of the first coup d’etat in Nigeria which took place on January 15th, 1966. It cannot be denied that that event completely altered the legal and political calculus as well as social and cultural relations in this country.

The attempt in this piece will be to examine the build up to what nearly became a coup making culture, not only in Nigeria but in many other parts of Africa.

As it were, this will be an excursion into the causes and consequences of coup making in Nigeria-at least from a lawyer’s point of view.

In a book written and published as far back as1973 (Constitutionalism in the Emergent States).

Professor B.O.Nwabueze, SAN acknowledged that ‘organized violence is endemic in the society of the emergent states, but of the various types of violence mentioned… the coup d’ etat is the most widely prevalent’.

Predecessors in coup making He also noted that “it is a phenomenon of the independence era”. Ironically, although twenty-one other African countries had witnessed coups d’etat by the time Nwabueze’s book was published in 1973, Nigeria had celebrated only two, and suddenly, later overtook its predecessors in coup making-in terms of the number of coups hatched- at least by the last count (the last coup was the Abacha coup in 1993).

The point to note is that this country witnessed its first coup on January 15, 1966. In the same year, there was a counter coup and several others were to follow particularly in 1975, 1976, 1983, 1985 and 1993 etc.

At this juncture, it may also be noted that it is not usually the business of lawyers to indulge in or dwell on recounting the history or causes of coups but no lawyer can escape an analysis of the consequences of such events.

In that context, relying on Professor Nwabueze’s profound knowledge of this area of law (and of politics), it is safe to suggest that “coupsd’etat are an incident of the political situation in these states”.

50 years after Jan 1966: Justice, order, rule of law The learned professor holds the view that “corruption, waste, concentration of wealth in a few hands, increasing unemployment, general maladministration especially of the economy, electoral malpractices and other types of political perversion of the constitutional system, tribalismthese are the main factors compounded in this situation.

They breed disillusionment and discontent against the rule of the politicians.

This discontent is widespread in the society, and is shared alike by the civilian population and the military ”. Furthermore, the learned professor illuminates the cause of coups by contending that “ yet discontent with the discreditable performance of the ruling politicians provides only a superficial explanation of the recurrent phenomenon of coups in the emergent states.

When the deeper motivations are probed, most of the coups would be found to be the product of the ambition for political power among the different elements in the society. Coup-makers usually come from the class of the young elite, both civilian and military.

These have their own ambitions for power, independently of the failure of the ruling politicians. It is a characteristic of the elite in emergent states that they consider

Otti’s Court of Appeal victory, a landmark Pg 30 C M Y K

themselves as a privileged group, with a right to rule.

There is some kind of a distinctly elitist outlook towards the right to rule. Army officers qualify by their training and standing in the society as an elite, and so share in this outlook.

They believe that they have as much right as the ruling politicians to determine the political destiny of the country, and that, when politicians begin to mess up matters, they owe it to themselves and to the country to intervene to put up matters right again”.

In addition, he argues that “their elitist outlook tends to outweigh the tradition of noninterference in politics which the ethics of their profession are supposed to impose upon them.

They are inclined to subordinate tradition to what they consider as their obligation as an elite to the society.

When the deeper motivations are probed, most of the coups would be found to be the product of the ambition for political power among the different elements in the society

The clash between tradition and the promptings of their elitist outlook may sometimes create in them a genuine conflict of conscience, but the impulse to intervene and right matters usually prevails.

The tradition of non-interference in politics is maintained only so long as the command of the army remains in the hands of the expatriate officers, as is the case for some years after independence.

The presence in the top command positions of expatriate officers acts as a deterrent to the elitist impulses of the indigenous officers.

Conflict of conscience It operates to stay their hands, but only temporarily. For with the eventual departure of expatriate commanders under the pressure of the policy of africanisation of the public services, this inhibition is removed, and the indigenous officers’ elitist belief in their right to determine the political destiny of the country asserts itself”.

A close examination of the events of January 15th, 1966 will show the profundity of professor Nwabueze’s well articulated argument.

For example, it is very well documented that the five Majors who piloted the making of the first coup in 1966 were young, brilliant and ideologues of some sort. A glance at the radio broadcast by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu announcing Nigeria’s first military coup on

Radio Nigeria will underpin this point.

In that broadcast, the young Major explained that “the aim of the Revolutionary Council is to establish a strong, united and prosperous nation free from corruption and internal strife”.

He claimed in that broadcast that “our enemies are the political profiteers, the swindlers, the men in high and low places that seek bribes and demand 10 percent; those that seek to keep the country divided permanently so that they can remain in office as ministers or VIP’s at least, the tribalists, the nepotists, those that make the country look big for nothing before international circles, those that have corrupted our society and put the Nigerian political calendar back by their words and deeds”.

His speech ended in a flourish and in a prophetic manner he allowed that “like good soldiers we are not promising anything miraculous or spectacular but what we do promise every law abiding citizen is freedom from fear and all forms of oppression, freedom from general inefficiency and freedom to live and strive in every field of human endeavor, both nationally and internationally. We promise that you will no more be ashamed to say that you are a Nigerian”.

Had Major Nzeogwu lived a little longer, he would have come to terms with the reverberations that have lingered long after his epoch making speech.

In July, 1966, a counter coup was staged which claimed the Continues on page 29

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—29

50 yrs after Jan 1966: Justice, order, rule of law Continues from page 28 lives of several military officers and civilians (just like the original coup of January 15th). Major General J. T. U. Aguyi-Ironsi who was military Head of State as well as his host Colonel AdekunleFajuyi died in the counter coup which spiraled into a pogrom. From major historical accounts, the pogrom led to the declaration of the ill fated Republic of Biafra. In sum, a civil war broke out ostensibly aimed at quelling the rebellion.

The civil war ended in 1970 with the Federal Government of Nigeria promising a policy of Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation.

It is left to social scientists to determine whether those policies were ever carried to fruition. What cannot be denied is that the issues that led to the January 15th uprising as well as its counterpart of July 1966 did not go away for which reason we experienced the upheavals arising from several other coups.

Internal

contradictions

In that connection, Nigeria lost one of its finest military officersi.e Major General Murtala Mohammed in a military coup in 1976 leading to the ascendancy on to power of another military officer – OlusegunObasanjo GCFR, who continued from where General Murtala Mohammed stopped in the process of returning the country to civilian democratic governance.

It is instructive to note that General Obasanjo erected a civilian administration on the platform of the defunct constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1979.

Internal contradictions, as would soon become obvious, have led to the promulgation of one constitution or the other from 1914 to 1999.

Perhaps, it may be instructive to provide a bird’s eye view of Nigeria’s constitutional history from 1960 when the country gained political independence from Great Britain.

At independence, the Union Jack (the Colonial Flag) was lowered and the Nigerian Flag hoisted in its place because there

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com C M Y K

was an Independence Constitution which spelt out the charter of government.

The Independence Constitution was supplanted by the Republican Constitution of 1963 by which we jettisoned monarchy in favour of republicanism.

A few years thereafter, the Republican Constitution was overthrown and in its place, we had rule by Decrees and Edicts.

After a series of coups and counter coups, a new dawn was heralded by the introduction of the 1979 Constitution.

The major factor of thatconstitution was the rejection of parliamentary democracy in favour of the presidential system.

By late 1983, we had become fed up with that constitution and same was replaced by a new military junta. Again, many more Decrees and Edicts came to the fore. The Buhari/Idiagbon duovirate after a short while gave way to the Babangidaadministration which after several years also gave way to the Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan.

As is very well known, the ING was also shoved aside by military action by the regime of General SaniAbacha. Following the sudden death of General Abacha, another General, AbdulsalamiAbubakar took over the reins of government and eventually promulgated the constitution of 1999. Needless to add that both General Ibrahim BadamasiBabangida and General SaniAbacha engineered

their separate constitutions in 1989 and 1995 respectively.

What history shows is that apart from the Buhari administration, each single regime between the time of independence and now, has tried its hand at constitutional engineering.

Why is this so? It is difficult to hazard a guess but we may find solace in the scathing criticism of some students of African politics.

A passage by Robert Jackson and Carl Rosenberg quoted by Professor B. O. Nwabueze in volume 1 of his latest epochal professional effort titled CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY IN AFRICA(p.

13) is quite instructive.

They claim that “most African States have abstract constitutions and institutions…but very few have them in fact; the formal rules

What cannot be denied is that the issues that led to the January 15th uprising as well as its counterpart of July 1966 did not go away for which reason we experienced the upheavals arising from several other coups

of the political game do not effectively govern the conduct of rulers and other political leaders in most places most of the time.

In so far as rules are followed by African rulers it is only after they have been changed by the ruler or oligarchy in question to suit his or their personal-political convenience. But rules of expediency are not, patently, rules of institutional government.

Institutional government They are better conceived as instruments of power and not as normative restraints on power, being wholly instrumental to holding power, they are the hallmarks of political authoritarianism, which is closely allied to personal rule. In institutionalized systems, personal calculations are made, but in terms of the universally accepted rules and requirements of the political game; in personal terms such calculations are not mediated by reference to rules agreed to by all leaders and factions.

Thus, for example, while the governing partyand its rivals in a constitutional democracy will go to great lengths to win elections, they will not seek to abolish elections to stay in power or manipulate the electoral rules or their supervision to the point where they no longer are basically fair.

By contrast, such manipulation is precisely what we should

expect to see in a personal, authoritarian regime”.

The authors, Jackson and Rosenberg also insist that in a situation where personal rule triumphs over institutional government, “persons take precedence over rules, the officeholder is not effectively bound by his office and is able to change its authorityand powers to suit his own personal or political needs.

In such a system of personal rule, the ruler and other leaders take precedence over the formal rules of the political game; the rules do not effectively regulate political behavior, and we therefore cannot predict or anticipate conduct from knowledge of the rules.

To put this in old-fashioned, comparative government terms, the State is a government of men and not of law”

Discerning reader The discerning reader will not fail to grasp from the interstices of the above quotation that this is the condition of political office holding in Africa and this has made it impossible for our collective destiny to be remedied or ameliorated. The change from one regime to the other, whether civilian or military has often meant stagnation and confusion.

In the case of our dear country, the attempt at the management of our post independence democracy led to the first coup in January 1966.

