OKONJO-IWEALA'S MOTHER-Army arrests 63suspects

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 61775

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

•P 6

Yoruba race on the brink of extinction — Leaders, Monarchs

MEETING

Ogun crash:

•Pg.51

From left: Vice Chairman, UBA Plc, Amb. Joe Keshi; Group Managing Director, Mr. Phillips Oduoza; and Chairman, UBA Plc, Chief Israel Ogbue, during the bank’s Extra Ordinary General Meeting, held in Lagos, yesterday.

I lost most brilliant child — Victim’s mother

OKONJO-IWEALA'S MOTHER:

Army arrests 63 suspects

BY EMMA AMAIZE, REGIONAL EDITOR, SOUTH-SOUTH, AUSTIN OGWUDA AND FESTUS AHON

•SSG meets with service providers •Police parade 26 suspected kidnappers •US officials offer to help

N150

A

SABA—AS security operatives intensified search for Professor Kamene Okonjo, the mother of Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-

VANGUARD CONFERENCE HALL: No Constitution review without SNC — Participants — Page 8

Continues on page 5

Social Media and Social Exchange theory... •P.19

07059197616 •P.30

DONU KOGBARA: •P. 17

Mr & Mrs

CITY OF 201 GODS—Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Book Presenter/Governor, Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Chairman of the occasion, Chief Olanihun Ajayi and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade at the public presentation of Prof J.K Olupona’s books: “City of 201 gods: Ile Ife” and “ In my Father’s Personage” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, yesterday. More pictures on Page 10.

Governor Lamido's son released on bail — P.7 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 3

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—5

POCKET CARTOON

ducted by a 10-man kidnap gang in broad daylight.

SEC—From Left: Chief Executive Officer, Quest Advisory Services, Mr Bayo Rotimi; Mr Richard Ikiebe of Pan African University School of Media and Communication; Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, Mr Debo Adesina; Acting Director, Research and Planning, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Akpan Okoko, and Director General, Ms Arunma Otteh, at the SEC Journalists' Academy 2012, in Abuja, yesterday.

Okonjo-Iweala's mother: Army arrests 63 suspects Continues from page 1 Iweala, who was abducted last Sunday from her home, the Nigerian army said yesterday that 63 people have so far been arrested over the kidnap.

According to Army spokeswoman, Roseline

Managbe who spoke with Reuters.”Yesterday the Four Brigade raided Ogwashi-Ukwu in search of Mama, and 63 people were arrested in the raids.

“Those arrested are being questioned,” she added.

Residents of the area,

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Better begets better. Follow those whom you help develop, so you may learn how to help become better human beings and in the process you become a better person too.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Is there something you’ve always meant to do, wanted to do, but just ... haven’t? Try it for 30 days.

This short, light-hearted talk offers a neat way to think about setting and achieving goals —Matt Cutts

C

UTTS shares a beautiful story how he im proved the quality of his life in a unique way.

Following the great American philosopher, Morgan Spurlock, he tried to do something new for 30 days.

The idea is actually pretty simple. Think about something you’ve always wanted to add to your life and try it for the next 30 days. It turns out, 30 days is just about the right amount of time to add a new habit or subtract a habit.

There are a few things I learned while doing these 30-day challenges. The first was, instead of the months flying by, forgotten, the time was much more memorable. This was part of a challenge I did to take a picture every day for a month. And I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing that day. I also noticed that as I started to do more and harder 30-day challenges, my self-confidence grew.

I also figured out that if you really want something badly enough, you can do anything for 30 days.

Matt Cutts, wrote a novel in thirty days, he says, what are you waiting for? I guarantee you the next 30 days are going to pass whether you like it or not, so why not think about something you have always wanted to try and give it a shot for the next 30 days.

where Okonjo-Iweala’s mother was abducted, now reportedly live in fear of the near daily abductions.

“It could be my turn tomorrow,” said Tony Agwu, who lives near Okonjo’s house.

“It’s a terrible situation down here. The security situation in the Delta is disturbing,” he added, voicing the widely held view that security forces are often complicit.

“Around this time during Christmas I start to get worried,” said Shopia Oko-Akoko, a civil servant and mother of two in Bayelsa State, adding that she often looks over her shoulder entering her car.

“Many times I’ve seen cars following me. Once someone followed me on foot and I ran off in terror as he approached.”

Okonjo’s kidnapping is a risky strategy for the abductors “If it’s just a kidnap for ransom, then they’re not the smartest boys in the world,” said Peter Sharwood-Smith, Nigeria country manager of security firm Drum Cussac.

“Everybody else learned that you don’t pick the most high profile. It’s not worth it. This might not end well for them.

“Kidnapping is worse than during the militancy period, but it’s mostly rich Nigerians

who pay up and you never hear about it,” Sharwood-Smith said.

Political motives have been suggested for the abduction.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s drive to reform a corrupt economy ruffled powerful vested interests, especially fuel importers.

“Whatever the motive, the main cause is joblessness,” said Felix Osaduwe, a student in Delta state. “Get them jobs in a bank or a firm, there’s no way they ’ll turn to kidnapping.”

Two policemen who were supposed to be on duty guarding the palace but were not on duty at the time of the kidnap are also in detention. It was gathered that a contact has already been established with the kidnappers who reportedly reduced the ransom being demanded as a precondition for her release from $1 billion to N200 million.

According to sources, the reduction in the ransom followed the negotiation between Onyema, one of the sons of the abducted woman and the kidnappers.

Meanwhile, Police in Delta State are investigating the involvement of three suspected kidnappers who were arrested on their way to Ogwashi-Uku on Sunday, December 9 morning, the same day Professor Kamene Okonjo, the 82-year-old mother of the Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was ab-

Aduba confirms arrest of suspects Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, who confirmed the arrest of the three suspected kidnappers, however, said the police have not established their involvement and otherwise with the gang that seized the queen mother.

His words, “It (kidnap of Professor Okonjo) was really a setback because that same day, we were able to round up three young men that were heading to Ogwashi-Uku for a kidnap.

“One of them was armed. Nobody knows their identification, they were unidentified, three of them and they are still with us. There is going to be a press conference and you will see them. So that is the thing, honestly, it took every person by surprise.” he added.

SSG meets with service providers Secretary to the Delta State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Macaulay, yesterday, in Asaba met behind closed doors with communication service providers.

The details were not made public, but it was believed that the discussions centered on how they could help in providing timely information on the call log of kidnappers and communication made by kidnappers to relations of their victims and other related matters.

Police parade 26 kidnappers Commissioner Aduba,

who addressed reporters in Asaba, yesterday, paraded about 26-suspected kidnappers that were arrested in the last few months by the police and assured that the police were doing everything possible to ensure a crime-free yuletide.

Adopt personal security measures On why the palace was porous security wise, he said: “I don’t want to join issues with anybody. I visited the monarch on Thursday, (December 6), there was no complaint of such that bothers on security.

In a palace, there are supposed to be palace chiefs, there are supposed to be palace guards. The Emir of Bauchi, can you enter his palace? I am asking.

The Sultan of Sokoto, can you enter his palace”?

kidnappings: US officials meet Kuku

…as cries out over cloned e-mail Concerned by the rising wave of high profile kidnappings in the Niger Delta Region, officials of the United states of America’s Department of State met the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, in Abuja, yesterday, to discuss ways to stem the tide.

Mr. Neal Kringle who led a three-man delegation of the meeting said his office was prepared to collaborate with the Kuku team to ensure a peaceful Niger Delta, which he considered a pre-condition for the desired rapid development of the region.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Stop maltreating Bakassi indigenes, Nigeria tells Cameroun zMoves to resettle those willing to return to Nigeria

BY BEN AGANDE & IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

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From left: Nigeria's Ambassador to Cameroun, Amb. Hadiza Mustapha; Leader, Nigeria's delegation/Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Bello; Special Representative of the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, UN, Secretary-General for West Africa/Chairman, CamerounNigeria Mixed Commission, Amb. Said Djinnit, and Vice Prime Minister of Cameroun/Leader, Cameroun delegation, Mr Amadou Ali, at the opening of the 30th session of the CamerounNigeria Mixed Commission in Abuja, yesterday.

BUJA — THE Federal Government, yesterday, urged Camerounian authorities to investigate allegations of maltreatment meted against indigenes of Bakassi Peninsula, in the interest of peace and continued harmonious relationship between the two countries.

This came as government announced the constitution of a committee to explore possibilities of resettling the

Yoruba race on the brink of extinction —Leaders, monarchs zWhy Yoruba man can't be religious fundamentalist — Olupona

BY ALAKAM JAPHET, BASHIR ADEFAKA & IKENNA ASOMBA

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AGOS — EMINENT Yoruba leaders, yesterday, concurred that the Yoruba race was on the brink of extinction if something is not done quickly to revitalise its cultural values and heritage.

The Yoruba leaders who spoke during the public presentation of two books, City of 201 Gods: Ile Ife In Time, Space and the Imagination’ and In My Father’s Parsonage: The Story of an Anglican Family in Yorubaspeaking Nigeria included Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu.

This also was the position of virtually every other eminent member of the race who either spoke at the podium or chatted exclusively with Vanguard at the launch of the book authored by Harvard University Professor of World Religion, Prof. J. K. Olupona under the chairmanship of Ibadan-based politician, Chief Olanihun Ajayi.

Interestingly, the book launch, planned for just presentation and gathering of financial proceeds, became a gathering of politicians, religious leaders and traditional icons from trado-religious groups.

Clad in brown aso oke with an eleti aja cap to match, the author said the books were products of his endless struggle exploring world religion. He gave a reason why true Yoruba man could not

be a religious fundamentalist, saying: “A people who have 201 gods cannot have a problem with one more God.” In his brief speech, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, observed that Yoruba was so unique in Nigeria and world history because it was the only multi-religious community where people sit together without hurting or killing themselves.

Intellectual contribution He said: “To me, this book is an intellectual contribution by the author to the cultural development of Yoruba race and world in general. I’m not talking of VCs without CVs. I’m talking of serious intellectual contribution that is what it represents.

“When I got a copy of the book and I have actually read it, I believe as a people that we are at a difficult juncture where extinction is starring us in the face if we don’t do all that is necessary to keep what we have in the course of our culture and one of the ways to do this is to ensure that those who know don’t shy away from writing. This is what Prof. Olupona has done here.”

It's a must read in secondary schools In his speech, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, who stole the show for a moment as he was the only speaker ushered to the podium with extract from a tract and talking drums sounds, promised to mobilise his colleagues, governors, of the South-West states including Ondo to make the book, City of

201 Gods, a must read in all secondary schools across the region.

“I’m glad that we are not here to honour an ordinary person; not in the sense of material acquisition. Not at all. We are honouring a universal character, who has distinguished himself in knowledge of world religion. And if there is anything that Yoruba can give to the whole world, it is what Kayode said in the book review: tolerance, accommodation and harmony in religious matters.

“I have not read the book but I want to believe that the only people that would allow multiplicity of religions where the husband is Ogun worshipper while the wife is Obatala and what have you. The way Ogun is worshipped is different from the way Obatala is being worshipped and that is how things were before the Oyinbo and the other religons came.

“So, we are a people with a distinction and we must be an example to the whole world and I want to believe that is the cardinal objective of the book on City of 201 Gods. Ife, historically, not the Ife of recent time, has been a city with 201 gods and you would never hear of any disaffection or disharmony. So without doubt, we are going to adopt your book as a must read in all our senior secondary schools in the region, Ondo inclusive.”

Study of Yoruba culture must be revitalized — Olupona On his part, the author, Prof.

Olupona, argued that the study of Yoruba culture and society must be revitalized through the building of an advanced centre of culture and religion in Ile-Ife. According to the Professor of African History and Religion at Harvard University, USA, “the presentation of the books becomes expedient as the proceeds will be used to support the Michael and Henrietta Olupona Foundation which is devoted to a number of social development projects, including the establishment of an Advanced Centre of Culture and Religion similar to the one at Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, where I trained as a scholar.”

He noted that a centre like this was embraced across the world, especially as seen in countries like Germany, Japan and Switzerland and stated that same must be replicated in the country. This, according to him, would show the outside world that with our experience, we can build an ultra modern world cultural centre back home in Ile Ife. Dignitaries at the occasion included Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State represented by Mr. Tunji Ajibola; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Sir. Sammy Chukwuma; Rev. M. O. Owadayo; Ovation Magazine publisher, Chief Dele Momodu; Chief Mobolaji St. Matthew-Daniel, Jim Nwobodo, former governor of old Anambra State, Chief G.O.K.Ajayi and many others.

people of Bakassi who lost their ancestral land following the ceding of their territory to Cameroun by the International Court of Justice.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Mohammed Adoke, SAN, in his address at the opening of the 30th session of the Cameroun-Nigeria MixedCommission, CNMC, yesterday, maintained that “the effect of this allegation and the political pressure they engender cannot be overemphasized as they impact profoundly on the level of public confidence between the government and its citizens.”

Stressing determination of Nigeria to continue to honour its international obligations, Adoke said: “We, therefore, call on the Camerounian authorities in the spirit of Article 4 of the Green tree Agreement, and other International Human Right Instruments to which our two countries are signatories, to urgently investigate and take measures to address these concerns. This is important as it would provide the enabling political environment for the activities of the CNMC and the Follow-Up Committee, as well as strengthen the hand of government in its resolve to faithfully implement the ICJ judgement.

“The meetings of the Cameroun-Nigeria Mixed Commission, CNMC, whether hosted by Nigeria or Cameroun have over time afforded our delegations the opportunity to renew acquaintances with our good friends and brothers from Cameroun and the United Nations."

FG moves to resettle those willing to return to Nigeria Meanwhile, the Federal Government, yesterday, announced the constitution of a committee to explore possibilities of resettling the people of Bakassi. The resettling of the people of the region is one of the options being considered in addressing on a permanent basis, the problem of the people of the region.

The committee which was set up

by Vice President Namadi Sambo is headed by the acting Governor of Cross River State, Effiok Essien Cobham and is charged with the responsibility of looking into all the modalities necessary for the resettlement process and has three months to submit its report.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—7

Court to rule on Babalakin's leave today

BY INNOCENT ANABA

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First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan (right); wife of Senate President, Helen Mark (left); (2nd row)President Goodluck Jonathan (left); Senate President David Mark (middle), and Chaplain to the President, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba during the Christmas carol service at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: State House.

Strike: Patients besiege LASUTH zAs

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health services grounded in LUTH

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

AGOS — PATIENTS who cannot access healthcare services at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, following an indefinite strike by doctors under the auspices of Association of Resident Doctors, LUTH-ARD are now trooping to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja for medical attention.

The spill over, Vanguard gathered, started since the beginning of the week. A visit at the hospital, yesterday, showed a crowd of patients in all the outpatient departments. At the Records Unit of the hospital, it was obvious that the hospital was filled with patients.

This may not be unconnected with the unfortunate situation at LUTH, which has made patients to desert the tertiary health facility.

Specifically, at the Surgical Out-Patients Department of LASUTH, the number of patients waiting to be attended to was overwhelming. A doctor who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity said they were overwhelmed by the crowd and had arranged with some doctors from other departments to assist.

NMA blames LUTH mgt Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State Branch has condemned the action

of the management of LUTH for unilaterally collecting (at a go) huge back log of the controversial tax from January 1, 2012.

The Chairman, Dr. Francis Faduyile who spoke to reporters in Lagos described the outrageous tax deduction as “inhuman.”

Faduyile who also blamed the management of

the hospital for the bulk deduction of the tax arrears, said: "The deduction ought to have been staggered such that the impact on the doctors will not be burdensome. It’s quite unfortunate that the applicability of Nigerian laws is anti-medical.”

Faduyile who pointed out that doctors were not against the payment of tax,

said: “It is understandable that LUTH management has decided to effect this new tax law and I don’t have problems with that, but when you want to take arrears, you should be able to sit down with your staff and discuss and say this is how I want to remove it."

“What the Chief

Subsidy palaver: Reps threaten to arrest Okonjo-Iweala, Aig-Imoukhuede

BY OKEY NDIRIBE & EMMAN OVUAKPORIE

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BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, threatened to order the arrest of Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and former Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Verification and Reconciliation of Subsidy Payments, Mr Aigboje AigImoukhuede, for failing to appear before the House Committee on Public Petitions.

Chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Uzo Azubuike, issued the threat at yesterday’s hearing of the committee which continued deliberation on a petition presented to it by the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Ltd, Ifeanyi Ubah.

Azubuike had said the two personalities had shunned the invitation of the committee twice and their absence was

frustrating the investigative work of his Committee.

In spite of the absence of the two personalities, the public hearing went on yesterday with the appearance of the two gladiators, namely Chairman of Coscharis Group, Mr Cosmas Maduka and Ifeanyi Uba, Managing Director, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited.

In response to the excuse that Okonjo-Iweala was absent because of the kidnap of her mother, Azubuike said the invitation was not for the minister as a person but for the Federal Ministry of Finance to put up an appearance and supply the information requested by the committee.

C'ttee warns He warned that if the ministry was not represented at the next sitting of the investigative

panel, the committee would be left with no other option but to issue a warrant of arrest on the head of the ministry.

Aig-Imoukhuede had, through his lawyers informed the committee of his absence on legal grounds. In the letter, he pleaded that whereas the committee invited him as Chairman, Presidential Committee on Verification of Subsidy Payments, he had since discharged his role in that committee and submitted a report to the government. According to him, there was, therefore, no more legal grounds for him to function in that capacity.

Aig-Imoukhuede also pleaded that the issues for which he was being invited were already before different courts in Nigeria and abroad, hence discussing them would amount to contempt of the courts.

AGOS — A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, will today, rule on the proper interpretation of the leave it granted embattled Chairman of BiCourtney Group, Mr Wale Babalakin, SAN, whether the leave meant that he could not be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, pending the determination of the suit.

Trial judge, Justice Mohammed Idris, had granted leave to Babalakin on November 29, 2012 to apply for an order of prohibition to review the constitutionality and the legality of the charge preferred against him at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja.

Babalakin’s counsel had sought a clarification from the court as to the implication of the leave it granted the applicant, to file an application for an order of prohibition against the respondents.

He informed the court that despite the leave granted the applicants, which he argued should ordinarily operate as a stay of further proceedings against the applicant by

the respondents, they had still engaged in harassing and threatening the applicant with arrest, adding that the respondents had shown a total disregard for the court’s order served on them, even though the applicant had served them with both the court ruling and provisions of law supporting it..

But counsel to EFCC, contended that the commission only ensured security surveillance at the hospital, where Babalakin was receiving treatment, to restrain his movement out of the country.

The commission, contended that based on these developments, officers of the agency had embarked on a roundthe-clock check and surveillance at the hospital vicinity where the applicant is, to ensure that he did not ‘disappear into thin air.’

Justice Idris after listening to parties, adjourned till today for interpretation of the intendment of the leave granted in favour of Babalakin.

Gov Lamido's son released on bail

BY ABDULSALAM MUHAMMAD & ALIYU MOHAMMAD

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ANO —THE eldest son of the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Aminu Sule, who was arrested, Wednesday, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Kano (MAKIA) for failure to disclose $40,000 at the airport on his way to Egypt regained freedom from the protective custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after he was granted “administrative bail.”

Spokesperson of the anti graft agency, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, told Vanguard on phone that charges had already been prepared against the suspect, adding that the embattled son of the governor would be

charged to court at a later date.

Vanguard gathered in Kano that the EFCC could not arraign Aminu Sule as there was no judge of the Federal High Court in Kano to take his plea as most of the judges are currently attending ongoing Judges conference in Abuja.

In the meantime, Governor Lamido rose in defence of his eldest son, saying the embattled son was on health mission to Egypt.

Governor Sule Lamido in a four paragraph statement entitled “EFCC, My son and Money l a u n d e r i n g ” described attempt by the anti graft agency to link him with the offence as “mischievous.”

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 14, 2012

CBN remits N80bn to Federation account

BY BABAJIDE KOIMOLAFE

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HE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, will remit N80 billion to the federation accounts, while it accounts for 70 per cent of the total remittances by MDAs to the government treasury.

The Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Oguniyi Otunla disclosed this yesterday at the public hearing by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance investigating MDAs remittances to the government treasury.

Also speaking at the hearing, the CBN Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, who represented Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, disclosed that the CBN had remitted in the interim, the sum of N50billion for 2012, and will further remit a project sum of N30billion, making a total sum of N80 billion for 2012 fiscal year.

He, however, reiterated that the CBN should not be seen as a revenue generating agency; noting that over 85% of its revenue was used for conduct of monetary policy operations (mopping up of liquidity). He also stated that already the CBN had spent about N240 billion on monetary policy operations.

CNN to host Hafsat AbiolaCostello

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N line with the philosophy of CNN African Voices sponsored

by Glo to showcase successful and high-profile personalities who are shaping the African continent, the programme will this weekend feature the founder of the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, Hafsat Abiola-Costello.

A statement from the Marketing Communications Department of Globacom said the Nigerian civil rights and democracy activist will be the star guest on the 30-minute show on Saturday with repeat broadcasts on Saturday and at 10.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Sunday. There will be further repeats at 11.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. on Monday and at 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday.

Abiola-Costello talks to CNN’s Vladimir Duthiers about her role as a democracy advocate, civil rights campaigner and political adviser in the Ogun State Government, amongst other things.

Following the death of both her parents, Chief Moshood and Kudirat Abiola, Hafsat had chosen to dedicate her life to helping her fellow Nigerians in their quest to create a fair and equitable society with her many projects, including the non-profit organization dedicated to her mother’s memory, the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy, which seeks to strengthen civil society and promote democracy in Nigeria.

Vanguard Conference Hall: No constitution review without SNC — Participants

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM & KUNLE KALEJAYE

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ORE reactions have contin ued to trail the amendment of the constitution, even as members of Civil Society groups yesterday described the current review of the 1999 constitution as superficial and flawed.

This view was shared by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Publicity Secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria, Mr Monday Ubani, Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Sam Itodo, President, Youth Alliance on Constitution Review, YARCO, Mrs Cynthia Ekwueme of Women & Child Rights Agenda, Mr. Qasim Akinreti of Media Network, Mr. Seyi Adeleke from Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja, Mr Tope Shaba of Civil Society Coalition and Ms Bisi Olagbegi of Gender & Constitution Review Network.

This assertion was made at Vanguard Conference Hall on constitution review, sponsored by United Nations Development Programme, UNDP in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ubani said any constitution review that took no cognisance of the views of Nigerians would not have lasting impact.

He, therefore, called for a sovereign national conference, saying that it was fundamental that the constitution emanated from the people.

“What is going on now is what we call patch-patch. What we ex-

pect is constitutional conference where we will really sit down as a nation, and if we write them, it will be the terms and conditions that we will live together as a country.

“For now, Nigeria is not a nation, we are not yet together and the first questions that we really want to ask ourselves is the issue of if we really want to live together before we even talk about constitution amendment or review so that we don’t write down a constitution for a people that will never live together or never in any way have a common goal and pursuit to ensure that Nigeria becomes a devel-

oped nation.

“The issue is: Do we want to live together as one country, one nation that has one aspiration, one goal? And if that question is answered, then we can now go ahead and give ourselves a constitution and begin to specify the terms and conditions of various issues.

He noted that most of the problems the nation has were, systemic as it had a constitution that was penned down by the military. “But I tell you that it is very fundamental that the people give themselves a constitution, a law that they will respect,” he added.

Lai Mohammed, pointed out that the constitution was lopsided at the centre. Stating further that there was need for civil society groups to form alliance with political parties to fashion a constitution that would be reflective of the people’s will.

He said a sovereign national conference was important to understand Nigerians’ differences and aspirations to determine if they actually wanted to continue to co-exist as a nation.

