Army admits loss of territories to B'Haram

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62277

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Ijaw threatens, Jonathan calls off EPZ commissioning >>12

Army admits loss of territories to B'Haram •Says captured territories'll soon be reclaimed •Nigerians getting irritated with FG —Senate •Troops, local militia recapture Mubi —Ngilari

By Umar Yusuf, Wole Mosadomi, Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA—THE Nigerian Army, for the first time, yesterday, admitted that some of the country ’s territories have fallen into the hands of Boko Haram terrorists. It, however, assured that in no distant time, its troops in the North-East would overrun the insurgents and retake the lost areas.

The Army made the admission on a day Governor James Bala Ngilari of Adamawa State announced that Mubi, the commercial nerve centre and second largest town in the state has been reclaimed from the terrorists by local militia assisted by the troops.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Kenneth Minimah, admitted loss of the

Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs THE WORLD'S WONDERS—Chandra Bahadur Dangi, from Nepal, (L) the shortest adult to have ever been verified by Guinness World Records, poses for pictures with the world's tallest man Sultan Kosen from Turkey, during a photocall in London, yesterday, to mark Guinness World Records Day. Chandra Dangi, measures a tiny 21.5in (0.54m) – the same height as six stacked cans of beans. Sultan Kosen measures 8 ft 3in (2.51m). AFP PHOTO.

Falling oil prices: Expect impact from this month, OkonjoIweala warns >>8 C M Y K

APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET:

Tambuwal alters permutation >>9

Patients lament as health workers begin strike >>9

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

SUMMIT—Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; Group Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe; Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Senior Counselor and Director, Africa/Middle East Department, IIF, George Abed and President, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, during the opening ceremony of the 3rd IIF Africa Financial Summit, hosted

by Access Bank at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, yesterday.

Army admits loss of territories to Boko Haram Nigerians deserve Continues from page 1 territories when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, headed by Senator George Sekibo, PDP, Rivers East to explain the role of the military in curbing Boko Haram insurgency in the country.

He said: “We had a setback in Bassa that resulted in loss of territories up to Mubi which was painful though, but we are working very hard to retake those territories.

Very soon we will reclaim those territories and indeed other territories that the insurgents have taken.”

Assuring that the Army would soon retake the

lost territories from the insurgents, Minimah said: “I want to continue to rekindle the confidence of Nigerians and particularly the ordinary Nigerians who have suffered the pains of this insurgency.

The Nigerian Army will continue to do its best and strive to win this war and reclaim the lost territories.”

The assurance by Lt. Gen. Minimah came as the Senate expressed displeasure over the inability of the Federal Government through the various security outfits in the North-East to arrest the insurgency in the area.

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

An empty stomach is not a good political adviser – Albert Einstein. A nation must feed itself, all that is needed to live is already provided.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

"When you are focused on meaningful work and at peace within yourself, almost nothing can shake you”

I

HAVE come to see life as this beautiful dance of joy, this for me is a simple walk into the winds of divine love and that means learning to accept one’s divinity with respect always. I write about experiences with my dad because he is a reference in my life to focus my attention on love and the beautiful no matter what life brings.

All of life is constantly in a flux, changing and transient, but one thing that stays beyond infinity is a loving heart, and that translates to being considerate and compassionate to others and self. When a person sees the beauty in your life. Be grateful to them, for it takes a beautiful heart to recognize another’s inner light.

This is beyond seeking validation, I am Soul, a beautiful light just like you! With this perspective, how much assurance of God’s love for us do we need to seek? None whatsoever! We can embrace life fully with the knowing that our collective light is the truth that fuses the music of harmony which leads to respectfor one another.

explanation — Sekibo

Senator Sekibo told the Army Chief that “Nigerians are getting impatient and irritated not only with the military but also with the government and those who represent them at various levels.”

He added: “I believe that we are trying our best but is our best the best we can offer? What is happening is becoming increasingly difficult to explain to Nigerians. We want to be told what is happening.

The insurgents are having a field day.

“We are aware that the government is releasing your funds to you because you have not complained. We also approved $1billion for the President to purchase arms and ammunition to fight Boko Haram. We are aware that your budget is being released to you. If you have difficulties, you should tell us.

“The spate of insurgency, the way and manner the insurgents are taking areas is getting worrisome. We want to know what is happening. We also want to know the issue of the reported cease-fire. We want to know whether there was actually any cease-fire.

“We want to know whether there was a dialogue, the stage of the dialogue, if any, because few days after the announcement of the cease-fire, the insurgents struck and have continued to strike.

“At the last meeting we were told that the insurgents have captured seven local gov-

ernment areas. The CDS confirmed that and asked that they should be given some time to liberate the captured areas.

“We want to know where we are. We are approaching election year; are we going to conduct election in the North-East under the dire security challenge?

These are our concerns and the concerns of Nigerians.”

The meeting between members of the committee and the Army chief which started at about 1:20pm and lasted for two and half hours, almost ending in a shouting match between the committee members and the Army boss when the committee insisted that he should disclose the Army’s operational issues so far in the full glare of journalists against his will.

Minimah insisted that he would not discuss military operational matters before the press.

The Committee had invited the Service Chiefs including the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Kenneth Minimah; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Usman Jibrin and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adeola Amosu, to brief its members on the state of affairs in the North-East with regard to the fight against Boko Haram.

Others also invited to the meeting included the Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, and the Director General, Department of State Service (DSS) Mr. Ekpenyong Ita. But only the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Minimah appeared for the parley to represent the Chief of Defence Staff, Badeh.

Senator George Sekibo, at the start of the meeting, told the Army chief that the agenda of the parley was “ very loaded.”

He regretted that while politicians were busy positioning themselves for the 2015 election, insurgents were killing and maiming innocent Nigerians in the Northeast. He then asked Minimah to throw light on the issues he highlighted.

Minimah took a measured breath and said: “I came to interface with the Senate Committee on Defence, can the press leave us because the operational issues were not meant to be discussed on the pages of the newspapers”.

Sekibo, however, asked Minimah to “just reassure Nigerians that the military is on top of

the security situation in the affected areas.”

The Army Chief insisted that he would not discuss security matters in the presence of the press. A member of the committee, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, intervened by reminding Minimah that the press was an important stakeholder in the fight against insurgency. He told Minimah that Nigerians could only get to know how the security agencies were prosecuting the fight against insurgency when it is reported by newsmen.

But Minimah stood his ground, thus prompting another member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi, to persuade Minimah to reassure Nigerians on what the military was doing to win the war against insurgency.

Minimah again refused to comply.

Following his insistence, reporters were reluctantly asked to leave the venue of the meeting by the committee’s chairman, Senator Sekibo.

Troops-assisted local militia recapture Mubi Meanwhile, a combined team of the Army, Anti-Terrorist Squad of the Nigeria Police, local hunters and the Civilian JTF has recaptured Mubi town from the Boko Haram insurgents.

A combined offensive by the groups which began Wednesday night paid off, yesterday, when the insurgents began to withdraw to the hinterland after suffering deadly blows from the troops.

Reports from Mubi indicated that wild jubilations rented the air as scores of the insurgents were killed, while thousands of others have been arrested.

The reports also confirmed that the hunters have recaptured

the 234 Army Battalion as well as other strategic security formations in the area which fell into the hands of the insurgents when they seized the town.

Similarly, all the flags hoisted by the insurgents have been uprooted and replaced

by Nigerian flags.

Also, residents said the palace of the Emir of Mubi which has been converted to the spiritual headquarters of the dreaded insurgents have been taken over while the Boko Haram flags have been destroyed.

With the situation, the insurgents have retreated into the bush as the hunters gave them a hot chase. The governor of Adamawa Sate, Bala James Ngilari confirmed the development in Yola, saying that “the insurgents have been flushed out of Mubi and are on the run.”

Governor Ngillari said that the insurgents are now on the run heading towards Mubi South while some have followed the tracks to Askira.

Another suicide attack averted in Minna In a related development, 24 hours after a female suicide bomber attacked Federal College of Education, Kontagora, Niger State, there was another attempt by two male suicide bombers at the Maryam Babangida Science Girls College, Minna yesterday, morning.

However, the mission of the bombers was foiled through a female teacher of the school who raised an alarm over the suspicious movement of the suspects near the gate of the school.

It was reliably gathered that the two male suspects were seen close to the gate of the school around 7.30am when the students were preparing for their early morning Assembly.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Fire razes Ogun monarch’s palace

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—THE palace of Ilupeju Oke-Odo, Gbagura, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Oba Mufutau Akindele, has been razed by fire.

Vanguard gathered that the magnificent bungalow was burnt to ashes on Wednesday, destroying all valuables, royal apparels and insignias.

The cause of the fire could not be ascertained at press time.

The monarch said the restoration of electricity to the community at midnight might have caused an electrical surge that snowballed into the inferno.

The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Muyiwa Oladipo, who was on assessment tour on behalf of the state government, described the incident as pathetic.

Man charged with fraudulent purchase of rams

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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49-year-old man, Solo mon Alabi, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court in Lagos over fraudulent purchase of four rams valued at N570,000.

The accused, whose address is unknown, was said to have issued a cheque for the rams, but same was dishonoured at the bank due to insufficient fund.

According to the charge, the accused also conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by refusing to pay N570,000 to the owner of rams, one Musediq Oloriebi.

However, when the charge was read to the accused before Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe, he pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000, with two sureties and adjourned to January 29, 2015.

Family of murdered bus conductor accuses Lagos govt, Police of insensitivity

By Evelyn Usman

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AMILY of the 36-year-old conductor, who was allegedly killed by policemen attached to Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, last month, has expressed shock over what it described as insensitivity on the part of Lagos State government and Police authorities to its plight since the incident occurred.

The family further expressed dismay that no one from the state government, LASTMA or even the Police had deemed it wise to visit the deceased’s parents or immediate family.

The deceased’s 74-year-old father, Mr. Abasirim, in a telephone conversation with Vanguard wondered why all parties allegedly accused of having hands in his son’s death would be trading blames and exonerating themselves rather than attending to the issue at hand.

According to the retiree, “it baffles me beyond description the value we place on human life. My son was killed on October 20, yet no one from the state government, LASTMA or the Police has come to, at least, pay us a condolence visit.

“My son was never a thief.

He was going about his legal duty when he was crushed by a vehicle carrying LASTMA officials and some policemen.

Or is it a crime to be a bus conductor?

“But LASTMA said the cul-

prits are not its officials, that they were policemen attached to it.

“Tell me, if they were not attached to LASTMA, would they have commandeered two buses to be chasing erring motorists on the expressway which is even a federal highway? Why the blame and counter-blame when human life is involved?”

The family also expressed surprise over delay on the part

of the Police to recover and impound the buses that crushed its son, Ikechukwu Abasirim.

Report had it that immediately the incident occurred, the policemen drove the commandeered buses to LASTMA’s office at Cele, where they released them to their owners, before dashing out of the office.

The family’s lawyer, Kennedy Osunwa, said: “The

essence of the police recovering and impounding the buses is to enable them establish evidence against those arrested in connection with the death of Ikechukwu Abasirim, or else the case will be considered as hit-and-run.

“Among those arrested are the team’s leader and the Police Corporal that allegedly drove the bus.

Since these people are in Police custody, the vehicles involved should be impounded.”

Boko Haram's tank destroyed by Cameroonian soldiers during an attack againts the military base of

Bishop leads protest against BEDC over 3-year blackout in Delta community

By Festus Ahon

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GHELLI—THE people of Uwheru in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have staged a peaceful protest against the management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, over lack of power supply to the community for over three years.

The protesters alleged that despite the fact that they had been thrown into darkness for over three years, they were still being given estimated bills.

Retired Bishop of Ughelli Anglican Diocese, Bishop Vincent Moughere, who led the protesters, said: “Since I retired as a Bishop about four years ago, I live in the community and what we experienced was epileptic power supply under PHCN. “Since the change of management after privatization, we have been plunged into darkness un-

der the new regime.

“Today’s protest is to show the world what we have been suffering in the community despite promises of light for all communities by Mr. President before the completion of the privatization exercise.

“I, therefore, call on the President, Delta State governor and representatives of the people, both at the federal and state legislature, to come to the aid of Uwheru.

“We are suffering and to make matter worse we do not even know where to go and complain; we do not know the new managers and their operations.

“This is why we are protesting for the whole world to see, so that they will know what we are going through.”

Some residents said the lack of electricity supply in the area has posed a big economic challenge to them as prices of goods and

services have increased.

Sellers of frozen foods and cold drinks have reportedly added between N20 and N100 to their items, while barbers and hair dressers have increased

prices by N100 and N200, respectively, for their services.

Business centres, saw mills and others have also increased the prices of their services.

Bauchi Police arrest 36-yr-old teacher for extortion

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—BAUCHI State Po lice Command has arrested a 36-year-old teacher, identified as Auwal Adamu, for allegedly intimidating and extorting money from residents in the state.

State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Haruna Mohammed, who disclosed this yesterday in Bauchi, said the suspect was fond of threatening to eliminate the residents, under the pretext of belonging to a terrorist group.

Mohammed said: “On November 12, operatives attached to Bauchi Police command arrested one Auwal Adamu, popularly called GOSKA. “The suspect, who teaches at Jahun Primary School in Bauchi, usually extort money from his victims by threatening to eliminate them under the pretext of belonging to a terrorist group.”

“So far, the suspect has extorted huge amount of money from prominent personalities in Bauchi State who keep money at a designated location.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—7

7-month pregnant woman dies after romp with lover

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—THE police in Anambra State are interrogating a man to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a seven-month pregnant woman during a marathon sex bout with him in Onitsha.

The man (names withheld),

according to a police source, had allegedly taken the deceased to an undisclosed hotel in Onitsha, only for the hotel staff to discover that the woman was dead in the morning.

The incident, the source said, occurred on Tuesday when the man allegedly checked into the hotel with

the heavily pregnant woman, only to find out in the morning that his partner could not wake up on Wednesday morning.

A resident's account

Though the police in Onitsha Area Command refused to give details on the incident, a resident of the area said the suspect and the deceased were just love birds.

He said the suspect had lodged into the hotel room and invited the deceased through a phone call.

The source further faulted rumours that the woman died as a result of charms made by her husband, adding that it was possible that the woman died of exhaustion from the marathon sex romp.

He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

At press time, nobody from the suspect or deceased’s family had been identified, as the corpse was deposited in an undisclosed mortuary in Onitsha by the police.

At the Inland Town Police Division, Onitsha, the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Cosmas Eze, refused to comment on the incident but referred Vanguard to the Area Commander, ACP Benjamin Wordu, for clarifications.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Uche Ezeh, said the command received the information concerning the incident, disclosing that the suspect had been arrested and case transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, SCID, Awka, for further investigations.

Banks close shop in Akure over robbery scare

By Dayo Johnson

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f Amchide, northern Cameroon by the Islamic sect. AFP PHOTO.

KURE—BANKS in Akure, the Ondo State capital, hurriedly closed shops yesterday, following rumours of impending robbery across the state. Commercial activities were completely paralyzed for

Five children kidnapped in Makurdi zSon of former Bauchi PDP chair abducted

By Suzan Edeh

M

AKURDI—NO fewer than five children, between the ages of one and two, have been reportedly kidnapped in separate places by unknown persons in Wadata area of Makurdi town in Benue State.

This came as unknown gunmen, yesterday, abducted Sanusi Garba Noma, son of former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman in Bauchi State, Garba Noma.

Vanguard gathered from an eyewitness that the latest kidnap case was recorded early yesterday when a-year-old boy, Emmanuel Ojo, was snatched from his mother along the popular Benue crescent in Makurdi.

The eyewitness said: “Another two-year-old was also snatched from a woman, who was selling oranges on the same Benue crescent two days ago at about

4p.m.

“A similar incident was also recorded at Wanunne in Tarka Local Government Area and at the Makurdi Modern Market, where three kids were also snatched by unknown criminal gangs.

“The mode of operation of these gangs can best be described as strange. They storm any area and pick these infants and before anyone would notice what is happening, they are gone with their captive.”

Mother of one of the kidnapped kids, Mrs. Mary Ojo, told journalists that her son was forcibly taken from her by a gang of men, who drove to where she was standing with her one-year-old son, near Hope Clinic, Wadata, and drove off.

“I cannot understand why and where they have taken my small innocent son to, and they are yet to release him.

“I am pleading that he should be released so that he can be given proper attention because he is just one-year-old.”

When contacted, Benue State police spokesman, Superintendent Daniel Ezeala, said two of the kidnap cases were reported to the Police in Makurdi, adding that investigation into the cases was in progress.

Similarly, unknown gunmen yesterday abducted the son of former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chairman in Bauchi State, Garba Noma.

It was learned that the son of the former party chieftain, Sanusi Garba Noma, was abducted in the early hours of yesterday in front of his father’s residence in Bauchi metropolisis.

In a related development, DSP Haruna Mohammed said the Chief Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture Bauchi, Iliyasu Yakubu, male, 44, who was abducted by two unknown persons on Wednesday, November 12.

hours as the news spread like wild fire Customers were asked to vacate the banking halls immediately the news got to managers of the banks across the state capital.

Vanguard gathered that there were reports that some daredevil gang of armed robbers had arrived the state capital around 10a.m., yesterday.

Many banks even asked their staff to vacate the bank premises and await text messages, if situation normalises.

Staff of one of the old generation banks, including managers, immediately they got the alert from other managers vacated the bank for fear of attack.

However, it was later discovered to be a hoax.

Speaking with Vanguard, the image maker of the state police command, Wole Ogodo, confirmed that there was a robbery scare across the state capital yesterday.

Ogodo, however, said detectives had been deployed to the nooks and crannies of the state capital.

He pointed out that the state police command was up to the task, saying their men were always on the alert to track down any suspected criminals.

He pleaded with members of the public to go about their normal business and commercial activities as men of the command were alive to their responsibilities.

Dismissed policeman accused of drawing pay from 15 commands

By Innocent Anaba

T

HE Nigerian Police authorities have told a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, that a dismissed police officer, Victor Afam Banor, had been earning salaries from 15 different police commands.

The dismissed officer was alleged to have stolen N20 million meant for salaries of officers of Enugu State Police Command.

Banor, said to have been dismissed while serving at Umunede Police Division in Delta State for allegedly stealing an exhibit vehicle in a criminal case under investigation, escaped from detention and resurfaced at Enugu Command with a falsified signature, claiming to still be a Deputy Superintendent of Police.

The IG, in the counteraffidavit opposing an application by Banor to be freed from police detention by the court, urged the court not to release him since investigation into his alleged crime was still ongoing.

Lecture

T

HE Realnews Magazine and Publications Limited will hold its second anniversary lecture on Wednesday, November 19.

The lecture, entitled Nigerian Democracy: Getting it Right in 2015, to be delivered by Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will take place at Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, by 10 a.m.

An accompanying speech on Economic Implication of Getting the Right Leadership, will be given by Mr. Roberts Orya, Managing Director of Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM, at the event to be chaired by Professor J. C. Ezigbo, Managing Director, Falcon Corporation Limited.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

BOKO HARAM: Jonathan has abandoned Nigerians — Oyegun

FALLING OIL PRICES: Expect impact from this month, Okonjo-Iweala warns

By Michael Eboh

ByLevinus Nwabughiogu

A

B U J A — FOLLOWING the spate of suicide bombings in the country and the attendant deaths, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. John Oyegun yesterday accused President Goodluck Jonathan of abandoning Nigerians for selfish political gains.

He said it was unfortunate that the president would find time to stage a public declaration for his re-election when he was yet to provide succour to the victims of Boko Haram mayhems in the north east.

Speaking on the state of the nation during a world press conference in Abuja, the APC chairman said that the 2015 election would be decided on the character and leadership qualities of the Nigerian President. He then urged Nigerians to disregard the President’s call for re-election.

He stated that having failed to deliver in its promises to Nigerians in the last 16 years it has been in power, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has nothing to offer to the people anymore.

His words: “Two days ago, you heard President Goodluck Jonathan announce himself as the candidate of the PDP and asked Nigerians for another four years as President. You heard a lot of claims, misrepresentations and voodoo statistics, none of which can stand the barest scrutiny. Disregard them!

“You heard excuses for failure to fix basic infrastructure, arrest unprecedented levels of corruption and halt the march of terrorists daily inching nearer all of us. You heard promises that sound familiar because you have heard them all before since his six (6) years of President Jonathan.

“Do not give the party that has savaged Nigeria in the last 16 years an opportunity to finally finish off our dear nation. The PDP cannot deliver on any of the same promises it has failed to honour in over a decade and a half in power.''

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government, yesterday, warned that Nigeria, will from this November, begin to feel the impact of the declining price of crude oil in the global market.

Speaking at the Institute for International Finance’s 2014 Africa Financial Summit in Lagos, hosted by Access Bank Plc, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy disclosed that events unfolding over the last couple of weeks have cast a shadow over the global economy, especially Nigeria and other African countries.

She reiterated the fact that commodity prices are declining globally in the last couple of days, with the Bonny Light, Nigeria’s reference crude, trading at about $83 per barrel.

This, she said, is assuming a disturbing dimension, especially as crude oil exports account for about 83 per cent of Nigeria’s total export, as well as the fact that the country has to grapple with falling quantity.

She said, “Without a doubt, this slowdown in global economic activity, coupled with the end in the quantitative easing in the United States of America, will affect sub-Saharan Africa’s economy, in addition to other regions specific challenges we face at the moment.

“As we all know, many countries on the continent

depend on commodity exports as the main source of revenue.

“Nigeria and other countries in the African continent must step back and learn the lessons of the ongoing economic transformation in the country.

The Federal Government has put in place strong stabilization policy, but the most important thing is that we must be able to sustain it.”

She stated that Nigeria, as well as other countries must be prepared to adjust and manage the economic headwinds looming in the horizon.

To adjust, according to her, Nigeria must adopt belttightening measures, plug leakages, focus on increasing revenue generation, identify and support sectors that have the potential to create jobs.

Continuing, she ruled out plans to borrow funds, saying that Nigeria cannot afford to go a borrowing to plug its deficit, but will, instead, adopt belttightening measures.

She said, “As external pressures mount in the face of falling commodity prices, the pressure to ‘go a-borrowing’ to

maintain fiscal expansion will also increase. But we cannot afford to do this. We need to make necessary adjustments with tighter fiscal and monetary policy, and we need to build up economic buffers beyond the mere 5.4 months of imports the region is estimated to have.”

“Still on improving macroeconomic performance, countries in the region must aggressively look for alternative sources of revenues and stem leakages. It is now imperative to drive up domestic resource mobilization especially taxes.

AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON CVR: From right; Mr Ayo Badmus, Nollywood actor; Dr Kunle Ogunmola, Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Lagos State; Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy (CD); Mr Saidi Balogun, President , The Golden Movie Ambassadors, and others during the Rally/Public Awareness Programme on Lagos State Continuous Voters Registration, (CVR), organised by Women Arise for Change Initiative and INEC, at Ikeja Bus-Stop to Computer Villlage, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

ECONOMIC MELTDOWN: Stop basing economy on dollars, Tinubu tells FG

By Emmanuel Aziken,

Political Editor

L

A G O S — A L L Progressives Congress, APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday reacted to increased worries by the Federal Government on the sliding fortunes of the economy on account of dwindling oil revenues with the caution that the administration abandon its old fashioned philosophy of basing the economy on dollar receipts.

Tinubu in a 2,409-word economic paper said the government’s response to dwindling oil receipts through austerity measures were panicky and defeatist, mainly on account of what he described as the faulty policy of hanging the economy on old thoughts abandoned by the rest of the world.

While describing his intervention as political, on the basis of his party’s progressive

ideas of applying economic policy to the betterment of the general good as opposed to what he said was the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s conservative policy of formulating policy for the good of a few, Tinubu, nevertheless urged the administration to rethink its ideas for the general good of the country.

“On the progressive side, we believe government can fillip economic growth and development in such a way that brings the fairness of prosperity to all society. We don’t seek to penalize those who already have but we will do our utmost to remove from the clutch of poverty the bulk of our people,” Tinubu said.

Noting government concern on declining oil revenues, he said: “This slide has caused a corresponding drop in government’s dollar revenues.

With this, the Federal Government claims it has less money at its disposal and the paucity of dollars necessitates

austerity measures. Most people accept this position as gospel; debate about its correctness has been nil. Yet, the stakes are much too high to assume this subjective position as an economic certitude or uncritically accept its propriety. What they proclaim as policy is not based on any unassailable economic principle.

It is statement of economic bias that beckons to the wealthy while auguring unnecessary hardship for most Nigerians.”

“The last I looked, Nigeria operates a Naira-based economy not a dollar-based one. There is no legal or moral restriction strictly limiting the amount of Naira in the system to match the amount of dollars collected via oil sales. More importantly, there is no economic justification for the close linkage implied by the government. If we take its position at face value, the Jonathan Administration is advocating that we effectively place the Naira and thus our fiscal policy on a “dollar

standard.” The world jettisoned the gold standard in 1971 because it proved unworkable, reducing the policy space in which governments could pursue fiscal programs promoting full employment and social welfare. We should likewise reject this government’s imposition of a dollar standard on our nation’s fiscal operations.”

Offering his advice on how the government can stave off the problem, he said: “The Federal Government needs to reverse the inimical “dollarization” of the national economy in two ways.

First and most importantly, it must abandon the outdated peg of fiscal policy and expenditures to the dollar intake. The one actually has no correspondent nexus to the other. Any commanding connection we give it is an artifice not an economic necessity. Related to this, we must reverse a trend that has gained momentum under this government.''

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—9

Amnesty accuses Shell of lying about Nigerian oil spill ...Shell dismisses claims

By Michael Eboh

A

M N E S T Y International, yesterday accused Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, of making false claims about the size and impact of the oil spill incidents recorded in Nigeria.

Amnesty, in a statement on its website, disclosed that documents it obtained from the courts also show that Shell has known for years that its pipelines in the Niger Delta were old and faulty.

Amnesty further alleged that the false claims was to enable the company minimise the amount it is to pay for compensations.

According to Amnesty, Shell’s joint investigation report for the first oil spill in the Bodo area of the Niger Delta claims only 1,640 barrels of oil were spilt in total.

However, based on an independent assessment published by US firm Accufacts Inc., Amnesty International calculated the total amount of oil spilt exceeded 100,000 barrels.

Commenting, Audrey Gaughran, Director for Global Issues at Amnesty, said, “Amnesty firmly believes Shell knew the Bodo data were wrong. We repeatedly gave them evidence showing they had drastically underestimated the spills.

However, SPDC dismissed the suggestion that it knowingly continued to use a faulty pipeline.

According to Shell's spokesperson, the condition of the pipeline is regularly assessed, while SPDC has always made use of the opportunity presented during sabotage/crude theft point leak repairs to carry coating and checks to confirm the integrity of the pipeline and coating.