The intermediation of other coups before a further democratic attempt in 1979 did not take us too far neither did our journey between 1983 and 1999 lead to any promised land. Current revelations of the goings on between 1999 and 2015 have not brought any succour but we are in an era when change as a political mantra appears to offer hope. For now, it may be said without equivocation that the 1966 experiment did not result in much except an offer of political and economic fiasco.

Accordingly, 50 years on, as a former teacher, I have no pass mark to award to the past. Let us therefore march into the future with unadulterated hope, if for nothing else, as an acknowledgement “of the labours of our heroes past”. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

30—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Otti’s Court of Appeal victory, a landmark

By Innocent Anaba NLESS the Supreme Court reverses the Appeal Court, Owerri, Imo State sack of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State also the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, will be sworn-in as the governor of Abia State.

If Otti’s victory is not upturned, Abia will be the second state in the South East with an APGA standard bearer.

Otti, a former Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, recently won his legal battle against Ikpeazu at the Appeal Court.

The appellate court decision was unanimous. The lead judg ment read by Justice Lucky Orji, had other Justices namely, Chinwe Iyizoba, Samuel Oseji, Tijjani Abubakar and Jamiu Tukur – concurring.

The Justices were appointed from different parts of the country and they are essentially members of the Owerri Division of the Court of Appeal, contrary to the propaganda of the Abia State Government that the Court of Appeal panel members were three and largely drawn from the Lagos Division.

The appellate court set aside the election, return and declaration of Governor Ikpeazu as governor of Abia State. It also ordered that the Certificate of Return already issued to Ikpeazu should be set aside. It held that Otti was the winner of the Abia State governorship elections conducted on April 11 and 25, 2015.

The court set aside the judgement of the Elections Tribunal in Umuahia of November 3, 2015 and resolved the controversy about the actual election figures for the three local government areas Isiala Ngwa, Obingwa and Osisioma at the centre of the dispute by cancelling the outcome of elections there outright.

U

Cancellation of the results The Justice Orji had said, “Having resolved all the above issues other than the issue relating to the powers of the Returning Officer with regards to the cancellation and de-annulment of election results, in favour of the appellants, we hereby hold that this appeal has merit and ought to succeed. The appeal accordingly allowed.

“The judgment of the Tribunal delivered on November 3, 2015 is hereby set aside.

It is ordered that the results of Isiala Ngwa, Obingwa and Osisioma Local Government Areas of Abia State be and are hereby cancelled. “With the cancellation of the results in the three local government areas, the scores of the Otti- 164, 332 votes and Ikpeazu -115, 444 votes. “The election, return and declaration of the Ikpeazu, as the Governor of Abia State are hereby nullified and set aside.

“Alex Otti, having scored the majority of lawful/valid votes cast at the election/supplementary election of April 11 and 25, 2015 respectively held in Abia State for the occupation of the seat of Governor of Abia State and having satisfied the constitutional requirement of one quarter of the votes in at least two-thirds of the 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State is hereby returned as the duly elected governor of Abia State. It is hereby ordered that the Certificate of Return already issued to Ikpeazu by INEC is hereby set aside.

“It is further ordered that INEC shall forthwith issue the Certificate of Return to Otti, as the winner of the Abia State Governorship Elections conducted on April 11 and 25, 2015.”

On April 11, 2015, governorship elec-

Okezie Ikpeazu

Dr. Alex Otti

tion held in Abia State and was disputed, leading to a rerun on April 25 that did not address the dispute but sought to sweep the real issue under the carpet. There are 17 LGAs in Abia, and results from 14 of them were not really in contention, only the aforementioned three councils. While Otti scored 164, 332 votes and Ikpeazu 115, 444 votes from the 14 LGAs, results from the three LGAs of Obingwa, Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa gave Ikpeazu a leap over Otti.

Ikpeazu is from Obingwa LGA, but unfortunately, the number of votes in each of those LGAs exceeded the number of voters registered by card readers. The Court of Appeal observed: “It is obvious from Exhibit PWC2 and Form ECBD that at each of the disputed three local government areas, the number of votes credited in favour of Ikpeazu is in excess of the total number of accredited voters as shown in Exhibit PWC2. In this circumstance, it is apparent that there was over-voting in Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa, and Obingwa councils and the votes purportedly generated therefrom are smeared and infested with illegality, by reason of the clear provisions of Section 53(2) of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) which state that: ‘Where the votes cast at an election in any polling unit exceed the number of registered voters in any polling unit, the result of the election for that polling unit shall be declared void by the Commission and another election may be conducted at a date fixed by the Commission where the result at that polling unit may affect result in the

Constituency.’

Otti actually won the poll. His victory is supported both by eyewitnesses’ reports and facts before the court. For instance, all the nine issues for determination as distilled from appellants and respondents’ briefs of argument were resolved in Otti and APGA’s favour.

In the fourth issue for determination, in Reliefs 3 and 4 in particular, counsel to the respondents (Ikpeazu, PDP and INEC) had tried to confuse the court that Otti’s prayers were contradictory and should be struck out.

They claimed that Otti had averred that the entire election was fraught with irregularities and should be nullified while at the same time asking to be declared duly elected as governor. The Court of Appeal, however, held “Contrary to the holding of the tribunal, the appellants did not ask for the nullification of the entire election. What they asked for is that the election and return of the 1st Respondent as the Governor of Abia State be nullified and declared invalid by reason of corrupt practices.

“From a holistic reading of the pleadings of the appellants, it is more than apparent that the grouse of the appellants relate to the three local government areas of Obingwa, Osisioma and Isiala Ngwa where the elections were characterized by electoral irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act, which resulted in massive over-voting as shown in the evidence of PW(Petitioner’s Witness)19, the INEC official whose evidence was not controverted by the respondents.

“It is thus clear that Reliefs 3 and 4 are not controverted of each other. If the votes

Without the scores in the three local government areas on the basis of which nullification of the declaration of the 1st respondent was sought, it was still possible for the 1st appellant to emerge the winner of the election with the necessary spread

which the 3rd respondent wrongfully awarded the 1st respondent in the three local government areas are discountenanced, the 1st appellant would emerge as having scored the majority of lawful votes cast at the election.”

The 3 and 4 Reliefs that Otti sought actually read: iii. That it may be determined and declared that the election and return of the 1st respondent as governor of Abia State is invalid by reason of corrupt practices and liable to be nullified. iv. That it may be determined and thus declared that the 1st petitioner won majority of lawful votes cast at April the 11 and 25, 2015 election/supplementary election held in Abia State and satisfied the constitutional threshold and spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state, and ought to be and thus be ordered to be returned as the duly elected governor of Abia State.”

The court held that the two reliefs are not contradictory. Some have also argued that since Otti’s appeal was allowed while did the Appeal Panel not order fresh election in those three LGAs. Of course, Ikpeazu did not make any pleadings for fresh election. Otti did not either. He only asked for cancellation and conduct of fresh elections in those three LGAs as an alternative to be declared winner.

Present appeal The court is not a Father Christmas that would make orders not sought by litigants in their prayers. In this instant case, the Court of Appeal itself explained the reason it would not order fresh election in those three LGAs thus: “The situation in the present appeal is quite different. There is no contradiction in the two reliefs of the appellants. Without the scores in the three local government areas on the basis of which nullification of the declaration of the 1st respondent was sought, it was still possible for the 1st appellant to emerge the winner of the election with the necessary spread. This consequently is not a case of approbating and reprobating or saying yes and no in response to the same thing.”

From the foregoing, the Court of Appeal did a painstaking job. No wonder the verdict drew uproarious jubilations across the length and breadth of Gos’s own state, Abia. It was also favourably appraised by several legal luminaries too numerous to be listed. Only a judicial abracadabra at the Supreme Court (which is unlikely as the apex court is the canon setter in the Nigerian jurisprudence) would modify or set aside such findings and thus save from exit Ikpeazu’s government, certainly not after the lower court verdict which upheld Ikpeazu’s election has been widely dismissed as worrisome.

Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem (sixth left), state’s Solicitor-General, Mrs Funmilola Odunlami and some journalists during a media interaction at the Ministry of Justice, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—31

Yinka Davis, Alibaba, others in Avalanche festive dance

• A scene from Avalanche Dance performance at the Muson Centre

By Prisca Sam-Duru

I

T was amazing how Nigerians defied the harsh economic realities of the period which was heightened by fuel scarcity, to go have fun during the festive period. At the Muson Centre Onikan, Lagos where show after show took place, fun seekers were seen trooping in and out of the place which has become a home for music and culture.

The Shell Hall of the Centre, had Avalanche: The Kings of Dance, a new dance company, treating Lagosians to an incredible all dance show sponsored by Nigeria’s most innovative and youth-centric telecommunications network, Etisalat. The show which spoke eloquently of how creatively endowed Nigerians are, featured young energetic dancers numbering over 40, displaying so much mastery of dance styles ranging from salsa which actually dominated, to breakdance, atilogu and old skool steps. Theirs was a performance only fit for the season.

Titles of the performances The queen of Jazz, Yinka Davis, king of comedy Alibaba, Ireti Doyle, Dance expert, Qudus Onikeku, Victor Olaokun who was the story teller of the show, and others, added to making the show as spellbinding at it was.

Members of the audience couldn’t help laughing out loud, seeing Alibaba, attempting to do king of pop, Michael Jackson’s Thriller and I’m Bad dance styles.

Each performance was introduced with a brief narration by Olaotan. Story of the Man in the Mirror, Rhythm of Drums, Women Beauty Parlour, The Heart of Marina, and many others, were some of the titles of the performances. Interestingly, a performance was spiced with spoken word rendition and that anyone would say, was a pleasant moment.

The show was rapped up with a colourful Christmas performance that brought together all the dancers.

Aside the theatrics, the dance

styles as well as how electrifying the performances were, the costumes, props and lighting were given some level of professionalism. Every story had a matching costume and of course, instruments and lighting. All this put together, made Avalanche’s first ever outing, a memorable one.

Speaking at the event, Manager, Sponsorships, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu said the company supported the stage performance in line with Etisalat’s brand proposition. “Etisalat is a youthful and innovative brand, and sponsoring a performance of this nature during the yuletide

The show was rapped up with a colourful Christmas performance that brought together all the dancers

season is a way of supporting the arts and also entertaining our loyal customers this season,” she said.

“For us at Etisalat we are always happy to be associated with arts and entertainment because the sector has been identified as one that has the capacity to create employment for our youth and keep them positively engaged,” she added.

