POWER SECTOR: Senate probes OBJ, Yar'Adua, Jonathan

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62471

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Ooni Sijuade: Banks, markets shut in Ife, as 7-day mourning begins 41 POWER SECTOR:

Senate probes OBJ, Yar'Adua, Jonathan

•Our integrity, reputation at stake, Saraki tells c'ttee members •Wants TCN to reconnect Maiduguri to National Grid •POWER: N6.52 trillion squandered on darkness since 1999

BRISTOW CHOPPER CRASH IN LAGOS: 10 Bodies of pilot, co-pilot recovered

By Clifford Ndujihe, Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, constituted an ad-hoc Committee to carry out a holistic investigation into the management of funds appropriated to the power sector from the Olusegun Obasanjo civilian administration to date.

Announcing the 13-man ad-hoc committee, yesterday, Senate President, Bukola Saraki urged members of the committee to consider their reputation and integrity and come up with a report that would be acceptable to Nigerians.

He lamented that a lot of money had been spent on the sector with no results, while Nigeria is still faced with the challenge of power supply.

The committee which has Senator Abubakar Continues on Page 5

Buhari to Service Chiefs: Destroy Boko Haram in 3 months 4 Mr & Mrs

HELICOPTER CRASH DAY 2: Survivors of the Bristow helicopter crash being moved to another hospital in Lagos, yesterday.

BELOW LEFT: Heroic local divers, who assisted in rescue operations, pose with officials of government emergency response teams.

COLUMNISTS:

We have come such a long way •P.17 C M Y K

Learning from Mugabe •P.19

The place of Ile-Ife in the hierarchy of Yoruba race See inside

OPC RAPE CASE: Lagos notifies Police of intention to prosecute suspects 7

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA — PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, charged the new service chiefs to synergize with other nation’s security apparatus and hunt down Boko Haram insurgents within the next three months.

The President said that would be the only way the new military helmsmen would justify the confidence resposed in them by his government.

In a brief but colourful swearing-in ceremony of the service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Buhari noted that the activities of the insurgents have claimed many lives and destroyed the economic lives of the people.

His words: “I want to reiterate that your appointments and subsequent elevation to these ranks are based on your pedigree as first class senior officers who identify sterling leadership qualities. Therefore, I have no doubt in my mind that all of you are equal to the task ahead of you. You must acquaint yourselves and justify the honour done to you.

“You are all aware of the various security challenges facing our nation. These challenges include the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, armed banditry, kidnapping, militancy of various forms to mention a few.

“The activities of these misguided groups and individuals have resulted in wanton destruction of lives and property of our citizens as a disruption of social economic lives of millions of Nigerians.

"The increasing incidence of attacks and destructions perpetrated by these insurgents have led to the deployment of various instruments of national power in bid to contain their activities and restoring law and order in every part of the country. Rightly, the armed forces have been in the vanguard of the fight against terrorism.

“While commending the efforts of the armed forces so far, you need to brace up and continue to team up with other stakeholders to come up with a well coordinated joint effort which will bring a desired end to these insurgencies within three months.”

Be accountable to Nigerians

President Buhari also charged the military to be accountable to Nigerians in the course of their duty even as he asked them to make judicious use of all resources in their care. He pledged his government’s readiness to provide all necessary tools for the antiterrorism war.

He said: “In the course of carrying out this assignment, you must be accountable for all

C M Y K

Buhari to service chiefs: Hunt down Boko Haram in 3 months Asks

them to be accountable to Nigerians

DECORATION: From left, Chief of Air Staff, Air-Marshal Sadique Abubarkar; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, at the decoration of service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. men and equipment placed under your command. Your troops welfare must be uppermost in your mind, take care of them and make

available what is due to them.

Concerted efforts should also be made to make judicious use of resources that are available to you in search for solution to

these challenges.

“On our own part, we shall be ready to give you the needed resources to achieve this feat. You will recall I have

been to several countries with the sole aim of canvassing for global support to eliminate terrorism from Nigeria.

“These efforts which include establishment of the multinational joint task force should be complimented by you. You should, therefore, reprofessionalise your force and give your troops creditable training so that they can perform their job creditably “You should also ensure that they abide with the newly enforced rules and relations of international standards while carrying out their assigned tasks.

In particular you must protect innocent civilians.

"This, no doubt, will bring the support of local communities and the respect of our allies and support of international community. Get back to work and make Nigerians proud.”

It will be recalled that the President, on July 13, appointed the new service chiefs including a new National Security Adviser, NSA. They were subsequently cleared by the Senate.

Speaking to correspondents shortly after the event, Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel, said they were committed to fight against terrorism.

Forensic audit, contracts review underway at NNPC As the corporation appoints 15 Group General Managers

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor & Mike Eboh

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BUJA —THE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has concluded plans to conduct a forensic audit of the accounts of the state oil company and effect a fundamental restructuring to turn out a new NNPC in five months time.

The Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Emmanuel Kachikwu, who disclosed this, yesterday, in Abuja said the audit will cover 2014 and 2015.

Major part of the audit will include a review of all contracts with its joint venture partners and production-sharing agreements.

He said: “Having said that things have been done wrongly, things need to be done rightly.

We are doing a lot of work of repositioning, re-strategizing, getting the right personnel in the key places and setting a culture for accountability and service delivery.”

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Kachikwu last week with a brief to root out corruption and mismanagement at the NNPC, which has been accused of failing to account for billions of dollars oil revenue in recent years.

The former Exxon Mobil

executive has already dismissed all of the company’s executive directors and other top layers of management.

According to him, “there’s a people aspect which we are dealing with now, and after the people are put at the right places, we are going to get a forensic audit done that will cover us all the way to 2014, 2015.”

15 GGMs

Meanwhile, the corporation, yesterday, appointed 15 new Group General Managers (GGMs) to man some of its divisions.

The NNPC, in a statement signed by Mr. Ohi Alegbe, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, disclosed that the appointments were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The new GGMs, according to the NNPC are: Mr. Mele Kyari, Crude Oil Marketing Division (COMD); Mr. Ahmadu Sambo, NNPC Oilfield Services; Dr. Surajdeen Bola Afolabi, ITD/ SAP; Mr. Zubair Aliyu, NNPC Capital and Mr. Dafe Sejebor, Nigerian Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

Others are: Mrs. Kemi Akitoye, Human Resources Division; Mr. Godwin

Okonkwo, Finance; Mr. Bello Rabiu, Corporate Planning Division; Mr. Anibo Kragha, Treasury; and Mr. Dalhatu Makama, Shipping (Nidas & Nikorma).

The rest are: Mr. Samuel Ndukwe, GGM, Power; Mr. Mike Balami, GGM, Accounts; Mr. Yusuf Matashi, GGM, LNG; Mr. Rabiu Suleiman, GGM, Engineering & Technology; and Dr. Olubunmi Oyetunde, GGM, Medical.

Why 38 senior managers were retired The NNPC further stated that

its decision to retire 38 of its senior managers was borne out of the need to restructure the organization and also to save cost.

According to the NNPC, the downsizing which saw the exit of all senior managers who were billed to retire between now and December 2016 is also a cost-saving measure.

It said: “The task of restructuring the corporation into a lean, efficient, and business-focused organization has commenced with management’s approval of the retirement of 38 senior managers.

“The exercise, apart from gearing the corporation in the direction of a leaner and more efficient organization, has enormous costsaving benefits.”

Buhari sacks NPA MD, reinstates Abdullahi

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By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA —President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Alhaji Sanusi Ado Bayero with immediate effect.

A statement by the

presidential spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adesina, directed Bayero to hand over the management of the NPA and all government property in his possession to Mr. Habibu Abdullahi, who has been reinstated as Managing Director of the NPA by President Buhari.

The President also wished Bayero well in his future endeavours.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 —5

POCKET CARTOON

VISIT TO CRASH SITE —From left: Dr. Ibrahim Idris, Director, Federal Ministry of Aviation; Capt. Mukhtar Usman, Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority; NCAA; Hajia Binta Adamu Bello, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and a LASEMA official , during a visit to the site of Bristow helicopter crash in Oworonsoki, Lagos, yesterday.

POWER: Senate probes OBJ, Yar'Adua, Jonathan & Financial Crimes yesterday, Senator Saraki Continues from Page 1 Kyari, APC, Borno North, as chairman, was also saddled with the responsibility of looking into irregularities in the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN. Yesterday’s action of the Senate would inadvertently probe how the Obasanjo, Umaru Yar‘adua and Jonathan administrations managed funds allocated to the sector.

A similar probe ordered by the House of Representatives into the sector in 2007 under the stewardship of Ndudi Elumelu quickly degenerated into controversy as it was alleged to be a witchhunt. Another probe ordered by the Senate in that era under the stewardship of Senator Nicholas Ugbane also ended in controversy.

Both Ugbane and Elumelu were in 2010 indicted by the Economic

Commission, EFCC, of involvement in an alleged N5.2 billion contract scam in the Rural Electrification Project of the Federal Government.

Other members of the committee as announced, yesterday, were Senators Mohammed Hassan, Ali Wakili, Godswill Akpabio, Mao Ohuabunwa, Aliyu Wammako, Shaaba Lafiagi, Olusola Adeyeye, Babajide Omoworare, Fatima Razaki, Ighoyota Amori, Mustapha Bukar and Dino Melaye.

According to the Senate President, inadequate power supply in the country was a cause for concern as it had affected economic growth, stressing that besides corruption, lack of power supply had plunged the country into further hardship.

State of power lamentable — Saraki

Speaking on the issue

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

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OMETIME in life you have to make do with the available as long as it leads you to the desirable. You may not have exactly what you want at the moment but as long as what you have or is being offered to you can be a springboard, you should embrace it. It’s up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough — Oprah Winfrey

T

HIS habit of gratitude, appreciation and kindness towards yourself as you observe how far you have come, the obstacles you have overcome and what you have done, is good for the Soul.

Practice these virtues and notice a change; your thinking will shift more positively, and your thought patterns will become more focused on being better than your previous self.

said: “We thought that with the Power Reform Act and unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), we will begin to witness an improvement with regard to power supply, but unfortunately it is not so.

The ad-hoc committee we will set up should look at the activities of the DISCOs and what is preventing Nigerians from benefitting from the unbundling of the PHCN.” Also worried by the security challenge in the North East geo-political zone of the country and the need to assist the military in nipping in the bud, the activities of members of Boko Haram, the Senate, yesterday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, ask the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to reconnect Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to the national grid.

The Senate which also condemned inability of TCN to provide continuous and uninterrupted power supply to all parts of the country, however, expressed concern that Nigeria with a population of over 150 million produces only 4, 600 mega watts, while South Africa with a population of about 45 million people produces more than 40,000 mega watts.

The Senate resolution was upon a motion titled: “Disconnection of Maiduguri from the National Grid and General Power Degeneration in Nigeria” and presented by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Muhammed Ali Ndume.

In his motion, Senator Ndume observed that the disconnection from the

national grid and degeneration of power supply across the country had affected economic activities because of the collapse of several industries, even as he expressed concern that with an installed power generation potential of about 5,000 MW, the output distributed today was about 1,950 megawatts of energy.

According to him, it was disheartening to note that Iran with 70 million people generates about 42,000 megawatts, while South Korea with about 35 million people generates about 60,000 mega watts of electricity.

Speaking further, Senator Ndume, who complained that the situation had grounded economic activities in the state, said: “I buy diesel to run my generator and that costs me N10,000 per day. No country can be said to be near development when there is no power. This Senate needs to investigate to give the government support. For years now, a lot of money has been spent but there is nothing to show for it.”

Also, speaking, Senator Danjuma Goje, APC- Gombe Central who noted that the motion was apt in view of the untold suffering the lack of power supply had caused Nigerians, said: “The problem of power was on before 1999 and I am surprised that up till today, the power sector is grappling with insufficient power supply.

Senators condemn poor power generation, distribution

Senator Goje, who served as Minister of State (power) during the Obasanjo administration added: “This motion is apt because there is a need to find out what happened in spite of the unbundling and huge amount so far spent.”

On his part, Senator Akpabio (PDP- Akwa Ibom North West) who lamented that many companies had shut down due to irregular power supply in the country, stressed that in spite of the financial contribution by some states in the South to improve power supply, Nigerians were still grappling with lack of electricity supply, adding: “In 2015 we are celebrating 4,000 mega watts. For me this is worrisome. We cannot have employment without power and Nigerians are complaining about the high cost and some localities who have not seen light for months are asked to pay high tariff.” Akpabio said

the 8th Senate should do all within its power to assist the Federal Government in bringing an end to the problem.

POWER: Nigeria squanders N6.52 trillion on darkness since 1999 If comments of former Nigerian leaders are anything to go by, the country, in the last 16 years spent $29.635 billion or N6.52 trillion on power with little or nothing to show for it.

While the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly spent $16bn (N3.52 trn), his successor, late President Umaru Musa Yar ’Adua, expended $5.375bn or N1.183trn while immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration spent $8.26bn (N1.817 trn).

Piqued by the poor power situation, late President Yar ’Adua, on assuming power in 2007 said that “the government under President Olusegun Obasanjo wasted $10bn on the National Independent Power Project, NIPP with little or nothing to show for it.”

Then House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, put his own figure at $16bn and proceeded to set up a committee headed by Ndudi Elumelu to probe the billions of dollars spent on the independent power projects.

The Ndudi Elumelu-led committee concluded its investigations and submitted its report, but nobody was ready to account for how the $16bn spent on the sector failed to yield “commensurate result”.

Then it was discovered that about 2,500 containers of imported power equipment worth about $5bn were abandoned at the Lagos ports with the demurrage generated by the abandoned equipment put at over N4bn.

Investigations revealed that the equipment formed part of the $16bn that was expended within Obasanjo’s eight years.

Following the 2007

change in administration that brought in Yar’Adua as president, the funding arrangements for NIPP were subjected to intensive legal, political and financial scrutiny, resulting in over two-year interruption in funding for the projects.

After a protracted and intensive debate on the way forward, however, the National Economic Council (NEC) under Yar ’Adua agreed later in 2008 to set aside an additional $5.375bn from the ECOA as a Power Emergency Fund to complete NIPP subject to the approvals of all the state legislative houses.

By official Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) figures, at the time of the suspension, $2.8bn was already invested in NIPP, including $1.78bn in funded letters of credits which allowed some of the projects to continue despite the funding interruption. Contracted commitments totalled $7.385bn.

While campaigning in 2011, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was then the presidential candidate of of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), said that both President Goodluck Jonathan and former President Olusegun Obasanjo have questions to answer, if he was voted into power.

Speaking at a presidential debate organised by NN24, a television outfit, Buhari said he was not satisfied with the effort by the government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) since 1999. “We need to know how much has been spent so far.

Over $16bn was spent by Obasanjo regime, yet we don’t have power. Also, the government under Jonathan said we now have over 4,000 mega watts, yet our people don’t have the power,” he said.

Dr. Jonathan last February 21 disclosed that the Federal Government had invested about $8.26bn in the power sector through the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), in the bid to boost the electricity generation capacity in the country by over 4, 700MW.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

I know no other job, fake journalist tells court

Bird flu hits Port Harcourt

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government has confirmed the outbreak of Avian flu disease in the state.

Director of Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Nnanna Onyekwere, who confirmed the development to newsmen, said two farms in Choba, Obio Akpor

Local Government Area of the state have already been affected.

Similarly, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Domiari Harry, has appealed to operators of poultry houses in

the state to draw the attention of the ministry to strange happenings around their birds.

He said the state government was already working to stem the spread of the disease.

Poses as News Magazine reporter

Mr. Muhammad Kabir, Sokoto/Kebbi/ Zamfara Area C o m m a n d Controller, Nigeria Customs Service, Displaying Wraps Of Indian Hemp Seized

By Officers Of The Command In Sokoto, yesterday.

NAN PHOTOS.

Has no defence lawyer

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—A 56year-old man, Segun Odofin, has been arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrate’s Court, Ogun State, for allegedly pretending to be a journalist.

The prosecutor, Corporal Moshood Hammed, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on August 9 at 4p.m., at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

He said that the accused falsely presented himself as a journalist attached to the News Magazine, Lagos.

Hammed said: “The accused was caught by some members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ogun State, during the thanksgiving ceremony of Dr. Ade Abolurin, the former CommandantGeneral of National Security Civil Defence Corps.

“He was arrested and taken to Ibara police station, where he was questioned and he confessed to being a fake journalist and that the News Magazine identity card found in his possession was forged by him at a printing press in Abuja.

“Odofin also confessed that this had been his means of livelihood for a long time as he had no other means of providing for his family.”

The accused, who was not represented by a counsel, pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of impersonation.

Magistrate Martins Akinyemi granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

2 killed in fresh Plateau attacks; govt declares dusk-to-dawn curfew

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

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OS—TWO people have been reportedly killed in

Gana Ropp and Kurra Falls, while crops were destroyed in Gashish of Barkin Ladi and Jol of Riyom Local Government areas of Plateau State.

3 arrested over attempt to raze Warri police station

By Emma Amaize

W

A R R I — POLICEMEN in Warri, Delta State, have apprehended three youths over alleged attempt to raze the “B” Division Police Station in Okere/ Urhobo community of the state.

It was gathered that irate youths had stormed the police station on August 8, demanding the release of some community youths detained at the station in connection with a case of burglary and stealing, but police repelled them.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said, “On August 8 at 9.40a.m., the Area Commander, Warri received information that youths from Okere/Urhobo community had gathered at the premises of ‘B’ Division Police Station, Warri, and were attempting to burn down the police station.

“Based on the information, anti-crime patrol teams were quickly mobilised to the station and dispersed the protesting youths.

“However, the youths later

regrouped and barricaded the Estate Roundabout, Warri, preventing free flow of traffic.

“The police team also moved to the said roundabout and dislodged the rampaging youths, while three of them were arrested.

“Investigation revealed that the youths invaded the police station to forcefully release some of the community youths, who were detained in connection with a case of house breaking and stealing.

“The detained youths were alleged to have burgled the house of one Chief Wilson Ebor, the Otota of Okere/ Urhobo and stolen some valuables. Some of the stolen items were recovered from them.”

She alleged that a member of the community, Anthony, instigated the youths, adding “law and order have been restored in the area, while efforts are on to arrest the said Anthony and others involved in the disturbance.”

She also disclosed that the police shot two unidentified armed robbers in Ughelli on August 8.

The road leading to Bokkos Local Government Area was reportedly blocked by gunmen, but security personnel from the Special Task Force, STF, are said to be patrolling the areas to forestall further breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, the state government yesterday imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the two affected councils.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr. Rufus Bature, “The curfew starts 6p.m., and ends at 6a.m.

Enough security personnel have been deployed to protect life and property.”

Hostilities, it was gathered resumed in Barkin Ladi in the last five days, particularly in Kassa and Bisichi, where over 10 people had lost their lives but Riyom, which had a few weeks of reprieve, is witnessing fresh attacks.

It will be recalled that the Commander of the Special Task Force, STF, MajorGeneral Tabugbo Ude had appealed to elders, especially in the Northern zone of the state irrespective of religion or tribe to prevail on the youths to desist from engaging in criminal activities and taking laws into their hands.

He said: “Isolated killings and reprisal attacks being carried out by the youths are worrisome,” but assured that STF will do everything to control the situation.

12 docked over cultism in Edo

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

E N I N — T W E LV E members of different cult groups in Edo State have been arraigned before an Oredo Chief Magistrate's Court, Edo State, by the police for unlawful assembly.

The accused persons are David Olukoga, Totti Omonuwa, Bright Nosakhare and Uche Chukwuka, alleged to be members Avarian Organisation, alias Eiye Confraternity; while Osunde Aigbedo, Salako Adebonwale, Felix Evbodi, Ernest Amadasu and Ahunwan Orlando and are alleged members of NeoBlack Movement, alias Aye. The other accused persons are Adebo Eguaoje, alleged to be a member of the Brother Across Nigeria, alias Buccaneer and Joshua Ehiabahi, alleged to be a member of the Jurist, while Isabor Larry is alleged to be a member of De Norsemen Kclubb.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate C. Nwoha granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 each, while their sureties must be a civil servant resident in Benin, and adjourned further hearing in the matter till September 7.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—7

OPC rape case: Lagos notifies Police of intention to prosecute suspects As Police arrests one suspect, others still at large

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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HE Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, has concluded plans to prosecute the four members of Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, who allegedly gang-raped a 30year-old woman in Lagos.

It will be recalled that the 30year-old woman, was allegedly raped last week by four members of OPC, in Alapere area of Ketu, Lagos.

However, the police, which had initially denied any knowledge of the incident, yesterday, confirmed that one of the suspects had been arrested and detained at Alapere Police Station.

The Co-ordinator, Domestic and Sexual Violence Response

Team, DSVRT, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, yesterday, confirmed the development to Vanguard.

According to VivourAdeniyi, the state government was following the development with keen interest and awaiting the completion of investigations by police before the trial will commence.

“We have received the report of the rape case and we have communicated to the police authorities our intent to prosecute the case as soon as police investigation was completed.

“This morning (yesterday), Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Alapere has confirmed the arrest of one of the suspects and has been taken to Ikeja

Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for remand proceedings.”

She, however, said the Directorate of Public Prosecution, DPP, will prosecute the suspects as soon as police complete investigations.

Vivour-Adeniyi, meanwhile, urged victims of sexual and gender-based violence to speak out as the state government was ready to fight all such causes and ensure justice was served.

It was learned that if convicted, the culprits face life imprisonment, in accordance with the Section 258 of the Criminal Law, Lagos State 2011.

Meanwhile, a source close to the victim, said she was beaten and raped by four men inside her makeshift shop at Mile 12 market.

According to the source, after

raping her, the suspects threatened to harm her should she attempt to report the incident to anybody, after bragging that she cannot do them anything.

The victim was rushed to a hospital, where she narrated her experience to workers.

The source also disclosed that the victim was still receiving treatments.

According to the source, the lady is still in pains and cannot speak to newsmen.

The state government had inaugurated DSVRT in September 2014 as a response to the increase in incidents of rape, defilement, domestic violence, child abuse, neglect and maltreatment in the state.

Officers of Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences raiding illegal market and road side traders at railway line in Agege, Lagos, yesterday. PHOTOS: Bunmi Azeez.

Lawyer accused of fondling 9-yr-old girl arraigned

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—A 40-year-old lawyer, who was alleged to have fondled a nine-year-old girl at Tinubu Magistrate’s Court premises, Wednesday, was yesterday arraigned before the court by the police.

The defendant, who is facing a three-count charge, was arraigned in the chambers of Magistrate L. A. Owolabi.

The lawyer, who, it was gathered, pleaded not guilty to the charges, was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He was, however, remanded at Ikoyi Prisons, Lagos, pending when he is able to perfect his bail conditions.

The grandmother of the victim, who spoke to Vanguard at the premises of the court, said

that she had wanted the little girl to stay back in Nigeria with her before the incident occurred.

She said that they had not been able to tell the girl’s mother, as she is not a Nigerian, adding that when they called the little girl’s mother on phone on Wednesday, the only thing she was able to tell her was that she was ill and taken to the hospital.

It was gathered that the little girl had only spent four days in Nigeria before the incident took place.

It will be recalled that the victim, who was said to have just arrived the country from England, had accompanied her grandmother, who had a civil case in court and needed a lawyer.

At the court, she enquired from a court clerk of a lawyer

who could help her handle the case and was referred to the said lawyer.

The lawyer, it was gathered, allegedly lured the little girl to an alley within the court premises and fondled her

private part.

The cry of the little girl attracted the grandmother, who asked her what the matter was and she pointed to the lawyer, and narrated what had happened.

Mother of 4 docked for N4.7m fraud

By Onozure Dania

L

A G O S — A businesswoman, Esther Ijie, has been arraigned before an Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting at Oyingbo, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N4.7 million under false pretence.

The defendant, a 32 yearold mother of four, is facing a five-count charge of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, fraud, stealing and forgery. She is being prosecuted by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Richard Odigie, told the court that the defendant sometime in 2014, at Ogba, Lagos, obtained N4.7 million from one Henshaw Ebhodaghe, who lives in Turkey, under the pretence that she would assist him buy a parcel of land.

He told the court that the defendant received a Toyota Highlander SUV from the victim, under the pretence that she was in a position to sell the car and use the proceeds to buy the land.

Odigie told the court that Ijie also forged a deed of assignment, and presented same to the victim when he demanded for the land she bought on his behalf.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the defendant, Ali Abba, urged the court to admit her to bail on very liberal terms, stating that she was still presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Magistrate O. Adelaja admitted her to bail in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must present evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State Government, and have their addresses verified by the prosecutor.

The matter was adjourned till September 28.

Sales rep in court over theft of N20m goods

By Onozure Dania

L

AGOS—A 30-year-old sales representative, Taofeek Ogundeji, has been arraigned before a Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly stealing goods worth N20 million from his employer.

The defendant is standing trial on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. He is being prosecuted by the

police.

The prosecutor, Mr. Chidi Okoye, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences between January and July.

He said that the offence took place at Oroyinyin Plaza in Lagos Island, where he was a sales representative.

Okoye told the court that the defendant stole baby wears valued at N20 million, adding

that on July 29, he also stole five cartons of baby wears worth N315,000, belonging to his employer, one Alhaja Jemilat Seriki.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate L. Owolabi granted the defendant N500,000 bail, with two responsible sureties in like sum and adjourned the matter till August 31 for mention.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—9

WAEC releases 13 states' withheld results As NGF intervenes, promises to recover the debt

By Dayo Adesulu

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AGOS — THE West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has released results of more than 200,000 candidates which were withheld due to the indebtedness of their various states to the council.

Affected candidates can now check their results at the council’s website.

Head of WAEC National Office, Nigeria, Mr Charles Eguridu, had at a press briefing in Abuja last Wednesday promised to release the withheld results within 24 hours following the intervention of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, which promised to ensure governors of the 13 indebted states pay their debts.

The Head, Public Relations of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Nigeria, Mr. Ari Yusuf, told Vanguard, yesterday, that “the Chairman, NGF, Governor Abdulazeez Yari of Zamfara State, had promised to expedite action to recover the money and a promise made at that level is difficult to doubt. A serious meeting will be held with the affected state governors to get the debt paid and we are happy with the approach of the NGF.” Also speaking with Vanguard, Executive Director, NGF, Alhaji Tayo Shittu, affirmed that the debts owed WAEC will be paid as soon as possible, adding that the national financial challenges do not permit the debtors to give a time frame.

He said: “Remember that these debts are for 2015 and we are just above half of the year. They are not outstanding debts. If I am owing you in 2015, it is understandable. If it was a backlog, we can shout and say, how come they have not paid. Everybody knows that there are economic challenges everywhere. We have given them every assurance that this money will be paid, but we cannot give a specific time.

“You will recall that Wednesday evening, WAEC, which had vowed to withhold indefinitely results of the 13 states owing the council, recanted the threat, saying the NGF had promised to hold a meeting with the affected states governors to recover the money.

The Head National Office, HNO, Nigeria WAEC has on Wednesday in Abuja during a press briefing said: “We have decided to listen to the appeals and review our earlier position.”

Eguridu, who maintained his earlier stand not to C M Y K

mention the council's debtors said: “If I start to mention the names of states that are owing, I may not be fair to those that have paid and

those making efforts to pay.”

He explained that since WAEC is not a profit-making organization and her creditors were on its neck, he had to cry

out, adding: “In the present circumstance, the government is subsidizing examination fees of candidates in Nigeria.”

PRESENTATION: Director-General, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASEI, Engr. Muhammed Haruna (left) presenting some of the Made-inNigeria bulbs to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

NNPC: More officials may go— Kachikwu Says NNPC'll run like a company to generate returns

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — THE Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Kachikwu, said yesterday that the reforms in the corporation would run its full course until total sanity was achieved.

To realize this objective, Kachikwu stated that more officials would have to be relieved of their duties.

The new GMD, who spoke with State House correspondents in Abuja after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari also stated that the corporation would be run like a moneymaking venture to generate returns for Nigeria.

He said: “It is an A to Z restructuring. I have done the first three layers which has to do with the GEDs and General Managers. You are going to have a lot more now, the DGs and GMs will take it to the next layer which is the lower layer.

“The whole idea is to go back to being able to look at the appraisals, how well, you have done on the job that you have done and if you have done very well how do we elevate you to positions where you can offer more service. If you have not done well enough and we can retrain you, we will, but if you

have not done well enough and there is no possibility of retraining, we let you go.

“At the end of the day, NNPC isn’t a public service, it is a corporation and it is going to be run like a company, generating money and profit for Nigerians.

So, the whole concept of anything goes is going to stop and this is the first stage in that whole process.”

Kachichwu also said he had adopted a three-pronged approach in the “cleansing” of the NNPC. He also stated that a new NNPC was set to emerge after the reforms.

He said: “It is a three-pronged process that I am following. There is a people aspect which we are dealing with now, there is a process after the people at the right places. We are going to get a forensic audit done so that we know clearly, not the one PW did but the proper forensic audit that will cover us all the way to 2014,2015, and we will be able to say to you this is the state of the economy.

“We are going to put processes and controls in place, we are going to do retraining and repositioning and then we are going to engage our majors and minors, all those who are active in the sector for us to work as a team trying to take Nigeria forward.

“The final stage will be the business stage. Looking at all the

existing contracts: are they good?

Are they okay? Do they need to be redone? Look at the PSCs, what do we do going forward?

Look at the challenges posed by very reducing balancing sheet as a result of $50 or $40 per barrel for dark oil, what do we do to energise recovery and the income growth so that the government will have money to work with?

“It is a very intensive and calibrated work, a lot of us are not spending time sleeping, but over the next five, six moths you will begin to see a new emergence in the NNPC, a new process of oil administration in the country and obviously giving fillip to Mr President’s dream of taking the oil industry back to where it should be.

“I think the new NNPC that you are going to see going forward will be a different institution all together.”

Also responding to a question of what becomes the joint account system in view of the presidential directive to run a single treasury account, Kachikwu said all that was being looked into.

He said: “All that is being looked at, because to run an oil company you need a lot of funds to do it. If you don’t, you will close down the corporation and the production system will close down. You cannot throw away the baby with the bath water.”

Stoppage of oil subsidy'll check corruption —Sanusi

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AGOS — THE Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday, said removing oil subsidy would go a long way in stopping corruption in the country.

Sanusi said this at one-day Symposium on 2015 Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Lagos.

The programme had the theme “Come Back Nigeria: The Nation’s Fiscal Challenges and Way Forward for the New Administration.”

He said that stopping subsidy was the first step to sanitising the country ’s economy and ensuring structural reforms in all ramifications.

Sanusi criticised government’s resort to huge external borrowing to finance budget deficits even when there was minimum impact in the lives of Nigerians.

"One of the major challenges of the country over the years, in spite of its abundant resources, has been over-dependence on oil revenue and lack of structural reforms.

"This is caused by irregular budget cycle, fiscal indiscipline, huge cost of governance, poor budgeting ethics, implementation processes and weak structures and these have continued to contribute to poor economic performance.

"We spend so much and generate little revenues. We can begin to restructure our economy by fixing the revenue chain and blocking the leakages.

"And one way of doing that is by stopping subsidy because it gives room for corruption in our country, " he said.

Also speaking, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State said the nation was going through a critical period that called for decisive reforms to reverse the direction in which the economy was heading.

Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, said the ultimate objective of a budget was to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

According to him, a main yardstick for measuring a well designed and implemented budget is not its size but the improvement it has brought into people’s lives.

10 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Burundi abuses: Falana drags AU to African court

By Abdulwahab Abdulah

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AGOS—HUMAN rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, ACHPR, to direct the African Commission, AU, to refer the Communication against Burundi filed before it five years ago to the African Court.

In a petition, Falana, who dragged AU to the African Court also asked it to hear his application pursuant to Rule 29 of the Rules of Procedure of the African Court and the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

He claimed to have filed a process against Burundi before the Commission on 4 May 2010 but it has refused to refer the Burundi petition to the court.

The application to the court dated 10 August 2015 and addressed to the Chief Registrar, Dr Robert Eno, reads in part: “This application follows the communication I initiated on 4 May 2015 and submitted to the African Commission regarding the systematic and widespread violations of human rights in Burundi.’’

Why we tackled crude oil theft,

by Ex-CNS

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—A former Chief of the Naval Staff, CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin (rtd) has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan at a time tasked security agencies, particularly the Navy over theft of the nation’s crude oil.

Vice Admiral Jubrin disclosed that on assumption of office he took the accusation as a presidential directive, with no option but to decisively deal with the surge.

The immediate past CNS made this disclosure in a valedictory speech he delivered at the sailing out ceremony organized in his honour at the Nigerian Navy Training Command (NAVTRC), Apapa, Lagos.

BRISTOW CHOPPER CRASH: Bodies of pilot, co-pilot recovered

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor, Olasunkanmi Akoni & Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—THE bodies of the two remaining persons missing from Wednesday ’s Bristow helicopter crash in Lagos have been recovered by the search and rescue team.

The bodies, recovered at about 10.25 a.m. yesterday were that of a white American, Captain Jay Wyatt, who was the pilot and a black, who was the co-pilot.

The two-man crew perished when the twin-engine Sikorsky 76C+ plunged into the water north of the city as it was heading back from an oil rig on Wednesday.

The bodies were brought to the shore of the lagoon at 10.45 a.m.

Sources said the white man was the helicopter ’s pilot, while the black man was the copilot.

The bodies had been taken to the Mainland Hospital by Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.

While the search team was still looking for the two persons, some relations of the victims besieged the scene looking for their loved ones.

The General Manager of LASEMA, Mr Michael Akindele, who briefed the media jointly with Dr Onimode Bamdele, South-West Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, said the rescue and search mission had been concluded.

Akindele said that though the bodies had been recovered, they could not give names of the victims because they were yet to have the manifest.

PRESENTATION: From left: National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ President, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Mr Nnamdi Njemanze; National President of NIgeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Mr Abdulwaheed Odusile; Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina and the Communications and Reporting Advisor, UNDP, Ms Toyin Adewale-Gabriel, at the public presentation of reportage of 2015 elections: a monitoring scorecard of print and online media, in Abuja, yesterday.

He commended the local divers, Marine Police, Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA; the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and others for a job well done.

Akindele said the second phase of the operation would be handled by the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.

He said the agency would determine how the remains of the helicopter would be evacuated from the water.

According to a report by LASWA Managing Director, Mr Yinka Marinho, submitted to the state government, a copy of which was obtained by Vanguard; ‘’At 9.30am yesterday, a joint effort by

the Nigerian Navy and LASWA rescue teams retrieved the bodies of the Captain and copilot from the cockpit of the crashed helicopter. The bodies were handed over to the police station at Oworonshoki.

Mr Clement Onyeyiri, Senior Investigator, Air Safety of AIB, said that as at now, all they knew was that there was an accident and that its nature was still unknown.

The Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Patricia Amadin, had confirmed that after the crash, six persons were rescued alive on Wednesday and four dead.

The police also confirmed that the ill-fated helicopter which plunged into the Lagos Lagoon at Oworonshoki, was carrying 12

passengers when the accident occurred at about 3.10 p.m.

Bristow pledges assistance to survivors, deceased families

Meantime, Bristow Helicopter Limited yesterday promised to assist survivors and families of the dead victims of its ill-fated chopper that plunged into the Lagoon on Wednesday in Lagos.

Bristow Regional Director for Africa, Duncan Moore, made the pledge in a statement in Lagos.

“Our thoughts are with those affected by the unfortunate accident. We regret the loss of lives in the air crash and we are ready to assist them with our full resources.''

...Why we can’t release the names of victims now – AIB ...Blackbox, Cockpit Voice Recorder not yet recovered

By Lawani Mikairu & Daniel Eteghe

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HE Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, yesterday explained that the delay in making the names of the six victims of Wednesday Bristow Helicopter crash in Lagos public is because the airline involved has not contacted the families of the victims in line with international aviation practice before making the names public. This is coming as the black box and the cockpit voice recorders have not been recovered from the crash site.