“Majority of failures on the Trans Niger Pipeline, have been third party damage resulting from sabotage (hacksaw cuts, drilled holes, among others) and illegal crude theft. From 2010-13, a total of 25 leaks were recorded on the facility – 23 of which were due to sabotage and two operational pinhole leaks,” the spokesperson said.

Patients lament as health workers begin strike

By Anayo Okoli, Chioma Obinna, Boluwaji Obahopo & Gabriel Olawale

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S health workers under the auspices of Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, made good their threat to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike, many patients who turned up at most Federal Governmentowned health facilities nationwide were turned back.

Also, healthcare services at public hospitals in Kogi and Abia states were paralysed following the strike embarked upon by health workers to protest non-fulfilment of a better welfare agreement with the Federal Government.

The JOHESU strike came 30 days after another strike declared the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Workers, NUAHP, which is already taking its toll on patients in both federal and state hospitals nationwide.

The strike, which began yesterday morning nationwide took patients on appointment and on admission by surprise as many of them claimed to have had no previous information of the strike.

Vanguard investigations revealed that although normal healthcare services took off on schedule in some affected institutions in Lagos, some of the hospitals complied with the directives of the striking Union.

When Vanguard visited the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, large crowd of patients who turned up for medical treatment was left unattended to. Some of the patients who sat by the stair case of the clinics claimed that they were not told there was going to be strike and would not leave until they are attended to.

...Healthcare activities paralysed in Kogi, Abia Though disappointed, majority of the patients in LUTH refused to vacate hospital premises as there was no other place to turn to for succour.

One of the patients, who spoke to Vanguard, Mrs. Florence Ekeh who brought her 14-year-old son to LUTH for an eye ailment for which he was gradually losing his sight, lamented that his son was not attended to. “Some of the staff around refused to fetched the old hospital file of my son, saying there is no work. They told me to bring my son to the hospital next week.''

In a chat with one of the patients, Mr. Biodun Akinola who was not surprised over the strike, said ''Before the year runs out, if these sets of workers suspend their own, another set will start theirs.

In Kogi State, health care services in all public hospitals were paralysed following the strike.

Vanguard observed that patients seeking medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, FMC, were sent back, while some on admission were withdrawn to private hospitals.

Most of the consulting rooms were devoid of activities as they are empty with no patient, while the laboratory and card rooms were under lock and key.

However, doctors in the wards were still attending to some critical patients already on admission.

However, Chairman, Joint Health Sector Union, JOHESU, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja branch, Dan Ameh said the hospital is in total compliance with the directive from the national executive of the union to embark on strike.

He said the Federal Government

has reneged on the MOU signed with the union, saying that the strike would continue until there is contrary directive.

In Abia State, medical services were totally paralysed at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, the only federal hospital in the state.

All the wards were deserted as nobody was attending to patients. Even the out patients wards were empty as no nurses or any other medical personnel were attending to them.

Though some doctors were around they were not attending to patients.

When our correspondent visited the hospital yesterday, patients and their relatives milled round disappointedly.

Akinola who came all the way from the neighbouring state regretted her trip.

PRESENTATION: From left; Chief Nike Akande; Chief Bayo Akande; Mrs. Olabisi Are; author of the book, Mr. Adedamola Are; Chief Kola Daisi; Dr. Lekan Are and Chief Tunde Lemo during the presentation of a book titled: ''When Life Throws you Lemon'' by Are, held at Kakanfo Inn, Ring road, Ibadan yesterday. Photo by Shola Oyelese.

APC PRESIDENTIAL TICKET: Tambuwal alters permutation

By Emmanuel Aziken &

Levinus Nwabughiogu

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HE outlook in the race for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC was dramatically altered yesterday evening after more than 80 associates of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal procured the party’s expression of interest and nomination forms for him.

Tambuwal was in Kaduna yesterday when his associates, majority of whom are from the House of Representatives stormed the party secretariat to obtain the form. They are to present it to him on his return any time from today.

Tambuwal’s entry into the contest was last night whispered in some circles as a change of strategy by party leader, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,

who had been largely considered to be backing Gen. Muhammadu Buhari for the presidency.

Associates of former VicePresident Atiku Abubakar, who was last night rounding off his visits to south west leaders were exuberant on receiving the news, saying Tambuwal’s entry would open the race and make room for Atiku to approach supporters who had been fixed on Buhari on account of Tinubu.

“This shows that Tinubu has altered his calculations on Buhari and it gives us room to pick up support where it had been blocked before,” an Atiku associate said yesterday adding, “What do we do other than sit down and enjoy it?”

Tambuwal’s entry into the contest brings to five the number of aspirants in the contest. The

others besides Buhari and Atiku in the contest are Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso of Kano State and newspaper publisher, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah. Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, who on Monday declared his interest to also contest the presidency was as at press time yet to pick a form ahead of today’s deadline for the sale of the nomination forms.

The associates of the speaker picked the form from the national secretariat of the party at about 5.30 p.m. yesterday, among whom were Yakubo Dogara (Chairman, House Committee on House Services), Solomon Adeola (Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts), Babatunde Adejare. On arrival, they had immediately climbed up to the office of the national organising secretary.

Accosted by a horde of waiting journalists after they came down

from the office of the national organising secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, the associates kept mum on their mission and immediately sped away in their waiting vehicles.

Not even Izunaso was willing to disclose the mission of the delegation but credible sources at the party secretariat confirmed the purchase of the presidential nomination form by the associates.

The mystique about Tambuwal’s entry into the presidential race was further compounded at a press conference earlier in the day when questions put to the national chairman of the party, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on the matter were promptly hushed by the party ’s national publicity secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

10— Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Airline operators decry lack of parking space at MMIA

By Lawani Mikairu AGOS—CHAIRMAN, Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, Captain Nogie Meggison has said there is no sufficient aeroplane parking space at both the local and international wings of the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

Captain Meggison said this while presenting a paper at a seminar titled “Aviation Infrastructure and Policy As Stimulus For Economic Growth In Nigeria” held in Lagos. He said this lack of space has contributed to airplane crash incidences within the airport and flight delays.

He said: “Airplane parking is becoming a nightmare, and ground accidents have tripled over the past 3 years. 30% of cargo planes cannot find space to park at the cargo ramp. They are sent to international or have to park on the taxi way temporarily.

The ramp has not been expanded in the past 3 decades.”

He added that this problem has forced airlines to resort to parking their planes and even boarding passengers the next day inside their maintenance hanger. This has resulted to chaotic early morning flight departures, especially at MMIA.

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FG to create 3m jobs in 12 months —Turaki

By Naomi Uzor & Funmi

Amodu AGOS—MINISTER of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Turaki, yesterday, disclosed that in a bid to fast track job creation in the country, the Federal Government recently inaugurated National Job Board under the chairmanship of the vice-president to create three million jobs for unemployed Nigerians in the next 12 months.

Speaking at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, Turaki, assured Nigerians that in spite of the daunting insecurity challenges and harsh business terrain confronting Nigeria, the country will continue to rank as the number one investment destination in Africa.

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Fashola faults FG on N213bn power intervention fund zSays ‘small nations are laughing at Nigearia'

By Monsur Olowoopejo AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, faulted the the Federal Government's claim of injecting N213 billion to assist some of the private companies who bought the power facilities aimed at addressing some challenges in the sector.

FG in September 2014 announced that the measure was to address financing related issues in the power sector, including a bailout facility to settle gas debts.

Fashola made the statement at the Year 2014 Community Day celebration, held at the Police College Parade Ground, Ikeja, which also had in attendance the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I and representatives of community development committees, CDCs, from the 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs. The governor lamented that this is not the Nigeria we planned for after independence in 1960, adding “at the moment, small nations are laughing at us.”

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Fashola said: “When the Distribution and Generating Companies were taking over the facilities of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, the Federal Government told Nigerians that these private companies will inject new funds into the power sector. And that electricity supply will become

better.

“Now the story has changed.

It is the Federal Government that was now re-injecting funds into assets that it has sold to the private sector. What type of business model that was. We will wait for explanation.”

The governor equated the injection of the fund by the

central government to “someone who sold his car and was also providing fund for the buyer to service it.’’

Commissioner for Rural Development, Cornelius Ojelabi, in his welcome address noted that collaborations between the CDCs and his ministry had facilitated rural development.

CELEBRATION: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (3rd left), being presented with a horse by Chairman, Lagos State Community Development Advisory Council, LSCDAC, Alhaji Tajudeen Quadri (2nd left), Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (left), and others, during the 2014 Community Day celebration at the Police College Parade Ground, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday.

Court fixes Dec 9 to hear suit on SDP, UPN suit

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—JUSTICE Gabriel Kolawole of Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed December 9 for hearing, in a suit filed by a pro-democracy activist, Mr Richard Akinnola, challenging the registration of two political parties, Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, and Social Democratic Party, SDP, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The judge directed that there should be evidence of service on all the defendants before the adjourned date.

In an originating summons filed by Akinnola, he is querying the rationale behind the registration of the political parties by INEC to participate in the forthcoming general elections.

Akinnola is praying the court to nullify the purported registration granted the two parties on account of having been proscribed and dissolved by existing laws. He urged the court to determine whether INEC has power to resuscitate prohibited and dissolved parties without first repealing the laws that proscribed them.

The originating summon was filed on his behalf by Mr. James Ode Abah of Bamidele Aturu chambers. Respondents

in the suit include INEC, SDP and UPN. The plaintiff argued that UPN and SDP were outlawed out of existence by the Political Parties Dissolution Decrees of 1984 and 1993 respectively.

Akinnola wants the court to determine whether political parties dissolved or prohibited by an existing law from acting as political parties can function or act as parties without the repeal of the law that proscribed

them.

He wants the court to declare that having been duly dissolved by virtue of existing laws of 1984 and 1993 are no longer political parties in the country and cannot function as such.

....Awards N10.5m against PDP over fees default Onozure Dania AGOS—JUSTICE Oluwatoyin Ipaye of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has awarded the sum of N10.5 million against the National headquarters and Lagos State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for failure to pay professional fees of its counsel Debo Adeleke Esq when he represented them at the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal between November 2011 and August 2012.

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Adeleke who was irked over the party ’s action of not responding to several plea for his service fees after representing them at the last Lagos State Local Government Election Petition Tribunal for record of 180 times without a default approached the court to seek redress of the matter.

Adeleke was represented by Onyegbulem ThankGod while Chukwuma Nmesirionye represented the PDP national headquarters during the judgement.

Since the matter commenced in February, only the national leadership of the party was represented by a counsel, Mr Chukwuma Nmesirionye.

Benson Akeredolu who was the counsel to the claimant when the matter first came up drew the court’s attention to the development,, the claimant’s counsel,in an application dated October 6, where he said the Lagos State PDP had been served with all the processes but chose not to respond.

2015: Ambode's gov ambition gets boost

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AGOS—THE Lagos State 2015 governorship quest of the All Progressives Congress, APC, aspirant, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has received a massive boost, as leaders of the APC in Ikorodu, Alimosho, Badagry and Ojo local governments adopted him ahead of the gubernatorial primaries of the party in the State.

Ambode, who is on the last lap

of his tour of the state’s 20 Local Government Areas, LGA and the 37 Local Council Development Areas, LCDA, got a morale booster as thousands of party leaders and supporters at the four council areas have thrown their weight behind him.

At the enlarged meeting in Ikorodu, Prince Olu Ogunleye led other notable leaders like Olorunfemi Bashiru, the

Secretary to the Lagos State Government, SSG, under Governor Lateef Jakande, Kaoli Olusanyan, Mrs. Aderenle Ogunsanya, the former SSG under Governor Babatunde Fashola, among others to welcome Ambode to Ikorodu.

Ambode said he decided to start his tour from Ikorodu because ofthesocio-economicimportanceofthe local government to Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 —11

EKITI ELECTION: Tribunal

against Fayose A

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

BUJA—THE Ekiti State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Abuja, yesterday, adjourned further hearing of the petition challenging the governorship election victory of Mr Ayodele Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to December 17.

The tribunal which is headed by Justice Siraj Mohammed adjourned for the parties to adopt their written addresses on the next date.

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in its petition, challenged the results of the June 21 governorship election won by Fayose.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Fayose as the winner of the election ahead of the former governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who was sponsored by the APC. Whereas Fayose garnered 203,090 votes, his rival Fayemi polled 120,433 votes.

adjourns case

z18 witnesses have so far testified

election,” saying the poll was more of “a mechanical exercise than the conventional casting of votes.”

The party also challenged the qualification of Fayose for the election.

It stated that Fayose had a criminal case pending against him at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. Meantime, the Nigerian Police Force yesterday told the tribunal that it caught one Peter Alabi of Odo Ayedun- Ekiti who was said to be an agent of the APC during

the election, engaging in ballot snatching.

Police through its lawyer, Chief Olusola Oke, further tendered a report on the case against Alabi as an exhibit before the tribunal.

While opening its defence, the police via a report signed by the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Taiwo Frederick Lakanu, stated that though election in some areas in Ekiti was delayed, it argued that the delay did not affect the commencement of the election process.

Police told the tribunal that; “Result of unit six (6) Odogo under ward 9 in Ikole Local Government Area was cancelled due to the snatching of the ballot box by one Peter Alabi of Odo Ayedun-Ekiti, an APC agent who pretended to cast his vote and ran into the bush with the ballot box. When pursued by the security agents, he tore the ballot papers therein and escaped.

“INEC subsequently cancelled the unit result”, it added.

A total of 18 witnesses have so far testified before the tribunal.

APC accuses FG, PDP of manipulation

Nevertheless, the APC, alleged that the election was manipulated by the Federal Government in favour of the PDP. It therefore prayed the tribunal to “unravel the hidden facts surrounding the

VISIT: Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose (left) and Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi, during the governor's visit to the NERC headquarters in Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Boroffice gets nod for senate 2nd term

2015: APC presidential aspirants to support eventual candidate

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KURE—THE coast is now clear for the second term bid of Senator Ajayi Boroffice as he received the endorsement of the National leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, and the leaders of the party in the Ondo North Senatorial District which he is currently representing at the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

National Chairman of the party, Chief Odigie Oyegun and the National leader of the party Asiwaju Bola Tinubu said that this endorsement is coming to a man who has shown an uncommon commitment to the party having decamped to the party from the Labour Party, LP, at a time others could not see the green light in the formation of the great party.

The leaders of the APC in Ondo North Senatorial District also endorsed the Asiwaju of Akokoland having stood as a rock of Gibraltar behind the party all these while by providing the needed support at the teething stage of the party.

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By Gbenga Olarinoye

SOGBO—FORMER Vice President and a presidential aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, said that all the presidential aspirants of the party have resolved to remain in the party irrespective of the outcome of the party’s primaries.

On whether he would dump APC, if denied the presidential ticket, Atiku said all aspirants on the platform of the party have resolved to support whoever

emerges its candidate and expressed his readiness to continue to contribute to the growth of the party.

He also absolved past leaders in the country of any blame for the challenges facing the country at the moment.

Atiku, who spoke to newsmen in Osogbo during a visit to Osun State governor, said since governance is a continuous process, no past leader in the country could be solely blamed for the challenges, adding that the past leaders of the country

did their best to position it for steady growth.

He, however, added that since all sectors in the country are “dangerously drifting and not working as expected,” he was compelled to offer his services to rescue Nigeria from precipice and contribute towards stabliling it.

He queried: “What is it that is right in Nigeria at the moment?

Is it education, security, aviation or health? The onus is on me as a statesman to offer meaningful services for this country and salvage it."

Jonathan, NWC broker peace in Ondo PDP

A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—AFTER several hours of meetings which lasted for two days, President Goodluck Jonathan has succeeded in brokering peace between some warring leaders of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ondo State and Governor Olusegun Mimiko over the furore his defection has generated.

The exco of the party has equally agreed to withdraw the court case

instituted against the National Secretariat of the Party over its dissolution.

Vanguard learnt that President Jonathan had summoned an emergency meeting of selected leaders of the party in the state over the lingering furore the crossover of the governor was generating.

He was said to have been pissed off over the hardline stance of some of the leaders which was taking its toil on the

party as some members have jumped ship to the opposition party.

President Jonathan led other National Working Committee members of the party, including the the Vice-President, Namadi Sambo, Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, Senate President, David Mark among others to resolve the lingering crisis on Tuesday through the early hours of yesterday.

Osun teachers begin warning strike

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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S O G B O — TEACHERS in both public primary and secondary schools in Osun state yesterday commenced a threeday warning strike to register their grievances over alleged non-payment of running and examination grants to secondary schools for the past three terms.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Principal Secretary, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Osun State Wing, Comrade Muhammed Abudulahi, highlighted the demands of the union to include non-provision of instructional materials like chalks, school registers and text books and nonpayment of leave grants to secondary school teachers since December 2013 as well as non-payment of examination grants to primary schools for the past six terms.

Abudllahi who noted that the development had hindered effective performance of teachers in the classroom, alleged that principals and head teachers had been running the schools with their salaries.

Philip Elueme for burial

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R. PHILIP Elueme, 59, of Idumesa in Ika North East Local Government Area, Delta State, is dead.

There will be a service of songs today at his residence, No. 11, Bolarinwa Street, Barika, Agbowo, UI, Ibadan, while interment holds tomorrow at the same venue.

He became the Principal of Ojoo Senior High School in 2009, where he served until his death.

He is survived by wife and four children among who is Linda Eroke-Okafor, the labour correspondent of THISDAY Newspapers.

Late Philip Elueme

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Ijaw threatens,Jonathan calls off EPZ commissioning

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday called off the commissioning of the $16bn Delta Gas City project in Delta State scheduled for today following a threat by the Ijaw of Gbaramatu kingdom to unleash violence if he went ahead.

Reports that the President, indeed, suspended the groundbreaking, the second time in six months, having deferred it earlier in June, ignited fresh controversy in the state, with many wondering what was really going on.

This came as Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, warned against bloodshed between the Ijaw and Itsekiri in Delta State over the Federal Governmentowned Export Processing Zone, EPZ, project, now renamed Delta Gas City.

The Ijaw, claiming that the Export Processing Zone, EPZ, project was named after an Itsekiri community, Ogidigben, whereas it was not exclusively located on an Itsekiri land, had severally sworn to disrupt the groundbreaking process, except the name was appropriately changed and acquisition formalities perfected with Ijaw co-owners of the land where the project is located.

President Jonathan, who announced his fresh intention to officially flag off the project at his declaration ceremony, Monday, in Abuja, surprisingly, reversed himself on Wednesday, despite reassurance by the state government.

It was gathered that the Ijaw of Gbaramatu Kingdom renewed their objection to the groundbreaking between the time Jonathan announced his intention on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, prompting the president to shelve the plan.

Meanwhile, an Itsekiri leader and Ajuwaoyiboyami of Warri Kingdom, Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, has slammed President Jonathan for suspending the project.

Chief Ayiri Emami, who was clearly disillusioned at the President's action, said: “It is disheartening that President Jonathan is pandering to the selfish and clannish interest of some group of Ijaw persons in Gbaramtu Kingdom against the wider interest of the nation.”

However, an Ijaw youth activist in the forefront of the

crusade for Jonathan not to perform the groundbreaking now, Mr. Paul Bebenimibo, disagreed with Emami, saying the President needs to be commended for listening to the voice of the oppressed people of Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Emami told Vanguard that “this project has been on for almost a year without distraction. The Ijaw were carried along by Julius Berger of Nigeria, JBN, but because of the selfish interest of one person, Jonathan succumbed to threats to abort the groundbreaking again. The question I am asking is: 'Are we safe under Jonathan if a project of such magnitude and importance to the nation will be toyed with because of the interests of few persons.'”

He accused ex-militant

leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, of using his influence to blackmail and intimidate people, warning that the continuous plan by Tompolo and his Ijaw brothers to deprive Itsekiri nation of what rightfully belongs to it was getting out of control.

Bebenimibo said: “I commend President Jonathan for listening to the voice of the oppressed people. Having postponed the groundbreaking again, my advice is that government should do the needful. It is not enough to say that the name has now been changed to Delta Gas City. The name of the project should be complete with the location of the project boldly proclaimed, and which we maintain should be Delta

Gas City, Gbaramatu/ Ogidigben.

“Besides, government should formally acquire the land from Gbaramatu people just as it did with the Itsekiri people. Mr. President should not come for the groundbreaking at all until all these issues are resolved. The project is also in our land and they should not act as if we are strangers. Jonathan should set up a high-powered committee to resolve the issues."

After all, the Ijaw and Itsekiri have a common destiny, they are the ones laying the golden eggs and have been deprived of the benefits. I appeal to my Itsekiri brothers to understand our struggle. We should not kill ourselves before we forge a united front to fight our joint enemy.”

INDUCTION: From left: Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, Registrar/CEO, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, CIPM; Mr. Victor Famuyibo, President/ Chairman of Council (CIPM) and Mr. Anthony Arabome, Vice President (CIPM ), during the 18th induction ceremony of the institute in Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe.

....As IYC warns against bloodshed MEANWHILE, IYC said it did not want bloodshed between the Ijaw and Itsekiri in Delta State over the Federal Governmentowned Export Processing Zone, EPZ, project, now renamed Delta Gas City.

In a statement by IYC spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, the council called on President Jonathan, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, and other NigerDelta leaders to, “as a matter of urgency, engage the relevant stakeholders with a view to resolving pending issues to allow the smooth commencement of the project.”

The group said: “We do not want a repeat of the ugly past in Warri where the Ijaw and Itsekiri who are supposed to be

neighbours killed themselves and destroyed properties worth millions of naira. We strongly believe that the Ijaw and Itsekiri can live together and manage projects as stakeholders as was done with the Escravos Gas-toLiquid Project, EGTL, that was executed in the same area a few years ago. We call on government to set up a joint negotiation team between the Ijaw and Itsekiri, which would meet with government to resolve the contending issues. Ijaw and Itsekiri youths should be calm and resfrain from any act that would threaten the existing peace in the waterways of Delta State.”

It said the council was in support of the EPZ project as it would provide jobs for some of

the unemployed youths of the Niger Delta and partly address the problem of unemployment in the region.

IYC, however, said it was worried that youths of Ijaw and Itsekiri, who should put their energies together on how to move the Niger Delta forward, would be at the receiving end in the event of any mayhem.

It cautioned that the dispute between the Ijaw of Gbaramatu and Ogulagha Kingdoms and the Itsekiri of Ugborodo, over the title and protection of stakeholders’ interest in the project should not be allowed to scuttle the laudable idea of siting the multi-billion naira project which would improve the economy of the state and country.

FG postpones EPZ groundbreaking

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—THE F e d e r a l Government, yesterday formerly announced the postponement of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gas Revolution Industrial Park, GRIP, earlier billed for today at Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, due to unresolved community issues.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Jamila Shu’ara, said in a statement in Abuja, however, assured that the GRIP project was still on course.

The statement reads; “The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, following consultations with Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, has announced the rescheduling of the groundbreaking ceremony of the Gas Revolution Industrial Park earlier billed for Friday, November 14th, 2014.

“While expressing regret for the inconveniences the postponement may pose to various stakeholders, the minister assured that the GRIP project is still on course and that a new date would be communicated to investors and the general public as soon as possible. “

Ishie passes on Mr. George Ishie, of Ebedi Uno, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, is dead, 55.

He was a staff of Delta State Sports Council.

He is survived by a widow and11 children.

Late George Ishie will be buried on tomorrow in his family compound at Ebedei Umunyalum.

Late Mr. George Ishie

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—13

2015: Ogboru picks Labour Party form for Delta governorship race …vows to restore value in the state

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA—A former governorship candidate of Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, Chief Great Ogboru, yesterday, picked the expression of intent and nomination forms of Labour Party, LP, to contest the 2015 governorship election in Delta State, promising to restore value and dignity to governance in the state if elected.

Chief Ogboru, who stormed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, with a huge crowd of supporters, where they fused into the LP, said: “We have always had a plan for Delta State, to develop the state on even basis. The programme we had in 2003 and 2007 still remains germane today. Equal opportunity, local government development initiative, which we said then and we are saying again, each local government council should be given an extra amount for development monthly.

“Only recently, while thinking about all these developmental initiatives, it occurred to me that the best thing we can give to Delta State is not just building roads, or using the state money to convert into infrastructure. Anybody can do that. What we want to develop

is value, a sense of value for the people of Delta State to understand what it means; that there must be dignity in mankind, there must be dignity in labour, there must be dignity in the type of things we do.”

On his expectation, he said: “If you have been following the trend in our democracy, you will realize that in 2003

for instance, there were virtually no elections in the country and the same thing repeated itself in 2007. But when President Goodluck Jonathan came on board, he made sure elections actually took place, at least, significantly, in most of the constituencies in the country.

“If we have to extrapolate, I have confidence that the next

election will be better than the 2011 election. If you use the example of the governorship election in Osun State as a yardstick, then, one can confidently say that we shall have an election, there will be no ballot boxes snatching, there will be no rigging, there will be no violence and the will of the people will be declared.”

SEMINAR: From left: Mr. Osagie Inegbedion, receiving books donated by Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria from Mr. Bola Temowo, and Mr. Kola Ahmed, Director General of the institute, during the annual education seminar of the institute in Benin City, Edo State.

Photos by Barnabas Uzosike.

Stakeholders fault PDP over A-Ibom success story

By Chioma Onuegbu

U

YO—A cross section of political stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State has flayed the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for using the state as one of the success stories of the party.

The stakeholders said the PDP was wrong in basing its general success on what they described as the shallow achievements of the Godswill Akpabio administration.

A former military governor of the state, Indongesit Nkanga, however, differed saying that the present administration has leapfrogged the state into an era of improved infrastructure as he charged critics of the state administration to be more patient and tolerant of the outgoing administration.

The national Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, had in a recent statement, referenced Akwa Ibom State as being among the leading states in the country

in the provision of infrastructure and good governance.

Among those who spoke yesterday were the erstwhile deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Uwem Udoma, former Commissioner for Information in the state, Mr. Ita Awak and the former State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the

first term of Governor Akpabio, Victor Iyanam and erstwhile military administrator Group Captain Sam Ewang.

Speaking with Vanguard in Uyo, Udoma said it was not surprising that the PDP cited Akwa Ibom as part of its success story because it has been allegedly using the oil wealth meant to develop the state to finance the party while the

citizens continued to suffer hunger and abject poverty.

He said, “When the party wants to use Akwa Ibom as a model did they come here and see that our people are hungry and starving?

I am one of the stakeholders of PDP in Akwa Ibom and I can speak authoritatively for myself as well as thousands of Akwa Ibom people."

Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Delta community

By Emma Amaize

B

URUTU—RAINSTORM has destroyed several homes and rendered hundreds of residents homeless at Okpokunu community in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

Chairman of the council, Mr. Ebikeme Clark, visited the community after the disaster to assess the extent of damage.