According to her, Etisalat has always provided support for the industry through the sponsorship of several arts and entertainment events, such as the Ake Arts and Books Festival, LagosPhoto Festival, amongst others. The company also has a platform that seeks to reward budding writers across the continent, known as the Etisalat Prize for Literature.

The Content Director, Corporate Dance World, Ibrahim Suleiman commended Etisalat Nigeria for throwing its weight behind the event, and expressed the hope that this will be the beginning of a long-lasting relationship.

On the show, Suleiman disclosed that this was the first edition. “It has the theme, “Rhythm of the Human Race,” with the entire production made up of different stories which are delicately and intricately connected and told exclusively via dance. Unlike other productions and musicals, there will be no acting and no singing; just dance. Performers on this set choreographing these dances have to tell the story of their scenes entirely via dance in five minutes or less,” he said.

Also, Etisalat sponsoring Avalanche as a brand is about reach and this means they can reach both younger audience as well as wider audience because dance is for everybody since there is rhythm in everyone.”

Nigerian literary community calls for Ashraf Fayadh's release

By Elizabeth Uwandu

N

IGERIAN literary community under the umbrella of global literary art family has called for the immediate release of Ashrah Fayadh, a Palestinian poet and leading member of Saudi Arabia’s nascent contemporary art scene that was sentenced to death for renouncing Islam.

As part of activities for that, the body is hosting a solidarity show on Thursday, 14th January, Freedom Park, Lagos. The solidarity show with Ashrad is been hosted by Freedom Park, Lagos which will feature reading, conversation and performances; will have Prof. Wole Soyinka as special guest, with Kunle Ajibade,

Ogaga Ifowodo, and other eminent Nigeria .

Recall that Fayadh, 35, a key member of the British-Saudi art organisation Edge of Arabia, was originally sentenced to four years in prison and 800 lashes by the general court in Abha, a city in the south-west of the ultraconservative kingdom, in May 2014.

But after his appeal was dismissed, he was retried earlier this month and a new panel of judges ruled that his repentance did not prevent his execution.

This development has however has since drawn the displeasure of individuals and creative groups, including the Amnesty International to protest the Saudi Arabia judgement on Ashraf.

Why a ministry for Arts -- Part 2

N

IGERIA needs a minis try for arts, to help build a broad-based foundation that can incorporate and help build a giant arts industry. So much can be done by the arts to rebrand Nigeria. The establishment of the hall of fame, for instance, would be a step in the right direction.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is a major tourist attraction in London. It was established on Baker Street, London, in the year 1835 by Marie Tussauds, a wax sculptor. In 1883 Marie’s grandson, Joseph Randall commissioned the museum at Melbourne Road because of restricted space at Baker Street. It is known all over the world as a centre for the preservation of human achievements.

The like of such hall of fame in Nigeria will be a great booster to our tourism industry.

A hall of fame in Nigeria would not only be a booster for the tourism industry but also a great encouragement to the arts.

It would create a historical background and respectability to artistes, past and present. As it is, Nigeria has no special regard for her past heroes, especially artistes, no encouragement for the present artistes and no vision for their future. This gives neither moral encouragement nor attraction for tomorrow’s artistic advancement. Indeed, Nigeria has no preservation of the past; no encouragement of the present and no promise for the future.

As it is, it is just a general jamboree and momentary artistic revelry. Starting from the memory of our colonial masters who set the entertainment industry up as a beggarly institution by granting the artiste a “Beggar’s Licence.” This permitted the talented performer to receive peanuts or pennies for their entertainment efforts. It did not deter the performer’s enthusiasm. As far back as 1948, Hubert Ogunde resigned his job as a Policeman to get on the road as a performer. He raised a troupe of singers and dancers

The need for a separate Ministry for arts cannot be overemphasised due to the enormity of activities that constitute the arts, performance and visual

to back his musical drama.

There were others like Ogunmola, Duro Ladipo who developed and established a Theatre-in-the-Rounds, theatre in the market square, theatre in the compound and even street jams. The musical counterpart followed by Agidigbo music, Kokoma, and soon by highlife music, with pioneers like Bobby Benson, Ayinde Bakare, Julius Araba, Ambrose Campbell, E. C. Arinze, Eneh Henshaw, M. K. O. Abiola as the pioneers of Nigeria’s pop music. All these are names of those who established our pop music.

A hall of fame should help to establish a history of our past heroes as Nigerians of great talent. In another column of our great artistes are sculptors like Ben Enwonwu of blessed memory, living legends like Abayomi Baba, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Fakeye; fine and graphics artistes of great repute; fabric and fashion artistes like Nike Davies-Okundaye of Nike art empire, Oshogbo.

Performance specialists The performing artistes range from dancers like the late dance goddess, Amatu Braide, the great Peter Badejo, OBE, one of Nigeria’s foremost choreographers, dancers and African performance specialists; pioneer actors like Orlando Martins; great founding fathers of Nigeria like Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Anthony Enahoro, should have a special column to grace the museum of humanities.

In order to accomplish all these, the need for a separate Ministry for arts cannot be overemphasized due to the enormity of activities that constitute the arts, performance and visual. A whole lot of restructuring and re-establishing has to be done in the art. For instance, there is no institution for the training of performing artistes like actors, dancers, musicians. No established channel to export such productions. Our numerous ambassadors all over the world need to be linked up with the marketing of our artistic products.

Theatre auditoria should be established in every Local Government Area. As it is, we are losing trillions of naira every year for lack of a medium to showcase our artistic works.

Broadway, off broadway and off off broadway give America so much income annually from the sale of theatre tickets.

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 33

C M Y K

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Fraud: EFCC gets court order on Tompolo, Akpobolokemi, others A

FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an order sought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to serve the summons, compelling ex-Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo, to appear before the court to face a 40-count charge of fraudulent conversion of several millions of naira, dollars and property belonging to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to personal use.

The order, which was granted in Charge No: FHC/L/553c/2015, was sequel to a motion ex-parte brought by the EFCC. Also affected by the order were ex-NIMASA Director-General, Mr. Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi, Tompolo’s company, Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, Odimixi Electricals Limited, Kime Engozu, Boloboere Property and Estate Limited, Rex Elem, Destre Consult Limited, Gregory Mbonu and Captain Warredi Enisuoh.

The 40-count charge include the conversion of N601, 516.13 and $1, 766, 428.62, property of NIMASA, into private concerns; conversion of NIMASA’s N27,690,113.79 and $17, 491,

378.64, as well as another N27, 690,113.79 and $17, 491, 378.64, belonging to the agency to personal use, an offence contrary to section 15 (1) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act 2012 and punishable under section 15(3) of the same Act. The EFCC had explained that

it rearrested ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi after he was granted bail by a competent court because of fresh N34 billion fraud allegations against him.

The commission had asked Tompolo to appear on December 17, 2015 for questioning in respect of the

N13 billion land acquisition controversy for Nigerian Maritime University, NMU in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, with a threat to declare him wanted should he fail to appear.

Hearing in the substantive charge filed by the EFCC was adjourned to today.

FREE EYE TEST: From left: Mr. Moses Ekpo, Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor; Mr. Fredrick Udoaka, Enterprise Solution Executive, MTN Nigeria; Dr. Dominic Ukpong, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health; Ms. Uto Ukpanah, MTN Nigeria Company Secretary, as Ms Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary MTN Foundation assisted one of the beneficiaries of the MTN Foundation free eye screening and surgeries programme, in Akwa Ibom State, yesterday.

Crisis brews in Edo APC over alleged suspension of party's V-Chairman

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—CRISIS is brewing in Edo State All Progressives Congress, APC, following the suspension of the state Vice Chairman and Senatorial Leader in Edo South, Mr. Gentleman Amego, over alleged anti-party activities.

In a statement by Pa Ogbomo, Henry Okhuarobo, Henry Idahagbon, Mr Vincent Uwadiae, Chief Benson Osifo, among others leaders, the party said its decision was reached at a meeting held Tuesday in Benin.

But reacting, Amegor described the purported suspension as nullity, saying that all the allegations against him were “baseless and without foundation.

Those who signed the statement are mainly decampees from another party who enjoy crisis situations.”

The party leaders alleged that Amegor failed woefully in organising the affairs of the party in Edo State, which according to them, led to the party's failure to win majority of the National Assembly seats in the last election.

The leaders, meanwhile, have set up a five-man disciplinary committee chaired by Rev. Michael Egharevba, to investigate the allegations. Former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, C M Y K

Uyi Igbe, will serve as Secretary.

Meanwhile the state party leadership, through the Publicity Secretary, Godwin Erhahon and a member of the House of Representatives, Philip Shuaibu, insisted that Amegor remains the state Vice Chairman of the party, saying

that those who signed the suspension letter were not executive members of the party.

According to Erhahon, who denied the insinuation that the state governor was behind the suspension, “Amergor remains our Vice Chairman. I am one of the foremost leaders in Edo South, therefore, all those who

signed the documents cannot claim to be higher leaders of the party from Edo South. I see those who signed that statement as swindlers who want to take advantage of the crisis. I want all the aspirants to think of peace after the primaries and we must avoid all antagonism after the primaries."

Omo-Agege gets certificate of return

A

By Festus Ahon

S A B A — T H E Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has presented Obaisi Ovie OmoAgege of the Labour Party, LP, a certificate of return following his declaration as winner of the 2015 election in Delta Central senatorial district by the Court of Appeal, Benin, Edo State.

The appellate court had on December 19, 2015 annulled the election of Chief Ighoyota Amori of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, based on the appeal brought before it by Omo-Agege, challenging the declaration of the former as winner of the senatorial election in Delta Central by the lower tribunal.

Presenting the certificate of return to Omo-Agege, INEC’s National Commissioner, South South, Dr. Mohammed Lecky,

at INEC Headquarters in Abuja, said the commission was obedient to the rule of law and congratulated OmoAgege on his victory.

Receiving the certificate, Omo-Agege thanked the people of Delta Central for

their support and reaffirmed his commitment to give the people effective representation at the Senate.

Thanking God for giving him victory, Omo-Agege insisted: “The judiciary still remains the hope of the common man.”

Abe chides Rivers PDP for alleged bad leadership

S

ENATOR Magnus Abe, the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the Rivers South-East senatorial district re-run election, has chided the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for enthroning bad leadership in the state.