Making this disclosure yesterday, the Commissioner, AIB, Dr Felix Abali told aviation reporters that until the airline finish contacting the victims families, the Bureau cannot get the permission from them to make the names of the victims

public. Abali also said he is personally in touch with the airline and will make the names public immediately he gets the nod from the airline.

According to Abali: “We do have the copy of the manifest but there are protocol which we must go through before releasing it. The families must be briefed first. It is

the responsibility of the airlines to release the manifest, they have to contact the families first before they release it to the public.”

Meanwhile, major parts of the aircraft have been recovered without the blackbox and Cockpit Voice Recorder. The construction company, Julius Berger is still excavating the site

of crash to get these items which will aid quick investigation of the crash. The blackbox contains the last conversation between the pilot and the control tower at the airport.

Abali said “We have not recovered the black boxes yet that is the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and the Flight Date Recorder (FDR) so Julius Berger is going there tomorrow to continue the search.''

Ambode approves N2.2bn bond for 658 retirees

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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AGOS—GOVERNOR Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has approved disbursement of N2.2billion to 658 retiree under the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS. Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, the

Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, LASPEC, who disclosed this added that the bond would be presented at the 18th batch of Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate ceremony, next week.

Onanuga, stated that Ambode will present the bond to 658 workers who retired from the mainstream of the civil service,

local government, State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, and parastatals.

According to her, the bond presentation, being the 18th in the series since the inception of the CPS, signified the strong commitment of the state government to the implementation and continued sustainability of the CPS.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 11

PETITION: Osun JSC queries judge

By Gbenga Olarinoye

O

S O G B O — A serving judge of Osun State Judiciary, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede has been issued a query by the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, SJC, over her petition against Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

This was disclosed by Oloyede’s counsel, Mr. Lukman Ogunsetan, yesterday during a chat with newsmen.

He added that the embattled judge was expected to respond within seven days to the query, ending next Monday.

Also an Osun State High Court, sitting in Osogbo, yesterday failed to hear an exparte application filed before it by Justice Oloyede.

Oloyede was in court to challenge the dismissal of her petition against Governor Rauf Aregbesola by the Osun State House of Assembly.

Justice Oloyede’s counsel, Mr. Lukman Ogunsetan had on Monday filed a motion exparte supported by an affidavit of urgency, sought an order of the court to file an application for an order of Certiorari to quash the recommendations of the Osun Assembly’s Ad-hoc committee that dismissed her petition and

also recommended her to SJC for further disciplinary action.

However, the application that was supposed to be heard by the vacation judge, did not get a mention, as Justice Aderibigbe after the day ’s proceedings only announced that his next sitting would be next week Thursday.

Speaking with newsmen

shortly after proceedings, Ogunsetan explained that when he approached the judge, he was told that the file had not been read.

He added that Aderibigbe also told him that he could not give a definite date for the hearing of the application yet.

Ogunsetan further explained that hearing of the

AWARD: Governor Rauf Aregbesola State of Osun State receiving an Award of Excellence and Recognition from the President Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Engr. Kashim Ali, during the 24th Engineering Assembly of the Council, at International Conference Centre Abuja on Tuesday.

Daniel accuses Soyinka of selective advocacy

By Daud Olatunji

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B E O K U T A — FORMER governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has hit back at the Nobel Laureate , Professor Wole Soyinka , describing the criticism against his government as selective advocacy.

Daniel in a statement titled: ‘Why we must pray for Wole Soyinka’ signed by one of his media aides, Steve Oliyide said, he was disappointed over the comments credited to the Professor about his style of governance while he held sway as governor of the state.

Daniel was governor for eight years between 2003 and 2011 . His second term was characterised by a lot of crisis

including the closure of the legislative complex following the emergence of two Speakers in the Assembly .

Soyinka had lampooned Daniel over his alleged roles during the crisis which he said portrayed the State in a bad light.

Soyinka had granted an interview shortly after

featuring in a programme organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on ‘Zero Tolerance’, a publication of the commission and blamed Daniel for the crises that occurred during his tenure.

But, Daniel said he had noticed that Soyinka’s now delights in making

AGOS—THE Lagos State Police Command yesterday said that the story that a car bomb was planted at a bank in Anthony Village in the metropolis was untrue.

The command’s spokeswoman, DSP Patricia Amadin, said in a statement that the command was informed of the incident on Wednesday at about 7 a.m.

“The Lagos State Police Command refutes the news of an

disparaging reference to him.

The statement reads in part; “We frown at the ‘selective advocacy ’ Professor Soyinka had recently descended to in his version of ‘activism’ as if the whole world should be made to look at political issues only from the selective prism and perspective of Professor Soyinka. We think not.’’

Court dismisses Ondo ex-dep gov’s impeachment suit

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, yesterday, dismissed the suit by the former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, challenging his

impeachment by the State House of Assembly on April 27, 2015.

Justice Mohammed Idris, in a judgment on a fundamental rights enforcement suit by Olanusi, upheld the objection by the defendants and ruled that the Court lacked the jurisdiction to

Police debunk Lagos bank bomb scare story

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motion and granting of the order to file the substantive application of Certiorari would have put a temporary stop to issue connected with and to the case pending the final determination of the issues thereon.

He called for early hearing of Oloyede’s application in the interest of justice.

intention to bomb a bank in Anthony area of Lagos.

“On Wednesday at about 0700 hours, the command was awakened by the news of a vehicle laden with Improvised Explosive Device, IED, suspiciously parked within the premises of the second generation bank’s Anthony Village branch.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, the Police swung into

action. The vehicle and the premises were scanned by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit.

“Thereafter, the vehicle was towed to Anthony Village Police Station.

“The vehicle owner, one Mrs Ronke Dawodu, later surfaced and stated that she was driving home in her car with her children when the car developed a mechanical fault,” the statement said.

entertain the suit.

The court held that a careful look at the suit revealed that the main case was the one principally challenging the action of a state agency, and as such, the FHC lacked the jurisdiction to hear the claim.

Olanusi had sued the Inspector General of Police and the chairman of the seven-man investigative panel which found him guilty of impeachable offences.

The court held that the suit was an abuse because there is still a similar suit pending at the state High Court of Ondo State on the same subject matter.

The court held that the suit was an abuse because there is still a similar suit pending at the state High Court of Ondo State on the same subject matter.

PDP disagrees with INEC’s position on Ilaje polls

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—THE Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Ondo State and the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC yesterday disagreed over the outcome of the April 11 House of Assembly elections in two constituencies of the state.

INEC Acting Chairman Mrs Amina Zakari speaking in Akure said that the commission was not satisfied with the elections in the constituencies despite the declaration of winners.

Speaking through the Commissioner in charge of Ogun, Oyo and Ekiti states, Professor Lai Olurode explained that the election lacked credibility.

Zakari said: “We were not satisfied with the election, the matter is in the court and I don’t want to sound prejudicial but I can tell you, there was an election that is similar to that of Ondo in Kano and the commission took a stand.’’

But the Publicity secretary of the ruling party, Banji Okunomo said the INEC Chairman statement on the election is prejudicial and calculated to affect the proceedings and outcome of pending cases concerning the Ilaje constituencies.

Deaconess Abodunrin for burial

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HE final burial rites of late Deaconess Ahuoiza Modupe Abodunrin began yesterday with a service of songs at her residence No 5, Belawu Modawaki Road, beside Gloryland School, off pipeline road Ilorin.

Her corpse will leave UITH, Ilorin today for Living Faith Church, New Jerusalem, Gaa Imam, Ilorin for funeral service at 9am.

Interment follows immediately at her residence.

Mrs Abodunrin, a retired nurse died recently at the age of 53. She is survived by her husband, Pastor Samson Abodunrin of Living Faith Church Ilorin, and children.

Late Deaconess Abodunrin

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

RIVERS POLL: Wike, PDP stall tribunal

sitting

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA—FAILURE of Governor Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to respond to a prehearing request by the All Progressives Congress, APC, yesterday, stalled proceeding at the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.

The Justice Muazu Pindgaled tribunal adjourned, yesterday, after it was informed that the defendants were yet to respond to the prehearing application by APC and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

The application by the APC would allow the tribunal to begin hearing on the petition seeking to annul the election that brought Governor Wike to power.

Both APC and Peterside are praying the tribunal to sack Wike from office on the premise that the Rivers State governorship poll was not only fraught with manifest irregularities, but was also

conducted with total disregard to relevant provisions of the Electoral Act. Meanwhile, at the resumed sitting on the matter, yesterday, counsel to the PDP, Mr. Goddy Uche, sought for time to enable the defendants respond to the pre-hearing request by the petitioners.

Consequently, the Justice Pindiga-led panel, said it had no option than to adjourn the case till today, even as it directed Governor Wike, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately file their responses to the application.

Earlier, the petitioners, through

their lead counsel, Chief Akinlolu Olujunmi, SAN, had accused INEC and the other defendants in the matter of deliberately frustrating the petition by constantly denying them access to all the materials that were used for the Rivers State elections, contrary to a previous order of the tribunal.

VISIT: From left: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Sulaimon, Speaker House of Represetatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Chairman, National Peace Committee, Gen. Abdulsalmi Abubakar and Secretary, National Peace Committee, Bishop Mathew Kukah, during a visit to the leadership of the House of Reps in Abuja.

PDP asks Buhari to probe allegations against Amaechi

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has appealed to President Muhamadu Buhari to ask the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to investigate allegations of diversion of government funds levelled against the former Governor Rotimi Amaechi of the state.

Deputy Publicity secretary of the party, Mr Samuel Wonosike, who made the appeal yesterday in Port Harcourt, said such step will help resolve controversies around the allegations against the former governor.

He said that he was surprised that the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Mr Dakuku Peterside could say that some members of the PDP had concluded plans to decamp to the APC because nothing was happening in the PDP. Wonosike said that what the APC governorship candidate meant was that Governor Nyesom Wike was not sharing money to members of his party.

He said the governor had vowed not to be reckless with public funds, noting that it was why salaries owed workers by the last government were paid and repair work ongoing on bad roads in the state.

“It is unfortunate that Peterside has come to agree that something was wrong with the government

of Amaechi. He said nothing was happening in PDP, so some members want to leave. He simply meant that Governor Wike is not sharing money to PDP people. This shows that this is

what they were doing with state funds. It shows that they were sharing money among themselves.

“We are asking Mr president to come to the aide of Rivers State

by asking the EFCC to investigate the administration of former Governor Amaechi. We will never share money. That is why Governor Wike has paid salaries, cleared fees of foreign students and is working on roads."

POLLS: A'Court rules in favour of APC Reps, Assembly candidates in Edo

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—IT was jubilation, yesterday, at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Benin, Edo State, after the Appeal Court sitting in Benin, ruled in favour of the party in the House of Representatives election for Orhiomwon/ Uhumwonde federal constituency and the House of Assembly seat for Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The National Assembly

Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State had ruled in favour of the APC House of Reps candidate for Orhiomwon/ Uhumwonde federal constituency, Mr Patrick Aisowerie, whose election was challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Mr Larry Ogieva.

However the tribunal dismissed Ogieva’s petition after it ruled that the PDP failed to sign its column in the petition filed by Ogieva. The PDP and Ogieva proceeded to

the Appeal Court.

But the Appeal Court in a judgment read by Justice Barka, upheld the judgement of the lower tribunal which declared APC’s Aisowiere winner of the election, adding that the failure of the PDP to sign their column in the petition indicated that only the candidate signed the entire petition which is against section 4 sub section 2 of the First Schedule Electoral Act 2010 as Amended.

Why aggrieved PDP members defected to APC in Bayelsa, by Bekeyi

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—A Bayelsa industrialist, Mr. Romeo Bekeyei has attributed the rising cases of defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State to the failed performance of the present administration of Governor Seriake Dickson.

Bekeyei, during an interactive

session with the state party chairman, Tiwei Orunimighe on his decision to contest the 2016 governorship election on the platform of the APC, said that the recent gale of defection that hit the fold of the PDP was due to unfriendly and unpatriotic disposition of Governor Dickson to the PDP leaders in view of the circumstances surrounding his emergence as governor in

February 14, 2012.”

In a statement, he said “Governor Dickson has failed to deliver on his mandate to the people of the state. Though he has done his best, considering his disposition, experience, but he lacks the needed understanding of the complex issues of infrastructural development in the state.”

Tribunal dismisses APC, LP petition against Preyor

By Ochuko Akuopha

A

SABA—STATE and National Assemblies election tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has dismissed two separate petitions against the election of Mr. Oboro Preyor of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, representing Bomadi constituency, Delta State.

The petitions which were filed by the All Progressive Congress, APC, candidate Kelvin Preye and the Labour Party candidate, Boboangor Kiapene were dismissed by the tribunal for lack of merit, having failed to file their petitions within the time provided for by the Electoral Act among other grounds.

Reacting to the tribunal ruling, Preyor described his victory as victory for the people of Bomadi constituency, which he represents at the Delta State House of Assembly.

BULLION VAN ACCIDENT:

State moves to take over case from Police

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—CHIEF State Counsel, Tejiri Anuhwin, has asked a Magistrate's Court in Otor-Udu, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State to transfer, from the Police to the state, the responsibility of prosecuting suspected culprits in the July 13 bullion van accident which left one of the victims, Mrs. Onome Akporode, with her leg amputated and still in critical health condition at the hospital.

At the resumed trial of the three accused persons, Anuhwin told Magistrate, Mrs. A. AtumahItsekor, that he had the orders of the Delta State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, to take over prosecution from the police.

Consequently, Inspector Helen Oyibi, the Police prosecutoraskedthecourttogive her time to take the new development to his superiors to articulate their defense against the motion before a ruling is delivered by the court.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—13

Senate approves N14.7bn World Bank loan for Edo State

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Senate, yesterday, approved the request by President Muhammadu Buhari to obtain a $75 million credit loan totallibng N14.7 billion from the World Bank for Edo State.

The approval by the Senators was sequel to a report of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Local and Foreign Debts on “The Edo State Development Policy Operation 11 Credit Facility of $75 million from the World Bank” by its Chairman, Senator Kabir Gaya, APC, Kano South.

According to Gaya, it became imperative for the Senate to approve the Edo State Development Policy Operation 11, DPO11, as requested by President Buhari because the projects earmarked by the Governor Adams Oshiomhole led government to be funded from the credit facility when fully implemented will boost the socioeconomic development of the state.

Buhari had on August 5, written to the Senate requesting for the approval to obtain $75 million

credit loan totalling to N14.7 billion from the World Bank for Edo State.

As a follow up to the letter, Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki on Tuesday this week, constituted an ad- hoc committee to consider the request.

The Senate President who set up the seven- member ad- hoc committee on Local and Foreign Debt headed by Senator Kabir Gaya, APC, Kano South, immediately referred the matter to the committee to look into it and report back to the Senate, yesterday for further legislative input.

Speaking further while presenting the report, Senator Gaya explained that the Edo Development Policy Operation DPO(budget support) for $225 million was approved by World Bank in 2012 and was captured in 2009-2011 borrowing plan to be disbursed in three trances.

He said, “The drawdown of the first tranche of $75 million was in 2013 and the projects under it were satisfactorily implemented as affirmed by the World Bank in its implementation completion and results report on Edo State

Development Policy Operation 1, DPO1.

“The credit facility has an attractive and low financing data of 1.25 percent interest; moratorium of five years and a 25 year maturity tenor. The facility is already captured in the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF.” The Senate approved the loan despite the stiff opposition against it by Senator Matthew Uroghide, PDP, Edo South, saying unequivocally that the people of Edo State were against the loan.

Senator Uroghide, said “We are here to represent our people and any activity that will bring about development must be supported.

This report has tremendous gains for the state, knowing this, the President has premised this request based on the report he got on the performance of the first trench of the loan. This loan was premised on certain things that the state government said it was going to do; it was meant to enhance good governance, they are not based on things that are visible.

“It was to enhance private sector development, increased IGR in the state and increase private

investment and employment opportunities. I am not standing to oppose what has been granted by Mr President or the desire of the state government, I am here to look at some of the claims of the things that have been done."

The Senator who queried whether the loan was important considering the debt profile of the state, said that now that the DPO – 2 was coming, if invested on things that are visible, there would be no problem, adding, “On behalf of the people of the state, out rightly, the people have said that they do not want the loan.

I want to say that on August 7, when the notice was given to this Senate, I got over 2000 text messages and emails.”

Earlier in his contribution, Senate leader, Senator Muhammed Ndume, APC, Borno South, noted that the borrowing plan had already been approved by the last senate and that the World Bank has strict borrowing conditions.

He urged his colleagues to approve the loan.

APC RALLY: Dickson

assures on adequate security

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, has assured the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state of adequate security before, during and after its planned rally, slated for weekend in Yenagoa.

He has also directed the

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relevant organs of the government to grant the APC and other political parties, the use of the state owned Samson Siasia Sports Complex and other facilities of the government for political rallies on request.

Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbanjo is expected to receive the defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party PDP to the APC. A Government House statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, explained that the gesture was in keeping with the governor ’s commitment to ensure a level playing ground as well as the peaceful conduct of political activities in the period leading up to the December 5, governorship election in the state.

Councillors suspend LG chair over alleged misappropriation

A

By Festus Ahon S A B A —

COUNCILLORS in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Delta State, have suspended the chairman of the council, Mrs Ikechi Chukwurah over alleged misappropriation of council funds.

The leader of the council legislative arm, Mr Matthew Olisah, who led hundreds of indigenes of the council to the state House of Assembly complex on a peaceful protest, called on the state Legislators to rectify their suspension order on the council chairman.

He disclosed that 13 out of the 15 councillors had passed a resolution placing the council chairman on suspension while the monthly income and expenditure of the council was being investigated.

Monarch dismisses Otota claim

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KERE—THE new monarch of OkereUrhobo Kingdom, HRM, Kesiena Okumagba, has advised Deltans especially those from his kingdom to disregard the claims that Chief Wilson Eboh, was made the regent or Otota (Prime Minister) of OkereUrhobo.

Reacting to comments in some quarters on the controversy over the royal stool, HRM Okumagba, said “ I was chosen by God to reign over the people of Okere Urhobo Kingdom and I do not need Chief Eboh to make me king.”

He urged Deltans and Nigerians to disregard Chief Eboh’s statements as he would not want to join issues withhim,whomprominentOkre Urhobo leaders dragged to court for usurpation of the office of the PrimeMinisterandwasaskedto stop.

HRMOkumagbapointedout that in suit, the plaintiffs (Okere Leaders) are seeking the court to stop Chief Eboh from acting as OtotaofOkereUrhoboKingdom becauseitamountstousurpation of power and position.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

APC'll be in power in Imo in the next 24 years, Okorocha vows I

MO STATE Governor, Rochas Okorocha yesterday, vowed to stop at nothing in making the party very strong in the whole of South East.

Speaking during the meeting with leaders and officials of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Okorocha said the APC would not only remain strong in the state but would be in power in the state for the next twenty-four years.

The governor equally hinted that the local government election will be conducted as soon as the court cases involving the councils are over, adding that until that is done, his government would continue to make do with transition committees in running the councils.

He promised that his government would clear all outstanding salaries and that the action being taken to sanitize the system would be sustained, while workshops would be organized for party officials at all levels in the state to keep them abreast of what their role should be in the policy thrust of the administration.

On the issue of political appointments, the governor said

commissioners would soon be appointed, assuring that the next four years of his administration would be worthy of celebration in the state.

“The Community Government Council [CGC] is to be restructured to make it functional and more effective. We are also going to review the performances

of the party in the booths at all levels during the last elections.

“A committee will also be set up to look into the cases or reports of party members or leaders who erred in one way or the other especially during the elections.

"The party will look into the case of erring members” The Deputy Chairman of the

party in the state, Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe who spoke to journalists at the end of the meeting said the party would work in tandem with the governor and the APC government in the state to make progress, adding that the party would sustain the tempo it generated during the elections.

MEETING: Permanent Secretaries led by the State Head of Service after their meeting with Governor Okorocha, at Government House, Owerri, yesterday. Photo: Govt House

2015 POLLS: Metuh worked against Jonathan, Nwoye

group alleges

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE Tony Nwoye faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State has alleged that the national publicity secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, worked against the interest of PDP and former President Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 general elections, saying for such behaviour, the state executive of PDP has decided to ratify Metuh’s earlier suspension from the party by his Otolo, Nnewi Ward 1.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its third meeting in Awka, the leadership of the faction also

reaffirmed what it described as an earlier expulsion of the state chairman of another PDP faction in the state, Prince Ken Emeakayi.

The communiqué, which was signed by the group’s state chairman, Prince Ossy Ezenwa; the secretary, Mr. Basil Ejidike; the publicity secretary, Mr. Kenneth Arinze and the three zonal chairmen for Anambra Central, North and South, said Metuh publicly disrespected the ex –president after PDP lost the March 28, 2015 election when he (Metuh) demanded that Jonathan should give account of his stewardship as president.

“He goes about in meetings castigating the ex-president and

his wife”, they said.

They also accused him of deceiving the then presidency by forwarding 25 names purporting them to be members of the Anambra State House of Assembly and allegedly used the names to obtain some money.

They said: “Since 2007, Metuh has not voted in his ward in any elections. What he does during elections is to stay in Abuja to collect all the monies meant for Anambra PDP and we are saying that we cannot continue to tolerate somebody like that in our party.

“PDP does not control any of the 21 local government areas and the Federal Government has slipped off our hands and we consider

these issues as enough moral burden for those who have been occupying party positions to allow PDP be.

“After going through the weighty allegations laid against Olisa Metuh and finding them to be very heinous and warranting the suspension and in compliance with the provisions of the PDP constitution, we hereby ratify the suspension and forward same to the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party to ratify and stop Metuh from parading himself as a member and officer of our great party, pending when he will subject himself to the party disciplinary committee.”

NDLEA boss says Abia communities shield hard drug barons

By Eric Ugbor

A

B A — T H E C o m m a n d e r, NDLEA, Abia State Command, Bamidele Akingbade has said their greatest problem with fighting hard drug barons in Abia is the shielding of the culprits by persons and communities.

Akingbade who disclosed this in his office in Aba said the barriers posed by shielding the real drug barons from the drug agency make it hard for them to be reached and be brought to book.

“One of the biggest problems we face with fighting drug barons in Abia state is that these criminals are condoned and shielded. They are allowed to live freely within the communities and in most cases, they have persons shielding them from security agencies arresting and prosecuting them” he said.

“They motivate their shields by giving them huge sums of money because they make a lot of money from these hard drugs. For instance, a bag of cannabis in Aba now sells from N50, 000 to N55, 000 because there is a high demand for these drugs”, Akingbade said.

The Commander said that he had spoken to the Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu on plans to rid the state of hard drug dealers which he said if implemented would yield desired results.

ARIARIA KILLINGS: Leather workers call for timely completion of investigations

By Eric Ugbor

A

BA—THE Powerline Shoe Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Aba, Abia State has called on the Federal Government to speed

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up investigations into the Ariaria killings to enable them resume work fully.

The President of the association, Mr. Goodluck Mmeri disclosed this in his office in Aba, yesterday,

during an interview with Vanguard.

He said that the leather workers in his zone where two persons were killed on July 31, 2015, would not have the courage to resume work fully

with rest of mind unless the investigations were completed.

Mmeri pointed out that the timely conclusion of the investigation and pronouncement of punishment

on the culprits would put the hearts of the workers at rest.

“My people in Powerline want the government to ensure that investigations into the killings are concluded quickly and made public in order to give them peace of mind because right now, they are not happy and their minds are not at ease with their situation,” he said Nmeri said that the shoe makers "feel that if one of them could be shot inside his shop, their security in these shops cannot be guaranteed. So if the investigation is not concluded quickly, it will continue to affect our work.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 15

Women, stakeholders seek enabling environment for tech village in Nigeria

By Providence Obuh, Anino Aganbi, Esther Onyegbula & Ronke Adeyeri

L

AGOS—A number of stakeholders across various sectors, yesterday, converged on the Vanguard Media Limited Conference Room, in a roundtable session, calling on the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for “Tech Villages” in various parts of the country to promote e-commerce to the advantage of work-age mothers.

Speaking at the event titled Women, e-Commerce and the Work/ life balance, participants described a “Tech Village” as an environment or a community where an office space is provided with internet structures and relevant equipment that enable people get online training facilities.

The participants are of the opinion that in a tech village, people are not told what to do but rather they are provided with enablement and support facilities like trainer, young people with interest and relevant background coming into

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that environment.

Michael Umogun, a market researcher explains further.

“Here, structures are put in place, for example they are given office, internet plug-in and charges made at a very small amount for people to come in and talk to like minds on issues; exchanging ideas about new products and apps.

He pointed out that the most important thing is that they are provided with the facilities and environment, cheap and subsidized accommodation, cheap equipment and the youth and interested persons are left to handle the rest.

The participants include: Mrs. Yinka Ogboja, CEO, Opeke International Venture; Mrs. Ibironke Ojesebholo, Producer, Crown Media Productions Limited; Mrs. Morin Obaweya, Creative Director, Morin O. Leatherworks; Mr. Ehizojie Ojesebholo, CEO, Director (Film maker) Ceroms Media Productions Limited; Mrs. Murna Danmadami, Jasikadee Konsults; Mr. Kola Alapinni,

Business & Human Rights Attorneys.

Others are Miss Ezeji Adaora, Offero Nigeria Limited; Mr. Michael Umogun, Millward Brown Nigeria and Mr. Agbolade Omowole, Marcot Information and Technology Solutions.

Umogun said, “We should not allow miracle to happen in ecommerce when we have not done the needful. We are what is referred to by the rest of the world as a default player in global ecommerce, that means we are a peripheral player because there is no way Nigeria would be an active player in e-commerce when we don’t have relevant structures in place.

“What we have currently are bookbased policies by government that have not been implemented; the engine, systems, equipment that is supposed to back e-commerce in the country are not resident in Nigeria. If we don’t embark on a concerted effort of policy to put appropriate systems and structure and equipment in place, then our e-commerce is definitely going to be struggling.

In addition, the participants said that there is a need to do mass education by creating awareness and getting women engaged in e-commerce.

“To enable integration happen properly, we really need to use all possible platforms to explain to people how these things work. The whole platform of ecommerce is elitist, most of our people are outside this system

and except we have structures in place we cannot move anywhere.”

In continuation, they frowned at the fact that it is only the educated women who are making use of ecommerce, stating that the only way to go is by creating awareness which is another important aspect because most of the women are lagging behind in terms of ecommerce.

“Women can do so much from home and earn their pay and still maintain their regular jobs, it is a common thing for mummies in Sweden to work from home and still earn their pay. It is not just about social media but how we can integrate technology to create better lives for women,” they said.

MEETING: Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode (middle) with his Kaduna and Gombe counterparts, Nasir ElRufai (right) and Ibrahim Dankwambo during the National Economic Council meeting at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

PDP: Emeakayi group bans 9 Nwoye members from polls, offices

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE disciplinary committee set up by the Kenneth Emeakayi–led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Anambra State, yesterday, banned the governorship candidate of the party in the 2013 election in the state, Mr. Tony Nwoye and eight others from contesting any election on the platform of the party for two years.

Others banned along with Nwoye were Prince Osita Ezenwa, Mr. Basil Ejidike, Hon. Mrs. Jessy Belonwu, Mr. Kenneth Arinze, Mr. Uche Ogbonna, Mr. Tony Macfore Akachukwu, Chief Ejike Oguebego and Mr. Chuks Okoye.

They were also barred from holding any party office from the ward to the national level of the party for a period of two years as contained under Section 59 (8) paragraph E- of the constitution of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended in 2012) Among their offences were:

engaging in disorderly conduct at meetings, rallies and party functions; engaging in unauthorized publicity of

disputes within the party and creating a parallel party organ.

Though those affected were

expected to appear before the panel, none of them showed up.

Chairman of the panel, Chief

AGM: Mr. Sonny Echono, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; Mr. Sani Dangote, Chairman of the Executive Leadership Group, Nigerian Agribusiness Group Associates, NABG, and Mr. Emmanuel Ijewere, Coordinator of NABG, at their 1st Annual General Meeting, in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Akeem Salau

Sam Ezebilie said Nwoye and others, who were earlier suspended by the Emeakayi – led State Executive Committee, were guilty as charged.

He said: “After listening to the submission of the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Akonanya and after careful study of the charge brought before this committee by the state executive members of PDP Anambra State, this committee hereby agrees with the earlier suspension of the erring members.”

The panel said the offences of Nwoye and his group were covered under section 58 (1) paragraph B of the constitution of PDP as amended in 2012.

Ezebilie said the state executive committee of the party should determine the fines the offenders would pay accordingly.

Four witnesses of the party, namely, Messrs Andrew Onwurah, Mmaduabuchi Agumadu, Ikeokwu Daniel and Prince Nnaemeka Jideofor testified before the panel.

APGA candidates accuse INEC of foul-play ELECTION TRIBUNAL:

By Enyim Enyim

O

NITSHA—THE House of Representatives candidates of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the 2015 general elections in Anambra State, yesterday, accused the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, of colluding with the Peoples Democratic Party to deny them of vital documents that should be tendered at the election petition tribunal sitting in Awka.

Two of the candidates, a former speaker of the Anambra House of Assembly, Princess Chinwe

SIM DEACTIVATION: Only

registered ones'll be reactivated —NCC

By Emeka Aginam

F

OLLOWING THE deactivation of unregistered Subscriber Identification Module, SIM, cards by operators, the N i g e r i a n telecommunications regulatory authority, the Nigerian Communications, NCC, yesterday, said that only those subscribers, who register their SIM cards properly would have them reactivated.

This clarification, according to the NCC Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Tony Ojobo, had become necessary following the deluge of enquiries at the Commission some of which C M Y K

alluded to the impression that their SIM cards have been withdrawn permanently.

“This is not the situation,” Ojobo said, yesterday, in the statement.

Meanwhile, the ultimatum to deactivate unregistered SIM card expired, Tuesday. But enquires as to the status of the SIM cards necessitated this statement.

It would be recalled that the operators were told, among other things, to ensure compliance of all registration with the data dictionary, technical specifications on finger prints and facial images and the business rules agreed by all stakeholders.

Nwaebili for Ogbaru Federal Constituency and Chief Emeka Ojukwu Jnr, for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal Constituency who spoke to newsmen after the sitting of the tribunal, said they were being frustrated

by INEC while trying to get necessary documents that would fast-track their matter.

Nwaebili said that though she had confidence in the tribunal, the electoral commission in collusion with INEC was bent on making sure did not meet the 180 days deadline.

Parishioners host Bishop

T

HE parishioners and people of Umuaro II autonomous community in Isiala Mbano Local Government of Imo State will be host to the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe diocese, Dr. Solomon Amachukwu on August 23, 2015. During his visit, he will screen candidates for confirmation and inspect the on-going construction of new ultramodern church building being built by the community and have audience with the parishioners.

Rev. Innocent Okoronkwo is the chief host.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 —17

We have come such a long way! now more female newscasters on British TV than male ones.

And most of them are highlypaid household names. Ms Mandell, who died in 1998 aged 78, lived long enough to witness this quiet revolution.

And I would like to think that she was very happy for her professional descendants.

Professional descendants

S

IXTY years ago, in 1955, Barbara Mandell, a pioneering female broadcaster, made history by becoming the first woman to read the news on British TV. And she was firmly restricted to a daytime slot and not permitted to mention any unpleasantries – wars, for example - because, as she later recalled: “The midday news was aimed mainly at women, so it was much lighter in content than the main evening news…it was [deemed]…inappropriate for women to be associated with disasters…so we focused on stuff like fashion and cookery.”

Further hammer Meanwhile, to further hammer home the point that a female broadcaster and her core audience shouldn’t be taken too seriously or allowed to stray from domesticity or frivolity, Ms Mandell’s studio was decorated like a kitchen!

Now, six decades on, TV channels the world over are awash with immensely competent female journalists who confidently cover every weighty topic under the sun economics, politics, military issues, terrorist outrages and so on.

As a matter of fact, there are

I wasn’t even born when Ms Mandell made her debut; and I often thank God for enabling me to grow up in a more liberal era because I am a Feminist and would have felt so trapped by – and so furious about - the primitive, insulting, unjust rubbish that women had to put up with in the chronically sexist Olden Days!

We still have a long way to go. Sexism still exists, even in relatively enlightened Western

nations. And it is rife in places like Saudi Arabia where women cannot drive or socialise freely and are punished if they display independent streaks.

In a nutshell, there are still too many countries in which women and little girls (especially those from impoverished backgrounds) are robbed of their human rights, politically marginalised, treated like brainless chattels, deprived of education, genitally mutilated, forced into arranged marriages, subjected to violence by male oppressors and paid less than men who are doing identical jobs.

But things are much better now – overall - than they were in the past. Tremendous progress has been made on several fronts on every continent.

And more improvements are in the pipeline. I predict that gender equality will gradually become

the norm everywhere. Maybe not in my lifetime. But one day.

Social change —A Nigerian example

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ALKING about the progress that has been made in terms of enhancing the status of women, I have noticed a major social change that has taken place in Nigeria.

When I was young, husbands were encouraged (by their relatives, friends and Society at large) to feel shortchanged if they only had daughters; and despite biological realities (it is the man’s chromosomes, not the woman’s, that determine the gender of offspring), many son-less men insisted on blaming their wives for this “failure” and went to great lengths to try to solve the “problem”.

So much emotional anguish was generated within families by this ridiculous prejudice

against daughters and desperate quest for sons; and I remember my mother consoling and counselling aunties who felt distraught and humiliated because their husbands were having extramarital children with other

women (who would be venemously described as evil, avaricious, immoral homewreckers).

But attitudes have changed.

And I now have a number of male chums who only have daughters and aren’t remotely

bothered about only having daughters.

Some even regard daughters as superior.

As one of them recently said to me: “Daughters are better because they are more caring and more likely to look after their elderly parents WELL.”

Sexual harassment

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IGERIA badly needs EFFECTIVE laws against sexual harassment.

Some women have no qualms about using their bodies to gain career and commercial advantages from powerful men who feel that a woman only deserves professional or financial advancement if she is or has been their bedmate.

But those of us who are

Those of us who are allergic to sexual blackmail and would rather not mix business with pleasure will be SO grateful if protective legislation is passed •Bukola Saraki, Senate President C M Y K

•Barbara Mandell

I salute and thank iconic trailblazers – some quiet but dogged like Ms Mandell, some militant and highly vocal like the Sufragettes (who took on the Male Establishment so that they and their fellow women could vote in elections).

These sturdy Women Of Substance started various c h a n g e processes and made life easier for future generations. I can run and jump because they walked tall.

allergic to sexual blackmail and would rather not mix business with pleasure will be SO grateful if protective legislation is passed.

I am not suggesting that women should go squealing to the nearest lawyer whenever an influential man expresses an interest because not all expressions of interest are malign and not all have strings attached.

And there ARE men (though not many!) who are so nice that they won’t hold it against you if you aren’t interested.

I am just saying that when you are told in no uncertain terms that you can’t go beyond a certain point if you don’t sleep with a particular decisionmaker, you should be able to take action against him and knock him off •Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, House of his lofty perch.

Bullies in high Reps

places should not be allowed to get away with traumatising women and blocking their access to jobs or contracts for which they are qualified.

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

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

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s government has left no one in doubt that it has zero tolerance for corruption. The fight against corruption will be won or lost depending how the government handles the civil service, which is the engine room of corruption in the public sector. The cor r uption-riddled public procurement process in the country must be reformed for us to make progress.

The concept of contracting projects and government procurement has over the years meant “jobs for the boys” in which contract sums are padded. In most cases, the process is not open to public scrutiny. In a bid to arrest this ugly practice the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) was set up. But the federal government has not paid much attention to this body which has the capacity to help nip corruption in the bud in the drive to provide adequate basic infrastructure in the country.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) process which the ICRC is supposed to superintend has some inbuilt principles that ensure not only accelerates infrastructure delivery but also provides value-for-money partnership with the private sector to ease pressure on public

Using ICRC To Fight Corruption resources.

The National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP), a 30-year capital infrastructure framework to attain Nigeria’s quota aspiration requires an expenditure of $3.10 trillion in 30 years. This is an amount the government alone cannot provide in the face of dwindling federal revenue. Projects in Nigeria often suffer from policy reversal or outright abandonment because of our dependence on government funding alone.