While the community, counted its losses, a leader, Mr. Wandoko Ekiokeyei,

called on the federal, state and local governments to come to the assistance of the affected people.

Also destroyed by rainstorm were farmlands, residential houses, transformer, streetlights, church buildings, police station and primary schools.

He told Clark that the devastating rainstorm occurred at about 5.00 pm and destroyed property worth thousands of naira.

The council chairman, who

also visited the paramount ruler of Siembiri Kingdom, HRM Charles Ayemi-Botu, promised that the council would look into how the victims would be assisted and @take their message to the appropriate quarters, as the council alone can not shoulder the cost of replacing the damaged property."

Present during the visit was the member representing Burutu North in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Dan Yingi.

2015: Uduaghan urges continuity of Delta Beyond Oil policy

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA—DELTA State Government, yesterday, in Abuja, stressed the need for continuity of the Delta Beyond Oil, DBO, policy beyond the lifespan of the current administration. It said the policy remained the future livewire of the state that could be depended on to create jobs, generate revenue and provide better living conditions for the people.

The government, speaking through Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan's newly appointed Commissioner for Special Duties, in charge of Delta State liaison office, Abuja, Mr. Joel Bisina, said it was not wise for a state to tie its economy solely to revenue from oil, a depleting asset.

He said: “Delta Beyond Oil is the initiative of the Delta State people, that Governor Uduaghan is more or less a visionary who envisioned the model. In the history of man, once an idea is good, people will always rally round it and key into it not minding whoever initiated it. So, whoever succeeds Governor Uduaghan in 2015, I’m sure, will pursue with vigour the Delta Beyond Oil policy because it is a policy that is anchored on sustainability of governance. It is self sustaining and that is the key to economic emancipation.

“Economies of states in Nigeria cannot depend solely on oil revenue to survive. Oil is a depleting asset and in view of the dwindling global oil prices that are so fluctuating, it is not a smart idea for a state to tie its resources or its programmes and activities solely to revenue from oil.

Any forward looking administration would want to consider alternative sources of revenue and I think that is what Delta Beyond Oil is all about, to exploit other areas that will create jobs, will generate revenue for the state and create better living condition for the people.”

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 15

Enugu Assembly secretly okays Chime's N11bn loan request

Soyinka to deliver Zik lecture today

…bars journalists from covering proceedings

A

By Austin Ogwuda

ENUGU — MEMBERS of Enugu State House of Assembly yesterday held a secret sitting at the hallowed chambers, where it approved N11 billion loan requested by Governor Sullivan Chime, to enable his administration complete ongoing projects and also offset previous loan facility obtained from a new generation bank, which interest rate was jerked up astronomically.

The House in sitting passed a resolution

that “this honorable House do resolve to authorize the state government to obtain loans of one billion naira and ten billion naira respectively from UBA Plc to refinance facility from GTB and fund infrastructural projects in the state.”

Speaker of the House, Mr. Eugene Odo, had last week adjourned sitting till December 4, which observers believed was to prevent looming impeachment against him for crossing sword with the governor, following his formal declaration to run for governorship in 2015.

By Vincent Ujumadu

However, following the news of the emergency sitting yesterday, hordes of journalists besieged the Assembly but were prevented from entering the chambers for coverage of the proceedings.

Briefing newsmen after the secret meeting, the Deputy Leader of the House who is also the Chairman of House Committee on Information, Chief John Ukuta, said: “I can assure you it (closed door) wasn’t intentional but it is within the Standing Order of the House to us usually leave our public gallery closed or open and it has nothing to do with the sensitiveness of what was actually discussed.

"It is public knowledge now and obviously the people of Enugu State should be aware of what government is doing on their behalf. We went to move a motion for Enugu State government to obtain a loan of ten billion naira. The first one billion was tor an earlier loan by government."

No political reason for payment of pension arrears —Okorocha LAUNCH: From left, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, Corporate Affairs Director, PZ Cussons Nigeria; Mrs. Olubukola Obafemi, Lagos State Ministry of Education; Mr. Emeka Mgbeahuru, member, Board of Trustees, PZ Cussons Foundation; Mr. Tunde Oyelola, Vice-Chairman, and Mr. Rotimi Alade, Company Secretary, both of PZ Cussons, during media launch of PZ Cussons Chemistry Challenge 2014, in Lagos.

G

OVERNOR ROCHAS Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday said there were no political reasons for paying arrears of pensions and gratuities to retired workers from 1993 to 2001.

He also expressed his determination to pay the last kobo owed pensioners in the state.

The governor insisted it was part of his election promises and asked why the opposition party in the state did not clear the pensions and gratuities. congresses spill over to Governor Okorocha the election proper. had on Wednesday, Therefore, we request November 12, 2014 the political parties to paid arrears of and respect the law and to pensions conduct their activities gratuities to workers according to the of the state who Constitution of Nigeria, retired from 1993 to the Electoral Act and their 2001. own parties’ constitutions The governor said it and all other relevant was a crime against regulations and humanity and sin against God to owe guidelines.”

In his welcome address, citizens who spent State Commandant of the the most vibrant NSCDC, Nathaniel Ubong parts of their lives to said “no doubt election serve the state. violence has been the He blamed the past major bane of Nigeria governments for not democratic sustainability seeing the payment since 1964 general election. of pension arrears as a special case.

INEC cautions on congresses

By Austin Ogwuda

E

NUGU — INDEPENDENT National Electoral Commission, INEC, Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Dr. Lawrence Azubuike, has called on political parties to rise to the challenge and address all forms of acrimony arising from conduct of their congresses to prevent it from spilling over to the general elections.

He said this was necessary to avoid overheating the polity.

Speaking at a workshop organized by Enugu command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Enugu yesterday, Azubuike said: “It is dangerous if some of these acrimonies arising from conduct of

WKA — NOBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka will today deliver the third Zik lecture, entitled 'Magic Lantern: Excursions in the Creative Realm,' at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

The Zik lecture series is an annual event endowed by Senator Ben Ndi Obi, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Inter Party affairs.

The event will be chaired by the former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, while the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano will be the special guest of honour.

The first of the Zik lecture series was held on 28th November, 2012, with Professor of Political Science, Okwudiba Nnoli as the guest lecturer and the title of his lecture was “Democracy and Security in Nigeria”.

Chosen offers hope to the needy

T

HE LORD’S Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries will tomorrow begin a two-day international crusade.

The crusade titled, HOPE FOR THE NEEDY is holding at the Chosen Revival Ground, on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

A statement by the church’s Public Relations Officer, Pastor Louis Chidi, said the “programme which is an annual interdenominational event presided over by the icon of revival evangelism, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, will address all the needs of the people.

Transparent party primaries not negotiable — Group

A

CTIVISTS FOR Good Governance, AGG, yesterday in Lagos, urged political parties to ensure transparency in their primaries to avoid internal wranglings that might heat up the polity.

Leader of the group, Declan Ihekaire, insisted that “transparent party primaries are not negotiable.”

According to him, “when the process is lopsided it is normal to expect

convoluted results. A corrupt democratic process can only lead to the emergence of corrupt leaders. Leaders who emerge through the process of imposition by godfathers of a cabal within the political party will undoubtedly say their prayers to their godfathers; such will only do the will of the godfathers rather than that of the electorate.”

He lamented that the

group’s investigations showed that political parties were reluctant to depart from their old ways of foisting unpopular candidates on the electorate.

Ihekaire said a system that “disenfranchises or shuts the door behind the ambition of some, while reserving the same opportunity for others cannot be said to be democratic, and will not be tolerated this time.”

16 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 17

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18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 CRITICS would surely feed on President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration speech, shred it, score it and deliver a damning verdict in line with the times. We are in the campaign season; not a time to admit that the opponent has a trumpet, talk less of agreeing that he has musical skills.

Dr. Jonathan knew that nobody would blow his trumpet. He deployed maximum skills in trying to convince Nigerians that he had done well. He pulled statistics to his side.

The figures he used to make a case for the successes of his administration are impressive; particularly when they are compared to Nigeria by 2010. The attempts at spreading them to cover various sectors were a politician’s offering of his broad understanding of the needs of Nigerians.

However, what the figures do not show is that more could have been done. It is also difficult to use figures, in isolation, to assess the quality of work done, prudence, relevance of work to the needs of Nigerians, and more importantly, the opportunity costs – the things that were not done. The President manoeuvred the security challenges in the same piece-meal

More To Nigeria Than Figures way that has failed to put them in perspective. Nigeria’s challenges are global, as well as internal.

The proposed solution – better equipment of the security agencies, in other words, more force – does not consider the more tasking preventive measures to these conflicts. One of the most disconcerting aspects of our national life is the unstoppable advancement of poverty for a vast majority of our people.

As the poverty scourge increases, the affluent few flaunt their holdings, mostly acquired at the expense of the rest of us. It

is therefore interesting that the President mentioned corruption only when he claimed victories in reducing the inflated federal work force and eradication of the fertilizer scam that once dominated agriculture.

Is endemic corruption limited to these areas? Does the President understand that one of the factors that distance Nigerians from the affairs of their country is the gully that corruption has created between government officials, politicians, top business people and ordinary Nigerians they all pretend to serve?

Corruption is at the centre of the efficiency of the security agencies we have witnessed in the North East. It, to a large extent, bred the situation in the North East, if we excuse ideological bent. It would create other insurgencies, so long as the issues that affect Nigerians are untreated, while government officials bask in the bliss of their loot.

Nigerians want governments that would expand access to opportunities through creative leadership. Nigerians would reflect on the President’s statistics; they would wonder why they do not reflect in their lives.

OPINION

By John Udumebraye

T

HE leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, must have celebrated when a suicide bomber blew himself up and killed 47 students at the assembly ground of the Government Senior Science Secondary School in Potiskum, Yobe State, on Monday, November 10, 2014. Lai Mohammed, the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, must have been dizzy with joy on receiving news of the catastrophe for the single reason that it was a gift — never mind that it was a diabolical one from the pit of hell — with which he could accuse President Goodluck Jonathan of insensitivity and callousness when the latter formally declared his intention to seek re-election the next day.

Undeterred, Jonathan went ahead with his declaration.

Expectedly, Lai Mohammed wasted no time in screaming “utterly insensitive and absolutely callous.” It is a wonder that this devotee of the Nazi propagandist, Josef Goebbels, could not find more adjectives with which to ostensibly criticise the President while, in actual fact, he was celebrating the unfortunate death of the Potiskum students. Lai Mohammed even accused Jonathan of “dancing on the graves of the students”, but not once did he condemn the terrorists behind the suicide bomb attack.

In the past, the APC has been accused of either funding or at least supporting the nefarious Boko Haram group that has been waging an insurgency against the

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APC: Limits of exploitative propaganda Nigerian state in order to establish an Islamic caliphate in its stead. Some of us publicly averred that such accusations were a case of dirty politics taken too far. How, we asked, could the APC be in cahoots with those who seek to destroy the Nigerian state?

If the insurgents were to succeed, of what benefit would that be to the APC or its members? Regrettably, one has been forced to have a rethink today.

To be clear, the resurgent state of bomb blasts that culminated in the Potiskum attack is just too much for even the most naive Nigerian to accept as mere coincidence. In recent times, APC presidential aspirants, ranging from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through former military dictator General Muhammadu Buhari, to Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and publisher-turned-politician Sam NdaIsaiah, have all held events to declare their intention to vie for the presidency. No bomb blasts were recorded. But as soon as Jonathan announced the date of his formal declaration, the bombs started going off.

Fellow Nigerians, who is fooling whom?

We can run from pillar to post, or we can face up to what is self-evident to every discerning Nigerian: there is a clear connection between terrorist attacks whenever the President is scheduled to hold or attend a political event and the readiness of the APC propaganda machine to issue exploitative statements that

condemn the President, but never the terrorists. It is now beyond any reasonable doubt that the APC is sympathetic to, if not in support outright of Boko Haram. Indeed, it appears Lai Mohammed even prepares the statement ahead of any terrorist attack and then releases it soon after.

Interestingly, nobody should forget that when former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, left the APC and rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, he had some remarkable revelations to share about his erstwhile APC colleagues. In one statement, Fani-Kayode told Nigerians: “The APC in the North is the political wing of Boko Haram in the northern part of Nigeria. This, I have said before and no one amongst them was bold enough to challenge me. I will continue to say it again and again. The northern elements in the APC have to explain to all Nigerians why some of their leaders in the North support, encourage and defend Boko Haram members.”

Fani-Kayode went on to add: “No member of the APC has been bold enough to controvert what I said about their relationship with the Boko Haram members in the North. I stand to be challenged if any of them has a contrary view.”

Moreover, it is a matter of public record that Lai Mohammed not only opposed the United States of America classifying Boko Haram as a terrorist organisation, more importantly, he also actively protested the

proscription of Boko Haram by the Federal Government of Nigeria in June 2013. In view of how much pleasure he takes in glorifying the dastardly acts of the despicable terrorist group, the reason for Lai Mohammed’s protestations is crystal clear.

Now, if an ordinary Nigerian like this writer can so easily deduce that some senior members of the APC are Boko Haram supporters and sympathisers, the question then arises: Why has the government not arrested them and prosecuted them according to the law? Could it be that the government of President Jonathan does not want to be accused of stifling the opposition, especially in the run-up to a general election?

Whatever the case may be, the facts are plain for Nigerians to see. Lai Mohammed and his APC colleagues are always prepared with exploitative propaganda condemning President Jonathan whenever terrorists strike.

However, they typically never condemn the terrorists. This reveals clearly who is dancing on the graves of slain Nigerians.

Despite their well-crafted propaganda designs, Nigerians have a duty to their nation to reject Boko Haram, their funders, supporters and sympathisers at the 2015 polls.

*Mr. Udumebraye, a political analyst, wrote from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014— —19

Are Igbo really foolish? (3)

By Clement Udegbe

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E have some dominant ethnic groups in Nigeria, and their group influence and power run through most national enterprises, from sports, music, entertainment, education and academics, to raw politics. The ethnic groups are mainly the Yoruba of the South West; the Tiv, the Idoma and some tribes around Plateau State which make up the Middle Belt; the Hausa-Fulani in the North; the Ijaw, Urhobo, Itsekiri, Isoko, Efik, Kalabari, etc, of the oil-rich South-South; and the Igbo people of the South East of Nigeria.

Ethnicity is a force that could have been used to pull Nigeria to her very highest, but its negative application has remained the undoing of this country, with all the great potentials we carry. Bad application of ethnicity has been responsible for the somersaults we see in our performance in the areas of football, management of the national oil wealth, politics and now the effectiveness of our security forces.

The efforts by ethnic individuals to establish equality and balance among the ethnic groups in Nigeria in everything, and the silent fight by the North to lord it over all other groups have so

permeated the system that it will be naïve of any person not to think of ethnic impacts of any decision before making it at the national level today. Religion has not helped matters at all; it is the fusion of religion into national politics that has brought us to where we find ourselves today with a good portion of North East Nigeria controlled by a new caliphate of hatred, blood and gun called Boko Haram.

One ethnic group that has consistently failed to read religion into national matters is the Igbo people of the South East, and that has left them short changed as the key victims of most national political calculations.

The North, made up of the Hausa-Fulani and other tribes, can speak with one voice on any serious matter through the religion of Islam. The same applies to the Yoruba of the South West, where Muslims and Christians have managed to live harmoniously without rancor except for the recent reports from Osun State where the Governor reportedly expressed support for a Jihad. It remains to be seen whether that Jihad call will translate into a political fortune for the APC in Yorubaland in the future. Jihad is yet to be tested in

Yoruba land and the APC, which is a direct product of OIC, will provide them that opportunity soon through their MuslimMuslim ticket for the presidential election in 2015. Christians in Yoruba land have a job to correct the dangerous trend.

The Middle Belt zone has been galvanized into one enviably formidable force, and is pointing the way to one Nigeria without the religious cleansing message from the core North. It has successfully survived turned the wickedness of the Fulani herds men and working to safeguard their future.

The South-South people are firm about having some measure

In Nigeria of today, party politics for the Igbo man should transcend power and money to cover our destiny because of who we are, where we have come from and where we must go

of say on how their God-given oil wealth is shared and will resist any attempt by the core North to use political manipulation to cheat them. In fact, they are ready to employ the same creek-power determination that sustained their fight and struggle for resource over the years. It is, however, not clear how they will overcome the evil effects of religion in their midst, with the way and manner they are turning to Islam in hundreds by the day. The link between Islam and violence will remain their headache for some time to come.

The Igbo man of the South East appears to be the most naïve of all the ethnic groups. They seem to think that they are wiser than the rest by failing to form a strong political base like the other zones.

The Igbo man started out with PPA as the Igbo party with the return to democratic rule in the late 1990s.Today the PPA is summarily dead. Then they started with APGA, and in spite of the promises the Igbo politicians made to the late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, who trusted the Igbo man so much and gave everything to see that that APGA survived; they have all abandoned APGA for their selfish, greedy and shameless political pursuits.

This could be because the Anambrarian thinks that he is the moneybag of the South East; the Imo man see himself as the eagle

The Fashola performance myth

By Aaron Ukodie

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ANY are of the opinion that Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Governor of Lagos State, has performed wonderfully well. In fact, he is often used as a reference point for good governance and how democracy dividends should be delivered.

I have read several comments on governance, both at the state and federal levels, and all have presented the Lagos State governor as a shining star, one that all should emulate. It is hard to find any commentary and analysis that has questioned his performance rating. All of his actions and policies are often explained away by several vociferous voices that dominate the Nigerian media space.

I think it is about time that discerning minds began to question whether Fashola really deserves the level of performance rating he enjoys. As a Lagos resident who often visits many parts of the city, it is my opinion that the Lagos State governor’s high performance rating has been exaggerated. Any objective mind that carries out an independent assessment of Lagos State in terms of infrastructure development, human capital development and social and environmental development level would no doubt come to this same conclusion. If, however, we argue that his performance level for eight unbroken years qualifies him for the rating he gets from assessors, then there are several governors who qualify for more accolades than the one RBF gets.

Here I am confident to mention Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State. I can with clear

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conscience speak about his achievements having visited the state he governs. There are some who attempted to situate the performance of RBF vis-à-vis the state’s level of internally generated revenue, the highest in the country, and have come to the conclusion that he could have done much more than what he is being praised for. I agree with this viewpoint.

Let us take road infrastructure on which many have sung Fashola’s praises to the high heavens. Truly if you limit the Governor’s assessment to Ikoyi, Victorial Island, Lekki, where the rich and the big tax-paying conglomerates are situated; the Surulere axis where Fashola grew up and where his father lived before his death last year, the Ikeja area where the Lagos State government is domiciled and parts of the Lagos Island, the commercial nerve-centre of the city, you are right to rate Fashola highly. Most roads in these areas have been resurfaced and the sidewalks well laid. The environments look brighter. Then if you take a trip to Oshodi and the Yaba area, where a lot of clean- up has been carried out you could be enchanted and be made to think that Lagos begins and ends with these areas.

Even in some of these areas go to the feeder roads, you would expect that RBF should have done better than what you will find.

I think also that in Fashola’s vision of a Lagos mega city, Lagos begins and ends in these aforementioned areas.

Unfortunately, that is where Fashola’s road construction magic ends. Come to Ajegunle and Apapa, where I drove through on Tuesday, November 5, 2014, you are sure to change your mind and

begin to think that perhaps commercial and political interests were the overriding motive for the concentration of road development activities that took place in those areas that the current Lagos State government put its focus. Don’t forget all the works done in these areas took a cumulative 16 years to achieve (eight of his mentor, the Lion of Bourdillon, Bola Tinubu, and now almost eight of Fashola).

Come to Satellite Town, where I stay and drive through the LagosBadagry Express way, from the Mile 2 point, and take time to enter all the communities that adjoin the expressway you would wonder from where comes the rating which the Lagos governor enjoys.

Go to Alimoso-Kosofe, Ipaja, Abule Egba, Ojo, Okokomaiko, Amukoko, Okota and Ijegun-Egba communities and point to me what development has taken place in

It is my opinion that the Lagos State governor’s high performance rating has been exaggerated

these areas. The roads in these areas are in deplorable state; they are broken down and are a constant source of agony to inhabitants of these areas and those who visit them.

Traffic and its management in these areas have become chaotic due to lack of inadequate and poor road networks that link the state roads to the community/local government roads.

Fashola has also shown his inequitable handling and enforcement of some of his government projects and policies against the non-Yoruba tribes that form part of the state and from whom most of hisinformal internallygenerated revenue,IGR, is drawn. Take the case of the operation of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, who terrorise vehicle drivers whom they claim do not have the right vehicle papers.

Drive through Lagos and you will find out the operation of these group of government officials is predominant in the Mile 2 – Okomaiko-Badagry axis of the city where most of non-indigenous Lagosians live.

Drive to Alaba International Market and through to Ajangbadi, either via Volkwasgen Bus-stop or through Okoko-Kemberi road you would be shocked at the level of lack of government presence. Tax payers and voters live in these areas and Alaba International market generates a large chunk of Lagos state IGR. Let us take a look at the level of educational development in Lagos. What should RBF be praised for really? Most of the public schools are not fit for human habitation; I could not pass them for places where real learning should take place. While

of the South East. The Abia man thinks that he is wiser than the rest put together; the Enugu man sees others as crude, while Ebonyi feels completely underestimated by the rest.

The leaders of APGA, that party that once promised to give hope to the hopeless and voice to the voiceless Ndigbo, have looked the other way. And in less than four years of the death of Dim Ojukwu, they are shamelessly superintending the imminent demise of APGA without blinking an eye! If APGA loses its grip in Imo State in 2015,God forbid, what will people say of the Igbo man and political party management in Nigeria? The mistake, again, appears to be that the Igbo man still sees the political party as a means to an end, and that is money and power, which if not flowing must be abandoned; or that he sees the political party through the eye of a typical shop owner: if sales are not flowing from the shop, it must either be closed, relocated or both.

In Nigeria of today, party politics for the Igbo man should transcend power and money to cover our destiny because of who we are, where we have come from and where we must go in the face of untold onslaught from Islam.

Concluded •Udegbe, practitioner, Lagos.

a legal wrote from

you are likely to see the outside walls of some public schools look painted, the interior will shock you as you see the level of white-wash that has taken place. Recently a group (Certificate in Media Enterprise class of 5 of the School of Media and Communication of the Pan-African University alumni) which I belong organised capacity building workshop as part of its community social responsibility, CSR, programme for some schools in the Surulere area and I was shocked to see the decay in most of the public schools in these areas(especially around Eric Moore axis): broken walls, dilapidated infrastructure. This is true for most public schools in Lagos.

In the area of youth employment, all one could see are young agile men working as revenue collectors from okada(motorcycle) riders and commercial bus drivers. The girls are busy hanging around state ministries’ conference halls playing without having anything to do.

The health sector is not different as even the gate men are so uncouth that all they repeatedly ask is whether you pay their salaries. Drive to LASUTH where you are required to pay toll as soon as you step into the hospital gate.

There you come in contact with young men ready to fight you if you refuse to pay the toll fee of N300, even if you are bringing in a patient.

The only exception here are ambulances that are few and far between. It also does not matter that you might not get a parking space. The emergency ward stinks to high heavens and some of the doctors and nurses are recalcitrant to say the least. *Mr.Ukodie, publisher eWorld Magazine, wrote from Lagos.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Oritsejafor remembers the physically challenged at birthday

By Sam Eyoboka

W

HEN Mrs. Grace Omor egie, a mother and a small scale food vendor in Warri, left her home on Monday, November 10, 2014 for the church, little did she know that there would be a turn around in her fortunes. Prior to that day, she had been battling with diverse challenges, including a setback in her business.

Suddenly, she became the star of the second day of the ongoing Jubilee Word Festival 2014 organised by Word of Life Bible Church, Warri. She smiled home with the sum of N100,000 courtesy of the National President, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

Another 29 physically challenged and less privileged men and women selected from the Warri community, also smiled home with a cheque of N50,000 each. The monetary gift was the major component of this year’s birthday anniversary of Pastor Oritsejafor who is the the founder of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri.

The recipients are expected to use the money to either revive their ailing businesses or start new ones.In addition to the N1,650,000 splashed on the less privileged to mark the Pastor’s birthday, a young girl whose

parents could not afford the payment of her school fess was given scholarship to complete her secondary school.

This became the talking point of the low-key birthday celebration which was devoid of cake cutting and similar funfare.

Highpoints of the festival which had ‘Talitha Cumi—Arise 2015’ as its theme, included soul-lifting songs and specialised birthday songs by renowned gospel artiste Lara George, the celebrant’s wife, Mama Helen Oritsejafor and the Milk and Honey Choir led by Linda Etukudo.

I feel fulfilled anytime I’m able to touch someone and change his life; it makes all the difference to me

*Pastor Oritsejafor, accompanied by his wife, attending to needy children during his birthday celebration.

Pastor Oritsejafor said God told him to always celebrate his birthday with the poor. He explained that it is a divine mandate to give gifts to the poor and needy in the society.

The service started at 2.00pm with breakthrough prayers.

This was followed by the prayer of agreement when the pastor prayed with the people who are believing God to fulfill His promises to them.

Speaking at the celebration, Oritsejafor said he loves assisting the needy in the society .

He noted that giving is part of his life, hence he derives great joy whenever he touches people’s lives.

He said: “I wish I could help

everybody who is in need but you know, it is one thing to wish, it is another thing to be able to do them. But God gives me the grace to do the little I can. I feel fulfilled anytime and every time I’m able to touch someone and change his life; it makes all the difference in my life.

“Giving is my life. The major thing that gives me joy in life is to give joy to other people.

When I have the opportunity to do that, I jump at it because it does something to me, I feel fulfilled. It reminds me of my own humanity, it reminds me that if not for God, I would not have been who I am and where I am today,” he said.

Oritsejafor used the occasion to call on well-to-do Nigerians

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*Official indiscipline...LASTMA offcials dashing across the expressway rather than use the pedestrian bridge Pix: Lamidi Bamidele

and corporate organisations in the country to join hands in touching the lives of the less privileged in the society. He stated that poverty can be brought to the barest minimum by so doing because it is obvious to all that government cannot do it alone.

“I am a pastor, and how much do I have? What can I do?

Just very little. But there are big businessmen, big companies.

Government can’t do everything. We can all do something.

If I do a little thing and somebody else does, you will be surprised how many people we can take out of poverty, they can stand on their own, fend for themselves and have a life. It will change this country,” he concluded.

Controlling traffic One of the recipients, Mr. John Ishagbada, a 51-year-old deformed father of five kids from Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State who has been controlling traffic under Udu bridge in the city for the past 19 years, expressed gratitude to the CAN president for the gesture. He said that the money will go a long way to set up a cement store that will assist him in training his kids.