Speaking at the APC Andoni Local Government chapter election tribunal victory thanksgiving service and decampees reception programme at Ikuru town, Abe said that PDP has filled important public offices in government with questionable characters.

He wondered why the party did not react to his criticism when he raised it in a radio programme recently but rather chose to comment on other issues.

Abe said that appointments into public positions ought to get security clearance from the Department of State Services, DSS, to determine the worthiness of such an appointee.

He recalled that it had been the practice in the past for previous administrations in the state to submit the names of appointees for security checks and at the end, those who scaled through the clearance were appointed to hold public offices.

He challenged the government of Nyesom Wike to tell Rivers people whether he did that.

Senator Abe condemned a situation where people holding public appointments had shady pasts to the extent that security operatives were uncovering large caches of arms and ammunition in their homes.

“Today, as we speak, a certain official of government has been caught with arms.

That is the kind of leadership that they are giving to Rivers people,” he said.

Delta Speaker assures on accountability, probity

A

FRESH insight into the position of the Delta State House of Assembly on the development of the state was, yesterday, given by the Speaker of the House, Mr Monday Igbuya.

The Speaker, at the first sitting of the House for 2016, said the House would ensure accountability, probity, transparency and efficiency in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the 2016 budget.

He said: “I wish to quickly

reiterate that Delta State House of Assembly has been adequately positioned to meet the demands of making well focused research and people oriented laws that will impact positively on the people of the state. This is based on our firm belief that as the pillar of democracy, the legislative arm must be a catalyst of change, working in concert with the other arms of government in providing democratic dividends to the people.”

He asked his colleagues to

brace up for the ever-evolving and unfinished business of state development as the months ahead would no doubt be challenging.

“We have shown uncommon resilience, maturity and understanding. Our display of competence, patriotism and commitment to duty which we demonstrated while carrying out our legislative duties and other assignments, have translated to the success the House has enjoyed," he added.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 , 2016—35

TENURE:

EFCC invites Jonah Jang

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

CLOSING GONG: From left: Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE; Dr. Michael Blank, Director of the delegation of German Industry & Commerce; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, NSE; Mr. Ingo Herbert, Consul General of Germany in Lagos; Mr. Aron Mir Haschemi, Deputy Consul General of Germany and Mr. Rene Marco Siebenhaar, Commercial, Cultural and Political Attaché, during the Closing Gong ceremony at the NSE in Lagos, yesterday.

Gov Ortom, commissioner, BSUTH boss differ on Lassa fever outbreak M

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—GOVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue state, his Health Commissioner, Dr. Cecilia Ojabo and the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, BSUTH, Prof. Orkugah Malu, yesterday disagreed over the purported outbreak of Lassa fever in the state.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, the

Commissioner for Health stated that the state at the moment was free of the viral disease.

She explained that the only person admitted at the BSUTH, Makurdi, manifested symptoms similar to that of Lassa fever but that the final report from the victim’s blood sample proved negative.

Dr. Ojabo said: “We were lucky to have gotten blood sample from the sick person before he passed on, but we are privileged to tell you that the

report was negative of Lassa fever.”

She further revealed that the deceased attended a marriage ceremony in neighbouring Nasarawa state where Lassa fever had been reported few days before he developed the sickness.

Also speaking on the issue, the CMD, of the BSUTH, Prof.

Orkugah Malu, told Vanguard that the purported claim of an outbreak of the disease in the state is “a false alarm.”

Prof. Malu who corroborated

the statement of the Health Commissioner insisted that the state was free of the disease.

However, in a sharp disagreement with his Health Commissioner and the BSUTH CMD, Governor Samuel Ortom told State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday that one person had contracted the deadly disease in the state.

The disclosure by the Governor has created palpable fear amongst residents of Benue State following the death of the victim.

INSURGENCY: Army establishes new Division in northern Borno

M

AIDUGURI— NIGERIAN Army Command has established a new Division in northern Borno as part of its strategic plans to boost military operations against terrorists, particularly in areas around the Lake Chad Basin.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Tukur Buratai announced the establishment of the Nigerian Army 8 Division yesterday in Abuja while delivering a lecture titled: ‘Nigerian Army: Challenges and Future Perspectives,’ at the National Defence College, Abuja.

It would be recalled that the Nigerian Army Command had in August 2013 established the 7th Infantry Division in Maiduguri to boost the military’s counterinsurgency operation in the North-East.

Though details of the new establishment were not C M Y K

disclosed, Buratai said the division would soon become fully operational with logistics and manpower deployments.

The chief of army staff also said that plans were underway to establish another division to be known as the Nigerian Army

6 Division with Headquarters in the South-South region of the country.

He said the establishment of the new divisions was part of a strategic plan to improve on the Nigerian Ar my ’s operational capabilities in the face of emerging threats to national security.

The Chief of Army Staff said

the establishment of the additional formations would bring the number of divisions in the Nigerian Army to eight.

He said: “Emerging threats to the security of our nation which have been aggravated by the proliferation of armed groups have added to the task of the military in protecting the lives of Nigerians and the integrity of its territory."

FG to redeploy policemen, others to areas reclaimed from Boko Haram

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—THE Federal Government has revealed that redeployment of policemen and other paramilitary officials to reclaimed areas formally held by terrorist sect, Boko Haram, will soon commence.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Dambazzau (retd), disclosed this yesterday in Maiduguri when he visited the Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim

Shettima and the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-Kanemi.

Dambazzau, who was accompanied to Maiduguri by head of agencies under the Ministry of Interior as part of an assessment visit to the troubled states of the North-East, said the visit was at the instance of the Minister of Defence who requested for redeployment of policemen and other personnel to the reclaimed areas in order to re-establish the rule of civil

authorities.

At the Government House Maiduguri, he told Governor Shettima that “We are in the state as part of efforts to speak to the governors in the affected states and have on the ground assessment of situation.”

He added that: “We are going to bring more personnel so that we can have back in place civil authority in the affected areas and to assist the military in the task of bringing security back to the areas.”

O S — S E N AT O R representing Plateau North Senatorial zone and former governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang has been invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to clarify grey areas which the commission feels were sketchy during his time as a governor.

The Senator, however, urged his constituents and supporters to remain calm and not entertain any frivolous rumours as he has nothing to hide having served the state meritoriously with a distinguished track record to support his claims.

In a statement issued in Jos yesterday and signed by the Senator’s Senior Legislative Aide, Olivia Dazyam, he explained that it is a point of duty for him to inform his teeming supporters and constituents of his invitation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Fed varsity Dutse graduates 105 students

By Aliyu Dangida

D

UTSE—FEDERAL University Dutse, Jigawa state, is set to hold its first convocation ceremony this weekend as about 176 students of the institution will be graduating with first Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas in different disciplines.

The pioneer vice chancellor of the university, Professor Jibrilla Dahiru Aminu, who disclosed this in Dutse, said five of the graduating students made first class and 37 obtained second class upper division while 29 got second class lower division.

He added that the university ’s student population has steadily increased from 202 to the current number of 3,200 while staff strength equally increased to 1,580, “we have 447 academic staff, 446 senior and nonacademic staff and 687 junior staff.”

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

VANGUARD:

From left— Janet Najomo of Vanguard Media Ltd.; Mrs Temi Adebayo, Social Welfare Officer 1, Children Centre, IdiAraba; Mrs Funmi Ajumobi, Kiddies Editor, and Mr. Charles Gerald, both of Vanguard, presenting gifts and foods item to the Centre during a visit.

PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

AWARD: From left— Best Driver, Mr. Quadri Olawale; COO, Olaposi Williams; Head, Operations, Mr. Adeboye Temidayo, all of Oando Marketing, and Mr. Alhaji Wasiu Sadik, Union Chairman, Oando, at the presentation of award to Olawale in Lagos. PHOTO: Biodun Ogunleye.

COMMENDATION: From left— Revd (Dr) & Dr (Mrs) N. Adebiyi; Rev Canon Tunji Adebiyi and Revd & Mrs Bode Daramola, children, during the commendation service for late Mrs Caroline Adebiyi, wife of Rt. Revd Peter Adebiyi, first Bishop of Diocese Lagos West (rtd.), at Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

From left— Presbyter, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Very Revd Sola Ala; the new Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Revd Luke Odubanjo, and the New Lay President, Diocese of Lagos, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sir Peter Olorunfemi, at Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo Circuit 2015 annual choir festival in the church premises, Lagos.

CSR: From left— Executive Director, Mrs. Amdah Ambah; Group MD, Mr. Rilwan Bello-Osagie, both of FSDH Merchant Bank Limited; Chairman, Mr. Ganiu Sopeyin; Executive Secretary, Mrs Abosede Adelaja, both of State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB; and Education Secretary, Lagos Island Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Maiyegun Moshood, at the hand over ceremony of renovated Holy Cross Catholic School, Lagos, yesterday.

INNER WHEEL ANNIVERSARY: From left— Immediate past Chairman, District 913, Ibadan, Mrs Bola Odeleye; Chairman, District 911, Mrs. Olayinka Ayanwale, both of Inner Wheel; recepient, Vivian Ifekwe and baby (sitting); Chairman of the event, Mrs. Ronke Solomon (3rd right); incoming District 911 Chairman, Mrs. Wemimo Olusanya (right); and other members of Inner Wheel District 911, during a visit to Amuwo Odofin Primary Health Care Centre in commemoration of Inner Wheel Nigeria’s 49th anniversary in Lagos.

MAKING THE CHEF: From left— Creative Director, Rhodium Chef Global LLC, Mrs Idono Gbenro; the three finalists, Mrs. Edna Ojuma, Mr. Dapo Lambo, Miss Tobechi Ogu; and Head, Public Relations & Event, Tolaram Group, Mr. Temitope Ashiwaju, during the unveiling of the three finalists for the Season 2 of Making of the Chef competition Lagos.

CHOIR FESTIVAL:

C M Y K

ESILOKUN: From left— Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Esilokum Sani; Head, Esilokun Royal Family, Prince Kolawole Balogun, and HRM, Oba Rauf Ishola Balogun, Elejinrin of Ejirin Kingdom at an event.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 37

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38—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

China’s new ideas, policies for Nigeria, Africa

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

I

N the bid to deepen bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and China, the Chinese government through its Department of West Asian and African Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, Beijing, China, has expressed the need for the two countries to sustain their diplomatic ties, by way of establishing a Win-Win cooperation to boost their economies.