Ubani noted that every state should be allowed to decide its position on state police, adding that the Federal Government must not foist its will on the state.

Gov. Kashim Shetima of Borno State (middle); Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim and Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar during the Joint Task Force visit to assess the security situation in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.

SEC to name, shame erring operators in capital market

BY PETER EGWUATU

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S part of its commitment for zero tolerance in the Nigerian capital market, the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, yesterday, said it will name and shame any erring operator who abuses the market.

The SEC also disclosed that the Federal Government will in three months time revive the Abuja Securities and Commodities Exchange, ASCE, just as efforts are on to bring the multinationals and big companies to the stock exchange for listing.

Director General of the Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh, who disclosed this in Abuja at the opening of the maiden edition of the SEC journalists Academy 2012, stated that the commission would not condole any act that will destroy market integrity and confidence.

According to her, “We are in a strong disclosure and transparent regime. We will ensure that we carry out our enforcement function to the latest with the co operation of the police, Attorney General, and the media. We have a zero tolerance for the things that are not

proper and we are committed to name and shame operators that are not doing the right thing.”

Oteh, said, “The Federal Government is committed to revive the ASCE as part of efforts to realize its agricultural transformation agenda. In the next three months or more, the Abuja Securities and Commodity Exchange is going to be revived and this will help to grow the

market and the economy in general.”

In her comment on the need for more listing on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, she said, “There are ongoing effort to ensure that the big companies in the telecommunication, power and upstream petroleum sectors are listed on our exchange.

In her words, “We are pursuing the listing agenda vigorous-

ly at every level. We are waiting for the upstream petroleum companies, power, telecomm, etc. to list in our market as quickly as possible. We are waiting for the government entities to kick start the listing and thereafter others will follow, because there is an adage that say, “Charity begins at home.” The Federal Government is ready to lead by example.”

RCCG moves to control traffic on Lagos-Ibadan road

BY SAM EYOBOKA & YINKALATONA

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RGANISERS of the 15th annual Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, are making arrangement to contain the surging traffic expected today at the Redemption Camp, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, as the church hosts the flagship of the event, the Holy Ghost Service with millions of persons expected from all over the world.

On a daily basis since the Congress started on Monday,

the crowd has been building up but today, the church in collaboration with detachments of security personnel drawn from various formations including men of the Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, and several traffic control officers from Lagos and Ogun states would be on duty to control the unprecedented crowd expected toady.

The traffic and security committee has sent to all parishes of the church the outline on movement within the camp

ground, to make worshippers stay comfortable and ensure freeflow of traffic in and out of the camp ground during the programme.

Feelers from the church last night indicate that the authorities had fully prepared to control the traffic as it has put modalities on ground to ensure free flow of traffic during the programme but, another source within the church told our reporter that a lot would depend on the attitude of the motorists on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—9

Photojournalist assault case for Feb 28

Okada restriction: Court backs Lagos govt...says it is constitutional

BY ONOZURE DANIA

A

N Ikeja Magistrate’s Court, yesterday, fixed February 28 for further hearing in the suit filed against a Director at TOS Funerals, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Bayo Ogunsola, who allegedly assaulted and battered Benedict Uwalaka, a photo journalist with the Leadership Newspapers.

The trial magistrate Mr. E.O. Ogunkanmi abruptly suspended all the cases before him, as he said he received a sudden call to attend a meeting.

He then asked the counsels in the matters before him to take other dates for the hearing of their suits.

Ogunshola and other officials of the Mortuary allegedly assaulted Uwalaka on August 9, 2012 when he alongisde his colleagues went to cover the release of the remains of the victims of the Dana Air crash to their relatives.

Ogunshola was charged with a two count charge on assault and willful destruction of professional camera worth N715, 000.

Carol night

T

HE Redeemed Evangel ical Mission, TREM, will tomorrow host a special Christmas Carol Night tagged; “The carpenter ’s son” at the church headquarters Obanikoro/Anthony Oke, Lagos.

Traditional carol songs, conventional ones and a lot of music shall be rendered in a command performance to praise the Lord for the season. Artistes and choral groups are expected to be part at this year ’s carol service. The host choir is Evangel Voices.

The chief host, Dr. Mike Okonkwo and his wife, Dr. Peace Okonkwo will be there to receive you.

Feast of tabernacles

T

HE God’s Kingdom Soci ety will hold its annual Christian Feast of Tabernacles from Dec. 16 to 23, 2012 at the church headquarters, Salem City, Warri, Delta State. The event which will be presided over by the Chairman, Executive Board of the church, Bro. Godwin Ifeacho include Bible lecture, exhortations, women and children assembly and musical and cultural session.

The Lagos State branches of the church marks the first day on Sunday, Dec 16, 2012 at GKS service hall, along Liasu road, Egbe, Ikotun, Lagos.

zDecision good for residents—Fashola

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI, MONSOOR OLOWOOPEJO & ONOZURE DANIA

J

USTICE Aishat Opesanwo of Ikeja High Court yesterday upheld the constitutionality of the Lagos traffic law, saying it did not violate anybody’s rights.

Some commercial motorcyclists, under the aegis of All Nigeria Auto Bike Commercial Owners and Workers Association, ANACOWA, had challenged the restriction of their operations to 475 routes by the traffic law, saying that it violated their right to freedom of movement.

However, Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola said: “The court has restated clearly what is the law, the responsibility for municipal management of traffic in any state can only reside in the elected authorities of that state.

“The legislative power, therefore, belongs to the parliament of that state; so if parliament sits down and passes a bill into law and it follows all of the processes, governor‘s assent and so on, what else?

“I think people, in the name of freedom and access to justice, should not just do whatever they like; I think the action challenging the constitutionality of the law in the first place was an extremely frivolous and ill-conceived action”.

The governor said the fact that the law was passed by the people’s representatives made it binding on everyone, and urged compliance by all residents.

In his coments, Mr Ade Ipaye, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, said the ordinary people of the state were the winners of the court’s decision.

“If there is any winner at all, it is the good people of Lagos who desire to commute in a safe and secure environment.

“It is also a relief to have legal confirmation of the sensible fact a state House of Assembly has powers to make laws, regulating conduct on every road within the state’s territory,” he said.

Mr Kayode Opeifa, Commissioner for Transportation, commended the decision of the motorcycle operators to challenge the law in the court.

Opeifa said it was their constitutional right, adding that the operators should partner with the state government in putting an efficient and sustainable transportation system in the state.

He encouraged the operators to take advantage of the various skill acquisition programmes

put in place by the government for them to be productive.

The Lagos Traffic Law was promulgated on Aug. 2. Apart from restricting operations of commercial motorcyclists, it also prohibits making phone calls while driving.

Governor Babatunde Fashola has commended the court ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Lagos Traffic Law, saying the verdict was in the best interest of the residents.

Speaking with newsmen after the judgment, Fashola said the decision of the court had justified the state government’s stance that municipal traffic management was the sole responsibility of the state.

He said the government explored the normal procedures in promulgating the law, adding that those who had challenged the constitutionality of the legislation had only embarked on a futile exercise.

The lead Counsel to All Nigerians Autobike Commercial Owners and Workers Association, ANACOWA, parent body of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called “Okada Riders”. Mr Bamidele Aturu, has vowed to appeal yesterday’s judgment in favour of Lagos State government, saying he would be seeking redress on behalf of is clients at the Court of Appeal.

A statement by Aturu read thus: “The High Court of Lagos State, yesterday, dismissed the suit filed by ANACOWA on behalf of commercial motorcyclists. While we respect the decision of the judge as a court of law, we disagree with the decision and we shall promptly seek redress on behalf of our clients at the Court of Appeal.

“As we have relentlessly made clear we do not think it is right to argue that there are no federal trunk roads in Lagos State as this may encourage the Federal Government to abandon maintenance of roads that we all know to be federal roads. This is what we meant when we argued that Lagos State government was pursuing a pyrrhic victory by the argument.

“We salute the doggedness of our clients and their respect for the rule of law. They have shown very remarkably that we will not build democracy if we fail to challenge or test policies and laws of governments at all levels.

“We know that this is not the end of the matter. Citizens have many options at their disposal for challenging policies

zAturu heads to Appeal court that they consider destructive of the ends of democracy and their existence. We shall leave

our clients with the decision, while we pursue their appeal speedily.”

From left: Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu I; Secretary to the Lagos State Government, who represented Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Managing Director, Planet Projects Ltd, Mr. Biodun Otunola and Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola at the flag-off for the construction of infrastructure for the Lagos Island Municipal Transport Service, LMTS, yesterday.

Subsidy scam: Tukur, Alao ask court for more time

BY ONOZURE DANIA &

MICHAEL OLADEPO

T

WO oil marketers, Mah mud Tukur and Abdullahi Alao, yesterday asked an Ikeja High Court, for more time to discuss with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, pertaining to the N1.8 billion fuel subsidy fraud charge preferred against them.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo alongside Alex Ochonogor and Eternal Oil and Gas Plc. At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, the defence counsel, Mr Tayo Oyetibo SAN and Prof. Taiwo Osipitan SAN, said discussions were still ongoing between both parties.

Oyetibo, said, ”on the last adjourned date, that counsel did took a second look at the matter.

“We are in that process and are asking for one more oppor-

tunity to come to terms with the conditions.

“We have not been able to conclude because of certain reasons but if we are given a little time, we will be able to make progress.

EFCC counsel, Mrs Taiwo Ogunleye also confirmed the development.

The trial judge granted their request and adjourned the matter to January 30, 2013 to enable the parties conclude their discussions.

However, the court ordered EFCC to release the international travelling documents of Tukur and Ochonogor to enable them travel to the United Kingdom and France for business purposes.

Onigbanjo said the defendants have kept faithfully to their bail terms since the matter began.

He asked the defendants to return the documents to the custody of the EFCC, upon their return to Nigeria, on or before January 25, 2013

Bamanga Tukur to grace Edo College 2012 dinner

T

HE PDP National Chair man, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, Tafidan Adamawa will grace the Edo College Old Boys’ Association,ECOBA, Lagos branch 2012 annual dinner/ ball as Special Guest of Honour.

In a statement by the

branch Publicity Secretary, Engr Elvis Agbonifo-Obaseki, the ball is slated tomorrow at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja-Lagos.

The event will be chaired by Chief (Engr) Emmanuel Aguele, Chairman, Grenigas and hosted by the branch Chairman, Senator Victor Kassim Isa Oyofo.

10— Vanguard,

FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 14, 2012

PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF CITY OF 201 GODS, BY PROF. OLUPONA

Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State presenting the book at the occasion.

From left: Prof Jacob Olupona, Author of the book; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State; Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, Chairman of the Occasion; HRM Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Ooni of Ife and Olori Ladun Sijuwade during the presentation of book titled: City of 201 Gods: Ile Ife by Prof.

Jacob Olupona in Lagos, yesterday. Pix: Lamidi Bamidele.

From left: Prof Jacob Olupona and Chief Bayo Akinnola, Lisa of Ondo Kingdom.

From left: Chief Mobolaji St. Matthew Daniel, his wife, Yeye Dorothy; HRM Oba Adebiyi Adeshida, Deji of Akure and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

From left: Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former External Affairs minister; Sir Sammy Chukwuma and Rt Revd Matthew Owadayo.

From left: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun State; Mr Dele Momodu, Publisher of Ovation and Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governor of Ekiti State.

From left: Prof. Lanre Togonu-Bickersteth, Awolowo University and Chief From right: HRM Oba Dr Olusanya Adegboyega, The Obafemi Joseph Sanusi, former Governor of Central Olowu of Owu and other royal majesties.

Bank of Nigeria.

From left: Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Prince Ade Aderemi and Chief (Arc) Tokunbo Omisore.

From left: Chief John Odeyemi, Chairman Advisory Planning Committee of the event and Prof Michael Faborode, former Vice Chancellor, OAU, Ile-Ife.

Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 14, 2012—11

Benson Idahosa Varsity awards doctorate to Ize-Iyamu, others

Boko Haram can’t be eradicated overnight —Azazi

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

BY SIMON EBEGBULEM

B

ENIN—SOUTHSOUTH ViceChairman of Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and a business mogul, Lee Ikpea, are among those to be conferred with Doctorate degrees today, at the 8th convocation of Benson Idahosa University, in Benin City, Edo State.

Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Macdonald Idu, briefing newsmen in Benin City, yesterday, said: “The award is to celebrate selfless service, integrity and statesmanship of men and women who have led exemplary lives and contributed to national transformation in different sectors of the Nigerian polity.”

F

ORMER National Security Adviser, General Owoeye Azazi (rtd), has said that the menace of Boko Haram cannot be eradicated overnight even as he endorsed community policing as a panacea to the security problem in the country.

Speaking, yesterday, in Lagos at the 4th Christopher Kolade symposium organised by the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, NLI, Azazi said the problem of Bokom Haram was surmountable, but it would take some time for the country to overcome.

The theme of the symposium was: Moving from Developing to Emerging nation: Economic and Political Development with National Security.

Speaking during a panel

discussion which included Managing Director/Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mrs Sola DavidBorha, Azazi pointed out that the world as a whole has not totally overcome the prob-

lem of terrorism and even in recent times there had been increased terrorist activities in some African countries such as Mali and Niger.

He asked: “Have we overcome Book Haram in Nigeria?

Everybody knows the answer, we have not. But there is nothing that cannot be overcome. Just put in place the right measures and make sure you hit at the problem, and then you overcome it.”

PRESENTATION: From left: Mr. Mayo Okunola, General Manager, DStv; Mr. Onuoha Aloysuius, winner of a Renault Duster SUV in the DStv Mega Promo; Mr. John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria and Ex-international, Victor Ikpeba, during the presentation at MultiChoice head office, Tiamiyu Savage, Victorial Island, Lagos, yesterday.

How we foiled blow up of Ughelli Gas Plant — Delta CP

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

A

S A B A — D E LTA State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said, yesterday, that his command foiled an attempt to blow up the Gas plant at Ughelli in the state with explosives following a tip-off from ex-militants.

Aduba, in Asaba, while parading two suspects arrested in connection with the incident, said it was not their

first attempt to blow up the plant.

He said: “It was the ex-militants that gave us the information that this was the target and that they had earlier promised that they (suspects) would blow up the plant and we were fortunate to have apprehended them. We are about concluding investigation so as to arraign them in court. They tried it once and this time around, we are lucky to have caught them.”

Abe gives free JAMB forms to 378 students in Rivers

I

N continuation of his education support initiative, Senator Magnus Abe, representing Rivers SouthEast in the National Assembly, has commenced the procurement of the 2012/2013 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, forms for indigent students in the district.

No fewer than 378 eligible candidates drawn from the seven local government areas of the district comprising Andoni, Eleme, Gokana, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai, are to benefit from the scheme.

Beneficiaries of the programme, which started in 2011/2012 with 189 students benefiting, will increase to 567 when the process for 2012/2013 is completed.

The move is geared toward assisting less privileged students across the district aspire for higher education to guarantee a secured future for them.

12 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 , 2012

Indian hemp and ogogoro make us hardened during operation — robbery suspect

By IFEANYI OKOLIE

W

E usually smoke wraps of Indian hemp otherwise called Igbo before we go for robbery. We will then top it with shots of ogogoro (local gin). This is to make us hardened during operation and this is why a robber during operation can shoot his mother or wife” These were the words of 24year-old Sheyi Ganiu, a suspected member of a six -man robbery gang that has been terrorizing Lagosians for a long time.

Unfortunately for the gang, it met its waterloo, after two of its members were killed during a shoot-out with policemen in Ikeja area of Lagos recently.

Members of the gang numbering six , reportedly stormed a popular eatery located on Allen avenue, in Ikeja area of Lagos, where they dispossessed customers of cash and other valuables. But while at it, policemen from the Special Anti Robbery Squad, Ikeja, who were alerted, stormed the scene and engaged the robbers in a gun duel, killing two of them and recovering four cut-to-size double barrel guns and 20 live ammunition at the end .

In this interview with Crime Alert, Sheyi , a cobbler at the densely populated Mushin area of Lagos, disclosed that members of the dreaded gang resided in the same area with him , adding that their hideout was located in Akala area of

Mushin.

Hear him: “ Akala is our base. That is where we plan and organise all our operations.

That is also where we share our loots at the end of each successful operation . But before going on an operation, we must smoke until we get high. We will also top it with shepee(local gin) , after which we would leave. At that point, we can shoot and kill anybody.

You must own a gun before

joining the gang He revealed that the rule of the gang was to own a gun before anyone would be enlisted as a member. “ We are six in number and we had six guns, one belonging to each person. Members of my gang are Akeem, Wasiu, Ikeja, Femi and Ibrahim.

Wasiu is a very close friend of mine and we reside in the same street in Mushin. He was the person that introduced me into

•Ganiu, with the recovered weapons

the gang. But before I joined, they insisted I must buy a gun so as to arm myself and be able to defend myself during confrontation . Even when I begged them that I do not have money, they said I must get the sum of N25,000 to buy one before joining them because that was the criterium for being a member.

I had to borrow money which I gave to Femi, leader of the gang , who bought me a gun from the Republic of Benin.

Since I joined them, we have robbed in four places. One of the places was in Victoria Island, where I got N50,000; at Oshodi where I got N52,000 and Shogunle where I got N32,000.

My fourth operation was at the eatery at Allen Junction.

Femi, Ibranhim keja and myself were inside the eatery disposing customers of their valuables, while Wasiu and Akeem were outside watching.

But when the police came, they all escaped, leaving me behind” Asked if he had any regrets, he nodded his head. Also asked if he had any advice for other criminals out there, he shook his head , saying, “ I have no advice for any criminal out there or those having the intention to join. This is because nobody talked me out of this. So, let them face the music just as I am facing.”

Meanwhile, Crime Alert gathered that operatives at SARS were on the trail of other fleeing member s of the gang, while Sheyi would soon be charged to court.

How I was attacked by my landlord’s son — Tiwa Bankole

By EVELYN USMAN

T

HE female artist , Tiwa Bankole who was Monday stabbed in the neck by her landlord’s son, one Tobi Obadina, yesterday , recounted how she was almost sent to an unprepared grave.

Wearing an expression of disbelief, T Banks as she is popularly known, revealed that her assailant had been threatening her for long.

“He apparently made do his threat”, she stated from her hospital bed in Iyana-Ipaja area of Lagos, where she is receiving treatment .

Hear her “ everybody in the area knows Tobi as a hot tempered person. I have been living in the compound for seven years and have never had a quarrel with anyone. It

still baffles me why he chose to pick on me because Tobi does not live in the same building with us. He only used to visit us bescuase he was a friend of one of my brothers, Olaniyi.

It all started some months back when I wanted to use the toilet. On that day, he blocked my way and threatened to beat me up. I reported him to my father who went to his father.

But to my surprise his father said I was telling a lie that his son had not been around for three years. His father even claimed that perhaps I was having an affair with Tobi. Can you beat that? How can I, when I am ten years older than him.

On the day he stabbed me, I was going to fetch water when he accosted me and started insulting me. I ignored him .

“He started saying he would get married very soon while I would remain single yet I still not say a word.

I went inside and he followed me. To the surprise of all, he poured the water into our room through the window.

Later that evening, he barged into my room with a knife. He stabbed my brother in the hand but he managed to escape. Then I was left all alone with him. He stabbed me repeated and help was far from coming.

“While stabbing me he said noone could arrest him that I should do my worst . He boasted that since his father was a retired police officer and his mother a serving police woman nobody could do anything to him” But his father, Mr Ebenezer, said he had nothing to do with the incident, saying he had been warning his son to stay away from trouble.

Tobi , is still being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Stampede, as robbers in Mobile Police uniform invade Park in Enugu

By CHINENYEH OZOR

B

USINESS activities were temporally disrupted in the university town of Nsukka, in Enugu state yesterday, after some robbers reportedly dressed in Mobile Police uniform invaded Peace Mass transit Motor Park, snatching a school bus and dispossessing several persons of cash and other valuables.

But the Area Commander Nsukka Police command, Mr Amson Haladu, described the robbery as a foiled one, saying policemen were quick to condone off the park. He could however not state whether any arrest was made.

Crime Alert gathered that the robbers numbering four stormed the park at about 3pm. The robbers as gathared gained entry through the back gate of the well fenced transport company, from where they reportedly snatched a school bus belonging to a Girls’s Secondary school. While one of them positioned himself at the entrance, apparently to wade off intruders, others reportedly went straight to the ticketing hall demanding to see the manager.

They reportedly ordered everyone to lie down, while those who attempted to escape were accosted by the gang members at the exit point.

According to the manager who pleaded anonymity, “ “I sighted them through an adjourning door . They weer dressed in Mobile Police uniforms and armed with AK 47 riffles. When I sensed all was not well, I managed to escape”, he stated.

T Bank with brother, Olaniyi , also stabbed by assailant

Vanguard , FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 —13

African, American journalists for exchange programme SESSOU AGOS—TWENTY journalists to be selected from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda are to participate in an exchange programme with their colleagues in the United States.

Each of the four African countries will contribute five candidates for the programme that would also feature 20 journalists from the U.S..

A statement by the Programme Associate, Sanmi Falobi, said the multiphase programme, which would be managed by Intrnational Centre for Journalists and funded by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, would run for 18 months.

According to Falobi, five journalists will be selected from each of the four African countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.

L

BY EBUN

Chief Amah for burial

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HIEF J. O. K Amah of Ikwuakwu Ututu, Arochukwu L.G.A, Abia State, is dead, aged 108 years. He will be buried on Saturday, December 22, after funeral service at St. Peter ’s Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, at the family compound, Ukwuakwu Ututu. He is survived by children and many relations.

Nwodo blames non-performance of some governors on godfatherism zSays many party chieftains have never read party Constitution

U

BY HENRY

UMORU

YO—FORMER Nation al Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, yesterday, blamed godfathers for nonperformance of some state governors. He said the governors were tied to the apron strings of godfathers with whom they shared their states’ monthly allocation.

Nwodo said this was impacting negatively on development of states, against the backdrop that the governors run to their godfathers who were instrumental to their getting to power.

The former scribe, who was governor of old Enugu State, said if elected governors, irrespective of the party platform, must deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians, they must remove themselves from the overbearing nature of godfathers who influence almost all their decisions and how state allocations were spent.

Speaking at the Retreat on Capacity Building for Zonal/ State Publicity and Organising Secretaries, organised by the PDP national Secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, Nwodo, who noted that the verdict of the people must be allowed to prevail in the selection of candidates for election, said the people’s decision was very important as they knew the aspirants.

Nwodo said: “Those who are elected as party officials or as the party’s candidates are given certificates of return, a copy of code of ethics for party officials and in the case of candidates, a copy of the party’s constitution and a copy of our manifesto.

“All these instruments are very important. It is because many

elected party officials have never read these documents that they abandon the party after they win elections. Parry officials and our elected representatives at all levels must study

Late JOK Amah

Retreat

T

HE VINCENTIAN Retreat Centre, Ojodu-Ikeja, will end its three-day Advent retreat today, with a vigil commencing at 9pm.

The retreat, with the theme: Arise and Shine, will feature Stations of the Cross, Adoration and Holy Mass.

It will be hosted by the Vincentian fathers.

the risk of repetition that the only true way a party can produce its best for party leadership or candidates for general elections is by the practice of robust internal democracy.”

PDP RETREAT: From left: Former Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, national chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; national vice-chairman South South, Mr Steve Oru; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, and national chairman, Dr. Bamanga Tukur, during the retreat on capacity building for zonal/state publicity and press corps members in Uyo, yesterday

We ‘ll surprise our critics —Gov Orji

U

and be conversant with the details of these documents as they contain our covenant with the people we represent and what our party stands for. ”I have to emphasise even at

M U A H I A — A B I A State governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has said that he would continue to prove his critics wrong with his numerous people-oriented projects in the state.