Efforts to turn to concessioning have, at best, been half-hearted and inchoate. For instance, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was offered to BiCourtney, and the concession had to be suddenly terminated due to poor performance,

though the company had sunk large sums of money onto the venture, which it then abandoned. This is certainly a bad way to go about it.

We call on the President Muhammadu Buhari government to recharge the ICRC and make it an important part of a massive national infrastructural renewal programme that will attract both local and foreign investors to play a major role in preparing our country for economic greatness.

Nigeria, with her new rating as the country with the largest GDP in Africa, coupled with her massive population and unquantifiable material and human resources, will be a major destination for private infrastructure developers once our procurement processes are seen to be devoid of corruption and compliant to international best practices.

The ICRC should be strengthened and given the mandate to evolve a comprehensive work plan for our national infrastructure upgrade, with timelines and costs and thereafter allocated to interested developers to build, operate and transfer.

This is the only way we can overcome our infrastructure deficit

OPINION Why Buhari must probe Jonathan slowly

By Emeka Odikpo

I

DON'T like Lions. Their hunt bores me stiff. On sighting a prey, they go too swiftly, too brutal and aim for the thyroid. In seconds they break the wind pipe of their prey and pronto, dinner is served. No real drama, no teasing, all sheer speed and downright efficient killing. One of my favorite hunters is the Hyena. They are pretty much more patient than the vulture. They can chase a prey for days on end, at the end the prey is worn out and more or less surrenders itself as dinner. There is a sense of drama in their hunt. The prey at the beginning of the hunt is quite agile. The pack of Hyenas knows that it is a matter of time before the prey starts losing strength. Like marathon runners from Kenya they keep up the pace behind the prey.

Their superior will and strength will ultimately prevail. My all time favourite hunter is the domestic cat. The first bust of speed is to knock the rat silly. Thereafter the cat starts a strange game. It pretends to lose interest and allows the rat to attempt an escape. The attempt by the rat is then thwarted by the agile cat. This routine is repeated serially until the cat makes up its mind to have dinner. The joy of the cat is really not in the killing, but enjoying the torture of the mind of the rat.

President Muhammadu Buhari has proven himself an avid hunter. His persistence in repeatedly contesting the Nigerian Presidency has all the markings of the skill of the Hyena.

He kept at it even against all possible odds. To

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the amazement of many of us, he has finally succeeded. But now, the hunt for the crown of Presidency has been won and a new hunt must start. The new hunt must be the hunt for immortality. His team has since realised that the easiest way for the President to attain immortality in the minds of his avid supporters is to continuously mock, humiliate and ultimately destroy ex- President Goodluck Jonathan. For this hunt to excite his teaming fans, it must not be the Lions hunt. If he hobbles Jonathan swift and fast, even if it leads to Jonathan receiving a life imprisonment, he would have made a gross political mistake; he would have made a martyr out of Jonathan.

The sight of a Jonathan in chains, whilst it will

After all once Jonathan finally goes to prison a week to the next general election, all the corruption in Nigerian Police, Customs and Excise and other Federal and State Government agencies would have been vanquished.

no doubt excite the minds of most Jonathan haters, will immediately win a lot of sympathy from the neutrals for the genial Jonathan. The angst of the keen Jonathan supporters will also be kindled; invariably a bit of violence may sprout in the creeks. Worse still, the immediate hobbling of Jonathan will lead to calls for more blood from ferocious Nigerians. The thirst can only be satiated if other big fishes such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Lagos State Governor Sen. Bola Tinubu are also crushed in the process. That will be a massive cull fest that may prove too big for the appetite of moderate Nigerians.

So the plan has to be obvious: make the probing of Jonathan the center piece of the policy of this government and do it very slowly.

This government really does not need to tar roads, construct railways, work on the power situation or indeed carry out any other form of governance to be hugely successful. Just keep on probing Jonathan and the place of this administration is guaranteed in history.

Already, it appears as if the President has gotten the hang of it. Prior to his inauguration he made it clear that he will probe Jonathan. When he went to United States he announced to the whole world in an article that under Jonathan, one million barrels of oil was stolen daily, he made the unnecessary error of reducing this figure in an NTA interview to Two Hundred and fifty thousand barrels of oil per day when he came back from United States. Since then the reiteration of plans to probe Jonathan has become a weekly affair. The press statement is usually released after the President has met with one group or the other.

He will of course reiterate his commitment to recovering all the Jonathan loot. As of the last count this mysterious loot was said to be $150Billion. This figure was arrived at before any audit or investigation. Surely it may reach a Trillion Dollars when the real investigation is done.

The logical next step is to up the ante. More “cronies” of the Ex-President must on weekly basis be invited by EFCC for “grilling”. Since the ex-President has more than a hundred “cronies”, this process can easily take two years.

Nigerians will focus on these invitations and grilling of the ex-President’s aides and marvel at the ultimate spectacle that they will behold when eventually Jona and Mama Peace will face their comeuppance.

But this evil day must be delayed and be made to remain the ultimate piece of showmanship. The time for their arrest must be very close to the next election. By then his supporters will be defined as the supporters of corruption, whilst the supporters of the President will have the higher moral high ground. By hobbling Jonathan, PDP is invariably reduced in the minds of “right thinking Nigerians”, who know that corruption is the exclusive preserve of the PDP. By slowly bamboozling and teasing Jonathan, the President will walk straight into the Nigerian hall of fame as the man who crushed corruption. After all once Jonathan finally goes to prison a week to the next general election, all the corruption in Nigerian Police, Customs and Excise and other Federal and State Government agencies would have been vanquished. *Mr. Odikpo, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Learning from Mugabe

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FRICA is rudderless. Africa is leaderless. Our ‘friends’ from colonialism ensure that.

Many African leaders today, are good boys of the West. To their bosses in the West, they turn for directives, handouts, food stamps, arms and sometimes, their personal security.

Africa’s past or potential leaders are either over- thrown as in the cases of Kwame Nkrumah and Thomas Sankara or assassinated, as was done to Patrice Lumumba and Amilcar Cabral. Another potential, Muamar Ghadaffi, was harassed for many years, presented as a lunatic and terrorist, bombed, and eventually murdered.

Leaders like Yoweri Museveni that had some direction at inception, are soon sucked into the cesspool.

Nelson Mandela was a legendary leader. He inspired generations both in and outside Africa. He helped to deliver a political solution to the Apartheid system, but South Africans lost the economic war along with their lands. Perhaps history made Mandela pack so much into his life, that he had no time left to continue other battles. The Mandela-SisuluSlovo generation was succeeded by that of Thabo Mbeki, Jacob Zuma and Cyril Ramaphosa

which seem to have little strength left to fight, thereby gradually yielding the battle field to the more intemperate and admittedly, less co-ordinated Julius Malema generation who draw their inspiration from Zimbabwe’s Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

With seven degrees in various fields including Economics, Administration, Education, a Master of Science, and two law degrees from South African and British universities, Mugabe is perhaps the most educated African President.

He has been the Zimbabwean leader since April 18, 1980. An undoubtedly long period which is also a torture for the West who are anxious to see his back. But at 91, he exhibits boundless energy, and Zimbabweans continue to vote for him. In the last elections in 2013, he won 61.09 percent of the votes while his party, ZANU-PF won two thirds majority in parliament.

With no solution to his popular appeal, his detractors had initially cried that he was using violence to retain power and win votes in flawed elections. This was the mindset of many of us international monitors in the 2002 polls. I was part of the African Union team which monitored that election

nationwide. At our collation centre in the Sheraton Hotel, Harare, we all concluded that the elections were devoid of violence, were free and fair and that the results reflected the will of the Zimbabwean electorate. The Nigerian delegation, led by former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan also reached that conclusion.

The Commonwealth observers led by former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdusalami Abubakar with whom we exchanged notes, did not report a too dissimilar story.

The shock however was that the official Commonwealth Report condemned the elections as being undemocratic and generally flawed. Undoubtedly, the Commonwealth was working on a pre-election template, and laboured to fit reality into it. Based on this ‘Report’ the body decided to suspend Zimbabwe. To this, Mugabe responded “If the choice

With seven degrees in various fields including Economics, Administration, Education, a Master of Science, and two law degrees from South African and British universities, Mugabe is perhaps the most educated African President

Keeping Imo State on course

By Clement Udegbe

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MO State, being the only APC state in the South East of Nigeria, is expected to be different from other states in the zone, that is not in the ruling party. The body language of Aso Rock, and the ruling party does not suggest that Imo will have any special perks for being the lone ranger,state in the South East.In spite of all the huge electioneering promises, hardship, suffering, and pain seem to have taken the centre stage in the state.

This time in 2011,it was an APGA government, the expectations were high, the Governor was very elated, motivated committed. He hit the ground running, appointing Commissioners, reviewing contracts, awarding contracts, praying, worshipping, and always on the move.

You could sense relief in the air of Imo at that time, as Imolites roundly rallied round His Excellency, and supported every move of his. The Pentecostals and Christians generally went wild with joy and jubilation because one of theirs had come to the rescue.

Imo saw roads being built, though they were called China Roads, Imolites were happy with the roads. It was better after all, to have roads on ground than on bill boards as it was with the predecessor government. The talk of maintenance would follow latter as the roads surely would spoil quickly due to the poor quality, low quantity of asphalt used. Building projects sprang up everywhere, some of them uncompleted, and complete window dressing, yes Imo loved to have something built on those spaces. A performing

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governor, His Excellency was the darling of the people, who whole heartedly preferred him and voted to push out his contender at that time.

In 2011, APGA was in Anambra and Imo states, and most Imolites hoped that APGA would build strong to take Abia, and then root for Enugu and Ebonyi States to give the South East a good base for negotiation at the national level, at some point in the near future.

But politicians will always have their own agenda which may be inimical to the overall interest of the people, who even when they see and know this agenda fail to challenge or resist it for reasons Iam yet to understand.

Soon, every move of government became politicised, the people followed, and cracks started showing in the APGA camp. Contractors who jumped into the programmes of government were owed their monies, some died in the course due to financial pressures from their creditors, the free education criteria and conditions became clearer, and some realised that there was more than met the eyes in the administration of the free education programme, but their views and voices were drowned by heavy propaganda.

Kidnapping which had abated, started

Imo is APC, but is not sure what will happen to it from the centre of that party

was; one for us to lose our sovereignty and become a member of the Commonwealth or to remain with our sovereignty and lose membership of the Commonwealth, then I would say, let the Commonwealth go” The primary dispute with the West was initially over land. The racist Government had reallocated 49 million acres to 50,000 whites, 29 million acres to one million Africans and left 18 million acres unassigned. Part of the Lancaster Agreement that led to Zimbabwean independence was that the British will provide funds for a land buy back from the whites. But Britain reneged on the agreement, and a financially challenged Zimbabwe seized and redistributed the lands. Thus, Zimbabwe has been able to resolve the key Land Question South Africa and Namibia are unable to resolve. Mugabe declared “The land is ours. It's not European and we have taken it, we have given it to the rightful people.”

When Europe reacted by imposing sanctions, Mugabe responded: “We don't mind having sanctions banning us from Europe. We are not Europeans.”

A dogged guerrilla fighter, Mugabe has for over a score years, been in the forefront of African rejection of legitimising homsexual culture. In 1999 while on a visit to Britain, British gay activists led by one Peter Tatchell tried to make a citizen arrest. When Mr. Tatchell tried the same prank in 2001 when Mugabe was visiting Brussels, he was beaten unconscious by Mugabe’s security guards.

With the current United States offensive against countries resisting homosexual culture and linking it to aid, Mugabe has

rearing its ugly head up, while the crimes of child and human trafficking started to boom constituting an embarrassment to the government and all lovers of Imo. The law enforcement agents were challenged, and while Anambra had pulled down about 30 houses belonging to Kidnap kingpins between 2011 and 2012, Imo was still plunged into divisive propaganda, and politicking, and by 2013, APGA in Imo was blown apart! The party struggled, staggered, wobbled, and then fell. His Excellency considered it dead and out and summarily packed his baggage, left APGA and headed for the APC, in order to leverage on his connections with the north.

The state had borrowed so much to fund its numerous projects, and rather than slow down His Excellency went ahead like others with the dream of making APC, the living party in Imo, a task he would never be able to achieve. APGA resurfaced during the 2015 elections, PDP was fully on ground, it was a big battle, and dexterously however, he managed to secure a second term mandate with Imolites, but not without bruises and scars.

In spite of the electioneering promises of Jobs, Jobs and Jobs, workers are owed several months salaries into his new tenure. Pensioners are not paid their stipends for months, it is pain, hardship, despair, deaths and horror confronting Imolites for months now, due to non payment of salaries.

What happened to the loans and the money ? Why do we have to wait like others for the bail out funds from Federal government coffers in order to meet our obligations? How much do we owe workers and contractors, what funds were diverted and to what? It is just questions galore.

Will Imo go for more loans like other

organised a counter offensive. He said if American President, Barrack Obama “wants me to allow marriage for same-sex couples in my country (Zimbabwe), he must come here so that I marry him first.”

His main argument against homosexuality is that: “We need continuity in our race, and that comes from the woman; so no to homosexuality. John and John, no; Maria and Maria, no. They are worse than dogs and pigs. I keep pigs and the male pig knows the female one.” Reaching out into the scriptures, Mugabe argued that “Even Satan wasn’t gay; he chose to approach naked Eve instead of naked Adam.”

Understandably, he was quite upset by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa in which most of the victims were Zimbabweans.

Responding to the claims by the South African mobs that blacks were taking their jobs, Mugabe said that country is the only one he knows where an illiterate would claim a medical doctor from an African country, is taking his job.

Linking the protests against the presence of the statue of racist Cecil Rhodes on the campus of the Cape Coast University, and the xenophobic attacks, Mugabe lamented that: “ South Africans will kick down a statue of a dead white man but won’t even attempt to slap a live one. Yet, they can stone to death a black man simply because he’s a foreigner.”

Despite his trenchant campaigns against Europe, Mugabe is not a racist. He teaches that: “ It could never be a correct justification that, because the whites oppressed us yesterday when they had power, that the blacks must oppress them today because they have power.” Africans have their own teachers.

states ? Why is the CBN keeping our own bail out money?

The non-payment of salaries, which Imolites dreaded, and feared, has fallen on them!

The government has been dragged to court by over 50 traditional rulers, a battle which will carry high political costs if not managed properly now. The electoral promise of being the governor of all Imo seem to have been jettisoned, and only people who sing his praises, get the scarce attention from government. Local Government Councils are dissolved, and nothing is happening, two months into the new tenure. The only three offices that seem to be active and alive in Imo, are those of His Excellency, His Chief of Staff, and the Secretary to State Government, while others are in dejection.

This is rainy season, and most gully erosion sites have come active and alive, with destructions and fears following, in many communities like my own in Uhuala Obibi-Ochasi, while government appears helpless ! This is not what we voted for. Imo should not follow the style of GMB, who has said he will appoint his officers in September, because this is a second tenure for His Excellency What happens if this bail out did not come ? Imo is APC, but is not sure what will happen to it from the centre of that party. Imolites are not sure of what they will get for supporting GMB during the last elections. Will the life style of government change to reflect the lean purse reality on ground? The body language of GMB does not suggest any special considerations for Imo, so why were we dragged away from APGA ? I pray that Imo will not regret this move into APC.

*Mr Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

20 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Broken sewer generates epidemic scare at LUTH

By Chioma Obinna

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ATIENTS and visitors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos, fear that they are being exposed to potential outbreak of diseases as a result of the failure of the hospital management to repair a broken sewer system around the hospital’s labour ward complex.

Investigations revealed that the sewer whose chamber has been in a state of disrepair for several months, not only constitutes an eyesore but has also become a source of discomfort to patients, passersby and visitors, including those who were there to donate blood at the hospital’s blood bank.

When Vanguard Metro, VM, visited the hospital premises last week, several persons who passed around the affected area were seen covering their mouths and nostrils due to a nauseating odour emanating from the broken sewer.

To make the situation worse, faeces have been pouring from a broken sewage pipe into the main gutter linking other gutters around the health institution.

Health institution The areas affected included the patient’s waiting hall below the labour ward; the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, Lounge; the Modular Theatre and the entire labour ward

complex.

It was gathered from a number of witnesses that the bad sewage had remained unattended to despite series of complaints to the authorities of the hospital.

Some of those who spoke to our correspondent lamented negligence on the part of the LUTH management. They said the present situation can be likened to one where a patient goes to the hospital to treat an ailment and ends up contracting something worse.

A hospital staff who confirmed that his department had severally complained about the damaged sewage chamber said there had been no response from the hospital’s Maintenance Department.

“We have tried our best to draw the attention of the Maintenance Department. I mean the engineers, but they have not turned up. We have done so at least thrice. It has been like this for months.”

Reacting to the situation, the Head, Corporate Affairs Department of LUTH, Mr. Kelechi Otuneme, denied knowledge of the problem.

“You know the efforts of the management to give the hospital a facelift. It will be better you go to the Engineering Department; that will give us a better view on what they have been doing to fix the place. Ask for the Head of Department, Engineer Ogunkeye.”

The said Ogunkeye was yet

*Sewage leaking from the broken sewer covering

*Exposed sewage chamber...An offensive odour has been wafting from it to report for work when visited his office. But a hours later he phoned reporter and said

VM few our his

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department had moved to the site.

The telephone conversation went thus: “Is that the lady from Vanguard? My people are there. If you go there now, you will see the place has been cleared. Thank you very

much.”

But 45 minutes later, when this reporter went back to check, there was no repair work going on in the area.

A relative of a patient who had spent some days on admission also dismissed the claim of something being done to remedy the situation.

Remedying the situation

•LUNCH BREAK...But what is so special about this Akara (bean cakes)? Photo: Lamidi Bamidele C M Y K

Several persons who passed around the affected area were seen covering their mouths and nostrils due to a nauseating odour emanating from the broken sewer

The woman who did not identify herself said the maintenance people did nothing as claimed.

“I have been here. They came and poured chemical and went away. At a point, I decided to sweep it away. The sight of it is not good at all.

This is what we face every day.

We are begging them to help us repair it. This is where we sit because we are not allowed into the wards.

“I sweep and also wash the area with water most times because I sleep here. Many of us have left this area because of the problem. Help us tell them to do it. We are suffering,” she stated.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

— 21

Cargo Tracking Note’ll reduce under-declaration — Shippers Council

By Godwin Oritse

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ONTRARY to reports that the proposed Cargo Tracking Note, (CTN), will increase cost of clearance from the ports, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, (NSC), has said that the proposed Cargo Tracking Note will rather checkmate the issue of under declaration.

Disclosing this to newsmen at a training programme for maritime reporters in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council , Barrister Hassan Bello said that the Cargo Tracking Note is not only checkmating under declaration, it also brings about trade information.

Hassan explained that the Council has consulted and still consulting with stakeholders with a view to ensuring that everybody keys into the CTN being proposed.

“Although, no agreement has been signed, some freight forwarding groups have come up with two more points to be added to the agreement.” He added Hassan also assured that the new CTN will not add to the cost of cargo clearance, but will add value to port operation.

He further disclosed that the proposed CTN will be made obligatory just as the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), has commended the move to checkmate under declaration and share trade information.

The CTN will also assist the Nigeria Customs Service to its risk mitigation on imports, enhance and block revenue leakages at the ports.

The CTN, according to Bello will not involve any form of documentation as all CTN procedures will be paperless.

Cargo Tracking Note as a security measure which was introduced about a year ago by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is to ensure safety and security of goods shipped from one part of the world to another.

It is meant to be implemented worldwide. The regulation requires shippers to have a Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) accompanying all shipments.

It stipulates that shippers must obtain a Cargo Tracking Note from the appointed representative at all ports around the world.“The Cargo Tracking Note is to be issued at the port of loading and the CTN numbers inserted in the Bill of Lading (B/L) and cargo manifests.

CLOSING GONG: From left, Mr. Kola Ajayi, Group Manager Finance, Berger Paint Plc;

Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Mr. Peter Folikwe, Managing Director, Berger Paint Plc; Mr. Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, and Kemi Oluwadara, Technical Manager, Berger Paint Plc at the Closing Gong Ceremony to celebrate the appointment of the Berger Paint new Managing Director at the exchange.

Nigeria, Niger in 3 million tons of transit cargo deal

By Godwin Oritse

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IGERIA and its Nigerien counterpart have concluded plans to move three million tonnes of transit cargoes from Lagos seaports to Jibiya in Niger annually.

Disclosing this in Abuja yes-

89% firms meet NSE’s post-listinmg requirement companies have so far complied with its post-listing rules he Nigerian Stock Ex requirement on financial statechange (NSE) yesterday ment rendition and have filed said that 89 per cent of quoted their respective 2014 audited financial report and account.

The exchange, therefore, warned defaulting companies to submit 3.15 $135.00 their results on time, adding that in the $3,013.00 - 22.00 last two years, it had granted all listed $10.60 0.06 companies a month’s grace after their respective regulatory $49.43 filing dates to com0.23 ply in view of the 42.83 -0.47 regulatory challenges of adopting CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL the International FiDOLLAR 196 196.5 197 nancial Reporting POUNDS 305.7404 306.5204 307.3003 Standards by the EURO 218.5596 219.1172 219.6747 listed companies and FRANC 201.0463 201.5591 202.072 socio-political uncerYEN 1.5794 1.5834 1.5874 tainties that prevailed CFA 0.3083 0.3183 0.3283 WAUA 271.9734 272.6672 273.361 in the country in reRENMINBI 30.6744 30.7531 30.8318 cent times. The exRIYAL 52.2541 52.3874 52.5207 change noted that SDR 274.7332 275.4341 276.1349 the extended filing KRONA 29.2826 29.3573 29.432 period is considered CBN Exchange Rate as at 13/ 08 /15 adequate, saying

By Nkiruka Nnorom

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that issuers should have no reason for failing to file their audited financials as at when due.

Tinuade Awe, Head of Legal and Regulation Division, NSE, stated that “late filing has the potential to adversely affect the market and their shareholders. It creates grounds for avoidable doubts regarding companies’ performances.”

“The exchange is monitoring the compliance status of these companies very closely and is engaging the affected companies accordingly. We encourage investors to always check the X-Compliance Report and Released Financials on our website for full details of the compliance status of listed companies before making investment decisions”, Awe said.

For failure to file audited reports timely, the NSE sanctions range from penalties to regulatory delisting of the securities from the Daily Official List of the exchange.

terday, Mallam Mohammed Bashar , Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, said that the move to transit cargoes to Niger has become necessary as a result of the derivable benefits.

Niger is a landlocked country and as such, the country is constrained in its international trade.

Bashar also said that Nigeria stands to benefit more from the collaborative effort of both countries as the development will translate to more revenue for government, terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers and dockworkers.

Bashar said at a workshop on “Facilitation of Transit Trade in Nigeria” explained that landlocked countries are constrained in participation in international trade as they have to depend on coastal states for the movement of merchandise.

In the West and Central Africa sub-regions freight movement along the main transit corridors in hindered by physical and non-physical bottlenecks

He called on participants to proffer solutions to problems mitigating against the movement of transit cargoes between both countries.

He also said that Niger generates a high volume of cargoes as such, the country cannot be ignored.

He said “transit requirement makes landlocked countries dependent on their neighbours’ transport infrastructure with increased transaction costs that affects their international competitiveness.

“Landlocked states therefore face double disadvantages and need all the assistance to overcome them.

“In the West and Central Africa sub-regions freight movement along the main transit corridors is hindered by physical and non-physical bottlenecks.”

He also disclosed that the Governments of these regions have signed numerous bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements on transit-transport cooperation adding that the implementation of the project still leaves room for improvement.

Speaking in similar vein, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello said that moving transit cargo through the Nigerian ports will help achieve economies of scale and attract more transport operators, leading to a favourable cycle in higher trade volumes.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Fidson Healthcare grows revenue by 4 percent

By Peter Egwuatu

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INDUCTION: From left, Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) congratulating Mrs. Amaechi Vanessa Ijeoma, one of the 60 newly inducted Authorized Dealing Clerks from Futureview Limited and her Principal, Mr. Alex Odiachi at the induction ceremony for the newly unauthorized dealing clerks of the NSE.

idson Healthcare Plc has recorded a quarter on quarter growth in revenue of 128 per cent as its sales returned turned to normal level after the national election.

According to the result released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, the company’s first half, H1 was down by 12 per cent to N4.034 billion compared to N4.573 billion in the same period last year. In contrast the company recorded a modest increase in Profit Before Tax, PBT year-on-year (from N456 million in 2014 to N477 million in 2015, which represents a 4 per cent increase in Earnings Per Share, EPS to N0.22 from N0.21.

NSE, South Africa to launch cross-border listing of ETFs

By Nkiruka Nnorom

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apital market participants in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa have commenced move to launch cross border listing of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) on the larger exchanges on the continent.

ETFs are a collection of equities, commodities or bonds bundled together in a fund to ensure that investor risks are evenly spread across this range of securities.

ETFs are only written off specific index-related securities that are listed on a stock exchange, and this makes it possible to invest in a diverse range of securities through a single exchange traded product.

The concept of cross listing an ETF is the same as cross listing

a share, or listing it on more than one exchange.

It provides domestic investors with access to opportunities from another market, in the convenient and cost effective form of an ETF. According to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, in a statement, the move will lead to improved liquidity and increased cross listings of Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s) on the larger exchanges on the continent.

According to the NSE, “There is a concerted effort from ETF issuers in various markets to cross list new and existing ETF’s on to other exchanges, and the exchanges themselves are working to ensure that the right frameworks are in place to enable this.”

By cross listing ETFs on African exchanges, investors will be given access to liquid company shares tracked by indices such as the FTSE/ JSE Top 40; the FTSE/ NSE Kenya 15 Index; and the MSCI/ Nigeria.

Oosthuyse explained that the advantages for companies included in the ETF indices, and for the exchanges from whence they come, are that ETFs need to be ‘fully covered’.

“This means that the asset manager that is managing the ETF portfolio has to buy and sell the underlying shares on the home exchange, depending on the activity of buying and selling of the ETF.” “If an ETF from Kenya or Nigeria for instance is listed on the JSE, then the asset manager

Berger Paints acquires new machinery … Assures shareholders of superior returns

By Peter Egwuatu

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s a strategic move to boost its earnings and enhance shareholder value, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc has acquired new machinery Addressing the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE management during a courtesy visit, Berger Paint’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Folikwe said the machine is one of the best in Sub-Sahara, stressing that that it was acquired to ensure innovative products at competitive prices.

Folikwe who was accompanied by the company’s top management team explained that Berger Paints C M Y K

had embarked on other growth strategy such as strengthening of its managerial capacity, restructuring of sales , distribution ,marketing and upgrade of plants in order to boost the top and bottom lines for enhanced shareholder value.

“Specifically, we are on the track to build the first automated paint manufacturing plant in the Sub-Sahara Africa. When completed, it will revolutionize our production and distribution processes, enhance product quality and delivery and reinforce our competitive edge.

“As a stakeholder in the stock market, Berger Paints identify with all the efforts being made by the Exchange to attract more

investors both retail and institutions to participate in the market. In no distant time, The Exchange would celebrate more listing of blue chip companies.

As a proud winner of the prestigious Annual President’s Merit Award of The Exchange several times in the past, Berger Paints shall continue to uphold the sanctity of the Post Listing Requirements which place premium on full disclosure at all time”, he said.

Folikwe paid glowing tributes to Berger Paints Chairman, Dr Oladimeji Alo for his professional approach to Corporate Governance practices which according to him is the hallmark of the company.

in Kenya or Nigeria has to buy and sell the constituent shares on the home market, as units in the ETF are bought and sold.

Despite the year-on-year slowdown in sales, which was largely due to the prolonged general elections and transition period, margins improved over the first 6 months and this was driven by the company’s cost optimisation drive. Operating expenses dropped by 67 per cent from N150 million in H1 2014 to N49 million in H1, 2015 with selling and distribution expenses also decreasing from N605 million to N325 million, a decline of 46 per cent.

The company, who recently emerged as the recipient of the prestigious Frost & Sullivan 2014 Growth Excellence Leadership Award in the Nigerian Pharmaceutical Industry, continues to gear up for the commissioning of her WHO Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliant plant, where she would manufacture IV fluids in addition to existing product offerings. The new plant is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2015 and is expected to broaden Fidson’s product base and increase its capacity.

CMSA, NSE collaborate on stock market devt

By Nkiruka Nnorom

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he Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA) said it is collaborating with the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and other key institutions in the market to facilitate the development of the capital market.

The association’s chairman, Mr. Uche Val Obi, who revealed this during a courtesy call on the NSE and to also sound the trade closing gong, said the association is also working with the Law Society of England and Wealth to generate a report that will be adopted by the entire operators and consultants in the nation’s stock market to fasttrack market development.

He emphasised that CMSA is working closely with the SEC in monitoring the market and reporting infractions to ensure investors are protected.

“We also involve in advocating and letting the public know their rights and how to protect and preserve them. We also look at issues of corporate governance and best practices and making suggestions on how to adopt sound corporate governance measures so that the investors can be better protected in the market, Obi said.

On the report being generated by the association and Law Society of England, he

said “In that report, we examine the structures we have, the rules and practices and try to align them with what is obtainable in most developed markets.”

“The report was launched a fortnight ago by the former Lord Mayor of the city of London and the President of the NSE , Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, who is co-chairs to these initiatives and it has the support of the United Kingdom Foreign and Common Wealth office that are eager to develop stronger ties and stronger capital markets across jurisdictions”, Obi said.

The CMSA Chairman explained that the aim of the initiative is to ensure that rules governing the stock market in Nigeria are aligned with international standards in order to bring greater capital flows across the jurisdictions.

“With our rules aligned with international standards, there will be visibility of the Nigeria stock market internationally and foreign investors will find their way to our market because they will see that the environment we have, will be suitable with what they are used to. And most likely, there is going to be more dual listing similar to the Seplat”, he said.

He also called on all stakeholders in the nation’s capital market to remain steadfast and believe in the market, saying that it will surely rebound in spite of the present challenges.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 —23

Institute warns against outbreak of cassava crop disease

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—NATIONAL Root Crops Research Institute [NRCRI], Umudike, Abia State has warn against possible outbreak of Cassava Brown Streak Disease [CBSD], a deadly crop disease, in Nigeria, saying it would drastically affect the nation’s economy.

Specifically, the Institute warned that out break of CBSD, which mainly attacks cassava

Women farmers in Nigeria.

Extension services key to agric development — Adetiloye

By Jimoh Babatunde

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University teacher has urged government to pay special attention to agricultural extension services in the country as he decried the lack of synergy between extension services, research institutes and the farmers in the country.

A Professor of Cropping Systems at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Phillips Adetiloye, who made the call in an exclusive chat during the week, said in other countries of the world that extension service workers take technologies from research institutes and universities to farmers, but which is not the case in Nigeria.

He said agricultural extension is very important and it requires a lot of money as it is not something any country can say it has and not run efficiently.

“When the farmers are not well educated , you give them chemicals, pesticides and they pour them carelessly on the farms, you export your produce and they get returned because of

abuse of these technologies, but with proper education that comes with extension service we will not have this kind of problem.”

Professor Phillips Adetiloye noted that the exist of the World Bank funding from the Agricultural Development Programs (ADP) affected the proper functioning of the extension services as the various government failed to fund them properly, “ by not putting money in agriculture we are enslaving

If we are serious about agriculture, we will transform it from this primitive and pristine rudimentary level, whereby we can reduce the drudgery in farming

Prof. Adetiloye human beings.”

Professor Adetiloye said in funding agriculture that there should be checks and balances as most money budgeted for agriculture find their ways into peoples’ pockets. “You see somebody earning N250,000 monthly buying houses all over.

Where did he get the money?

The way we run our agricultural system does not give room for check and balances, so that those

NGO urges FG to boost women’s food production capacity

By Gabriel Ewepu

A

NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, All Women Farmers Association of Nigeria, AWFAN, has urged the Federal Government to boost women’s food production capacity in the agricultural sector.

This advise was given by the Secretary, AWFAN, Nasarawa State Chapter, Rose Gyar, in Abuja, where she said women farmers could perform better when all the needed support was given by the government and other stakeholders in the sector.

She expressed optimism that the present challenges women in agriculture face such lack of access to finance, post-harvest losses due to lack of storage facilities, poor access to land

resources, poor seeds, low human capacity development, lack of extension workers and services, and other challenges, could be tackled by the government if the proper and enabling environment was provided.

Gyar who is also Executive Director, Saint Rita’s Foundation, SRF, stated that the organisation has empowered 3, 000 women under 200 cooperatives in four years, despite having financial constraints, but seeks partnership with relevant government organisations and other stakeholders in the sector.

She said: As a foundation we are into promotion of rural entrepreneurship, particularly among women, and is across the rural economic sector. We do not

only focus on farmers, beyond farming there is processing, access to market, credit, and other auxiliary services that can promote the activities of the rural woman including capacity enhancement on institutional and individual basis.

“On the agricultural aspect of our empowerment, we fund active farming women cooperative groups, and see that we promote their activities and get them organised so that they can also be included in the agricultural intervention that happens.

She added: “Our expectation from the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is to see that women are included in their agenda, probably not any appointment but by listening to their plight.”

charged with it at the federal and state governments level do what they like with what they get from the budget annually.”

He added “In other countries, the extension services take technologies from research institutes and universities to farmers, but in the history of extension services in Nigeria , the agricultural extension is not even linked with the research they are supposed to take to farmers. In some of these developed countries the extension service is resident within the universities.

“So when the universities find out things the extension workers will go and deliver them to farmers and when the farmers have problems the extension service workers bring them back to the universities.”

The don decry the situation in Nigeria where researchers are just on their own, the extension workers on their own and the ministries of agriculture operating on their own.

extension workers Professor Phillips Adetiloye said until there is synergy between the agriculture ministries, the researchers and the extension service workers as well as farmers that the country will continue to have problems with agriculture productivity.

While noting that the country needs to do serious and honest work about how to run agriculture, Prof. Adetiloye said since independence a lot of money had been budget for agriculture annually , but the unfortunate thing is that Nigeria agriculture today has not changed from the rudimentary level of production of hoe and cutlass.

“If we are serious about agriculture, we will transform it from this primitive and pristine rudimentary level, whereby we can reduce the drudgery in farming, farmers can access capital in terms of machinery, have access to loans and the thousands of agricultural graduates we turn out every year can conveniently go into farming.”

could cost the Nigerian economy about N400 billion [$2 billion] annually.

The Institute said it based its loss assessment from the effect the disease had in countries it had attacked.

NRCRI said though the deadly crop disease has not come to Nigeria or any West African countries, there was great need to prepare against it as it is already having devastating effect in some East African nations like Kenya.

The warning was contained in a position paper presented by Institute at the launching of WAVE Project, a campaign against the dreaded Cassava Brown Streak Disease yesterday at Umudike, Abia State.

The launch was attended by agricultural researchers from Ivory Cost, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Togo and Ghana.

To avoid the outbreak of the dreaded crop disease, Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation has instituted made available the sum of $3.6 million for research and campaign against CBSD. The fund is domiciled with the University of Felix HouphantBoigny in Ivory Cost.

National mandate The institute said that as an institution with a national mandate for cassava research and development, it was taking a pre-emptive initiative to the CBSD threat in Nigeria because its effect “could result in complete loss of root yield thus making it a severe threat to food security in the sub-Saharan Africa”.

With symptoms like folia necrosis, stem lesions and root necrosis, NRCRI said that CBSD “has since emerged as the one of the two most important diseases of cassava, the other being the cassava mosaic diseases”, warning that a CBSD attack would affect Nigeria’s position as the world’s largest cassava production.

“Cassava brown streak disease used to be confined mainly to coastal areas of eastern and southern Africa, but in the past few years it has become substantially more virulent and begun spreading across the continent”, the institute said.

Earlier, in his address, the Executive Director of the Institute, Dr. Julius Okonkwo noted the importance of the WAVE project, saying that it would helpsave the continent a lot.