According to the Ministry’s Deputy Director General, Mr. Cao Jiachang, who intimated that in a short period of time, the Chinese government has successfully achieved an unprecedented economic

growth, through significant exchange for advantageous trade deals with some African countries, there has been an increase in local job opportunities in Nigeria, resulting from the two countries healthy relationship, especially in the key areas of the countries’ economies.

He also pointed out that maintaining healthy diplomatic ties with Nigeria is important to the Chinese government, not only for the fact that Nigeria has a huge population and consumer market, but also, the two countries share many remarkable similarities, which can substantially strengthen bilateral relationship between them.

On the basis of the current

economic and trade cooperation zones established, he asked for enhanced cooperation in industrialization and modernized farming, adding that, “Nigeria is China’s third largest investment destination in Africa and China’s accumulated investment in Nigeria has reached billions of US dollars, as over 45 per cent of Chinese private firms have established businesses in Nigeria, in the fields of agriculture, textile industry, construction materials and so on.”

Within the framework of the China-Africa intended Win-Win Cooperation, Cao told the meeting that the Chinese government and the Nigerian

government have worked together to build substantial economic and trade cooperation zones in Nigeria and Nigeria currently has become China’s third largest trade partner and second largest export market in Africa, while China is Nigeria’s third largest trade partner.

He further emphasized that China and Nigeria have achieved remarkable results in cooperation in infrastructure construction and Nigeria is a country where Chinese enterprises undertook most infrastructure projects in the whole of Africa, pointing out the on-going Lagos-Abidjan road under construction by a Chinese construction company.

•Mr. Cao Jiachang However, both Nigeria and China are recognized as big developing countries, as each has its own advantages in the fields of resources such as, manpower, market, and both countries’ economies are highly complementary and remarkable.

In the near future, both countries are expected to have the strongest and most consistent bilateral cooperation.

This is evident, going by the rate at which they both accelerate to push forward their economic and trade cooperation to a broader and higher level.

Cao expressed confidence in the Chinese government’s ability to increase trade in Nigeria and other African countries, where they share strong bilateral ties, urges the governments of most of these African countries to make concerted efforts towards making the intended WinWin cooperation a success.

He said, “If there are no contributions from governments of these African countries, it would be difficult for the Chinese government to consolidate the intended relationship.

In Nigeria for instance, we have strong presence and have maintained good partnership with the government in building various levels of infrastructure there. We highly cherish the bilateral ties between our two governments. We have several Chinese enterprises that have established in Nigeria and in Guangzhou, China, we also have a large number of Nigerian enterprises springing up, and so you can see that both countries have promising future cooperations.”

He also noted under the new development between Nigeria and China, both sides are expected to join hands in ensuring that they maintain quality products standard.

By and large, both sides are expected to play a role in ensuring production quality, given the fact that a lot of Nigerian businessmen are comfortable trading in China, especially in the city of Guangzhou, just as there are large numbers of Chinese traders in Nigeria.

“We need promotion in various fields between our two countries, and Africa attitude towards China, especially Nigeria is all the way positive”, he added

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 39

C M Y K

40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

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Vanguard,THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—41

Labour plans assault on states over unpaid pensions, CPS implementation

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, lamented that: “One of the legacies of the misrule of the preceding years is the incidence of irregular and non-payment of payments of our retired civil servants and senior citizens.

While salaries were been owed for up to nine months, the situation of the pensioners were worse as many states were in arrears of pension payment for between 12 months or more.

T

HE plight of pensioners from the public service across the country is not only pathetic, but the height of wickedness for government at all levels that have abandoned their senior citizens to die in penury and lamentation after using their productive lives to serve the nation meritoriously.

Both at the federal and the states, the situation of pensioners is dehumanizing as many of them have not been paid their monthly allowances for over a year besides years of unpaid areas among other unpaid entitlements.

Because they are pensioners and have little or no capacity to inflict pains and effectively, paralyse operations of governments, most governments tend to relegate the pensioners’ problems to the background.

However, Organised Labour seems to have woken up to its

End of tenure benefits

•Cross section of pensioners. Inset. Gov Oshiomhole •Factional president of NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba. responsibility to the pensioners and are threatening to take the pensioners’ plight frontally, if the words of the leadership of

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, are anything to believe.

In his New Year message to workers, factional president of

“This sorry situation is against the background of virtually all recent past and serving governors awarding themselves scandalous and end of tenure benefits while members of the legislature immorally awarding themselves outrageous retirement benefits running into hundreds of millions of naira for serving their states, some for just a tenure of four years.

''While the Contributory Pension Scheme first introduced in 2004 and further amended in July 2014 sought to provide long term solution to our pension crisis, many of the states have not made enough effort for their civil servants to join the scheme.”

According to him: “As at April 30, 2015, only eight (8) states had commenced remittances to contributions into the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of their workers, while another six states have commenced funding of their retirement benefit bond redemption fund accounts. ''In the New Year, the Congress would work with State Councils of NLC to engage state governments to pay up pension arrears of their retired employees, and to conclude arrangements to join the Contributory Pension Scheme as provided for in the Pensions Reform Act of 2014.

“In the same vein, we shall mobilise for all employers to pay the new pensions contribution of 18% of total pay which came into effect with the signing of the new pension Act into law in July 2014.”

PenCom wants regulators, fund managers in Africa to ensure safety of pension fund

N

ATIONAL Pension Commission, PenCom, has stressed the need for pension fund managers and regulators in Africa to ensure safety of the retirement savings of workers across Director General of PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, spoke during the just-concluded Annual Leadership Symposium in Maputo, Mozambique, disclosed that pension fund assets in Nigeria had risen to $26 billion as at October 2015.

The fifth edition of Africa Annual Leadership Symposium had “The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of the Parts - What’s Your Role” as its theme.

Reflecting on Investment in Africa, Anohu-Amazu said pension fund managers in Nigeria were amenable to investing part of the pension funds in infrastructure and real estate through viable and secure investible outlets.

She also harped on the need for both pension regulators and operators to ensure the institution of adequate risk mitigation tools, saying this should be the guiding principle in the investment of pension assets. The Director General emphasized the imperative of timely payment of retirement benefits of workers in order not to compromise their comfort after their active working period, which was the main objective of saving towards retirement.

The symposium was aimed at achieving a committed community, who understood its

•Protesting pensioners and PenCom boss, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu (inset) part in the whole, its contribution and how it would work together to impact positively on Africa.

It also sought to align plans for action that would contribute to Africa’s development as a whole and would make lasting impact and effective partnership between all actors including government, media and civil society and put in place an innovative content and ideas that would spark a global conversation both during and after the event.

The symposium was declared open by the former President of Mozambique, Mr. Joachim Chissano, who spoke passionately about Africa’s struggle for emancipation from colonial rule prior to independence.

He maintained that the strug-

gle was ongoing post-independence, albeit of a different kind, until the continent attained its full potentials in development.

Also on the opening day, there were sessions about the journey so far and the people who came together to make it happen . Participants also shared experiences and learned about how to bring the vision to life.

They also sought to understand how their work, projects and ideas fit together and power the vision.

In addition, participants also deliberated on in-depth workshops about initiatives: Start Up, Mentoring and working together to take them to the next stage and explored the ways synergy could help achieve their goals and the as-

sociated challenges.

During the second day’s programme tagged “Collaborate and Connect”, participants were familiarized with the task forces and country Chapters that they would contribute to and used collaboration workshops and spaces (“networking wall”, card exchange, business opportunity trade fair) to make connections and build relationships that would drive transformation.

They also showcased part of the whole, and found the team, resources and opportunities they needed, developed more robust plans by testing them with experts and attending skill-bytes to improve their work and gave concrete tools for success as well as launched the Corporate Net-

work and ways for the community to get involved.

On the third day, participants debated on some of the most controversial or “hard to crack” problems facing the continent and work to develop breakthrough thought leadership and campaign content and experienced the power and values behind “For Africans. By Africans (FABA)” initiative.

This is basically about leveraging on domestic financing for the provision of infrastructure across Africa. The symposium also defined the barometer of success for the next five years and identified tangible ways for making it happen as a community while sharing action plans for the future and road mapping workshops to make these a reality.

42—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

clearly out of the way. The APC is qualified to contest the election because it had Dr. Chris Ngige as candidate. So long as Dr. Ngige wants to contest, APC is entitled to take part in the poll.

But having accepted a ministerial appointment, he must resign according to the provisions of the constitution to be able to contest.

For the other parties, their candidates are in the election like myself.

What do you make of the realignment of political forces in Anambra Central and its implication to your chances in the forthcoming election?

I don’t think that politics is a monkey business, where you jump from one tree to the other.

People who play politics that is bereft of integrity, ideology and principle are dangerous to democracy. The same people who are jumping into the APC now, said all sort of things about the party during the last elections. They described the APC with very uncomplimentary words. Former Governor Peter Obi, Ekwunife and their cohorts went as far as describing the APC as a Boko Haram party.

Different template

•Umeh

OBE: $2.1BN ARMS PR

t ' n s a w A G P Why A y e n o m n i d e v l o v in H E M U — g n i r a sh tral race t of Anambra Cen •Ekwunife is ou

ives Grand the All Progress of an m ir ha C s l ationa is also the party’ ho w ERSTWHILE N eh m U r to ic , Chief V bra Central Alliance, APGA rthcoming Anam fo es e th in e at id en appraised issu sm w ne h senatorial cand it w n Excerpts: ion in a sessio Senatorial Elect national issues. r he ot d an s on electi concerning the

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

H

OW are you prepared for the fresh poll?

I am ready for the election again but the important thing to consider at this time is the need to do everything according to the law. The previous election was nullified because somebody who was not supposed to take part in it took part after not being properly nominated by her party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). So, as we prepare to go for the ordered fresh election, it is important that all preparations must comply with the relevant laws and the rules.

I say this because if we go into the election, where improper candidates take part, it will expose the exercise to further nullification. I have seen the PDP and All Progressives Congress (APC) pretending not to know what the law says about situations like this. They are now

going around to say that they are conducting primaries to present fresh candidates for the election.

This is against the established law that only validly nominated candidates that took part in the nullified election will contest the fresh election ordered by the court. So, what this means is that at the stage where we are now, all political parties have been foreclosed from putting forward new candidates to represent them in the election.

Does this mean that the PDP and APC are out of the contest given Senator Chris Ngige’s withdrawal?