Deaf Boyo George, who needed N19,000 to buy a sewing machine, also expressed gratitude for the kind gesture of the CAN president, just as Ese Moses who’s been praying for N33,500 to buy a sewing machine and a small generator was overwhelmed with joy. Others who are deaf and dumb who could not express their gratitude in words, just kept nodding their agreement with their physically challenged counterparts.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 21

Nigeria needs N485tr for infrastructure upgrade —NPC Minister

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

he Minister of National Planning Commission, NPC, Dr. Abubakar Sulaiman, says about N485 trillion is required to deliver quality infrastructure across different sectors of the economy in the next 30 years.

The Minister stated this yesterday, at the Public Policy Conference, entitled: Developing Africa through Innovative Infrastructure Financing held in Abuja.

He said the N485 trillion estimates were based on sectoral growth strategies, outcome targets and international benchmarks for infrastructural stock.

Of the said amount, he explained that 33 per cent ($1.0trn) is expected to go into Energy sector; 25 per cent ($775bn) to Transport; 13 per cent ($400bn) to Agricultural, Water and Mining sectors; 11 per cent ($350bn) to Housing and Regional development sectors; 11 per cent ($325bn) to ICT; 5 per cent ($150bn) to Social Infrastructure and 2 per cent ($50bn) to Vital Registration and Security.

As part of the strategy to ensure a hitch free implementation of the plan, he said the NIIMP’S 30 years planning horizon has been segmented into medium term operational plans with five years’ time frame According to him, the first operational plan, 2014-2018, has an investment outlay of $166.1 billion (N26.0 trillion).

Sulaiman, who lamented the low level of infrastructure in the country, stated that the stock of infrastructure is the pillar of any economy and promised that the present administration would pursue the implementation of the NIIMP blueprint and ensure that the current dearth of infrastructure is upgraded from the present 20-25

percent of GDP to 70 per cent, as international standard. “As at 2012 when NIIMP was conceived, the available infrastructure stock in Nigeria was estimated between 2025 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, which was inadequate to support socio-economic

$2.85

$2,890.00

+$29.00

$ 15.72

-$0.21

USD 76.90 USD -1.88

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.78 247.6944 193.4286 160.4104 1.3617 0.2764 228.0521 25.2949 41.2582 25.9816 228.8113

155.28 248.4946 194.0534 160.9286 1.3661 0.2864 228.7888 25.3771 41.3914 26.0655 229.5504

12/11/14

155.78

249.2947 194.6783 161.4468 1.3705 0.2964 229.5255 25.4592 41.5247 26.1494 230.2896

investments required to bridge the current gap and further grow Nigeria’s infrastructure has been clearly identified and articulated in the blueprint,” said the Minister. The conference was aimed at developing innovative strategies for infrastructure financing in Nigeria.

Panelists of the World Congress of Accountants Academic Award sponsored by ICAN From left: Annette Kohler of Germany, Philip Johnson of Uk, Mariano D’amore of Italy, Alain Burlaud of France, LAN Ball of Uk and Chidi Ajaegbu, ICAN President at the opening ceremony of the 19th world congress of Accountants in Rome.

Shareholders ask SEC, NSE to cancel Transcorp Hotel IPO BYPETER EGWUATU

$188.7

development. The global benchmark for infrastructural stock of an advanced economy is set at 70 per cent.

“The target in the NIIMP blueprint is to raise Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure from the current 20-25 per cent of the GDP to at least 70 per cent of GDP by 2043. The level of

S

ome Transnational Corporation shareholders have urged the Nigerian capital market regulators to void the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Transcorp Hotels.Plc. The shareholders under the aegis of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN) made the demand in separate letters to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

ISAN said that their demand became imperative following serious breach of operating capital market laws by the regulators.

ISAN, in letters signed by Sir Sunny Nwosu and Mr Adebayo Adeleke, National Coordinator and General Secretary respectively described the approval for the recently concluded offer of the shares of Trancorp Hotels as flawed.

According to ISAN, the sale of Transcorp Hotel shares was an authorised bulkanisation of Transnational Corporation Plc. According to ISAN, we are not aware of any Annual General Meeting or ExtraOrdinary General Meeting as prescribed

by Law, where a special resolution was proposed and passed by shareholders of Transnational Corporation Plc to dismember the company.

“Spinning off and offering for sale shares of Transcorp Hotels is an unauthorised dismemberment of Transnational Corporation Pl,” ISAN said. The association said that they are constrained to draw the attention of SEC and NSE to the regulatory irregularity because the IPO of 800 million ordinary shares of Transcorp Hotels negates the provisions of the Investment and Securities Act, rules and regulations of the commission and listing requirements’ of the exchange.

The shareholders said their quest for

probity, accountability and due process, stemmed also from the issues raised by NOGA Hotels International (NHI) SA, a major investors in Transcorp Hotels.

ISAN also said that NHI had in a subtle caveat emptor advertorial published on October 16, 2014 in some dailies, described the IPO as contrived, following unresolved issues over ownership of Transcorp Hilton Hotels, Abuja.

In their Letter, ISAN members said, “We are apprehensive of the process adopted for the public offering and strongly consider it as lacking in due process.

“We believe that the shareholders approval should have been obtained at an Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) before Transcorp Hotels embarked on public offering.

“Since this was not done, we hereby suggest you urge the authorities of Transcorp Hotel to follow due process in this transaction, as not doing the right thing would amount to encouraging illegality.”

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Ashaka Cement records 3 % revenue growth in 9 months Stories BY PETER EGWUATU

A

shaka Cement Plc nine months results for the period ended 30 September, 2014 showed revenue growth of 3 per cent Year on Year, YoY to N17.3 billion and after tax profit growth of 103 per cent YoY to N4.3 billion.

Vetiva Capital in its analysis on Ashaka Cement, said “ Riding on prior upbeat quarterly results, particularly first quarter, Ashaka Cement’s nine months Earning Per Share , EPS rose 103 per cent YoY to N1.95, but fell 10 per cent behind our estimate of N2.17 due to a weaker-thanexpected third quarter ,Q3 performance.

On a quarterly basis, profit after tax was down 47 per cent on Quarter On Quarter, QoQ to N847 million due to a sharp fall in other income from N243 million in second quarter, Q2 to a loss of N63 million in Q3.

In the Ashaka Cement financial analysis, Vetiva stated “We also acknowledge the significant surge in Tax for the 3-month period. We recall that Ashaka Cement’s profit after tax in the prior quarter (Q2’14) was largely supported by a tax credit of N17 million. However, an effective tax rate of 34 per cent

was applied on the Q3’, 2014 results, hence, the sharp rise in tax expense and the resulting effect on net profit.

According to Vetiva “Continued cost efficiency mutes slowdown in top line.

Following from the slowdown in Q2, we estimate Ashaka Cement ‘s volume contracted a further 16 per cent to c.165,200 MT in Q3 (Q2 estimate: 197,000 MT)

amidst a season (June – September) historically characterized by heavy rainfall - which disrupts building and construction activities and ultimately cement sales.

Operating at an energy mix of 68 per cent coal and 32 per cent Low-Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) (reported by Parent Lafarge Africa). Ashaka Cement’s energy efficiency improved further over the 3-month

period as Cost of Sales declined at a faster pace than sales, down 25 per cent QoQ. Supported by the improved cost efficiency, gross profit inched up 2 per cent QoQ to N2.0 billion; consequently improving gross margin to 41 per cent from 34 per cent in Q2 and in line with the average for the year.”

From left: Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Plus Ltd, Chukwuemeka Obi; Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Pharm. Olatunji Koolchap; Pediatrician, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Prof. Emmanuel Eyo Ekanem; National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Olumide Akintayo during the launch of Reload! 4 Kidz Multivitamin at the 87th Annual National Conference of PSN in Uyo.

Bruce, Ali Baba, others approve capital market for fund raising A

CREAM of frontline operators in the Nigerian entertainment industry has passed a vote of confidence on the Nigerian capital market as a platform that provides an array of investment opportunities for individuals, corporate entities and government at all tiers.

Besides, they highlighted the hidden values of entertainment industry in relation to its contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). th Speaking in Lagos at the 18 stockbrokers’ conference with the theme: ‘ The Capital market: The Key Catalyst to the Development of the Entertainment Industry in Nigeria’, the operators in the entertainment industry collectively commended the Nigerian capital market for providing an opportunity to access medium and long term fund.

They also agreed that there is need for improved funding to guaranty better quality of film production and music for global competitiveness. Ali Baba, the

ace entertainer explained that for a long time, many Nigerians did not appreciate the economic values of entertainers as they perceive the operators in the industry as mere jesters without financial muscle. According to him, it was much later that people realized that many blue chip companies were patronizing the entertainers, indicating that they (entertainers) have a lot to offer.

Commenting on the relationship between the capital market and the entertainment industry, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers’ president, Mr Albert Okumagba expressed confidence that the capital market in Nigeria has strong capacity to fund the entertainment sector. “We are going to have a larger market with the inclusion of the entertainment sector because the industry has linkages to other places of value changes. The industry has the strength and capacity to contribute meaningfully to our Gross

domestic product (GDP). It will also help to enhance the capital market’, Okumagba said.

According to the Chairman, Silverbird Group, Mr Ben Murray, the entertainment industry in Nigeria developed on its own despite unsupportive government policy but the

success of the Nigerian content in the creative and entertainment industry is felt across the globe. Bruce advocated inclusion of entertainment industry in order to expand the investment opportunities in the market.

LCCI commends Fidelity Bank over support for small businesses

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Alhaji Ismaila Bello, has commended Fidelity Bank for developing products that cater for the needs of small businesses in the country.

Speaking at the Fidelity Day at the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair, Bello said that Fidelity Bank prides itself as one of the most stable financial institutions in the country.

According to him, the bank is noted for provision of specialized services to various sectors of the economy, including government agencies, private sector, big and small businesses.

“Fidelity Bank has always shown commitment to retail banking, as well as support for small and medium enterprises,” he said.

He stated that the Fidelity Bank’s special day will afford the bank the opportunity to showcase its products and services and highlight business opportunities available to business owners that wish to do business with the bank.

Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, the Divisional Head, SME, Mr. Ken Okpala, said, “We do not try to be everything to our customers, we strive to be the best in the services we offer and we also make them accessible to them.

He noted that the bank does not only provide financial support to business owners, but nurture small businesses to growth through its advisory services.

He highlighted some of the bank’s contributions to the growth of economy, citing the financial and technical support to various Independent Power Projects like Akute and Island Power plants.

He said, “Today, we are showcasing our Savings and others services we offer. We are saying to people that are doing business that they can also have a saving culture and if they do, we will reward them.

Caverton records 34 % increase in revenue

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AVERTON Offshore Support Group Plc has recorded a 34 per cent increase in revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2014 to close at N18.7 billion. The company, a provider of marine, aviation and logistics services to local and international oil and gas companies in Nigeria in the unaudited results recorded improved total operating margin and assets when compared to the corresponding period of 2013.

Commenting on the year-todate results, CEO of Caverton, Mr. Bode Makanjuola, said, “The steady implementation of our

strategic plans is yielding good results. Revenue grew 34 per cent to N18.7 Billion driven by growing demand for helicopter charters that complemented our recurring revenues from fixed contracts.

In addition we delivered improved operating performance as our margin was up from 10 per cent last year to 23 per cent as at September 2014.”

Continuing, he said “As part of our strategic plan to diversify our income base, our plan in partnership with CAE to build the first and operate aviation training centre and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul services in

Nigeria remain on course.

Furthermore, we shall continue to explore our options for opportunities to increase our market penetration in other sub-Saharan African countries.

We continue to progress our fleet expansion plans in the marine sector with the aim of supporting local and international oil and gas companies as they take their exploration and production activities further into the deep offshore. We are also committed to achieving the National Content Development targets as more indigenous pilots, engineers and seafarers get the required training to enhance their competence.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—23

FG canvases PPP in agric mechanisation

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

T

O an average Nigerian youth, the man with hoe and cutlass remains the best image of a Nigerian farmer.

Majority of Nigeria’s smallholder farmers are often too poor to employ modern tools, such as tractors and plows, despite large investment by the government in the past.

The Nigerian agricultural industry, populated as it is by aged and ageing peasants, has progressively developed into a world of drudgery for losers, shunned and despised by Nigerian youths.

To change this image of hoe and cutlass, it has now become important to come up with a new program that will aggressively privatize the commercialization of agricultural machineries in Nigeria. To this end, the Federal Government decided to stop the buying and distribution of tractors to farmers as it was done in the past.

President Goodluck Jonathan recently launched the private-sector driven Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHE) to mark the beginning of a revolution in the mechanization of Nigeria’s Agriculture. The goal is simple: put hoes and cutlasses into the museums and provide farmers with access to affordable mechanized services across the country.

The President directed the Central Bank of Nigeria to set aside N 50 billion Agricultural Mechanization Fund for the roll out of the Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises across the country. The initiate is a purely PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP) strategy that will set up Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises in strategic locations to provide mechanized farm services to farming communities.

The project includes leasing/hiring out of various types of agricultural equipment for land preparation, harvesting and post-harvest operations, repair and maintenance of such equipments. The centers will also serve as an incubator for human capital development within farming communities.

Speaking during the launch of the N144m emergency mechanization intervention support services for Zamfara farmers recently in Gusau, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina noted that the days of corruption in tractor procurement and supply by government are C M Y K

•Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Minister of Agriculture, with Alhaji Mahmud Shinkafi, former governor of Zamfara state and other farmers during the launch of mechanization intervention support services in Gusau, Zamfara state, recently. now over. “Just as we ended the corruption in the fertilizer and seed sectors, we have now ended decades of corruption in government-controlled procurement and distribution of tractors.

“In the past, the government used to buy and distribute tractors to state governments.

As in the case of seeds and fertilizers most of the tractors never got to the farmers. In most cases, these tractors were old and refurbished old tractors sold back to government.”

T

he Minister disclosed that between 2014 and 2016, that the Agricultural Mechanization Fund will establish a minimum of 1,200 Agricultural Equipment Hiring Enterprises (AEHEs) across the nation.

“The Centers will provide

Just as we ended the corruption in the fertilizer and seed sectors, we have now ended decades of corruption in governmentcontrolled procurement and distribution of tractors

6,000 units of tractors and their implements, 15,000 power tillers and over 20,000 planting, harvest and post harvest equipments.

“The centers will be used to mechanize 4 million hectares of farm land in the country and expand food production by an additional 20 million metric tons. The centers are projected to create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs for youths.”

Adesina disclosed that Zamfara state is having the first of the agricultural equipment hiring enterprises commissioned with three of the senatorial districts having a centre and the fourth centre located in Gusau, the state capital.

“The four centers will be fully equipped with 20 units of tractors and power tillers each and various harvest and post

harvest equipments.

“The total cost of the equipments for four AEHEs in Zamfara State is N 144 million.

The equipments are being deployed to Zamfara State through the State chapter of the Tractor Owners and Operators Association (TOOAN) to render emergency mechanization intervention support services to farmers in Zamfara state.

The Minister of Agriculture disclosed that the ministry will support farmers all across Zamfara State to have access to subsidized mechanized services from these agricultural equipment hiring enterprises.

“Given the recent communal clashes that led to the destruction of farm produce and death of traction animals, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, will pay for 100% of the mechanization services for the farmers between now and the end of the dry season. “ Adesina said the tractors will be used to cultivate an average of 8000 hectares, covering plowing, harrowing and ridging tillage operations.

“The mechanization services will boost food production in the Zamfara State by an additional 32,000 metric tons of food. Over 1,000 jobs will be created for the youths.

FIIRO promises growth with agro value chain

T

HE Director-General, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo has disclosed that the institute had designed and patented a plant for the mechanised production of garri, just as it had developed 25 cassava-based products through its research and development.

She said the institute is adding value to agricultural produce, using simple

processing technologies that can be adopted by Micro, Small and Medium Scale Entrepreneurs for production of different convenient foods.

Some of the developed technologies developed by the institute, she maintained, have taken into consideration the significance of good nutrition toward promoting health and wellness in the society.

President-in-Council Horticultural Society of Nigeria (HORTSON), Dr. Bala Magaji Giginyu presenting a fellowship plaque to ViceChancellor Al-Qalam University Katsina, Professor Shehu Garki Ado during the society’s 32nd Annual Conference in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

In line with this, Dr. Elemo said the institute has done researches and employed improved technologies on convenience foods which can be produced locally using natural nutrients.

She listed the convenience food products to include plantain flour and chips, tomato paste, ketchup and puree, fruit juices from orange and pineapple and cassava based products, such as fortified gari, macaroni, custard; yam chips, sweet potato chips,tapioca,baked sweet potato and baked Irish potato.

She explained that the institute’s processing facilities protect perishable crops and help entrepreneurs using fruits and vegetables in the production of convenience food products.

Given improved funding, she said the institute has the ability to make more innovations into local food opportunities, adding that its scientists are working on solutions to post harvest losses as well as storage problems.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—25

I N S I D E

There are many holes to fill in Lagos —Obanikoro P. 27

The women on the move P. 28

The playing field in Abia was level — Okpara P. 29

The final war in Lagos PDP

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor WITH its chances of capturing Lagos almost becoming a possibility, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP is again about to self-destruct in Lagos. It is a curse that has consistently shadowed the party. Before now, party insiders had accused their main foe, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of planting spies to sabotage the peace of the party in the state to allow for the sustenance of his domination of the country’s commercial capital.

However, with Tinubu himself now under the most serious challenge to his political authority, the space for such political adventurism is said to be limited. In the latest challenge to the authority of the leader, his onetime close associate, Dr. Muiz Banire, the national legal adviser to the All Progressives Congress, APC has in the last week gone public with his opposition to Asiwaju’s alleged plans to foist Akinwunmi Ambode as successor to the outgoing governor of the state, Raji Babatunde Fashola.

Such window of opportunity given by the dissent in the APC should have been a window for the PDP to upturn Asiwaju’s dominance. But no. PDP chieftains after about two years of maintaining a fragile peace have again resorted to the trenches with two main factions determined to pull down the other. Though unlike before when there were several factions divided along some of the major leaders like Chief Bode George, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, the late Funsho Williams, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro among others, the division this time has seen most of the factions collapse into two: Supporters and opponents of Obanikoro.

Almost all the leaders with the notable exception of Senator Obanikoro, the immediate past minister of state (defence) have forged an alliance under the leadership of George with the perceived objective of stopping Obanikoro’s governor-

Quote me, Jonathan is not backing Obanikoro— Bode George CHIEF Olabode George, former deputy national chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in this interview bares his mind on the party's preparation for next year's governorship election in Lagos, the issue of religion and zoning and other sundry issues.

Excerpts:

All I need is a level playing ground — Obanikoro IMMEDIATE past Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro in this interview reveals why he is renewing his bid to run for the governorship position of Lagos State.

By Charles Kumolu

H

By Dapo Akinrefon

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S your party the PDP prepares for the 2015 governorship election in Lagos, do you have any particular candidate? The president also met with the aspirants and some party elders few weeks back. Can you give us insight into what transpired at that meeting?

I will answer this question exactly the same way the president answered his own when he came to visit us in Lagos. I think it was former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor, who asked the same pertinent question that ‘Mr. President, I am told that you have a preferred candidate for Lagos PDP in 2015.

He replied by saying ‘ No, I don’t have any preferred candidate. But everywhere I went, I heard one name. To my left, to Continues on page 26

ship ambition. They also have almost united around the new party favourite, Jimi Agbaje who interestingly has merged his own structure into that of the faction led by George.

Though he refused to spell out his name, George (see accompanying interview) insinuated that Agbaje is President Goodluck Jonathan’s candidate to win Lagos.

The president, it was learnt, was won over to the Agbaje project after several approaches from Lagos PDP chieftains who told him that Agbaje was the main man to help stop Tinubu and give him the needed votes in the presidential election.

The Agbaje project was, however, against the concept of Obanikoro’s long held governorship ambition. Party chieftains allege that Obanikoro was told before he accepted the ministerial position earlier this year that he should be ready to forgo his gubernatorial ambition should he agree to serve in the federal cabinet. The former minister, however, denies that and is insisting on pursuing his ambition despite a seeming convergence by party chieftains that the 2015 candidate should be a Christian in order to frontally confront Tinubu’s own plot. Though a number of aspirants have picked the form for the governorship, there is no doubt where the George machine which drives the party in Lagos is pushing. George says that being as a military officer that he was taught to always give heed to the desires of his commanding officer and hence his full involvement in the Agbaje project.

Though trouble shooters are still searching for peace, few doubt the success of such without a direct intervention of the president. There are suggestions that the president would be meeting with the chieftains very soon and without that, the prospect of Lagos PDP exerting itself would be in doubt. But should they find a convergence and Agbaje is positioned, the APC with its own internal squabbling could be in serious jeopardy in the very state from where the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN was revived after the PDP blitzkrieg of 2003. This may well be the last war for the PDP chieftains.

•George

OW true is it that the number of aspirants in the race have been reduced to four? It was also alleged that you were asked not to accept ministerial appointment as a condition to be given the PDP governorship ticket in 2015. How true is that?

It is not true that the number of aspirants have been reduced. I am not aware of that. Everyone is entitled to a level playing field. All of us in the race are men of impeccable record. We have distinguished ourselves in our various fields.

I am confident of victory at the primaries because I am a grassroots person, with grasp of the key issues in the state. All we are asking for is a level playing field where we can all come out to test our popularity among the Continues on page 26

•Obanikoro

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

We are following Jonathan’s body movement on the next governor of Lagos— Bode George

•George

Since the president left after giving us the advice, I believe from my reckoning out of about seven who came out, we now have about three maximum who are still in the race. The elders are still working and are more of persuasion and not the emperor style of leadership, the Emperor in Bourdillon. That is not our style of leadership in PDP. It is alleged that you are backing Jimi Agbaje in the contest against the aspiration of Musiliu Obanikoro who it is alleged had presidential backing to resign his ministerial job to contest. How true is this?

He said that he resigned as Minister because the President endorsed him, that is the greatest lie. Quote me. That is the greatest lie. And when you build your house on lies, it cannot stand a little storm, not now. Who asked him to be Minister? I think the president has made his statement when he came here and I queue up behind that statement.

He is still very much alive. Wike too in Rivers, is it the president who asked him to resign? Did he put his name on the paper? Who signed the paper? Is it the president? People lie. That is a blatant lie. And you can put it down that I said that.

Continued frompage 25 my right, to the centre, to the back, I hear one name. Even some of his friends who are not even members of PDP are mentioning the same name. In this game, as a leader, all members of a party are your children.

I come from a profession where you look at the direction of your boss, you don’t start creating your own way. Politics and military operations are similar, they are Queueing behind not completely the same but similar. anybody You watch the ways of your boss and you fall in line. The president told us he The president did not say that and he didn’t have any preferred candidate but would never have said it. Now on queuing if there is any name that keeps resonating up behind anybody, as a leader, like I said all the time even from the opposition, and they are all my boys. I have defined the then he said that kind of person will also type of candidature that we should have. be his own preferred candidate. But in A man with a sound pedigree that you the main time, because it costs a lot of can trace his lineage, sound education not money to purchase the form by the Toronto, not Chicago, a man who has aspirants, he advised the aspirants to tarry shown semblance of top level awhile, be very careful, go into serious management. introspection and do a deep-seated A man who is respectable, responsible, thinking. The truth is that these aspirants acceptable, manageable and marketable. also hear what others are saying outside. These are the parameters we will use to So, he advised them to flow in the line. As put everybody on that scale. a naval officer, I will say, don’t swim against Every aspirant should leave the presidency out of it. the tide. For me, that is Will the PDP toe the line of purely very advisory and the APC hierarchy which has I believe a child should reportedly zoned the heed the voice of his governorship to Christians and father. to Epe? As a party elder, do Ideally it should never be a you think the statement problem because hardly do you made by the president find a family in Lagos that don’t is genuinely from his belong to either the Muslim, heart or you think it is Christian or traditional religion. an avenue to pave way My immediate older sister is an for his rumoured Alhaja. She married a Muslim candidate? and then she converted. I have a The elders too are still younger brother whose wife meeting with some of the aspirants to talk to I believe from originally is a Muslim, today she is a pastor. So, religion should them because N12m is my reckoning, not be an issue. But today, some a lot of money to throw people said we have had persons down the drain. And this out of about from a particular religion ruling money is non- seven who the state for 16 years. I don’t know refundable. So, you have where that idea came from but to be sure that there is came out, we going to be a return on now have about like I said vox populi, vox dei.

You must take cognizance in your the investment, tactical table of the arrangement three maximum otherwise, if it is zero because they will vote. In return. who are still in Lagos, we have the Pentecostal, So far, how many the Catholics, Anglicans and so have you yielded to the the race on. president’s appeal?

•Obanikoro

any society; such recklessness should not exist in any civilised society. Somebody won an election that was free and fair and a judge sat somewhere and on technicality, said the person should not be sworn-in. To me, that’s the height of which all well-meaning individuals in the state ought to have risen up and spoken because that was another June 12 that took place in Lagos — the annulment of the mandate of the people of IkoyiObalende LCDA by the powers that be in the state.

How can I be a party to that kind of association? The same thing happened in Badagry and Epe. In a system where a single person determines who becomes the councilor, the council chairman, members of the National and State Assemblies, including the governor, then you should know that the alleged peace in their party is that of the graveyard.

Having contested and failed in 2007, where are you in the race again?

Now that I am home, I am strongly reflecting on the last 15 years of the Tinubu and present administrations in our state. I will not sit down here and tell you that we don’t have few things to celebrate in the state but, by and large, there are still many holes to fill up. I can honestly tell you that as a citizen of Lagos State, the overall score, in terms of performance of the Lagos government in the last 15 years, is slightly below average.

People may be saying they have done some new roads; they have done this, they have done that, but we must look at the costs of these roads and place it alongside the huge funds available to the state in all these years vis-à-vis its enormous debt profile, which is more than N1 trillion, as we speak.

2015: There are many holes to fill in Lagos — Obanikoro Continued frompage 25 people. There was no condition attached to my becoming a minister. Mr. President who appointed me a minister did not say that it was a condition for me not to contest in 2015.

You were once a member of the Alliance for Democracy, AD, and at that time a member of Bola Tinubu’s kitchen cabinet before you crossed to the PDP. Why did you opt out?

One of the reasons I left AD is when my eyes were opened and I saw the character that was leading us that time. With the benefit of hindsight, I did the right thing by pulling out of AD. There’s no internal democracy among the so-called ‘progressives’. What they usually did is to anoint a candidate. Their leader would stand up and say, ‘this is the party’s candidate’ and his word was final. It still happens till today and that is why they worship the so-called leader. I decided on my own to quit AD when I saw some of these shortcomings of the undisputed leader of the party. I saw naked abuse of opportunity as an insider and I felt that some of these things could not be defended anywhere.