Okonkwo noted that the institute has made tremendous progress in developing value added products in cassava bread, cakes, donuts, chin-chin, ginger drinks, ginger powder, cocoyam chips and soup thickener.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Shippers’ Council frowns at INTELS oil, gas cargo monopoly

By Godwin Oritse

T

HE Nigerian Shippers’ Council has frowned at the monopoly that is currently being enjoyed by one of the leading terminal operators in the country; Integrated Logistics Services (INTELSý) as the only destination for all oil and cargo related imports.

Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Barrister Hassan Bello who made this known in Lagos, disclosed that the Council is not comfortable with the situation, describing it as an abuse of dominance in a perfect market systemý.

He said that the Council is currently holding talks with both the government and the management of Intels adding that it is set to carry out a study and that this is one of the issues it will beam it’s searchlight on.

Bello who was delivering a paper titled: ‘The New Port Order’ at a training programme for maritime journalists argued that it is wrong for any government or individual to declare that a single terminal should enjoy the privilege of importing all oil and gas cargo related imports into Nigeria.

The Shippers Council boss also condemned the coming together of terminal operators under any guise or association in order to fix port charges describing the development as encouraging monopoly.

“Oil and gas cargo is not known to the concession agreement, it is a new thing that has been introduced, and what is oil and gas cargo?

“How can you as a government or any other body say that one terminal should enjoy that privilege? he queried He said “That is monopoly because, in the international carriage of goods, it is the shipper who will nominate the ship, the point of loading and port of discharge, it is voluntary” “Nobody should force a shipper to go to a terminal that he does not want; this is an abuse of dominant position” “So, we should be carrying out a study and this are issues we would consider because once competition is distorted the market will collapse” “If there is competition, there will be a perfect market condition and this is what the shippers’ council is trying to achieve.” Bello stated.

The Shipper Council boss admitted that in every industry, there will be one operator who is dominant as a result of efficiency which will make people prefer him to others, or as a result of capital investments in the right places.

He however said that the government cannot afford to C M Y K

replace public monopoly in the case of Nigeria Ports Authority during pre-concession era, with private monopoly of terminal operators at postconcession.

He explained that consigning oil and gas cargoes to any particular terminal was not part of the concession.

Drawing out an analogy, Bello observed that “In the communication sector, there is MTN being dominant, in the aviation sector, there is Arik because they have more aircraft and safety record” “Dominant is encouraging, but what is bad is the abuse of that dominance, and we in Shippers Council have started because it will take you five years to lay down a philosophical frame work for regulation, but we have started it, what we want to do now is to have a study of the competitiveness in the industry”

From left, Nkechi Obi, Programme Director, Sportspro Nigeria; Mr. Oscar N. Onyema OON, Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Dr Jim Pulcrano, Sportspro Nigeria Guest Speaker and Mr. Ade Bajomo at the closing gong ceremony at the exchange

Customs agents petition Trade Ministry over SON’s harassment, illegal charges

By Godfrey Bivbere & Adebisi Adekanbi

T

HE National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, over incessant harassment and illegal collection of charges by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON from owners of consignments leaving the port.

NCMDLCA in its petition dated July, 22 nd 2015 and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Allison, said despite government directive directing some agencies, including SON, to leave the port, the agency has disregarded this directive by renting an office apartment outside the port where its officials insist that all importers should go to for clearance.

The Council alleged that officials of SON indiscriminately stops consignments cleared out of the port and request their owners to produce certificate of inspection even when there is no need for inspection.

According to him, “Standard Organization Nigeria, SON, acquired office at Burma Road where they request Agents to come and confirm their documents with a view to paying inspection fees, for services not rendered.

“They stop containers on the highway, with the aid of the police and carry these containers to their new site at

Ogba in Ikeja. Once your container is at their site, they carry out post audit through the Customs System to ascertain the number of containers the importer has

imported from the period 2012 when they were asked to leave the port to the present one they put on hold.”

The Council explained that efforts of the Council in the

past to meet with the management of SON about the activities of its officials and the effect of their (SON officials) action on port business, has proved abortive.

Ex-Councillors task Buhari on MAN, Oron

By Chizoba Nwaizu

T

HE Association of former Councillors of Oro Nation (AFECON), Akwa Ibom State has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to give priority attention to the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, claiming that the foremost maritime institution has been grossly under-funded over the years.

AFECON made the call during its recent facility tour of the Academy, stressigithat it undertook the tour to ascertain the level of its development in the past four years under the watch of the Joshua Okpo.

The group said much is still left to be done in taking the academy to its rightful place in terms of its national objective, even as it lauded the Rector for his bold developmental projects. The gruop stressed that “current development has significantly raised the facility and infrastructure base of the nation’s foremost maritime academy.”

Addressing journalists in Uyo after the tour, AFECO lamented that successive administrations in the past have failed to pay adequate attention to the development of the academy, thereby precluding it from delivering world class training

programme, which the group claimed has negated the primary purpose for establishing the institution. The group further said this had

made the institution lag behind in regional, continental and global ranking, reckoning and influence.

Customs, Sapid trade blame over looted containers at Ikorodu Elizabeth Uwandu

I

KORODU Lighter Terminal Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS and its logistics provider, Sapid Bonded Terminal are presently trading blame over the looting of 3x40 footer containers imported into the country by Messers Elopetz Resources Limited.

Messers Elopetz Resources Limited had recently cried out that his goods had been looted.

In his reaction, the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Mr. Nasir Ahmed, said that the Service had engaged Sapid to provide logistic and security at the terminal and therefore should be in the best position to say what happened to the looted goods.

General Manager Operations of Sapid Agencies Limited,

Mr. Francis Itsede, on the other hand, said Customs and not Sapid should be held responsible because the terminal was never concessioned to his company.

Itsede argued that the company was only employed by the Nigerian Customs to help in providing logistics at the terminal.

The importer had petitioned the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, demanding restitution of N100million for the vandalization of his containers.

The goods which were carted away, have already been spotted selling at the markets

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—25

Why we're leaving Jonathan and Dickson in PDP — KINSMEN

•Jonathan

•Dickson

A few men among the many former close associates of President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Serikae Dickson give reasons why they are abandoning the two men in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor and Sam Oyadongha

T

HE decision of some leading political figures in Bayelsa State to decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP may come as a shock to many. Even more shocking is the fact that a number of the persons who are expected to this weekend defect to the All Progressives Congress, APC were at one time confidants of the immediate past president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

Senator Heineken Lokpobiri who served in the Senate for two successive terms between 2007 and 2015 was unflinching in his assertion for his defection.

Part of the change “The reason why I am leaving is because PDP is dead in Bayelsa, PDP is dead in Bayelsa and I want to be part of the change that is coming to Bayelsa and indeed Nigeria,” he told Vanguard in a telephone interview.

Besides Lokpobiri others who are expected to be received into the APC this weekend include Senator Clever Ikisipo who represented President Jonathan in the Senate up till last June, former Senator John C M Y K

Brambaifa, two former Acting Governors of the state, Nestor Binabo and Werinipre Seibarugu, a former Deputy Governor of the state, Peremobowei Ebebi and one of the conveners of the PDP in the state, Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio.

Also listed are the former House of Representatives member, Dr. Stella Dorgu, former NDDC board chairman, Prof. Tarila Tebepah, the former Reps members - Christopher Enai, Warman Ogoriba, Bonus Indiamaowei, Nelson Belief, Nadu Karibo, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gideon Ekeowe and former Deputy Speaker, Fini Angaye.”

Given the high profile of the defectors it is not surprising that the APC is reported to be sending its number two man in the Federal Government to receive them into the new ruling party.

Besides Lokpbobiri, a number of the other defectors in separate interviews gave reasons for their action which mostly centered on grievances with the incumbent governor, Serikae Dickson.

“PDP is dead because we have a governor who has refused to perform. All those who say that the governor has performed, let them tell you the projects that the governor has

•Lokpobiri commissioned. Is it in Yenogoa alone that he is? Is there any project? The roads going to my area are not even cleared.

“The simple truth is that I am leaving because the PDP as led by the present governor is dead and we have no choice but to be part of the change going on in the country.”

Asked if he was not abandoning President Jonathan because he had left office, Lokpbobiri said:“We are not slaves to the former president! He is not doing any election. When he contested we supported him though he didn’t support some of us, but

A number of well meaning Bayelsans actually had great hopes at the beginning of the administration in terms of a consultative approach to developmental programmes and the transparency objectives of the administration

we all supported him. Anybody who says we are abandoning him is missing the point because the former president is not contesting election, when he contested against Buhari we supported him.

Missing the point Chief Alex Ikiotenne, leader of the Bayelsa Peoples Consultative Assembly BPCA and former PDP chieftain who resigned his appointment as an Honorary Adviser and a member of the Board of Directors of the Bayelsa Oil Company just like Lokpobiri said Dickson has failed.

"It is clear that he has failed," adding “the two policy thrusts expected of the administration, which are proper consultation and listening to proper advise have failed.

"A number of well meaning Bayelsans actually had great hopes at the beginning of the administration in terms of a consultative approach to developmental programmes and the transparency objectives of the administration.

"Soon after the commencement of full scale activities, government completely jettisoned the consultative approach of running a successful government.

"Following this turn of attitude, so many projects were started in one swoop, thereby abandoning prioritization, strategic needs consideration and funding prospects."

"The Bayelsa government has

been deceiving itself. They have lost this battle. The complete psycho state of the PDP has broke down."

Chief Dekivie Ikiogha who served as Chief of Staff to Governor Dickson and was a close political associate of President Jonathan pointed at the internal party crisis that has separated many chieftains from the governor.

Final decision "I recall in one of the meetings that led to the final decision to quit, how my supporters reminded me that the PDP I helped to form and nurture was no more the same.

"They said some hawks have hijacked the party, making it very glaring that it was a house in tatters, a divided house made of men who were only driven by their selfish ambition."

The PDP, he lamented, has drifted from a well organised family to a congregation of betrayers and deceits, a development that led to his leaving the party.

The ship of change, he noted has finally berthed in Bayelsa adding "we have been received and are fully at home in the APC." He urged the PDP led government not to embark on hate campaigns against them.

"As I make this move, I am just convinced that we are on the right path. That is why I am urging all my compatriots

Continues on page 27

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Nigerians 'll speak out if Buhari’s probe is vindictive — OSAKWE IN this interview, Senator Patrick Osakwe who spent twelve years at the national Assembly representing Delta North Senatorial District speaks on a wide range of issues including the decision by the Buhari administration to probe the Jonathan administration. He says the PDP has learnt its lessons from the defeat at the polls and would bounce back to relevance after the next four years.

Excerpts:

By Ben Agande

W

HAT lessons do you think the PDP should learn from its defeat?

To be in government for 16 years is not a tea party. It takes so much to hang onto power for sixteen years. What has happened is just a lesson to everybody that nothing is permanent and the lesson it will afford to anybody who is serious is to go back to the drawing board and I have no doubt in my mind that our party will bounce back if they can put the house in order and identify those problems that caused the failure. Once that is done, the party stands a chance of bouncing back.

You also have to appreciate the fact that this is democracy and it is democracy at play. It means that the party that won worked hard as an opposition party for sixteen years. The mere fact that an opposition party took power from an incumbent shows that democracy is at play and it portends very positive development for us as a party because it has taught us a lesson and we will go back to the drawing board and work ourselves back to power.

Accepting the result As the leader of the party, the former president accepted the result in good faith and there is no reason why any other person should not accept the result. By accepting the result, the president set a record which in my understanding means that nobody should lose election tomorrow and think of going to court.

The president demonstrated that he is a democrat and people should learn from it.

What in your opinion did the PDP do wrong?

I was more concerned with what the PDP was doing in my state so if you ask me what the party was doing in other states, I may not be able to answer that. I was the deputy chairman of the campaign organisation in Delta State and I was fully involved in Delta State and I thought other states were doing the same too.

We worked hard and delivered C M Y K

Delta State.

What did you do differently that made the difference in Delta?

We set a goal for ourselves such that even after we lost at the national level, it did not affect Delta State. Some things must have worked in concert for us.

Firstly, we had a good, sellable candidate. The candidate was very prepared and at home with all the people of the state which made our job very simple.

Do you agree that the failure of the PDP to respect the zoning arrangement was responsible was its defeat at the polls?

Let us not cry over spilled milk.

The damage has been done.

For the first time, Delta North produced the governor of the state. What does this portend for your state?

The election of a candidate from Delta North has confirmed the agreement that no one senatorial district will have the capacity to monopolise the

There is no way a new government will just come and sit down. They will do something or pretend to do something that will make Nigerians think they are performing

governorship seat of Delta State.

It started in 1999 when Governor James Ibori spent eight years in office. He was from Delta Central.

After him, it moved to the South and now to the North. After the north, logically it will move to Delta Central. What this means is that the politics of Delta State has been defined. What it means now is that the zones must bring a marketable candidate. The opposition party is getting stronger by the day so it is no longer business as usual. In those days, once you are a PDP candidate, you can go home and sleep. It can never be like that again.

What is your reaction to

•Osakwe: To be in government for 16 years is not a tea party President Buhari’s stance on probing some actions of the Jonathan administration?

It depends on what he wants to probe. They are the government in power and when they start their probe, Nigerians will monitor it closely and if the probe amounts to witch hunting, Nigerians will speak out. There is no way a new government will just come and sit down. They will do something or pretend to do something that will make Nigerians think they are

performing. It is only when the probe becomes personal and vindictive that that should raise alarm. The probe should not be narrowed to members of the PDP because once you are elected as president; you are no longer a party person. You are a leader of the country. Both those who voted for you and those who did not vote for you, you are responsible for them. If the probe goes beyond where it should go, I am sure Nigerians will speak out.

No crisis in Labour Party — Ajulo, party scribe

By Dapo Akinrefon

Dr Kayode Ajulo is the National Secretary of Labour Party, LP. In this interview, Ajulo debunks claims that the party is engulfed in leadership crisis. He bares his mind on other burning issues. Excerpts:

W

HAT is the story behind the reported crisis rocking the Labour Party?

Let me state unequivocally that there is no crisis whatsoever in Labour Party. We are intact, the leadership cohesion is solid and very strong.

Recall that in October last year LP had a duly conveyed National Convention in Akure under the leadership of the former Chairman who spent 11 years in the saddle, at the convention election the new leadership emerged wherein Comrade Alhaji A. A. Salam, Baraden Paiko emerged the new National Chairman, my humble self,

•Ajulo: There is no crisis in LP National Secretary and host of others this election was monitored by the INEC and other security and regulatory agencies of government to ensure that all statutory conditions and INEC regulations were met. Just yesterday and once again INEC confirmed the leadership of LP to the police.

But how true is it that some chieftains of the party are no longer comfortable with the party leadership?

This is not only untrue but strange as no allegation has been brought against anyone.

The modus operandi of the party is well spelt out in our constitution and I am yet to hear or read anywhere issues bothering on the violation of our constitution.

The story behind the so called crisis is not unconnected in my view with the good development of the resurfacing of the certificate of registration of the party which was initially declared missing.

This is a certificate that issues have been on for years. There has been questions on who should have the custody of the certificate but it is clear that a mere hood

will never make a monk, I am a lawyer and your taking possession of my law degree certificates will never make you a lawyer except you fulfill all the necessary steps to become a lawyer.

There’s no controversy on our relationship with NLC, we are workers party, Nigerian workers need us as we need Nigerian workers therefore it is expected that we have cordial relationship with Organized labour spearheaded by NLC and TUC. Would you agree that it was a move to flush out loyalists of governor Segun Mimiko from the party?

Mimiko loyalists? Please for Christ sake, the man left the party last year with his entire people.

What informed the decision of the former chairman, Mr Dan to hand over the party’s certificate to the NLC leadership?

I am not the former Chairman and not in position to know what

Continues on page 27

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11 ... in his affluence

The place of Ile-Ife in the hierarchy of Yoruba race Stories by Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor & Gbenga Olarinoye

T

HE place ‘ where it all began’ reminds one of the Yoruba mystical version of how in the beginning, God created the Heavens and Earth.

We were told in the book of Genesis that: “The earth was without form. The earth was void and covered with darkness and waters”.

In his book: Flashes of Ideas and Reflections, the most respected late Afolabi Adio Moses, the author then

continued the Ife mythology by writing “Olodumare... which is the Yoruba name for God Almighty said to Oduduwa his son, and progenitor of Yoruba race, I quote “I have created the earth. I have also created waters under the heaven.

IN THIS EDITION

The regal, Oba Okunade Sijuwade •Page 2 C M Y K

Kingship tussle tears Oyo community apart •Page 6

When you go down there, that is to the earth, on the waters, sprinkle the sand in this shell, and rest this white cock on the mould thus formed.

And the sand was poured and the white cock scattered and spread the sand to all places round the world, and the earth grew far and wide.

“The place where the cock began the great work of spreading the sand and thus making the earth, was then called “IFE, that is, the expansive, from “ where it all began”.

This mythology which is strongly believed among the sons and daughters of Ife and

many Yorubas was confirmed

by Chief M.A. Fabunmi in his book titled: Ife the genesis of Yoruba race.

Professor Biobaku also in his book: Sources of Yor uba history also confirmed the story of the mystical descent of Oduduwa from heaven, that “Oduduwa was the son of Olodumare, the supreme God of the Yoruba, who sent him down from heaven on a chain to create earth where there was previously waters and the spot where Oduduwa first landed was Ile-Ife. All this parallel mythology on Oduduwa pointed to Ile-Ife as the spot where God created man, white and black and from where all the races of the world sprang up.

C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

O

BA Okunade Sijuwade was born on January 1st, 1930 to a great royal family in the Ogboru House, Ilare, Ile-Ife to late Omo Oba Adereti Sijuwade and Yeyelori, Emilia Ifasesin Sijuwade.

He started his education at Igbein School, Abeokuta, an institution owned by the CMS Mission.

During the period, he and his brothers stayed with Chief G. A. Adedayo, a secretary to the Egba council who was a friend to their father. He attended Abeokuta Grammar School under the well known educationist, the Reverend I. O. Ransome-kuti and Oduduwa College, IleIfe for his secondary education.

He worked briefly with the Nigerian Tribune as a sales executive before he travelled to the United Kingdom to undertake training in Business Management. He also underwent an Advanced Business Management training program with the Leventis group in Manchester in UK. He was appointed a sales manager of Leventis Motors in Western Nigeria with its headquarters in Ibadan. By 1960, with the Nigerian independence, he became an adviser to the Leventis group.

In 1964, he undertook an extensive international tour to look at the possibilities of acquiring better product for National Motors and one of the places visited was Soviet Union whose cars he believed would sell well in Nigeria because they were relatively cheap and appeared durable.

When his attempt to

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II

The regal, Oba Okunade Sijuwade persuade the Management of General Motors to include the Russian Vehicles in their import failed, he pulled out from the company and with partnership of three of his friends, he formed WAATECO which became the sole distributor of Soviet

made vehicles, Tractors and Engineering Equipment. He also formed more than 50 other companies in partnership with other Nigerians and other nationals including expatriates. He later moved the headquarters of his

companies to the United Kingdom.

Oba Sijuwade also invested in real estate and constructed a world class hospitality edifice in his home-town, Ile-Ife – first class Motel for VIPs: Motel Royal and K.S. Motel in

EVENTS AROUND OONI’S DEATH •July 28, 2015 Speculated date of Oba Okunade Sijuwade’s death in a London Hospital.

•July 29, 2015 The Royal Traditional Council RTC led by the Lowa of Ife, Oba Joseph Ijaodola in Ile-Ife denied the death of Ooni Okunade Sijuwade.

•July 30, 2015 Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola met with Ife Royal Traditional Council at government house, Oke-fia Osogbo behind closed door.

•July 31, 2015 Traditional rites on the death of Oba Sijuwade began with the commencement of a seven-day Oro festival in the ancient town.

•August 1, 2015 Ife residents disagreed on reasons for the Oro festival, says it has nothing to do with the demise of the monarch.

•August 2, 2015 The traditional Chief priest of Ile-Ife, Chief Olajide Farotimi Falola in an interview with Vanguard described the death of Oba Sijuwade in a London hospital as untrue.

C M Y K

•August 3, 2015 Kingmakers and Traditional Chiefs in Ile-Ife met at the palace of Ooni for several hours.

•August 4, 2015 Oba Sijuwade corpse arrived Ile-Ife for commencement of the final rites.

•August 5, 2015 The remains of Oba Sijuwade arrived Ile’gbo, the coronation place for Ooni.

The family members of Oba Sijuwade commenced removal of personal effect of the royal family from the palace.

•August 8, 2015 The remains of Oba Sijuwade moved from Ile’gbo to Obatala house called Ile Ase, house of Authority.

•August 9, 2015 The announcement and burial of Oba Sijuwade reached its final stage as Isoro, a powerful deity in Ile-Ife procured the necessary materials for the burial in traditional ways.

•August 10, 2015 The Awara of Iwara-Ife, Oba Layi Adereti who is also the head of Oro cult in the entire Ile-Ife land at a press briefing said the official proclamation of the demise of Oba Sijuwade would be made on Wednesday, August 12, 2015.

As a businessman, he maintained a diverse social, political, ethnic and ideological group of friends in Nigeria and abroad. He enjoys travelling and has visited most countries of the world

Ibadan.

As a businessman, he maintained a diverse social, political, ethnic and ideological group of friends in Nigeria and abroad. He enjoys travelling and has visited most countries of the world.

He relaxes by swimming, riding horses, playing table tennis and having intellectual discussions with small groups.

He ascended the throne as the 50th Ooni of Ife, on Saturday, 6th December, 1980. He maintains the prime position of “Arole Oduduwa,” the keeper of the seal of Yoruba.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 3

OSUN STATE

y n a m , o d n In O s e m i r c t i comm a d a k O g n i s u

Lagos Okada riders ignore restriction order

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

D

ESPITE the expiration of a-21day ultimatum and commencement of enforcement on restriction of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called “okada” from 475 roads, including bridges in Lagos State, operators have remained adamant by carrying out their activities unabated.

It will be recalled that in June, amid concerns over the resurgence of Okada, Lagos State Government in its efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property of residents ordered riders to stay off all the restricted roads including bridges and highways.

The 2010 Lagos Road Traffic Law (Schedule II), restricts the operations of motorcycle as well as Regulation 16 Sub – sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Law. Section 3 Sub-section I of the Law stipulates that, “No person shall ride, drive or propel a cart, wheel barrow, motorcycle or tricycle on any of the

routes specified in Schedule II However, men of the State Taskforce on Environment and Special Offences unit following the expiration impounded over 75 Okada.

Confirming the commencement of the enforcement, Chairman of the Taskforce, Akeem Adedeji, said that his men began to implement the state government’s order, “to restore sanity back to the roads.”

But checks by Vanguard as at yesterday, showed that operators still carry out their activities without fear of arrest by taskforce or the police who are saddled with the enforcement order.

Riding against traffic Most of the areas where their activities were noticed include: Ikeja, Lagos Abeokuta Express Road, Oshodi, Isolo, Apapa, Agege, Shomolu/ Bariga, Ifako Ijaiye/

Ojokoro, Ikorodu, Mushin, Ketu, Ojota, Ojodu and Ikotun, Ejigbo road.

Along Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, okada carry out their normal activities with reckless abandon by riding against the traffic, otherwise known as “One-Way drive”.

It was gathered that in many instances where offenders were apprehended, they were later let off the hook after some certain amount of money, ranging from N2, 000 to N5, 000, per okada must have been collected by taskforce and the police.

At press time, there was no record of any offender that had been convicted for violation of the restriction law that could serve as deterrent.

Meanwhile, the resurgence has led to the increase in okada related accidents on the road.

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE – FINDINGS have shown that many people hide under the Okada operation to commit a lot of crimes in Ondo state.

The spate of kidnapping and robbery has been traced to the involvement of operators of Okada.

They also reportedly use Okada to carry weapons and illegal stuff across the state.

Report had it that the operators are used by criminals to get away from scene of incident.

Also, findings have showed that over 70 percent of patients at various orthopedic units of hospital and traditional orthopedic centre’s are Okada operations related accident victims.

Surprisingly, the operators of Okada do not get injured because they know how to escape leaving their passengers with broken legs and bruised body.

Okada operations also aid cultivation of Indian hemp because they are grown inside thick forest that are found in southern part of the Country.

They are also found to obstruct traffic movement in cities.

Meanwhile, the Ondo state government is presently having a running battle with the operators in the state in a bid to curb their menace.

To this end it has asked the operators in the state to purchase commercial plate numbers instead of private plate numbers that can not be traced if a crime is committed.

The state government said it wanted to regulate the operation of Okada operators in the state hence the new policy of using commercial plate numbers instead of private numbers for their operations.

••They constitute nuisance in Oyo cities

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN – Commercial motorcyclists popularly called okada riders have constituted nuisance on major roads in Oyo State particularly in major cities like Ibadan, Saki, Ogbomoso, Eruwa, Oyo, Igboho and others.

Due to non-observance of traffic rules and regulations, they have caused the death of hundreds of people and maimed several others.

road interchange, Ibadan, an okada rider died instantly when a Lagos bound articulated vehicle crushed his head. The accident led to breakdown of law and order

Ologuneru axis, Mukaila Mojeed said his union always organizes seminars for okada riders on how to ride safely on roads adding that most of the crimes committed are the

handiwork of okada riders who are not registered. According to him, punishments are meted out to any member of the union who violates traffic offence.

••They terrorise people in Ogun

Snatching and kidnapping Many of the riders, at times, carry as many as five to six people in areas where there are no law enforcement agents.

They are mostly notorious on major roads at Challenge, Ologuneru-Eruwa road, Orita Challenge, Molete, Oke Ado, Beere, Oja Oba, Sango, UISasa-Ojoo roads.

Besides, the State Police command has arrested and paraded hundreds of them for criminal activities ranging from armed robbery, rape, car snatching to kidnapping.

In a recent accident at Iwo

as youths in their hundreds besieged the office of the Vehicle Inspection Officers at Idi-Ape, Ibadan and vandalized it.

A leader of Okada riders at

By Daud Olatunji

I

N Ogun State, it is not only the Okada riders that terrorise the people of the state, the leaders of various associations of the commercial motorcyclists also engage in the menace.

Many people have become victims of these Okada riders who ride recklessly on the roads which usually resulted to serious accidents, in fact, some times, fatal accidents.

Most hospitals in the state both the traditional and the conventional ones have been flooded with the victims of these Okada riders with various complaints of either loss of limbs or breaking of legs or any part of their body.

Findings have shown that, the victims of these Okada riders are not only their passengers, the pedestrians are also not spared as they

•Okada riders were knocked down while walking beside the roads.

Apart from the menace of the Okada riders, their leaders who coordinate various associations of commercial motorcycles in the state also constitute serious threats to the people. These leaders usually employed miscreants who will stay in the middle of the roads and stop any coming motorcy-

cles with a view to collecting money from them on the authority of their leaders.

In the process of collecting the money, they wield big sticks on both the passengers and the motorcyclists as a result it caused accidents . And whenever there is an accident, they will take to their heels.

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

LAGOS STATE SOME CHILDREN OF THE OONI OF IFE

•Adekemi

•Adetokunbo

•Adegbite

•Gbade

LIFE A

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunad luxury cars but the first-class m 1954 Rolls Royce Silver Clou

•Adedami C M Y K

•Adetoun

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

C M Y K

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 5

LAGOS STATE

AND TIMES OF OONI OF IFE

de Sijuwade is a collector of vintage cars. In his private fleet are various monarch loves the Royces. One of the vintage Rolls Royce in his fleet is the d III Chinese Eye FHC.

C M Y K

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

OYO STATE

s r a e t e l s s u t p i h s g Kin t r a p a y t i n u m m o Oyo c I

Kazeem Oyewole and Olalekan Olaniyonu said, “AgoAre is not a club house or an association where members conduct simple majority vote to determine their leaders. It is also not a political party whose leadership must come through party politics. Let the defenders of the wrongfully selected candidate and the six kingmakers tell the world if anyone out of the past 13 paramount rulers in Ago-Are history was so enthroned.

“For avoidance of doubt, the Ago-Are customs and tradition which has been duly supported by the chieftaincy declarations never put the selection of a candidate for the throne of the Aare of Ago-Are land at the whims and caprices of the kingmakers. Checks and balances are incorporated in the selection process starting with family meetings of the Edu Royal Family for the purpose of nominating any number of candidates among the male descendants”.

“The divination of the Ifa Oracle is an important aspect for screening and deciding the oba, not chiefs voting for candidates of their personal preferences by succumbing to

By Ola Ajayi

BADAN – Since things fell apart between supporters of Prince Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworaola and Prince Rasheed Oyewole Alimi Asiru Olakanla in Ago Are, Oke Ogun in Atisbo Local Government area of Oyo State over the selection of a new king, the centre is yet to hold. The misunderstanding which started as a thunder from the blues has torn the two sides apart.

The spirit of brotherliness and peace that the sleepy town had enjoyed for ages has now eluded it immediately the selection process to fill the vacant stool of Are of Ago Are began shortly after the death of the immediate past monarch, Oba Jubrila Oladoke Oyesiji on May 5, 2015.

While one of the two feuding parties through the kingmakers allegedly used a democratic process to pick the next monarch, the Edu ruling house is crying foul alleging that the selection process which reportedly produced Prince Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworaola was fraught with abnormality and failed to conform to the tradition in Yoruba land.

Votes by kingmakers Quoting Section 4 (2) of the Chieftaincy Declarations Law, 1957 and the tradition of Ago Are, the kingmakers said they informed the authorities of Atisbo Local Government Council of their intention to carry out the selection on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.

The kingmakers are eight in number. They are Agoro, Maye, Jagun, Sobaloju, Egbeomo, Abese, Otun-Ago and Osi-Ago. Out of these eight, only six chiefs were involved as Maye and Osi stools are presently vacant after the death of the occupiers.

Claiming that the six kingmakers cast their votes after announcing that Prince Amusat Adewale Olagoke withdrew his nomination and pledged support for Prince Jubril Mutakilu Oladoke, the kingmakers indicated that all necessary things were done before they arrived at the decision.

No fewer than 14 contestants reportedly struggled for the stool. Among the contestants, C M Y K

•Abodunrin Kofoworaola: One of the contenders in the race Prince Abodunrin Oyetunji Kofoworaola was said to have scored four votes while Prince Rasheed Oyewole Alimi Asiru Olakanla reportedly had only two votes.

The kingmakers maintained that all steps necessary in the selection of an Aare were taken adding that, “normally, it is the duty of Maye of Ago-Are to carry out divination in that kind of situation. Presently, there is no one officially occupying that office. But there are still knowledgeable people in Maye family.

Selection process They know all that must be done. They did it at the appropriate time – which is usually at night. They informed us of the result of their exercise. It was after this that we moved to the next level which was the open selection process”.

But, Edu Royal Family insisted that the selection did not follow the due process recognized by the chieftaincy laws at the instance of one of the family members of the kingmakers associated with it.

While calling for outright cancellation of the whole process, the royal family said it is “fully aware of desperation of sponsored mischievous elements in the society striving to determine weak unsuitable leadership and a bleak future for Ago-Are by misleading and cajoling the general public and authorities to accept the culture of immorality and impunity demonstrated by the six kingmakers who allegedly betrayed the throne and their privileged position by jettisoning the age-long tradition stipulated for appointing the Aare of AgoAre land”.

Faulting the selection process, the ruling house through Princes Salam

It is the duty of Maye of Ago-Are to carry out divination in that kind of situation. Presently, there is no one officially occupying that office. But there are still knowledgeable people in Maye family

any form of inducements.

During the voting, four kingmakers that are Christian voted for a Christian candidate while the remaining two kingmakers that are Muslim voted for a Muslim candidate.

This orthodox religious method of selection is totally unlawful and against Ago-Are age-long tradition and custom.”

They also noted that the Maye chieftaincy family which should make the Ifa oracular consultations was not involved.

Also, they dismissed the claims of their opponents that some members of Edu ruling house held a meeting on Saturday, August 8th in the house of their head, Prince Lawal Olaniyonu where they approved the steps taken so far and reiterated their acceptance of Abodunrin Kofoworola as the next Aare.

The opposing side also told Vanguard in a telephone interview that it is totally unacceptable when the treasured and more respected customs would be thrown to the dustbin. He said, “How can they abandoned our tradition just like that.

Abandoning of tradition Anybody to be picked has to emerge through the tradition.

Even the Alaafin said we should uphold the normal tradition of electing Aare Ago. We are one here in Ago Are. We are not fighting with anyone. But, the kingmakers want to destroy the tradition”.

While those who have voted the next monarch called on the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, who is a consenting authority and the Oyo State Government to expedite action on the approval and coronation of their own Oba elect, the Edu ruling House is calling on Alaafin, the government as well as the general public to “disregard the alleged false claims made by the kingmakers and the faceless Oke-Ogun professionals in their feeble attempts to uphold selfish interest at the expense of their community”.

Former chairman of Atisbo local government council, Chief Joe Makanjuola who was also commissioner for Youths and Sports in Oyo State under Otunba Adebayo Akala, called on the aggrieved party to bury the hatchet and move the town forward.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ago-Are, Mr. Mathew Ajewole called on the government to “help us resolve the matter as quickly as possible”.

He along with another former chairman of Atisbo LG who is also an indigene of the town, Dr. Jacob Ogunmola, called on all and sundry to allow peace to reign.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 7

OGUN STATE

By Dayo Johnson

I

T was an harvest of deaths in Akure, the Ondo state capital as five persons including a father of four were crushed to death by petrol tanker and a timber lorry within one week.

Two of deceased were occupants of a Golf car which crashed into an electric pole in front of a popular hotel on Ilesha garage road in Akure at about 830pm that Sunday.

The mangled bodies of three of the deceased were packed i to the Akure Specialist mortuary.

Families of the deceased went through a traumatized experience over the loss of their loved ones in the last one week.

They had no premonition that their bread winners were embarking on a journeys of no return when they left their different homes that ill fated morning.

The crashes occurred at different locations within the Akure metropolis.

The father of four, Sunday Oladokun, 40years old, who just purchased a used car through monthly contributions met his untimely death while returning from his workshop at about 730pm that day along the Ilesha/ Owo Expressway.

Sunday, according to family sources, purchased the car three months earlier and was yet to pay the balance of the newly acquired “rickety” second hand car when death came knocking.

He left without saying good bye to either his son or his two year old baby girl.

Motorcycle operator The second crash occurred along the popular Isinkan market in Akure metropolis when a commercial motorcycle operator popularly known as Okada rider was crushed alongside his male passenger.

The two on the Okada reportedly died on the spot as timber truck l crossed to the other side of the road and pinned them into the wall of a popular Nursery and Primary school in the area.

A commuter waiting to board a bus to Ondo town was equally crushed but escaped by whiskers as one of her legs was reportedly severed off. She is presently receiving treatment at the general hospital in Akure.

Vanguard learnt that the two persons that crashed into an electric pole along Ilesha road in Akure at about 830pm were over-speeding. They died in the process.

Two others in the Golf car reportedly sustained injuries and we’re rushed to a private hospital close to Lafe Junction in Akure.

Report had it that they were coming from a party and may have been drunk going by the severity of the accident .

The electric pole was badly damaged as the car uprooted it .

Some sympathizers reportedly

•The truck involved in the accident. Inset: Oladokun

ONDO: Harvest of death from road crashes informed the FRSC in the state capital who rushed them to the private hospital.

Officials of the state government were seen fixing the pole while the involved car was removed before daybreak.

The scenes of the crashes were besieged by sympathizers who trooped there to join the wailing train.

Wailing train Vanguard learnt that the crash along the Ilesha/ Owo expressway involved a mechanic simple called “Sunday rewire”. He was heading to his house along Olu foam in Akure when the tanker driver rammed into his car around 730pm despite all his effort to dodge the tanker.

The deceased was reportedly coming from his workshop located at Agbogbo filling station when the unfortunate occurred.

His mangled body was removed after sympathizers axed the badly damaged car.

Eyewitness account had it that the tanker driver overtook another vehicle and collided with

the deceased vehicle killing him instantly. It was learnt that the tanker driver who was in hurry recklessly overtook another car and ended up facing the deceased car and nailed his car to the side of the road.