The governor was speaking against the background of what he described as politically motivated criticisms aimed at throwing mud at his government’s genuine intention to re-write the history of Abia State.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Mr. Ben Onyechere, Orji said: My administration will spring surprises as it is determined to surpass the expectations of the critics.

“The process of developing Abia and uplifting the living standards of the people can no longer be based on empty noise by the rating of the enemies of Abia State, rather we shall continue to lay credible foundation as no genuine progress can be made on a faulty or sandy soil.”

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 15

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16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Striking workers beat up Plateau commissioner, gov's aide zAs Jang, Yakowa present budgets

BY EMEKA MAMAH, TAYE OBATERU, PHILIP EKIGWE, COMFORT ALIFIA & UTIBE-ABASI OKON

G

OVERNOR Jonah Jang of Plateau State was, yesterday, prevented from presenting his 2013 budget estimates at the state House of Assembly for several hours by striking workers, who beat up top government officials and prevented House members and other government officials from entry their offices.

The governor announced a total budget estimate of

C M Y K

N133.4 billion tagged Budget of Continuity and Inclusive Growth III. It was broken into N85 billion, for capital expenditure, and N48.3 billion as recurrent expenditure.

Kaduna budget

Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, yesterday, proposed a budget of N176.48 billion for the 2013 fiscal year.

A breakdown of the figure showed that N74,441,824,583 was for recurrent budget, while N102,038,518,425 was for capital expenses.

Yakowa, who presented the budget tagged Budget of Consolidation and Advancement, lamented that the poor security situation in some northern states, coupled with paucity of funds affected the implementation of the 2012 budget, adding that work on about 525 roads were either completed or ongoing.

Commissioner, aide beaten up

The Plateau State striking workers beat up Mr. Stephen Barko, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Mr. Kwamkur Silas, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youths Mobilisa-

tion, just as they held up the presentation of the Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly. They took over the assembly as early as 8am, carrying anti-government placards and chanting songs.

Security was eventually reinforced later in the afternoon and shots fired into the air to allow Governor Jang present the bill to the very few members present.

Plateau's breakdown

He said the setting up of a task force on revenue generation was paying off as monthly internally generated revenue increased from N350 million

in January to N650 million in November.

The works sector got the highest capital estimate of over N14 billion, which the governor said would be spent on completing ongoing and new road projects. Education got N7.4 billion, health N5.4 billion, while agriculture got N2.8 billion.

Kaduna's

Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State said: “Opening balance is N8 billion; expected IGR, N29.09 billion; statutory allocation from Federation Account N65 billion and SUREP, N3. 372 billion.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 17

,

If all Nigerians were like Ifeka, we would have a better country and be much less exploited; and I totally admire his gutsy willingness to not only tell it like it is but to NOT allow soft sentimentalities to silence his shrill and completely justifiable anger

Ifeka speaks!

I

FEKA

OKONKWO

(ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com) is the most vociferous reader of this column. Highly opinionated, unrepentantly blunt and almost gleefully unsychophantic, he takes his democratic and human rights very seriously indeed and flatly refuses to be as bovinely philosophical as most of us are about the multiple disappointments that the average Nigerian faces.

I don’t always agree with Ifeka – his gra-gra is sometimes too much for me!

,

Nigerians: Stress as a way of life.

EFCC and recovered N14bn

But he often talks the kind of sense that this society needs to hear repeatedly.

He is a conveyor of

P

Our stressful and painful existence!

D

S: During the Channels News a t 10pm on December 10 2012, the Chairman of EFCC, said that they have recovered N14b from Nigerians who were transferring the money overseas at our airports, in a space of few months this year.

He even said that they caught someone with $7m.

He should stop insulting our sensibilities by pretending that EFCC is working when he did not disclose the names of those Nigerians they caught with our money, because they must be our top politicians who are sacred cows that will never go to jail to serve as a deterrent to would-be looters who are waiting on the wings to have a bite of our national cake.

What punishment has been meted out to those people who were involved in the fuel subsidy scam? Are they not moving about, free as the air enjoying their loot? That is why I hate our politicians and wish them all dead, because they are the architects of our woes in our richly blessed country!

ONU, you wrote that we should wish Goodluck Jonathan a less stressful 2013, following his wife’s recent illness and the death of his brother. While thanking God that his wife is now hale and hearty and sympathising with him over the death of his younger brother, I want to inform him that many Nigerians have fallen sick, while others have died for being subjected to the most extreme stress of general insecurity of lives and property, epileptic power supply, expensive and inadequate health facilities, lack of pipe-borne water, bad roads, joblessness, high cost of petroleum products that have resulted in the galloping cost of goods and services.

All the above challenges confronting us, are due to the fact that we have been saddled with the most greedy, corrupt, inept and visionless ruling class that we have ever had in our nation’s history and who are only interested in accumulating

uncomfortable Home Truths.

He aggressively rejects the weary, defeated “siddon look” mentality that prevents us

from fighting back and enables our leaders to despise us and take ordinary citizens for granted.

President Goodluck Jonathan wealth and not in making our lives comfortable with the abundant resources at their disposal!

Has any of our present ruling class been under the unpleasant stress of being in total blackout of electricity on alternate days, as has been our lot in the area of Awka where I reside since 2007 with no end in sight to our plight?

Now that the official price of diesel which I use for my plant, is N165 per litre, it then

means that the price of petrol will increase and in the process skyrocket the prices of goods and services, thereby adding to our woes, while our oppressors and our new colonisers who have so much money, will not feel the pains of the increase in prices of goods and foodstuffs.

Since the middle of March 2012, when I started writing down what I have been spending on diesel for my plant and servicing it, as at

If all Nigerians were like Ifeka, we would have a better country and be much less exploited; and I totally admire his gutsy willingness to not only tell it like it is but to NOT allow soft sentimentalities or tribalism or tradition or politeness or fear to silence his shrill and completely justifiable anger about bum raps.

Ifeka is, quite simply, a force of nature; and I think that you should hear his views about some of the topics that have been recently covered on this page.

8th of December, the total cost has risen to N178,620. So, imagine what I have spent in running and maintaining my generating set since 2007 when PHCN started load shedding in our area.

I will never wish our present crop of ruling class well and I will continue to have the utmost contempt for them, until they start giving us the so-called dividends of democracy which they have been enjoying themselves with the exclusion of the rest of us, period!

Ifeka Okonkwo

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED IN VANGUARD, WITH YOUR NAMES AND NUMBERS OR EMAIL ADDRESSES ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 WE delight in arguments even when they confound issues. Who does not know that corruption is healthy enough in Nigeria that it keeps growing? Does the 35th most corrupt rating by Transparency International capture the depth of corruption in Nigeria?

The debates can continue confusing people.

The denials sustain corruption. Yet it is clear that a country where people bribe for almost every service has a bigger challenge than a corruption rating can indicate.

Nigeria’s version of corruption breeds more corruption. Students bribe to gain admissions, bribe lecturers for grades, pay other bribes for the National Youth Service Corps postings, where more bribes are required for other things. It is a life steeped in bribes. What type of leaders would they be?

The other sides are politicians who climb the unfriendly steps to power, bribing everyone - party officials, supporters and electoral officials. The quality of service such politicians provide is a direct reflection of the fact that they owe nobody any accountability, having bribed their way this

More Than Corruption far, in their quest for power.

It is therefore insulting for government officials to waste time complaining that Nigeria was being unfairly rated on corruption. Nigeria’s brand of corruption, they should admit, is pervasive and has different indices that an international rating agency cannot capture. Where else would a policeman bribe to be issued official identity card? Policemen purchase their uniforms though there is annual budget for police uniforms. In counting the corruption in the police, attention has been on extortion of road users and relations of suspects, not in the system that makes extortion normal.

The issues are deeper. The current recruit

announcement of the Nigerian Army comes with a bold warning that nobody should pay gratifications. It is a warning that would be ignored, in the same way that officials of various government agencies expect “appreciation”, often upfront, for serving the public. An exception is rare.

Government should address corruption holistically, instead of complaining about it.

Poor attention to the general well being of Nigerians has an abiding relationship with the increase in corruption. As millions of Nigerians are out of work, they depend on others, who face so much pressure that they start using their positions to create avenues to corruptly enrich themselves.

Nigeria’s movement from the second most corrupt country, 10 years ago, to number 35 may seem a remarkable improvement, but the fact remains that the impact of the changes are not being felt. What government should do about corruption is more important than contesting the fairness of the ranking.

It can do a lot by checking lifestyles of most public officers who flaunt living above their legitimate earnings.

OPINION

BY SAMUEL EGUAIKHIDE Continued from yesterday's pg 18

A

DVANCED economies are run on taxes, and for any economy to develop, the people cannot shy away from taxes.

This is what Governor Adams Oshiomhole, in his deep commitment to developing the state has done, by introducing the Land Use charge (property tax) which is generating different reactions from people in the state.

For the avoidance of doubt, the tax law in the state is not targeted at the middle class or the poor. It is only targeted at those who use land is in excess of 100ft by 100ft.

According to the provisions of the tax law, Section 9, sub-section 1(a)-(i) deals with Exemption from property tax.

According to the exemptions, places of worship are exempted from the tax law as well as public cemeteries and burial grounds. Also exempted are public libraries, official palaces of recognised traditional rulers; any property specifically exempted by the Governor and published in the state government’s official gazette; owneroccupier residential property of 100ft by 100ft maximum in a non-choice area of an urban area and 100ft by 100ft in a non-choice area in a rural setting.

Revisiting the Edo property tax law (2) Community property solely for community meetings; owner occupier pensioner property and owner occupier over sixty (60) years old and family compounds are also exempted.

From the exemptions listed in the Land Use Charge, more than 95 percent of people in the state will not be affected by the law. In fact, only a negligible percentage of super-rich persons in the state, who own mansions and chalets from street to street, from village to village and have nearly turned into tax-masters by collecting land rents from farmers and super landlords from the collection of rents from their various buildings will be affected by the new law.

It is a matter of fact that Nigerians don’t like to pay tax. It is therefore not surprising that the super-rich affected by the new tax law have mobilised forces against the law. However, rather than take the law into their hands, the law itself made provisions for a property-owner to appeal against the assessment of his property.

The aggrieved property owner, if dissatisfied with the classification, valuation or even calculation of the amount to be paid has a right to appeal to Land use Tribunal which shall sit on the case. And if the property owner

is again dissatisfied with the tribunal ruling, he may appeal to the State High Court.

Since the properties to be assessed and taxed are based in the local governments which make up the state, each local government, according to the law, will have its agreed share of the tax collected from its area.

What the Land Use Charge Law seeks to do is consolidate all land-based rates and charges into a single charge. What this means therefore, and which the law explains at Section 22 as that: “The provisions of the Tenement rates law and any amendments made pursuant thereto shall cease to apply”.

T

he charges provided by the Land use Charge law is so negligible that one wonders why someone would even kick against a law meant to fasttrack the development of the state.

According to the law, the charge on a commercial property is 0.422 percent; on a residential property (commercial) 0.20 percent; Industrial Premises of manufacturing Concern 0.25 percent and Owners-Occupied Residential property in excess of 100ft by 100ft 0.04 percent.

What this means is that an industrial premises of manufacturing concern, for

instance, which is evaluated at N45 million will only pay, at 0.25 percent tax, a negligible N112,500 per annum as land use charge, while a residential property in excess of 100ft by 100ft if evaluated at N5 million will only pay N2,000 per annum.

These charges are too negligible to cause the brouhaha which has greeted the law since its passage.

The English idiom that you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg simply means you can’t achieve something important without causing an unpleasant effect. We can’t have development if we are not ready to make our little contributions. The choice is now before the Edo people; pay tax and get development or don’t pay and return to the dark days. As for me and my house, we will align with the Comrade Governor to pay the Land Use charge for the state to be counted among the best in the country.

Concluded *Mr. Eguaikhide, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Ekpoma, Edo State.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 19

, Introduction: HAT constitutes power and influence? The most powerful and most influential among us invariably becomes our leader or is made our leader.

Information and the acquisition of which constitutes knowledge becomes the leader. Secrecy, the hoarding and guarding of knowledge, becomes the ‘sole preserve’ of the powerful. When we choose our leaders we have hand over the power we have to them. If that power is misused, we have the right to take back our power and give it to someone else. Until now, the Secrecy of the powerful and the consequent ignorance of the people have always made such processes of taking back the power from an

W

erring leader virtually impossible. Information sets us free. The greatest contribution that social media has made to modern democracy is making information available at the touch of a mouse. The career of Julian Assange, the Australian IT genius who founded Wikileaks demonstrates the highest level of the struggle of those in power to keep information and the efforts of the people to have access to information. Wikileaks uses social media software to collect information that governments and diplomats would rather keep secret and then distributes these thousands of cables worldwide through the Internet etc. Says Mr. Assange about Wikileaks: “We are a people’s bureau of checks and balances, working

internationally, and knowing that the things that governments and diplomats do behind closed doors is entirely our business. The people elect them, pay for them, trust them, and are bosses of them. And governments who allow themselves to forget that will hear the voice of the people in every chatroom, on every blog, on every Twitter feed and, eventually, from every square, rising from Tiananman Squire in Beijing to Tahrir Square in Cairo, from Trafalgar Square in London to Times Square in New York, with ripples through every letter of the alphabet.

And governments who stand against this truth are done for.” (Julian Assange: The Unauthorised Autobiography). Further on Julian Assange gives details: “There were some incredible stories in the cables: $25 million worth of bribes to politicians in India, given with the knowledge of apparently sanguine US diplomats; signs of continued

A brief encounter with General Buhari

BY MICHAEL OBERABOR

A

T the time Buhari ruled, Enebeli Elebuwa was the face of Nigeria. He played Andrew, a comic, in a short propagandist documentary widely circulated through the government media particularly the NTA which was at that time the veritable vehicle of government propaganda with its Siamese twin, Radio Nigeria. This was way before the advent of privately owned radio and television stations. The NTA opened and closed with the national anthem and pledge. News was broadcast only at 9pm. There was no CNN. In the story, Andrew had planned to “check out” of Nigeria: there were no jobs. Power supply was erratic; fuel queues were long and snaky; essential commodities were being rationed and there was a draconian war against indiscipline. Three young men had been executed for peddling dope. The decree that sealed their fate was non-existent at the time the offences were committed. A democratically elected government had been ejected by soldiers and civilian rule was nowhere in sight. A law forbade the possession of foreign currency and the naira exchange rate was frightening. Europe or America bore the only hope of survival for many young men and women. But right at the departure lounge, a voice of reason beckoned: only Nigerians could reverse this terrible and ugly situation. And if each and every Nigerian with the means to ameliorate the situation “checked out”, then doomsday was near. Andrew chose to stay.

When Elebuwa later became popular and famous in home movies, those who knew him by his moniker stuck to that name.

The reality on ground did not support an early resuscitation of the comatose nation.

C M Y K

,

And Buhari was coming to Benin. An ample opportunity presented itself for us to confront the strongman. A little over a year before then, together with his majordomo, Tunde Idiagbon, Buhari had sacked Shehu Shagari’s government. At that time, Benin was literally teeming with radicals and ideologues of all hues and colours. No one would be intimidated. There was Tunde Fatunde, Festus Iyayi, Felix Orhewhere and a host of others. Outside the walls of the ivory tower there was Ohonbanmu, the Marxist ideologue who had just returned from a long sojourn in Germany and was ready to do battle. The students paraded Matthew “Matto” Urhoghide, Osaze “Pelebe” IzeIyamu, Evhi Eyeghre and Nnamdi Maduekwe. There was Thaddeus Alli and Kayode Thomas together with Isaac Ajayi, Onajide Onajiromu and Larry Ettah. Pelebe later became the SSG during Lucky Igbinedion’s time in Edo state while Larry Ettah today heads UAC. Inspiration was nearby and fear was unknown.

Somehow, Buhari avoided the university preferring instead to commission some showpiece projects at the sister teaching hospital. He had played into our hands and confrontation would be inevitable. And so as medical students, we made an offer to Navy Captain Yinka Omolulu, a navy doctor who was at the time the helmsman of the teaching hospital in Benin. It was an offer he could not refuse. He must have had sleepless nights pondering the consequences of his decision to allow a small party of four of us to see the strongman and prince of the Daura emirate. We had headaches for a different reason: The radio and television were filled with congratulatory messages for a messianic Buhari who had come to save Nigeria and was visiting Bendel state.

Barack Obama and the First Social Media Election:

T

he presidential election of 2008 is considered the first social media election because of the strategic use which Barack Obama made of it. In February 2007, Barack Obama met Marc Andreeseen, the founder of Netscape and a board member of Facebook to ask him “if social

,

Social Media and Social Exchange theory and Strategic Contingencies theory

During that 2008 campaign, photo and video sharing sites were used to announce mal-functioning voting machines in Florida, ballot shortages in Virginia and absentee ballots

American interference in Haitian politics; revelations that a Peruvian presidential candidate had taken money from an alleged drug trafficker; unprecedented levels of lobbying of foreign governments by diplomats on behalf of American corporations; politicians in Lithuania paying journalists for positive coverage; and even spying by American diplomats on their colleagues at the United Nations.” The struggle between power and powerlessness is the struggle to know and to prevent others from knowing. Social media is at the heart of this struggle in the 21st century.

The use of Social Media (Internet, email, chat rooms, blogs, twitter feed, facebook and pinterest – an online pin board) in recent years have demonstrated that both social exchange theory – SET - and strategic contingencies theory can be validated. Two examples of social media during this period are President Barack Obama’s use of social media in 2008 for his presidential campaign (with a passing mention of social media in the campaign of 2012) and the use of social media in the Arab Spring of Egypt between June 6 2010 and 18 February 2011.

Out of the four of us that met with Buhari, I am the lone one remaining in Nigeria; and Enebeli Elebuwa, Buhari’s face of Nigeria has died in an Indian hospital

,

We also had no more bursary as Ogbemudia no longer called the shots at government house. And how were we going to fit all our demands into Omololu’s allotted five minutes. We rehearsed and even had a dress rehearsal with Dr. Alex Khadiri of physiology department playing Buhari.

Khadiri later went to the senate representing the people of Kogi east during Obasanjo’s second coming.

O

n that day, to Omololu’s horror, we demanded a private audience with Buhari. We had passed the point of no return and were ready to damn the fallout. You could hear a pin drop. The silence was louder than the clapping of thunder. With only his aide de camp by his side, the bespectacled general took us into a side room and firmly shut the door. Another mistake! Why couldn’t we just snuff the life out of this man and return Shagari to the mantle of leadership?

The odds were in our favour. It was two against four, but the ADC was armed and so wise counsel prevailed. We asked him to justify his incursion into governance. We told him point blank that he was an illegal ruler and as illegitimate as could possibly be. Taken aback but quickly regaining his composure, his soldier’s training took hold of him. With a calm candour and demeanour and in as solemn as a voice

networking, with its tremendous communication capabilities and aggressive database development, might help him beat the overwhelming odds facing him” in the forthcoming presidential election of 2008.

Marc Andreeseen summed up Barack Obama as “a man who saw the world and the status quo as malleable”, a summation that was spot-on. What was done then was to “bolt together social networking applications under the banner of a movement”. In this way an unforeseen force was created to raise money, organise locally, fight smear campaigns, get out the vote and topple both the Clinton machine to win the Democratic Party nomination and to defeat John McCain for the presidency. Going into the White House in 2008, Barack Obama had a virtual political base as well as a data base. Social media became not only a campaign tool but also a means of gathering and sharing content.

As a campaign tool Barack Obama had access to the social media tools such as blogs, social networks, photo-sharing sites and video sharing sites. These social tools were used to get voter turn-out up and also to urge people to go out and vote especially in swing states. The use of social media as a means of gathering and sharing content also worked for the campaign.

During that 2008 campaign, photo and video sharing sites were used to announce malfunctioning voting machines in Florida, ballot shortages in Virginia and absentee ballots because of late delivery of ballots in Georgia.

Continues next week

could be, he walked us through the financial and economic quagmire of Nigeria since the advent of Shagari. He pointed out the rot in the management of the nation’s resources especially in the petroleum sector over which he had once presided. He enunciated the cracks that had begun to develop in the body polity and the existence of divisions along ethnic lines.

There were hundreds of millions in private Swiss banks siphoned overnight. The foreign reserves were all but gone.

Infrastructure had decayed and joblessness was in sight for young graduates. Even our teaching hospital was a glorified dispensary.

The academia was being depleted of quality scholarship and faculty. Was this how we wanted to proceed? He availed us of a careful and meticulous plan he had put together to redeem Nigeria and asked us to watch him. The school authorities could do us no harm as we were not at liberty to reveal what transpired between us and the general. And we knew, none had the effrontery and bravado to ask Buhari.

Should harm befall us and word filtered back to Buhari, the consequences could be dire. We were left to complete our studies.

The gangling Fulani soldier had enthralled us. He had held us captive. We were mute as Buhari spoke. We watched in awe as he excused himself for as he told us, he had a job to do. A little over a year after this incident, Buhari was toppled by Babangida, the gap-toothed general from Minna. Then Sani Abacha, the dark goggled one followed after a brief interregnum that threw up Ernest Shonekan who never sat down for a day at the office. Today, seven reigns after Buhari, in the time of destiny’s child, Goodluck Jonathan, out of the four of us that met with Buhari, I am the lone one remaining in Nigeria. And Enebeli Elebuwa, Buhari’s face of Nigeria has died in an Indian hospital where he was ferried by a benevolent Delta state government after the country he loved turned him down.

*Dr. Oberabor, a medical officer, wrote from Warri, Delta State.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 21

138.6

-2.55

2,478.00

+44.00

18.58

-0.3

110.34 +2.33 87.46 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR 154.77 STERLING 249.8452 EURO 201.6344 FRANC 166.3478 YEN 1.8681 CFA 0.286 WAUA 236.2511 RENMINBI 24.7532 RIYA 41.2687 KRONA 27.0232 SDR

237.5565

155.27 250.6524 202.2858 166.8852 1.8741 0.296 237.0144 24.8336 41.402 27.1105 238.323

+1.67 SELLING 155.77 251.4595 202.9372 167.4226 1.8801 0.306 237.7776 24.914 41.5353 27.1978 239.0914

CBN Exchange rate as at 12/12/20127 Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, Dr Paul Orhii (middle); Mrs Stella Denloye, Director Lab Services, NAFDAC (left) and Dr Monica Emujeze, Director Registration & Regulation, NAFDAC during a workshop on the guidelines for the registration of biosimilars in Nigeria, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

SMEs contribute half of Nigeria’s GDP …account for 25% for employment —EB survey

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

he Small and medium Scale enterprises contribute nearly half of Nigerian GDP and accounts for over 25 percent of employment in the country.

This was the revelation of the Enterprise Baseline Survey 2012 presented in Abuja.

The 2012 Enterprise Baseline Survey revealed that there are 17 million Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria, employing 32.41 million persons and makes a contribution of about 46.54 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product in nominal terms.

The survey conducted by the ProPoor Growth and Promotion of Employment Programme in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, with support from the German Development Agency was aimed at establishing a clear datadriven basis for policy to support the SMEs segment of the economy.

According to the report, SMEs make up the overwhelming majority of private business concerns in Nigeria, which is in the excess of 17 million registered enterprises.

Unveiling the report, the Head of Component Enabling Environment, Pro-Poor Growth and Promotion of EMPLOYMENT IN Nigeria Programme, SEDIN, Dr. Manfred Matzdorf, said the importance of credible and reliable data are crucial

in Nigeria’s planning and policy formulation, describing it as key to nation’s socio-economic development.