You saw firsthand what happened when my son won the chairmanship election of IkoyiMr Obalende LCDA as a PDP President candidate. The ACN, under the who guise of the appointed me Lagos State government, a minister did went to the not say that it Appeal Court to impound the was a victory of that condition for young man.

That shows the me not to type of people contest in we are dealing 2015 with.

That level of impunity shouldn’t exist in

Enormous debt profile I schooled in the USA, and the biggest investment that country made that is still working for them is in education. We have not done the same in Lagos State despite all the noise they have been making.

Today, people of Lagos are not interested, and they will not voluntarily send their children to public schools in the state.

That, to me, is failure on the part of the government after 15 years in the saddle.

Public schools are not functional in the true sense of imparting knowledge in our children. Today, our hospitals in the state are mere consulting centres.

Even the consultation is minimal in the true sense of it. Everybody that is somebody now goes overseas for ordinary medical check-up. Even the governor himself, I do believe, without any iota of doubt, that he does his medical checkups abroad. Their leader and ex-governor of the state Chief Bola Tinubu had medical challenges recently. He was flown abroad to take care of ordinary knee injury. This minor health challenge could not be treated at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after billions of naira they claimed they had sunk to upgrade the facilities.

You seem to have grouse with the debt profile of the state?

If you look at their style, whatever is fashionable, and on the way out of fashion overseas is what they usually bring home and introduce.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—27

Women on the move NIGERIAN women have with great aplomb taken up the challenge of showing their mettle in the unfolding contest for political supremacy in the country.

By Dapo Akinrefon

A

ND with great encouragement from Mrs. Patience Jonathan, arguably the most political visible First Lady in Nigerian history, the women are showing forth a kind of political vigour as never before.

However, the agitation from the women does not always receive feminine solidarity as in Kwara State where Senator Gbemi Saraki’s governorship ambition is reported to have received the strong disapproval of the influential friend of Mrs. Jonathan, Mrs. Bola Shagaya.

No woman has ever been elected as a governor, though some have made some pointed efforts towards that goal.

Senator Joy Emodi, is remembered to have made a high profile campaign that put her in pole position to become governor of Anambra State in 1998 before the Gen. Sani Abacha transition programme was truncated. No woman since then has been able to make such a high profile campaign until now.

Only two women under the present democratic regime have acted as governor in the country. When erstwhile governor of Anambra State was impeached under controversial circumstances, his deputy at that time, Dame Virginia Etiaba acted as governor from November 2006 to February 2007.

incumbents for the task of contesting for elective positions in 2015 general election.

Hosted by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, it was put together by the National Woman Leader of the PDP, Mrs Kema Chikwe.

With the push for a female governor, observers of political events opine that this, perhaps, remains a tall dream considering the type of politics currently being played in the polity.

But these female politicians are not resting on their oars as they are optimistic that their dreams will, one day, become a reality.

Ngozi Olejeme (Delta State) Mrs Ngozi Juliet Olejeme is the chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust-fund (NSITF) and has thrown her hat in the Delta governorship race on the platform of the PDP. Olejeme was appointed chairman of the NSITF in June 2009 by late President Umaru

•Olejeme - Delta

•Saraki - Kwara

•Abbey Hart - Rivers

•Nwaogu - Abia

•Esuene - Akwa-Ibom

•Anyanwu - Imo of members of our party who are convinced about my capacity to lead the state out of its present state of hopelessness and stagnation which the ruling party has deliberately thrown it into.”

She remains one of the frontline aspirants in the Kwara State chapter of the PDP.

Strategy to equip women

•Chenge - Benue

•Abanum - Delta

The other woman was Mrs. Biodun Olujimi who acted as governor albeit briefly when Mr. Ayodele Fayose was removed from office.

But as the 2015 general elections draw near, women politicians are gearing up in an attempt to raise their profile in the polity.

Perhaps, as part of efforts and strategy to equip women with the capacity to fully participate in the forth-coming primaries and congresses, the PDP held a one-day workshop for all its female aspirants.

The workshop was aimed at maximizing the gains of President Goodluck Jonathan’s drive for increased female participation in governance and to prepare all female aspirants including all the

Musa Yar’Adua.

She saw to the successful enactment into law of the Employees’ Compensation Act in December 2010, and the setting up of necessary human and physical infrastructure for the implementation of the Act, which was signed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Her campaign for the office has so far been described as robust.

Gbemi Saraki (Kwara State) Gbemisola Ruqayyah Saraki was elected to represent the PDP in Kwara Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2011.

Prior to that, she was a member of the House of Representatives in 1999. She is one of the prominent female governorship aspirants in the

country today having contested as the candidate of ACPC in 2011 against the incumbent Governor Abdulfatah of Kwara State, who was ironically backed by her brother and former governor of the state, Bukola Saraki.

Despite the backing of her father in 2011, she lost the election, and not a few would like to see how she will singlehandedly pull through this time around with her brother in the APC. Gbemi Saraki has reportedly written a letter to the chairman of the state chapter of the party and its Elders’ Committee to that effect.

Saraki said her decision to vie for the office of governor “is informed, on the one hand, by calls by family members, friends and several thousands

With the push for a female governor, observers of political events opine that this, perhaps, remains a tall dream considering the type of politics currently being played in the polity

Helen Esuene (Akwa Ibom) Born 23 November 1949, Esuene is a former civil servant who was appointed Minister of State for Health, and later Minister of Environment and Housing in the cabinet of President Olusegun Obasanjo between 2005 and 2007.

In Akwa Ibom, Senator Helen Udoakaha Essuene, who represents Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District is already stirring the hornet’s nest.

She is one former first lady who is currently the only female in the Akwa Ibom state governorship race on the platform of the PDP. She was recently harassed by political thugs in Essien Udim Local Government Area when her campaign train berthed in the area. She, however, remains committed to seeing her dreams becomes a reality.

Ada Chenge (Benue State) Mrs. Roseline Ada Chenge was the first female Managing Director of the Lower Benue River Basin Development

Continues on page 28

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

PDP WARD CONGRESSES:

Why there are issues in Abia —Okpara COMMISSIONER for Special Services, Legal Matters and Due Process, Office of the governor of Abia State, Mr. James Okpara in this interview deflated claims that the recently conducted ward congresses in the state was not credible. He also spoke on other issues. Excerpts:

By Charles Kumolu

T

HE fallout of the recently held ward congresses, has continued to generate mixed feelings.

What is your position on it as someone, who participated actively in it?

We have to understand that Congress is entirely the business of the party. The party through the State Chairman has given an account of how the congress was held in Abia State and stated that it was free/ fair and peaceful. The party’s national headquarters sent a body to conduct the congress in Abia and their report to the best of my knowledge is that it was free and fair. They say that pictures do not lie and video recordings showed party members engaged in the process of electing the delegates.

It is therefore the height of dishonesty and falsehood for anybody to state that no congress was held in Abia. The public should also know that this was the same way that the delegates for 2011 election were elected.

The process that led to 2011 election was repeated this year.The senators who were the beneficiaries of the 2011 process acclaimed it as free and fair.

Now that they think that their delegates will not be elected delegates for 2015 election, they are now crying imposition and unfairness. Is there any aspirant that does not have a list of persons he would want elected to specific posts for given tasks?

Specific posts Even in Student Union election,there are interest groups with their list of candidates. In Labour Union elections and indeed in any electoral contest, every contestant or group will have their list of persons to be elected- Is there any aspirant that did not buy Delegate Forms for their own supporters? Is there any aspirant that did not spend money to ensure that ‘his own delegates were elected?

There is a governorship aspirant who deals in oil and gas who has been

Okpara distributing dollars and vehicles to make him become the PDP governorship candidate. He has also been busy distributing thousands of dollars and brand new vehicles to party official outside Abia State. Those criticizing the Congress are pure hypocrites and disconnected from Abians. Why is it that a process is declared free and fair when it favours some people? When they lose out, it becomes undemocratic and an imposition?

But some have expressed fears over the likelihood of imposition of candidates on the party?

It is only somebody who is delusional that will be talking about imposition of

candidates in Abia State. Was anybody prevented from buying forms and campaigning in Abia State? The fact is that those representing us at the National Assembly have not done well.

Abians want change.

For the banker and the oil and gas magnate, they are not on ground and they do not have experience in public service or governance. That you throw dollars to people in Abuja will not make you Governor of Abia State. Abia State governorship is not for the highest spender. It is not for sale. You cannot become Governor by changing your place of origin.

The pertinent question to be asked is that all the time that Ochendo has been extremely loyal and supportive of the President and the party, where were these people? The banker’s classmate and soul mate is a former PDP governor who defected to APC. If he becomes governor today, first thing he will do after swearing-in will be to join his soul mate in the APC. How true is it that the governor and his son are allegedly working towards imposing Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on the PDP? It is a blatant lie, PDP is in the process of electing candidates for various posts and as at today there are about 11 governorship aspirants in Abia PDP. Neither the Governor nor his son imposed Dr Ikpeazu. But are you saying that the Governor and his son are precluded from having their own choice? Should the Governor not be interested in who succeeds him? The truth is that Abia State will be very lucky if Dr Ikpeazu succeeds Ochendo. Dr Ikpeazu is well read, humble, honest, competent, humane and God fearing.

The women on the move Continues from page 28 Authority, LBRBDA. She remains the only female governorship aspirant contesting on the PDP platform.

Relying on her experience at the commission, she believes that her sinking of over 900 hand pump boreholes, 450 motorized boreholes, 120 solar boreholes and construction of eight earth dams in four states to boost agriculture and mitigate flooding will sway the delegates at the PDP primaries.

She has pledged to industrialise the state’s enormous agro-allied potentials by harnessing them into maximum productivity, if given the opportunity to govern the state.

Nkechi Nwaogu (Abia State) Nkechi Justina Nwaogu is the only female governorship aspirant on the platform of the PDP in Abia State.

Born on May 29, 1956, Nwaogu has been in the Senate since 2007 where she represents Abia Central Senatorial District.

Though she has been asked

to shelve her governorship ambition, the chairman, Senate Committee Chairman on Oil and Gas remains dogged has vowed to pursue her governorship ambition to a logical end.

She is leaving no stone unturned to take over the reins of power from the outgoing governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji.

Ndidi Abanum (Delta State) Mrs Ndidi Abanum Abanum, who hails from the Ukwani area of Delta, announced that she was not one to be intimidated out of the race by anybody.

Abanum, who has picked the PDP nomination form ahead of the party ’s governorship primary election, said she would bridge the gap between the rich and the poor in the state.

Bridging the gap In an attempt to curry favour, she has vowed to make exmilitants commissioners in her cabinet and at the same time, fight poverty if elected.

•Jonathan: Pushing the women Chris Anyanwu (Imo State) Senator Chris Anyanwu is a second term senator, who is entrenched in battle against several men in the Imo 2015 governorship race.

To her admirers, she has made tremendous impact in the political landscape of the state especially during the 2011 governorship elections, which saw to the emergence of the incumbent governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

At the National Assembly, she is a big voice on issues of good legislation and she has raised the image of the Nigerian Navy which she oversights as Senate

Committee Chairman.

Bob-Abbey Hart (Rivers State) Mrs Abieatedoghu BobAbbey Hart, a lawyer cum politician from Rivers State has declared her intention to contest the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Bob-Hart who was elected into the House of Representatives in 1997 to represent Bonny/Degema federal constituency and has said her motivation to contest the governorship election stemmed from the burning passion to deliver quality

governance to the people of the state.

The governorship hopeful who expressed optimism that she would clinch the party’s ticket for the election said she had built political bridges across the state.

Hart, a former member of the House of Representatives said, “I am a practising lawyer, graduated from University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 1991, 23 years ago, a development consultant and an intellectual in the business of developing strategies and concepts for nation building.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 29

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30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

DG, RIVERS STATE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT EXPLODES:

I can't wait to return to Nollywood — Sam Dede Popular Nollywood actor, university lecturer and incumbent Director- General/CEO, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Sam Dede in this interview talks about his desire to return to Nollywood after the expiration of his appointment as well as what fun seekers should expect at this year's edition of the annual Port-Harcourt carnival.

By BENJAMIN NJOKU

W

HAT's your impression about Nollywood since you’ve been away?

We have a new crop of film makers. In some quarters, they refer to them as new Nollywood; it’s good. I’ve seen some of the works they’ve done. It’s quite an improvement on what we used to have. I just hope it is sustainable because it is not easy out there. It’s a different ball game.

What we know is that Nollywood grew out of its own steam. It was a deliberate move to tell our own story in our own way and our people have become used to that way of telling our story. So, anything new that is better than what we used to have is very much welcome but I hope we can sustain it.

Are you missing acting?

Yes, I can't wait to return to the industry. I will definitely return to Nollywood as soon as I am done with this appointment.

There are so many jobs to be done in the industry. The fact is that a lot of things have gone wrong while some of us have been away. Some of us have gone into politics; taking up political appointments, while many others have gone into different businesses.We need to come back stronger and more experienced to put Nollywood on the right track C M Y K

How have you been coping as the Director-General of the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency?

It has been tasking. What you should do is to face the challenges. And the good thing for me is I already had interest in tourism before the appointment came. So, my coming into the terrain and drawing a strategy plan for tourism in Rivers State was not really difficult because the idea has always been there. This is just time to put it down for people to see. This is what we have done and we are moving gradually into it. Also, being a celebrity opens doors for you and it also gives you a leeway to get through

What we know is that Nollywood grew out of its own steam

I'm funding my campaign myself for now

— D1 Adeneye

things in life. I think I am using the advantage of the goodwill to get some things going for us.

This year's Port-Harcourt carnival will hold from the 14th of December through 20th.

What are we expecting from the organisers?

The 2014: One Love, One People Edition, is a Carnival with many firsts. For the first time in the history of the Carnival, we are set to unveil our state-of-theart performance stage. It is a one hundred and fifty (150) feet of architectural masterpiece with many outstanding features. The stage is collapsible and can be uncoupled into smaller units to stage multiple events at far-flung locations within the state. The stage is designed to complement our sponsorship drive as it can also be deployed for branding purposes by interested sponsors.

In no small measure, this stage, which is the largest of its kind in Africa, will raise the standard and brand pedigree of the Carnival in line with our vision to position it as a global brand.

Secondly, we have packaged the different activities of the Carnival into sub brands for commercial exploitation.

Unlike in previous editions, we have fully democratized the Carnival to encourage business participation from interested corporate bodies and multi-national organisations in order to make it a ‘commercially attractive and economically viable Carnival brand’. At least twelve individual events such as the ‘Free Style Street Parade’, the ‘Kids Carnival’, ‘Praise Jam’ and ‘Ekere – Continues on page 31

MEGA awards come to town

Smartphone dial pad may fade away

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 —31

Synopsis A PLACE IN THE STARS

Kim Dakim (Gideon OkekeEche), a young lawyer gets a client with a case that leaves him conflicted. He has information that can save many lives if he passes it on, but he also stands to make millions of dollars if he doesn’t. In a very corrupt country where everyone loves money and no one cares how you make it, Kim sees this as his chance to make it big.

Continues from page 30 rhythm of the Tribes, to mention a few, are open to exclusive and non-exclusive category sponsorships. We have also created a headline sponsorship window for interested sponsors.

Thirdly, for the first time, we are staging Miss Carniriv Beauty Pageant (MCBP) as part of the carnival. The pageant, slated for the 13th of December, is a special event to herald the carnival and introduce the beauty of Port Harcourt and indeed Nigeria to the world. I will also like to add that successful participants and fans alike are to go home with unique prizes and gifts as a token of appreciation from the organisers.

And there are more that we can not reveal in one sitting.

You claimed that the Port Harcourt Carniriv is one of the biggest Carnivals in Africa, is this really so and why have you not translated this into the commercial and publicity success expected of a brand of this nature?

Each year, over Five Hundred Thousand participants, 23 local government floats, ten costume bands and visiting troupes from all over the world take part in our carnival. The turnout grows each year and this is a known fact. Add to that over 14 kilometres of street parade and over 25 group tour requests during the carnival and you are closer to the big picture - we are big!

Audience participation

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK 30 DAYS IN ATLANTA RECLAIM HATESHIP LOVESHIP 7TH DWARF NINJA TURTLE

Movie schedule from 14th November — 20th November 2014 sustenance of the environment in the quest to improve our general wellness and the quality of life This year, the Carnival is themed, One Love, One People edition, for reasons that are self evident: Our country and indeed the global community has embraced globalisation - the breaking down of barriers, the closing of ranks between people of diverse colours, creed, culture, political leaning, race etc. Our theme is well thought out because it denoted the unity of our people, diverse as we are in creed, and culture and faith and opinion – we celebrate our oneness as people of the greatest city in Nigeria – calm, peaceful, fun filled and original.

Who are the artistes to perform?

We are unveiling the list of the artistes that will be performing at the flag off in Lagos where we will invite all of them to meet with the press. Last year, we used 56 upcoming Port Harcourt based artistes.

We gave them the same opportunity to perform on the same stage with international artists, using the same stories as international artists and all of them were paid. We will do more this year.

We have always concentrated our energy and resources in delivering the best Carnival in terms of audience participation and satisfaction and without sounding immodest, we have succeeded in bringing internationally renowned You participated at the Notting Hill musicians and chart toppers such as Shaggy, Patra, Style Plus, Morgan Carnival for three years, what’s the value Heritage and their indigenous to the Carniriv brand?

The project is Carniriv at Notting Hill counterparts to Port Harcourt for live performances.

Carnival. We also do the same In the same token, we have at the carnival in Trinidad and always lined up the best-ofTobago. Our intention is to glothe-best indigenous stars to balize our carnival. We want to also perform alongside the get Carniriv carnival to be on global icons. Although our the list of globally recognized work speaks for us, we have carnivals and we are getting since learnt that we have to there. I’m sure if you ask peosound our own trumpet too. ple in London, they will tell you For this reason, this year, we they know about Carniriv. are upping the media and Same in Trinidad and Tobago. publicity stakes on a global That’s the whole idea of level and we are sure that the participating in those internainternational community will tional carnivals. We want to tell marvel at the entertainment the whole world that when it’s spectacle that is the Carniriv winter in Europe, America and 2014: One Love, One People elsewhere, and people are edition.

We are looking for places to go to, there is a carnival in a place where unveiling the What makes the carnival the sun light comes up as early list of the unique? as 6am and doesn’t go down One of the unique features artistes that till 6pm. This is the place to be of the carnival is that each during winter. It’s beginning to year we launch it with a will be happen because people are predominant theme. For performing at bombarding our website. Last instance, the 2013 edition was year, we had a packaged tour themed, ‘The Green World the flag off in for 25 people from the United Edition’ in consonance with Lagos where Kingdom who attended the the universal crusade to go carnival. We are not talking of green. As expected, we will invite others that came on their own. throughout the duration of all of them to We set up a strategic the 2013 edition, we development plan to globalised meet with the promoted everything organic, our carnival to rank among respect for nature and press other carnivals in the world.

SILVERBIRDCINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND A Most Wanted Man : 1:50pm,6:20pm,8:35pm A Place in the Stars : 4:00pm,8:20pm Hateship Loveship : 11:35am 30 Days in Atlanta : 1:40pm,6:30pm,8:40pm The 7th Dwarf : 11:50am Ninja Turtles : 11:50am,1:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA A Most Wanted Man : 11:30am,3:55pm,8:25pm A place in the Stars : 10:40am,5:50pm,8:00pm Hateship Loveship : 12:50pm9:10pm, 30 Days in Atlanta : 1:50pm,6:15pm,8:55pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:55am,4:55pm Ninja Turtles : 12:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC A Most Wanted Man : 12:20pm,4:50pm,6:50pm,9:10pm A place in the Stars : 11:50am,2:00pm,4:10pm,6:20pm Hateship Loveship : 12:50pm,5:10pm,8:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:40am,1:50pm,4:00pm,6:10pm,8:20pm The 7th Dwarf : 12:40pm,2:30pm,4:20pm, Ninja Turtles : 11:50pm,1:50pm,6:40pm Dracula Untold :1:00pm,5:00pm The Equalizer : 6:10pm,8:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA A Most Wanted Man : 2:00pm,6:30pm,8:45pm A place in the Stars : 11:20am,5:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:10am,12:50pm,6:40pm,8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT A Most Wanted Man : 2:05pm,6:30pm,8:50pm A place in the Stars : 11:50am,4:10pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Hateship Loveship :11:10am,1:15pm, 4:25pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:30am,1;50pm,4:00pm,6:20pm,8:30pm Ninja Turtles : 1:05pm,5:15pm The Equalizer : 3:55pm Dracula : 11:00am5:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI A place in the Stars : 4:05pm,8:15pm Hateshi Loveship ; 10:20am,6:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:30pm,5:05pm,9:05pm The 7th Dwarf : 12:25pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO A place in the Stars : 11:45am,1:15pm,2:45pm,4:20pm,5:50pm,7:20pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:00pm,2:10pm,4:20pm,6:30pm The Equalizer : 1:00pm,3:45pm,6:20pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS A Most Wanted Man : 1:05pm,4:35pm A place in the Stars : 11:50am,6:45pm Purge 2 : 4:45pm,8:40pm Hateship Loveship : 12:30pm 30 days in Atlanta: 3:20pm,9:00pm Ninja turtle: 10:00am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS A Most Wanted Man : 6:55pm,9:30pm A place in the Stars : 10:40am,12:50pm5:10pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 3:00pm,7:20pm,9:10pm The 7th Dwarf : 11:00am,12:50pm,2:50pm,4:40pm The Equalizer : 10;00am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT A Most Wanted Man : 2:00pm,6:35pm,9:00pm A place : 12:50pm,3:00pm,7:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:40am,5:10pm,9:30pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:15am GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS, ENUGU A place in the Stars : 10:25am,2:45pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:35pm,4:55pm,7:05pm The Equalizer : 9:15pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS A Most Wanted Man : 2:10pm, 5:10pm,6:35pm A place in the Stars : 10:00am,2:10pm,6:35pm,10:00pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 12:00pm,5:00pm,10:00pm The 7th Darf : 10:50am,11:20am,12:35pm,1:00pm,2:50pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS,HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN A Most Wanted Man : 1:20pm,2:10pm,.6:35pm,8:50pm A place in the Stars : 10:20am,12:25pm,4:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 2:30pm,6:35pm,8:35pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:00am,10:50am,12:30pm,4:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA A Most Wanted Man : 1:20pm,6:00pm A place in the Stars : 10:00am,12:05pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:00am,12:05pm4:20pm The 7th Dwarf : 10:00am,11:40am FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR A place in the Stars : 12:20pm,4:20pm,6:15pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 10:00am,12:00pm,4:30pm,6:30pm The 7th Dwarf : 11:00am,2:50pm KADA CINEMAS, BENNI A place in the Stars : 11:00am,1:30pm,4:00pm,6:30pm 30 Days in Atlanta : 11:00am,1:30pm,4:00pm7:00pm The 7th Dwarf : 3:45pm

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First Lady, NCWD, others tackle challenges facing women & girls

BY PROVIDENCE OBUH & JOY UNUANE

F

irst Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) and Friends Africa collaborated, penultimate week, with a view to addressing identified challenges facing women and girl child in Nigeria.

Speaking at the maiden Women and Girls summit held in Abuja, Jonathan said that the summit become necessary in order to urgently address the issues of Education, Health, Safety and Security and Economic Empowerment facing women and girls in the country.

She pointed out that there is the need for a deliberate and continuous effort in ensuring the safety, development and empowerment of women and girls, adding that despite the increased role that women and girls play in the growth and development of the nation’s economy it is acknowledged that development programmes haven’t completely met the need of this select group.

According to her, “There is no meaningful development without women, therefore individuals and corporate organisations in Nigeria must continue to support and partner

*Dame Patience Jonathan with women to realise the goals and objectives of the summit” Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, said,

should be a platform for high level discourse on the challenges confronting women and girls in Nigeria.

On her part, Founder, Friends Africa, Dr. Akudo Ikemba, said that the role of women in the field of “With the support of well-meaning sustainable development has Nigerians, women will be able to already been acknowledged care for themselves, contribute to the globally, “girls are change development of their families, agents”, they play a crucial communities and the nation” role in solving the most “ We cannot claim to be persistent development developing if we do not recognise problems facing the world the sacrifices women and girls have today. By investing in their to make. From the Aba Women Riot economic potential through of 1929 over double taxation by the education, issues such as HIV then colonial administration, the and AIDS can be resolved and fortunes of women and girls have the cycle of poverty can be continued to improve as a result of broken.”

The summit is access to education. designed to be an Women and girls annual event had represent the heartbeat in attendance over of any nation. Our 1,000 women and women and girls hold There is no girls, decision the key to the untapped meaningful makers, leading potentials of this great gender advocates, country,” Maina said. development technical experts D i r e c t o r - G e n e r a l , without women, and leaders from National Centre for international Women Development, therefore organizations Lady Onyeka Onwenu, individuals and focused on said that the summit developing an allwas a “game changer ” corporate inclusive policy in policy planning and organisations in framework that will implementing help government programmes for the Nigeria must achieve its Girl-Child and women continue to objectives in in the country. addressing the She urged policy support and immediate and makers on the important partner with long term needs of issues of the girl-child, women the Girl-Child saying that there

Odumakin, others make case for women empowerment in politics

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

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takeholders have called for greater empowerment of women in the country as a means of ensuring their greater participation in the nation’s body politics.

This was the consensus of views on Monday at a one-day leadership capacity building workshop for women leaders in political parties from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States held in Lagos organized by a civil society, Women Arise for Change.

Those who spoke on the occasion include; the President of Women Arise for Change, WAC, Joe Okei-Odumakin, a Nollywood actor, Saheed Balogun, Rhoda Robinson of the Hacey’s Health Initiative and scores of others.

Okei-Odumakin stated that the workshop was in fulfillment of the mandate of her group’s aimed at empowerment of women, saying the occasion was a move to help women secure their place in the nation’s politics.

“The workshop is organized as part of the

mandate of Women Arise for Change in improving the lots of women in politics.

It is also aimed at enhancing the participation of women in politics.”

She added that “What we seek to do is to equip women to take part in politics.

We have invited women from all the political parties in the country. We are trying to equip women who would in turn address all issues of development in the country.”

Commenting, Balogun told women to assist one another when one of them come forward to seek political office, adding that many of them would attain the much touted affirmative benchmark for women’s participation in politics.

“I remember during the last presidential primaries of the PDP, it was a woman who challenged President Goodluck Jonathan for the ticket, the woman was Sarah Jubril who stood up to campaign. Women were at the primaries and she only got one vote, Where were the women?” he said.