The accident reportedly halted free flow of traffic for hours just as officials of the FRSC and police raced to the scene of the crash and later removed his corpse. Meanwhile, the families of the deceased have alleged that security operatives were trying to compromised by shielding the driver of the tanker to pervert justice.

A member of the family identified as Tajudeen alleged that the police was trying to take side in the matter by exonerating the petroleum company that owned the tanker. He appealed to the Police Commissioner Isaac Eke to call his men to order by not destroying evidences they want to use to prosecute the matter in Court.

The family insisted that only justice for the auto mechanic will possibly help alleviate the suffering of his widow and four children aged between two and eleven. However, the state

police commissioner, Issac Eke said it was too early to conclude who was at fault since it was a case of fatal accident.

Eke however assured that all those found culpable will be brought to book. Meanwhile, the old truck driver, Alex Nayade has been remanded in prison

The accused person, who lives in Lagos was alleged to have caused the death of Oladokun a mechanic through reckless driving along the expressway

custody for allegedly causing thec death of the father of four.

The order was given by an Akure Chief Magistrate court when he was arraigned.

The accused person, who lives in Lagos was alleged to have caused the death of Oladokun a mechanic through reckless driving along the expressway.

The accused person according to a Charge sheet read to him drove a truck with registration number Lagos AGL 105 XL and hit Oladokun with the truck, leading to the untimely death of the deceased.

Oladokun who was not represented by any counsel was accused of murder among other offences. He however pleaded not guilty to all the charges leveled against him.

The Police Prosecutor, Sola Omolade said that the accused person committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 18(II) of the criminal code cap Vol VI laws of Nigeria 2006.

In his ruling,the Presiding Magistrate, Mrs Bunmi Dosumu ordered the accused person to be remanded in Olokuta prison custody pending the determination of his case.

C M Y K

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

OGUN STATE

Day Obasanjo honoured journalist with birthday party

By Daud Olatunji

O

N Sunday August 2, 2015 at his Presidential Hilltop private residence Abeokuta, former President Olusegun Obasanjo honoured a journalist, popularly called, ‘Pen-pusher’, Dimeji KayodeAdedeji, a former Zonal Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ).

The ceremony was a birthday bash sponsored by the former President in honour of the journalist.

Although the celebrant’s birthday was July 19, but in line with Obasanjo’s promise before jetting out of the country that day, the former President decided to keep his word on Sunday, August 2, 2015.

On the day, the Banquet Hall of the Obasanjo home was well prepared for the colourful ceremony, which was provided with sumptuous meal, wines and other assorted drinks.

There were a number of guests and well wishers invited by the celebrant, who were part of the epoch making ceremony, while the hall was full to the brim.

Colourful ceremony Some of the dignitaries at the colourful ceremony include; the Iyalode of Yorubaland,Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson,Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe,(Former ViceChancellor, University of Lagos) Chief Segun Odegbami (former Green Eagles Captain), Aare Lekan Alabi (Veteran journalist), Tunde Oladunjoye (former PDP deputy governorship candidate in Ogun State), Mr Dideolu Falobi (an engineer and President, Ijesaland Development Foundation), Alhaji Ayinde Soaga (General Manager, Ogun State Television),Omooba Segun Adewale( former PDP governorship aspirant in Ogun State) Mr Tunde Sodeke (former Chairman,Ogun State NUJ) , Kemi Otegbade, Oyin Onime, Seye Kehinde, Funsho Akinwande, Kemi Otegbade and Wole Shokunbi (Chairman Ogun NUJ) among others As the celebrant and the guests settled to the event, the sponsor, Chief Olusegun C M Y K

Obasanjo walked in majestically at the scheduled time of 5.00pm. Interestingly both Obasanjo and the celebrant wore white attire.

The kick-off of the event was a prayer said by Iyalode of Yorubaland, Chief (Mrs) Alaba Lawson, while the Master of Ceremony was Kehinde Akinyemi, the Daily Trust Newspapers correspondent in Ogun state.

The frank President in his usual style did not mince words, saying he was aware that many journalists are bad, but pointed out that not all of them are bad, hence, the need to celebrate the good ones.

Obasanjo declared that he would remain blunt for life, just as he added that he never hate the media as been made to belief in some quarters stressing that irresponsible journalism should not be allow in nation building.

‘I remain myself and I will continue to remain myself in being blunt. I don’t hate the media,but there are some bad eggs in the profession, and this must not be allowed, and the truth must be told. However, not all journalists are bad, hence, the need to celebrate the good ones, as we are all witnessing today’, Obasanjo emphasized.

He said he had equally dealt extensively on this menace in the profession in his book, ‘My Watch’, stressing that bad journalism should not be allowed to strive, and he would not stop to condemn such act

If you have arrived at golden jubilee and you can testify there is something golden about you, even though, you are black like me, you should thank God

•Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo with the celebrator, Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji and will continue to celebrate the good ones.

Obasanjo said journalists are expected to play meaningful roles in the society, explaining that, he was not against genuine criticism from the media, but the practitioners must always be sincere and committed to the ethics of the profession.

The celebrant, Dimeji KayodeAdedeji in his vote of thanks displayed bountiful joy, and expressed profound appreciation to the former President over the honour, saying Obasanjo had added value to his life.

Bountiful reward “Baba, I must confess you have added value to my life today for the honour you bestowed on me, I am overwhelm, and I am very grateful. What you see in me to give me this honour, I pray God will not allow Satan to derail me from the qualities found in me.

I am short of words.

‘All I know is that, it is God who gives rewards, Baba I pray that God will reward you bountifully, and for all my guests, I want to equally appreciate you all, for been part of this my success story.

Joy will remain a permanent resident in the home of all of you; you have made my day and added to my joy’, the celebrant said In his own remark, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe told the

gathering that the celebrant is his first cousin, and knowing his background, he is expected to be responsible as noticed by Obasanjo to have honour him.

The former Vice-Chancellor said when the celebrant extended the invite to the event to him, he never give it a second thought, because for former President to have found him worthy to be honoured, it shows his (Dimeji”s) qualities.

Contary view “Dimeji is my first cousin, and from his background right from Ilesa, I don’t expect anything less. So when he sent text to me that, Baba is to host him and invites me, I never give a contrary view to it, because I know he is a blessing to Ijesaland and the family. So on behalf of our family back in Ilesa, I want to thank Baba Obasanjo for this honour’.

Iyalode of Yorubaland ,Chief (Mrs Alaba Lawson in her own

remark, recalled that she had known the celebrant since 1982, and never found him wanting, stressing that, that was one of the qualities that made her to be close to him, and till date she has no regret associating with him.

Lawson added that, for Baba Obasanjo to have considered him for this great honour, shows that he is dearly loved by the former President, stressing that it is a known fact that Obasanjo doesn’t celebrate worthless people.

‘I have known Dimeji since 1982, and I can say boldly and openly that I have no regret associating with him. He is a journalist of repute and respect.

He does not compromise his integrity, and that is why many of us are proud to be associated with him.

Iyalode Lawson, also called on the celebrant to see the honour , as one that should further motivate and spur him to another greater height, pointing out that, Obasanjo honour to him is commendable.

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri CORRESPONDENTS: Kolade Larewaju Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsuru Olowoepejo Ikenna Asomba

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Abeokuta Lagos

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—27

It’s wrong to accuse Buhari of disliking Ndigbo — GEN MOMAH FORMER Minister of Science and Technology, Major-General Sam Momah, retd, in this interview frowns at claims that President Muhammadu Buhari is being anti Igbo in the choice of political appointees. He also spoke on other issues of national significance. not properly organised, our borders were porous, unemployment was terribly embarrassing and was getting to the magnitude of having over 40 million youths unemployed.

Also the problem of Boko Haram, kidnapping, armed robbery and cyber crime were all getting out of control.

There was also the problem of smuggling of illegal arms across our borders, which remained much unguarded. Then of course the worse of it was the vandalisation of oil pipelines and illegal sale of our oil by individuals. The looting of the economy was rampant and we were being told that stealing was not corruption. So, it was inevitable that we had to look for somebody to salvage the nation.

We thank God that a miracle happened and he won the election despite the odds.

By Charles Kumolu

T

HE fact that there is no Igbo among the new service chiefs has fired assertions that the president is anti-Igbo. Do you agree?

I do not agree that he is anti Igbo. Some of the president’s best friends are Igbo, so also some of his aides. Those of us, who know him personally, know that he does not hate Igbo. It is a misnomer for Ohaneze president to make such a claim. It is very unfortunate. We know that twice he appointed an Igbo man as his running mate.

The first one was Chuba Okadigbo and the second was Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke. You cannot say that somebody who did that hates Igbo. That is a wrong assertion and the president is someone who is patriotic, nationalistic and humane.

Affairs of the nation He hates tribalism and cronyism. He has come a long way to prove to us that he is a democrat. We see it in the way he is handling the affairs of the nation, trying to give a good ‘listening ear’ to all.

It is therefore unfair to blackmail him into something he is not.

Do you think the chances of an Igbo man becoming the Secretary to the Government of the Federation are still bright considering the emergence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President?

You cannot use an illegality to discountenance legality. That will be double damage.

Ekweremadu came on his own platform, being PDP. He is not a member of the APC. Of course his candidacy as Deputy President of the Senate is still being contested, and so you

Exemplary leadership •Momah: Buhari hates tribalism cannot use it to nullify somebody who is a strong member of the APC. Dr Ogbonnaya Onu is an intelligent and level-headed leader that has proven himself to be consistent in the opposition all these years. He is not the type that jumps from one party to another. He is very principled like the president himself. So I believe both being of the same kind, should be able to work together. Secretary to the government is a very important appointment, which I believe that with his track record, experience, nationalistic feeling, a sound technocrat with first class honours degree; he will do immense justice to that position.

On comments that President Buhari is slow I must say that I am fulfilled

I do not agree that he is anti Igbo. Some of the president’s best friends are Igbo, so also some of his aides. Those of us, who know him personally, know that he does not hate Igbo

because we knew the state of our country before Buhari came on stage. Nigeria was on the brink and the economy was very bad.

We were saddled with about $60 billion debt, our police force was

Why we're leaving Jonathan and Dickson in PDP — KINSMEN Continues from page 25 who are still in the PDP to take that step and join us. I have seen life. I have seen hope. I have seen freedom. I have seen warmth. I have seen friendliness. APC is a family to be and behold.

"Unhappy as some people may be, troubled as my former allies in the PDP government in the state may because of the light they have yet to see, I am C M Y K

urging them to play politics with love and not to haunt and chastise those of us who have decided to quit. Campaigns of hate will not help us.

"It is time to join hands and rebuild our state. We have been in PDP for 16years and now is the time for change."

Ambassador Emmanuel Otiotio, a former Nigerian envoy to Japan and recently, political adviser to Governor

Sylva spoke in the same vein.

"Few years ago Nigeria was dwindling and floundering and Nigerians were losing hope until the recent inroad into the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari. The APC has shown capacity to govern, the APC has shown the capacity to bring about change. I know Buhari personally and I know his integrity and we are ready to work with him.”

His coming to lead Nigeria is the dawn of a new era, an era of respectability for the country, an era of exemplary leadership, an era of visionary leadership and an era that Nigerians will aspire to actualise that great nation that we have been waiting for.

What about the allegations of not hitting the ground running?

It is unfortunate that Nigerians are impatient. We had a party in government for 16 years and nobody talked about go-slow.

Now, someone else is in power for less than 60 days and people are talking about go-slow. It’s not rational. I do not think that it is true that he is ‘Baba go slow.’

With the magnitude of problems that we have on ground he is being cautious so that we do not build on a weak foundation.

In spite of all the problems emanating, the treasury being depleted and the legislative coup of June, which set a lot of impediment to what APC had in mind, he is still trying to do his best.

On his achievements so far In less than two months we have seen that power has improved from about 2000 megawatts to 4600 megawatts.

We see also that our refineries are being repaired for the first time in 16 years, repaired by direct labour using Nigerians, with no scandal of awarding multiple billion Naira contracts for turnaround maintenance. So, we can see that he is a man with a vision and very prudent in spending. Hopefully, we will

soon stop the prodigious buying of oil that God gave us free.

And on the military front, he is trying to mobilise our neighbours, Chad, Niger, Cameroun, Benin Republic and others. The groundwork has to be done and he is doing that effectively. Boko Haram has changed tactics from the normal conventional warfare to guerrilla warfare.

They do not wear uniform; they mix up with the civilians and commit havoc. For that kind of tactics, there is no border. It means we have to change into counter guerrilla tactics and we will do so in consonance with our neighbours.

In effect, he is trying to mobilise our neighbours. It is not only a Nigerian affair. I hear they have mobilised about 8700 troops, which at the end of this month will swing into action. On the economy, he is trying to bail out the states without touching our foreign reserves. He is also trying to put life into the local economy by bringing about policies that will checkmate all fraudulent practices. Nigerians should be patient because the results will soon start rolling in.

No crisis in Labour Party — Ajulo Continues from page 26 informed his decision. It is all about politics and interest. It may even be some form of restitution on his part. Who knows he may wanted to highlight the party connection and refresh the party relationship with NLC to the Nigerian populace. But sincerely I did not know for sure what really informed his decision but whatsoever it may be, at least today we know where the certificate is, we know who to demand the certificate from as the certificate was missing and now found.

Do you think the party would recover from this crisis?

I think I need to restate this, Labour Party is not in crisis, any conjecture of any crisis is within the imagination of mischievous people, we are in constant contact with the leadership of NLC and TUC, yesterday the Commissioner of Police read the letter from INEC confirming our leadership to all parties presence after which we had a group photograph. You see election is coming up in some states and as expected from some politician, this is the season to run each other down starting from any platform/party they considered viable.

Labour Party‘s fortune is increasing we are waxing stronger and today in Nigeria politics a force to reckon with.

As such it is in the imagination of some people is to introduce crisis to wreck the boat which by Gods grace is impossible under the current leadership of the party as confirmed by INEC.

28—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

The N-Delta question requires a Nigerian answer — REP PONDI Hon. Julius Pondi is a member, representing Burutu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. In this interview, he debunked insinuations that his party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fuelled the leadership crisis in the green chambers, pointing that what played out was democracy in action. Hon. Pondi thus said after the tussle, the House has come out stronger better placed to proceed upon law making and oversight functions among other issues. Excerpts:

By Victor Otigbu

W

HAT is your take on the resolution of the crisis in the Federal House of Representatives?

First of all, it is most heartwarming that the entire House has once more come together as one big happy family under the sterling leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf and the principal officers of the House. I believe we now have a distinguished team in place and look forward to deliver the legislative agenda of the House for the benefit of the Nigerian people.

But your party, the PDP has been fingered as being chiefly responsible for the crisis?

Nothing can be further from the truth. What transpired in the House was just democracy in action.

Enviable experience As a virile opposition led by the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, a legislator of impeccable competence and enviable experience, what was expected of the PDP is to play the role of a meaningful and steadfast opposition platform that must contribute its quota towards deepening democratic culture and entrenching high standards of legislative practice in the country. Ultimately this will benefit the entire nation as our democratic journey continues to unfold.

Has the crisis not robbed you of valuable time to deliver the agenda?

Not at all. While the crisis was of course lamentable, it is better that it occurred at the early stage of the life of this Eight Assembly than if it occurred at a later date.

With the resolution we have achieved under Speaker Dogara’s leadership, we have now closed ranks and once again coalesced into one united House.

Having thus come out stronger, we are now better placed to proceed upon our law making and oversight functions with a higher level of unity of purpose and a stronger degree of synergy.

Our constituents who sent us here can be rest assured that they will certainly witness quality parliamentary service from the C M Y K

Federal attention

Mr. President’s timely intervention in this regard has assuaged anxiety over the welfare and future of numerous ex-militants both within the country and presently studying abroad

House of Representatives.

The Governor of your state, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa is alleged to be foisting an ethnic agenda in your state. Is that true?

That is not true at all and it is certainly not borne out by facts on ground. The appointments carried out so far by Governor Okowa favour Delta Central and Delta South more than Delta North. In terms of projects the Governor has not in any way displayed favoritism towards Ika

started spectacularly well and I remain very confident that it is a signpost of what to expect as he continues to implement his S.M.A.R.T Agenda for the good of the entire state. I can assure the good people of my constituency, Burutu Federal Constituency that they should be patient as the Okowa administration has a lot in store for them.

•Pondi: What transpired in the House was democracy in action or Delta North in general. Sapele Market which he just approved payment for is in Central. Other projects are evenly spread across the state. More are on the way.

We must remember that the

government is still young and facing the same financial challenges as other states and the federal government as well.

What I find to be truly impressive is the fact that the Governor has

On my part, I pledge to partner with the state government for that purpose while additionally attracting greater federal attention to the constituency.

The Amnesty Programme has suffered certain setbacks of late owing to delay in appointing a coordinator. There have also been calls for the program to be scrapped. What is your take on recent controversies pertaining to the Amnesty?

I must first commend Mr. President for appointing Brigadier General Paul Boroh (Rtd) to take charge of the program with immediate effect.

General Boroh is eminently qualified for the role and we repose unreserved confidence in his ability to deliver.

Mr. President’s timely intervention in this regard has assuaged anxiety over the welfare and future of numerous ex-militants both within the country and presently studying abroad. We must not forget that by keying into the programme the ex-militants contributed their quota to the sustenance of peace in the region, a situation that led to astronomical rise in daily production of petroleum, the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

NASS: Angling for 2019 polls behind crisis — OBASI Chief Jerry Obasi, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Deputy Governorship candidate in the 2015 general election in Ebonyi State, spoke on the crisis in the National Assembly (NASS) and other burning issues in President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

H

IS take on the crisis in the National Assembly The crisis was invented. It was created by godfathers in the All Progressives Congress, APC who are not members of the NASS in a battle for who becomes what in 2019. It is a battle for positioning for 2019 because they suspect that President Buhari may not seek re-election.

The selfish desire of some APC governors to put their godsons in leadership positions is responsible for the crisis. It is clear that whoever controls the NASS would have positioned his camp well ahead of the battle.

The crisis would have been easily resolved if it was not created by

non members of the NASS. On President Buhari being too slow and sectional in his appointments so far There is no doubt that the manner of Buhari’s appointments have so far favoured the North.

It makes the president appear not to trust people from other sections of the country. All the appointments made by the President did not show equity, fairness and the change he promised.

Buhari should live by his words that he belongs to everybody. He needs to allay the fears of other sections of the country about a possible Northern domination of political offices. Let other appointments not be a Hausa/ Fulani/ Yoruba affair. Let it be a Nigerian affair and reflect federal character.

On the issue of the President being too slow, I totally agree with the people who hold such view. President Buhari is yet to show Nigerians that he has clues to their problems. It has been promises, promises as if we are still in electioneering period.

On Buhari's bailout funds to states to pay salaries and gratuities of their workers I see nothing wrong in giving bail out to states to pay salaries.

The problem remains if the funds would be put to the use to which they were received. Former Governor Martin did not owe salaries and paid off the loan he collected, yet they included Ebonyi in the states to be bailed out. Buhari should be careful not to encourage further looting of state funds with the bailout.

Our governors should use the funds to pay all the arrears of salaries owed workers. I won’t be surprised if the bailout funds are misappropriated. The most baffling aspect of this bailout is that it is the APC controlled states that are highly indebted to their

workforce.

Slashing of salaries by half among political office holders seems to be the fad now, what is your take on this?

•Obasi: APGA chieftain

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 —29

30—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

PHYNO’S CONFESSION

‘I have crossed bridges I thought I couldn’t’ •Plans to drop second album, November

By Benjamin Njoku

R

EIGNING indigenous rapper, Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson better known as Phyno whose hit song, “No Guts No Glory,” which was released last year, endeared him to many music lovers in the country, has described his journey into the mainstream music world as one that was punctuated with lots of hustling, consistency and striving to be relevant in the showbiz industry.

Phyno revealed this much, at this year’s MTV Africa Music Award,MAMA which held recently in South Africa, while in a chat with WG. The Igbo singer said, while struggling to remain relevant in the music scene, he had to cross many bridges he ordinarily thought he couldn’t. “I remain grateful to God, because I have crossed bridges I almost thought I couldn’t. My journey is one that is filled with so much hustling, plenty consistency and striving to be relevant in the industry,”he said.

He paid tributes to the likes of Niga Raw and late MC Loaf, saying they were the artistes that inspired him into rapping in indigenous language.

“I give credit to Niga Raw, late MC Loaf, they inspired me. I took over from them. I’m still singing in my indigenous language. I’m happy I

have inspired a lot of young artistes who are singing in their indigenous languages.

On signing endorsement deals with some blue-chip companies, in recent times, Phyno said, it is as a result of his hard work. “The brands that endorse you believe in your creativity and that you are doing very well.”

The rapper, however, disclosed that he’s currently working on his second album, which he said, will be dropping in three months time.

Phyno who started out as a music producer in 2003, released his debut album “No Guts No Glory”, in 2014, featuring Timaya, Flavour, Ruggedman, Bracket, J Martins and Mr Raw. Last year, he was made brand ambassador by Airtel alongside 2face Idibia, Patoranking, comedian Akpororo and OAP, Ik Osakioduwa.

Toke Makinwa goes inspirational

By ANOZIE EGOLE

N

•Toke Makinwa C M Y K

ot many are aware that popular OAP and TV show host, Toke Makinwa who was on the news recently concerning her marriage has another talent embedded in her besides being a presenter.

The beautiful lady recently turned inspirational speaker as she advised her numerous followers to a step of faith towards realizing their goals in life, despite the odds.

A visit to her Instagram page revealed how the event compère uploaded a picture that encourages her followers to begin to be useful to themselves, no matter how dicey the beginning might be. “ It all starts with a step, it may not be in the right direction

but it is a step. It is way better than standing by and watching life from the pavement. As long as there is a God in heaven, as long as his spirit is alive, his light will find you and lead you on his path. You gotta be willing though. Start today, fail forward, stand up again and keep on moving,” she advised.

I don’t try to be who I am not — Mary Lazarus

Four social media optimization tips for beginners

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—31

Synopsis

A

thirteen-year-old girl, Halima (Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge), whose poor uneducated parents marries her off to Sani (Tijjani Faraga), a 60 year old man, who constantly rapes her.

Halima gets pregnant and suffers Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) after child delivery; she’s consequently abandoned by her husband and discriminated against in the society.

Dry produced by Stephanie Okereke focuses on Vesicovaginal fistula condition and underaged marriage among young women.

I don’t try to be who I am not — Mary Lazarus

R

ising actress, Mary Lazarus who is fast becoming a household name in Nollywood believes in keeping it real not just in interpreting her roles, but also in real life. The role interpreter popular for her role in Desperate Housegirls reveals what being in the public eye has taught her.

“Being in the public eye has taught me to always want to be myself because you cannot please everybody. Mary Lazarus is Mary Lazarus everywhere. I don’t try to be who I am not.I am just myself.

When asked why she has been off the radar she says she has been working, shooting movies. “I can’t be behind the scenes; I have been in front of the cameras shooting”.

The beautiful actress also talks about the individuals who inspire her in the movie industry. “I admire Aunty Joke Silva for still being relevant in the industry till date. People of her age are still not that relevant till now. For Genevieve, I love her dress sense; I love Omotola for being relevant despite being a mother and a wife”

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK Dry Mission Impossible Terminator Schedule commencing from Friday 14TH of AUG. 2015 SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Dry : 12:50pm,7:05pm,9:00pm Mission Impossible : 11:00am,1:30pm,4:00pm,6:30pm,9:00pm Pixels : 11:00am,3:00pm Minions : 11:15am,2:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Dry : 12:50pm,6:55pm, Mission Impossible : 10:50am,1:20pm,3:55pm,6:25pm,9:00pm Pixels : 10:45am,5:10pm Minions : 2:10pm Tempting Fate : 5:00pm Terminator : 9:10pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC Dry : 12:20pm,4:30pm,6:40pm,8:40pm Mission Impossible (Screen 10) 11:20am,1:50pm,4:20pm,6:50pm,9:20pm Mission Impossible (Screen 5) 12:40pm,3:10pm,5:40pm,8:10pm Pixels : 12:40pm,2:40pm,4:40pm,6:40pm,8:40pm Tempting Fate : 6:00pm,8:00pm Minions : 12:30pm,2:20pm,4:10pm Terminator : 12:10pm,2:10pm,4:40pm Jurassic World : 1:20pm,3:50pm,6:10pm,8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOUR Dry : 11:55am,3:45pm Mission Impossible : 12:35pm,3:00pm,5:25pm,7:50pm Pixels : 11:50am,4:00pm, SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Dry : 12:15pm,4:10pm,8:15pm Mission Impossible : 10:30am,1:00pm,3:30pm,6:00pm,7:30pm Pixels : 6:15pm

Mary

Celebs storm SS7 Lounge for Bet9ja ‘Fans’ Night Out A N inspiring upscale sports and entertainment hotspot, SS7 Lounge is set to give music lovers as well as sport fans a treat of a life time as it plays host to the adorable patrons of sport betting company, Bet9ja and celebrities on Saturday, August15.

According to SS7 Lounge boss,Ms Lola Adedeji,all arrangements have been put in place to make the night a fun and memorable one, while stressing that the event would attract the crème de la crème of the society.

SS7 Lounge is located at along Sapara Williams Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“The Bet9ja Fans’ Night Out has been specially packaged to bring together sport lovers, soccer stars as well as entertainment celebrities to have fun and merry in a secure and peaceful ambience.

Being Nigeria’s best and biggest bookmaker, Bet9ja can not give anything less to their loyal fans and patrons who have stayed with them over the years,” she says.

Adedeji, however, revealed

C M Y K

that ex-Nigerian internationals, Victor Ikpeba and Peter Rufai, NFF officials, Bet9ja’s CEO, Ayo Ojuroye, music stars, Jesse Jagz and

Brymo as well as DJ Exclusive are among dignitaries expected at the event.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Dry : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Pixels : 12:00pm,2:20pm,4:25pm Tempting Fate : 6:35pm,8:40pm Terminator :2:20pm,8:20pm GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Dry : 5:25pm,7:35pm

Jolly Abani’s Power of Tomorrow set for Abuja premiere

By Ayo Onikoyi

P

*Ms Lola Adedeji

ower of Tomorrow, a film produced by Abuja based entertainer and philanthropist Jolly Abani will be premiering this evening. The glamorous event scheduled for the prestigious Sheraton Hotel, the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, to be precise will be graced by top politicians, captains of industry and the film’s star studded cast.

Speaking about the premiere, Abani, the producer of the film who also stars as Mrs. Allen, said that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to make the film premier a night of classy entertainment. This is just as she disclosed that top Nollywood actors such as Oge Okoye, I.K Ogbonna, Yakubu Mohammed and Jibola Dabo who played major roles in the film will lead other names from the film industry to the red carpet event.

She further said that political bigwigs such as the former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu, All Progressives Congress6 chieftain and

former governor of Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu as well as successful investors like Chisco Transport boss, Chief Chidi Anyiegbu and Dr Donald Peterson will be gracing the event.

“We have dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s towards making our film premiere one that guests will remember for its class and glamour”, she said.

Speaking on the idea behind the film which is her first as a producer, Abani said “Power of Tomorrow” was made to remind mothers of their role in the home and the society at large.

She said, “Power of Tomorrow which I also love to call Mirror In The Sun is an eye opener. It is a story of what some women in politics have to do in order to succeed.

Yes, I believe in gender equality but I also believe that a woman should first Jibola Dabo be a woman.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

I'm passionate about women empowerment — Bikiya Graham-Douglas

By Chris Onuoha &Anino Aganbi

B

initiative by wives of African heads of state, Bikiya GrahamDouglas, in the trail of these amazons believes that nothing will fall short of empowering, sensitizing and creating awareness to the common women through her Foundation (BUAF).

Driven by the passion for women empowerment, Bikiya strengthened her effort with a masterpiece stage drama “Wait” performed at the recently concluded African Day celebration in Dublin Ireland.

The award winning drama produced by her theatre outfit (BUAF) was staged in a capacity crowd filled arena that attracted prominent personalities, Africans in Diaspora, diplomats and friends of Africans to celebrate women in Africa with focus on emotional emancipation. It showcased importance of education, women having their own life, free from oppression and right to their own wisdom. It

EETA Universal Art Foundation has recently raised bar in the stage drama performance, training young people in theatre practice, script writing and other educative engagements that gives life meaning to Nigerian youths.

Although African women have been described as an embodiment of strength and charisma, they are generally known to be entrepreneurial powerhouse occupying frontline positions and thus expunging the backseat mentality and perception.

Asserting this views, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Beeta Universal Art Foundation, has become a force to reckon with in empowerment programmes, tends to bring to fore, the need for massive awareness in educating women in Africa on their roles as true entrepreneurial powerhouse.

Citing the tremendous efforts by some Nigerian women whose contributory input to uplift and alleviate the lives of others in the society comes to focus, such as the late Marian Babangida’s “Better life for rural women” and other w o m e n Bikiya Graham Douglas performing empowerment ‘Wait’ in Dublin.

also featured domestic violence, girl child trafficking and other vices melted to African women, all in drama presentation, while the rich African culture, designs in costume and traditional dance featured.

The versatile theatre practitioner said, “I was approached to represent Africa as a ‘Youth Ambassador’ for Africa Day in Dublin, Ireland •Cross section of diplomats at the Africa Day event in Dublin. because of the works I am doing with my foundation. As an actress, I deemed it wise to does not make policies that presented with a prestigious produce a drama piece that will favour women, this could not be award plaque as ‘African Youth said that mirror the plight of an African achieved. Even in rape cases, Ambassador ’ woman; hence, the staging of the issues are not treated they way it representing Africa in such a big should be. It doesn’t mean event was honour dignified not play “Wait”.

African woman can’t do it on their only for me but for African women own, but little synergy from men in general.

Action and energizes the whole process.”

“I felt the responsibility of decision Bikiya Douglas who was also whole Africa is my performance.

It was a big one. Besides, I won Wait, which literarily means to an award and have been invited delay or remain neglected, to perform in another Africa connotes in the drama “I will Conference in United State of walk into my future, I will not America. wait”. It is all about not waiting, Driven by the The Dublin performance was a taking responsibility and walking huge success seeing many Irish into your future through passion for women people comes up to you and say education, your action and empowerment, you really inspire me with this decision.” story of reality of what people are She said, “For an African Bikiya going through. Lesothoan woman, it is a huge project that strengthened her ambassador also were amazed cannot be done alone to actualize. and showed appreciation as the effort with a Obviously we need some help play got him connected to an from men folks to make it work. masterpiece stage experience,” she said.

In government positions today, drama it’s almost men. If government

Belle of African Nations celebrates Madam Efunroye Tinubu

By Benjamin Njoku

A

FTER the earlier postponements of Belle of African Nations,BOAN, due to the 2015 General Elections,Platinum Entertainment Nigeria says preparations are heating up towards the hosting of the PanAfrican pageant.

Tagged “Heroine In the Midst of Heroes”,the maiden edition of BOAN would be celebrating the uniqueness and heroism of Madame Efunroye Tinubu, a woman who soared and dominated territories that were mainly reserved for men.

In recognition of her bravery,the play “Madame Tinubu” by Prof. Akinwunmi Isola is billed to be staged, as the facilitators of BOAN unveil the different sides of a woman likened to the Gelede masquerade.

“Aside from celebrating

Madame Tinubu,we would also be honouring African heroines who were or are makers and shakers of their worlds presenting them with the “Heroine in the midst of Heroes” awards”, Olayinka Edu,MD/CEO, Platinum Entertainment, Nigeria explained.

Stressing the importance of generational legacies,the organisers of BOAN are also celebrating a scion of the Tinubu dynasty, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his bravery, doggedness and passionate leadership.

Asiwaju,in whom,the heroine,Madam Efunroye Tinubu is exemplified, would be presented with the Exceptional Distinction Award - E pluribus Unum (one amongst many).

“We also learnt that the glamorous Gold and Diamond,Madame Tinubu symbol Crown as designed and

made by the Nigerian-UK based world renowned jeweler Alexander Amosu, besides the glamour of the epoch-making event, the exhibitions, the play, the artistic cultural and historical displays and the home-coming visits,”they disclosed.

Relatedly,the cross-cultural and historical event will feature rich and robust inter-cultural exchange,beauty, bravery and intelligence as exceptionally innovative queens from across

In recognition of her bravery,the play “Madame Tinubu” by Prof.

Akinwunmi Isola is billed to be staged

•Efunroye Tinubu

the continent of Africa hit the shores of Lagos,Nigeria for the pageant.

“More so, BOAN is poised to rewrite history - taking us back to where the future was. From Lagos, Nigeria, we are projecting something uniquely different from the continent of Africa to the entire world in the history of pageantry. This edition of BOAN retells the story of a legendary female figure in Nigerian past who stood her ground and made her voice heard at a time when patriarchy reigned supreme.

A woman who changed the course of history,Madame

Tinubu stood her ground and made her voice heard at a time when patriarchy supressed the voices of women in Europe and other spaces of the world.

The essence of retelling her story,according to Platinum Entertainment,Nigeria boss, is to challenge, inspire, motivate and impact the younger generation of people to stand out and affect their worlds.

“Simply put, we are redefining the conventional outlook of pageantry. BOAN will blow minds away, capture hearts and refresh souls. You wouldn’t want to be told,”she added.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 , 2015—33

Summer holidays: Lagos gov tasks youths on productive activities

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

W

IFE of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, has thrown a challenge to youths in the country on the need to engage in activities that will ensure meaningful and productive use of their time during the summer break.

Ambode gave the advice on Monday, at the opening of ‘Activate Youth Camp’, a 7-day free residential camping for about 200 youths, organized by a non-governmental organisation at Reagan Memorial School, Sabo Yaba.

The first Lady, who stressed

that the cornerstone of successful living was serious hard work, dedication, strength of character and the fear of God, urged participants to see the camping as unique, as its central objective is to mould youths into good, useful and productive adult citizens.

She said the essence of the programme is to discover and develop the hidden talents in youths and prepare them for the future.

“Therefore, the strategy is to challenge you physically and mentally, through rigorous training during the camping period and to put you through experiences that would make you self-believing and self-

respecting with a positive attitude to life. So, feel free to pursue your respective passions, whatever skills and vocations—cooking, weaving, baking, hat making, handcrafts, dress making, hairdressing or indeed any other”, she said.

She commended the conveners for addressing the challenge of youth

engagement, stressing that “it remains a major catalyst for national development, as no nation is assured of a secured and prosperous future when its youths are without character and focus.”

Ambode, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to remember the biblical parable of the unfaithful servant and advised them not to bury their talents but take

action, so as to excel in life.

“Imbibe the fear of God, be humble, disciplined and respectful, honour your elders and remain focused in your academics, as well as other endeavours which are basic requirements for a successful life”, she encouraged them.

The convener of the programme, Mrs. Kikelomo Omooba, in her address said that the week ahead promises to be exciting, educating, inspiring, empowering, thought provoking, as it will be inclusive of physical, intellectual, emotional, mental, social and spiritual activities.

Children learning how to be creative during their summer holiday Play/learn at summer time

USAID partners ARFH on project to benefit 151,271 disadvantaged children

By Josephine Agbonkhese

I

N a bid to address the lack of access to basic services which has long been identified as a major challenge facing orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) in the country, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) on a five-year project that would benefit 151,271 OVCs and 30,254 families in three states, including Lagos State.

Tagged ‘Local Partners for Orphans and Vulnerable Children’- LOPIN 1, the fiveyear project is specifically focused on enhancing accelerated and sustainable access to basic services such as education, health, nutrition, psychosocial, legal and social protection for OVCs. Concurrently, their families will also benefit economic

empowerment interventions to enable them effectively perform their roles as primary providers for their children/wards.

Accordingly, through the

• Disadvantaged children

ARFH/LOPIN 1 project designed to model inclusiveness in programming for OVCs in accordance with the National Priority Agenda,

the USAID recently provided stakeholders in Lagos State (community based organizations, LGAs and state government) with computer sets and accessories that would enhance timely and accurate coverage of the

services to be provided to OVCs and their families.