He said that the precondition for growth of any economy is competitiveness and investment, adding that there is a lot to be done by both government and private sector

to improve investment.

According to Matzdors, the survey was designed to increase employment and productivity in line with SMEDAN’s goals and to encourage Nigerian integration into ECOWAS chatter on SMEs development.

FG, WIPO float technology innovation centre for R&D

BY FRANKLIN ALLI

T

he Federal Government and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) have floated Nigeria’s first Technology and Innovation Support Centre to provide small and Medium Enterprises and industries valuable access to research and development information.

The Centre, which is sited at the Ministry of Trade and Investment, Abuja, is the sixth TISC in subSaharan Africa.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Center, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, noted that Centre would provide the basis for building the important and growth-enabling culture of innovation and entrepreneurship among students; enable SMEs to create strategic partnerships; serve as catalysts in clustering small businesses and

attracting foreign partners and investors.

“Our Industrial Revolution Plan is based on linking industrials skills development and innovation to the areas where we have competitive and comparative advantage. When we do this effectively, we will become one of the best developed economies in the world in no time. That is why we have embraced the establishment of this Centre. This is critical for the country and I am very delighted to be part of this positive development.

“And now that we have the support of WIPO, the TISC will make available millions of information and data to inventors and innovators which they can use very easily to enhance their industrial productivity, and in fact, other sectors of our economy. Also, the Centre will make available over 30,000 information or data that can be used by researchers in our universities.”

Oil workers threaten to shut operations in South-East, others

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

O

IL workers in Nigeria have threatened to shut down oil and gas operations in South East Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra and South-South states of Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, and Benue State over alleged unfair labour practices in Onne Free Trade Zone.

Under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, the workers have consequently issued a threeweek ultimatum to owners of the free trade zone to end the alleged unfair labour practices to avoid industrial unrest.

Leaders of NUPENG and P E N G A S S A N , NUPENGASSAN, who gave the ultimatum in a communiqué at a joint National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, expressed deep worry over the continued alleged anti-labour posture of companies operating in the Onne Free Trade Zone.

They recalled that the authorities of the Free Trade Zone and companies operating in the zone had refused to heed the advice by the Labour Minister to respect the constitutional rights of workers to join trade unions and bargain collectively.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

…..BRIEF……

Repositioning the capital market through increased stakeholders’ cooperation

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

C

OOPERATION and collabo ration among the key players in the capital market have severally been identified as necessities in returning the market to its lost glory.

Since 2008, calls have repeatedly been made for regulators and every other person involved in moving the market forward to harmonise their views on issues pertaining the market and endeavour to speak with one voice.

Situation where regulators engage in buck passing was one issue that raised concern among watchers of events in the market, while also raising doubt on possible rebound of the market.

At the just concluded two-day workshop organised by capital market correspondents, at Badagry, Lagos State, representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, and Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, enunciated how liaison among all these groups has helped in reshaping the market after the crash where the market lost over N8 trillion in value.

Equity segment The Chairman of Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria, ASHON, Mr. Emeka Mmadubuike, revealed that liaison among various stakeholders in the capital market is the reason for the rate of recovery so far recorded in the equity segment of the market.

He noted that so far, the market has recovered by over 50 percent, rising from the rock bottom of about N4trillion following the crash in 2008 to its present figure, where it hovers around N8trillion marks.

Mmadubuike, who spoke while delivering a paper titled, “Role of Stockbrokers in a Recovering Capital Market”, said that increased cooperation has been seen among stakeholder groups, including stockbrokers, Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Trade Groups, Investors, Media, as well as government itself, which is gradually moving the market to the desired position.

According to him, the liaison C M Y K

NSE restates commitment to system overhaul

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

has minimised rancor and disagreement among stakeholders and create a situation where everybody sits down and deliberate on issues before they are carried out.

His words: “It is the hope of all stakeholders that the market recovers faster. What we have gone through in the last three to four years has shown that no single individual can put the market back on the path of recovery.

“What we have done in the last three to four years is that we do a lot of engagement with SEC, NSE and Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, to ensure that the market comes back to where it is supposed to be. The role of stockbrokers in this is to ensure that we work together with all other stakeholders in fashioning out ways our market will sustain the tempo of recovery being achieved.”

Arunma Oteh

Association’s engagement He stated that the association’s engagement with the federal government has also increased in the last three years, saying that between the period President Goodluck Jonathan was an acting president and now, the association has met and discussed issues bordering on capital market recovery not less than four times with him.

In her keynote address, the Director General of SEC, Ms Arunma Oteh, who was represented by Uche Molokwu, a director in the commission, said, “A wake up call towards collaboration seems to be reverberating through the market. This market wide synergy and alignment of resources is to a significant extent, the outcome of the conscious energy unleashed through the multifaceted reform effort of the capital market which the leadership of the SEC is implementing in the market.”

Molokwu stated that the 2nd annual retreat of the Capital Market Committee, CMC, where all representatives of various bodies in the market were in attendant confirmed the growing partnership spirit in the market.

She noted that the take home from the historic event was the need to strengthen collaboration for the realisation of the full potentials of the capital market.

Her words: “The stability and

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change, NSE, has reiterated its commitment towards overhauling its systems, as well as adopting technology-based solution with a view to transforming the Exchange to world class market.

Giving the assurance at the 11th Annual Essay Competition for secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos, the NSE CEO, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said that so far the focus has been on cleansing, restructuring and making the market more accessible.

He observed that going forward, the attention would be shifted improving its data services and advocating changes to government policies. Onyema said that annual national essay competition created for tertiary and secondary institutions was part of measures to create awareness on the benefit of investment in stocks and bonds.

Speaking at the event, the Group managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, said that the bank would continue to leverage opportunities such as this to contribute its quota towards ensuring the stability and sustainability of the educational sector through conscious and deliberate investment in youth development.

Annual essay competition

Oscar Onyema gradual recovery seen today attest to the commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that everyone plays a part in sustaining recovery and ultimately building a strong and deep capital market that is an enabler of economic growth and social development.

“A well informed individual will have a better attitude than a less informed one. The Nigeria capital market is at a turning point where history can be made because of stakeholders’ determination to partner effectively in achieving our dream world class market.”

The Chief of Staff & Head of Corporate Division, NSE, Bola Adeeko, averred full recovery of the market would remain a mirage without the committed support of all stakeholders in the market, of which the media is very key. “More than ever, there is the need for all stakeholders in the market to team up and

work in harmony on this repositioning agenda. It is our collective responsibility and it must be done in the interest of the nation as whatever affects the capital market, affects the economy and invariably the citizenry,” he said.

Mmadubuike, however, said that though this rate of recovery has been recorded, ‘but it is still long way from where we want the market to be.’

He stated that a lot still needs to be done in the area of marketing by SEC, NSE and stockbrokers to attract at least half of slightly over 160 million Nigerians to actively participate in the market.

At present, he said that only 5.6 million Nigerian play in the market, insisting that the target should be to get not less than 70 million of the nation’s population, or 60 percent involved in capital market.

He stated that the annual essay competition presents an opportunity for the bank to achieve the objective.

“Access Bank’s corporate philosophy is highly influenced by the principle of Sustainability. A principle that says that Corporate organisations should contribute to the sustenance of their host communities with a Tripple Bottom Line focus on Profits, People and the Planet. Our people commitment extends to Financial Inclusion and Financial Literacy,” he said.

By continuously showing its support for the essay competition over a decade ago, AigImoukhuede said that Access aimed to empower youths with the culture of savings and long term investment, as well as expose them to the benefits of investment in stocks.

Among the winners are: Ajireloja Moses, a Crop Production student from Obafemi Awolowo University, who emerged winner in the tertiary institution category; Ella Maureen, an Economics student of University of Calabar and Abiagwu Precious, also Economics student from University of Ibadan took second and third position respectively.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 —23

NJI, CIBN blame failed banks on poor documentation

By PETER EGWUATU

T

he National Judi cial Institute (NJI) and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria have identified poor documentation by bank officials as one of the problems of failed banks in Nigeria.

Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, Chief Justice of Nigeria & Chairman Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute disclosed this at the 2012 National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges organized by NJI and CIBN. According to her, we have noticed over time that a major problem with banking related cases is poor documentation by bank officials which have made the country gone through the bitter experience of failed banks in the time past. The country is still experiencing some of the consequences of that bitter era.

Mukhtar who was represented by, Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Justice of the Supreme Court, said that to avert such crises in the banking sector

bankers ought to follow due process, keep proper records and also keep all contractual agreement with customers.

He also stressed the need for the judicial to collectively collaborate with the financial sector in dispute resolution to promote public confidence in the banking industry.

“But this is not just limited to settlement of disputes arising in the course of Banker/Customer relationship, but also for the purpose of setting standard, ensuring co-operate social responsibility and promoting public confidence in the banking industry,” Mukhtar stated In his own comment, the President of CIBN, Segun Aina stated that the judicial system must adopt strategies for effective dispute resolution such as putting in place good dispute management policies and creating effective and conducive atmosphere.

However, on delays experienced in the dispensation of justice on banking related cases, Aina stressed the need to have fast track courts such that cases can be

concluded within a period of three months as currently applicable in some African countries like Malawi, Ghana and South Africa.

The CIBN boss said, “We are not unaware of the substantial resources

some states such as Lagos, Kano, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Borno, the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the Federal Government had committed to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) as a window for quick dis-

pensation of cases that would have lingered on in the Courts. For instance, the Lagos Multi Door Court (LMDC) an initiative of the Lagos State Government, through its various programmes such as

Lagos Settlement Week helps to administer ADR in Lagos State. Many cases involving banks and their customers have been amicably resolved through the instrumentality of LMDC.”

From left: Director/Liaison Officer, Delta State Liaison Office, Lagos, Mrs. Augustina Onokpise; Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chike Ogeah and Managing Director/CEO, Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc. Mr. Wole Oshin, during the donation of relief materials to Delta State flood victims

by Custodian and Allied Insurance, at Delta State Liaison Office in Lagos.

Diamond Bank rolls out mobile banking services

D

IAMOND Bank Plc has rolled out mobile banking services to its customers using its mobile banking truck, tagged Diamond-inMotion.

The Bank , took the mobile banking service to the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos for a live Christmas shopping event organised by Lost in Lagos.com.

Lost in Lagos.com is a website that helps people to discover Lagos, with the most comprehensive list of Lagos’ restaurants, shops among others.

The company organised a shopping event at the weekend which featured some major fashion designers and other vendors that attracted customers from far and near.

Diamond Bank , last weekend, was therefore on hand to offer bank-

ing services to various people who thronged the venue to shop for goods and services.

Mrs. Ayona Trimnell, Head of Corporate communications of Diamond Bank told newsmen that “I feel very happy about our roll out of banking services to customers at the Federal Palace. I’m ecstatic seeing people using our first of its kind mobile banking truck in this country which we are starting with Lagos.”

She explained that the mobile bank that other banks in the country have are only for ATMs but the Diamond-inMotion is a mobile bank with full fledged facilities like a branch, adding that customers can actually do all banking transactions in it.

She said the introduction of the mobile banking truck was in line with the bank’s vision to be

in the best top five banks in the country in the next five years, remarking that they have a lot of plans and more of the trucks will be coming in soon so that they can get to where their customers are.

“We intend to take banking services to the universities and bus stops as well as National Youth Service orientation camps, that is getting the bank’s presence to every nook and cranny in the country in order to get new accounts through it,” Trimnell said.

She said they would review its operations in the Lagos market by the first quarter of next year before it would be extended to other parts of the country.

Trimnell said at the roll out in Federal Palace, customers have opened new accounts, withdrawn third party cheques as well as paid

in other banks’ cheques, thereby getting instant value in a cosy environment.

Diamond Bank recently launched the mobile banking truck in a bid to bring banking services

to the door step of its existing and potential customers. The new service was launched by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Alex Otti, at the corporate

headquarters of the bank in Lagos. Under the service, customers can open new accounts, pay bills, saves money, use ATM and it can also collect deposit.

FCMB, American Embassy partner on community development

T

he American Em bassy in Nigeria has offered to join the Evergreen initiative which FCMB commenced in Katsina State since 2010 in Partnership with Students In Free Enterprise (an NGO present in universities across the world) and the Service to Humanity Foundation (an NGO founded

by Her Excellency, Fatima Ibrahim Shema, First Lady of Katsina state).

Announcing the partnership at a press brief-

ing in Abuja , the United States’ Public Diplomacy Officer, US Embassy, Deborah Maclean said, “We are glad to partner with FCMB and SIFE on this great initiative, because of the level of impact it already recorded and its sustainability. “It is a programme that we strongly believe will help enrich the lives of people within the community and create a greener and better Nigeria.”

FCMB’s Executive Di-

rector, Institutional Banking, Olufemi Bakre said FCMB took up the initiative in 2011 as part of the bank’s commitment to building sustainable community and business environment.

“As a socially responsible institution, we believe that every environment where we operate must benefit from our presence by ensuring we build strategic alliances with governments on projects that positively impact our communities”.

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

STORIES BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU UMIA.COM.NG, an Jonline retail search en-

gine said the rapid growth in Nigeria’s technological base is responsible for nation’s 25 percent rise in online shopping.

The online retailer shop says its focusing on bringing solution to online retail in sub-Saharan Africa with this growth, whilst stressing that its vision is to bring the marketplace to its customers taking care of their needs irrespective of time of day at the click of a button.

In a chat, Raphael Afaedor and Tunde Kehinde, co-Founders of the online shop said jumia opeates and implement 24-hour availability, a local and global reach, with the ability to interact and provide custom information and ordering, as well as multimedia prospects.

Accoding to Afaedor, “It is no doubt the internet has come to stay and it’s amazing possibilities a fulcrum for millions of jobs and revenue to be created in the near future. Take note, that this rapid growth has also stemmed into the mobile internet market, and has seen in our experience the possibility of our loyal customers shopping from their various mobile devices”, he reiterated He also observed that the rapid growth in Nigeria’s technological base has opened the na-

Technology responsible for growth of online shopping —Jumia Founders ...As it pledges rapid delivery tions market to homegrown online retail markets, with an estimated 25 percent growth in online shopping with revenues valued at N62.4 million in 2011, a N12.5 billion increase

from 2010, according to a report by Euromonitor international, a global market research organis a t i o n .

Contributing, kehinde said, “these successes haven’t been amiss of its

challenges. One major concern is that of infrastructure, referring primarily to power, available technological expertise and poor funding for start-ups.

“Being an online retail

company, it is of utmost importance to keep our power structure up and running all day, seven days a week; so one can wonder its financial implications on the business and how we manage to stay competitive with our pricing”, explains Tunde.

From left: Yemi Yusuf, Head, Marketing, Sweet Sensation; Mr. Willie Kinie, General Manager, Dabil Oil Nigeria Limited; Executive Director, Sweet Sensation, Olatunji Kamson; AGM Front Operations, Kemi Adewole-Ojo; Yinka Owolabi, Banqueting Manager and Samuel Omojola, Head, Human Resources, all of Sweet Sensation receiving the Platinum Award, Best Quick Service Restaurant of the Year 2012 at the recently held West African Hospitality and Tourism Awards at Golden Tulip, Festac, Lagos.

Pan Ocean donates relief materials to flood victims

F

loods victims in Delta State can now heave a sigh of relief as an indigenous exploration and production company in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, Pan Ocean Oil Corporation (Nigeria) Limited has donated relief materials to the state government for distribution to the affected persons.

The items Pan Ocean donated to the state government include food and bedding items.

On why the donation was made, Pan Ocean said its operational activities are domiciled in Delta and Edo States.

Worried about the plight of the flood victims in the states, Pan Ocean said “it is not surprising that we would want to directly reach out to them to show our support at a time like this.”

The Assistant General Manager, External Relations for Pan Ocean, Mrs. Edith Okujagu, who presented the relief materials on behalf of NNPC/Pan Ocean JV, disclosed that similar gesture will soon be extended to the flood victims in Edo State. Mrs. Okujagu therefore said: “Delta State being the hub of our operational activities.

Ikeja City Mall kick-starts Xmas with promo I

N celebration of the Christmas season, the Ikeja City Mall, ICM, has put together series of activities designed to making shopping more pleasurable.

First in the three events is the tree lighting ceremony on the 8th of December, 2012.

The tree lighting ceremony which held in the mall’s Parking lot, kick started the Xmas promo activities which will culminate in one lucky shopper winning the star prize of a brand new car. All customers need to do to qualify to win the Car is to make purchases worth N5, 000 from any of the stores in the ICM in the month of December), take the receipt from the store to the Mall’s Brand Ambassadors and exchange the receipt for a raffle ticket.

The raffle draw to win the brand new car will be done at the Ikeja City Mall (ICM) end of year concert which

C M Y K

holds on Friday 28th of December, 2012.

On Saturday the 15th of December, the Ikeja City Mall (ICM) Christmas Grotto with loads of gifts will be opened to parents and kids at an affordable fee Speaking during a media facility tour of the 22,000 sqm of retail and

entertainment space Mrs. Debola Majekodunmi, the Centre Manager said also as part of their Social Responsibility, the ICM will be hosting kids from the Orphanage on Saturday 22nd of December.

The ICM which is managed by Broll Property Services Limited,

has also opened the first and only cinema theatre in Ikeja, -a 5-screen Cinema from Silverbird Cinemas. ICM also has amongst its many and various tenants the renowned Shoprite supermarket brand and as well other tenants including department stores, banks, cafés, bars

and restaurants.

On shoppers’ experience, Mrs. Debola Majekodunmi assured that the Centre management is doing everything possible to make shopping in the ICM pleasurable and comparable with other malls outside the country. She noted that with the lineup of activi-

ties and sales promos coming up, Nigerians do not do not have to travel abroad to shop and enjoy shopping as ICM is fast taking its place in the Lagos State landscape as a shopper ’s paradise ensuring that shoppers experiences will be enhanced.

...As TQC launches new business portal P

ublic Relations Con sultancy, The Quadrant Company has launched a business portal to link people searching for up-to-date information on businesses and organizations in Nigeria. The portal called Qlichy.com, seeks to expand opportunities for organizations, by maximizing their digital presence while reaching consumers, stakeholders and other businesses in a unique and cost effective way.

Qlichy.com will also

serve as a platform for business and industry leaders to lead thoughts in their various sectors, public discussions on current issues and publicizing of News and Events on brands in Nigeria.

The business portal serves as a Business Intelligence solution which will revolutionize the Public Relations industry and take full advantage of the potential of the cyberspace in Nigeria.

Speaking on the de-

velopment, the Managing Director of The Quadrant Company, Mr. Bolaji Okusaga said that the Qlichy Business Portal is the first in a line of Business Intelligence solutions that will change the face of business in Nigeria. The Qlichy portal will afford anyone looking for current information on businesses to get what they need fast and easy. It also provides a thought leadership platform through which brands and corporate bodies can

talk about industry issues and ideas. “Qlichy is a cross between a social network, a business directory and an E-commerce platform”, He said.

Mr. Okusaga also noted that the changing dynamics of media in Nigeria is one of the factors that necessitated the development of the platform. According to him, “the world is going digital even though traditional media is still relevant at the moment, the future lies in the on-

line media.”

“About 10 years ago, the Television was the most consumed medium in the world but today, the internet has dethroned the Television in terms of media consumption. Today we have internet television on demand, youtube, internet radio, social networks and so much more”, He said. The opportunities for business are evident and as an industry leader, we are keying into these prospects.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 25

Now she wants her place in the constitution GENDER activists at the end of a two -day dialogue session in Lagos yesterday, threw up issues on gender gaps in the constitution, which they claim becloud the essence of the Nigerian woman in governance

I

AM not a man, I am woman, I have a womb and I never would want to be a man,” so Prof. Ayo Atsenuwa of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos said last Wednesday at the beginning of one of the more provocative presentations at the dialogue on gender issues emanating from the review of the 1999 constitution.

The two-day strategic dialogue aimed at throwing up gender issues relevant to the ongoing constitution review process indeed, threw up more than many male chauvinists would swallow.

The fact that the male pronoun is reflected 235 times in the constitution while the female gender is reflected only twice was one gender issue that bestirred the gathering of women cum gender activists and other civil society advocates that gathered for the dialogue.

The dialogue, facilitated by the C M Y K

United Nations Development Programme’s, UNDP’s Democratic Governance for Development DGD, project drew participation from several civil society groups.

Also present were women political leaders who remarkably put aside their political differences to strategise on how they could confront the common issue of male domination even within their different political folds. It was as such a sight seeing the national women leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and

,

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

Hajiya Zainab Maina who flagged off the dialogue session spoke much on the challenges confronting the Nigerian woman in governance.

Understandably, her approach was more diplomatic than the apparently bellicose slant of many of the other women activists.

Maina a former national president of the National Council of Women Societies, NCWS the umbrella platform for women groups in the country sent a representative on account of the Federal Executive

...the male pronoun is reflected 235 times in the constitution while the female gender is reflected only twice

the Labour Party who both recently returned from a bruising political duel in Ondo State sit on the same table and have a tête-à-tête.

The Minister of Women Affairs,

,

Council, FEC meeting that was taking place at the same time.

Represented by Mrs. Bolatito Laditan, a deputy director in the ministry, she, regretted that none of

the past constitution review processes undertaken in the country had the adequate representation of women.

Well, that was until now.

She equally noted that “an ideal constitution should be made with the adequate participation of women,” even as she observed that the present proportion of women in governance falls short of the globally recommended 35%.

“It is therefore my desire that this constitution review process would indeed translate into a new lease of life for Nigerian women. Women no matter their religion should unite to push this process forward to a successful end,” she said.

The minister also harped on the need for proportional representation as she drew from the experience of other countries in Africa where she said proportional representation has helped to promote the profile of women in governance.

Profile of women in governance The DGD country director, Dr Mourtada Deme in his own remarks at the commencement of the dialogue also gave reasons for the gathering.

Represented by Ann Ikpeme he said the dialogue should offer women irrespective of their different loyalties the opportunity to speak in harmony on the common issues concerning gender inequalities in the constitution.

UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Grace Continues on page 27

26 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Now she wants her place in the constitution

,

Continued from page 26

She had proudly declared her gender saying that she is a woman, proud of her nature and not regretting a single bit of what she is

Ongile also in a message to the gathering stated that the present constitution does not represent the entire population just as she promised the assistance of her office towards the quest to bridge the gender gap.

Noting that the ongoing constitution review process offers an opportunity for Nigerian women to ensure that their rights are enshrined in the constitution, she said that a handful of countries on the continent have successfully redressed the gender gap.

,

Attitudinal resistance Noting the cultural and attitudinal resistance especially in the National Assembly, she said: “People who receive us in Nigeria, keep on saying that Nigeria is different, but women are the same everywhere,” Ongile who was represented by Kemi Ndeli said.

Following the opening remarks, the gathering moved into the technical sessions during which some of the leading experts on gender issues invited for the dialogue opened up.

First to speak was Mrs. Abiola Afolabi-Akiode, Executive Director of the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center, WARDC who leads a network

*Participants at the two-day dialogue session of over 200 civil society organizations under the aegis of the Gender and Constitution Reform Network, GECORN. She was to later highlight several biases against the female gender in the Nigerian constitution.

She noted that “the pronoun ‘HE’ appears 235 times in the 1999 Constitution and the word woman was used only twice.”

She also highlighted the discrimination against women on the matter of state of indigene. While noting

that men have no issue on the matter, she especially reminded the gathering of the problem that came up just before the inauguration to the Court of Appeal of Justice Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo. Originally from Anambra State, Mrs. Jombo-Ofo who is married to an Abia man was initially stopped from the Court of Appeal on account of issues arising from changing her state of origin from Anambra sparking a national outcry.