*Joe Okei

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 —

35

Rotary deepens fight against polio in Nigeria JOSEPHINE AGBONKHESE & TARE YOUDEOWEI

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igeria risks cascading to square one in the fight against poliomyelitis if the remaining one to two percent prevalence in the country is not tackled urgently, Chairman World Polio Day Committee, Rotarian Yemi Osilaja, has said.

Speaking recently in Lagos during a 10-kilometre awareness walk against poliomyelitis, which took scores of Rotarians from the National Stadium through Mosalashi, Iponri flyover in Lagos, and then back to the stadium, Osilaja reiterated that Rotary was determined to eradicate polio in Nigeria in the next two years.

“Nigeria is about 98 to 99% free but that little gap, if not taken care of, can go draw us back to where we were 10

years ago. So, we want to ensure As you are aware, we have only we kick it out once and for all. three countries with polio right now, which are: Even after we have Nigeria, Pakistan and done that, we have Afghanistan, “ to continuously Osilaja said during immunize children the walk organised by to be sure we are Rotary District 9110, free because polio Nigeria, and tagged disables children.

‘Walk-a-thon’.

For us, issues of Also giving the polio must always It is never too minutiae of the aims be at the forefront of the walk, Past and any much because District Governor, Dr opportunity we get the vaccine has Tunji Funsho, said the to talk about polio, district hoped to we would embrace no side effects achieve two aims it. and is non-toxic. through the walk.

“We are excited “One is to continue because of the So, it can be creating awareness support we have taken as many about the need to been getting from times as possible eradicate polio all over the world.

Local and foreign Artists at the Lagos photo festival,

Contemporary artists move beyond photojournalistic gaze

BY ANINO AGANBI

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he Lagos Photo Foundation holds its fifth edition of the annual Lagos Photo Festival in Lagos, Nigeria. It is the first and only international arts festival of photography in Nigeria. In a month long program, events include exhibitions, workshops, artist presentations, discussions, screenings, and large scale outdoor installations in congested public spaces in Lagos. Lagos Photo aims to provide a platform for the development and education of

contemporary photography in Africa by establishing mentorship and crosscultural collaborations with local and international artists. Lagos Photo presents photography as it is embodied in the exploration of historical and contemporary issues, the promotion of social program, and the reclaiming of public spaces. Lagos Photo 2014 features forty photographers spanning across twenty-one countries.

The theme, Staging Reality, Documenting Fiction, examines contemporary photographers working

in Africa who negotiate the boundaries and relationships between photography, beliefs, and truths. Incorporating conceptual and performative strategies that expand traditional photographic practice, many contemporary artists working on the continent move beyond the confines of the photojournalistic gaze.

Meddina Dugger,(Head curator) stated “These artists produce work that considers the complex social and political concerns that define a new Africa in the twenty-first century, and they explore how the ubiquity of images plays a vital role in how reality is

particularly in the south where we have not had polio for quite a few years; for mothers, families and care givers to continue ensuring that their children get routine immunization, including against polio. Also, that when health workers do house-to-house immunisation on national immunisation days, people do not say ‘oh my child has already gotten it at the health centre’.

“It is never too much because the vaccine has no side effects, it is nontoxic, so it can be taken as many times as possible. As far as there is any case of polio anywhere in the world, no child is safe. Even America that has eradicated polio for more than 20 years still immunises its children. The second is to raise at least half a billion dollars to complement funds available to end polio in two years,” Funsho said.

constructed and articulated. Utilizing genres such as staged narratives, performance, appropriation, selfportraiture, and still life, these artists push the temporal and spatial boundaries of the photographic medium.” In doing so, Staging Reality, Documenting Fiction considers how these artists imagine different futures and charter fictive worlds, using photography as a catalyst to investigate the changing realities of Africa today. “Through our numerous collaborations, Lagos Photo continues to provide a platform for the improvement and progression of professional and emerging photographic talent in a comprehensive public programming initiative that includes workshops, artist presentations, and portfolio reviews facilitated by prominent local and international photographers” she disclosed.

Some of the participating artists include: Ade Adekola (Nigeria), Laurence Aëgerter (France),Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou (Benin) ,Jenevieve Aken (Nigeria),Seun Akisanmi (Nigeria), Aisha Augie-Kuta (Nigeria), Ricardo Cases (Spain), Edson Chagas (Angola), Kudzanai Chiurai (Zimbabwe),Pierre- Christophe Gam (France/Cameroon),Angélica Dass (Brazil),Cristina de Middel(Spain),Delphine Fawundu (Sierra Leone/USA),Glenna Gordon (USA),Hassan Hajjaj (Morocco),Jacqueline Hassink (Netherlands),Nicolas Henry (France),Jan Hoek (Netherlands), Sam Hopkins (UK/ Kenya) and a host of others.

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C M Y K

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40— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 he World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has said that a global strategy is required to stop extremism.

He categorically condemned the activities of the group under the auspices of the Islamic state of Syria and Iraq , ISIS , and other extremists groups as “entirely unIslamic” and said they were “ viciously spreading a network of terror” in the world.

Delivering a keynote address at the 11th National Peace Symposium hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim or indeed any religio. People Community, UK, Hazrat are free to believe or not to Masroor Ahmad quoted believe. And so when the extensively from the Holy Holy Prophet (peace be upon Quran to proved Islam as a him) was permitted only to religion of peace and convey the message of Islam tolerance, mutual respect and and nothing further – how understanding at all levels of then can the so called Muslim society. leaders of today go beyond He said: “Over the past year, this and think they have more one particular group has power, authority or rights viciously spread its network of than the Prophet of Islam?” terror and has become a cause Questioning how extremist of major concern for the world. groups such as ISIS were I am speaking of the group of funded and supported, the extremists commonly known Ahmadiyya leader said:,”The as ‘ISIS’ or ‘I.S.’ The actions funding of these groups is a of this terrorist group are not major problem because it is only impacting on Muslim through these funds that they countries, but also countries in are able to prey on vulnerable Europe and further afield are groups or individuals. Thus also being affected by its something has to be done to brutalities.” stop the funding of these Hazrat Mirza Masroor groups urgently. The West Ahmad said it was highly has now started to realise and “disturbing” that hundreds of acknowledge that this is a war Muslim youths from all parts that is actually directly of the world were being affecting it as well. However, attracted by ISIS and were this too is under-estimation – going to Syria and Iraq to fight the truth is that this is a war for them. His Holiness said: against the entire world.” “the agenda and objectives of “Consider just how much ISIS and their so-called suffering and ruin can be Khalifa are utterly horrific and caused by an extremist barbaric”. group, which is a gathering ISIS, he stated, had a of frustrated and restless mission to “take over the people from all parts of the world” which he classed as world who are ready to give “ wishful thinking”, adding their lives for this unjust that if ISIS was not “stopped cause. in its tracks” it could cause “This is especially true great destruction in the world. given the fact that this group “It is never permissible, in (ISIS) does not just have any circumstance, to force willing individuals but is also another person to accept Islam heavily armed with

T

Ahmadiyy a calls ffor or global strat egy tto o Ahmadiyya strategy st op e xtremism stop extremism sophisticated weapons systems and artillery. Indeed, it is not out of the question that they could eventually lay their hands on nuclear weapons.”

T h e Khalifa went on to give a detailed account of Quranic teachings in relation to warfare, stating that wherever Muslims were given permission for a ‘defensive war’ it was given as a means to protect all religions and not just Islam.

He also explained t h e unparalleled efforts made by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to spread peace throughout the world.

Calling everyone to the path of God Khalifa Masroor siad:

“Most importantly the world must realise that it has forgotten its Creator and they must come back to Him. Only when this happens can true peace be established a n d without this there can be no guarantee of peace. I h a v e spoken m a n y t i m e s previously about the horrific consequences of another global war a n d perhaps it will only be after such a war that the world will come to realise the destructive results of the unjust policies that were made only to satisfy personal ambitions and vested interests. I hope and pray that the world comes to its senses before such a disaster comes

,

It is never permissible, in any circumstance, to force another person to accept Islam or indeed any religion.

People are free to believe or not to believe

,

to pass.”

Dignitaries at the event espoused the importance of peace and the critical state of today’s world. In the words of Rt Hon Ed Davey, MP, Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Rt Hon Justine Greening, MP, Secretary of State for International Development, Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark among others.

Most Reverend Kevin McDonald, Archbishop Emeritus of Southwark, who also read a special message from the Vatican, alluded the contributions of the Ahmadiyya community to peace.

“I strongly applaud the huge contribution being made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in spreading peace in the world.

While stressing need for more global peace, Rafiq Hayat, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, referred to Remembrance Day commemorations and how the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community “honoured” British servicemen and women who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of their nation during the First World War. The event held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London attracted more than 1000 people, including 550 nonAhmadi guests comprising Government Ministers, Ambassadors of State, Members of both Houses of Parliament and various other dignitaries and guests. The theme of this year ’s Peace Symposium was “Khilafat, Peace and Justice”.

The high point of the occasion was the presentation of a peace award to Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Founder and CEO Mary’s Meals UK, in recognition of his outstanding efforts to provide food and education to hundreds of thousands of children in the developing world.

NSCDC, marks new Hijrah in Ogun BYADERONKE ADEYERI

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From left: Alh.Bamgbola (the Olori Ratibi Of Egbaland); DC Makinde Iskil; DC, NSCDC, Ayodele Adetarami, Acting Provost, College of Security Management; Mallam Abdussalam Abdurrazaq (guest speaker), representative of the State commandant and Hon.Commissioner for Information Alh. Yusuf Olaniyonu during an annual Hijrah awareness lecture held at Ogun State Civil Defence College of Security Management, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

HE Ogun state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured that his administration will continue to work towards a peaceful environment in the state particularly, before and during the forthcoming election.

The governor who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alh. Barrister Yusuf Olaniyonu at the annual Hijrah awareness lecture jointly organized by the Muslim Community and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, held at the Corps College of Security Management, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta,Ogun state recently, said peaceful co-existence was the key to development.

The governor charged Muslim faithful to move closer to God and do justice to all irrespective of religious affiliation.

Also, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji Imam Liadi Orunsola urged

Muslims to live peacefully with others, noting that peace as a major ingredient in the development of any society was missing in our contemporary world.

In the same vein, the Chief Imam of the Corps, Alhaji Imam Shaffi Omojole stated that the topic was not only timely but also appropriate especially at this time when politics has become the main issue. He enjoined every one especially Muslims to take lessons from Allah who named himself peace, gave them the religion of peace, greeting of peace and a code of conduct to ensure peace among all men.

Delivering a lecture themed: “Living with others in Peace”, Mallam Abdussalam Abdurrazaq said Almighty Allah has given mankind everything needed to live in peace by creating, adding that the only way to live in peace despite our differences is to do justice at all times.

“Rassulullah was custodian of properties belonging to non Muslims.

Rasulullah took loan from a Jew, and he did justice to all, just as Allah spoke of justice as a universal term.”

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014— 41

Special Juma't Ser vice Service

2014 HAJJ: Amosun orders refund to unsuccessful applicants

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he Ogun State Government has directed a refund of fees paid by unsuccessful applicants for the just concluded Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

This directive was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed recently.

Facing the Kaaba gathered that money collected for the procurment of Hajj forms should be refunded to all the unsuccessful applicants in the state.

The governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun gave the order in line with his administration rebuilding mission and also to ensure fair play, equity and justice for unsuccessful pilgrims who missed out in

the just concluded 2014 Hajj exercise.

The Board’s scribe recently announced that Governor Ibikunle Amosun had graciously approved the refund of the sum of N5,000 being the required payments made for procurement of their forms.

Rasheed noted that the gesture was first of its kind in the history of management of Hajj operations in the state, adding that all affected unsuccessful pilgrims should visit the Board’s headquarters from Monday November 17till Friday December 5,2014 with relevant documents to verify their claims.

“The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has graciously approved the refund of the

N5,000 being fees paid for forms by all unsuccessful applicants for the just concluded 2014 Hajj exercise, due to his desire to ensure fair play justice and equity”, he said.

The statement also added that all unsuccessful applicants are advised to retrieve their initial deposits from the board coffers, as no reserved slots would be given to any would be pilgrims during the commencement of the 2015 exercise.

“All unsuccessful applicants for last Hajj exercise who are yet to retrieve their initial deposit payments from the Board are advised to note that no special status would be accorded to any intending pilgrim in the forth coming 2015 exercise”, he noted.

Sheikh Ibrahim Garuba Akinola, OON, Chief Imam of Lagos State,(middle) Alh Engr. Shakirudeen AbdulGafar, Special Adviser to the governor on Islamic Matters; (right) Eniola Awolaro, Director CD, Min of Rural Development, Lagos State (2nd right) and other members of the State Ministry of Rural Development during a special Jumaat Service to mark the 2014 ‘Community Day’ organised by the State Ministry of Rural Development held at the Lagos State Central Mosque recently.

Lagos Min of Rural Devt prays

•As Fashola’s aide charges on community responsibility

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HE Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos stateonReligiousMatters,Alh Engr.

Shakirudeen AbdulGafar has charged various Community Development Associations, CDAs, in the state to mobilise themselvestowardscheckingany form of insecurity in the state.

Abdul-Gafar stated this while delivering a lecture shortly after a Special Jumat Prayer held at the Lagos State Central Mosque to mark the 2014 Community Day. Speaking on the theme: Community Mobilisation: A panacea for Security Challenges,Abdul-Gafarsaid: “as individuals, we should be aware of what is going on in

our various communities, that is our responsibility; if we want the society to get better.”

The Director of Rural Agriculture,AlhHabeebullah Giwa feilding question from newsmen also noted that the annual programme has recorded tremendous success which according to him has translated into various levels of development in the state. “Because of the centrality of community and rural development, which forms the cornerstone of its 10-point agenda to transform the state into Africa’s model mega-city, we have been working with out various CDAs and the result has been wonderful. We thank the Governor of the State,

The beginning of Hijrah

BY HARUN RAZAQ

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rophet Muhammad (SAW) was sent as a universal messenger in the Arabian Peninsula to complete the message of Tauh?id (Islamic Monotheism) of the earlier Prophets of Allah that were sent to their various communities and tribes. Scholars described the practice of the Arab during this period as barbaric. However, it is on record that there was no shirk (polytheism) in Makkah at initial stage. The holy city was founded by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his families and their religion is Islam.

Most of the Arabs complied with the call of Ismail (AS), and professed the religion of his father Ibrahim (AS).

They worshipped Allah professed His Oneness and followed His religion a long time until they forgot part of what they had been reminded of and ‘Amru bin Luhai brought shirk from Sham (Syria) and commanded people to worship it. Nevertheless, after many years of these barbarism, Allah fulfilled His promise by sending Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to return entire mankind to the religion of Allah that was professed by Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaq and others.

Babatunde Raji Fashola, and the Commissioner for Rural Development,HonCornelius Ojelabi and SSA to the governor on Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe for the steps taken to increase development at the grassroots. The essence is to alsoofferprayertoAllah,thank Him for the wonderful things He has done in our lives, pray for our leaders, the CDAs and get more closer to the people throughthevariousCDAs,”he said.

Giwawhonotedthatseveral projects had been handed over in different communities in the state in the area of provision of potable water, rural electrification, communityhallsandopening ofruralroads,statedthatitwas only through CDAs that rural dwellers will be able to seek government’s intervention on various challenges facing them.

He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration was conceived following the security challenges in the country, adding that every individualmustbefullyaware of what goes on in his immediate environment and offer positive contributions towards having a peaceful environment.

Community day is a day set aside by the United Nations whenmemberscometogether to take collective action to solve common problems in various communities.

From left: Alh Buhari AbdulMalik, CDC chairman, Lagos Island Local Government; Alh Fajolu K. Tajudeen; Sheikh Ibrahim Garuba Akinola, OON, Chief Imam of Lagos State and Alh Habeeb Giwa, Director, Lagos State Rural Agriculture during a special Jumaat to mark the 2014 Community Day .

Officials of the State Ministry of Rural Development during a Special Jumaat Service to mark the 2014 Community Day .

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Man, 64, suffers stroke 10 times in 10 years ...stroke action advocates improved support

By Gabriel Olawale

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TROKE is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is likely to worsen in developing countries such as Nigeria over the next two decades based on projections by the World Health Organisation.

Experts say with the increasing prevalence of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, the current prevalence of stroke in Nigeria is 1.14 per 1000 while the 30-day case fatality rate is as high as 40 percent. Management of stroke remains largely conservative and with little or no funding for high-quality research. Millions of those affected in Nigeria continually remain at risk.

Ten years ago, precisely on November 8, 2004, Alexander suffered a stroke. He didn’t know it at that time, but he was destined to suffer several more strokes in the years ahead. The first experience was so traumatic it almost ended his life. Ever since, his wellbeing and state of health have been a serious challenge. Today, 64year-old Alexander is still battling the adverse effects of recurrent stroke – an ailment that strikes suddenly, killing its victims or leaving them paralysed for life.

In an encounter with Features Health & Living at a fund raising dinner organised

by Stroke Care International for rehabilitation and education of people affected by stroke and their families, he told a heart-rending tale of his travails. In tears, he recounted how it all began 10 years ago, precisely on November 8, 2004.

“On the fateful day, I went to visit a Church member in the hospital. Sometime during the visit, I developed a headache, so I excused myself and went home. At home, I decided to take a bath, but in the process, something strange happened. I

• Mr. Alexander Uwanikone, Stroke patient felt a knock on my head and next thing I knew, I was on the floor. Later, Alexander got to know that he passed out for more than 20 minutes.

“When I regained consciousness, I called out for help. At that moment, there was no life again in my left hand and leg. It was then I realised I just suffered a stroke. One of my daughters who was in the kitchen heard my shouts and rushed to my aid.

“My wife later came in too and they both assisted me to the room. I lay on the bed helpless. My eyes were rolling round and round. At that moment, my mouth bent out of shape. I could not speak normally and I lost coordination.”

Alexander was admitted in the hospital so many times he lost count. “I have suffered stroke attacks at least 10 times on

different occasions. Sometimes I would be in a coma and even when conscious, I could not coordinate my movement properly.

Whenever the crisis was to start, my legs would vibrate and it would gradually spread to my heart and my head. My entire body would be shaking.”

Alexander has not desisted from taking his drugs, yet his health has not improved.

The family has committed all it has towards his recovery to no avail. They are still running from pillar to post.

Before the advent of stroke, he suffered series of asthma attacks and became hypertensive. In the midst of all these, his wife lost her job and with five children still in school, life took a turn for the worse.

“In 2008, I lost my first daughter during her National service year as a youth corps

member. Since then we have been like beggars. Two the remaining children have graduated without securing jobs. One is preparing to sit for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, SSSCE. The burden of catering for the children has become unbearable, he lamented.

“So all these problems are there, sometimes my head feels as big as a pot and so heavy. My blood pressure monitoring device got damaged and I’m too poor to buy another one.”

Speaking about Alexander, Executive Director, Stroke Care International, Mrs. Gloria Nkeng described his case as pathetic. Nkeng, a Stroke Consultant at Kings College Hospital, London, and advocate of better life for stroke patients, regretted the high incidence of stroke in the country. She explained that stroke patients were often neglected and inadequately catered for, even when assistance could come in various forms.

“When stroke strikes, it affects the whole family. It is not compulsory that it must be money. People can give us land, buildings, drugs, or food items. There is no limit to what can be donated for these people.”

Nkeng who is also a member of the Board of Directors, World Stroke Organisation representing sub-Sahara Africa, regretted that currently, the organisation has no place where stroke patients can access care and support services.

Soliciting assistance from individuals, corporate organisations and government in the interest of stroke patients, she remarked: “We are looking for a place where comprehensive care and services can be administered. Such place needs to be suitable for therapists where people who have suffered stroke can go so that we can fast-track them, assess them and rehabilitate them.”

All forms of support and donations are to be sent to Stroke Care International, First Bank; 2002200729 or contact 07046153894 for further enquires.

Wellbeing of our girls is responsibility of society— AHI

By Chioma Obinna

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ITH about 11 million Nigerian children out of school, most of whom are adolescent girls, stakeholders who gathered at the 21st Teenage Festival of Life, TLF, are seeking for improved support and attention to issues concerning young girls in the country.

They stakeholders who posited that Nigerian adolescent girls have long been neglected said for a better future, government should invest more in the welfare of the children.

In the views of the Executive Director, Action Health International, AHI, Dr. Uwem Essien, assuring the well being of adolescent girls, particularly, out-of-school girls should involve all members of the society.

Essien regretted that most Nigerian girls are victims of inability of the government to provide enabling environment that would guarantee a better future for all.

According to him, the government, individuals and the society must support their education; health care, protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse as well as ensure economic/social empowerment and participation in decision making which are all fundamental to achieving their potentials and promote national development.

He disclosed that a study carried out by Action Health International in 2013

showed that over 500 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 were out of school in a community in Lagos. He regretted that most of the girls had already been exposed to sex at a very tender age.

Essien who enumerated the challenges face by adolescent girls said over the last decade, Nigeria has witnessed an increase in public, private sector programmes targeted at girls; however these programmes have not sufficiently addressed and acknowledged the

important differences among young people. Adolescent girls particularly those that are out of school are often sidelined in public programmes, investments and policymaking.

“Many girls are daily denied their basic human rights, as well as the education, health and skills investments which would enable them to live healthy lives and achieve their potential. The challenges faced by them include, social isolation, discrimination, physical violence, sexual

•L-R: Adolescent girls performing during this year’s Teenage Festival of Life, TFL organised annually by Action Health Incorporation, AHI.

exploitation, neglect and all forms of discrimination which not only infringes their fundamental human rights but is counter-productive to personal and national development.

Essien stated that all government in Nigeria have failed Nigerian children, saying that there is need to provide health and educational needs of every Nigerian child.

He urged parents and government to invest appropriately in the development of young people in the country.

Essien posited that out- of -school adolescent girls must be empowered with knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, knowledge of their right as well as livelihood skills to negotiate safer sexual practices and engage in less risky behaviour.

Essien who spoke on the theme of this year’s Teenage Festival of Life, TFL: “Assuring the well being and Development of out of School Adolescent Girls” said TFL which was conceptualised by AHI in 1993 was to bridge the communication gap between the youth and adults on sexuality issues and the challenges of growing up.

TFL provides a platform for the youth to acquire knowledge and share their viewpoints on the years designated theme, using the creative arts (drama, songs, poetry, and essay) as a medium. brought out the ills being melted on the girl child.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—45

Warri women root for Reyenieju's re-election

MEETING:

President Goodluck Jonathan (right); Brig.-Gen. Anlaini Chinoko, MonitorGeneral, Senior Executive Course 36, of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru (left), and Vice President Namadi Sambo at a meeting with the President in Abuja, yesterday. STATE HOUSE PHOTO.

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI — WARRI F e d e r a l Constituency Women, WFCW, a pressure group in Delta State, has called on Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, delegates to vote for Mr. Daniel Reyenieju, House of Representatives member representing Warri Federal Constituency, to represent the party again in the next general elections.

Making the call in Warri, President, WFCW, Mrs. Esther Okotie-Eboh, said Reyenieju had done so much in the constituency in his short stay in the House, calling on the people of the constituency to emulate “our Ijaw neighbours, who are already planning the return of Mr. Nicholas Mutu for the fifth time.”

She explained that “the young lawmaker is intelligent, a good negotiator and bridge builder; qualities needed to succeed in the House.”

Urhobo scholars honour Ibru, Dafinone, others

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WO leading industrialists, Chief Michael Ibru and Chief David Dafinone, will be honoured at the national conference of the preeminent Urhobo Historical Society, UHS, which started yesterday and ends Sunday.

UHS documents history and culture of the Urhobo and other people of the Niger Delta. The two will be honoured in David Dafinone & Michael Ibru Business and Professional awards, categories.

Others are the E. N. Igho Science Award.

Seven other categories are Chief Mukoro Mowoe Service Award, Omorohwovo Okoro CoLeadership Service, Agbotanren Udih Diaspora Service Award, G. Ejaife Education Service Award, among

DSIEC declares PDP candidates winners in Ndokwa East, Ethiope East

By Festus Ahon

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SABA— DELTA State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, yesterday, announced the candidates of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, winners of Wednesday ’s chairmanship elections rerun in Ndokwa East and Ethiope East Local Government areas.

Announcing the results for Ndokwa East, the Returning Officer, Professor Timi

Akporunor, said three major political parties, All Progressives Congress, APC; Labour Party, LP, and PDP, fielded candidates for the chairmanship election.

Akporunor said at the end of the contest, APC candidate scored 2,337, LP 1,873, while PDP candidate scored 24,003.

He declared the PDP candidate, Mrs Nkechi Chukwurah, winner, having scored the highest votes cast.

For Ethiope East, where the

council election was earlier declared inconclusive by DSIEC, the Returning Officer, Professor Sunday Akparobi, announced that the combined results of both the October 26 and November 12 polls of the chairmanship election in the 20 wards that make up the council area, saw APC scoring 4,747; LP 7,613 and PDP, 28,828 votes.

Akparobi declared the PDP’s candidate, Mrs Faith Majemite, the winner.

UNIBEN employed 4,000 in my tenure—Oshodin

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Professor Osayuki Oshodin, has said no fewer than 4,000 persons were employed by his administration in the past five years.

Oshodin, who spoke at a briefing on the activities marking the 39th and 40th convocation and 44th Founder’s Day ceremony of the university, said he decided to provide employment opportunities for the people due to his desire to help fight the unemployment problem ravaging the country.

The convocation is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, November 19.

Professor Oshodin, whose tenure will end on November

30, also used the opportunity to introduce his successor, Professor Faraday Orumwense.

Oshodin, who noted that the university was combining two sessions for the convocation due to the failure of the university to hold convocation last year as a result of the strike by the Academic Staff Union of

Customs repositions for Yuletide

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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EME Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday, vowed to make the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border crimes, ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Mr. Willy

APBN holds 14th investiture

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SSOCIATION of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, APBN, will today in Lagos, hold the 14th investiture of its President, Mr. Gabriel Fasoto.

Fasoto, a former President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, and Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of

Universities, ASUU, said 10,735 graduates would be awarded various degrees and diplomas.

He said the Iyase of Benin Kingdom, Chief Sam Igbe, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Mr. Tony Elumelu and Reve-rend Mathew Okpebholo, will be honoured with degrees.

Nigeria, ICAN, is a consummate manager with extensive professional experience.

In a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Abdulsalawu Yakubu, APBN said the new President emerged in the election held at the 30th annual general assembly and lecture in Lagos on September 25.

Egbudin, who announced this, however, said the command generated N973,540, 612.78 revenue in October, the highest monthly revenue collected so far.