The project goal, according to Director of Programs, ARFH/ LOPIN1 Project, Mr Ogunmodede Matthew Rotimi, “is to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and their families in Lagos State with the objective of improving the systems and structures at community, LGAs and state levels in providing responsive care, protection and support services. We are also replicating this in two other states in the country.

“Other objectives include to improve organizational and technical capacity of local Nigerian partners to offer services to OVCs and their families, and to facilitate local Nigerian CBO partners to engage more effectively with LGA and private sector partners.”

The LOPIN 1 project is said to be partnering the Lagos State government through the Ministries of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Education, Health, Budget and Planning and Agriculture, with geographical coverage spanning across five LGAs namely: Agege, Badagry, Ajeromi, Kosofe and Ojo.

34—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 , 2015

Ambode, governor with heart of gold for children, women

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

S

INCE assumption of office in May, 2015, Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has been “going about doing good”, especially to the masses and the less privileged in the state.

34 year old Mrs. Ruth Uche, a mother of three sets of twins, whose husband and father absconded recently from their Agege, Lagos home, received the largesse from the amiable governor. Ambode approved the immediate rehabilitation and undisclosed provision of welfare assistance to Uche, who had earlier visited the state government Secretariat, Alausa, to narrate her ordeal to the media.

Ambode had after publication of the story in the media, promptly approved the immediate rehabilitation and provision of welfare assistance to Uche.

According to Uche, Ambode, through the deputy Governor, Mrs. Idiat Adebule, expressed deep concern over her plight and that of her children Uche and her children had hitherto, been surviving on the little earnings she makes from the day care where she works.

She expressed appreciation to the governor saying she was overwhelmed with joy at the gesture.

Her ordeal Ruth, who hails from Abia State, has a reputation for conceiving and delivering twins. In 2009 when the Uches first conceived, Ruth gave birth to twins -Goodness and Godnews Uche. A second conception, two years later, produced another two -John and Joyce Uche.

When Emeka heard of the third pregnancy in February 2015, he allegedly, ran away from their residence to an undisclosed location.

Ruth last month delivered her third set of twins - Daniel and Daniella Uche!

Ruth, with her six unkempt children stormed Alausa, precisely the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Ikeja, saying, she took the step as she could no longer cope with widening needs for food, clothes, drugs and school fees.

She narrated thus, “I don’t want to leave the children and run away. This is why I want government to help us.”

“I never wanted the third pregnancy, but her use of traditional means of family planning (counting fertile and infertile days) failed her.

“My run-away husband, is a factory worker in one of the cosmetics manufacturing companies in Iju Road, Agege, before he eloped to live in an undisclosed location in Ikorodu.

“Since February, 2015 that I put to bed, I have tried calling my husband but he would not pick once he knows that it is me. I contacted his mother and other relatives to tell them that he has ran away.

They promised that they will call back. Since then, none of them has called me. It is not easy for me at all.

“I went for immunization some days ago and I told them my condition and why they have not been seeing me. It was there that they advised me to come to government.

Government should please help my children; no one to help me with house rent, NEPA bills, school fees, food and so on,” she said.

July 9, 2015 In an unprecedented gesture, Ambode intervened again in a pathetic case of a six months old 2015 First Baby of the Year, Miss Oluwajomiloju Ogundimu, who was flown abroad for medical attention and returned to Nigeria after a successful heart surgery in India.

Sadly, mother of Oluwajomiloju, a first class Accountancy graduate from the University of Lagos, died after giving birth at about12:01 am, January 1, 2015, before the baby was later diagnosed of heart related problem.

But with the prompt intervention of Ambode, she was flown to India where she had the operation.

Little Ogundimu and her grandmother, Mrs. Ogunnoiki Folake who later visited the seat of power in Alausa to show their appreciation to Ambode for his kind gestures, also

•Baby with a medical condition

expressed their appreciation before the media.

Speaking on behalf of the baby, Folake who was accompanied by Mrs. Kemi Martins, a family member expressed gratitude to Ambode and prayed for God to grant him mercy and wisdom to take the state to desired destination.

She explained, “I dropped my request for assistance to Governor Ambode on Monday June 1, 2015 and he gave approval to my request by Wednesday June 3rd, 2015.

God used him for me and for this I am very grateful, so I have come here to thank him”, she said.

She also appealed to the governor to assist the baby in travelling back to India for the next appointment, adding that God will reward him dearly for rendering help to her granddaughter.

Ogunnoiki also called on Lagos State Government and the Federal Government to tackle the issue of persistent strikes by medical doctors, stressing that it was during the strikes embarked by medical doctors last year that she lost her first daughter who gave birth to baby Odundimu.

“I appealed to them to find a way to put an end to strikes by medical doctors to avoid the kind of death that happened to me”, she lamented.

The cost of the initial treatment which was about N5 million, was staggering to the family but the immediate intervention of the governor saved the situation, “if not for the government there was no way we could have raised the amount within a short period.”

On July 13, 2015

They promised that they will call back. Since then, none of them has called me. It is not easy for me at all

Again, driven by his kind heart, Ambode on the fateful day rescued an accident victim, Miss Anukam Angela, at Osborne Road, Ikoyi area of Lagos. According to accounts of eyewitnesses, the victim who drove alone in a wine-coloured Toyota Corolla car with registration number EKY 415 CG, lost control and ram into the median on Osborne Road, Ikoyi at about8:15am.

Fortunately for the victim, Ambode who was heading to the office, through the direction before the incident

occurred, ordered his convoy to stop at the scene so as to enable him access the situation as well as help rescue the passengers. The governor instructed the ambulance attached to his convoy to convey Angela, who was in a state of shock, and could barely move or talk, to be taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital for treatment.

Angela’s sister, Amaka, who was contacted shortly after the incident, said her sister was treated for minor injuries and discharged free of charge on the order of the governor.

Order of the governor The ambulance also conveyed the victim back to her residence at Efosa Ehiedu Close, off Modupe Thomas Estate, Ajah, while the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) assisted in towing the vehicle away from the roadside to prevent traffic gridlock also free of charge.

According to Ambode’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, what the governor did was typical of him. “It is indeed a demonstration of his concern to the wellbeing of every resident and Miss Angela is not an exception”. He has also with this act, shown his commitment to an all inclusive approach in protecting the lives and property of citizens in the state”.

That is a man you will want to describe as “With a heart of Gold” for the masses and the needy.

C M Y K

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—35

Four social media optimization tips for beginners

Family matters go online at FamilyParliament.com

By Prince Osuagwu

LOT of people spend so much time on social media platforms posting status updates and changing profile pictures. But how much of what they do on them can potentially translate into money for your business?

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ are not just places where people visit to connect with friends and have a laugh. These are powerful tools and businesses know this.

are loosing out to your competitors who do.

I have had the rare privilege of sharing thoughts and ideas with thought leaders on my field via facebook. I simply send them a short bio of two to three sentences after sending them friend request. 70 percent of the time, they accept my friend request and I keep the conversation moving from there.

Here are four tips to optimize your social media account. *Choose your page's name wisely: Generally, you should

Companies budget millions yearly on social media and they are getting reasonable return on investment. How about you?

Lately, I'm redefining what to do with social media accounts.

I believe in decentralizing the classes (upper, middle and low classes) in the society so we can have a plain level field for all and sundry, and social media is making that possible.

Some years ago, I heard for

the first time that the more contact you have, the more money you can raise, and I took that with a pinch of salt. However, today, I understand the importance of social capital. At times, what you can't get with your wads of money, you can get by your contacts and network. In other words, if you are not building a network of clientele and partners on social media, you

By Agbolade Omowole

A

use names that are descriptive and unique. It should be descriptive so that when people see it, they immediately know what you sell or render. It should be unique so that it doesn't look like another business' name.

Choose your name carefully so it will be more likely to be found on search engines. In most cases, the name of your business is the best option. *Use keywords judiciously: keywords here refers to those words that aptly describe your products and services.

Keywords are those words people will probably enter into search engines to get your products or services. If you sell shoe, then black shoe is a possible keyword.

When you want to create a new Facebook page, after entering the name of your business, there is a multi line text box for description. Include your keywords in the description.

Ensure the page has what users will likely search for online on it and make it targeted. *Post awesome stuff on your Facebook page. Content is king. If you want people to come back to your Facebook page, post contents that help solve their problems. *Monitor your impact: There is a tool for monitoring your Facebook page. It is called Facebook Page Insights and it can monitor changes and improvements in user visits and trends. Facebook insight is available to pages that have been liked by at least 30 people.

Nigerian politics lives on twitter

By Prince Osuagwu

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F you frequently use public transportation, or spend any time at a newspaper stand, you’ll realise that Nigerians are actively involved in their own democracy. Everyone has an opinion, and is always willing to share it. However, social media has given a boost to the voice of Nigerians. Twitter for example, has launched a brand of connectivity such that Nigerians now have direct access to their leaders. They can question, lobby, and debate with the men and women in charge of the leading institutions in the country.

It all began with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who became the first Commander in Chief to use social media to communicate with Nigerian citizens. Now, politicians across Nigeria, use Twitter to make their

views known. Particularly interesting is the level of engagement with President@MBuhari whose every decision has been followed and reported via the social media site.

Prior to President Muhammadu Buhari’s election, the@APCNigeria, now the ruling party, used a heightened social media campaign mainly based on Twitter to communicate their key messaging and ideas to the general public. Twitter remains their number one communications tool as Nigerians all across the globe use Twitter to follow, contribute and discuss political news, in real time.

If you are looking for some interesting Twitter handles to keep up to date with Nigerian politics, check out the ones below: @APCNigeria is the political party of current President, Muhammadu Buhari @GovNigeria is the official Twitter page of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Gives updates on the happenings of Nigeria and its dealings in the international market and the country’s relations to others.

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S it truly that on the internet everything goes? There is hardly any issue, topic that cannot be found online.

Most people would hastily tell you that things like family matters may not be online since they are regarded as strictly private. But that in itself is a pure fallacy. With the social media which has permeated every aspect of life like wild fire, nothing seems to be private anymore.

The more it attracts public discourse, the better it becomes.

Now, check this out: FAMILY booster international announces the birth of an online site, familyparliament.com- a brand new family forum focusing solely on family matters The founder of familyparliament.com, Bisi Adewale, said that the forum is a family focused site designed to heal wound in relationships and marriages and to help correct negative cases which are common in the family and society today. He said that the online platform will provide avenue through discussions on how to stop the high rate of divorces, wives battering, child abuse, sex abuse, child neglect, child labor, and all other social ills According to him, familyparliament.com is set to be the melting point of all that have desire for a great relationship, better marriage and serve as a place to heal the family right from the home.

Adewale informed that the platform is open to people of all ages, married or single, parents, students and others, adding that people should “get online and become members of what is set to become Africa's number one family forum”

Spectranet wants families, kids online

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S a way of making internet available to people of various income strata in Nigeria, broadband internet service provider, Spectranet, has announced a family package on its internet platform. The company says it was part of its commitment to deepen family ties and also making internet accessible and affordable for all.

The bundle comes with free 30 GB and one CPE (indoor) modem at N16,000 or free 5 GB with one CPE (indoor) modem at N12,000 as well as rollover of unused data to the next month.

Spectranet recognises the positive impact of broadband internet at home ranging from being connected to loved ones, to providing entertainment for the household, access to a world of information and education for the children.

Subsequently, the family package has been designed not to distract the basis of family bond, but to add value to it via a smart and fast link to connecting everyone together, thereby providing fast and instantaneous means to share experience of daily moments.

Head Marketing, Spectranet, Mike Ogor said that while children are on their long summer break, internet offers them the opportunity to learn and play.

Ogor said that internet is increasingly becoming an integral part of Nigerian family lives who are now empowered with multiple tools, including computers, smart phones, and internet, all of which make possible a new type of connectedness.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Helicopter crash: Survivors stable, moved to St Nicholas Hospital

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

T

HE six survivors of Wednesday ’s Bristow Helicopter crash are recuperating at St Nicholas Hospital, a private hospital on Lagos Island.

Four of the survivors, all male, were moved, yesterday morning after receiving medical attention at the Gbagada General Hospital’s Trauma and Burns Centre.

A burns specialist at the Gbagada hospital said the four survivors discharged themselves against medical advice after they had been stabilised.

After a brief chat, the permanent secretary left, and two buses with the inscription Medical Plus pulled up in front of the centre.

Then the crash survivors were brought out on stretchers and two each were assisted into the buses.

Three of the victims who had bandages on parts of their bodies who still appeared to be in pains were young men while the fourth was middle aged.

It was gathered that one sustained a chest injury during the accident while some others had varying degrees of trauma.

Survivors of the crash Two other survivors of the crash had earlier been taken to St. Nicholas Hospital, after they were stabilised at Folabi Medical Centre, another private hospital in Gbagada.

When Vanguard arrived at Gbagada General Hospital around 8:00 a.m yesterday, security was beefed up. There was heavy activity around the trauma and burns centre and at precisely 10:45am, the Permanent Secretary, Health Service Commission, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Adegoriola Longe arrived the premises.

He approached the burns centre accompanied by the hospital managing director and shortly thereafter, they came back downstairs with two other medical doctors.

The two patients that were brought here were discharged, yesterday, and transferred to their company hospital at Victoria Island where they have existing relationship

Folabi Medical Centre where the patients were taken to

One of the survivors being wheeled into the hospital One was seen wearing a hand band with an inscription of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The buses were delayed some minutes before they eventually drove off.

Hospital sources told Vanguard they were taken to their company’s hospital.

Prior to their evaluation the security situation of the hospital was beefed up as two policemen screened people going in and out of the centre.

One of the doctors who managed two of the victims when they were at Gbagada General Hospital told our reporter that the management of the airline and a medical doctor from the oil company had requested that the victims be transferred to St. Nicholas hospital on Wednesday night.

Discharge of survivors “We initially refused to grant them the referral to a private hospital because we had been instructed not to as it is now a state matter. But after we stabilised them, the patients insisted and asked to be discharged to the private hospital.”

Gbagada General Hospital

Confirming the discharge of the other two survivors, the Medical Director, Folabi Medical Centre, Dr. Olajide Afolabi, said the two left on Tuesday night.

His words: “The two patients that were brought here were discharged yesterday, and transferred to their company hospital at Victoria Island where they have an existing relationship.

Undisclosed hospital “But immediately they brought them in, we gave them First Aid treatment. Later around 11pm yesterday (Wednesday) night, their hospital staff came and transferred them to an undisclosed hospital.”

Folabi pointed out that although both men were in stable condition when they were brought in, one of them sustained a fracture that was treated.

“We gave them pain reliever.

One was okay and was talking to us, but the second one, Solomon, had a fracture in the leg but was later stabilised.

What I can ascertain is that both

of them had already survived it and I wish them quick recovery.”

Vanguard got in touch with St. Nicholas Hospital where a source confirmed that the six victims of the helicopter crash are receiving treatment at the hospital.

The hospital management confirmed the victims are being monitored should any complication arise from the injuries they sustained from the crash.

The source said: “They brought them here this morning (Thursday) and they are doing fine. The only reason why they are still on admission is because we need to observe them for some days to ensure that they did not sustain any internal injury.

“We also need to manage them holistically and psychologically. If they go home now, they won’t be able to get the rest they deserve.”

The official who refused to disclose the identity of the victims, also said: “The media can’t talk to them until we have the patient’s consent. They need to rest.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—37

Navy blames spate of oil thefts on tardy court processes W

By Egufe Yafugbrhi

ARRI—THE Nigerian Navy has said that despite the sustained fight against oil theft and illegal refineries, the crime continues to flourish unabated because of the encouragement delayed court processes and inconclusive trials provide to suspected perpetrators.

Commanding Officer, the Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, Delta, Commodore Aliyu Sule made the disclosure, yesterday, shortly after his command destroyed nine illegal refineries around Kantu community, Warri South/West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Briefing journalists at the Warri naval base after the operation which lasted over four hours, Commodore Sule, said “Navy can only make arrests and handover suspects to prosecuting agencies. The process is a very long one and this is why some of them go back to these businesses.

“For example, we have more

than five ships with products that have been seized since 2005, but up till now the cases

are still running. If people are caught, tried immediately and jailed, some of these things

you see today will not happen.”

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INAUGURATION: From left: Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, Editorial Board, ThisDay Newspapers, Prof. Thomas Ofuya, Vice Chancellor, Wellspring University, Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO, Centre for Values in Leadership and Chairman, panel of judges, Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative, and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc., during the inauguration of the panel of judges for Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative/ Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund at the Star Academy of the company in Lagos.

Buhari fighting political opponents, not corruption —IJAW GROUP

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By Emma Amaize

ARRI—THE Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, in Delta State, yesterday, appraised the anti-graft battle of President Muhammadu Buhari and concluded that he was combating common political enemies in the country and not corruption, as he had made people to believe.

National President of IPDI, Mr Austin Ozobo, in a statement in

Passage

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RINCESS Felicia Olufunmilayo AdegbuyiLawanson of Kabba, Kogi and Epe, Lagos State is dead.

The memorial service will take place at All Saints Church, Montgomery Road, Yaba, Lagos, on August 15, at 11am.

Entertainment of guests follows at Lagos State University, LASU, Senior Staff Club, Ojo, Lagos.

She is survived by many children, grand children and relations, including Dr. Pao Adegbuyi.

Warri, said “Buhari has not shown Nigerians any readiness to fight corruption. A good leader must begin sanctification from his house. He must first remove the veil in his own eyes before thinking of removing the veil in another man’s eyes.

“It is obvious that his fight is targeted at common political enemies in the country, it is to witch-hunt to weaken the opposition, if not, why has no

move been made to arrest corrupt All Progressives Congress, APC ex-governors, instead Buhari is providing cover for corrupt APC ex governors and other leaders.

“His corruption crusade is one sided and selective in nature. You cannot hide your sins and begin to condemn others. Such persons are hypocrites and pretenders and their punishment will be twice over in heaven. The arrest and claims against former National

Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, is a clear evidence to show that Buhari is only fighting political antagonists.

“Buhari should start his probe former APC governors and notable APC leaders in the country. Why should corrupt APC leaders walk freely the corridors of power without being questioned and the president is pretending and paying deaf ears to public outcry to bring them to justice?” IPDI queried.

Ugborodo community asks Buhari, have no light, no Okowa to caution Chevron Ugborodo drinking water, no road, no health

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE people of Ugborodo in Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State, have charged President Mohammadu Buhari and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the state to call Chevron Nigeria Limited to order over what it they described as unwarranted neglect of her social responsibility to the host communities.

The Ugborodo communities, in a statement by the Youth Leader,

Mr Mike Loge, said the people had in the past months watched Chevron “With utmost dismay, consternation and trepidation” as the company goes against the Memorandum of Understanding, MOU, entered into with the communities.

“The people live in same place where Chevron with all the beautiful amenities of life, good drinking water, electricity, good healthcare system, good roads among others, while its host of

facilities, just nothing.

“The situation could be best describedasthebiblicalstoryofheaven with all the beautiful glory and the host communities being in hell fire where no one wants to belong.

“We therefore, plead with Mr President, Governor Okowa and all concern to tell Chevron to be fair in its activities in their host communities.

Women in the communities had protested the abandonment and neglect of host communities which have been peaceful host for decades

by Chevron,” the statement added.

Youths seek Oshiomhole's intervention in community's leadership crisis tension the issue

By Gabriel Enogholase

B Late Princess Felicia Adegbuyi-Lawanson

Omatsuli backs Buhari's anticorruption drive

ENIN—YOUTHS of Iguomon community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, have appealed to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the state to intervene in the leadership tussle between Mr. David Uwagboe, the Odionwere

of the community and Mr. Jolly Aiyudubie, another claimant to the title to avert bloodshed among their loyalists.

The youths, under the aegis of Iguomon Peace Movement also protested peacefully to Government House, Benin to register their displeasure over the

was generating.

In a petition to the governor

by Stanley Osazee and Nelson Osagiede, the youths lamented that in the past, confrontations between loyalists of both men had led tothedestructionofproperty,including the burning of the youth s secretariat aa many youths sustained varying degrees of injuries.

ARRI—FORMER Chief Whip of Warri South Legislative Arm and immediate past Executive Secretary of Local Education Authority, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, Griftson Omatsuli, has thrown his weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, saying “It is the only sure way to revitalise the nation’s ailing economy.”

The former state House of Assembly aspirant in a chat with newsmen in Warri while reacting to comments credited to some political leaders on the president’s anti-corruption stance, said that efforts by President Buhari to sanitise the petroleum sector and make the economy more viable “would be strongly boosted with the appointment of Engr. Abubakar Yar’ Adua, a former GMD as well as GED of NNPC as Petroleum Minister.”

He also commended the President for appointing Prof. Itse Sagay as Chairman of the Advisory Panel on anti-corruption.

DESOPADEC contractors allege bias

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SABA—THE DESOPADEC General Contractors have kicked against the commission’s alleged bias against contractors that have no government backing and relations in the State House of Assembly.

In a statement by the representatives of the General Contractors, Mr. Emma Okoh and Mr. Ugochuku Uzor, they stressed the need for equity and fairness among all DESOPADEC contractors, alleging that it was only those with people in government that are being favoured.

The group lamented that they were being maltreated by the People Democracy Party, PDP, government in the state, alleging that DESOPADEC general contractors who have receivedcertificatesforpayment but are not connected to the House of Assembly members have been denied payment.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

How reprisal attack was averted over killing of Igwe in Enugu —Lawmaker

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—THE m e m b e r representing Nkanu East Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Paul Nnajiofor has said that if not for the timely intervention of the State governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the police, Nkerefi community where Igwe Peter Onuoha was recently murdered could have been set on fire, leading to reprisal attack.

Making the commendation on the floor of the House during yesterday ’s sitting, Nnajiofor, who is from that constituency commended the governor and the State police command for the able way they restored peace and normalcy to Nkerefi following the gruesome killing of the Igwe, saying that “I must thank the police and Gov. Ugwuanyi that peace has returned to Nkerefi”.

The lawmaker pointed out that it was because of the interest shown by Governor Ugwuanyi and the police immediately the incident happened “that brought early peace in the land as well as avert possible reprisal attack by those loyal to the fallen monarch.”

Already, three suspects are currently in police custody over the incident.

The first suspect was arrested in a village in Delta State through a tip-off while two others have been subsequently arrested in different locations.

Igwe Peter Onuoha of Nkerefi was gruesomely murdered in his palace on the 11th of last month.

Treason trial against Biafra Zionists re-assigned to another judge in Owerri

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU—THE trial of 11 members of pro-Biafra, group, Biafra Zionists Federation BZF, has formally been transferred from Enugu, where the sitting initially commenced, to Owerri.

The accused persons in the open court, had accused the presiding judge of bias following the ruling of the court that it would continue the trial in secret in order to protect the identifies of the key prosecution witnesses who were yet to testify as requested by the prosection.

The case transfer from Enugu to Owerri was sequel to the

TOUR: Fifth from left, 1st Vice President, Isoko Development Union, Chief Steve Ageh, and from left, Exco members, Emevor Progress Union, E. O. Ebevuhe, Gabriel Onosibelo, the Otota, I. D.U, Lagos Branch; Pastor Steve Affi, JP, Chairman, Emevor Progress Union, Lagos Branch; Chief Christopher Agih, Secretary, I.D.U, Lagos Branch; Davies Akeni, Exco members, A. Isioro and A. Ighosewe, during the solidarity visit to the Emevor community as part of the on-going familiarization tour of the various Isoko communities and town unions in Lagos State by the newly inaugurated Exco headed by Frank Alordia.

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C M Y K

moved to Owerri. We were there, Wednesday, to take date but incidentally the Lordships are on vacation. We will get back when they resume,” he stated.

The Federal High Court 2, Enugu, presided over by Justice D.V. Agishi had on June 29, this year, withdrawn from the case.

Justice Agishi said that “in view of the fact that the accused have accused me of bias, the case file has been transferred to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to assign the case to another judge.”

The accused persons had through their counsel, Mr. Olu Omotayo sent a letter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High court Abuja, seeking for transfer of the case from the court.

In that letter dated June 23, 2015, reference number OAO/1/ 6/15, whcih was signed by a lawyer from Omotayo & Associates chambers in Enugu, Mr. B.N. Chukwu gave a vivid account of what led to the demand for the transfer of the case.

The eight-paragraph letter stated among others that “our clients in the open court raised up their hands and when granted leave to speak by the court, observed that the Judge was biased against them since the trial started as the Lordship had granted all applications made by the prosecution including the last one barring the public from the trial without legal authority or basis.

Interlocutory Appeal can’t stop Tribunal —Judge

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—THE Chairman of Abia State Governorship Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Justice Usman Bwala has said that interlocutory appeal by parties could not stop the tribunal’s proceedings.

Justice Bwala made the clarification in a ruling over objection by both PDP and its candidate in the April 2015 elections, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, against a witness brought by Dr. Alex Otti who is

challenging the election of Ikpeazu.

PDP lawyer, Mr. Paul Ananaba (SAN), had raised an objection against the tribunal taking evidence from one Mr. Ike Opigwe from Umunneochi Local Government Area, brought by Otti’s to give evidence and react to the replies of Governor Ikpeazu, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to his petition.

Ananaba had argued that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain such evidence,

Oruade tasks up-coming actors on commitment SABA—UP coming actors and actresses have been advised to be focused in order to actualize their dreams of becoming “stars” in the movie industry.

A movie producer, Mr. Caesar Oruade gave the advice in an interview with our correspondent in Asaba during the shooting of a movie entitled, 'Marrying a Campbell.'

Oruade, the producer of 'Marrying a Campbell,' said the movie has Barbara Soky, Hakeem

granting of application for transfer of the case from Federal High Court, Enugu on the ground that justice might elude them there which was demanded for, by the accused.

Counsel to the accused persons, Mr. Olu Omotayo confirmed to our reporter yesterday that “Abuja has granted the transfer request. It has been

Kazin, Yvonne Jegede, among other Nollywood stars, on set.

According to him, the movie which is a romantic comedy is aimed at promoting agriculture.

“The storyline of the movie, set to make a triumphal entry into the industry with a bang soon, is about the rich Campbell family with four daughters who returned to Nigeria from the United States of America, USA.” He said that there was a farmer who wanted to marry one of Mr. Campbell’s daughters, but was

rejected on the ground that he was a farmer and as such he is a poor man, oblivious of the fact that agriculture is a big and lucrative venture.

Oruade, a graduate of Theatre Arts from the University of Calabar and a Delta State citizen from Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area, described his cast as "Nollywood stars," even as he urged movie lovers to look forward to enjoying 'Marrying a Campbell.'

because according to him, PDP had appealed against the decision of the tribunal differing ruling on the applications filed during pretrial.

According to him, the records of the appeal had been served on the tribunal as well as the petitioners, Otti and his party APGA, and urged the tribunal not to take the evidence of the petitioner’s witness, who was already in the dock, pending the determination of the interlocutory appeal.

But counsel to Otti, Prof. Kalu Awa, opposed the objection, insisting during the tribunal’s ruling on July 24, 2015 that all motions on objections would wait till the judgment of the tribunal “remains sacrosanct”.

“That ruling is extant and subsists and until it is set aside by a superior court, it remains binding on all parties”, Awa maintained, pointing out that “an interlocutory appeal cannot stop the proceedings of the tribunal”. He cited the provisions of Paragraph 18 of the Election Tribunal and Court Practice Direction 2011, to support his argument.

The tribunal Chairman therefore overruled the

respondents’ objection and allowed the witness to give evidence.

During his cross-examination, Opigwe told the tribunal that although INEC listed Umunnecohi as one of the areas where the supplementary election would take place on April 25, ‘’the re-run did not hold there.

“Around 11pm on April 24, INEC officials evacuated the materials that were supposed to be used for the re-run back to Umuahia. On April 25, no election was held so INEC should explain why it disenfranchised the people of Umunneochi”, Opigwe said.

Other witnesses that also testified for APGA during Wednesday’ s sitting included Uzor Nwachukwu, Nkem Ihejiaba, Uche Agharanya and Ujo Ummunna, who worked as collation agents in Osisioma, Ugwunagbo, Isialangwa North and Umunneochi Local Government Areas, respectively.

They separately told the tribunal that election did not take place in their respective areas and that they did not sign Form EC8C, the Local Government result sheet.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 39

Appeal Court upholds Akpatason’s election victory

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ENIN CITY—THE Appeal Court sitting in Benin City has upheld the judgement of the Election Petition Tribunal in Edo State, which declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Akoko Edo House of Representatives seat, Comrade Peter Akpatason winner of the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election.

The lower tribunal led by Justice A.R.Ozoemena, had on Thursday, June 18, 2015, struck out the petition against Akpatason, filled by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr Oladele Bankole-Balogun for lack of merit. The Tribunal struck out BankoleBalogun’s petition after it noted that though the petitioner signed his column in the petition but his party the PDP did not sign which according to the Tribunal, was a negation of the Electoral Act. However, the PDP and Bankole-Balogun ran to the Appeal court to contest the judgment. But the threeman Appeal Court panel, led by Justice P.Ekpe, agreed with the judgment of the lower tribunal, pointing out that the issue bothers on section 4.1 Schedule of the Electoral Act, which stated that the petitioners must sign the petition or their lawyers can also signed on their behalf.

The Appeal court while dismissing the argument by the petitioner that the lower court did not give them fair hearing on the issue of the signing of the petition, said that though the first petitioner (BankoleBalogun) signed his column but the PDP did not sign “So, it is assumed that the first petitioner signed the entire petition which is not in agreement with the Electoral Act”.

Two other panellists Justice I.M.Saulawu and Justice Barka concurred with the judgment delivered by Justice Ekpe.

Counsel to Akpatason, Ken Mozia (SAN) described the judgment as victory for the rule of law, nothing that “This judgment is going to be a reference point in all the Election petition Tribunals. The issue of signing of petitions now are serious matters, it is no longer business as usual”.

C M Y K

Labour lauds Buhari over economy, insecurity, others Says thing are now falling in place

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

K

A D U N A — ORGANISED Labour yesterday in Kaduna State, said since inauguration on May 29th, President Muhammadu Buhari had made some significant moves in the direction of good governance in the areas of anticorruption, security and economy.

Speaking through a Deputy President of the Joe Ajaero faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr. Issa Aremu, Labour contended that things were falling in place in the country.

According to him, “first labour commends federal government resolve under President Buhari to prosecute those who allegedly stole national resources soonest.

More than ever before, President Muhammadu Buhari is naming, shaming and damning corruption. Not long ago former President Jonathan was being unhelpfully academic with corruption saying among others that stealing is not corruption.

Labour agrees with President Buhari that Nigeria has to break this “vicious cycle” of corruption unemployment and insecurity in Nigeria before we can make progress. All Nigerians are therefore enjoined to support the government in this war against graft, which is the root of all woes including senseless violence engendered by poverty.

"Beyond recovering the stolen funds stashed in foreign banks

VISIT: From left; Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State; Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso; Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina and Mr. Rupert Ohenuwa during a courtesy visit to the IGP at Force HQ in Abuja. and prosecuting the culprits, we need institutional framework to prevent grafts and public theft.

To this extent we commend the Presidential directive on a Single Treasury Account, STA, for all Federal revenues to ensure greater probity, transparency and accountability in the collection, disbursement and utilization of national funds.

Commercial Banks must create money beyond recycling public funds for corruption. ·We also commend the work of the National Economic Council, NEC, bi-partisan Adhoc Committee on the Management of Excess Crude Account

Proceeds and Accruals into the Federation Account, headed by the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole. Other members of the committee included Governors Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe and Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom.

On security, Aremu said “we commend the President for resisting the pressure to remove subsidy on petroleum products.

The President should rather deal with the problem which is corruption in subsidy management. We should not throw away the baby with bad water; accept the baby and throw

Borno begins remodelling of primary schools, houses

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI—BORNO State Government yesterday said it had begun the renovation and rehabilitation of primary and post- primary schools with construction of new ones including hospitals and clinics affected by the activities of insurgents across the state.

The government said it embarked on construction of some destroyed residential houses including total overhauling of palaces of traditional rulers to win the confidence of fleeing residents for them to return back to their communities as relative peace had now returned to the state.

Governor Kashim Shettima spoke when he led the United Nations Residential Coordinator/ United Nations Development Programm, UNDP, Residential Representative, Mr. Daouda Toure and Director-General,DG, National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, to Auno District of Konduga Local Government Area for inspection of ongoing

renovation and construction of Central Primary School, General Hospital, Mosque and the palace of the District Head.

Shettima said during the heat of the insurgents deadly activities, many schools, particularly the ones owned by government were destroyed while a number of public structures including

hospitals and clinics in volatile areas were abandoned by the fleeing residents.

According to him, government had to deploy resources to resuscitate these structures to win the confidence of the people and enable them return back to their communities to continue their normal lives.

away the bad water. There is nothing inherently bad with subsidy, what is bad is subsidy mismanagement. President Buhari has shown that there is no substitute for good governance. We must encourage him. We also commend the President’s effort to fix the refineries.

Continuing, he also commended President Buhari on bailout arrangement for states to settle arrears of salaries, notable sense of sacrifices to cut cost of governance, effort to bring back National Carrier among others.

Aremu, who is also the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, NUTGTWN, lamented however that things were still falling apart especially regarding the value of the Naira, closure of factories (which is the future of industrialisation), absentee legislators among others, but insisted that ''President Buhari has so far avoided the haste and recklessness in arriving at the critical decisions. However the administration must not delay decisions and policy actions when the time is ripe and opportune.''

KOGI POLLS: APC gov candidate's ambition gets boost

A

LL Progressives Congress, APC, governorship aspirant in Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has continued to receive support from old and young ones as his campaign team berthed at Ugwlawo in Kogi East senatorial district.

Addressing the Party leaders and delegates at APC Secretariat in Ugwolawo in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Bello told the crowd that he ventured into politics to ensure that the state got the needed change.

He explained that since creation of Kogi State in 1991, the

state had not got it right in terms of infrastructural development, education, health and serious socio-economic development.

The aspirant noted that as a youth who had excelled in both public and private life, he would want to bring his experiences to bear in governance of state if given the mandate and pointed out that all the key sectors in the state needed a redirection to move the state to the next level, stressing that “the state needs a young and vibrant mind. We the youths are strong believers of Change in Kogi statehoods things are terribly bad that you cannot compare Kogi state capital with any other states in

Nigeria. Road networks are nothing to write home about. We believe that the opportunity has come to get it right now by bringing the young generation to governance.”

He pointed out that if given the mandate, he would invest heavily in agriculture to move youths out of street, while the educated ones would be gainfully employed.

Earlier in his address, a Kogi State APC stalwart, Dr. Yakubu Ugwolawo, stated that the issues were not about tribalism, but someone who could do it better and deliver, stressing that the young aspirant meant well for overall development of Kogi State.

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

POWA'S RETREAT: From left— Mr. Tim Akano, Guest Speaker/Chief Executive Officer, New Horizons Systems Solutions Limited; Mr. Solomon Arase, Inspector General of Police, and Mrs Agharese Arase, President, Police Officers' Wives Association, POWA, during the association's maiden retreat on Practical Entrepreneurship Skills Development for Women in Abuja.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR: From left— Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, Chairman, Editorial Board, ThisDay Newspaper; Professor Thomas Ofuya, Vice Chancellor, Wellspring University, and Professor Pat Utomi, member, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Founder/CEO, Centre for Values in Leadership and Chairman, Panel of Judges for the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative, and Mr. Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, at the inauguration of the panel for the initiative of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund at the Star Academy of the company in its Lagos.

DONATION: From left— Mrs Kate Ekouye, Director, Pharmaceutical Service, Delta State Ministry of Health; Mr. Frank Hanachor, State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, and Igweze Obianuju, Assistant Controller of Prison, Delta State during the presentation of cars to NDLEA by the Association of Patent and Propriety Medicine Dealers in Delta State. PHOTO: Nath Onojake.

VISIT: Mr. Tajudeen Obasa, lawmaker representing Ojo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives (middle), with law students from Lagos State University, LASU, during a courtesy call on the lawmaker in Abuja.

State Governor on Youth Matters (left) and his predecessor and Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpenyong, at the 2015 International Youth Day.