Mrs. Afolabi-Akiode also brought to play issues

arising from what she described as contradictions in the 1999 constitution.

She was particularly miffed that section 42 (3) of the 1999 constitution contradicts section 42 (1).

“Section 42(3), 1999 Constitution is restrictive and nullifies subsection (1) that prohibits discrimination in the area of appointments. It therefore impairs women’s rights and the rights of others and thus should be expunged,” she submitted.

She also noted how women were in the past marginalised

in the process of lawmaking noting that the processes were in the past skewed against the female gender.

Noting the male dominance of the ruling military council that birthed the fourth republic, Afolabi-Akiode regretted that not even a single woman was present in the midst of the officers.

Prof. Ayodele Atesunwa speaking on the theme “Importance of GenderResponsive Constitution” noted the need for sensitivity and responsiveness to gender issues in the making of the constitution. But before then she had proudly declared her gender saying that she is a woman, proud of her nature and not regretting a single bit of what she is.

GENDER AND CONSTITUTION REFORMS IN NIGERIA — FACT SHEET •Constitution Making Process-Constitution making in Nigeria has persistently marginalized women and back to the colonial times when women were not allowed to vote .

• There was no female member of the Constitution Drafting Committee that brought the 1979 constitution into existence .

•In the same vein, the 1999 Constitution making was an all male affair, as the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) of General Abdulsalam Abubakar ’s regime was made up of 26 military officers, all male •Language- The pro noun "he" apppears 235 C M Y K

times in the 1999 Constitution and the word 'woman' was used only twice.

Language• Citizenship - The Constitution makes no provision for the process by which non-Nigerian men married to Nigerian women and who are so desirous, may become Nigerian citizens but provides for non-Nigerian women married to Nigerian men. Section 26(b) .

• Indigeneship - Ambiguity trails the indigeneship of women, to the extent that they cannot claim their place of origin or that of their husbands in appointive and political circumstance .

• Discrimination - Section 42(3) precludes women’s rights to freedom from discrimination conferred in Section 42(1) by restricting them from applying to certain public offices, including military or police appointments .

• Dignity of womanhood -Section 34 generally speaks on rights to dignity of human persons but is not specific on critical women’s rights issues such as widowhood practices, harmful traditional practices etc • Political Rights - The 1999 Constitution has no provision for temporary affirmative action to enable at least 30% to enhance women’s political power .

• Reproductive Health Rights - Reproductive health and rights have been recognized as a development and human rights issue but are not specifically provided for in the 1999 Constitution .

• Social Economic Rights -Chapter 2 of .the 1999 Constitution is critical to women’s development but cannot be enjoyed as a result of the restrictions in Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution. .

• Federal Character Commission - Section 14(3) entrenched Federal Character Principle without affirming the principles of equality and nondiscrimination based on

gender .

• Rights to Inheritance - The practice of denial of inheritance rights has caused untold hardship on women and girl children. The 1999 Constitution has no provision that guarantees women’s rights to inheritance .

• Land Use Act - The 1999 provision on the Land Use Act reinforces discriminatory customary and cultural practices that deny women and poor men access to land .

• Women with Disabilities - Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution did not specifically address rights of women and people with disabilities.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 27

Lessons from Ghana 2012 polls *The rise of electoral tourism The sixth successive presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana may have come and gone but the lessons therein remain.

BY CLIFFORD NDUJIHE, Deputy Political Editor (Who was in Accra)

A

LTHOUGH the election had its fair share of controversies, hitches and challenges a host of African countries, who still find it difficult to hold regular, peaceful and credible transition elections, have useful tips to learn from the Ghanaian experience.

Peace as watchword Arguably, Ghana has emerged as a bastion of democracy in a continent riddled by flawed and violence-laced elections. The moderate West African English-speaking country has also panned out as an oasis of peace. She is surrounded by countries that have fought one civil war or the other with thousands and millions of lives wasted.

The Ghana elections started on a peaceful note. An unexpected heavy shower on Thursday night, in the middle of the dry season, appeared to have prepared the ground for a peaceful outing.

However, the election was not without hitches. Election officials arrived late in some polling booths.

There were also incidents of late arrival of materials, insufficient materials like ink pads, malfunctioning

*Ghanaians casting their votes at the just concluded Presidential/Parliamentary Election

uncertainties and frustration for some affected voters, who came out as early as 2.am to exercise their franchise.

Faced with high-pitch complaints as tension built up in the polity, the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) calmed frayed nerves by

,

A rare display of vigilance and protection of their votes manifested when some of them on Friday night elected to sleep at the police stations where unused ballots and ballot boxes were kept

biometric verification machines, inability of some voters to find their names in the voters’ list and failure of the biometric machines to confirm some voters. Without being confirmed by the machine, a voter would not be allowed to vote because all the political parties and stakeholders had agreed before the polling to uphold “no verification no voting.”

These challenges made voting to start in some of the 26,002 polling stations at about 12 noon on Friday, December 7 for an exercise that was billed to end at 5 p.m.

These challenges led to C M Y K

,

extending balloting to Saturday, December 8 in 431 constituencies.

Going by the 2012 electoral rules, there were biometric verification of voters, parallel collation of results, announcement of results at the polling booths and transmission of result to EC head office by WAN and Satellite communications.

As the result of the presidential election was being awaited the main opposition party, the New Patriotic Party, NPP alleged that the figures were being ‘doctored’ in favour of the ruling National Democratic

Congress, NDC as they were being transmitted from the 275 constituencies and10 regions of the country to EC office, claiming that it had facts to prove its allegations.

At this stage, efforts were made to prevent the brewing tension from boiling over.

The broadcast media and radio were awash with musicals, jingles and adverts urging Ghanaians to shun violence. Gory pictures of the skirmishes and wars in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Ivory Coast, etc were shown.

Those aggrieved were enjoined to seek redress through lawful means and shun violence. And in the end, peace prevailed.

The eight presidential candidates had earlier pledged to uphold peace irrespective of who won so that in the end ‘Ghana will win.’

Indeed, even though NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo who came second by polling 5,248,898 votes (47.74 per cent), has resolved to go to court to challenge the results, the country is at peace.

His conqueror, President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, according to the Electoral Commission, EC Chairman, Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, polled 5,574,761 or 50.70 per cent of

the valid votes to win the hotly and tightly contested election.

Even prisoners voted The election had a number of innovations. For instance, 475 prisoners across the country took part in the exercise. It was the first time in the history of Ghana that prisoners were allowed to exercise their fundamental human rights in terms of voting.

Security personnel voted earlier the previous Tuesday.

Those who could not vote were allowed to vote on the Election Day proper.

Checking media excesses The National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority set up a joint consultative committee to monitor the broadcast and other electronic media’s coverage of the elections and ensure they complied with regulatory and professional standards so as not to heat up the polity with their broadcasts.

Electoral tourism The regularity of Ghana polls has made election a revenue earner of sorts for

the country, in what is panning out as electoral tourism.

The exercise is so regular that the next election will be staged on December 7, 2016.

Before last weekend’s exercise, the previous ones were held on December 7, 2008, December 7, 2004 and December 7, 2000, etc.

Unlike other countries of the world, Ghana makes money from the elections. For instance, local and foreign observers including journalists are made to pay for accreditation. About 11,000 observers and journalists were accredited to monitor the last election.

Each of them paid at least six Cedis (about N600) for the accreditation tag and each of those who were accredited by the Ministry of Information paid 106 Cedis (N10,000). In 2004 and 2008 similar fees were charged.

Vanguard learnt that taxi drivers, hotels and other institutions usually prepare adequately for the once in four years ritual, which is helping in no small measure to boost Ghanaian economy.

Observers and journalists from Europe, Asia, America, Africa, Commonwealth and West Africa monitored the election.

Attitude of Ghanaian electorate A major interesting feature is the attitude of the Ghanaian electorate. They turned out en mass for the election. Some of them returned from foreign lands to vote.

Although, there was a public holiday for government workers, most of the citizens shut their businesses for the election.

There was no restriction of movement, people could move from one part of the country to the other in readily available taxis but the people ensured that they voted.

Those working in hotels went out early to vote, a major reason that some would-bevoters got to the polling booths as early as 2 a.m.

After casting their votes, some of the voters remained behind to monitor the counting of votes and announcement of results at the polling units. From there, they trooped to the collation

Continues on page 30

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

I

T is true that there is no country in the world without its peculiar problems. Even among the politically stable states like USA and Great Britain, there are problems of how to maintain a high standard of living and to remain prosperous. In the United States for example, unemployment rate at 8% has surpassed a tolerable rate of 3%, while in Britain, the cost of living has risen with the introduction of harsh economic measures.

The Nigerian example is unique in that after almost 100 years of living together, it is yet to involve as a nation. In spite of several attempts to forge a Nation out of various communities within the mass of land called Nigeria, the predominant thinking is based on the concept of individualism and ethnicity. The problem of the country seems structural and fundamental. Some analysts agree that the structure of the country with its many unviable states and local governments is deficient.

Others seem to agree that the lumping together of different nationalities with various cultures, would not make for harmonious relationship.

There is no doubt that the deficient structure and the fundamental differences would impact negatively on economic transformation and stability. These factors would not but affect the quality of leadership and the search for one. It may be difficult for a national leader to emerge in an atmosphere where political unity is absent and where economic development is uncertain. Even where a strong Leader emerges, the presence of factors of disintegration could affect his

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Multifarious problems of Nigeria overall performance. The idea which seems practicable, but often rejected, is a return to the base and re-examine the purpose of our co-operative existence as a nation. There is certainly no alternative to a meaningful Discourse on how we should exist as a country.

I

n the last 100 years, Nigeria had witnessed a devastating civil war, political unrests, religious and ethnic clashes in several states resulting in the loss of life and properties and also, the insurgency of a sect that has become murderous. The present situation is pervaded by atmosphere of political instability and economic uncertainties which tend to resuscitate the evils of religious and ethnic differences. Plateau State today, is a typical example of civil unrest.

Many do believe, though erroneously, that creation of wealth would solve the economic and political problems of the country which they feel, are based on poverty.

Perhaps as a

valuable addition to the process of reforming a stubborn economy, it may be necessary to review the current development strategies. For example, the Import Substitution policy should be strongly supported for the country to produce those common household commodities which are now being imported, especially from China. There must also be policies of industrial restructuring and economic diversification. At present, Nigeria relies mainly on export of crude oil and importation of refined oil products which make the country look funny and poorer. To ensure rapid growth, it is necessary to design workable microeconomic policies that would promote stability based on low inflation, positive real interest rate, sound fiscal management and limited relative price distortions.

WAR STORIES One of my hobbies is reading of war stories. And this habit led me to read some

books on the Nigerian Civil War published in the 1980s.

A passage that fascinated me about 20 years ago was in Alexander A. Madiebo‘s “THE NIGERIAN REVOLUTION AND THE BIAFRAN WAR” .

The episode described vividly the costly efforts of Nigerian forces to reach Onitsha from Abagana. It reads, “When the convoy approached our troops around Ifite-Ukpo junction, Major Uchendu very wisely allowed the advance party of armored vehicles to pass. He then attacked the main convoy from the front, middle and rear.

T

he leading lorry was knocked out and blocked the road, and was quickly set on fire. None of the vehicles thereafter could move forward, and being very bulky, could not turn about on the narrow road. The armored vehicles in front could not make their way back; neither could those behind move up, for the whole road became completely jammed up with vehicles. Our troops then completely surrounded the 96 vehicles loaded mainly with ammunition and stores, and prevented the troops in them from dismounting. The enemy was helpless and in less than one hour, all the enemy soldiers were either killed or had escaped, leaving us with all the vehicles and their stores”. In spite of that success, Biafra lost the war and its forces surrendered in 1970 to the Nigerian forces.

That was the tragedy of the unnecessary civil war.

Before the civil war in 1967, I wrote an article in the Daily Times titled, CAN WE AFFORD TO FALL APART? In that article, I examined the political and economic

implications of a break-up of Nigeria. The military and civil leaders at that time were so blind and involved that they could not imagine the consequences of a civil war.

Recent writings have tended to resurrect the ghost of war mongering in those who were either not born before the civil war or too young to appreciate the consequences of it.

In my reading recently, I came across a re-assuring passage from a book NO PLACE TO HIDE (CRISIS AND CONFLICTS INSIDE BIAFRA) by Bernard Odogwu that, “If Nigeria could be so magnanimous in victory, to show mercy to her erstwhile `enemy`, then that was a good sign that the lesson of the war had gone down well.

On the other hand, if the `Biafrans` were able to forgive and forget, and to reciprocate Nigeria`s gesture of goodwill, then the signs are there of a `brighter future for this nation`. In today`s Nigeria, we have those that I personally call `new Nigerians`, that are less inhibited by tribal considerations, and who see Nigeria first before tribe. If those signs are there, then it is my hope that Nigeria is heading in the right direction of becoming a united and virile nation within the comity of nations”.

That was the mood in the 1980s after I wrote in the Daily Times in 1970 an article titled ‘NOW THAT THE GUNS ARE SILENT’. In that article, I called for reconciliation and reconstruction of devastated infrastructures in the East. I think this is the time for the country to re-discover its sense of unity and drive towards the path of freedom, peace and prosperity.

Lessons from Ghana 2012 polls Continued from page 28 centres.

A rare display of vigilance and protection of their votes manifested when some of them on Friday night elected to sleep at the police stations where unused ballots and ballot boxes were kept following the extension of voting in some centres, to ensure the electoral materials were not tampered with.

Across the cities, most Ghanaians paid rapt attention to the unfolding electoral events through their radio and TV sets.

Mrs. Clara Cummings, who has a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother, on Thursday December 6, left Jos, Nigeria, where she was born, for Accra so that she could vote the following day.

She told Vanguard at the Ringway Estate, Accra polling booth where she queued to vote that she returned home to vote because “Ghana is my

motherland and I owe it to my country, Ghana, to participate in this election because every vote counts.”

She continued: “We want a better Ghana, which is already peaceful. We want peace, jobs and no violence.

We are a very peaceful nation; whoever wins should make it better by creating jobs, attracting visitors and foreign investors.

Ghana should be an example to other African countries. Voting is not necessarily violence. Other countries should learn from Ghana.”

At one of the polling booths on Friday morning, former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Africa Union observer missions was overawed by the attitude of a 82-year old man, who came out as early as 1.a.m to vote.

“I am impressed that a man

*President Mahama of 82 has come as early as he has come to vote. If there are people, who are still waiting, they should hurry up,” he enjoined.

Attitude of police, security agencies

Another interesting feature of the election was the attitude of security agents. The National Elections Security Task Force (NESTF) deployed 41,000 personnel from all security forces to police the polls across the country.

The men were civil in their approach. Except at very strategic locations like the EC’s office, most of them were not wielding rifles as if on the warfront.

Corporal W. Takorah, the only police officer overseeing the voting at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, Accra, was unarmed as the exercise proceeded peaceful.

Asked why he was unarmed, he said: “I came with a rifle but my officer said no and took it away. He said if there is any trouble, I should call.”

Really, the police were within earshot anywhere there was threat of violence. When tension rose in the polity following the EC’s delay in

announcing the results of the presidential election, they patrolled the streets.

The Ghana 2012 election in figures * 8 Presidential candidates contested the polls * 1,332 parliamentary candidates including 126 independents ran for 275 seats * 24 females won parliamentary seats * There are 26,002 polling stations * 14,158,890 registered voters. * 11,246,982 voters (79.43) voted * 251,720 votes were invalid * 10,995,262 votes were valid * There were 3 Female vice presidential candidates (CPP - Madam Cherita Sarpong, PNC - Madam Helen Sanorita Dzatugbe Matrevi and PPP - Madam Eva Lokko) * Ghana’s estimated population: 24,965,816 *.Cost of organising election GH¢243m ($480 m)

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NDLEA Ambassadors:

Stella Damasus, Lamboginny set to fight drug abuse

BY IFEANYI OKOLIE

T

HE recent effort made by music act, Yinka Lawanson a.k.a Lamboginny and Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus where they solicited assistance for flood victims in Delta State, may not have gone unrecognised after all, as they have been appointed by the National Law and Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA as its ambassadors.

The renowned entertainers who were officially unveiled as the new ambassadors during the week at the NDLEA headquarters in Lagos, are expected to sensitise the Nigerian youths on the dangers associated with illicit drug trafficking and usage.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the agency, Dr. Otunba Femi

Ajayi, said Damasus and Lamboginny were selected due to the outstanding impacts on youths and the society at large.

Lamboginny’s ‘Say No To Crime’ project, he noted, was worthy of emulation while Stella has been an inspiration to the youths through her numerous projects. He, therefore, urged the ambassadors to be active champions against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

“The role of counter-narcotic champions have become more crucial with the increasing abuse of uncontrolled substances with psycho-active and mood-changing effects.

The law cannot properly regulate the use and abuse of illicit drugs. So, the only way out is to embark on public enlightenment and drug abuse education. This has made the use of champions,

•Stella Damasus

advocate and good will Ambassadors very important to the NDLEA, ” he stated.

While receiving the endorsement certificates presented to them by the NDLEA, the duo stated that their decision to collaborate with the agency was informed by the need to contribute their own quota to the fight against criminal activities in the country.

According to Stella; “we want to partner NDLEA in saving lives. There is so much work to be done in sensitising the public on drug abuse and other related harmful habits.”

The Ambassadors, however, used the occasion to elicit the support and cooperation of Nigerians in achieving the goal of a drug-free society.

Don Jazzy acquires N160m duplex

Enebeli Elebuwa’s body arrives tomorrow from India

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•Don Jazzy

AVIN Records boss, Don Jazzy is poised to end the year on a good note. Apart from having mouth-watering endorsement deals with companies such as Samsung and Promasidor, makers of Loya Milk, Don Jazzy has acquired a duplex worth N160 million.

The 30-year old music producer is also said to be planning to become a property merchant as one of the reasons he acquired the house.

According to our source, Don Jazzy has paid an estimated sum of N160 million for the purchase of the duplex which he rented earlier this year after his break up with his business partner, D’banj.

The late Enebeli

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HERE are strong indications that the remains of the late veteran actor, Enebeli Elebuwa will arrive Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, tomorrow from India.

A source close to the family confirmed this development to WG during the week.

Elebuwa passed on in an Indian hospital penultimate Wednesday, after a protracted battle with stroke.

He was ill for over a year, and suffered a stroke before he was flown to India last October for further treatment by the Delta State government.

Meanwhile, no burial details have been announced by the family at the moment.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Movie of the week

Musical Youth fiesta gathers momentum ..As Senator Oluremi Tinubu promises exciting moment!

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IFE of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu(OON) has a date to keep with Nigerian children come next Wednesday,as this year ’s edition of her Musical Youth Fiesta Initiative (MYFI) holds at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The fiesta themed, “Dare to be like Joseph”, will witness a lot of activities including performance by renowned saxophonist, Pastor Kunle Ajayi.

Briefing the press ahead of the event, Oluremi said, participation at the fiesta is open to church groups, choirs, and even solo acts, sponsored by a church.

“The only condition is that the youth performing must fall between the age brackets of 7 and 21. Let me state that MYF is not a competition. However, performing acts and those who enter musical works would be given honorariums to assist the music ministries of their various churches, as

a token of appreciation for their efforts,” she stated.

H o w e v e r, explaining the rational behind the theme, Oluremi said, “Joseph is an exceptional person in the Bible. He was a h i g h l y disciplined young man who turned-down sexual advances from his master’s wife despite all the benefits he stands to get. He is a young man of integrity. And for this reason we decided that this year’s theme will be “Dare to be like Joseph.” In like manner, we are encouraging every youth to dare to be like him”.

The initiative which has continued to enjoy the support of some notable churches, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM) among other churches, according to the Chairman, “is conceived as an event of soul-stirring musical performances for youth; driven by the youth, in the best spirit of Christmas.

The inaugural edition of MYF was held on December 21, 2011 and had as its theme “One Church”.

Lami drops new single

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

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OPULAR Neo-Soul and Afropop singer, Lami Phillips has stepped out with her latest single, But You. This is the third single of the sophomore album of the UN Ambassador titled ‘Pieces of Love.

She had previously released, Ori Mi Wu, featuring Ice Prince and Titililai. The two songs received considerable airplay on radio and enjoyed massive downloads on the internet.

Lami, known for her stage presence and strong live performances has not failed to push on her creative piece when it comes to what she knows how to do best. Being naturally inclined to RnB, Soul and Jazz, from an early age, the diva has strategically branded her style of music which goes unrecognized as a distinctive style of music.

The new single, But You is a well crafted melodious love song with well arranged strings and horns accompanying Lami’s smooth vocal delivery. Produced by MOBO Awards nominee producer, Femi Tones, the song doesn’t require a second listen before finding its way to the heart and bringing out the hidden emotions. With this new single, many couples will definitely fall in love again.

Speaking concerning the new single, Lami said she wants to help people to believe more in love.

“With this new single (as with the first two), I’m hoping I can help people regain their faith in love.

There are ways too many sad stories and many people have stopped believing in love. I’m hoping in my little way I can change that. My sophomore album is titled ‘Pieces of Love’. I’m exploring the different facets of love. Currently, I’m working with FemTones for now but over the next few months, my team and I might be exploring other creative options.”

Synopsis The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia

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HEN Andy Wyrick moves his wife, Lisa and daughter, Heidi to an historic home in Georgia, they quickly discover they are not the house’s only inhabitants. Joined

by Lisa’s free-spirited sister, Joyce, the family soon comes face-to-face with a bone-chilling mystery born of a deranged desire… a haunting secret rising from underground and threatening to bring down anyone in its path.

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia popped up online during the week. While the title is a mouthful, it’s meant to convey the original documentary source material that delved into two separate hauntings in each of the respective states. As bad as the title is, the trailer is actually pretty decent. It looks like a good old fashioned ghost story with some social commentary thrown in for good measure.

Directed by Tom Elkins, The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia stars Katee Sackhoff, Chad Michael Murray and Abigail Spencer. Look for it in limited theatrical release and on VOD starting February 1, 2013.

Star Trek Into Darkness

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FTER the Star Trek Into Darkness teaser trailer was released, it wasn’t long before the internet blew up with reaction and analysis from die-hard Trekkies everywhere.

One particularly industrious blogger broke down the minute long teaser trailer almost frame by frame.

There’s a lot to decipher, but not many concrete answers. The movie doesn’t come out until May 17, 2013, so there’s plenty of time

to speculate.

A synopsis of the film released by Paramount does mention Starfleet being torn apart by an enemy within and that Kirk must make a sacrifice for the only BENJAMIN NJOKU family he knows, which njokujamin@yahoo.com would be the Enterprise crew. The current Star Trek AYO ONIKOYI comic book by IDW Publishing reportedly stays OPEOLUWANI true to the movie version OGUNJIMI and could help with a few clues about the movie

THE TEAM

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—39

Off-Camera

Elvis Chucks is N1m richer

Waje shares her inspiration on Glo’s Big Friday Show

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WARD winning producer of “A Wish”, Elvis Chucks added another feather to his cap last Sunday when his last project, “True Citizens’ won a star prize of N1 million at the Nigerian Integrity Film Award.

Hosted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, the film won in the category of Public Conduct Film Prize backed by the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) 2012 .

The event took place at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos. The award winning filmmaker who won seven awards from his TV drama series, Happy Family on NTA network from the popular TAVA Awards 2011 is now a force to be identified with in the entertainment ind u s t r y .

The movie, True Citizen, which won him the coveted award featured Nollywood, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, former Big Brother Africa winner, Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Ekubo, Bryan Okwara, and Kenneth Okoli.