15 political parties contested that election. But regarding the two parties that you referred to, Mrs. Ekwunife, who is purported to be the candidate of the PDP in that election was disqualified by the Court of Appeal in clear terms in its judgement. The court said that she was not the product of any valid primary and therefore was not legitimately and validly sponsored by the PDP and that

she wasn’t a candidate in the election.

So, with that pronouncement of the court, it follows that the PDP, which committed the foul, cannot go back, based on the judgement that I cited, to conduct another primary to put in a new candidate.

At that time, they were dancing the tune of former President Goodluck Jonathan but after losing the election, they have considered it expedient to cross over to APC and begin to sing the praises of the party.

The question at this stage is: Why is Ekwunife trying to join APC? The reason is very simple.

When the Anambra Central Senatorial election was nullified, I said it clearly that the repeat election would be conducted under a different template; that the time of godfather, godmother and presidential directive is gone. The time some people will stay in Abuja and say that the president’s wife has ordered for somebody to be supported is gone.

How come that Ekwunife outfoxed an APGA government in Anambra State?

I told you that it was the making of the then PDP-led Federal Government. The government

Period of primaries Apart from the fact that the PDP would not be allowed to benefit from its own wrong doing, the Supreme Court has also placed a bar on that situation because the period of primaries and nominations is gone.

When you talk about nomination, it includes substitution. These are processes of nomination before you go into the election proper. So, having crossed that stage, the PDP cannot hold a primary to cure the defects in its nomination of a candidate in an election that had been nullified. So, the party is

I don’t think that politics is a monkey business, where you jump from one tree to the other. People who play politics that is bereft of integrity, ideology and principle are dangerous to democracy

then ordered INEC to receive the list of ad hoc staff from PDP candidates in the 2015 elections.

It was not only in Anambra State but in the whole of the South East.

During that election, we couldn’t see collation officers in the 109 wards in my senatorial zone. No result was collated at the ward level because they all disappeared; local government collation officers also disappeared. That was how they manipulated the result of the election. Ekwunife, who is saying that she will defeat me again, has forgotten that I played a key role in her election into the House of Representatives in 2011 on APGA’s platform, which is the only election she won in her political career. In 2007, there was no election anywhere and they wrote the results for themselves under PDP. When she moved to the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA) and contested the governorship; she lost woefully and came back to me that she wanted to join APGA. That was how we took her and gave her the opportunity to contest for the House of Representatives for the second time. If not for my intervention, she wouldn’t have gotten the ticket. I pleaded with party members to give her the opportunity.

Nobility of character The way they are opposing her now in the APC was the way APGA members resisted her then. So, for me, politics is about nobility of character. Since 2002, I’ve been a member of APGA, I’ve never changed party and I don’t believe in jumping from one party to the other. Politics that is bereft of ideology is a danger to democracy.

What was the financial consideration for your support for the PDP in the last presidential election?

We are surprised to hear that some political parties received money. But I am very happy that these things are happening so that Nigerians will understand the character of APGA under my leadership. I never did anything as the national chairman of the party to take money from somebody, to enrich myself or enrich members of the party. All our actions under my leadership was based on conviction. During the last elections, I never met Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd); I never met the national chairman of the PDP; even Jonathan never gave us one kobo. We didn’t demand for such, and he never offered. We stated it clear during the campaigns why we were supporting Jonathan.

It was not that I don’t like Buhari as a person because I am aware of his non tolerance on corruption but that was not more important to me than implementing the recommendations of the National Conference.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016—43

commissioners and members of the State Houses of Assembly are riding good cars bought for them by the state governors. But have you seen one single car owned by a member of the House of Representatives that was bought for him by the National Assembly or by the federal government?

Have you seen?

What should we expect from executive-legislature relations?

Very cordial relationship, there is no problem. Have we ever had any issue with the executive? We have never had any issue.

You have never had any issue?

I can tell you that whatever can be done will be done in harmony, there will be real understanding between the executive and the legislature in terms of policy direction. It is a controlled APC

No more controversy about our salaries — NAMDAS, REPS SPOKESMAN REPRESENTATIVE Abdulrazaq Namdas is the chairman of House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs. In this interview, he laments the lack of coordination by the government on the affairs of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. He also among others dispels insinuations that budget for federal lawmakers are shrouded in secrecy.

Excerpts

By Emman Ovuakporie and Johnbosco Agbakwuru

M

ANY people believe the National Assembly budget is shrouded in secrecy.

Why is that so?

But you know that it is not secret, there is no parliamentary job that is done in secrecy. Even at the committee level nothing is done in secret.

In your legislative agenda you promised that there will be openness in the salaries and the allowances of law makers. But it is not so.

It is still being debated. Even the supplementary budget that was submitted to us by Mr President is there on record.

What is secret about it? The secret that you want to pay N 413 billion subsidy, is it a secret?

Talking about a secret Is it a secret that you want to pay Operation Dole Lafiya? Is it a secret that you want to give N5 billion to the IDP’s? What is the secret about it?

I mean the budget of the National Assembly itself.

The National Assembly budget cannot be in secret. We only have the figure about 130billion.

It is an envelope thing but the thing is this, if you know how much is being appropriated, whether it is N10 billion, N50 billion or N200 billion, at least you know the figure that goes to the National Assembly.

So it is no longer a secret. When we are talking about a secret, you don’t even know the figure, but you know the figure (of the National Assembly budget).

Your take home pay is being shrouded in secrecy, we are having conflicting figures.

•Namdas

These are issues of the past for God sake. When I came in here people told us that our gross allowance was about N9 billion.

You know and I know, as I speak to you now I have not gotten an

official car, whether it is a loan, free or dash, nobody has gotten and I am almost six months in the National Assembly. Go to the State Houses of Assembly and the State Executive Council, the

The National Assembly budget cannot be in secret.

We only have the figure about 130billion

Nigeria requires urgent restructuring — ENEJERE IN this interview, political scientist, Dr. Emeka Enejere, says states would have enough funds if Nigeria is restructured and states are allowed to control their resources.

By Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief & Gabriel Ewepu

W

HAT do you expect the current administration to do with the report of the National Conference which was conducted by the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan ?

I was undergoing surgery in Germany during that period, but I have seen national conferences before, our history as a people and nation-state is littered with so many conferences before we even got independence.

After independence, we have had efforts at conferences, the Nigerian crisis led to ad hoc conferences under Gen. (Yakubu) Gowon, and the insecurity in the country made it impossible for the conferences to continue. Gowon sacked the conferences.

During the civil war and after the civil war, efforts were made on how we can even co-exist and live together. We know that Aburi was one such conference and that the crisis escalated because the agreement reached there was thrown away.

And after that the military

continued and we have had conferences under every military regime that had stayed for quite sometime in Nigerian history; Babangida, Abacha, Obasanjo and then Jonathan.

What happened to the three before Jonathan? Just like a lot of things that seem to be almost associated with government reports and investigations, and even White Papers that are written. They are kept on tables to accumulate dust. So when this particular conference came out as usual we had a problem.

Particular conference The National Assembly has been there and there are rooms for constitutional amendments, I can’t remember any amendment that they have been able to carry out. Each time you carry out amendment they wake up to say it is their job but they don’t do it. So a lot of things have gotten out of hand.

This Jonathan conference was really expected to discuss Nigeria seriously. If you look at the composition and even

•Enejere other compositions of the previous conferences you would see that the membership was made up of many people who have held public positions in the country.

In other climes, people like that become national interest driven individuals, and they don’t allow petty, narrow interest to affect their views.

From my hospital bed I was reaching some of them and said look you have an opportunity to give your best to Nigeria because in a country of almost 160 million, and you have had the best from the country, and this is your time to pay back.

Did the outcome meet your expectations?

The people who made up the conference are the members,

government, this is an APC President and in the national assembly both in the Senate and the House of Representatives it is led by the APC. I want to tell you that the policy of APC will be the driving policy of this government both at the two levels. That, I can guarantee you.

But some law makers have complained that any time they want to move motions to commend the President that such motions were always shot down.

If you look at the supplementary budget that was passed, no single voice was said against. It was 100 percent yes.

In a parliament, debates in parliament are normal things. If you say these are the issues of the day, there can be issues, parties will raise their issues, individuals will raise their issues, zones will raise their issues, whatever thing, people lobby. But I want to tell you that Mr. President is always respected and commended. Those who even raised issues against the supplementary budget, did not say they did not support it. What they were saying was that he should be cautious.

Can you say that the House is truly united now?

Yes, very united. We don’t have any issues, we don’t have any problem. and the dynamics of their interaction and engagement can determine the final direction of the conference and the report. Some of them tried to constitute themselves as conference pressure groups in order to push certain interests; national and regional.

Why it is that this regional or state have become an albatross that prevents us from looking at the larger picture?

When I asked that question go back to when I was trying to write an entrance exam to enter University of Nigeria and I learned that Zik was coming to give a public lecture on “Tribalism: A pragmatic Instrument for National Unity,” I left my work at Enugu and travelled to UNN to listen to Zik’s lecture.

Zik lamented that the political elite had derailed and that most nations of the world are one-tribe nations but made up of many tribal nations who constitute a state and effort is made to now consciously create national feeling, which he said was not happening.

If you are talking of having more states have you thought about the cost of running them?

The problem is the structure of Nigeria. After the civil war, the military continued to run the country in their commanding administrative style and that disfigured the country.

44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

KOBENA: Community where herbalists control health care delivery

By Sola Ogundipe

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NDIGENES of Kobena, in Ilashe, OriAde Local Community Development Area, LCDA, of Lagos State, are in a class of their own.

In the rural coastal area, they lack adequate presence of government and basic amenities of life, especially health care facilities.

But even if these poor people are unhealthy or medically challenged, they are proactive enough to provide alternative health care by way of herbal and traditional medicine, if for nothing, at least to fill the tardy vacuum created by government.

Expectant mothers and unborn children are often at the receiving end hence maternal and child mortality have been a feature of the community that has existed without a primary health centre forcing the women to depend solely on Traditional Birth Attendants.

A community of nine villages, an elderly woman, Mrs. Taye Tetede, told Vanguard Health & Living that their major challenge is how to get their women to Ibeshe, the only village that can boast of a medical centre.