Stating that the command recently made 24 seizures with duty paid value of N32,019,613, comprising rice, frozen poultry products and other general goods, Egbudin described the revenue collection feat as a product of increased compliance by stakeholders and uncompromising attitude of Customs officers.

Egbudin said the smugglers, who changed route to areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State, were not finding it easy as the Customs operatives in those areas were matching them strength for strength.

Okolugbo commends Uduaghan on electoral college

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HE Commissioner representing Ndokwa on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Sir Ken Okolugbo, has commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for the participation of leaders in the 25 local government areas of the state in the election of the three delegates per ward for an electoral college.

Okolugbo, who described the process as democratic, said the governor’s approach was a welcome development at a time other states were battling candidates' imposition.

He said: “It is most unfair to criticise the governor, when he has ensured the freest election in the history of electing delegates for Peoples Democratic Party, PDP’s electoral college.”

Community assures FG of cooperation on NIMASA college

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HAIRMAN, Okoloba community in Delta State, Mr. Ojobo-Owei Feh, has reassured the Federal Government of the community ’s determination to sustain the peaceful co-existence between the management of NIMASA Science and Technical College and contractors handling various projects at the permanent site.

Speaking to newsmen at Okoloba, Feh said the community was committed to the project, and would do everything within its powers to support the government to see that the college achieved its objectives.

He said the only way to appreciate and thank government was for all the sons and daughters of the community to collectively and individually create a conducive environment for peace and tranquillity, so the contractors could complete the project.

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

ENUGU WARD CONGRESSES: Court restrains

Why I deserve a 2nd term —Sen Obende

PDP from acting on submitted names

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zDelegates flay CJ's injunction

ENIN CITY—THE only All Progressives Congress, APC, senator in Edo State, Dr Domingo Obende, has said his decision to seek re-election in the upper chamber was to consolidate on the achievement recorded in his first tenure as a senator.

The senator, who represents Edo North senatorial district of Edo State, stated this yesterday when he submitted his nomination form at the secretariat of All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benin.

Also, Mr Segun Bello, a House of Assembly aspirant under the PDP in Akoko Edo Local Government Area, who submitted his expression of interest form at the party’s secretariat yesterday, expressed confidence that the primaries of the party will be free and fair and urged other aspirants to ensure conducive atmosphere for the primaries.

However, Senator Obende, who called on the people to vote out the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, led federal government for its alleged neglect of the sufferings of the people, said his scorecard in his first term as a senator was enough to convince the people that he deserved a second term.

He said: “To whom much is given, much is expected.

If you have gone through my score card, you will notice that in the history of Edo State, I am the only senator that has been able to bring bills into presentation and being passed into law."

Ma Obodoagu for burial

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RS SEIMIEBI Beatrice Obodoagu, of Adagbabiri, Sagbama L.G.A, Bayelsa State, aged 80, is to be buried.

There will be a Traditional wake keep at her home town, Adagbabiri, Sagbama, today Friday, November 14, by 8pm. She will be buried the following day.

She is survived by children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Late Beatrice Obodoagu

Austin Ogwuda & Francis Igata NUGU—ENUGU State High Court, yesterday granted an interlocutory injunction, restraining the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from acting on any list or names purportedly submitted to it from the result of controversial ward congressed held in the state on November 1, 2014.

State Chief Judge, CJ, Justice Innocent Umezulike, in granting the injunction, noted that the defendants/ respondents in the suit, PDP, did not reply to the service by the plaintiff, with the proof of service in the court and also failed to appear in court either through their counsel or in person.

Mr. Charles Okafor, a PDP chieftain in Neke Oyofor ward, Ezeagu local government area of Enugu State, through his counsel, Sam Orji, had dragged PDP before the court, on the grounds that no congress held in his area where he was vying for the position of ward delegate.

The CJ said: “After hearing the submissions of Sam Orji Esq. for the Plaintiff/ Applicant. No appearance for the defendant and no letter was written to that effect. This Court hereby orders as follows: That an order of interlocutory injunction is hereby granted restraining the Defendant herein, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by its servants, agents, and privies or any person or persons acting for or through the Defendant from acting on any list or names purporting to be the list of delegates elected on 1st November 2014 at any ward or local government congress in Enugu State, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

“That because of the urgency involved, accelerated hearing of the substantive suit is hereby ordered. That the Plaintiff is hereby granted seven days within which to file her Statement of claim and serve same on the defendants. The Defendant is also granted 14 days upon receipt of the said Statement of Claim to file its statement of Defence and serve same on the Plaintiff.”

The plaintiff, according to the CJ, had initially sought for an interim injunction ex-

E

DECLARATION: From left; People Democratic Party, PDP, Chairaman, Zamfara State, Senator Hassan Mohammed Nasiha, PDP governorship aspirant, Zamfara State, Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau and Alhaji Malami Aliyu Yandoto, during the official declaration of Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau for next year's governorship election in the state, in Gusau. parte, but the court was of the view that since the injury sought to be averted was to happen on November 15, there was sufficient time to put the defendants on notice.

The matter was adjourned to December 8, 2014, for definite hearing.

Delegates flay CJ’s injunction

This came as delegates elected at the November 1 ward congresses of the party, flayed the ex-parte order granted by the court restraining the PDP from acting on the list or names of delegates elected during the party’s congresses pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit brought by a group a group loyal to Governor Sullivan Chime.

Reacting on behalf of the delegates, a member of the three-man ward delegates that emerged from Umuabi Ward in Udi Local Government Area of the State, Emeka Aneke, described the ex-parte injunction as a “gross abuse of court processes and a typical market place injunction” Hon. Aneke, who said the delegates were not surprised at such “market place injunction”, observed that the State Chief Judge abused court processes by granting an injunction upon an earlier court order on the same matter, which is being heard by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He said: “We the elected Ward Delegates take exceptions to this gross abuse of court processes

by the Enugu State Chief Judge. It is a public knowledge that the matter is a subject of litigation at Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which had granted an injunction restraining the PDP and its principal agents from receiving any other result of the November 1, Ward Delegates election of the party other than the names submitted by the acting Chairman of the party, Elder David Aja and the Electoral Committee of the party.

“This, however, did not come to us as a surprise, especially given an earlier online reports accusing the Chief judge and the Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime of plotting to use a kangaroo injunction to truncate the peace deal brokered by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

“It could be recalled that APC governors had boasted that they had some members of the PDP Governors’ Forum working for them to frustrate the party in the forthcoming general election before decamping, and this second injunction coming on the heels of an earlier injunction and various subterranean moves seeking to undermine the Acting Chairman of the PDP in the State, Elder David Aja, from carrying out his legitimate duties leaves no one in doubt that Governor Sullivan Chime is indeed an enemy within. “ We are now truly convinced that although the Governor claims to have accepted not to join the race for the Enugu West Senatorial District, he is hell-bent on working with opposition forces to ensure that the PDP does

not present candidates for the 2015 general elections, even as we have it on good authority that the Governor and his men are making plans to field candidates on another party platform in the State”.

Hon. Aneke who alleged that the decision not to properly serve the PDP before ruling on ex-parte motion, was a deliberate attempt by the piper to rig the judicial processes in favour of its paymaster as was the case in the Enugu ‘chicken impeachment’ and a similar controversial order restraining the National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh from parading himself as leader of the party.

Onyema to deliver 10th Ben Enwonwu annual lecture

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AGOS—THE 10th Distinguished Ben Enwonwu Annual Lecture will hold at the Wheatbaker, Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday November 15. According to the Executive Director and member, Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Mr Oliver Enwonwu, the lecture will also commemorate the 20th anniversay of the death of Prof. Ben Enwonwu, MBE, and will be delivered by the CEO of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr Oscar Onyema.

He will be sharing his wealth of experience on the theme, "Art as an Alternative Investment with a view to listing art companies on the stock exchange."

The lecture will be chaired by a notable art collector, Princess Abiola Dosumu, the Erelu of Lagos.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 47

Police warns cops over unlawful killing of citizens

By Kingsley Omonobi

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policemen were ignored, saying that “there is need for adequate and prompt compensations for dependants of these fallen heroes.”

Speaking on how the police was able to reduce cases of cattle rustling in the North West part of the country, Ojukwu said it deployed 13 helicopters

to engage the rustlers in aerial surveillance while other officers combed the forests on foot to combat the marauders in the affected communities in Zamfara, Benu, Katsina and Kaduna States among others.

He however, said the operation would continue so that those who had gone into hiding would not return.

The FPRO dismissed complaints that despite the

creation of other agencies like Nigerian Customs, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence, Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Road Safety Commission and others, policemen still performed those functions.

He said NPF ''is the oldest law enforcement agency in the country and despite the creation of other agencies later, there has been no law removing such extant functions from the police.''

BUJA—NIGERIAN Police Force, NPF, yesterday read the riot act to its men and officers that it would no longer tolerate any unlawful killing of citizens in the name of ‘accidental discharge, insisting however that the ban on checkpoints was still in force.

Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, Mr. Emmanuel Ojukwu, who announced this at the Forum of Spokespersons of Security and Response Agencies, FOSSRA, in Abuja, noted that in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, the police force had recorded more widows and orphans than any other security agency in the country.

According to Ojukwu, “there is nothing like accidental discharge because every gun has a safety mode. You must have cocked the gun before it fired and you only cock a gun when you have the intention of firing. If you kill illegally, the police will deal with you.”

He lamented that most of the RECEPTION: In spite of insurgency, residents of Maiduguri welcoming Governor Kashim Shettima times when casualty figures on his arrival from Abuja. were reported in the media in the war against Boko Haram,

How federal roads can be maintained, by FERMA boss has said the nation’s over 35, 000 kilometers federal roads B U J A — cannot be maintained through M A N A G I N G budgetary appropriations.

Director, MD, of the Federal Speaking with journalists in Roads Maintenance Agency, Abuja, yesterday, he argued FERMA, Engr. Gabriel Amuchi, that globally, roads were

By Emma Ujah

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XMAS: Customs promises hard time for smugglers, others

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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EME Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, yesterday vowed to make the border unattractive to smugglers and other perpetrators of trans-border illegalities ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Area Comptroller in charge of the command, Mr. Willy Egbudin, who announced this, however said the command generated a total of N973, 540, 612. 78 revenue in October, the highest monthly revenue collected so far in 2014.

Stating that the command recently made 24 seizures with duty paid value of N32, 019, 613 comprising of rice, frozen poultry products and other general goods, Egbudin described the revenue collection feat as a product of

increased compliance by stakeholders and uncompromising attitude of customs officers.

Explaining that Seme command had commenced intensified patrols ahead of the yuletide when smuggling activities were expected to rise up, Egbudin insisted that the smugglers who changed route to areas like Shaki in Oyo State and Idiroko in Ogun State were not finding it easy as the customs operatives in those areas were matching them strength for strength.

According to him, ‘’In carrying out the directives of our Controller General, Dikko Inde Abdullahi, I have constantly sensitised and reminded our officers and men on the zero tolerance for smuggling stance. On this, there is no going back.''

maintained through other sources such as the five per cent fuel user charge and the International Transit Vehicle charge, as contained in the agency’s Amendment Act. The MD said that currently, “the agency is funded through appropriation and may be in a whole year, we may need “x” amount of money and may be the federal government would say this is the envelope we can afford to give you. You are then left to work with that envelope.

It is released quarterly. But what you do is, you do not fold your hands because all your allocations are not released at once. What you do is to project (road) failures, tackle failures by spreading what is available to you to tackle areas that need immediate attention either through direct operations or minor contracts.

“There are provisions in the Amendment Act for the 5 per cent user charge, as well as, International Transit Vehicle Charges but those funds are still not being accessed. They are still being processed.

Globally, road maintenance is not carried out depending on annual appropriations. That is why in the UK, they charge Road Users Tax, Access Tax, Petroleum Tax. Whatever you do

in the UK and in the US, you pay some tax because road use is for everybody.

“The moment you get out of the plane at the airport, the next place you get to is the road. If you are going to the airport, you need the road. If you are going to travel, you need the road to travel. But in our country, we are still in the process of sourcing funds elsewhere and be less dependent on appropriation”.

FG to tackle environmental challenges with space tech

By Boluwaji Obahopo

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O K O J A — F E D E R A L Government is set to reposition space technology to tackle environmental challenges as well as becoming a socio-economic tool in its transformation agenda.

Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Remote Sensing, NCRS, Mr. Effron Nduke Gajere, announced this yesterday in Lokoja during the 2nd Regional Workshop on Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, GIS, at the Federal University, Lokoja.

According to Gajere, “Worldwide, space technology has been recognized as the driver of socioeconomic development and the exploration of space has always been a centre aspiration for human beings across the globe.

Space technology on its part has yielded a number of “spin- off” benefits that has tangibly improved our daily lives and is helping us to address range of daunting socioeconomic and environmental challenges including poverty eradication, environmental protection and disaster prediction, monitoring and mitigation.

“It is noteworthy that the Federal Government is determined to reposition space technology to engender accelerated socioeconomic development and this is expected to lead to increased Remote Sensing and GIS activities in Nigeria.

FG to engage 3m unemployed Nigerians in 12 months

By Kelechi Azubuike

I

N a bid to fast track job creation in the country, the Federal Government has inaugurated a National Job Board to engage three million unemployed Nigerians in the next 12 months.

Supervising Minister of Labour and Productivity, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, announced this yesterday, in Lagos, at the National Directorate of Employment, NDE, special day 2014 edition at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.

Represented by his special

adviser, Iliyasu Ahmed, the minister said “International Trade Fairs serve as a meeting point for international businessmen and women to showcase their products and services and also a forum for the exchange of business ideas. ''The theme of this year’s fair is in tandem with the policy thrust of the government’s transformation agenda. President Goodluck Jonathan recently inaugurated National Job Board under the chairmanship of the Vice President of the federation. The Board has been charge to create three million jobs for unemployed Nigerians in the next 12 months.

48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

BRIEFING: From left, Mr. Trevor Henry, Arik Air Associate Vice President, Global Sales and Distrubution; Jire Kofarije, African Independent Television General Manager, Lagos; Chief Nike Oshinowo, Mr. Oladapo Adefolaju, Etisalat Head, Media, Planning and Management; Victoria Onwubiko, First Bank Head, Brand Management, and Lola Ashafat, Pornod Ricard Senior Brand Manager, Prestige, during SYMPOSIUM: From left, Guest Lecturer and Dean School of the press briefing on the late night with Nike Oshinowo - a new talkshow anchored by Chief Nike Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Prof. EmevOshinowo, at Sofitel Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos. Photo: Ovadje Elliot wo Biakolo; Chief Host, Apostle Hayford Alile, and the Chairman, Dr. Christopher Kolade, during BrandiQ 2014 Symposium, in Lagos, yesterday.

VISIT: Former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere (middle), flanked from left by former members of old Cross River State House of Assembly, Otuekong Sunny Udoh and Obong Okokon Etuk, LUNCHEON: From left, Lion Taiwo Akinlade, 2nd Vice President; Lion Kayode Adewoyin, immediate Past President; Lion Omoba Odubanjo, incoming President, and Segun Awosiyan, during his visit to Uyo Senatorial District Elders' Forum.

First Vice President, and Bamidele Sadiku,Club's Secretary, all of International Association of Lions Club,Isheri Platinum Lions Club District 404B-1,Nigeria, at the Investiture and Fund Raising Luncheon of Eye Clinic Centre/Secretariat, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

CONFERENCE: From left, Chief Operating Officer, Pharmacy Plus Ltd, Chukwuemeka Obi; Chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria, ACPN, Pharm. Olatunji Koolchap; Pediatrician, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Professor Emmanuel Eyo Ekanem; National President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo, during the launch of Reload! 4 Kidz Multivitamin, at the 87th Annual National Conference of PSN, in Uyo.

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BRIEFING: From left, Engr. Lookman Animashaun, Head, Engineering Unit, Medview Airline; Alhaji Muneer Bankole, MD/CEO; Captain, Wale Oke, Head, Flights Operation, and Mr. Chris Aligbe, Managing Director, Belujane Konzult, at the press briefing to mark the second anniversary of Medview Airline Scheduled Operation, in Lagos. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

BIRTHDAY: From left, Oyo State community leader, Chief Olayiwola Amoge; former Director, Federal Environmental Protection Agency, FEPA, Mr. Adewale Aderibigbe; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Ademola Macaulay; former Minister of Communications, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (rtd), and Mr. Tunde Olowu, during the 80th birthday celebration of Princess Funsho Macaulay-Adeshigbin, in Lagos.

DISPLAYING: From left, Patrick Olowokere, Corporate Communications/PR Manager; Chisom Onyeka, PR Assistant; Utibe-Abasi Utuk, Kufre Ekanem, Corporate Affairs Adviser; Emete Tonukari, CSR/Sustainability Manager; Edem Vindah, Corporate Media & Brand PR Manager; Inalegwu Adoga, TC Systems and Process, and Niyi Alabi, Head Learning and Development, all of Nigeria Breweries, NB, displaying NB’s SERA award for Best CSR Company in 2014.

CELEBRATION: Members of staff of Lagos State Ministry of Rural Development, and some community leaders, during a health walk along Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, in commemoration of 2014 Community Day celebration,weekend. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—49

ECONOMY: FG

consolidates nation’s position — AGANGA

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AWARD: From left, President of ICAN, Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, with members of the Scientific Committee of the Congress, during the presentation of the Academic Award sponsored by ICAN.

Police order AIGs, commissioners to mop up arms, ammunition in states

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA — THE Police High Command has ordered all Assistant Inspectors General of Police in the 12 zones of the country and command police commissioners to carry out a mop up of all arms and ammunition available to various groups established by governors and top politicians in their states.

The order came against the backdrop of heightened political activities and preparations for a hitch-free election next.

The mop up, which has already commenced, according the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, is to ensure that in February 2015 when the election into various offices kickstarts, there is zero tolerance for operation of thugs and thuggery as well as many other issues that could derail the electoral process.

The IGP explained the arrests of thugs and mop up of arms from vigilante and political support groups in Zamfara and Imo states.

The IGP at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and Command CPs in Abuja,

said: “Hitherto, efforts were made by politicians to arm various groups especially vigilante groups for some purposes.

“But these supporters or groups sometimes, either to the knowledge of the politicians or outside their knowledge, get carried away and they use these weapons against themselves or endanger the lives of members of the Nigerian public.

“I have directed the ban on possession of illegal weapons and recovery of such arms and ammunition to the police, in view of the oncoming elections.

PENGASSAN hold emergency meeting

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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BUJA — THE Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff

By Ben Agande

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it was meant to kick-start a new dawn of ensuring the respect of human rights of citizens, even while the police officer was performing his duty.

On insinuations that the Police had been pushed aside in the fight against insurgency, the IG dismissed insinuations that it was planning to withdraw officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force from the joint security operations combating terrorism in the north-eastern part of the country.

He said the police had continually discharged itself responsibility of fighting any sort of crime, including insurgency.

ECONOMIC SHUT DOWN: NUPENG,

Catholic bishops meet Jonathan over displaced people BUJA — MEMBERS of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria yesterday called on the federal government to collaborate with it to ameliorate the sufferings of displaced persons.

Speaking with State House correspondents after meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama said though Boko Haram terrorists had targeted Muslims, their primary targets were Christians and others considered not good muslims.

According to him, what the catholic Bishops told the President was that Catholic Church in Nigeria had what it would take to handle displaced people and sharing relief materials.

Failure to do this will be met with severe sanctions and those who fail to heed the directive will be prosecuted.”

He commended the efforts of his officers and men ahead of the election, especially their performances in the various political events that had so far taken place across different political parties, noting that it might have played a role in the recent decision of the Police Council, headed by President Goodluck Jonathan, to confirm his appointment as substantive IGP. The IGP used the opportunity of the meeting to launch a Police Human Rights Brochure, saying

He said it had become important that government collaborated with the church and carry them along in its general efforts to take care of the victims of insurgency.

“We are here on behalf of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, we came not to wish him a bad day but to talk about our nation.

“We had some concerns about the situation of security in the nation as well as political developments. So in general terms we shared with him in a conversation and discussion.

“We just wanted to remind

Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, will hold a joint emergency meeting on Monday to take a position on the threat to shut the economy.

The unions had issued ultimatum after their joint National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Abuja on October 31, 2014, that they would paralyze the nation’s economy, if the management of Total Exploration and Production, TOTAL E&P, refused to recall sacked members of the unions within 14 days.

They also promised to bring all their members to the streets if nothing was done to tackle security challenges in the country as well as address the poor state of the federal roads, especially in their operational base.

But in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, president of NUPENG, Mr. Igwe Achese, said nothing concrete had been done by the government and the oil company to avert the planned economic shut down.

Achese said: “For now, we have not seen any committed conveyance of any meeting of

such, but the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum has called for a consultation meeting to find out exactly what issues are being raised, how it affects the sector and the unions.

“But no concrete issues or decisions have been taken because at a point, the minister assumed that some of those issues raised were beyond their purview, beyond their portfolio to handle.

“So, it means, we need to go further and I hope that government in its initiative will act quickly to avert any ugly situation.

“Of course, we are conveying another emergency joint council meeting, hopefully on Monday, to review the activities so far after the meeting we held with the ministry of Petroleum and then to also know the roles that are expected and the next line of action to take as soon as possible.”

Achese said the ultimatum was expected to expire on November 17, 2014.

HE FEDERAL government is committed to consolidating the position of Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy through dynamic local and international investment policies and projects, Trade and Investment Minister Segun Aganga said in Abuja, yesterday.

Speaking at the signing of an agreement between the TafawaBalewa Square Management Board, TBSMB, and the Infrastructure Bank Plc toward the development of the 25-storey Independence Building, Lagos into a National Trade and International Business Centre, Mr. Aganga said the country would realise its dream of becoming one of the world’s top-20 economies by year 2020.

The minister said the project, which he described as a “game changer,” would give Nigeria an iconic building in the league of the Ronald Reagan Centre in Washington DC. He said the choice of the Infrastructure Bank as the financial advisor for the project and the agreement signing were quick steps to ensure its speedy completion.

Aganga described the bank as a premier development financing institution with the domain expertise and market credibility to structure and attract a renowned concessionaire to undertake the development of a world-class international trade centre.

Victoria Okezie for burial

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RS. Victoria Okezie, aged 62, who died on August 20, 2014, will be buried Friday, November 21, 2014, at late Chief Chijioke Aribo's compound, Amoji Lodu Imenyi, Abia State.

On November 15, there will be Christian wakekeep at RCCG, Mega Area Auditorium/NNPC, Abule B/S, Lagos, and another wake-keep at family compound in Abia on November 20.

Late Mrs. Okezie,

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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51—Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

OANDO: From left— Mr. Olufemi Adeyemo, Chief Finance Officer, Oando Plc; Mr. Chuka Eseka, Managing Director, Vetiva Capital Management Limited, and Mr. Adewale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive, Oando Plc, at the signing ceremony for Oando's N50 billion rights issue.

Glo assures customers of authentic iPhones

A

S Apple officially launches its latest phones, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, in Nigeria today, Globacom has assured its teeming subscribers, especially the thousands of personalities who pre-

ordered the handsets, of adequate stock.

An earlier statement from the telecommunications company promised to be the first to make genuine iPhones available to Nigerians, who they advised to

purchase their iPhones from Gloworld shops and retail outlets across the country to enjoy the one year warranty from Apple and other mouth-watering offers, which Glo is attaching to the two variants of the phones.

Odibo tasks Udu people on peace

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—FORMER Delta State commissioner and 2015 Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA, hopeful, Elegbete Moses

Odibo, has tasked people in Udu Local Government Area of the state on sustained peace as a tool for maintaining steady growth in urbanization and industrialization in the area.

Odibo, who is gunning for the Udu constituency seat in Delta Assembly in the 2015 elections, made the call while hosting the Udu Vigilante group who visited to endorse his assembly aspiration.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 —53

Boko Haram: US denies failing to sell weapon to Nigeria HE United States T has denied allegations by the Nigerian ambassador to the United States , Prof.

Ade Adefuye, that Washington has been foot dragging on selling lethal weapons to combat the Boko Haram insurgency and failing to help fight Boko Haram militants, saying there had been “a great deal” of US aid to his country.

In the past six months since the Islamic militants snatched some 200 schoolgirls in northern Nigeria, Washington has shared intelligence with the Nigerian army, begun training a new battalion and held high-level talks on the threat of Boko Haram, a US official said. In a speech made public Tuesday, ambassador Adebowale Adefuye appeared to have taken US officials by surprise when he launched into a tirade against the US administration.

Residents of North East welcoming military personnel. forces.” “These decisions Nigerian leaders were are made, of course, after “not satisfied with the careful scrutiny to scope, nature and ensure they conform content of the United with United States law.”

States’ support for us in But she acknowledged our struggle against the US had refused to terrorists,” he said. transfer some Cobra He accused helicopters due to Washington of not concerns about the providing the “lethal” Nigerian army’s ability weapons needed to to use them. deliver “a killer punch” There were also to the militants. “ongoing concerns about But State Department the Nigerian military’s spokeswoman Jen Psaki protection of civilians shot back that the US had when conducting “provided and approved military operations,” sales of military Psaki said, adding these equipment to its armed had been discussed with the Nigerian authorities.

Latin America Catholics embrace Protestant faith— Poll

L

ATIN Americans born into Roman Catholic families have increasingly left the faith for Protestant churches, while many others have dropped organized religion altogether in a major shift in the region’s religious identity,

according to a survey released Thursday.

While 84 percent of Latin American adults report they were raised Catholic, only 69 percent currently identify as such, said the Pew Research Center in Washington.

At the same time, Protestants have gained

Black Democrats regret abandoning Obama

S

OME black political leaders think Democratic candidates who distanced themselves from President Barack Obama sapped enthusiasm among AfricanAmericans in states where they anchor the party’s base.

They point to Senate races in North Carolina, where Kay Hagan was denied a second term, and Georgia, where Michelle Nunn failed to capture an open seat, and Louisiana, where Mary Landrieu is in a runoff next month for a fourth term.

But it’s not clear that a larger turnout among blacks would have made a difference.

Obama lost all three

states in the 2012 presidential election, and support for Democrats among African-Americans was roughly the same as in 2008, when Hagan and Landrieu were elected.

“The president is still a great driver of AfricanAmerican turnout,” said North Carolina state Rep. Rodney Moore. “Kay Hagan supported him during her six-year tenure, so it seems disrespectful that she would not even defend the good things that have happened during his administration.”

Among whites, 73 percent in Louisiana, 67 percent in Georgia and 57 percent in North Carolina strongly disapproved of Obama.

members. About one in 10 Latin Americans were raised Protestant, but nearly one in five now call themselves Protestant. About 4 percent of Latin Americans report they were raised with no religion, but 8 percent say they have no tie to any faith.