His newest work, A Wish, featuring the likes of Funke Akindele-Oloyede, Patience Ozorkwor, Hafeez Oyetoro ( Saka), Bishop Imeh Umoh, and Helen Paul from the stable of Diamond Groove Pictures is currently having an

N

impressive run at the cinemas.

The movie has been tipped to shatter records at the cinema due to the presence of talented Nollywood actress and brand ambassador, Funke Akindele and Bishop Imeh Umoh, the man who is beginning to become very noticeable as a result of his wittiness and passion for comedy roles. It would be re-

called that Funke Akindele’s movie, Jenifa made a box office hit at the cinema.

Speaking on the award, the award winning filmmaker said ‘’This award has shown that there will always be a reward for diligence and hard work, I am very happy to receive it and I promise my fans that I will keep doing more for the industry”

How UNIBEN student won Miss University beauty pageant

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400 level law student of the University of Benin, Miss Winfrey Okolo, has been crowned Miss University Nigeria 2012/13.

At a glamorous ceremony held recently in Abuja, in partnership with the Ministry of State for the Federal Capital Territory, leggy Okolo triumphed over other equally worthy contestants. Her victory came with a brand new Nissan Sunny car and a chance to represent Nigeria at the Miss University Africa pageant coming up in February 2013. Miss Iwebuke Jennifer of the University of Lagos and Omole Oyindamola of the University of Ibadan were first and second runnersup respectively. Speaking after announcing her as the winner, 20-year-old Okolo said, “I am so happy to be crowned Miss University Nigeria. This is a giant leap for me and I am sure now I have a national platform to further reach out to humanity in my own little way. To the other

contestants, you all are winners too and I appreciate you all for making the competition worthwhile for me.”

Veteran broadcaster and Chief Executive Officer of Inspiration FM, Soni Irabor, who headed the panel of judges comprising among others, Nollywood actresses, Kate Henshaw and Susan Peters, declared that the new queen desired the crown.

According to Irabor, “She is not just beautiful, she is brainy; she epitomizes the ideals of this pageant and I have no doubt that she will succeed in any field she puts her mind to.”

Now in its sixth year, the pageant, which had over the years been hosted by Ogun, Delta, Bayelsa, Benue and Rivers State governments, brought together 70 university queens from 70 Nigerian universities with 50 finalists making it to the grand finale. The enthusiastic contestants were camped at the prestigious Bolingo Hotels, Abuja, where they were availed training and grooming sessions from leading beauty experts from across the world.

IGERIAN R&B singer, Aituaje Iruobe, popularly known as Waje, is the celebrity guest on this week’s edition of Glo Presents The Big Friday Show.

Waje takes over the studio as guest artiste from PSquare who were the studio guests of last week.

Interestingly, Waje hits the limelight as the female voice on the duo’s 2008 hit track “Do Me”. On this week’s show, Waje shares with Basketmouth details about her life and her music. The show will be broadcast on MTV Base. It will also be on Viasat1 TV, Ghana and in Benin Republic on ORTB. This week’s studio challenge was taken on by former Atlanta-based singer Zania. The singer was recently signed onto Soul Muzik (a record label co-owned by Darey Art Alade). Viewers will find out if Zania completes her challenge and gets to exhibit her talent on the show.

On the Celeb Surprise segment, Ghanaian Glo subscriber Theodora Atta-Peters, surprises her sister Georgette Atta- Peters by arranging a visit with her favourite celebrity - Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahimwith the help of the Big Friday Show crew.

Other interesting segments include the Prank Yo Peoples, where the BFS crew pulled one on Nigerian hip hop artiste, Vector tha Viper and Dr. Love segment with all the answers on love and relationship issues.

Enter Club 1 Eleven A

LL ro a Ademo d s w i l l l e a la Stre d to A day as et d Ugoch respected ho , on the Lago e t o k u n b o ukwu A s s Islan pitalit art ha ngout. hize opens a y tycoon, Ch d tonother a The a state-o rles f-thekick o ll night eve ff n at 10 p with a red-c t, which is e a m and th , will have rpet and co xpected to e migh i n attend cktail part ty in th Ac c o r d ance t y e i s n he hig o g cie boasts t h of worl o Mr. Ahize ty. side, p d-class , the c a space rking space facilities, inc lub which fo , l d a w n r parties, is tight securi uding pool ty and design for th e hosp countr o e y. i t a l i t y d to herald a pen n indus t r y i n ew the

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

DIS N ‘ DAT With LAJU ARENYEKA

•Stella and Lamboginny flanked by NDLEA officials

Welcome to ‘Drugi-wood’

Drug control agencies are out to get their dose of Nollywood in this season.

The National Law and Drug Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, recently appointed A-List actress, Stella Damasus and singer Yinka Lawanson, otherwise known as Lamboginny, as its ambassadors.

Meanwhile, the National Agency for Food Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is partnering with the organizers of this year’s Nigeria Music Video awards. NAFDAC boss, Paul Orhii, does look good on television; at least the organizers think so.

He’s appearing in ads with Two Face Idibia, and fighting for music and against fake drugs. You won’t be the first doctor to make a career change, Dr. Orhii!

Two DJs, one prank, and a suicide

Mel Greig and Michael Christian, two Australian DJs who thought they had pulled off the prank of their lives, have led to the loss of a life. The 2Dayfm presenters, pretending to be the Queen of England and her son, Prince Williams, called London’s King Edward VII hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge was recuperating from morning sickness recently. The nurse who picked the call, Jacintha Saldanha, fell for the prank and put them through to her colleague to gave the DJ’s intimate details of the Duchess’ condition. A few days, later, Jacintha was found dead from what authorities believe was a

•Meg & Christian, the unfortunate DJs

suicide. Due to hate tweets, and death threats, Greig and Christian have closed their twitter accounts and gone into hiding.

•Mike Tyson…now Michelle Tyson

Mike Tyson is a Woman

Former world heavy weight boxing champion, Mike Tyson, is now a woman. The boxer said having his first menstrual cycle “would be a dream come true”, and that from now on he would be known as Michelle. “Some people might think it strange that I’m now a wom-

an,” said Tyson, who underwent complete facial feminisation, orbital bone contouring and nasal surgery in an operation lasting over 16 hours. ‘But even at the height of my career, when pound for pound I was regarded as the best fighter in the world, I never lost touch with my feminine side and knew that one day I would grow breasts and have a vagina.’

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 41

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com

before the iStore is fully setup customers were frantically making purchase inquiries even from GlamTek .

Meanwhile, the new iPad which was introduced just recently, has a few upgrades: two minor, one significantly major. A Lightning connector replaces the old 30-pin, just like all other new iOS devices. And while the rear iSight camera remains the same (5

megapixels), the front-facing FaceTime camera has been upgraded to HD status: 720p video recording and sharper self-portraits (the LTE versions of the new iPad also work with a wider range of international carriers).

Biggest of all is the new processor lurking beneath: an A6X processor, replacing the third-generation’s A5X. The iPad 3 was no slouch in the

performance department, itself not such a huge quantum leap from the iPad 2.

The A6X speeds up the iPad back to levels you would expect, and it handles Retina Display graphics even better.

This is the iPad 3S. Apple said that although competing tablets have become more affordable in the market place like Windows 8 which now offer an alternative set of products; none can touch the iPad. For them, the biggest competitor to the iPad 4 remains - the iPad Mini.

But considering that the iPad sold at the iStore comes complete with two years, perhaps, one would want to get it original.

Vanspaandorg said: “When you purchase your iPad imported through Core Group Africa and from an Authorised Reseller, you qualify for an additional year’s warranty,” .

Corroborating him, Communications manager of the Core Group, Ms. Taryn Hyam, noted that the time iPad came into Nigeria was rather good than late as some customers seem to express.

shooting at up to 10 frames per second (full-resolution) makes grabbing split-second photo opportunities easy, while the high-speed autofocus locks onto the target in as little as 0.13 seconds.

For the experienced photo enthusiasts the unique Control Ring that surrounds the lens body will appeal. Allowing smooth, fingertip adjustment of exposure, zoom, Picture Effect and other functions, it makes versatile DSLR-style creative control over

the image easily accessible.

It’s easy to fine-tune images with a wide range of manual adjustments, whether shooting stills or Full HD video.

Just like a D-SLR camera, there is a choice of auto and manual focus modes for even greater control over the image. The camera offers artistic options to expand shooting possibilities for enthusiasts and novice photographers alike. Fine tuning the look of the image is made

easy with a choice of six Creative Styles to suit the scene or the user ’s personal preference. Picture Effect offers an inspiring choice of ‘in camera’ effects that can be previewed on the LCD screen, including Toy Camera, Partial Colour, Pop Colour, HDR Painting, Miniature, Illustration, Watercolour and others. The Cybershot RX100 does all the hard work, automatically detecting faces and cropping the scene to create tighter, pro-style compositions without sacrificing pixel count.

Ipad4 boasts of best apps T

HE late Steve Jobs, made everything Apple unique and loveable for the hi-tech lover and every year since 2010, there has been a new version of its trendy tablet iPad. 2012 has already seen three - the iPad Mini, the third-generation iPad (with its Retina Display) has suddenly become the recipient of a surprising seventh-month upgrade, to a very similarlooking device now known as the “fourth-generation iPad.” Even though there is really nothing revolutionary separating the iPad 4 from its predecessor (iPad3), it still has the latest technology Apple has to offer – meaning, Apple is less likely to age it out over the next few months.

And for the Nigerian tablet

lover long in distress over where to get the latest and original iPad to purchase this holiday season, Apple has officially opened its iStore at the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos. The mall is located strategically adjacent to the Lagos state governor ’s office in Alausa and is a few metres drive away from the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Explaining to Nigerian the need to buy Apple products from iStore, Executive Director of Core Group Africa, Rutgers-Jan Vanspaandorg, said that “it affords you the opportunity to buy original and not fake. You can also be guaranteed a double warranty when you buy from the store,” Understandably, Nigerians are very curious and even

Sony’s new pocket-sized cyber-shot camera debuts

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ONSUMER electronics brand, Sony, has unveiled new pocket sized Cyber-shot RX100 camera. The new device features a host of powerful features packaged into sleek, compact aluminium body. Sleekly crafted in aluminium for strength, lightness and luxurious looks, the RX100 inherits many advanced imaging features from Sony’s Alpha ‘á’ range of Amount and E-mount camera families. An accomplished partner for travel, portrait or street photography, with impressive picture quality and intuitive, comfortable control options, the RX100 is ideal as a step-up from point-andshoot cameras.

This camera features the world’s first 1.0-type EXMOR CMOS sensor with a resolution of 20.2 effective megapixels and a bright F1.8 lens making it the perfect fit for a compact, pocket-sized second camera for enthusiasts who want to capture pristine stills with refined defocus effect and Full HD video while they are on the move.

Specially developed by Sony, the sensor has an area that is around four times larger than the 1/2.3-type imager in regular point-and-shoot cameras. Capturing far more light than small-sensor cameras, it is the key to beautiful, detail packed images and Full HD movie clips with very low noise.

Similar to high-performance D-SLR optics, the lens features seven-bladed circular apertures. This makes it easy to produce pro-style ‘defocus’ effects, with subjects in sharp focus against a smoothly-blurred background. The lens is also equipped with an Advanced Aspherical (AA) glass element that contributes to the camera’s extremely compact dimensions without sacrificing optical performance or resolution.

Complementing the 1.0type sensor and lens, the BIONZ image processor maximises shooting responses while assuring exceptionally clean, natural images. It also extends image sensitivity, allowing clear handheld images in dim light. Speedy burst

LG takes TV to ULTRA experience …. Introduces 84-inch Ultra HD 3D TV

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G Electronics, last week took ULTRA steps to give television viewers something to cheer about as it pushed into the Nigerian market, world’s first 84-inch Ultra Definition (UD) Cinema 3D Smart TV. The LG 84-inch UD TV, also known as 84LM9600, is the world’s largest Ultra High Definition TV. The sheer size of the display, which is equal to four units of 42-inch TVs, delivers an high picture resolution of 2160p which is 4 times higher than full HD. It is incredibly vivid and crisp, even when viewed from close distances.

The LG 84-inch UD TV comes complete with an enhanced sound which perhaps, may not be seen in other televisions currently on offer. Its 2.2 speaker system delivers a sound output of 50W, boasting two woofers, which delivers an incredible depth and energy, bringing eye-encompassing visuals to life with exhilarating sound.

Celebrating the new device, LG’s General Manager, Home Entertainment division,

Mr. Dave Shin said that “it is apparent that our industry is driven by innovation and Ultra Definition which is our latest invention will transform viewing experience”.

He added that “this landmark is a pivotal moment in TV history because the Ultra HD 4K technology will make it possible for consumers to enjoy crystal clear picture quality. The LG 84-inch UD TV offers quadruple the detail of a full HD 1080p unit, with 8 million pixels.”

The new LG 84-inch UD TV uses LG Resolution Upscaler Plus hardware which delivers higher detail from the existing SD/ HD external sources. It provides the most convincing 3D viewing experience currently available outside of a movie theatre.

Also, for the Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani, the TV’s Triple XD Engine comes with a TruMotion of 240 Hz with the benefit of fast screen refresh rate which guarantees quality viewing of fast movies and sports.

The LG 84-inch UD TV also has Smart TV ecosystem, featuring well over 1,000 applications. It comes complete with 3D glasses as well as LG’s Magic Remote, now upgraded to understand voice commands allowing users to intuitively access and navigate the Home Dashboard with ease.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—43

International tourism hits one billion O

ne billion tourists have travelled the world in 2012, marking a new record for international tourism – a sector that accounts for one in every 12 jobs and 30% of the world’s services exports.

On the symbolic arrival date of the one-billionth tourist yesterday, UNWTO revealed the actions tourists can take to ensure their trips benefit the people and places they visit, as voted by the public.

International tourism has continued to grow in 2012, despite global economic uncertainty, to reach over one billion international tourist arrivals.

celebrate this milestone, showing tourists that respecting local culture, preserving heritage or buying local goods when travelling can make a big difference.

The public was asked to vote for the Travel Tip that would have the greatest benefit for the people and

tourist, was Buy Local, encouraging tourists to buy food and souvenirs locally, or hire local guides, to ensure their spending translates into jobs and income for host communities.

A close second, Respect Local Culture calls on tourists to learn more about

their destination’s traditions, or some words in the local language, before leaving home.

“Today, we welcome the symbolic arrival of the onebillionth tourist” said UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “Your actions count. That is our message to the one billion tourists.

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he figure cements tourism’s position as one of the world’s largest economic sectors, accounting for 9% of global GDP (direct, indirect and induced impact), one in every 12 jobs and up to 8% of the total exports of the world’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Recalling the positive impact even the smallest action can have if multiplied by one billion, UNWTO launched the One Billion Tourists: One Billion Opportunities campaign to

places they visit and to pledge to follow that tip when traveling.

The winning tip, revealed on the arrival date of the one-billionth

NIHOTOUR, Law commission partner on tourism law Royalty: Hoteliers, musicians settle T T

he National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) and the Nigerian Law Reform Commission are set to collaborate to examine tourism and hospitality laws in Nigeria with a view to bringing them up to date with modern international practices.

This was part of the issues discussed when the Director General of NIHOTOUR, Dr. Munzali Dantata led members of his management on a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission, Justice Umaru Atu Kalgo in Abuja recently.

Dr. Dantata said as an agency established to build capacity by training professionals for the industry, the Institute is concerned about the inadequacy of existing legislations to drive the industry. He said this has thrown up a number of constraints for operators, C M Y K

investors and other professionals in the industry.

Dr. Dantata said “ Two main reasons informed my concern in this regard. First is my training as a lawyer who knows the importance of periodic and regular review of laws. Second is my affiliation to the hospitality and tourism industry as an operator, not just as Director General of NIHOTOUR but as someone who had over two decades of professional experience in the industry before my emergence as NIHOTOUR DG. It is therefore important that we take another look at existing Laws on tourism in Nigeria for the benefit of all”.

The NIHOTOUR DG said his Institute is not only interested in producing quality manpower for the industry it is also concerned about legislations that will help the personnel operate optimally in their areas of specialization.

he long battle between hotel owners in Nigeria and the Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), the nation’s sole collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings, over royalty has been resolved.

The peace meeting was brokered by the Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director

General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) at a joint meeting between the leaders of the Nigerian hotel industry and COSON in Lagos recently.

It was revealed at the meeting that an agreement has been reached on the payment of copyright royalties for the music and sound recordings used in hotels and similar establishments across Nigeria.

outhern Sun Ikoyi hotel bagged two awards at the just concluded West African Tourism and Hospitality Awards (WATHAWARDS 2012).

Mr. Mark Loxley, The General Manager of the hotel was awarded Platinum plaque as the “Best CEO” for 2012 while the hotel received a Gold Award in the “Best Fine Dining Restaurant” category for 2012.

These awards have placed Southern Sun

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU, CALABAR THE 2012 Calabar Festival began on a bright note recently with a colourful lighting of the Christmas tree at the Millennium Park, Calabar.

The exercise was led by the Acting Governor of the state, Mr. Efiok Cobham, the crowd at the venue, which included legendry South African composer and trumpeter, Hugh Masekela, was treated to a full bouquet of fun.

Masekela, who has performed in the festival four times now, described Cross River State as one of the safest places with peace loving people. The musician said he was proud to be part of the celebration which grows talents and allows every community to enjoy life in a free environment.

The Senior Special Adviser to the President on Ethics and Values, Mrs. Sarah Jibril who was present to catch her fun, described the occasion as a sense of joy and beauty as well as a wonderful experience which other states should emulate, adding that the cleanliness and orderliness of the state should be sustained because it makes it u n i q u e .

While performing the annual ritual of lighting the Christmas tree, Cobham, who was assisted by his wife, Glory, Speaker of the state house of assembly, Hon. Larry Odey, Makesela, Jibril and representatives of sponsors and development agencies, said the 12- year- old event has grown bigger in scope and volume.

Ikoyi Hotel as one of the topmost players in the hospitality industry, with its world class modern facilities and a 5 star premium service delivery that compliments its excellent culinary reputation locally and internationally over the last three years.

Receiving the awards on behalf of the hotel, the General Manager, Mark Loxely reassured all stakeholders of Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel’s resolve to continue to deliver products and services that consistently meet and surpasses customers’ needs and expectations.

Southern sun hotel wins award

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Calabar festival begins with fun-fare

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

BY MUSBAUDEEN SHEKONI

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Tel: 08098097290

email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

TMC urges FG to implement Ribadu’s report ...wants recognition of Arabic Studies in schools investigation into the intransigent challenges of the oil and gas industry in the past 10 years aimed at delivering the mandate of enhancing the integrity and accountability in the industry.

members of the committee averred that the report was flawed with unconfirmed figures and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe caped it all when he noted that Ribadu was

,

OTHERED by the possibility of ending up in the same fate as Faruq Lawan’s report and others which were consigned to the trashbin, a group of Muslims under the aegis of The Muslim Congress (TMC) has charged the Federal Government to implement the Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force’s report as filed by the Mallam Nuhu Ribadu’s led Committee.

The group said failure to implement the report will further discredit the current regime’s efforts at fighting against the endemic corruption.

“The Ribadu’s report should not be thrown into the rubbish-can like the report of Faruq Lawan and several other beautiful reports. If the recommendations are not implemented, it will further discredit the current regime’s efforts at fighting against the corruption.

We, therefore, advise the President to tackle the oil-sector corruption engendered by the “cult of thieves” and “committee of cabals with exigency,” Imam Luqman AbdurRaheem, Amir, The Muslim Congress echoed recently in Lagos.

Recall that Nuhu Ribadu led Petroleum Revenue Special Task Force was set up in February 2012 and was given 60 working days to do a holistic

Arabic studies should not be placed on the same scale with French and Chinese languages, which he said are neither tribal languages in Nigeria nor mother’s tongue of any ethnic group in the country

But the report has since been met with growing criticism, apart from the Presidency saying that the report was badly presented, some

ASK YOUR IMAM:

,

encouraging negativism and declared that the committee did not complete its assignment.

Also addressing the

congregation, at the Annual Muharram GetTogether (AMG) with the theme:”Towards a peaceful and virile nation”, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, a platform tailored for Muslims across Nigeria to congregate and deliberate on critical national and international issues and to provide government with models probable to redress some identified socio-economic and political challenges facing the society, the Amir also chorused that the Nigerian Muslims want a formal recognition of Arabic Studies as a compulsory school subject for all Muslim students in primary and secondary schools.

According to him,: “We are peacefully and passionately making this request because the

Can I div or ce m e? divor orce myy wif wife?

I am in a very difficult situation. I suspect my wife is going out with another person whom she calls her colleague in the office. I have not caught them myself, but people allege she is going out with the man. She comes late at night and hinged every excuse on work. But as a Muslim adultery is enough to pronounce a divorce. Can I divorce her because I feel very bad about the development.

Please suggest to me what I can do?

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wabarakatuh It is clear from your explanation that you dont

have concrete evidence to accuse her of adultery.

Suspicion is not even good in Islam. The prophet advise against it. Until you get a proof that she is adulterous by the dictates of shariah, you cannot accuse her of that. There must be three witnesses who saw them committing adultery and ready to give evidence at anytime. If that is not possible, talk to her, implore her to change her ways and as a Muslim, try to invoke the fear of Allah in her.

Allah sees what is hidden from all human beings.

Divorce is one of the things that is detested by Allah.

Make duah and seek Allah guidance and assistance.

Muslim Journalists meet in Ibadan

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•From left: Imam Shuaib Abdulahi, Coordinator, Conference Islamic Organisation (CIO); Sheikh Dhikrullahi, Mufti, CIO; Sheikh Abdul Rahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Nigeria and Worldwide and Alhaji Abdul Hakeem Kosoko, Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion (Islam) during Conference of Islamic Organisation emergency Decision Making forum on on issues qffecting the Ummah at Lagos State Secretariat. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

HE Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria has slated a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state, this weekend.

According to a notice of meeting which was signed by its President, AbdulRahman Balogun, the monthly meeting will hold at BCOS Mosque, Basorun, Ibadan on Sunday December 16 by 10am.

socio-economic and spiritual benefits Nigeria as a country stands to gain from the endeavour.

Arabic is the language of Islam; Our Qur ’an is written in Arabic language, it is therefore the fundamental right of the Nigerian Muslims to learn Arabic and teach their children.” adding that Arabic studies should not be placed on the same scale with French and Chinese languages, which he said are neither tribal languages in Nigeria nor mother’s tongue of any ethnic group in the country.

Meanwhile, Abu Umar Al-Faruq, a veteran Journalist and Special Assistant to the DG, Voice of Nigeria, while speaking on the topic “Good Governance: Islamic Perspective” said the governance recommended by Islam is that which responsibilities and

justice are plainly dispensed and people’s interests are made to assume superiority. He cautioned the government to end deception and abdication of responsibility, “Whoever deceives us is not one of us”, Abu Umar quoted Prophet Muhammad(SAW) as saying.

He, however, urged the leadership to operate an “open system policy” hinged on ‘servant leader’ style to catalyse the growth, development and to resolve other issues on the tablet of the society.

Earlier in their contribution, two eminent muslim scholars, Imam Tirimidh Jamiu and Shaykh AbdurRahman Ahmad, Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, while speaking about the “Challenges facing our nation” had proffered that the Nigerian government should reorientate the people, reinforce the spirit of oneness, effect good governance that will see an equitable distribution of resources, provision of quality education and health services and peaceful ways and better means of settling grievances to whittle down the upsurge of scuttle in the society.

Send feedback to isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Ways of solving problems

BY HARUNA RAZAQ

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HEN a Muslim encounters a problem, he must realize the fact that he needs the intervention of Allah to solve the problem and this can only be achieved through divine mercy and by involving in different virtuous deeds.