Transportation challenge “What we are facing here is transportation problem. When pregnant women go into labour, there’s no boat to take them to hospital. We don’t have a clinic here and our children don’t go for immunisation because of lack of access to

MATERNAL HEALTH: Cross section of women awaiting their turn to see the herbalist. a clinic. So we need boat and clinic here so that our sick ones or pregnant women will be attended to,” she solicited.

Further, Tetede said sometimes they trek down to the waterside. In the case where

Ori-Ade is a land forgotten by planners of healthcare in Lagos State and is unattractive to private health practitioners

the labour starts at night, they may charter a boat to Ibeshe.

Jimoh, her husband, said their people are at pains to gain access to medical care in their community. This development has compelled many of the women, who are indigent, to patronise herbalists.

This problem has, over the years, opened opportunity to traditionalists such as 64year-old herbalist, Kosoko Dumeda, who helped his wife to deliver her four children.

“For women who have difficult labour, there are concoctions that I give them to drink that aid in quick delivery. The baby

will freely turn in the mother’s womb like slippery okra soup and come out easily. I do assist in the delivery process, immediately the baby comes out, I will tie the womb with thread to avoid bleeding.

After the whole process, the woman needs not to go to hospital again,” he told Vanguard Health & Living.

Popularly called Baba, the TBA claimed to have solution to problems especially for babies that do not cry at birth.

“There’s a leaf which I will give to the child orally and the baby will cry immediately. The work of the leaf is to break the barrier in the baby’s mouth,” Dumeda said.

However, the man, who is regarded as the “messiah” of female health problems in the community, obviously has little knowledge about medicine.

Neglected It seems Ori-Ade is a land neglected or forgotten by planners of healthcare in Lagos State, also it is unattractive to private health practitioners.

“Even though there is a health facility in Ibeshe, which the people of Kobena attend, it is under-equipped, while others are abandoned,” remarked the Ward Health Community Chairman in Ibeshe, Sharifat Amodu.

“One thing about Nigeria is that you cannot stop people from going to private hospital. As I told you before, we’re challenged any time there is emergency, we can hardly see a boat to take them to the clinic across the next village. Some, when there is emergency in the night and you try to call somebody, you are not even sure if the person will answer you or not.

That has been our predicament.

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There is yet a third product you can use to make all of this even better. During sex, when men ejaculate,

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This means you wouldn’t have to worry about waiting for an erection because the one you have will remain there until you are satisfied – Uche A friend of mine told me about a drug she bought from you to improve her libido – Mrs Anyaoku Yes there are two different types at the moment. There is G Femal Oral Tablets and Total Diva. They are both very good and help with arousal, lubrication and satisfaction. The effects last for days too – Uche I just got the Ovo F10 vibrator I ordered and I have never seen anything like it before. Your packaging is impressive and you deliver on time. Very professional Samantha You are welcome – Uche I bought one of the Couple’s Vibrator you talked about before the holiday and I am happy that I did because it improved the sex I had with my wife. I am only telling you this because I am impressed. Normally I like to keep my private business to myself – Colin Don’t worry Colin. We never use people’s real names in this column and we appreciate your feedback. That is how we are able to confirm that these products are actually working for people – Uche That is all for today. Adults in need of these treatments/ novelties can now call us now on 08171912551, 08027901621 or 07086754515 for help or visit www.zeevirtualmedia.com to place their orders. Zee Virtual Media delivers all over Nigeria. For enquiries email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com- Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2016—45

Why we embarked on e-dividend campaign—SEC

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA—THE Nigerian Security and Exchange Commission, yesterday, said it embarked on edividend sensitization campaign to sanitize the rot in the system.

SEC's Head of Corporate Communications, Naif Abdussalam, who disclosed this during a road show and sensitization campaign organised by the Commission said the campaign became necessary in view of the need to further enlighten Nigerian investors on the recently launched eDividend Platform by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The four day enlightenment programme, which commenced on Monday with a road show, is expected to culminate in a town hall meeting today.

Abdussalam said investors into the Nigerian Capital Market are entitled to their investments when they invest money hence the need for the e-dividend portal and the enlightenment campaign, adding, “We discovered that when dividends are declared by the companies

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where they invest, they are sent by post which takes time and sometimes they do not even come at all.

Because investors change addresses, some of the dividend warrants do not even get to them.

“Having looked at it as at 30th September 2015, the Commission realized that unclaimed dividends amounted to about N90billion.

SEC determined we will address it once and for all and that is why the Commission

launched the electronic dividend portal.”.

While noting that the objective of the campaign was to get the message down to the grassroots to interface with the investors,he explained that there is a window of 90 days for all investors to register into the new platform, starting from December 14, 2015 so that they can register freely. After the free 90 days service window, he said that N100 fee will be charged by banks and accredited registers.

L-r: Captain Jide George and his wife, Mrs. Dele George, of Little Saints Orphanage, cutting the birthday cake at her 60th birthday ceremony in Lagos

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Ronaldo statue Messi-ed CRISTIANO Ronaldo’s statue in Funchal, capital of his home island of Madeira, has been tagged with the name and shirt number of arch-rival Lionel Messi, according to local press reports.

The graffiti was put on the statue overnight on Tuesday, just hours after Barcelona’s Argentine star Messi claimed a fifth world player of the year award, beating out Real Madrid’s Portuguese striker and three-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo in the process.

The name Messi and

the number 10, both scrawled in red, had already been cleaned off the statue, the Diario de Noticias da Madeira said.

“It’s a shameful act committed out of jealousy towards him,” said Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro, with pictures of the tagged statue predictably doing the rounds on social media.

Ronaldo unveiled the 3.40-metre-high bronze effigy of himself in December 2014 on the Funchal seafront, a few hundred metres from his own self-financed museum

ITF West/Central Africa Circuit:

Adetunji, Osewa advance

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•Ronaldo’s statue messed up by fans.

Raja Casablanca sign Babatunde

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OROCCAN pow er-house Raja Casablanca have announced the capture of Super Eagles midfielder, Michael Babatunde.

The Super Eagle has put pen to paper on a three - and - a - half year deal with the 11 time champions of Mo-

rocco, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2018 - 2019 season.

Babatunde, who can cover several offensive positions, was recently on the books of Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk but terminated his contract with the Ukrainian Pre-

Continued from B/P federation as a certain marketer is said to take 20% of that sum.

A dependable source at the NFF Secretariat told Sports Vanguard exclusively that the federation which is facing a huge financial meltdown is seriously considering mustering the courage to call for a renegotiation of the deal which many analysts believe has never been in the interest of the federation.

The source further revealed that the NFF is contemplating throwing the whole thing open for other interested organizations to bid since the exiting contract with Glo has elapsed.

It was further gathered that another approach the federation may present is to unbundle the entire sponsorship

deal so as to allow other organizations to take other national teams if they would be interested, like it is done in other climes.

“The truth is that the NFF, as a federation cannot continue with this arrangement because the money they are paying is peanuts compared to what is obtainable in other places. It is only here that all the national teams are handed over to one organization and yet somebody collects 20% of that sum as a consultant.

“If we were able to manage with that unfavourable arrangement, the present reality in the country does not support that anymore, which makes it imperative for things to be done differently and I am sure the board is already doing something about it.”

NFF

mier League club by mutual consent in December 2015.

The 23 - year - old began his career abroad with FC Kryvbas Kryvyi

Continued from B/P former right-hand man of Fifa president Sepp Blatter has denied any wrongdoing.

“The duties of the secretary general will continue to be assumed by the acting secretary general, Dr Markus Kattner,” read a Fifa statement.

Fifa’s ethics committee said on 7 January that it had decided to open “formal adjudicatory proceedings” against Valcke after studying a report submitted by its investigatory chamber.

Continued from B/P Manchester City and Chelsea have enquired about the duo, but Arsene Wenger has managed to beat his Premier League rivals to sign them for a fee in the region of £6m.

Kelechi’s older brother Chidiebere currently plays for City’s academy

Rih (Ukraine ) before shifting to FC Volyn Lutsk, where he spent two seasons from 2013 2015.

FIFA Valcke has also been accused of being party to a potential £6.8m ($10m) bribe paid to Jack Warner, the former head of the North and Central America football governing body Concacaf, in return for his vote and backing to South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 World Cup. Fifa’s ethics committee has already recommended that Valcke should be banned from all footballing activities for nine years.

Nwakali after joining for £3m almost three years ago.

It’s expected that Nwakali, Chukwueze and Egypt international Mohamed Elneny will be the only signings made by Arsenal in the January transfer window.

OST Nigeria con tinued its impressive showing at the ongoing ITF/CAT West and Central Africa Junior Championship in Abuja on Wednesday with majority of the players advancing to the knockout stage of the 12-nation tournament billed to end on Saturday.

South Africa-based Adetayo Adetunji opened the floodgate of triumphs for Nigeria as she outplayed Linda Elondou of Cameroun, who is based in the US, 6-1, 6-0 to keep her perfect record in pool A of the girls’ 16&U while Angel McLeod beat Aichata Keita of Mali to also preserve her unblemished record in pool B of the category.

Timipre Maxwell beat Cameroun’s Patricia Wamba 6-4, 3-6, 10-5 to qualify from the girls’ 14&u and Rebecca Ekpeyong also progres-sed to the knock-out stage by beating Naa McKorly of Ghana 6-0, 6-0.

Ekiti state junior champion, Daniel Adeleye edged Ghana’s Kenneth Adzokatse in a tough match which ended 5-7, 6-3, 12-10 to stay on

Continued from B/P Swansea.

His goal at Norwich was the latest sign of what the 19-year-old can offer the first team, leading more to wonder if Pellegrini will use him more in the rest of the campaign.

“Kelechi has been involved from the first game of this season,” Pellegrini said.

“He’s in the squad in that position and we have Bony, we have Sterling, we have Kun. “It’s important for Kelechi to play like he did against Norwich. He’s the answer when you ask if we’re going to buy another striker – we have Kelechi.”

Reports at the weekend

•Adetunji course for the boys’ 12&U title. Tunisia 2015 Africa Junior Championship bronze medallist, Michael Oshewa maintained his superb form as he whitewashed Souleymane Quattara of Cote d’Ivoire 6-0, 6-0 to set up a semifinal clash with Charles Alipoe of Togo, a 7-6, 6-3 winner over Musa Sani of Nigeria.

A mouth-watering semifinal clash in the Boys’ 16&u on Thursday will see Nigeria’s Christopher Itodo face Frederic Coulibaly of Cote d’Ivoire after both players defeated Felix Hammond of Ghana 6-3, 6-3 and Peter Lawal of Nigeria 6-7, 6-0.