The survey, conducted between October 2013 and February 2014, outlines the challenge for Catholic leaders in a region that was once a stronghold for the faith.

Latin America still has about 425 million Catholics, or 40 percent of adherents worldwide, according to the poll. But the exodus from the church continues.

The losses were part of the reason for the 2013 election of Pope Francis, the former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, who is the first Latin American pontiff. In most countries of the region, two-thirds or more respondents held positive views of Francis.

But the authors of the Pew report said former Catholics are more skeptical of the pope than those still in the church, with only a majority of exCatholics in Argentina and Uruguay viewing him favorably.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 55

C M Y K

56 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Vanguard CLASSIFIED EBERE — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebere Juliet U., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ugwu Ebere Juliet. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

M A N A F A — I formerly known and addressed as Manafa Fidelia Chinyelu, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekweoba Fidelia Chinyelu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJAYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajayi Oluwafiropo Stella, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. A d e w a l u r e Oluwafiropo Stella. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FAYEMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fayemi Olapeju Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Iyamah Olapeju Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JULIANA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliana Ebi Ijere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Juliana Ebi Ale. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Benue State University and general public please take note.

UGWOKE—We, formerly known and addressed as (1) Ugwoke Onyebuchi Clement, (2) Ugwoke Oluchi Christiana, (3) Ugwoke Oluebube Compassion, (4) Ugwoke Chiziterem Overcomer, (5) Ugwoke Oluomachi Confidence, (6) Ugwoke Chukwuebuka Obedience, (7) Ugwoke Chimdinma Openheaven, now wish to be known and addressed as (1) Ulochukwu Onyebuchi Clement, (2) Ulochukwu Oluchi Christiana, (3) Ulochukwu Oluebube Compassion, (4) Ulochukwu Chiziterem Overcomer, (5) Ulochukwu Oluomachi Confidence, (6) Ulochukwu Chukwuebuka Obedience, (7) Ulochukwu Chimdinma Openheaven. All former documents remain valid. University of Nigeria, Nsukka; NUFFIC, all authorities concerned and general public please take note.

E B H O DAG H E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Irene Ejobosele Ebhodaghe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Irene Ejobosele Yashobo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGUDU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igudu Edirin Endurance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kpodje Edirin Victory.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

TORTOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Tortor Ebiere Ella, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Obaisi Ebiere Ella. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTARU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Otare Angela, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Angela Emmanuel Ediah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALAKA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alaka Oladunni Olanrewaju, now wish to be known and addressed Mrs. Owagoke Oladunni Olanrewaju.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWAGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Sunday Adiemennaa Nwagwu, now wish to be known and addressed Mr. Sunday Adiemennaa Ogbonnah. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kelechi Mgbore Oti, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Kelechi Victor Bassey.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PUANONI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Harriet Puanoni, now wish to be known and addressed as Harriet Edoni. All former documents remain valid. Bayelsa State Senior Secondary Schools Board and general public please take note.

LABO — I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Labo Judith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Timi Peretei Labo Judith. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKPOWODU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eseroghene Regina Okpowodu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eseroghene Regina Unukopia. All former documents remain valid.

Local Government Service Commission Asaba and general public please take note.

IJEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijeh Chinwe Jacinta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Powel Chinwe Jacinta. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank Nig Plc and general public please take note.

OKOTETE—I, formerly known and addressed as John Obukohwo Okotete, now wish to be known and addressed as John Obukohwo Bilobi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ENEMOSE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Enemose, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngozi Osita-Arinze.

All former documents remain valid. Delta State Council for Arts and Culture and general public please take note.

MOLOKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Augustina Oluchi Molokwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augustina Oluchi Jikeme. All former documents remain valid.

National P o p u l a t i o n Commission and general public please take note.

UGIAGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gladys Osamuyimen Ugiagbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Gladys Osamuyimen Joe-Dungor. All former documents remain valid. Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Centre and general public please take note.

OGBAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbah Uyoyo Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olu-Young Uyoyo Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. Delta State H o s p i t a l s Management Board, Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

EDHERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Evi Edhere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mercy Evi IbiOyibodudu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MAYAKI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Venny Mayaki, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Mayaki-Oweh.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWACHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu Joan Ozioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okigala Joan Ozioma.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confimation of name This is to confirm that the name Erechovwe Efemena and Erechovwe Trust Efemena is one and the same person.

But now wish to be known and addressed as Erechovwe Trust Efemena. All former documents remain valid.

NECO, Niger Delta University Amassoma Bayelsa state and general public please take note.

N WAC H U KW U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwachukwu Ezinne Glory, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obialor Ezinne Glory. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri and general public please take note.

N WA M K PA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwamkpa Loyce Kelechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Madu Loyce Kelechi.

All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic Nekede, NYSC and general public please take note.

AKPA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Augustina Ogbonnaya Akpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augustina O. Emmanuel Obini. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEBUCHUKWU— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chiamaka Juliet Onyebuchukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chiamaka Juliet Okafor. All for mer documents remain valid. Delta State University Abraka and General public please take note.

UKOKO SALINA—I, formerly known and addressed as Ukoko Okiemute Salina, now wish to be known and addressed as Urhukpeoghene Okiemute Matilda. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BISIRIYU—I, formerly known and addressed as Bisiriyu .O. Ganiyu, now wish to be known and addressed as ObasaBisiriyu .O. Ganiyu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oke Kehinde Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babalola Kehinde Victoria. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

ONYENWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyenwe Zandra Chinwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkwocha Zandra Chinwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDOGA— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edoga Chika Joy, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Chika Joy Igwe-Omoke. All former documents remain valid. Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki and general public please take note.

IDRIS—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Wasilat Idris, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Wasilat Idris Aliu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekeh Florence Chinwendu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imarhiagbe Florence Chinwendu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIANIGWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Obianigwe Ijeoma Happiness, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okafor Ijeoma Happiness.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Chisaram Sonsy, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwaozuzu Chisaram Sonsy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESSIEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Unyime Ekanem Essien, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Unyime Idem Uko. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOSU—I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Miss) Nwosu Eucharia Nchedo, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs) Aye Eucharia Nchedo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014—57

Vanguard

Mustapha becomes Ota Esteem Lion’s Club President

CLASSIFIED Confirmation of name I, Igbinoba Theophilus Iyobosa hereby confirm that the names Iyobosa Igbinoba as it appears on my WAEC result of May/ June 2013 and Local G o v e r n m e n t Identification Letter and Iyobosa Theophilus Igbinoba as it appears on my Statutory Declaration of age refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid.

NDU and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Kilete Ayebatonye Alen hereby confirm that the names Kilete Ayebatonye B., Kilete Ayebatonye and Ayebatonye Kilete as they appear on my WAEC result, Statutory Declaration of Age and Local Governments Letter of Identification respectively refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid.

NDU and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Esther Orumobiri Tarila, hereby confirm that the name Orumobiri Esther as it appears on my NECO result of June/ July 2012, Local Government Letter of Identification and Birth Certificate refers to one and same me. All former documents remain valid.

NDU and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Otoro Akponanabofa Abadipere hereby confirm that the names Otoro Akponanabofa M. and Otoro Akponanabofa as they appear on my WAEC result/Certificate of June 2009 and Statutory Declaration of Age respectively refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. NDU and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Kalu Ibe Onyedikachi hereby confirm that the name Ibe Onyedikachi Kalu Divine as it appears on my WAEC Certificate/ result of May/June 2014 refers to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Ojede favour Chukwuedo hereby confirm that the names Ojede Favour and Ojede Favour Chukwuedo as they appear on my Certificates refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid.

Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Nionio Esther Ready Otiomomovele hereby confirm that the names Nionio Esther R. as it appears on my WAEC result of June 2011 and Nionio Esther O. as it appears on my Acceptance Form refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Bekesor Sanary Dickson hereby confirm that the name Bekesor Sanary as it appears on my NECO result of June/ July 2004 refers to one and same me. All former documents remain valid.

Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Garry Anthony Akpobolouka-Emi Tamarau hereby confirm that the name Garry Anthony AkpoboloukaEmi as it appears on my NECO result of 2014 refers to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. Niger Delta University and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I,Otobo Ebiemi Goerge hereby confirm that the name Otobo Ebiemi as it appears on my WAEC result and my Local G o v e r n m e n t Identification Letter refers to one and same me. I also wish to state that my correct date of birth is April 07, 1993. All former documents remain valid. NDU and general public please take note.

ALAZA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egberi Ruth Alaza, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Egberi Ruth Imbazi. All former documents remain valid. Senior Secondary Schools Board, Bayelsa State and general public please take note.

PETER—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peter Onemumo Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oghenegueke Blessing Onemumo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMADI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amadi Linda Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uzor Confidence Ijeoma. All former documents remain valid.

Abia State Polytechnic, NYSC and general public please take note.

NWALA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Victoria Ugonma Nwala, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Akanatei. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name I, Yeibake Joseph Malafakumo hereby confirm that the names Cliford Malafakumo as it appears on my First School Leaving Certificate and Yeibake Malafakumo as it appears on my NECO result and Local Government Identification Letter refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. NDU and general public please take note.

UZOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Uzoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngozi Amadi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

Confirmation of name I formerly known and addressed as Wewele Oghenevwoke, Wewele Oghenevwoke Ekpo and Wewele Oghenevwoke Anderson hereby confirm that the three names refer to one and same me. I now wish to be known and addressed as Wewele Oghenevwoke Anderson.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AIBANGBEE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aibangbee Imarenakhue Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Imonmion Imarenakhue Juliet. All former documents remain valid. Zenith Bank, National Examination Council (NECO), Guaranty Trust Bank and general public please take note.

OJOKOLO—I, formerly known and addressed as Ojokolo Akpotome Palace, now wish to be known and addressed as Ojokolo Akpotome Trinity. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JANET—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Adeola Janet, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afolabi Adeola Obasa.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOIGUI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoigui Osamudia Itohan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okpafe Osamudia Itohan. All former documents remain valid. Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

O K A F O R — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okafor Ogechi Clara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoh Benedict Ogechi Clara. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BALOGUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Balogun Omolayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olaleye Omolayo Janet. All former documents remain valid. Setraco Nigeria Ltd. and general public please take note.

WAHEED—I, formerly known and addressed as Waheed Adewale Ishola, now wish to be known and addressed as Waheed Tijani Ishola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of name

F AW E H I N M I — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Tinukemi Fawehinmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tinuke Okusanmi. All former documents remain valid. First City Mononment Bank and general public please take note.

MWANTU—I, formerly known and addressed as Ms Mwantu Fruitful Nandi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Genshik Fruitful Timothy Gogwim. All former documents remain valid. University of Jos, NYSC and general public please take note.

CHABO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Charity Nkeiruka Ngwoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Charity Nkeiruka Chabo. All former documents remain valid.

Command Children School 72 battalion and general public please take note.

AKPA DA KA— I , formerly known and addressed as Igho Lucky Akpadaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Igho Lucky Ogbe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IHEUKWUMERE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Iheukwumere Hope Uchechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Reuben Hope Uchechi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NOSIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nosike Blessing Ngozi K., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ohaechesi Umelo Blessing Ngozi K. All former documents remain valid. UNILAG and general public please take note.

OFFORBUIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijeoma Elizabeth Offorbuike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ijeoma Elizabeth Irikefe. General public please take note.

ONWUAGBAIZU—This is to confirm that the name Onwuagbaizu Azubuike Laws as recorded in my NECO result year 2012 June/July with Exam No. 23386643he, Centre No. 0320067 and Onwuagbaizu Azubike Lawson refer to one and the same person. But I now wish to be known and addressed as Onwuagbaizu Azubike Lawson. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL ADVRT HOTLINE: 01-8737025, OR 08025781478, 08035449960, 07031322957.

A

Social Democratic Party (SDP) aspirant for Ado-Odo/Ota Federal Constituency in the 2015 elections into the House of Representatives, Alhaji Sikiru Mustapha (a.k.a Banana), will be decorated the 2014/2015 President of the Esteem Lion’s Club of Ota tomorrow. The Investiture ceremony is billed for Lekysocky Hotel, Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Alhaji Mustapha, a philanthropist and community leader, whose activities over the years have brought succour to many people both within and outside the shore of Nigeria, will run the affairs of the Club between now and December 2015.

In a statement made available by the Investiture Planning Committee, Alhaji Mustapha is beeing honoured because of the impact he has made in AdoOdo/Ota Local Government Area in particular and Ogun State in general through genuine and relentless efforts aimed at positive transformation of the wellbeing of the people.

Bank-Anthony declares for House of Reps

A

Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and staunch Member of the defunct National Democratic Coalition NADECO, (abroad) Mr. Babatunde Bank-Anthony has picked nomination form to seek his party’s ticket for the Federal House of Representatives in the 2015 general election.

Mr. Bank-Anthony who picked the nomination form at the party's Secretariat in Lagos yesterday said he was opting to represent Surulerel II Federal Constituency, which is Governor Babatunde Fashola's constituency.

Baptists plan seminar

T

HE Lawyers Forum of Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos, holds a seminar entitled Family Estate and Succession Planning, tomorrow at the Good News Baptist Church, 47/ 49 Olufemi Road, Off Ogunlana Drive, Surulere, Lagos.

Speakers at the seminar include Ms. Tokunbo Ajayi, Managing Director, UBA Trustees Limited, Rev (Dr.) Kayode Ilupeju, Pastor, Good News Baptist Church, Surulere, Lagos and Mr. Vincent Essien, Principal Partner, the Vintage Law Practice.

58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 59

Keshi: Congolese will be hostile N

IGERIA coach Stephen Keshi has warned his squad to expect nothing less than a hostile Congo when the sides clash in 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action this weekend.

Keshi is expecting nothing less than a fullblooded encounter, saying: “The Congolese can be hostile, we have experienced it several times but we don’t know how it is going to come on Saturday.

“But we have been talking to the players because African football requires the African mentality.”

Keshi’s continued presence with Nigeria remains steeped in controversy, with the tactician not officially contracted as head coach following the expiration of his previous deal earlier this year.

He explained: “I have not had any meeting with NFF. I have had meeting with the minister, that’s all. The minister was the one that asked me to come.

You all know that we don’t have contract, we are just doing what we can for our country. We also want our country to excel, that’s why we are here.”

C

•Ogenyi Onazi (r) battles with a Congolese foe in an Afcon qualifier in Calabar.

Mikel fit for Devils showdown J

OHN Obi Mikel, has been cleared to feature in tomorrow’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Congo at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire The midfielder was initially reported to be a

doubt after being excluded from Chelsea’s Uefa Champions League match at NK Maribor and Barclays Premier League game against QPR. But Eagles’ spokesman, Ben Alaiya, said yesterday that the 27-year-old is ready to

take part in the important Afcon qualifier against Congo’s Red Devils.

Mikel trained with the rest of the squad on Thursday morning and even “featured in an 11a-side game.”

“The doubt about whether Mikel will be

Enyeama: They run from me because of Ebola UPER Eagles skipS per Vincent Enyea- Appeals Committee decision ma has revealed that his French club Lille moni- might draw FIFA ban — Amun tor him for three weeks for Ebola Virus Disease every time he returns from international duty.

“My club monitors me for three weeks any time I return from Nigeria because of Ebola and nobody wants to sit around you or shake you then,” said Enyeama.

“But I must now commend the Nigerian government for the massive effort they put up to eradicate it from the country and get an approval from the WHO (World Health Organisation).”

However, Enyeama maintained that if he had his way, AFCON 2015 will still be shifted to a later date because of the Ebola disease.

11, 000 fans to watch Congo play Eagles

By John Egbokhan

F

ORMER Acting SecretaryGeneral of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Fanny Amun has warned that the decision of the Appeals Committee into the last elections of the NFF that produced Amaju Pinnick as President m i g h t d r a w a F I FA ban.

The Appeals Committee, chaired by Bar r. Okey Ajunwa, has been sitting in Abuja. But speaking yesterday in an interview with Sports Vanguard, Amun, a former Golden Eaglets coach said that it was

•Amaju curious that some persons were bent on drawing back the hand of the clock.

“The worrisome thing to me is that we have just escaped FIFA ban

by the whiskers and all too soon, we are witnessing another subterfuge attempt to use the backdoor to take out a legitimate board that has been endorsed by FIFA. “These people are playing with fire and the result will be worse than what we are going to see tomorrow as FIFA will not hold back from banning Nigeria because the Appeals Committee cannot nullify the election.

The only body that can annul the election is the Congress, so the whole process by the Appeals Committee is flawed”, added Amun.

part of the trip to PointeNoire is now cleared up because he is fit. He took part in all of the training session this morning, and featured in an 11-aside game as well to underscore that he is ready for the match. So I don’t know where the report that he’s doubtful is coming from. Certainly not from us here or Mikel himself,” he said

Red Devils •Continues from B\P boasted.

The Congolese team trained behind closed doors yesterday and according to the Frenchborn coach, he plans to defend stoutly and attack with caution as the Eagles are desperate to beat them in Pointe Noire. “ We would have to plan effectively to attack and at the same time recover and defend well.

We will guard against counter attacks.”

Congo with 7 points from 4 matches seat behind South Africa, while the Super Eagles are 3rd in the table with 4 points.

The defending champions need to beat Congo with at least 2-0 in Pointe Noire to revive her hope of a place at the 2015 Afcon finals.

ONGO will only let in 11,000 fans for tomorrow’s crunch AFCON qualifier against Nigeria after they received a warning from CAF over crowd incident in a recent game.

There was an emergency meeting at the weekend involving the country’s minister of sports, the Congolese Football Association and the authorities of Pointe Noire to address this issue.

After the meeting, it was agreed that only 11,000 tickets will be sold for this high-profile Group ‘A’ match to be played at the Stade Municipal in Pointe Noire, which has a capacity for over 13,000 spectators.

“They want to make sure everything goes fine after they received a warning from CAF following some incidents when they hosted Sudan and as a result of this only 11,000 tickets have been made available for the local fans,” an official said.

Pele stable after operation

F

OOTBALLING icon Pele has had an operation to remove stones from his kidney, bladder and urethra, and is said to be in stable condition.

The three-time World Cup winner was admitted to a hospital in Sao Paulo on Wednesday after complaining of stomach pains, forcing him to cancel a book signing in Santos.

Scans revealed that the 74-year-old, who was inducted into Goal’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday, had stones which needed to be removed.

He underwent surgery on Thursday morning.

The Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in which he is being kept, has released a statement revealing that he has had a successful operation and is doing well.

60— Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Senate fixes tenure for NFF President —Repeals NFA 2004 Act

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU & JOSEPH ERUNKE

T

HE senate yesterday rose to stop the crisis that had bedeviled the nation’s football sector especially the succession problem in the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, as it finally fixed tenure for the NFF executives.

This was contained in the Repeal and Reenactment Bill 2014 that seeks to legalize the NFF and reduce g o v e r n m e n t ’ s interference in football that was passed into law.

Speaking after the passage of the bill, Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Adamu Gumba explained that the new law would stop friction in the succession problem as there has been fixed tenure for the NFF executives.

He said, “It is a bill that is trying to improve on the Nigerian Football Association Act. It seeks to improve on that particular act, to make sure that most of the provisions of the law comply with FIFA regulations.

“We hear FIFA each time it intervenes in Nigeria’s football administration that it is going to sanction national federation. We have received similar threats this year. That happens when some regulations of FIFA seem to be violated by individual federation."

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ANAGING Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Kunle Ade-Ojo has revealed plans to have the world’s Golf icon, Tiger Woods play on the country’s biggest golf course, the Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort at Ilara Mokin in Ondo State.

The golf course which derived its name from the quiet, rocky community of Mokin in Ilara, Ondo that emits misty fog every morning. The fog looks like smoke, when viewed from a certain angle of the course. It is claimed to be the best in the country at

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HE eight venues that will host thethZonal finals of the 13 AKS/ NNPC/MPN Schools Athletics Championships have been accredited and certified “OK” In a release made available to the press in Uyo yesterday, the chairman of the Sports Coordinators Forum, Mr Omon Bassey said the eight venues have been approved and they “……are ready to go” The approved venues are: Abak Zone, Community Secondary School, Ikot Esop, Etim Ekpo LGA, Eket Zone, Eket Stadium, Etinan Zone, Etinan Stadium, Ibiono/Ikono Zone, Ediene Community Secondary School Ikot Ayan,Ikot Abasi Zone,Ukpom Okon

Comprehensive Secondary School Okon Town, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene Zone, State College Ikot Ekpene, Oron Zone,Methodist Boys High School Oron, and Uyo Zone, Comprehensive Secondary School Four Towns.

At a larger meeting held last Saturday, officials of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports and their colleagues in the State Secondary Schools sports board deliberated on the hosting of this year ’s championship and came to the conclusion that the Zonal finals should be held in the eight sports zones of the state on Thursday November 20 and Friday November 21 2014.

Elegbeleye tips Eagles to beat Congo Brazzaville, qualify

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CELEBRATION...Super Eagles' forward Ahmed Musa (M) celebrates with teammates after scoring against Sudan in Abuja.

Congo vs Nig: Lawal adds to Nigeria injury worries R AHEEM Lawal may have added to growing injury worries for Nigeria as he failed to finish the team’s final training on Thursday morning.

AfricanFootball.com observed that the Turkey-based midfielder, who started last month’s AFCON qualifier against Sudan in Abuja, had an ice pack around

Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort to bring Tiger Woods to Nigeria —Kunle-Ojo

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

Zonal venues accreditted for Mobil School Sports

the moment especially with all the features an international golf course can boast of while retaining its natural vegetation. Speaking at the recently held 11th Wuraola Memorial Golf tourney at the Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, AdeOjo said the future plan of Toyota, sponsors of the tournament and the golf resort is to bring more professional golfers to the newly built golf resort. “ The Smokin Hills Golf Resort is the best in the country at the moment especially the vegetation here is very natural.

“Our future plan is to bring in more professional

golfers to host them on our course here, That’s my dream. We want to be the first because that has not been done in Nigeria before. I’m looking at the majors like the likes of Tiger Woods and all, perhaps, we’ll be able to get them to come and play here. That will be my dream for this place. We want to showcase this course to the rest of the world.”

Continuing, he said, “The Founder and Chairman of the Smokin’ Hills Golf Resort, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo is an avid golfer and as a result of that, he invested a lot in this course."

ESPITE pessimisms surrounding the qualification of the Super Eagles for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has expressed confidence in the abilities of the Nigerian national team to book a qualification ticket for the football fiesta.

Elegbeleye disclosed that he has the conviction and confident that the Eagles would book the 2015 AFCON yesterday before departure for Glasgow, Scotland, venue of the Commonwealth

Taekwondo Championships 2014 where Chika Chukwumerijie led other Nigerian fighters to the competition. “ Yes if you look at Super Eagles position In the group standings you will be right to say that it will be very difficult for Nigeria to qualify. But this is Nigeria and the can do it spirit, will power of Nigerian footballers and athletes in the true spirit of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Transformation agenda I am confident of Eagles victory in Pointe Noire.

25 Eagles off to Congo his left thigh suggesting he may have suffered a hamstring injury in training.

Already, skipper Vincent Enyeama is nursing a strain on his right shoulder, but team officials are hopeful he will be fit for Saturday’s crucial AFCON qualifier in Pointe-Noire Congo.

Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi has only recently recovered from a minor knee injury.

Babatunde Michael has already been replaced by Enyimba youngster Kingsley Sokari after he underwent a knee surgery at his base in Ukraine and will be out for at least three weeks.

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OING by the s p a r k l i n g performance of the players in camp and a strong case made by Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), leadership agreed that all 25 players who have been in camp in the last week travel for the duel against Congo this weekend and play South Africa next Wednesday.

An obviously happy Keshi, who spoke through his assistant, Dan ‘the Bull’ Amokachi and team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, announced that the team will also be led by NFF

President, Amaju Pinnick, but will have such eminent person-alities as the Senate Committee Chairman on Sports, Sen Ibrahim Gumba and a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon Mudashiru Oyetu-nde on board the flight to Congo.

The chartered Discovery Airliner is expected to take approximately three hours to get to Congo Brazzaville. Keshi simply said at the end of the training session that the team worked hard enough and the result will show on Saturday. “Tell Nigerians to just pray for the team and believe that we can deliver”, he declared.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 61

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014 — 63

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2014

Keshi: Congolese will be hostile — Pg 59

Red Devils: We’ll frustrate Eagles C

ON THE PROWL.... Ahmed Musa (r) beats an unindentified Congolese during the 2015 Afcon qualifier in Calabar.

11, 000 fans to watch Congo play Eagles — Pg 59

ONGOLESE Red Devils’ coach, Claude Le Roy has promised to frustrate the Super Eagles tomorrow in Pointe Noire during the 2015 AFCON qualifier.

The Red Devils beat Nigeria 3-2 in Calabar and are spoiling to beat them again to qualify for the Nations Cup proper. ‘’I know that the Eagles are going to descend on us. We’ve mapped out our plans to attack them as well as defend effectively to frustrate them.

The danger in this game is that we might use counter-attacks to see off the Eagles’’, the coach •Continues on Page 59

•Keshi

Mikel fit for Devils showdown — Pg 59

•Mikel

Enyeama: They run from me because of Ebola — Pg 59

Pele stable after operation — Pg 59

•Enyeama

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS: 1 Cease (4) 4 Tear (3) 6 Asterisk (4) 9 Point (3) 10 Disconnect (8) 11 Tolerate (4) 14 Mineral (3) 16 Allude (5) 19 Left (8) 21 Cap (5) 23 Separated (8) 24 Clothing (5) 27 Consume (3) 31 Cheat (4) 33 Profuse (8) 34 Boy (3) 35 Retained (4) 36 Defective (3) 37 Sea-eagle (4)

DOWN: 2 Air (4) 3 Penniless (4) 4 Described (8) 5 Nobleman (4) 6 Sword (5) 7 Fasten (3) 8 Astound (5) 12 Appended (5) 13 Malice (5) 14 Sphere (3) 15 Weird (5) 17 Whim (5) 18 Prompt (5) 20 Debased (8) 22 Child (3) 25 Waken (5) 26 Passed (5) 28 Difficult (4) 29 Margin (4) 30 Soon (4) 32 Burst (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Duress 5, Temper 8, Sturgeon 9, Site 10, Art 12, Edict 15, Sat 17, Oar 18, Elk 19, Hot 20, Eaten 21, Ill 22, Arc 23, Sum 24, Nil 26, Terse 29, Pen 33, Espy 34, Explicit 35, Decent 26, Dainty.

DOWN: 2, Utter 3, Earn 4, Spend 5, Tonic 6, Mist 7, Extra 10, Ashen 11, Total 12, Erect 13, Inter 14, Tense 15, Skimp 16, Talon 25, Issue 27, Eject 28, Sapid 30, Exist 31, Type 32, Kiwi.

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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