Virtuous deeds elicit Allah’s mercy and reduce Allah’s anger, prevent His punishment and pave the way for solution to a problem. The deeds include: (i) Believe in Allah: A Muslim in problem must not only believe but strengthen his/her believe, love and closeness to Allah. It must be noted that at no point must a Muslim lose faith in Allah because it is the foundation of other deeds in Islam. This is applicable to all problems with exception of those suffering from severe mental disorders or total insanity. (for details, see Muhammad ALJibali;(2003): Sickness, Regulations & Exhortations p.61) (ii) To attribute the Problem to Allah: unlike the non-

Muslims that usually attribute their problems to creatures of Allah, a Muslim must attribute his/her problem to Allah and not to any creature of Allah; and must accept that whatever struck him could not have missed him, and that it was ordained before he was created. See Qur’an (57Al- Hadid: 22-23). (iii) To have good thoughts about Allah:- A Muslim should maintain good thoughts about his Lord, turning only to Him in worship and supplication, remembering His great generosity, and looking forward to His blessings and forgiveness. Jabir Bin Abdullah (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said: “None of you should die without having good expectations in Allah (SWT).” (iv) BETWEEN FEAR AND HOPE: One must simultaneously show fear (Khauf) and hope (Raja’) :fearing Allah’s punishment for his sin, and hoping for Allah’s mercy. “They invoke their Lord with fear and hope, they spend out of what we bestowed on them.”(Q32:16).

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—45

GRADUATION: From left: Maj-Gen. A. Martins, Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics, Lagos; Maj-Gen. Charles Maduegbunam, Commandant, Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, representing Lt.-Gen. O. A. Ihejirika, Chief of Army Staff; Major Tunde Panox (rtd), Senior Special Assistant to Lagos State Governor on Security, representing Governor Babatunde Fashola, and Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu, Head, Naval Standards and Evaluation Branch, during the Nigerian Army College of Logistics, graduation in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

BUDGET: Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State presenting a copy of the state's 2013 budget to the Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Hon Muhammad Zayyana at the Assembly Complex, Sokoto.

LAUNCH: Human Resources Executive, MTN, Amina Oyagbola; Customer Relations Executive, Akin Braithwaite; CEO, Brett Goshen, and MD, Miders Tourch CommunicaSILVER JUBILEE: From left: Mohammed Monguno, Marcel Oru, Kyari Gadzama, K. Turaki, tions, Ayo lroche, at the Launch of MTN Y'ello City Experience Centre in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo, Editor. Chinwe Izegbu, Celestine Omerua and Nosa Edo-Osagie, during the Silver jubilee of Nigeria Law School class '86 set, in Abuja.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE: From left: Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Dr. Sunday Makinde; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State; his wife, Ekaette Unoma; immediate past Prelate of MCN, Dr. Sunday Mbang; and the State Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, during the merit award and thanksgiving service in honour of the governor at Immanuel Methodist Cathedral, Itiam Etoi, Uyo.

NIGERIAN IDOL: Director, Brands and Communications, Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Enitan Denloye (2nd left); with Nigerian Idol Judges; Femi Kuti (left), Yinka Davies (middle); Jeffery Daniels (right) and host presenter ILL Rhymz (second right) at the Episode One Premiere of Etisalat-sponsored Nigerian Idol Season 3, in Lagos.

INSTALLATION: Immediate Past President, Rtn. Innocent Azeke (left) decorating the incomFrom left: Mr Kunle Oyatomi, Director of Publicity, ing President, Rtn. Effi Usen, during the instalACN, Osun State; Mr Toyin Orungbe and Mr Gben- lation of Rotarian Effi Usen as the 41st President gas Aregbesola, during the party in honour of Otum- of Rotary Club of Benin, R1 District 9140, in Beba Olajumoke Ogunkeyede in Ibadan. nin City.

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CALL TO BAR: From right, Hajiya Amina Gimba, Barrister Halimat Mohammed, Arc Aisha Ahmed Mohammed, Mallam Hauwa Suleiman, and Yunusa Kutigi, after the call to bar of Barrister Halimat Mohammed, daughter of Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Chairman of Naks International, n Abuja. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 47

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48—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Customs seizes 7,269 bags of rice at Seme

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AGOS—IN its re newed effort to ensure strict compliance with the Comptroller- General of Customs’ directive on zero tolerance for importation of rice through the land borders and waterways, the Federal Operations Unit, weekend, intercepted a barge off the Badagry–Seme axis laden with 7,269 bags of rice with Duty Paid Value of N50,121,365.08.

Making the disclosure at the local jetty, the Controller, Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, Comptroller Dan Ugo, said the seizure was made by a team led by CSC Kirawa Abdullahi.

Art for Changes urges support for youths

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From right: Dr. Paul Orhii D-G; Mr. Garuba Macdonald, Director Enforcement; Mr. Hashim Ubale, Director, Narcortics & Substance Control, all of NAFDAC and Dr. Sam Ikoku, MD/ CEO, Nakachi Consult, during the launch of the programme on accreditation of NAFDAC regulatory consultants in Lagos.

Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

From left: Mr. G.B. Benson, State Coordinator, Special Marshal, Ojodu, Ikeja; Pastor E.O. Adebiyi, Unit Coorddinator and Mr. Nseobong Akpabio, Sector Commander, Lagos State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, during the Lagos State Sector Command Special Marshal and Partnership Department and The Apostolic Church, LAWNA, International, third year anniversary and fund raising in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo: Editor.

Sokoto, Nasarawa present N339.6bn budget

BY ABDALLAH ELKUREBE & ABEL DANIEL

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OKOTO—SOKOTO and Nasarawa State governors, yesterday, presented a total budget of N223.8 billion to the respective Houses of Assembly for the 2013 fiscal year.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, presented a budget of N115,830,000,000, while Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, presented a budget of N108 billion as expenditure for the same period.

The Sokoto proposed bill was tagged “Budget of Economic Growth and Peoples Empowerment.”

Of the amount, N46,537,722,442 is for recurrent while N69,298,773,212 is for capital expenditure.

Wamakko said that the budget estimates would be serviced from expected statutory allocation of N40,675,133,256; Value Added Tax of N8,325,000,000; Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of N15,579,212,000 even

as N3.5 billion and N10.5 billion would be from grants and miscellaneous revenue from the Federal Government, respectively.

General Administration got the highest allocation of N16,741,695, 767 for capital projects, including the Legislature and Judiciary; Agriculture, N500 million; Animal Health and Fisheries Development, N6,8 billon; Water Resources, N3.4 billion; Rural Development, N1.72 billion; Rural Electrification, N2.05 billion; Works

AGOS—AS a step to help youths use their time effectively while awaiting university admission, Art for Change called for support for the youths.

The organisation made the call during its awareness campaign at the Creative Enterprise session, at the British council office, Ikoyi.

Speaking at the event, the president, Dance City International, project initiator of the Golden Child, Mr. Henry Ebomah and Ms. Lily Artwyn said the purpose of the movement was to develop the youths and foster mutual support within the art and entertainment sector in Nigeria in collaboration with government and other key stakeholders.

AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Police Command, has arrested 163 suspects in connection with various criminal offences ranging from vandalization of NITEL property, armed robbery and theft,unlawful possession of firearms and drug abuse across the state .

The State Commisioner of Police, Mohammed Ladan, stated this, yesterday, while briefing

Passage

Delta CP reiterates ban on fireworks

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SABA—DELTA Commis sioner of Police, Ikechukwu Aduba, has said that the police would raid super markets and stores that deal on fireworks, insisting that its ban was still in force.

Aduba, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Asaba, said it was shocking that people still use fireworks

ADAM Theresa Christopher Akpan of Nkwuot Ikot Akpan Inyang, Ikono LGA of Akwa Ibom State is dead, aged 66 years.

Burial rites will commence December 21.

She is survived by widower, children and grandchildren.

Bauchi Police nab 165 suspected criminals

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BY SUZAN EDEH

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newsmen on the achievements of the police during the ember months in Bauchi.

Ladan said that between October 6 and October 23, a joint patrol team arrested five suspects for vandalizing NITEL property, giving their names as Yusuf Abubakar, Murtala Mohammed, Suleiman Mohammed, Sambo Hassan and Yunusa Ajam.

He said: “On November 24, 2012, a team of policemen attached to the GRA Police Sta-

recklessly in spite of the warnings.

He said that the police would not only arrest and prosecute the culprits, but would raid the super markets and night clubs that operate without licences as they harbour criminals.

The CP said: “The knock outs, the ban on fireworks is still in force and we are

tion received a realiable information that two suspected robbers stabbed one Abubakar Mohammed of SUBEB, Gombe State with a knife at Vanilla eatery and made away with his Peugeot 406 salon car. The team swung into action and intercepted the vehicle abadoned close to NITEL GRA Bauchi.

One Abbas Mohammed was arrested while the other suspects escaped on sighting the Police.”

surprise that people are still using them recklessly, causing panic.

“We are warning them, we are warning super market operators that there is going to be massive raid of super markets.

“And night clubs, night life is welcome but if you don’t have licence we are not going to allow you to operate.”

We received 200 trucks of fertilizer —Sokoto Agric Commissioner

BY ABDALLAH EL-KUREBE

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Late Theresa Akpan C M Y K

OKOTO – SOKOTO State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori, has confirmed that the state actually received 200 trucks of assorted fertilizer from the Federal Ministry of Agricul-

ture, contrary to the denial

by Governor Aliyu Wamakko, that his government did not receive such commodity from the Federal Government.

Wamakko had denounced a statement by the Minis-

ter of State for Agriculture, Bukar Tijjani, that the Federal Government supplied 200 trucks of fertilizers to 10 states, including Sokoto, Niger, Bauchi, Kogi, Zamfara, Kebbi, Jigawa, Gombe and Kano.

and Transport, N8,232,250,188.

Presenting his own “Budget of Redemption” in Lafia, Governor Al-Makura said N62.8 billion, representing 40 per cent, was for recurrent expenditure while N65.3 billion was for capital expenses.

The governor who acknowlegded that his administration could not implement the 2012 budget as expected, blaming it on the meager allocation to the state.

Al-Makura further noted that the Works and Transport ministry would receive the lions’s share of N15.7 billion, followed

by Housing and Urban Development with N13.4 billion just as Education would receive N4.2 billion among others.

He further stated that the 2013 appropriation bill would address issues like poor rural road network, market development among others.

20 babies delivered at Holy Ghost Congress

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AGOS—TWENTY ba bies, including a set of twins, have been delivered since the 15th Holy Ghost Congress of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, began on Monday at its Camp Ground along the Lagos-Ibadan expressroad.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the church, made the revelation at the Redemption Camp on Wednesday night.

He said that as at 9:00 p.m, on Wednesday, the babies were nine boys and 11 girls.

The pastor, who expressed happiness over the development, said, “the girls have taken over.”

He delivered a sermon on “The wonders of reversing the irreversible,” later on Wednesday, taking his bible lesson from Ezekiel 37:1-10.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 49

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—51

Itori crash: I lost most brilliant child— Victim’s mother

BY DAUD OLATUNJI

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BEOKUTA—MRS. Tayo Ayoade, 45, mother of Lekan, one of the seven school children who were crushed to death by a truck, Wednesday, said she has lost the most brilliant of her children.

Mrs. Ayoade in an exclusive interview with Vanguard at her Itori residence, yesterday, said she received the news while she was peeling cassava.

The bereaved mother, amidst wailing, disclosed that she had four children before the death

of Lekan, who she described as a promising artist.

She said: “I had four children.

Lekan was my third child. He was 20 years old and in SSS 3 writing his exam before he was killed.

“He was morally upright. He was very brilliant. He could draw anything. He was a great artist, that was the reason I sent him to school.

“Lekan was a child I loved most. I could not do without him. I have lost a great child.”

Meanwhile, aggrieved students, youths, market women

and resident took to the streets, yesterday, in protest over the incident.

Amosun lost niece

Governor Ibikunle Amosun also disclosed that he was affected, saying his niece was one of the students crushed by the truck.

Amosun, who was accompanied by the Chairman, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Dele Soluade to the scene of the accident, said his sister lost her daughter in the unfortunate incident.

Late Lekan's mother, Mrs. Tayo Ayoade... I lost a gem.

Amosun, who visited some of the families of the deceased, sympathised with them, assuring them that the state government would support them in their time of grief.

He, however, disclosed that the government planned to build a pedestrian bridge in the area, saying other areas would be considered to forestall similar occurrences.

He directed that the survivors, who were initially admitted at the General Hospital, Itori, be transferred to Abeokuta for proper medical attention.

The governor supervised the drain of the water from a tunnel at the scene to ascertain whether more bodies were still trapped inside the tunnel. No corpse was, however, recovered after fire fighters drained the tunnel.

A truck with plate number LAGOS YZ 628 AKD, conveying tonnes of granite from Abeokuta, the state capital, had rammed into Itori Comprehensive High School building in Ewekoro Local Government Area of the state, Wednesday afternoon, killing some students.

In reaction, protesters went on rampage and damaged 50 vehicles.

AIG, CP relocate to accident town

Following the renewed riot by residents of Itori over the incident, Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, Mamman Tsafe, and the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikemefuna Okoye,

have relocated to the accident scene.

The protest, which commenced at 7am, yesterday, left hundreds of commuters and motorists stranded for about five hours on the Lagos-Abeokuta expressway.

Armed with sticks and other dangerous weapons, the protesters who were mostly students, aggrieved youths, market women and residents dared policemen and barricaded the expressway with disused tyres and other objects, forcing travellers to make uturn, while others parked their vehicles.

The presence of armed policemen and officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, could not help stranded commuters as the security agents were apparently overwhelmed by the teeming protesters.

Killer-tragic truck missing The protesters alleged that the ill-fated truck was towed away overnight by unknown people suspected to be agents of the state government.

When the AIG and the state Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, arrived at the scene, their repeated appeals to the people fell on deaf ears.

Some eyewitnesses said about 10 hoodlums have been arrested by the mobile policemen drafted to the scene.

However, the AIG denied it, saying normalcy had been restored as hundreds of stranded motorists were allowed to move freely on the highway.

Speaking with reporters, Itori Unit Commander of FRSC, Mr. Fatai Bakare, maintained that only seven students died in the accident, while two others were hospitalised.

Bakare denied complicity of his agency in the towing of the illfated truck, adding that he could not confirm the whereabouts of the vehicle.

He said: “Nine people were involved, out of which seven died and two injured.”

He blamed the incident on the recklessness of the driver of the articulated vehicle.

He advised motorists to always adhere to traffic rules and regulation while on the highway.

52—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

FG, Global Fund sign $335m HIV, TB grants

BY CHIOMA OBINNA

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HE fight against terminal diseases in received a boost, yesterday, as Nigeria and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria signed five grant agreements valued at US $335 million.

The grant agreements are to support programmes that would help significantly expand prevention and treatment of HIV and tuberculosis in Nigeria.

This is coming on the heels of the launch in October by Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan, of a National pro-

gramme, Saving One Million Lives by 2015, by increasing access to effective basic health services. Nigeria has also announced that it is committing $500 million to support the programme.

The grant agreements are a critical part of the $3 billion in 169 grants, that the Global Fund had committed in 2012.

The grant agreements would no doubt address a tremendous need as Nigeria had the second highest number of people living with HIV in the world and only 30 percent of people requiring HIV treatment are receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Reacting to the agreements, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim said the grants would encourage the fight against the diseases.

Speaking, Head of the Grant Management Division of the Global Fund, Mark Edington said: “Nigeria has made some big strides and to turn back now is unthinkable. But the

challenges are formidable and much remains to be done.

“There is now an excellent opportunity for Nigeria’s government to close the funding gap for anti-retrovirals.”

Nigeria's crude production risks decline by 40%— Exxonmobil

BY GODWIN ORITSE

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OBIL Producing Ni geria Unlimited, has warned that Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production risks a decline of 40 percent in the

next 10 years if urgent steps were not taken to maintain or increase the current level of production.

While unveiling its 2012 outlook for the energy industry, Exxonmobil disclosed that it

would need about $11 billion investment to increase its production level in Nigeria, adding that since oil was discovered in Nigeria, the industry has not experienced a real growth.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos yesterday, General Manager, Operational Technical Geoscience Department of Exxonmobli, Mr. Andrew Ejayeriese, said for Nigeria to sustain its leadership position in Africa, it must create the right condition and take quick decisions that enhance the overall production chain.

He said: “The current draft PIB proposes fiscal and non-fiscal recommendations that will not encourage investment in the industry, nor will it offset natural decline as fields mature.

“An operator needs to reinvest about 50 percent of annual cash flow to keep production flat.

“Without new investments, Nigeria’s production will decline by 40 percent by 2020, while it could potentially grow by nearly 50 percent within same period, with continued and planned investments of $110 billion.

“Without investments, the industry will not replace declining production, let alone grow.

“Clearly, a tragedy for a country blessed with such a significant hydrocarbon endowment.

ExxonMobil is supportive of the restructuring objectives and as part of OPTS, is committed to providing industry’s input to the evolution.”

He said Nigeria had the potential to remain the leading hydrocarbon producer and exporter in Africa for the foreseeable future.

He added that it must put measures in place that allow investors to achieve a competitive return, to operate in the most effective and efficient manner possible, and have a stable, fair investment environment.

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54—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, DECEMBER 14, 2012

state makes another law to cope or deal with the new wave or types of crimes. This cycle continues on and on, ad infinitum“ he noted.

Also speaking on Lagos Traffic Law; Fostering peace among Okada riders and Traffic officers in Lagos State, Kayode Adaramoye said the rise of this means of transportation is a product of systematic failure of leadership in our political governance.

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Okada riders ...new law further impoverishes them

Lagos traffic law: A recipe for poverty, crimes —Stakeholders

BY BOSE ADELAJA

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HE new Lagos traffic law which among other things, restricted motorcyclists popularly called okada operators to some designated roads, has continued to generate controversies since it was signed into law

by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola. While some see the law as a welcome development to checkmate the nuisance okada operators constitute to road users, others see it is a means of bringing more hardship on the already impoverished Lagosians who eke out a living by operating commercial motorbikes.

It was against this backdrop that the Rotary Club of Egbeda recently gathered stakeholders to take a closer look at the law and proffer solutions on how to make it people-friendly.

Those who spoke at the forum included a Lagosbased legal practitioner, Mr. Bamidele Aturu, Area ‘M’ Police Commander, ACP Sani Taoje who was represented

by Superintendent of Police Ms Abosede Onasanya, a public commentator Mr Kayode Adaramoye and Personal Assistant to the LCDA Chairman, Mr. Alexandar Ogunrinde amongst others.

Speaking on Legislating the poor into extinction; Poverty eradication by impossible means, Aturu who lauded the Lagos State government’s efforts to make the city one of the best mega cities in the world, however faulted the new traffic law. Noting that the law should embrace the social and cultural belief of the citizens, the human rights lawyer declared: “transplantation of laws without regard to other social and cultural variables leads to instinctive or intuitive disobedience”.

Mr. Aturu posited that it is the duty of the

State government to create alternative means of livelihood for the riders before enforcing the Law adding, “Many of the motorcyclists are jobless Nigerians; some of them graduates of our tertiary institutions. A number of them are artisans such as barbers, plumbers, welders, auto mechanics to mention just a few, who took to riding okadas in order to make ends meet due to lack of electricity to engage effectively or profitably in their chosen trades. I know one of them who pays the school fees of three of his children in the universities from the income earned by carrying passengers on his motorcycles. Without creating an alternative source of livelihood for these people and without dealing with the in-

The law is being fiendishly implemented by the police who arrest, maim and kill commercial motorcycle riders on both prohibited and unprohibited highways

,

frastructural decay such as gully-ridden and narrow roads that cause traffic gridlock and which makes millions of Lagosians use commercial motorcycles as a means of transportation, the law was passed and is being fiendishly implemented by the police who arrest, maim and kill commercial motorcycle riders on both prohibited and un-prohibited highways.’’ Aturu lamented Continuing he said, “We must assume that these people (the Okada riders) are not all going to vanish from planet earth because of the law. We must also assume that they all have different capacities to cope with the misery that the law has imposed on them. If these assumptions are sound, then it is reasonable to expect some of them to take to either older or newer forms of crime. When this happens, then the

nability of governments at various echelons to create jobs and meet the minimum standard of transportation as found in ideal and civilised climes boosted the use of Okada, as a means of transportation in Nigeria. Okada transportation in Lagos State has reached a level that brazenly and contemptuously compromised security of lives and property, even the city aesthetics that it called for urgent and radical intervention,” said Adaramoye.

He however opined that government should provide alternative means of livelihood for the riders. “Given the cumulative bankruptcy in government

efficiency and competency in governance, and which gave impetus to Okada as a means of transportation and the associated crimes that followed it, and government’s move to curtail the crimes, gave rise to social upheaval we had with the banning of Okada in certain areas of Lagos State. To me, Lagos State government is right to some extent with its intervention of banning Okada in certain areas of Lagos State but wrong in not providing alternative employments to the displaced Okada riders. Definitely, there will be evil multiplier effects arising from Okada ban which will create various crimes in the society for idle hands to easily engage themselves in,” he said.

In her own contribution, SUPOL Onasanya urged the riders to comply by the law saying this will encourage safety of lives and sanity on our roads, “Neglecting traffic signs, traffic lights and traffic directions or driving against oncoming traffic is an offence that attracts one year imprisonment for the first offender and three years for subsequent data captured,” she added.

Abia first lady donates bungalow to widow

T

HE wife of the Abia State Governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji has handed over a three- bedroom bungalow to an indigent widow, Mrs.Best Ekoba Alozie of Abayi, Ohanze, in the ObiNgwa Local Government Area.

At the handover ceremony, Lady Orji explained that by the completion of the bungalow, her office has so far built and equipped six houses for indigent widows as part of her complimentary governance role of providing succor to this class of people.

She restated the commitment of the Abia State Government to enhance the welfare of not only the indigent widows but also all vulnerable groups in the society. The First Lady used the occasion to appeal to well endowed Abia indigenes to assist the government in ameliorating the plight of this widows and other less-privileged members of the society.

The bungalow is fully furnished with all household properties and a borehole which the First Lady said will provide another source of income to the family. Mrs. Alozie is a widow with six children.

Mrs Orji decried the attitude of those who oppress widows and the less-privileged in the society and charged Mrs. Alozie’s kinsmen assist her and the children in their quest to survive.

She further appealed to the youths in the area to avoid any form of unwholesome practices capable of undermining their future, peace and development of the state. According to her, if not for the prevailing peace in the area which was once noted for kidnapping, the house project would not have been completed.

Mrs Orji gave the assurance that the state government would continue to provide empowerment opportunities for the youths to be meaningfully productive.

Out-going Transition Committee Deputy Chairman , Mrs Ijeoma Ngozi lauded the first lady for providing succor to widows, indigent women and other vulnerable groups in the state.

An elated Mrs Alozie thanked the wife of the governor for the new lease of life and for bringing them out of homelessness.

,

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 55

C M Y K

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

From left: Mr. Emmanuel Revmafas, Director Hand Held Product (HHP); Miss Okikiolu Jumoke, Marketing Manager, HHP, Mr. Brovo Kim, Samsung Electronics, West Africa, and Mr. Daesong Na, BDM, HHP, during the Samsung Elecronics West Africa Ltd, launch of Samsung Galaxy Camera, in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo, Editor.

Soyinka advocates private investment in education

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—NOBEL Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, yesterday, expressed concern over the dwindling fortune of the nation’s education system.

He was, however, quick to give a panacea that the quick intervention, participation and investment from the private sector could revive the sector from total collapse.