DANCE WITH PETER: From left— Yemi Halim, Globacom’s Head of RealityTV Show and Special Projects; Kaffy, Guinness Book of Records holder for the longest dance; Peter Okoye of P-Square, who doubles as dance instructor, and P-Square's choreographer, Don Flexx, at the launch of Glo-sponsored Dance with Peter reality TV show at Silverbird Galleria, Lagos.

WEDDED: Damian Aguiyi-Emeka and former Miss Oluchi Oluwatoyin Akinyemi during their traditional wedding in Lagos.

BRIEFING: From left— Mr. Adeola Odunowo, Chief Executive Officer, Curve Communications; Abiodun Adegoke, CEO, Beez Ideaz; Mr. Kayode Odukoya, Head Coordinator, Women Empowerment and Enlightenment Campaign and Lovetta Iwelu, CEO, Ocean 27, during the briefing for WEEC Creative Essay Competition 2015 in Lagos. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

YOUTH DAY: Mr. Aniefiok Iwaudofia, Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 41

OONI: Banks, markets shut as 7-day mourning starts •Eulogies pour in for late monarch

By Gbenga Olarinoye & Dapo Akinrefon

O

SOGBO – BARELY 24 hours after the official announcement of the passing away of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the High Chiefs of Ife have ordered immediate closure of all markets and shops in the ancient town.

Vanguard learnt that the affected places would remain shut for the next seven days to honour the late monarch. As early as 10 am yesterday, town criers were seen in various market places in the town to deliver the messages to market men and women.

The town criers who were announcing in Yoruba language warned defaulters to be ready to face the consequences of non compliance with the directive.

Though commercial activities were under-way especially in some places far away from the palace before the announcement was made, it was, however, confirmed that all commercial banks in the town were under lock and key. To ensure sympathizers have smooth journey to the town, the state Government has ordered clearing of bushes on the road sides from Ife-Ibadan express way to the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, area.

Students of the institution were also seen moving in and out of the campus as against Wednesday when the streets

were virtually empty. Meanwhile eminent Nigerians have continued to pay visits to the ancient town to commiserate with the people of the town and also pay tribute to the late monarch. Among the early callers included the factional Chairman of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress, OPC, Chief Gani Adams who described the Ooni Stool as the stool of the entire Yoruba people.

Adams, who acknowledged that Oba Sijuwade did not toy with the tradition during his reign noted that Yoruba had lost a rear gem. Founder of the OPC, Dr Fredrick Fasehun expressed shock at the passage of the first class traditional ruler, describing him as one among millions. Dr Fasehun enjoined sons and

Oba Sijuwade will be remembered for the great gravitas he brought to the foremost throne in his thirty five years of reign

daughters of the Yoruba race not to allow his demise to cause disunity among them but let his demise be a unifying force.

The remains of the monarch is expected to be committed to mother earth today as announced by the eldest son, Prince Adetokunbo Sijuwade. The Olowu of Owu-Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude described late Sijuwade as a jewel who exhibited candour, elegance and total respect to monarchy.

Atiku, Amosun, others mourn Eminent Nigerians, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, saying the monarch will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy service.

His legacies will endure for generations – Atiku The former vice president, in a condolence message released by his media office, described the deceased Ooni of Ife as a traditional ruler whose lofty legacies on the thrown will endure for generations.

Atiku, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source said “Oba Sijuwade’s 35 years reign on the royal stool of Ife is unquestionably a source of pride to every Yoruba son and daughter and everyone who cherishes the culture and tradition of the Yoruba people.”

•Ooni of Ife: Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II He was a great monarch Amosun: Also, Ogun State governor, Senator Amosun, mourned the Ooni’s demise saying he was a great monarch.

In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the governor described the transition of the Chairman of the State of Osun Traditional Council as “lamentable, but also worthy of celebration, because his life truly ran its full course. Oba Sijuwade was a great monarch.”

He was a rare patriot – Oyinlola: Former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola yesterday recalled his relationship with the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse 11 and described him as a father and a mentor, a nationalist and a rare patriot.

He would be missed — Fayemi

Senate observes minute silence for Ooni

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Senate yesterday, paid glowing tributes to the late Ooni of IleIfe, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who will be buried today.

The tribute of the Red Chamber came following a motion titled: “The Apotheosis of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akunade Sijuwade Ooni of Ife”, sponsored by Senator Babajide Omoworare, APC, Osun East, which he presented on the floor of the Senate.

In the motion, Senator Omoworare noted with sadness, the demise of Oba Sijuwade, Olubuse Eriogun 1, the Ooni of Ile-Ife, at the age of 85. Giving brief account of the life of the late first-class monarch, Omoworare said: “Kabiyesi was born on January 1, 1930 into the Ogboru ruling house, Ilare, IleIfe in the state of Osun. Prince Okunade Sijuawade as he then was attended Abeokuta Grammar School, under the well-known educationist, The Rev. I.O. C M Y K

Ransome Kuti. He also attended Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife and proceeded to the United Kingdom to further his studies in Business Management. In his early life, Prince Okunade Sijuwade was conscious of his royal birth and pedigree, his carriage even in school was regal, one who was destined to wear the crown.”

He noted further that as a successful businessman, his company, WAATECO, was the sole distributor of Soviet-made vehicles, tractors and engineering equipment in Nigeria with at least fifty Russians on its staff and a dozen branches all over Nigeria. This small beginning marked the start of trade with Soviet Union in Nigeria, and for Prince Sijuwade the birth of a business empire that was to include at least fifty companies.”

The legislator recalled that Prince Sijuwade ascended the throne of Ooni of Ife on the 6th of December, 1980. “And ever since he ascended the throne,

Oba Sijuwade has been a worthy ambassador-at-large and for Nigeria and a symbol of pride for the Yoruba race, not only in Nigeria but in Diaspora.

Knowingly or unknowingly, the deified monarch fore mostly pursued the sustainability, unity and peaceful co-existence of every single component of Nigeria nation in furtherance of Section 14 (3) of the Constitution.

Three musketeers “In fact, the Ooni, the former Emir of Kano and the former Obi of Onitsha were referred to as the three musketeers who have fought tooth and nail to bring the country together.” He observed that Oba Sijuwade was a great family man and highly revered in the Disapora especially in Cuba, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago.

“He received many national and international awards and decorations in the honour and recognition of his various

achievements which include: Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, CFR; Keeper of the Seal of Yoruba land; Honourable Chancellor, Bayero University, Kano; former Honourable Chancellor, University of Technology, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Doctor of Civil Laws (Honoris Causa), and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, among many others,”he said.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who presided over the day’s session, called for a minute silence for the late first-class monarch. He hinted that a delegation of senators would be sent to commiserate with the family, the government and people of Osun State over the transition of the monarch to the great beyond.

Meanwhile, the Senate, yesterday, adjourned sitting to September 29. The six-week annual recess of the legislators is in line with the time-table of the National Assembly.

: On his part, former governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi commiserated with Sijuwade family, the Ile-Ife people and the government of Osun State over the passage of the Ooni of Ife describing Sijuwade as a highly respected traditional ruler, who had and d e m o n s t r a t e d immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.

Tradition and history Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said “Kabiyesi had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the Yoruba tradition and history and had an amazing way of relating with both the low and mighty."

End of a glorious era— Afenifere: In a statement by Afenifere’s National publicity Secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin said “Oba Sijuwade will be remembered for the great gravitas he brought to the foremost throne in his thirty five years of reign.

His death is clearly the end of a glorious era for the traditional stool of Oduduwa and even the stars are are aware that a great man has just exited the world.”

Ooni’s death, irreparable loss – Gani Adams: On his part, the National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams said the monarch’s death was an irreparable loss to the Yoruba race.

Adams said “Ooni Olubuse was able, not only to sustain the royal majestic and reverence left behind by his predecessors, but also added colour, panache and cultivated tremendous respect to the stool of Ooni of Ife, the cradle of the world.”

Ekiti Speaker mourns Also, Speaker of the Ekiti Assembly, Mr Kola Oluwawole said though the monarch died at a ripe age of 85, it was sad and painful that the country, particularly the Yoruba race, lost him at this crucial moment in the history of the nation.

42 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 VIRGO; No matter how helpful friends were yesterday it is important you don’t dance to discordant tunes from any quarter today; gamble not with matters-of-the-heart.

LIBRA; Many people are under pressure today but, if you do away with sentiment and give priority attention to money making, your finances will be better for your efforts. Don’t allow misunderstanding within your family circle go out of hands.

SCORPIO; To be on the safer side it is imperative you respect the law and it’s enforcement agents. Some people are trying to deceive you for an obvious reason.

SAGITTARIUS; Early part of the day may bring you good opportunity but for you not to lose it you must exhibit maturity. Protect both your money and source of income.

CAPRICORN; Others will step on your nerves yet it not the best for you to over-react today. It is good to prove reliable but your secrets must remain intact.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

R

IGHT from ages man has continued to look for ways of clothing his nakedness. Nakedness does not just mean not wearing clothes alone. It includes covering our evil deeds,

God is watching wicked acts, ways and sins etc.

As it was the days of the biblical Adam and Eve, so it is today.

When we commit heinous crime, we run for cover under the stone,

TERROR MUDA

under the water and under the dark, hoping and praying that we will not be caught.

We live a lie. We forget that air bear witness to our cruel act;

in “Never say goodbye”

the sun by our shadow takes our photograph, and our conscience convicts us daily.

Beware, God is watching. Your sins will find you out.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

AQUARIUS; This may not be the best of days as there will be a few challenges within your working arena. If you rely on luck today, you would be disappointed.

PISCES; You will need to watch what you tell others, especially those friends you don’t know too well. Be more loving but refuse to gamble with love ARIES; If care is not taken what you have gained yesterday may be lost due to your care-free attitude within your base of operation. Avoid deceit today.

TAURUS; You would fare better if you prepare your mind for possible confrontation from unexpected quarters. Don’t promise more than you can actually deliver.

GEMINI; Both your mood and element of luck are as friendly as you would want them to be. Thus success may come the harder way today. Protect your finances.

CANCER; Many will look up to you both for practical assistance and leadership direction thus, you must not ball-up under pressure. Try to reason with your spouse.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

LEO; Diplomacy may become very important today as development within your working arena calls for both maturity and cleverness. Be family minded today.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Who do you think about me?

Dear Joshua, I have been following your write-ups for a long time you can not believe and to be sincere you are good. Now I wan you to analyse my star and tell me my horoscopic personality. More in to your pen.

Cyril, Delta.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Cyril, What you will find here under will prove useful if you take them seriously and utilise them ANALYSIS OF YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA/ PLANETARY PLACEMENT Spiritual Neptune as the only Planet at home when you were born pointed to you as a person with great deal of spiritual energy you can tap at will, especially if you are conscious of it’s presence in your inner-self. But then, with majority of (five) planets placed in the Cardinal Zodiacal constellations you are equally an ambitious person who will desire worldly honour and prominence, and luckily for you, you were endowed with abilities to achieve your ambition.

Prominence of Mutable quality and Air Element in this chart are indications of a person with higher pitch of intelligence who can adapt to so many situations without being stressed unnecessarily. And GREAT LEADERSHIP QUALITY is present here.

Although you are a Lady, with nothing-less than SEVENTY PERCENT of PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE in your Horoscope you can unexpectedly become aggressive, especially when issue of freedom is to the fore. Beside 70% of PUSH-FULL INFLUENCE in you, mighty Sun (an indicator of your inner-self) with Uranus (a great freedom lover) conjoined in SAGITTARIUS ( another freedom loving Star Sign) all these are pointers to greater love of freedom in your deeper-inner-self. And whoever is trying to curtail such unnecessarily may unexpectedly court trouble, because you will resist such.

With your natal Sun (your conscious self) and Moon/Stellium (your emotional state/ sub-conscious self) placed in Sagittarius and Libra respectively, you are mainly a Sagittarian and partly Libran and that is to say basic characteristics of the two Star signs are highly pronounced in your inner-self.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—43

Catholics urge Pope to condemn gay unions as unnatural

N

EARLY half a million Catholics have signed a petition urging Pope Francis to condemn same sex unions as unnatural and rule out allowing divorced believers who remarry to receive communion, organisers claim.

The Filial Appeal on the Future of the Family, launched by a group describing itself as an alliance of lay Catholics and pro-Life organisations, has also secured the backing of more than 100 senior clerics, including many bishops from the developing world and American cardinal Raymond Burke, an archconservative who has been sidelined within the Vatican hierarchy since Francis was elected two years ago.

According to the Appeal’s website, more than 462,700 people had, by Thursday, signed the petition, which urges Francis to uphold traditional teaching ahead of an October synod which will review how the Church relates to gay and divorced followers.

The petition claims that a

Greek ruling party heads toward split before bailout vote

G

REEK Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’s Syriza party looked set to split after the leader of its far-left faction called for a new movement to fight a bailout deal that lawmakers will vote on later on Thursday.

Days after striking an agreement with foreign creditors, Tsipras is asking parliament to approve a bailout agreement that pledges tax hikes and spending cuts in exchange for 85 billion euros in fresh loans. It will be Greece’s third financial rescue program agreed with creditors in five years.

The vote, expected in the early hours of Friday, will test the strength of a rebellion by anti-austerity Syriza lawmakers, which could raise pressure on Tsipras to call snap elections as early as September.

•Tsipras

•Pope first synod held last year had caused, “ widespread confusion arising from the possibility that a breach has been opened within the Church that would accept

adultery — by permitting divorced and then civilly remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion — and would virtually accept even homosexual unions when such practices are categorically condemned as being contrary to divine and natural law.”

Francis has made it clear he wants the church to adopt a more inclusive, understanding approach to believers living “irregular” lifestyles.

He caused consternation amongst traditionalists last year when, asked about his attitude to gay Catholics, he responded: “Who am I to judge?”

Former President Jimmy Carter Reveals Cancer

F

ORMER US president Jimmy Carter said Wednesday that recent liver surgery has shown he has cancer, and that it has spread.

The 39th president, now aged 90, underwent an initially successful operation earlier this month to remove a “small mass.”

“That procedure revealed that I have cancer that now is in other parts of my body,” he said in a brief written statement.

“I will be rearranging my schedule as necessary so I can undergo treatment.”

“A more complete public statement will be made when facts are known, possibly next week,” said the

•Carter Nobel Peace Prize winner, whose two sisters, brother and father all died from pancreatic cancer.

The Georgia native will be treated at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

President Barack Obama was among those who voiced their support, wishing his predecessor a “fast and full recovery.”

Nkurunziza wins freak Burundi election B

URUNDI’S ruling partyyesterdaytermed thecontroversialre-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza a “divine miracle”, as the opposition accused him of declaring war by clinging to power.

The president’s successful effort to bulldoze his way into a controversial third term sparked protests and a failed coup, with a sweeping crackdown and an exodus of citizens fleeing the unrest.

But Nkurunziza’s CNDD-FDD party praised his “stunning victory” in last month’s polls, which were boycotted by the opposition and internationallycondemned as being neither free nor fair.

Leonard Nyangoma, a veteran political leader who heads the opposition CNARED coalition, said Nkurunziza had “declared war” on his people and demanded his “immediate departure” from office.

“The situation is extremely serious: the political, socio-economic situation is deteriorating day by day,” Nyangoma, a founding member of the CNDD-FDD, said.

Security forces are targeting opponents of

HE United States said it would raise the issue of a recent Moscow visit by a senior Iranian general at the United Nations, saying it violated UN resolutions on Iran.

General Qassem Suleimani’s visit to Russia, reportedly in late July, had not received much attention until it was mentioned in Iranian media and on America’s Fox News channel in the context of the war in Syria. US State Department

deputy spokesman Mark Toner confirmed the trip Wednesday.

“So we’ve raised this travel with senior Russian foreign ministry officials, and we’re going to raise it and address it further in New York,” Toner said.

Suleimani, the Revolutionary Guard’s commander of foreign operations, is one of several Iranian officials targeted by a 2007 UN travel ban because of their alleged links to Iran’s nuclear or ballistic missile programs.

Forecaster predicts likelihood of life in El Nino

A

U.S. government weather forecaster yesterday raised the likelihood that El Nino conditions would last into the Northern Hemisphere’s early spring to 85 percent, up from 80 percent in the prior month’s forecast.

The Climate Prediction Center, an agency of the National Weather Service, also maintained its forecast that the chances of El Nino conditions lasting through the Northern Hemisphere winter were more than 90

percent. El Nino, the warming of Pacific sea-surface temperatures, can have devastating consequences for agriculture, triggering heavy rains and floods in South America and scorching weather in Asia and as far away as East Africa.

El Nino conditions would probably contribute to a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season and to above-normal hurricane seasons in both the central and Eastern Pacific hurricane basins, the CPC said.

Nkurunziza with “numerous arrests, torture, killings and atrocities,” Nyangoma said, speaking from Europe, where he is now based.

...Condemns attack on AFP, RFI reporter

B

URUNDI’S presidency yesterday condemned the attack on the correspondent of Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Radio France International (RFI), who was detained and tortured by security forces.

Burundian journalist Esdras Ndikumana, 54, was taking pictures at the scene of the assassination of a top general in the capital Bujumbura on August 2, when he was arrested by members of the National

Sex Abuse: UN Scribe fires Mission chief in CAR

US to protest visit of Iran’s General to Moscow

T

•Nkurunziza

•Ki-moon

U

N Secretary General Ban Ki-moon announced Wednesday that he had fired the mission chief in the Central African Republic, declaring “enough is enough” after a string of allegations of child sex abuse by peacekeepers.

Babacar Gaye of Senegal “tendered his resignation at my request,” Ban told reporters at the global body’s headquarters in New York.

The move followed fresh accusations that a peacekeeper from the

MINUSCA force had raped a 12-year-old girl, months aftersimilarclaimsweremade against Moroccan and Burundian troops in the unit.

Separately, France is investigating claims that more than a dozen of its soldiers serving in the Sangaris force in the Central African Republic sexually abused children they had lured with food in late 2013.

Intelligence Service (SNR).

He was held for around two hours, during which he was subjected to severe beatings on his back, legs and the soles of his feet. AFP and RFI sent a protest letter to Burundi’s government condemning the attack as “outrageous”.

On Thursday, more than 10 days since the attack, senior presidential official Willy Nyamitwe said in a statement the presidency “condemned this violent and unacceptable behaviour”.

The statement said President Pierre Nkurunziza had “personally instructed” the SNR chief to investigate the assault “so that the perpetrators are prosecuted and punished according to the law”.

It added that the presidency hoped the assault would “not harm the good relations” between it and the media.

Violence erupted in Burundi in April, when Nkurunziza launched his now successful bid for a third term in power.

WHO predicts end for Ebola by year’s end

T

HE Ebola epidemic in West Africa could be completely over by the end of the year if efforts to root out new cases are kept up, the WHO chief said yesterday.

World Health Organization director Margaret Chan cautioned there could be setbacks in the coming months but said Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone

G/Bissau’s president sacks govt amid row with PM

G

The United Nations observer mission said the vote was not “inclusive free and credible” and was held “in an environment of profound mistrust” between political rivals.

Meanwhile violence continues unabated in Burundi with at least three people killed overnight Wednesday, police sources said, adding that grenade blasts were also reported.

Therearewidespreadfears — both inside and outside Burundi — that the tiny country in the heart of central Africa’s troubled Great Lakes region could be plunged back into civil war.

UINEA Bissau’s President Jose Mario Vaz has dismissed the government of the fragile West African nation because of a deepening power struggle with the prime minister.

Tensions, fed by overlapping duties in Guinea Bissau’s semi-presidential system, have grown between the president and Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira since elections restored civilian rule last year following a 2012 coup.

could begin 2016 completely Ebola-free.

“If the current intensity of case detection and contact tracing is sustained, the virus could be soundly defeated by the end of this year,” Chan told the United Nations Security Council.

“That means getting to zero and staying at zero,” she said during a special meeting on the disease.

Around 11,300 people have died from Ebola since late 2013 in the world’s worst outbreak of the often fatal illness that began in Guinea and spread to neighboring Sierra Leone and Liberia.

Liberia, the hardest-hit country, was declared Ebolafree in May, but six new cases last month raised fears that the virus had not been completely beaten back.

44 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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BUJA—CONCERNED about the plight of electricity consumers, the Federal Government is considering the deployment of a card payment system to eliminate the exploitation of Nigerians by electricity firms.

Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo disclosed this while playing host to the Moderator of the Synod of the North of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rev. Ini Ukpuho, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office as part of activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Synod.

The Vice President said that the government was working hard to resolve the challenges faced by power consumers in payment of bills, saying very soon a card payment system would be introduced to ease their troubles.

Osinbajo said the new administration government was not interested in victimizing anyone, but to ensure that people understand that there is a consequence for every act of impunity and corruption in the country.

The Vice President, who acknowledged the historical

VISIT: From left: Dr. Torty Unoh, Mrs. Nene Amogie, Rev. Victor Anhefiole, Moderator, Synod of the North, The Presbterian Church of Nigeria, Rev. Ini Ukpuho, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senator Ita Inang, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, and Rev. Mfon Umoren, during a courtesy visit on the Vice President in Abuja, yesterday.

FG considers card payment system to check power consumers' exploitation role of the Presbyterian Church in national transformation through its missionary leaders, said that the present generation should strive to use its pulpits as a

platform to provide direction to its members towards national revival.

Although he regretted that the church had not done enough these days to impact the society p o s i t i v e l y, Professor Osinbajo said church l e a d e r s needed to step up efforts to help redefine

their role towards national rebirth.

He said: “The Church has a special role to help in remoulding the character of the people.

The Church should pursue national values and national reorientation. After 20 years, the great work started by the Presbyterian missionaries many years ago should be continued in greater vigour.”

Earlier, Rev. Ukpuho had told the Vice President that his visit was to brief him on

the anniversary celebration of the Synod’s mission work in the Northern part of the country since 1995 as well as 60 years of gospel witness in the region.

“We are using the opportunity of this landmark year to take stock of the mission work in the north and to re-strategize for greater exploits in expanding God’s kingdom and impacting our nation and the world at large,” he said.

Rev. Ukpuho urged the Vice President to consider the Presbyterian Church as a faithful partner in government’s effort to enthrone righteousness, justice, peace and development in Nigeria for the good of the people," he said.

St. Edna's College old students meet tomorrow

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LD students of St. Enda’s College, Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, one time known as Agbarho Grammar School, Agbarho will hold their monthly meeting tomorrow at 12B, Abuja Close, Agbara Estate, Agbara, Ogun State at 3.00 p.m.

The secretary, Mr. Sunday Orode urged members to be punctual as issues relating to elections into the National Executive Council scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2015, will be discussed.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—45

KOGI 2015: APC group calls for Prince Audu’s disqualification

By Fanwo Kingsley

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OKOJA—AN interest group within the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in Kogi State, The Change Agents, yesterday called for the i m m e d i a t e disqualification of a former governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu, from contesting the forthcoming governorship primaries of the party.

The group, in a statement issued in Lokoja by its Director of Communications, Aloko Abiodun, said it had become imperative for APC to show it was genuinely committed to its anti-corruption stance.

According to the group, “members of The Change Agents worked to ensure the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in Kogi State because of our great conviction that his government will herald the death of corruption, which has been a canker worm eating away the

Anniversary

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HE parish priest, his associates and entire parishioners of Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, Lagos, will on Sunday, August 16, celebrate the 30th anniversary of the church’s dedication and the fund raising for the Remodelling of the Church.

The event will begin at 10a.m. under the chairmanship of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi, former Ekiti State Governor.

Heavenly Dew

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RIUMPHANT Baptist Church will hold her monthly programme, Heavenly Dew, tomorrow by 7a.m.

The programme, with the theme He teaches us to profit, will hold at the church auditorium at Shasa Road, Akowonjo, Lagos.

Host pastor, Dr. Sunday Oladejo, said the programme provides people the opportunity to obtain divine direction.

future of the country.

“It would be recalled that Chief Samuel Aro, a senatorial aspirant on the platform of our great party was disqualified ahead of the primary last December on the ground that he was standing trial for corrupt practices.

We believe that what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”

Contacted, Prince Audu declined comments on the issue. But a close confidant of the former governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, dismissed the petition as the handiwork of people afraid of Audu’s status.

In a related development, a

governorship aspirant on the platform of APC, Chief Tim Nda Diche, has promised to reposition Kogi State economically if given the mandate to govern the state.

Diche disclosed this in Lokoja in an exclusive chat with Vanguard.

He said his administration would focus on job creation, improved healthcare, agricultural revolution, infrastructural development and quality education, calling on delegates to the primaries to ensure his emergence as the candidate of the APC on August 29.

Probe Aliyu's govt, Niger Assembly orders Gov Bello

By Wole Mosadomi

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INNA—NIGER State House of Assembly has directed Governor Abubakar Bello to probe the eight years administration of his predecessor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.

This was the unanimous resolution adopted by members of the state House of Assembly at its sitting yesterday.

The motion, which was moved by the member representing Bida II constituency, Mohammed Haruna, listed 22 activities of the past administration for investigation.

Some of the listed activities include the operation of Local

Government Joint Account, Ward Development Projects, Bonds, the Three Arms Zone project, Minna Airport City Project, the sale of government property to commissioners, members of state House of Assembly and other politicians, the 10kilometre local government projects, Minna City centre projects and the alleged N2.6 billion shared among public officers at the eve of the end of the past administration.

The motion was adopted by the House and the Speaker, Ahmed Marafa, directed Clerk of the House, Alhaji Abdulkahi Kagara, to forward the resolution to the state governor.

Nigerian Army offers free medical services to IDPs

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—THE 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, has offered free medical services to the internally displaced persons, IDPs, in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The General Officer Commanding the Division, GOC, Major General Lamidi Adeosun, while inspecting the free medical services in

Konduga, yesterday, said the exercise was an emergency medical services to assist the IDPs. He said the exercise was in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s directives that the medical team of the Nigerian Army should first handle medical assistances to IDPs, explaining that the medical services was not limited to only Konduga, but would soon be extended to Bama, Pulka, Gwoza and other liberated communities.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position on probe of past govts (2) The first part of this piece which was published in yesterday’s edition of Vanguard cautioned against selective probe noting that it is not only unfair and unjust but also contrary to the Constitution of Nigeria

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LL public servants, i t h o u t regard to categories, whether of the officer cadre or not and, if an officer, regardless of his class or grade, whether he or she is in the top, middle or lower cadre, is bound by the duty or obligation to “observe and conform to the Code of Conduct.”

Whilst the Code of Conduct itself, as scheduled to Constitution (Fifth Schedule) by section 318 of the Constitution, is headed Code of Conduct for Public Officers and its application is restricted to public officers listed therein, the duty to observe and conform to the Code enjoined by sections 172 and 209 are no less obligatory and binding on other categories of public servants, notwithstanding that no sanctions are prescribed for failure by them to observe and conform to its stipulations. w

Code of conduct Sanctions are meant to reinforce the duty, and their absence should not diminish or detract from the obligatoriness or binding force of the duty. A citizen of good repute and integrity obeys the law because it is his duty to do so, not so much in order to avoid the wrath of the law being visited on him or her.

It is a measure of the importance attached to the Code of Conduct that the oath of office prescribed for the President (and State Governor) in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution requires them to swear not only to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,” but specifically to “abide by the Code of Conduct.”

The importance of the Code is also affirmed by the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, cap. 56 of the Laws of the Federation 1990 edn, which provides: “The aims and objectives of the Bureau shall be to establish and maintain a high standard of morality in the conduct of government business and to ensure that the actions and behaviour of public officers conform to the highest standards of public morality and accountability.”

C M Y K

The relevant provisions of the Code for present purposes are contained in paragraphs 1, 6, 9, 11 and 13 which, for ease of reference, are herein reproduced.

1. A public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

6. (1) A public officer shall not ask for or accept property or benefits of any kind for himself or any other person on account of anything done or omitted to be done by him in the discharge of his duties.

(2) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)of this paragraph, the receipt by a public officer of any gifts or benefits from commercial firms, business enterprises or persons who have contracts with the government shall be presumed to have been received in contravention of the said sub-paragraph unless the contrary is proved.

(3) A public officer shall only accept personal gifts or benefits from relatives or personal friends to such extent and on such occasions as are recognised by custom.

9. A public officer shall not do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy.

Provisions of the constitution 11. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every public officer shall within three months after the coming into force of this Code of Conduct or immediately after taking office and thereafter – (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarred children under the age of eighteen years.

(2) Any statement in such declaration that is found to be false by any authority or person authorised in that behalf to verify it shall be deemed to be a breach of this Code.

(3) Any property or assets

acquired by a public officer after any declaration required under this Constitution and which is not fairly attributable to income, gift, or loan approved by this Code shall be deemed to have been acquired in breach of this Code unless the contrary is proved.

13. A public officer who does any act prohibited by this Code through a nominee, trustee, or other agent shall be deemed ipso facto to have committed a breach of this Code.

Personal interest The most far-reaching of the stipulations in the Code is that contained in paragraph 1 above, which enjoins a public officer not to “put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities”.

The provision in the paragraph underscores the nature of a public office as a public trust, with all the obligations and restrictions which the law imposes on trustees of a private trust.

State or political power is held and exercised by the rulers in trust for the public, from which it follows that those entrusted with it are subject to the obligations and restrictions implied in the concept of trusteeship, in particular the duty of honesty and fidelity, and the prohibition against using the position for personal benefit.

Both the duty and the prohibition are sanctioned by making the trustee strictly accountable for any such benefit or profit, and generally for the way he administers the trust.

Accountability is thus a cardinal principle of the trust concept, to which trustees, whether of a private or public trust, must conform.

Perhaps, next in importance to the provision in paragraph 1 is that in paragraph 9 enjoining a public officer “not to do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of another person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy” (emphasis supplied). The provision addresses more squarely the problem of abuse

office. It is reinforced by the provision in section 15(5) of the Constitution directing the state to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power”.

Paragraph 13 of Code is also worthy of note. A person fronting for a public officer in the perpetration of corrupt practices or abuse of office is a “nominee, trustee or other agent” within the meaning of the paragraph; accordingly, the President or any other public officer perpetrating corrupt practice or abuse of office through a front “shall be deemed ipso facto to have committed a breach of this Code” under the said paragraph 13.

Sanctions for breaches The Code prescribes sanctions for breaches of its stipulations and a machinery for their enforcement. The sanctions are in general, unelaborated terms, viz “(a) vacation of office or seat in any legislative house, as the case may be; (b) disqualification from membership of a legislative house and from the holding of any public office for a period not exceeding ten years; (c) seizure and forfeiture to the State of any property acquired in abuse or corruption of office,” and (d) “such other punishment as may be prescribed by the National assembly” (paragraph 18, Fifth Schedule).

The enforcement machinery consists of a Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and a Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). The former is entrusted with the responsibility to (a) receive declarations of assets by public officers; (b) to examine such declarations; (c) to keep custody of them; and (d) receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code or any law in relation thereto, investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matter to the Code of

Accountability is thus a cardinal principle of the trust concept, to which trustees, whether of a private or public trust, must conform

Conduct Tribunal: (para 3, Third Schedule).

The Tribunal is to try such complaints as are referred to it by the Bureau and, where it finds a person guilty of noncompliance with, or contravention of, the Code, impose any of the prescribed sanctions.

The statute law has two main enactments on corrupt practices, supplementing the relevant provisions of Criminal Code and the Penal Code. These are the Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Act 2000, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act 2004 (reenacting an earlier Act of 2002).

The offences of corruption, fraud and related offences under the former of the two Acts and the punishments prescribed for them are, by the express provision of the Act, made applicable to “a person employed in any capacity in the public service of the federation, states or local government, public corporations or private company wholly or jointly floated by any government or its agency including the subsidiary of any such company whether located within or outside Nigeria and includes judicial officers serving in magistrates, area/customary courts or tribunals”.

They also apply to corruption, fraud or related offences committed by such persons in the discharge of their official duties in relation to the money, property or affairs of the government, federal, state or local government, arising from the award of contracts, issuance of licenses or permits, employment of staff or any other business or transaction : see sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the Act.

Power to investigate A body, called the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), is established, with power to investigate and prosecute persons, both private persons and public servants, including public servants employed in the service of the state or local governments, alleged to have committed corruption, fraud or related offence under the Act or under any other law, e.g. the Criminal Code or Penal Code, regardless of whether such other law is a federal or state law.

Complaints against the Governor of the State for corruption, fraud or related offence involving the money, property or affairs of the State Government may be made to the ICPC, but the investigation of the complaint is to be conducted by an independent counsel authorised in that behalf by a national functionary, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, under section 51(1) of the Act. The EFCC Act has a wider coverage than corrupt practices in all its various forms, as strictly understood. Economic and financial crimes in the title of the Act is given a very wide meaning in section 46 of the Act wherein it is defined as : “the non-violent criminal and illicit activity

Continues on page 47

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015—47

Corrupt practices: Igbo leaders’ position on probe of past govts Continues from page 46 committed with the objectives of earning wealth illegally either individually or in group or organized manner thereby violating existing legislation governing the economic activities of government and its administration and includes any form of fraud, narcotic drug trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement, bribery, looting and any form of corrupt malpractices, illegal arms deal, smuggling, human trafficking and child labour, illegal oil bunkering and illegal mining, tax evasion, foreign exchange malpractices including counterfeiting of currency, theft of intellectual property and piracy, open market abuse, dumping of toxic wastes and prohibited good, etc.” (emphasis supplied)

Corrupt practices This definition clearly covers corrupt practices, and more besides. The Act prescribes sanctions, and gives to the Commission frightfully wideranging and sweeping powers to enforce them. But it seems uncalled for, and inappropriate, and will needlessly over-burden this write-up, to go into a discussion of them here. The undoubted adequacy of the laws on corrupt practices compells the conclusion that their persistence and increased incidence in the face of, or despite, the adequacy of the laws, is attributable to inadequacy of enforcement of the laws; it also raises the question as to the factors responsible for such inadequacy of enforcement.

Factors responsible for the inadequacy of enforcement of the laws: The factors responsible for the inadequacy of enforcement of the laws on corrupt practices lie in insincerity, partiality, selfinterest and downright perversion or subversion on the part of the authorities. Illustrative examples of the prevalence of these factors abound, but only two cases, one involving President Jonathan and the other, President Obasanjo, need be mentioned for present purposes.

A complaint was made to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) that Nuhu Ribadu, former Chairman of the EFCC, did not declare his assets as required by the Code of Conduct. In a categorical statement, the Bureau said that Nuhu Ribadu submitted no assets declarations to it either before or after his tenure in the EFCC. The Bureau’s affirmation of that fact is conclusive of Ribadu’s failure to do so; any assets declaration said to have been found misfiled in the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation is not a proper and valid assets declaration as required by para 3 of the Third C M Y K

Schedule to the Constitution.

The Bureau, after due investigation, referred the matter to the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) for trial, and, while the matter was pending before the Tribunal, it was withdrawn on the direction of the President, and Nuhu Ribadu freed from the charge of contravention of the Code.

The withdrawal is an assault on the Code as a device for checking and possibly eradicating corrupt practices. What makes it even more condemnable was the illegal process by which the withdrawal was effected.

Charge of contravention It was effected by the AttorneyGeneral entering a nolle discontinuing the proceedings before the CCT in purported exercise of the power given to him by section 174(1) of the Constitution “to discontinue at any stage before judgment is delivered any...criminal proceedings against any person before any court of law in Nigeria”.

The constitutional propriety of the withdrawal of the case based on section 174(1) raises two issues. First, is the CCT a court of law within the meaning of section 174? Second, is failure to declare assets or “to observe and conform to” the other requirements of the Code of Conduct a criminal offence under the Constitution, so as to make proceedings in a case in the CCT for such failure, criminal proceedings in terms of section 174? If the answer to either or both of these two questions is in the negative, then, section 174 is clearly inapplicable, and the withdrawal of the case against Ribadu is null and void.