Pellegrini suggested Wilfried Bony could be a surprise exit this month, with Swansea boss Alan Curtis admitting they would be interested in taking him back to the Liberty Stadium.

Pellegrini did not entertain the transfer talk and indicated there would be little movement at City.

“It is speculation, nothing more” he said.

“I always have the same answer: I don’t talk about rumours.

“I think our squad is complete. Nobody will come and nobody will go out. I repeat we have options until the last day.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 — 47

2016: Taekwondoists CHAN: Eagles can do more than bronze Rio open camp in Lagos — Anyansi-Agwu N A

By Ben Efe

S the Super Eagles prepare to storm Rwanda for the CAF African Nations Championship, Nigeria Football Federation technical committee chairman, Felix AnyasiAgwu said the team can go all the way to the final.

The Eagles, coached

by Stephen Keshi managed a bronze in their debut, at the 2014 edition. It was a competition they were tipped to win, having won the African Nations Cup 2013 in South Africa.

“This is not like setting a target. But we believe the Eagles should also do their best to improve on our past record in the tournament.

“The expectation of Nigerians is that we should surpass our bronze in the last outing.”

The Super Eagles buoyed by their win against Cote d’ Ivoire and draw against Angola in their build up to the CHAN, will play Niger Republic on January 18 and later face Tunisia and Guinea, the other

I G E R I A Ta e k w o n d o Federation has invited eight athletes to camp in preparation, for the Rio 2016 Olympic qualifiers to be held February 4-8 in the Moroccan city of Agadai.

The athletes who were selected based on their performances at the 2015 African Games in Congo, include Fatima Abdullahi, Ester Uzoukwu, Ofuadinma Uzoamaka, Adamu Isah, Chinazum Nwosu,

Cracking... Midfielder Paul Onobi (12) in action for the Super Eagles during a match. He is one of the players coach Sunday Oliseh is banking on at the CHAN tournament. teams in group B. In Rwanda, Nigeria will parade some of the stars of the past season – Tunde Adeniji and Chisom Chikatara

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•Nyantakyi C M Y K

clubs, while Ifeanyi Matthew, Paul Onobi, Ezekiel Bassey and Bature Yaro were the driving forces for their respective teams.

Omeruo sticks with Chelsea N I G E R I A international Kenneth Omeruo has declared he has not given up hope he will still play for English Premier League

Amaju hails Nyantakyi over WAFU job IGERIA Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has praised the efforts of Ghana Football Association president, Kwesi Nyantakyi for his consistency in leadership of the West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zone B. He said Mr Nyantakyi’s leadership had made it possible for the zone to become pacesetters on the continent over the years.

scored between them 29 goals in the last campaign, defenders Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo and Orji Kalu were consistent at their

Mr Pinnick, who presided over the WAFU elections, where Nyantakyi earned another four years tenure, pledged NFF’s support as well as that of the entire WAFU Zone B members for the GFA president.

“WAFU Zone B currently leads in Africa in terms of honours in continental competitions and choosing him again will help build our brand to a higher level based on our previous successes,” he said.

“In this election there is no victor and there is no vanquished because we are one people and we are going to remain very united because we know that this is the future of African football,” he added. Mr Nyantakyi secured four votes to narrowly beat Mr Djibrilla Hima Hamidou from Niger who polled three votes out of the seven votes cast.

champions Chelsea.

The defender has yet to feature for ‘The Blues’ and he is again on loan at Turkish Super League team Kasimpasa, but he said he believes in himself and will get it right at the London club before long.

“I still want to play in the England Premier League. I played in the English Championship on loan at Middlesbrough. But the Premier League is a very different level,” said the 22-year-old central defender, who won the AFCON with Nigeria three years ago.

“I believe in myself. I am looking forward to getting my chance at Chelsea. For the club to sign me, it means they saw something in me.

I’m not desperate, but I trust myself.”

Chelsea signed Omeruo in 2013 after they monitored him at the FIFA U-20 World Cup

•Omeruo in Colombia, but he has since played on loan at Dutch club ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough and now Kasimpasa.

Kasimpasa have an option to sign the Nigeria star permanently at the end of the season.

EYMAR has been ordered to appear in court next month as the transfer which took him from Santos to Barcelona remains in the spotlight.

Judge Jose de la Mata has requested his presence on February 2 to give evidence regarding the fraud and

Lagos City Marathon: Tinubu promises hitch-free event

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AGOS State Sports Commission chairman, Deji Tinubu has assured that Lagos will deliver a hitch free event, when the maiden Access Bank /Lagos City Marathon flags off on February 6.

Tinubu, who is also head of the local organising committee, hinted that relevant agencies are already carrying out necessary test runs on the race.

“In line with the international rule, we’ve gone round the marathon route and all the water points, security points, medical points, everything have been noted and various agencies have also visited.

“We’ve also have written to the Ministry of Health, ministry of information, ministry of environment, safety commission, ministry of transportation, Tourism, Local Government, Lagos State Signs and

Advertising Agency, the Nigeria Police, and I’m happy to say that every single one of them have committed one hundred and one percent to make the marathon a huge success.

“The ministry of transportation had a drive test-run of the marathon route, also the LASTMA for an appraisal of traffic management and control of traffic during and after the marathon,” Tinubu concluded.

Already, organisers have announced that the winners of both the men and women’s events will go home with $50 000 each, while second and third place finishers will take $40 000 and $30 000 respectively.

The top 20 Nigerians will also be rewarded win cash prizes starting from N1 million, while the second and third positions will settle for N750 000 and N500 000 respectively.

Kolo defends Yaya over CAF Player of the Year rant insisted the Manchester Cup of Nations with Ivory

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IVERPOOL stopper Kolo Toure has defended his brother Yaya’s outburst after he was pipped to the African Player of the Year award and

Neymar to appear in court

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Edwin Samson and Jemilu Mohammed.

They will report on January 22 in Lagos.

NTF president George Ashiru stated that Nigeria’s chances of making it to the Rio 2016 Games are bright, adding that preparations will be thorough for the African qualifiers in Agadai.

Only four athletes, two males and two females are permitted from each country for the Olympic Games, and Nigeria will aim to win medals in the 58kg, 68kg, 57kg and 67kg.

corruption charges relating to the 2013 move. Current Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu will also appear in court, albeit one day earlier than Neymar, as will the Catalan club’s former president Sandro Rosell, who stepped down from his role over the transfer.

City midfielder did deserve to win.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang prevented Toure picking up a fifth consecutive gong at last week’s ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria, following a standout year with Borussia Dortmund.

Yaya didn’t take the news well and launched into a furious rant about the African football confederation, labelling it both ‘indecent’ and ‘pathetic’.

The 32-year-old failed to win a trophy with City in 2015 but did lift the Africa

Coast at the start of the year - an achievement Kolo believes should have been regarded more highly.

•Toure

Vanguard, THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016

Nwakali, Chukwueze cost Arsenal £6m A

have off

RSENAL fended

NFF to renegotiate Glo contract

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

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SIZZLING: Kelechi Iheanacho (l) waltzes through Norwich City defence.

He scored in Man City’s 3-0 win.

In Iheanacho I trust – Pellegrini M ANCHESTER City won’t have to buy a striker this month thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho.

With Sergio Aguero

and Wilfried Bony both having struggled with injuries this season, the Nigerian’s breakthrough has been welcome.

Iheanacho has five

goals in four games worth of appearances, including last minute winners in the league against Palace and Continues on Page 46

N a bid to improve its revenue base, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) may have concluded arrangements to renegotiate the sponsorship deal it entered into with Globacom for the sole sponsorship of the national teams.

The telecommunication company has the exclusive right of the sponsorship of all the national teams of Nigeria for an annual fee of N350 million.

However, all the money does not accrue to the Continues on Page 46

competition from Manchester City to sign Nigerian youngsters Kelechi Nwakali and Samuel Chukwueze, according to reports.

The Gunners have reportedly signed the Nigerian youngsters for a handsome budget of £6m.

Nwakli was named player of the tournament at the FIFA U17 World Cup, while Chukwueze scored three goals and provided three assists in the tournament.

Various top European clubs including

Continues on Page 46

•Nwakali

FIFA sacks Valcke W

•Valcke

CHAN: Eagles can do more than bronze — Anyansi-Agwu — Page 47

ORLD football’s governing body Fifa has dismissed secretary general Jerome Valcke.

The Frenchman, 55, was provisionally suspended from football for his alleged involvement in a scheme to profit from the sale of World Cup tickets.

He was released from his duties on 17 September after being accused of a series of Fifa ethics code breaches.

Appointed in 2007, the

Continues on Page 46

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Staunch 4 Obscure (3) 6 Pant (4) 9 Illuminated (3) 10 Backed (8) 11 So be it (4) 14 Equality (3) 16 Sordid (5) 19 Liberated (8) 21 Bar (5) 23 Opposition (8) 24 Begin (5) 27 Edge (3) 31 Locate (4) 33 Copied (8) 34 Golf-peg (3) 35 Prophet (4) 36 Untruth (3) 37 Marquee (4)

DOWN 2 Pour (4) 3 Encounter (4) 4 Sick (8) 5 Manufactured (4) 6 Clearing (5) 7 Objective (3) 8 Vapour (5) 12 Angry (5) 13 Animal (5) 14 Friend (3) 15 Spree (5) 17 Correct (5) 18 Coupled (5) 20 Precise (8) 22 Tear (3) 25 Commonplace (5) 26 Jockey (5) 28 Tablet (4) 29 Divide (4) 30 Observed (4) 32 Born (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Repeal 5, Torrid 8, Assassin 9, Mean 10, Pep 12, Sober 15, Wet 17, Asp 18, Ate 19, Imp 20, Evict 21, Dog 22, Era 23, Egg 24, Ear 26, Raged 29, Err 33, Ogle 34, Permeate 35, Propel 36, Lotion.

DOWN: 2, Ensue 3, Edam 4, Lasso 5, Tense 6, Ramp 7, Irate 10, Price 11, Paper 12, Spear 13, Bring 14, Rated 15, Wedge 16, Tiger 25, Auger 27, Appeal 28, Enrol 30, Ratio 31, Seep 32, Test.

How to Play Sudoku

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lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821. Abuja Advert Hotline: 09-2921024. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag.Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

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