The answer to the two questions is provided by the CCT itself in a case for corruption brought before

Insincerity, partiality, self-interest and subversion on the part of Obasanjo in the enforcement of the anti-corruption laws is attested by the fact that he made himself a power above those laws, which could not, therefore, be enforced against him

President Muhammadu Buhari it by the Federal Government (FG) under former President Obasanjo against Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State, and in which the Governor raised as a defence, his immunity under section 308(1) of the Constitution.

The CCT, speaking through its then Chairman, Justice Constance Momoh, held the immunity inapplicable as a defence to the suit, on the ground that the Tribunal (i.e. the CCT) is not a court, but a purely disciplinary body, that it has no power to try criminal offences, and that proceedings before it are sui generis and are not civil or criminal proceedings, see Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, Charge No. CCT/NC/ ABJ/KW/03/3/05/MI (decision delivered on 26 April, 2006).

Arrest and detention The Federal High Court had earlier in 2004 come to the same decision in an application to it by Governor Joshua Dariye of Plateau State for an order to restrain the CCT which, at the instance of the Federal Government of President Obasanjo, had issued a warrant for the arrest and detention of the Governor for failure to declare his assets and for corruption brought against him by the FG. In granting the restraining order against the CCT, the Federal High Court, per Justice Jonah Adah, held that the CCT, as conceived by the Constitution, is not a court of law invested with power to try criminal offences and to impose criminal punishments following upon conviction, but only a disciplinary body; that the “punishments” it is empowered to impose by paragraph 18 of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, are intended, not as punishments for a criminal offence in the strict legal sense of the term “punishment”, but as disciplinary sanctions designed, not really to punish, but to discipline and “keep public life clean for the public good” : see Federal Republic of Nigeria v.

Chief Joshua Chibi Dariye.

Apart altogether from these two

specific decisions noted above, the term “court of law in Nigeria” has a distinctive meaning under the Nigerian Constitution as referring only to courts in which judicial power is vested under section 6(1) & (2) of the Constitution and as listed in section 6(5), namely the Supreme Court; the Court of Appeal; the Federal High Court; the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; a High Court of a State; the Sharia Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; a Sharia Court of Appeal of a State; the Customary Court of Appeal of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; a Customary Court of Appeal of a State; such other courts as may be authorised by law to exercise jurisdiction on matters with respect to which the National Assembly or a State House of Assembly may make laws.

As the CCT is not included in this list, it is not “a court of law in Nigeria” within the meaning of section 174(1) of the Constitution.

It is not clear why the Federal Government went to the extent of compromising itself by resorting to perversion of constitutional power or an illegality in order to save Nuhu Ribadu from the consequences of his contravention of the Code of Conduct.

Self-interest and subversion Insincerity, partiality, selfinterest and subversion on the part of Obasanjo in the enforcement of the anti-corruption laws is attested by the fact that he made himself a power above those laws, which could not, therefore, be enforced against him. In other words, he arrogated to himself a more or less perpetual exemption from the operation or application of the laws.

It is this more or less permanent condition of untoucheability that needs now to be removed by the new APC Government under President Buhari. The re-invigorated fight should give no quarters to a sacred cow, neither Jonathan nor Obasanjo nor even Buhari himself.

Being subject to the

President’s control and direction and being also mere tools in the service of his regime of personal and autocratic rule, the Code of Conduct Bureau, (CCB), the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were totally impotent to apply the anti-corruption/abuse of office laws and their sanctions against him; they were impotent even to investigate him, which is really the only sanction enforceable in actual practice against an incumbent President.

In a telling confession, the then chairman of the EFCC, Nuhu Ribadu, was reported in the Vanguard newspaper of 30 January, 2007 to have said : “If I don’t do what the President asked me to do, he is going to fire me and I don’t want to be fired.” That says it all.

After filing in the Federal High Court on 23 May, 2005, his suit against President Obasanjo in respect of the presidential library project, Chief Gani Fawehinmi on 6 June, 16 June and 20 June, 2005 respectively petitioned the CCB, the ICPC and EFCC on the matter.

All three agencies duly acknowledged receipt and promised to investigate the complaint, but no action appeared to have taken on the petition in any of the agencies.

It shows insincerity on the part of EFCC that it was dragging its feet on the investigation or that the investigation, if any, was not being pursued with the same vigour and zeal as its investigation of allegations against Governors Dariye, Alamieyeseigha, Fayose and others.

Vigour and zeal The public expects to be informed of, indeed under a government where transparency is practiced, they are entitled to know, the outcome, if any, of the investigation or, if they were still going on, why it was taking so long to complete them.

Immunity has nothing to do with this.

For, as the Supreme Court has held, the immunity of an incumbent President or Governor under section 308 does not protect him from investigations by the police, the CCB, the ICPC and the EFCC nor does it relieve the Bureau of the duty cast on it by the Constitution to refer, after its investigation, Gani Fawehinmi’s complaint to the CCT. The failure or neglect of the ICPC to investigate Chief Gani Fawehinmi’s complaint is not excused by the explanation given by its new chairman, Hon Justice Ayoola, a highly respected retired justice of the Supreme Court, that, since his assumption of office in the latter part of 2005, the Commission had received no complaints against President Obasanjo.

Surely, his duty or that of the Commission to investigate and take follow-up action is not limited to complaints received after his assumption of office. Or was he suggesting that the complaints against the 26 State Governors investigated by his Commission were all received since his assumption of office?

To be concluded

48— VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Shawwal 29, 1436 A.H.

What you must do before embarking on Hajj

By Haruna Razaq

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GAINST the background that Hajj means stranger, Hajj is a Muslim pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah and other places in Saudi Arabia during the month of Hajj. It is one of the five pillars of Islam that is compulsory once in a life time of a Muslim that is able to meet its conditions. Hajj has a lot of benefits ranging from the spiritual to the mundane to those who perform it.

However, before these benefits can be achieved, an intending pilgrim must have met the conditions of Hajj and also able to make certain provisions before embarking on the holy journey.

The conditions of Hajj and its provisions are as follows.

Conditions of Hajj (1) The intending pilgrim must be a Muslim with sound ‘Aqidah (doctrine, faith, believe) and must have been performing the four other pillars of Islam.

any danger; must be financially sound enough to be able to bear all of the expenses for Hajj, also to provide adequately for his dependants before leaving home.

Provisions of Hajj: (i) The intention must be purified by performing the Hajj simply because of Allah. (ii) All Hajj expenses must be paid out of money obtain through hallal (legitimate) means. (iii) Must learn how to be patient and forgive others, (iv) Performing Nafila Istikhara (Salat for seeking divine guidance), and not to visit a maraubout. (v) Seeking knowledge of Hajj and Umrah through attending Hajj lectures, reading of books on Hajj, getting familiar with all aspects of the Hajj, such as, recitation of talbiyya, duah (prayer), place of rituals, etc. Also important is learning the adabs (etiquette) of traveling, entering transportation

Pillars of Islam It must be noted that faith is a of the validity of the deeds and its approval in Islam. (2) Must have attained adulthood, although if a child performs Hajj, he will be rewarded for it, however this will not suffice him as regards the Hajj prescribed in Islam.

(3) Must be of a sound state of mind and in full control of his mental faculties. (4) Must possess ability: this includes the following, must be healthy and physically fit, to undergo the rigours of the journey and rites; must be sure that the way to the holy land is safe and secure from

All Hajj expenses must be paid out of money obtain through hallal (legitimate means)

and landing in a place etc. (vi) Paying allyour outstanding debts, returns all items in your care to their owners. (vii) Fulfill your promises to another; (viii) correct all wrongs and mistakes done to anyone. Others include writing of wil a written acknowledgment of the transaction, promises, and debts, between you and others and keep them in a safe place accessible to the member of your family; (x) getting the required travel needs such as documents, inoculation, basic travel allowance, etc.

Basic travel allowance (xi) Hand over your family to someone who can assist them while you are away. (xii) Inform the necessary people of your intention. (xiii) Make a lot of dua’according to the dictates of the Shariah. (xii) A female pilgrim must travel in the company of her husband or a Mahram (i.e., a member of her immediate family with whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the Shariah e.g., father, brother, son, uncle, etc). (xiii) Above all, an intending pilgrim must be conscious and fear Allah in his actions, speech and dealings. These are very important steps because Qur’an 2 verse 197 says: “the best provision is taqwah llah (fear of Allah)”. All this, and many others are based on specific instructions from the Shariah and must be followed for the Hajj to be meaningful.

Intending pilgrims from Ogun State during a seminar organised by the Board yesterday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State

Hajj: Ogun urges pilgrims to be good ambassadors

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LIGIBLE pilgrims from Ogun state to this year’s holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina have been charged to be good ambassadors of the State to sustain the enviable position achieved as the best in the last four years.

The Chairman, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Ishaq Yusuf gave this advice while addressing the pilgrims during a day seminar organised by the Board to prepare the pilgrims on fundamental principles, drug related offences and prohibited items as well as medical requirements for hajj, held at the Secretariat Mosque, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

Dr. Yusuf enjoined them to desist from acts capable of thwarting their hajj and keep themselves well by fulfilling their intention to perform hajj as the last pillar of Islam. He said, the Board would not relent in assisting the pilgrims to perform the holy pilgrimage in accordance with the way Prophet Muhammad performed his last hajj in Makkah and Medina.

The State Amir-ul-hajj, Navy Captain Rasheed Raji who assured the pilgrims of fruitful hajj operations enjoined them to

conduct themselves well, as government would see to their welfare as it has been doing before now.

He commended the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for finding him worthy as the Amir-ul-hajj for the 2015 hajj exercise, promising to lead the State well and uphold the enviable position of the State.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Public Relations Officer, Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Superintendent of Narcotic, Abdullahi Sadauna threw caution that pilgrims should avoid taking along with them drugs that are contrabands, or items prohibited and capable of putting them in trouble both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

In his remarks, Leader of the Medical Team, Dr. Nasirudeen Bello stated that pilgrims bid for embarking on this year’s hajj have been well taking care to ensure their fitness for the hajj operations. He noted pilgrims with peculiar ailment such as hypertension were advised to see their private doctors for necessary treatment before being certified for the journey to holy land.

Hajj: Osun pr omises good ser vices promises services

The chairman of Osun State Muslim Pilgrim Board, Alhaji Zikrulahi Kunle Hassan, with officials of Medview Airline aboard the newly acquired Boeing 767- 300 ER aircraft for this year’s hajj operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos recently. Pix by Jimoh Babatunde.

By Jimoh Babatunde

O

SUN State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board said it has concluded necessary arrangements for a hitch free hajj operations this year as it planned to commence airlifting of its over 1000 pilgrims August 19th.

The Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Zikrulahi Kunle Hassan, made this known in a chat with Vanguard at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos when the Medview airline took delivery of a Boeing 767-300ER. While describing the new aircraft of Medview airline for the hajj operations as a game changer in hajj operations, he said all necessary arrangements had been put in place for the commencement of the exercise.

Speaking on the new aircraft, Hassan said “this this an aircraft far beyond our expectation and I can trust that this year’s experience is going to be marvelous and interesting for Nigeria pilgrims.

We are really looking forward to a pleasant experience with Medview airline.

He added that “with what I have seen on ground, I have no doubt in my mind that this year’s Hajj will be exceptionally successful.”

The Osun State Muslim pilgrim Welfare Board chairman promised that this year’s exercise was going to be different from previous exercises because of the level of the board’s preparation.

“We are set, we have put all the necessary things in place, we are in the process of getting the visas for our pilgrims, we have done inoculations of our pilgrims. We have done enough enlightenment, so we are as good as ready because in less than three weeks we should be lifting our pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.”

He said that the state’s pilgrims will be staying at a three star hotel in Saudi Arabia with all rooms ensuits “ wi-fi in our hotel, television in every hotel room and the best of modern facilities.

Hassan, who is also the chairman of the forum of chairmen and secretaries of all states pilgrim welfare boards in Nigeria, said “we are expecting our pilgrims to have the best of time as we have enough guilds to take them through the hajj rites, we have enough medical team in place and we are expecting the best for all pilgrims.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 49

Shawwal 29, 1436 A.H.

Why Muslims must embrace interest-free loans — Al-Hayat

By Daud Olatunji

A

L-HAYAT relief foundation, a nongovernmental Islamic interestfree cooperative society has advised Muslim Ummah in the South-west against taking loans laced with interest.

The organisation said, it has provided an alternative opportunity to the forbidden act, saying a whooping sum of N150,248,000 interest-free loans

have been given to Muslims in 2015.

The National President, Dr. Abdul Razaq Idowu while speaking at 4th Annual General Meeting held in Abeokuta, said the foundation was established as alternative to interest-laden loan.

Dr. Idowu reminded Muslims about the stand of Allah on interest, saying, only those who are ready to fight with Allah will take loan with interest.

The President who explained

that the foundation had been established since 1997 with the aim of championing the course of Islamic Economy System, to give out financial relief to registered members on interest free basis and to propagate the religion of Islam through dawah and financial assistance to the needy among others.

The foundation, according to him, the foundation has 60 branches with over 11,000 members cutting across Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Kwara states.

Ahmadiyya elders forum tasks leaders on good governance

Golden estate

EMBERS of the Majlis Ansarullah of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, has urged governments at all levels to imbibe the true elements of good governance in all facets of public administration, adding that they should fulfill all the promises made during the electioneering campaigns as failure to do that would not enthrone good governance.

The Elders Forum of the worldwide organisation made this known as part of its communique issued at the end of its 40th Annual National Ijtema(Convention) held in Ikorodu, Lagos State last weekend.

The programme themed: “Good Governance And Nation Building’ attracted delegates from various parts of the country.

The congregation praised Allah for the peaceful transfer of power from the ruling party to another party and urged all politicians to maintain the tradition in order to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Addressing the gathering, an Islamic scholar, Ustadh Ibrahim Mustapha who spoke on ‘AlAmanah: The key to sustainability of Al-Hayat project, advised Muslims to be truthful to whatever that is entrusted onto them.

Those who were in attendance include, the former Chairman of Ogun State Muslim Council, Alhaji Elias Banmeke, Chairman of Board of trustees of the foundation, Dr. Azeez Asif among others.

Some of the activities lined up by the foundation include; selfdevelopment Scheme, construction of golden estate, Zakat and Sadaqat among others.

Meanwhile, the foundation has declared a profit of over N16 million in 2015 as against N10 million in 2014, saying, it has generated a gross income of N50 million in 2015 as against N35million.

M

Nigeria's democracy It urged the Federal Government in particular, State and Local Governments in general to imbibe the true elements of good governance in all dealings and public administration; and also ensure that all the promises made during the electioneering campaigns are well fulfilled as failure to do that is the beginning of bad governance.

It identified corruption as a major draw-back in our march towards development and therefore called for a robust attack on corruption at all the facets of corporate and public administration.

It called on religious leaders

to desist from hate-sermons and to, instead, preach harmonious co-existence among all practitioners of religion to check the misapplication of religious teachings by misguided followers.

It implored the government to exploit and develop other revenue-earning sources like agriculture, instead of the overwhelming dependency on crude oil.

Violent crimes The convention called on the government to strengthen the security agencies to stem the growing rate of armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

In the same vein, the convention appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government and the progress made so far to dislodge the Boko Haram group from the North East part of the country, and that continued supports should be given to our Armed Forces to ensure total uprooting of the Boko Haram Sect in our country.

As a support/contribution of the people of this country, the convention calls on all adherents of all religions in the country to pray fervently to God, as was done in the last general elections, that God may put a stop to the insurgency.

It prayed that Allah may guide our political leaders to steer the ship of our nation’s development to greater heights.

The delegates however expressed gratitude to Allah and commended government for curtailing the Ebola virus which prevented the holding of the convention last year, just as it urged health workers not to be complacent as the virus has resurfaced in countries where it was previously contained.

From left: Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashuud Adenrele Fashola; Representative of Speaker, Lagos State, Hon Olawale AbdulSubur and General Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Alhaji Abbas Iromini, during the 40th Lagos 2015 Annual National Ijtema of Majlis Ansarullah held in Ikorodu Lagos State.

From left: Naib Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Muyisi Idris; Missionary Rehanmalik Khan; Maulvi Naseem Ahmad-Butt; Qaid Ta’leem, Alhaji Dauda Raji and Maulvi Abdullateef Ilori, at the Ijtema.

Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Alhassan Ahmed (left) presenting Ahmadiyya books to Chief Imam Federal Local Government Ikorodu, Alhaji Ihuaib Sulaiman, at the Ijtema.

Cross section of the graduating students of Hidaayatu-D-Deen Nursery & Primary school held in Iju, Lagos recently

50 —Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED AY O T U N D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adeola Ayotunde Osinuga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Phoenix Adeola Osinuga. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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ORICHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Dominic Daniel Orichukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dominic Daniel Orih.

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Correction of Name I am addressed as Richard E. Gbiwen and my ID card and my documents are bearing Richard E. Gbiwen instead of Richmond E. Gbiwen. I now wish to be known and addressed as Richmond E Gbiwen.

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Confirmation of name These names Senaike Oluwaseun Adewunmi, Tola and Emmanuel is the same person but now wish to be known and addressed as Senaike Oluwaseun Adewunmi, Senaike Oluwaseun Tola, Senaike Oluwaseun Emmanuel.

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 51

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Confirmation of name

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IGUMBOR—I,

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This is to confirm that Ugedi Stanley Justina and Ugedi Tena Justina is one and the same person. All former documents

remain

valid. General public

formerly known and addressed as Igumbor Joseph, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikechukwu Joseph.

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YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT: TRINITY MALL, 79/81 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA. CALL: 08028289689, 08035449960, MURPHÝ'S PLAZA, 27, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND. CALL: 08038092373, 08033163424

Adesina, Kwakwanso, Wada, Daniel others get Hall of Grace awards

DR. Akinwunmi Adesina, president-elect of the African Development Bank, AFDB, and former Minister of Agriculture, former Governor of Kano State and serving Senator, Rabiu Kwakwanso, and Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada, among others, Sunday, received the Hall of Grace (HOG) award for meritorious public service and good governance.

Chief Alex Akinyele, the HOG’s grand custodian and a former Minister for Youth and Sports praised the awardees for earning the prestigious award, adding that everyone of them deserved the honour.

Managing Custodian of the award and publisher of HOG Magazine, Mr. Rupert Ojenuwa, said: “The HOG award is inspired by a need to make Nigeria better. That is the driving force. And like you know, some awards, they would ask you to bring money before you come for the award, but you can ask any of the distinguished personalities awarded today, none of them was asked to bring any money for the award. The statement we are trying to make is that once you are doing well, we will encourage you with the awards so you could do more. I believe that if everyone of the170 million Nigerians do their bit, the country would become much better and we would recover our glory.”

Awori community lauds Ogun gov on development

T

HE Awori Community in Sango-Ota has commended Ogun State government, for rapid development recorded in the last four years.

In a joint meeting organized by the leaders and led by Alhaji Ahmed Alao Arigbabu Dada, Apostle Olusola Ariku, Chief Ebenezer Dosunmu and Jumoke Lawal, they said Governor Ibikunle Amosun's administration had surpassed all his predecessors since democratic process took off in 1999.

The group advised the various communities to support Amosun's administration to revolutionalise the State and to complete ongoing projects in the area. They appealed to State Government to wade into undue action of land grabbers in Sango-Ota and its environs who are not indigenes in Aworiland.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

We ha havve impro improvved our online visa —German consul general

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu & Prisca Sam-Duru

C

ONSUL General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria, Michael Derus, has said that the German Consulate is keen on ensuring a satisfying visa processing for Nigerian visa applicants. As a aresult, he notes that the consulate has improved on its online visa processing system to enable applicants get the best of visa processing, while also cutting down queuing and wait time at the consulate.

Derus who spoke at the German Consulate General’s office in Lagos explained that the embassy’s website was often updated with information on how applicants should apply for all categories of visa sort for.

Responding to the question on what the embassy’s consular officers expect that Nigerian visa seekers do differently to make their work easier, the Consul General said, “For the fact that our kind of administration try to make things as easy as possible for visa applicants, what we have done to that extent is to work to improve our website to really

present to those who seek our visa all the necessary requirements or the things they have to present. I hope they would sit up for the online application process. We are seriously interested in cutting down queuing and waiting time at the consulate and as such visa applicants should consider online visa processing to experience a stress-free visa processing.”

Derus said the online visa processing can take up to 100 applicants a day, and the way they have established the online visa system makes it almost impossible for any fraudulent practices, especially from

We are seriously interested in cutting down queuing and waiting time at the consulate

embassy touts.

He noted that the system gives equal time and space for every application, adding that visa processing takes approximately 10 Consul General Derus, middle, with Visa Unit officer, Isabel Schmidt and days out of which 2 Judith days is dedicated to Schengen zone. “We do not handling applications, while plan ahead of travel dates to really discuss the issue for part of the visa procedure takes avoid unnecessary delay in visa processing. many reasons, but one of the place in Germany.

Detection of forged reasons which I would like to documentation: According to mention is that we do not want Visa Consul General, there are to make competition between processing diverse methods of identifying countries applying for various forged travel Schengen visas, and or telling “The visa processing and this country is obviously clean decision are in the hands of the documents, but would not mention them for the sake of and this country honestly is office in Germany and we those who are forging those not. cannot speak up for them in a documents.

He noted that visa And this is because we have situation where someone is late the firm belief that in some with his or her documentation applicants present many countries, you might have a and visa’s decision is delayed”, forged travel documents, but the consulate also have very certain level of rejection and Derus posited. many good methods to detect in some countries not. Of In other words, he is advising course, we want people to visa applicants to apply well on such documents.

Vanguard Consular Advisory come to Germany, and we want time to avoid any delay on visa, gathered that the German the economic, cultural atwhile also intimating that the tributes shared, just like we are embassy does not seek to embassy, as a rule, does not sharing so many German-Niprevent people from coming discuss the number of visa either issued or rejected for gerian marriages, friendships into Germany, but their goal is many reasons best known to all and personal interest and this is to ensure that as many as the countries under the what really counts. intend travelling to Germany

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 ---- 53

Guardiola eyes fourth Bundesliga title •Bayern Vs Hamburg 6.30 p.m.

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HE Bundesliga returns tonight with defending champions Bayern Munich raising the curtain on the new season by welcoming Hamburg to the Allianz Arena.

The record champions go into the season as favourites to win the title for an unprecedented fourth time in a row, and their coach Pep Guardiola would not settle for anything less.

The Spaniard has splashed the cash this summer with Douglas Costa, Arturo Vidal and Joshua Kimmich arriving to swell the ranks.

“Bayern’s squad is absolutely incredible,” Guardiola said at a press conference in Munich on Thursday.

“It’s a super squad, and we now know each other better than we did two years ago, and that makes it a bit more comfortable.

“With a fully-fit squad, we are a very strong team.”

Guardiola cannot yet count on all of the members of his squad, with Franck Ribery, Javi Martinez, Holger Badstuber and Jan Kirchhoff all ruled out this weekend.

“Of course it would be better to have all of them, they’re costing the club money after all,” said Guardiola.

“I’m looking forward to having them back. We would be in a better condition with them - but I’m not nervous. I only got nervous ahead of my first game against Borussia Monchengladbach but not now.

“We want to play well and win and then move on and always keep moving on.

“Of course we want to win the Bundesliga again nobody has done it four times in a row so that would be a big step.

“But we know we have some big rivals - not only Wolfsburg, but also Leverkusen, Gladbach, Dortmund and Schalke.”

Carneiro can sue Mourinho for sexual harassment — Lawyer

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HELSEA doctor Eva Carneiro could have grounds to launch claims of constructive dismissal and sex discrimination if her role is changed as a result of criticism from manager Jose Mourinho.

That is the view of lawyer Glenn Hayes as the fall-out from Mourinho’s weekend outburst following his side’s 2-2 draw with Swansea continues.

The Portuguese was furious after first-team doctor Carneiro went on to the pitch at Stamford Bridge to treat Eden Hazard, in the process momentarily reducing the 10-man Blues to nine players, later describing the actions of medical staff as “impulsive and naive” and suggesting they needed to “understand the game”.

Press Association Sport understands Carneiro is to retain her current job title, but will no longer be involved in matches or training sessions, and if that proves to be the case, Mr Hayes, a partner and employment law specialist with solicitors Irwin Mitchell, believes she could have grounds to take legal action.

He said: “It’s not entirely C M Y K

clear, the reasons Mourinho said what he has said, but if he said that based on the fact that she’s a woman and not a man and she feels uncomfortablebecauseofthat - and I can see why that potentially could be the case, particularly if she has been treated differently becauseofhersex-theneffectively she could bring a claim against bothMourinhoandtheclub.

Let’s Go...Pep Guardiola and Arjen Robben targeting another successful run in Germany

Anichebe, Ideye head for West Brom exit T HE days of Nigeria strikers Victor Anichebe and Brown Ideye at West Brom are numbered if the words of manager Tony Pulis are anything to go bye.

The team’s manager told Express and Star in the UK that both strikers could move after the team signed two strikers, namely Rickie Lambert and Salomon Rondon.

Anichebe and Ideye have struggled to hold down regular starting places at ‘The Hawthorns’ and Pulis has hinted that the pair could be allowed to find other clubs.

“People will look at Victor and Brown and think they have to move

•Juicy Doc... Carneiro causing distraction at Chelsea?

on, but they have wanted to play more regular football anyway,” Pulis told the Express & Star.

“Bringing Salomon in, does it hasten their

move from the club?

We’ll have to wait and see.”

Anichebe joined West Brom from Everton in 2013, while Ideye moved from Dynamo

Kiev last summer on a then club record fee of 10 million pounds.

Both of them started on the bench in West Brom’s opening game of the season at home against Liverpool.

Amuzie out for 9 months I

TALIAN club Sampdoria have confirmed Nigeria U23 defender Stanley Amuzie ruptured his cruciate ligament in a CAF Championship qualifier in Congo and so he will be out for as long as nine months.

Initial scans in Abuja revealed the talented leftback, who is in Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh’s immediate plans, damaged his cruciate ligament by the time he was pulled out of the second leg qualifier against Congo in Pointe Noire.

The injury forced him to be replaced by Chima Akas after only 25 minutes of action.

“Sampdoria have confirmed initial findings that Amuzie ruptured his cruciate ligament, it’s a similar injury a player like Osaze (Odemwingie) suffered last season at Stoke City,” a top official informed.

“As a result of this, the player will be out for a minimum of nine months, which will include his rehabilitation after

surgery.”

It’s a massive blow to the career of the promising defender, who could well have been on the squad for next month’s AFCON qualifier in Tanzania to battle Kingsley Madu for the Eagles No 3 shirt.

•Amuzie...

Aguero doubtful for City’s clash with Chelsea

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ERGIO Aguero accepts Manuel Pellegrini has a major decision to make as to whether Manchester City risk their Golden Boot winner against champions Chelsea.

The striker, who scored 26 Premier League goals last season, came on for

•Aguero...

the final 27 minutes of City’s 3-0 win against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

But, after missing City’s preseason games, it was his first football since the Copa America final and Aguero admitted he is in a race against time to be fully fit for Sunday’s clash with Jose Mourinho’s team.

“Whether I start or not remains to be seen,” Aguero told City’s website.

“I’m trying to get there and be in top condition, but arriving for pre-season later having taken part in the Copa America with Argentina means I need some additional time.”

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

AAG: Team Nigeria boxers to shine in Congo O

LYMPIAN and Nigerian boxing coach Jerry Okorodudu has tipped Nigerian boxers to justify their presence at the 2015 All African Games beginning September 4 in Congo- Brazzaville.

At the 2011 Games in Maputo the country ’s pugilists won three silver medals and finished sixth behind Algeria and Mauritius. A poor outing by all standards for a country that once dominated the sport in Africa.

The Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) released the names of 12 boxers for the games and are currently preparing at the National Stadium and according to Okorodudu, out of the 10 gold medals available in the boxing event, Team Nigeria would grab at least two.

“All the boxers in our camp are potential medallists, but I can confidently say that the two Efes (Apochi and Ajagba) are as good as gold. They have what it takes to silence every oppositions in Congo,” Okorodudu said.

While Apochi will be Team Nigeria’s medal hope in the men’s heavyweight event, his fellow Urhobo brother (Ajagba), will be the cynosure of all eyes in the super heavyweight category.

Okorodudu is of the opinion that unlike the misadventure in Maputo 2011, where Algeria and Mauritius cleared three gold medals each to be the overall champions in boxing event, Team Nigeria will give a good account of itself in Congo.

Okorodudu, a member of Nigerian team to Los Angeles ’84 Olympic Games is pleased with the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, for what he described as ‘good caring’ for the athletes and officials in the various camps of Team Nigeria preparing for Congo 2015 All African Games.

•Ugboaja C M Y K

•Efe Ajagba (r) punishes Paul Schafer of S.Africa at the C'wealth Games.

Spanish Super Cup: Messi difficult to mark —Bilbao’s defender

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IKEL Balenziaga is ready for another go at marking the ‘best player in the world,’ Lionel Messi, as Athletic Bilbao meet Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana tonight.

The first leg of the tie takes place at San Mames and the left-back has spoken to the Press in advance of the match.

“I learned we had to have a plan for more than 90 minutes and he still proved to be a player of another level,” AS reports Balenziaga told the Press.

“I don’t mean he’s unstoppable, but almost.

We tried, we did what we could, and hopefully on Friday we’ll do a bit more.

“When we decided what we were going to do, I was excited. It was a challenge,

Man U out to extend unbeaten run against Villa

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ANCHESTER United have not lost a Premier League game at Villa Park in 20 years and are expected to extend that unbeaten run tonight(7.45pm) when they tackle Aston Villa.

Louis van Gaal was a reigning Champions League winner the last time Manchester Unitedlost at Aston Villa in the Premier League.

On August 19 1995, United turned up at Villa Park on a ferociously hot summer’s day on the back of successive 2-1 wins at the ground in Umbro’s immortal black strip. Those

United supporters clad in the away kit, or the blue and white third strip, were disappointed to find United clad in one of the club’s drabbest garbs.

It appeared Umbro had hired the Adidas designer who conjured up the acidinspired Haçienda tribute, only this time he was on anti-depressants. United drew one and lost four in the infamous grey kit.

United were 3-0 down at half-time to Villa as Dwight Yorke became the latest opponent to impress Alex Ferguson enough the United manager later signed him. Even United’s

•Schwenstiger season review video opined they ‘suffered in the sun’. Nine years before Patrice Evra’s derby debut

humiliation, an 18-yearold Phil Neville was hooked at half-time.

BAPAN committed to players welfare – Ugboaja

By Jacob Ajom

B

ASKETBALL Players Association of Nigeria has restated its commitment to the welfare of players whom it noted, “ have been neglected for far too long.”

Speaking in Lagos yesterday, newly elected President of the association, Ejike Ugboaja stated that the leadership of BAPAN was out to rekindle the burning desire

to play in the Nigerian players and make them rediscover their potentials.

“The players have gone through a lot and no longer get called up to the national team. Players’ welfare is also nothing to write home about and the association is here to help correct these entire anomalies,” Ugboaja said..

“The first thing that we have in mind for the first three months is insurance.

Starting from next season we want all the players to be insured.”

The 2006 NBA draft wondered why the standard of Basketball was falling in the country that has produced the likes of Akeem Olajuwon, Masai Ujiri.

“In 1984, a Nigerian, Hakeem Olajuwon, was drafted as the number one pick in the NBA. Masai Ujiri, also a Nigerian, is the current General Manager of the Toronto Raptors.,”

adding that the decline must be stopped.

He blamed the Tijani Umar-led NBBF board for the slide as home based players were being neglected for their foreignbased counterparts.

“Players in the league have been neglected for far too long and we want to

change all that at BAPAN. “I came back and played my part in qualifying this team for the AfroBasket along with Olumide Oyedeji and some players from the local league. Now that we have qualified the federation does not want any local player in the team.”

Emetoele rejoins El Kanemi

K

ELECHI ‘Caterpillar’ Emeteole has been reappointed coach of Nigeria premier league side El Kanemi Warriors.

El Kanemi spokesman Anthony Obaseki disclosed that Emeteole has rejoined the team.

“He was introduced to the team after our loss to Rangers in Abuja,” Obaseki announced.

Emeteole was fired by Enugu Rangers in the first round of the league.

Three seasons ago, he won promotion for El Kanemi.

He has previously worked in the Super Eagles as well as with Heartland.

The Maiduguri club are now 12th on the league table with 30 points from 22 matches.

On Wednesday, they crashed out in the quarterfinals of the Federation Cup to Enugu Rangers.

•Messi something I had never done.

“I will always remember I marked a player who is the best in the world. I’d repeat it as often as I could.

“When Messi is in top form, as he was against Sevilla, he’s very difficult to stop. But we can’t get too involved and play their game.

“We’ll have to be careful not to make mistakes. If you don’t have intensity you can’t beat Barcelona.”

NNL frustrates us – Atete

•We don’t appoint refs –Inyama Management of J. Atete Football Club of Warri have lambasted the board of the Nigeria National League and the referees that handled their week 13 Nigeria League game against Mountain of Fire Ministries at the Agege Stadium Lagos on Wednesday.

Chief Executive Officer of the club, Julius Atete who doubles as the captain of the team accused the Emeka Inyama- led NNL Board of ignoring their appeals against usage of South West referees for the game that they lost one nil. “ The referees from Oyo and Ondo States were evidently out to help MFM to win. Several unjust calls were made against us in the 2nd half and the centre referee shamelessly accepted an unjust free kick headed in by MFM attacker behind our wall of defence”, screamed Atete who wants the league management board to be reorganized.

In a sharp reaction, Chairman of the NNL, Chief Emeka Inyama told Sports Vanguardthathisboarddoes not appoint referees for league games.

“It is unfortunate that sometimes those who play the game don’t normally knowtherulesgoverningthe game. We do not appoint referees. It is the NFF Referees Committee that appoint referees.''

“However, we have taken note of their complaints. We will look into them and appropriate recommendations will be made to the relevant authority.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015 — 55

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Man U out to extend unbeaten run against Villa Kick-off: 7.45 p.m

Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona Vs Bilbao (9 p.m.)

‘Messi difficult to mark’ Details inside

Agüero not sure of starting against Chelsea

•Schweinsteiger

AAG: Team Nigeria boxers to shine in Congo

•Messi

Odemwingie out for 2 weeks

West Brom: End is near for Ideye, Anichebe

Amuzie out for 9 months

•Osaze

•Ideye

•Amuzie

•Efe Ajagba of Nigeria (r) punishes Paul Schafer of S.Africa at the C'wealth Games.

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTR DAY'S ANSWERS YESTRDAY'S

ACROSS 1 Clearing (5) 5 Squandered (6) 8 Angry (5) 10 Cake (6) 11 Parched (4) 14 Wandering (6) 15 Journal (7) 18 Number (3) 19 Tavern (3) 21 Peruse (4) 23 Engine (5) 24 Impetuous (4) 27 Entrap (3) 29 Tree (3) 31 Emit (7) 32 Said (6) 34 Cattle (4) 35 Dawdle (6) 38 Food (5) 39 Instructed (6) 40 Spree (5)

DOWN 2 Meadow (3) 3 Fuel (6) 4 Epoch (3) 5 Sport (4) 6 Slice (6) 7 Determined (6) 9 Sale (7) 12 Decay (3) 13 Eat (4) 16 Atmosphere (4) 17 Go in (5) 20 Famous (7) 22 Adjoin (4) 24 Dislike (6) 25 Steep (4) 26 Loathing (6) 28 Part (6) 30 Knowledge (3) 33 Liability (4) 36 Scull (3) 37 Stretch (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Skewer 5, Work 8, Organ 9, Vie 10, Hero 11, Scan 12, Bathe 13, Rotted 16, Disc 18, Numb 20, Hod 22, Pea 23, Gnu 24, Cane 25, Last 28, Tapped 30, Stamp 32, Hear 33, Aide 34, Nag 35, Force 36, Prey 37, Studio.

DOWN: 1, Severe 2, Election 3, Echoed 4, Broadcast 5, Washing 6, Once 7, King 8, Orb 14, Diplomacy 15, Emu 17, sea 19, Unopened 20, Hag 21, Destroy 26, Talent 27, Adagio 29, Ship 30, Save 31,

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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C M Y K