Soyinka spoke with newsmen after inspecting the newly-established Elizade University, a private university established by the Chairman of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Chief Ade Ojo in Ilara Mokin in Ifedore council area of the state.

He said it was regrettable that despite the huge investment in the education sector of the country, the standard had not risen to the level that could make the country compete with other countries of the world.

Soyinka, however, expressed optimism that the establishment of private institutions by the private sector was capable of raising the standard.

The Nobel Laureate commended the management of Elizade University on the facilities provided at the institution, which he described as first class.

He said: “Education system in the country has collapsed for a long time and I think private initiative can help to pull the standard up to what my generation experienced.”

OPENING: From left— Stanley Amuchie, DGM, Zenith Bank; Ify Amuchie, CEO, Reeds & Scents; Adaobi Nwapa, GM, and Udom Emmanuel, Executive Director, both of Zenith Bank, at Reeds & Scents grand opening showcasing Exclusive Home Fragrances in Lagos.

Oluwole Rotimi's wife: We 're closing in on kidnappers—Police

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN—MORE facts have emerged on the N200 million ransom demanded by the abductors of the wife of Brig.General Oluwole Rotimi (rtd), former governor of the old Western Region.

As the police continued its investigation, it was discovered that the caller hid his number when he called one of the family members.

When speaking with Vanguard yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayodele Lanade, said the police were making progress in its investigation.

He restated that 10 suspects are helping the police in their investigation, noting that the suspects would be held until they tell the police the whereabouts of the abducted woman.

Meanwhile, the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has promised that Titilayo Oluwole Rotimi would be rescued without any harm coming to her.

He said this yesterday in a release by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

Mrs. Rotimi was kidnapped on Monday evening in Ibadan by yet-to-be identified gunmen. The governor expressed sadness that kidnapping for ransom, which hitherto was strange to the SouthWest, was now being brought into it by some undesirable elements, stating that his administration was committed to ensuring that this does not repeat itself in the state.

The governor said he was in constant touch with the state Commissioner of Police and other security operatives, in the quest to ensure that Mrs. Rotimi was rescued without any harm brought to her.

The statement said: “The state government is committed

to this rescue effort, not only because Mrs. Rotimi is a senior citizen in the state, but we are committed to ensuring that crime of whatever kind is not committed in Oyo State against any citizen of the state.”

The governor said the state government had put in place adequate security measures

towards ensuring that Nigerians living in the state observed crime-free yuletide and New Year festivities.

He commended the state’s crime-bursting outfit, Operation Burst, which comprises men of the military and police in a joint patrol for having successfully brought to a tolerable level the crime statistics of the

state, maintaining that his government would not rest on its oars in the bid to have a crime-free state.

The governor cautioned residents of the state to be security-conscious in all their engagements and endeavour to report all suspicious movements or persons to security operatives in the state.

... as police in Ondo arrest suspects in Dep Gov's aide's kidnap

BY DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE—POLICE in Ondo State, yesterday, paraded four suspects who allegedly kidnapped the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor of the state Idris Olanusi.

The suspects include Gideon Oladimeji, Agbavwe Ejamufewani and Joel Udi. Speaking in Akure, the state Commissioner of Police, Danladi Mshelbwala said the victim was abducted along Oba Adesida road around 9pm.

Msheibwala said the suspects, numbering about 15, abducted their victim and kept him for four days in a thick forest at Idoani town in Ose Local Government Area of the state.

He added that police detectives swung into action and were able to arrest three of the suspects in Edo State.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to the Commissioner, include one AK-49 rifle, six magazines of AK-49, 201 live ammunition, one burnt Toyota Camry, two

Empowerment C'ttee makes case for flood victims' rehabilitation

M

R. Jolly Ogbe, Chairman of Empowerment Committee of the Niger Delta Youth Movement, has appealed to the Federal Government and state governments to fast-track the process of rehabilitating and resettling the displayed victims of the recent flood in Nigeria.

The group said as the flood recedes, government should demonstrate appreciable political will in bringing succour to the people as they return to their original abode.

In a statement made avail-

able to newsmen, Ogbe noted that the recent flood was a disaster of international dimension, noting that the Federal Government must do everything possible to guide against re-occurrence of such natural disaster, which have further impoverished the rural poor across the country It said: “We of the Niger Delta Youth Movement appeal to government at all levels to demonstrate practical commitment to the plight of the victims by assisting with resettlement packages.”

dynamites with ammunition, and a Volkswagen bus.

The three suspects, however, confessed committing the offence, noting that they were lured into the crime by poverty and some of their friends now at large. The Police Commissioner assured that other suspects now at large will be arrested.

Msheibwala said the Command had foiled so many armed robbery and kidnap attempts in the last few months.

According to him, the Command will not rest on its oars to rid the state off criminals, adding “ we are determined and prepared to make this state uncomfortable for kidnappers and other criminals.

“This has been professionally demonstrated through proactive approach and the Command has all it takes to uncover any plot by any criminallyminded persons to disturb the peace of this state.”

He pointed out that his men were on ground to quell any ugly incident before or after the coming festivity in the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012—57

La Tour Eiffel as my teacher’s memorial

By TONY IYARE

H

ER mastery of the subject, daunt ing radiance and ravishingly beautiful gait was the elixir to jazz up the French class. Unlike some subjects that you wish for the cup to pass, we always looked forward to her lessons with admiration. Ever since our path crossed nearly 40 years ago, the picture of the splendour, glamour and eminence of Paris, the world’s most prominent city of arts, fashion and gourmet had stuck.

Then known as Miss Fatimah Umar, this very amiable teacher infused a lot of life to her work as she took us through many passages of the French lessons in the now fossilised fully air-conditioned language laboratory in my formative school days.

Donning our listening aids as we stayed glued to the video documentary in this chilly laboratory, we usually reeled out in almost what later became a refrain: Voila une grande ville, Voila la Tour Eiffel, C’est la Place d’Italie a Paris. The rendering of the passage on Monsieur Thibo would normally bring the French lesson to a close.

A pioneer member of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Umar was a toast of the students of my alma mater, United Christian Secondary School, a foremost business high school founded jointly by the Anglican, Methodist and Baptist Missions as her simplicity, dedication and de-

votion to duty struck a chord. Hopping daily from her abode on Pelewura Crescent, she was one of the early risers to the school straddled between Bombay Crescent and Oyekan Road, all in the then serene Apapa in Lagos.

Later known as Mrs Fatimah Abubakar after her marriage to a former director general of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, she was appointed Minister of Power under the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo. But just as the United Christian Secondary School Alumni Association, UCOSA, was rolling out elaborate plans to honour their famous French teacher along with others, a car crash on the Kano-Kaduna Express Way unfortunately ended her life sourjorn shortly after she left office.

As we waited patiently with hundreds of other visitors in a long line to ascend the Eiffel Tower located in Champ de Mars around 8pm during my last visit to Paris, her memory kept popping around me. I could hear her say fondly “Antoine, viola la Tour Eiffel”as I beckon to my guide, Inam Akrasi, one of my seniors who has lived in France for more than 40 years.

The eminence of the Eiffel Tower, built in 1889 is daunting leaving you with awe as to why the mere cobbling of several pieces of metal continues to attract millions of visitors every year. Last year alone, 7.1 million visitors were at the tower. Named

after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower as the entrance arch to the1989 World’s Fair, it has become both a global cultural icon of France and one of the most recognizable structures in the world.

Apart from a scenic view of River Seine and the alluring image of the city of Paris, the Eiffel Tour provides a view of the Military School (Ecole Militaire) and the Pantheon, a building in the Latin Quarter of Paris now used for the burial of important personalities in France. There’s also Notre Dame de Paris, the country’s most famous cathedral located in the cradle of France.

Its construction started in 1163 and was completed in 1345.

Most visited paid monument According to Wikipedia, the tower is the tallest structure in Paris and the most-visited paid monument in the world; 7.1 million people ascended it in 2011. The third level observatory’s upper platform is at 279.11 metres the highest structure accessible to public in the European Union and the highest in Europe as long as the platform of the Oatankino Tower, at 360 metres, remains closed as a result of the fire of August 2000. The tower which was conceived to last for 10 years received its 250 millionth visitor in 2010. Its communica-

tion asset to French soldiers during the First World War saw it being retained as a monument.

The tower once described as “useless and monstrous” by a group of protesting artists comprising writers, painters, sculptors, architects and passionate devotees of the then untouched beauty of Paris, stands 320 metres (1,050 ft) tall, about the same height as an 81-storey building.

During its construction, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to assume the title of the tallest man-made structure in the world, a title it held for 41 years, until the Chrysler Building in New York City was built in 1930. However, because of the addition, in 1957, of the antenna atop the Eiffel Tower, it is now taller than the Chrysler Building.

I never met Akrasi in school but his daunting prowess in French was visible.

He long shifted base to France when former Miss Umar made her entry. But our path crossed when he flew in from Paris to attend a luncheon hosted by UCOSA to honour him and some other distinguished alumni in Lagos in 2003. Our chemistry struck a chord ever since. He broke his vacation to the South West of France to receive my wife and I at the railway station, Gadu Nord when we arrived by the bullet train, Eurostar from London last year.

Although he was on vacation also in South west of France this year, he had set up all appointments including arranging a guide to ferry my family round Paris. One of my guests drove eight hours from Toulouse renown for the building of air buses to meet us in our hotel. Akrasi also rode on a 12 hour train to see us off at Gadu Lest as we departed to Kassel in Germany. The Eiffel Tour, a fitting memorial for my late French teacher radiated its eminence in the background as our friends bid us bon voyage.

58 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

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Russia says Syrian rebels might win A

Russian official has said for the first time that the Syrian government may be defeated by opposition forces.

President Bashar alAssad’s forces were loing more and more control and territory”, deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov said.

He said Russia, one of Syria’s staunchest allies, was making plans for a possible evacuation of thousands of its citizens.

Separately, Syria denied reports it had fired Scud missiles at rebels.

Nato’s Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen earlier said the organisation had detected the launch of such short-range missiles, saying it showed an “utter disregard” for the lives of the Syrian people.

Russia, along with China, has used its veto at the UN Security Council to block resolutions condemning the Syrian government’s use of violence.

But Mr Bogdanov said yesterday that, “unfortunately, we cannot

•Victory for the Syrian opposition could not be ruled out rule out the victory of the Syrian opposition.”

Mr Bogdanov repeated Russia’s call for dialogue between the two sides, predicting that the

fighting would grow more intense.

He said tens, possibly hundreds of thousands of people would be killed if that happened.

Germany supports AU with additional 30m euros

BY EMEKA AGINAM

F

OLLOWING one week of constructive engagement and negotiations between the African Union (AU) Commission and the

Federal Republic of Germany, the German government yesterday has pledged an additional 30 million euros in support of different programmes of the AU Commission.

Zuma to face leadership challenge

S

OUTH Africa’s President Jacob Zuma may face a challenge for the leadership of the ANC next week from his deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe.

Mr Motlanthe’s spokesman Thabo

Masebe said that Mr Motlanthe had accepted his nomination to stand as ANC leader.

Mr Zuma has received most nominations, but his critics say he has failed to tackle South Africa’s problems.

The African National

Congress leader will be overwhelming favourite to win elections due in 2014.

The ANC has gained more than 60% of the vote in each of the national elections held since the end of white minority rule in 1994.

Egyptian opposition warns on referendum violence

A

leading opposition figure warned of more blood on the streets when Egyptians vote on a new constitution championed by Islamist President Mohamed Mursi amid a growing political crisis.

In the referendum tomorrow and next, Egyptians must accept or reject a basic law that has to be in place before national elections can be held early next year - an event many hope can steer the Arab world’s most populous nation out of its turmoil.

At least seven people have died and hundreds

“If such a price for ousting the president seems acceptable to you, then what can we do? We consider it unacceptable,” he said.

have been injured in violence that erupted three weeks ago after Mursi awarded himself sweeping powers to ram

the charter through a drafting body dominated by Islamists and boycotted by the opposition.

This pledge, according to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Nigeria comes against the backdrop of the German Government’s New Africa Strategy,which seeks to foster coordination and cooperation with regional actors in Africa.

The cooperation with the AU, the embassy said was an integral part of this new Strategy.

Focus areas of cooperation will include peace and security, infrastructure, agriculture, education and capacity building.

During the negotiations, KfW Development Bank, on behalf of the German Government, signed a financial agreement with the AU Commission to support the full operationalization of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).

UN nuclear inspectors in Iran

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NSPECTORS from the United Nation nuclear watchdog were in Tehran yesterday for talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program, but there was no sign they would gain access to the Parchin military complex as requested.

The Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA) said “ no plans were announced yet for

inspectors to visit Iran’s nuclear facilities or other sites”, without giving a source.

Yesterday’s talks were the first such meeting between the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Iran since August.

The meeting could give some indication whether Iran - which denies it wants to develop nuclear weapons - is more

willing to address international concerns over its nuclear program after U.S. President Barack Obama’s reelection last month.

Israel has threatened military action if diplomacy and economic sanctions intended to halt Iran’s uranium enrichment program fail to resolve the longstanding dispute.

60 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Onigbinde warns against interference with Arsenal crisis deepens Keshi’s programme A F ORMER Super Ea gles Head Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, has cautioned football administrators against interfering with the team’s programme for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) outlined by coach Stephen Keshi.

Onigbinde gave the warning while reacting to the 23-man Super Eagles team list for camping ahead of the competition, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

NAN reports that the team for now has 23 home-based players who would resume camping on Sunday in Abuja, before the list of the foreign-based ones would be released.

However, one foreignbased player, Fegor Ogude of Valerenga FC, Norway, who is currently on holidays in the country, is on the list.

Onigbinde told NAN that as a former coach, he understood the importance of coaches having control of their t e a m s .

RSENAL’S faltering season is being hampered by growing tensions between manager Arsene Wenger and his assistant Steve Bould.

Sources claim Bould, who replaced the retired Pat Rice as No 2 at the end of last season, has become increasingly marginalised at the club’s London Colney HQ in recent weeks.

It is believed the titlewinning defender, whose salary of £1.5million is half that earned by the England manager Roy Hodgson, has grown frustrated at his lack of input into first-team matters.

Certain players are also understood to want more defensive-based training sessions on a regular ba-

BARRICADE: Nigeria's John Mikel Obi and his Chelsea team-mate David Luiz attempt to stop Mexico's Monterry players at the FIFA Club W/Cup semi-final match in Japan yesterday. Chelsea won 3-1.

“I am hoping for the best in terms of preparation.

I cannot say for sure what their plans are, so it will be wrong for anybody to start criticising in a way that is not constructive.

“Only Keshi understands what is in the programme of his team and it is only Keshi that can tell us or assure us of the preparation,”Onigbinde

Eagles Continues from B/P The former 3SC general manager explained that the Super Eagles have “quality players to achieve” a last four place in Africa’s biggest football championship.

“I believe the team will not only qualify from their group but go beyond the quarterfinals of the Nations Cup. The team have enough quality players to achieve that. But they will have to prepare very well because the other teams will be aiming to do very well too.

In the past months, the coaches have done well by working hard and trying out several players.

I believe by the time they start the camping for the Nations Cup the players will have ample time to understand each other on the pitch and the coaches will know

the strengths and weaknesses of each player and fashion out suitable tactics for their Nations Cup games,” said Adepoju.

The former Racing Santander man also wants the Nigerian team to be engaged in more friendly games to help the coaches analyse the team at competitive level.

“Friendly matches might not totally give a true picture of what to expect but it is always an avenue to help the coaches see the players, analyse them and make proper selection. So the team will need more of such as they prepare for the Nations Cup,” he said.

The last time Nigeria appeared at the Afcon finals and failed to reach the last four was in Tamale when they lost 1-2 to hosts, Ghana in 2008.

said.

He said there was need for the Super Eagles to get support from everywhere, to regain its lost glory in African foot-

ball. ‘‘If nobody has seen the team in any training session, then it will be unfair to criticise them,” he said

S/American Continues from B/P They struck us.

“For Tigre today was an historic day. The referee told us he was going to suspend the game and ended up doing that.

“It was all a mess, football should be a celebration.”

Tigre coach Nestor Gorosito claimed keeper Damian Albil had a gun pointed at his chest.

He said: “During the break, a big guy came out with a gun.

“Some policemen started to hit some of my players. We tried to defend ourselves,.

“My players fought with the security people for 15 minutes.

“Then the police arrived and the incidents continued. What happened is disgraceful.

“There are several players hurt, but none serious.”

Tigre security chief Ruben Pasquini said: “It was an ambush. They were waiting for us.

“Our midfielder Ruben Botta has an injured

eye. They put a gun in the chest of Albil. Gaston Diaz was also hurt.”

The city of Sao Paulo is one of the host venues for the 2014 World Cup. And Massa felt the incidents during last night’s game had cast a shadow over Brazilian football.

He added: “It’s one of the most shameful pages in Brazilian football.

“We came to play a game of football, not a war. All this makes us very sad.

“We don’t want to win or lose a game in the offices but the AFA are going to have to make a strong protest.”

Referee Osses said: “We did not see anything but we have heard some things about what happened.

“We saw there were some injuries to the Tigre players but I don’t know what caused them.”

CONMEBOL official Romer Osuna said: “The referee abandoned the game because it was not right to play on.

sis.

Distance between Wenger and Bould, a former Arsenal defender, is so big that, when the boss missed training the day before Arsenal were beaten 2-0 at home by Swansea, fitness coach Tony Colbert took the session.

Pressure on Wenger is at an all-time high following Tuesday’s humiliating Capital One Cup defeat to Bradford, a League Two side made up of 10 free transfers.

Speaking on Wednesday former Arsenal player Stewart Robson, who was employed by the club up until last year, added weight to the talk of training ground problems.

Terry Continues from B/P former club favourite Didier Drogba, who is back training with the club.

Terry posted an Instagram picture of himself on an exercise bike in a deserted gym as he tries to get back to full fitness to help with Chelsea’s hectic schedule.

He also took a cosy snap of himself with

Drogba, who left for Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in the summer and who is back keeping his fitness levels up before representing Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

Terry is 6,000 miles away from the rest of his teammates, who are in Japan trying to cap their European Cup-winning year with more silverware.

NFF Continues from B/P sionals needed by Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi for the AFCON. General secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Musa Amadu said they will invoke the rule that stipulates clubs to release players at least 14 days to a major competition like the Nations Cup. “The foreign clubs are obliged to release the players two weeks to the competition, so we expect all the players to be in Faro, Portugal, by January 4,” said Amadu.

“Otherwise, we will employ sanctions on the players and the clubs involved.”

The release of their Europe-based pros is crucial for Nigeria, whose squads for the 2010 and 2008 editions of the Nations Cup were

wholly players from overseas.

Most of the leagues in Europe will break for the Christmas, but Nigeria may be headed on a collision course with clubs in the English premier League for the release of the likes of Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Osaze Odemwingie and Shola Ameobi.

Former Super Eagles skipper Mutiu Adepoju, who played for several top Spanish clubs like Racing Santander and Real Sociedad, has backed the NFF on their insistence on the prompt release of the players.

“The FIFA rule is very clear on this issue. So I support the NFF to drag any club to FIFA. We need these players to be early to camp for proper blending,” Adepoju told MTNFootball.com

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 61

Spor ts Minis ants NPL crisis resolv ed Chelsea ponders Mikel Sports Ministter w wants resolved replacement M C

•Bolaji Abdullahi

INISTER of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has charged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to “conclusively resolve” the crisis rocking the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) before February 16, 2013.

Abdullahi made the call at the 2012 congress

of the NFF in Port Harcourt on Thursday.

Recent developments saw the congress of the NPL kick out former chairman, Baribote Victor Rumson and former acting Executive Secretary, Tunji Babalola was appointed to hold the reins until the 2012/13 season gets underway.

The NSC has now confirmed that it had been monitoring proceedings

at the NPL and is charging the NFF to immediately take action on the matter. “This crisis (in the NPL) will affect Nigerian football at all levels if it is not checked with immediate effect.

The league is the heart and soul of football in any country and if there are negative issues surrounding it, it will affect that country’s football at all level,” he said.

HELSEA are set to sign Corinthians star Paulinho to replace Mikel Obi who will be away with Nigeria at the AFCON in January.

Paulinho helped Corinthians win their first-ever South American Copa Liberatadores earlier this year, and starred as the Brazilians

booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup final in Japan.

Should Chelsea reach the final, they will be able to get a good look at Paulinho’s ability.

Paulinho is valued at around £12million.

Following Chelsea’s confirmation that Oriol Romeu will miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury, and with Mikel set to take part in January’s African Cup of Nations tournament, ‘The Blues’ suddenly find themselves short on ball winners in the midfield.

Despite boasting a plethora of attacking talent, Chelsea are severely lacking in defensive options. The Blues’ reliance on a deeperlying player has become an integral part of their game, and even led interim boss Rafa Benitez to suggest that the club will need to dip into the transfer market in January.

Army chief offers path to sports development

BY GIFT GABRIEL

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OMMANDANT of the Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, Lt Col.YD Ahmed has urged the Nigerian government to create more platforms for sporting activities amongst young people, reiterating that such was the only way the country’s falling reputation in sports could be revived.

Speaking at the school’s 21st Annual Inter House Sports competition during the week, the Commandant recommended a catch-them-young policy , emphasising that the benefits which include a sound, healthy mind and enhanced brain functionality for academic excellence, were inexhaustible.

The Rhinos (Red House) won against the Stallions, Tigers, Palms and Dragons respectively, with 14 gold, 12 silvers and 12 bronze medals.

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62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

Eket is beehive of track and field as Mobil Sports kick-off

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T will be two days of excitement and keen competition as the 12th AKS/NNPC/MPN Schools athletics championship kicks off in Eket, the oil city of Akwa Ibom State.

Promises of a memorable event was ignited last night when the camp hosting the over 400 athletes came alive with claims and counter claims of superiority.

A carnival atmosphere reminiscent of the recently concluded national sports festival Eko 2012 reigned supreme as the young athletes reunited with old friends and acquaintances.

Competition will be held between the eight sports zones of the state, namely Abak, Ikot Ekpene, Ibiono Ibom, Oron, Uyo, Etinan, Ikot Abasi and Eket, host and

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defending champions.

Today, heats will be conducted in the twelve sports that will be competed ; seven track and five field events, including 100 and 200 metres, 400, 800 and 1500 metres, javelin, discuss, shot put, high and long jump.

The 100 and 400 metres relays will also be competed for.

Highlight of the meet will be the crown of fastest male and fastest female tag.

The Competition Director, Professor Lucas Obajimi who arrived Eket on Wednesday said he is looking forward to a keen competition. He told journalist while inspecting the tracks at the Eket Stadium that with the National Sports Festival just ended and with the

declaration that a youth festival has been instituted, the competition this year is expected to be keener since students have something to look forward to.

“I want to believe that all the winners here will be in line to represent their state at the festival, so the competition is expected to be keen and very interesting “ the IAAF Certified instructor said.

•Paul Bassey

Vanguard, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012 — 63

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VANGUARD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2012

S/American football’s night of shame

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OUTH AMERICAN football suffered one of its most shameful nights as a major final was marred by violence and controversy.

Brazilians Sao Paulo were crowned the winners of the Copa Sudamericana final after Tigre refused to return for the second half.

The Argentinian side claimed they had been attacked by Sao Paulo’s gun-wielding private security guards during half time.

The two teams clashed as they left the field for the break with Sao Paulo leading 2-0 thanks to goals from Lucas Moura and Osvaldo.

AFCON 2013: NFF goes tough on Euro clubs

But when Tigre did not show up for the second half, Chilean referee Enrique Osses abandoned the match after a 30-minute delay.

Tigre mayor Sergio Massa said: “We need to show the people everything that happened, the assaults and injuries.

“When we went into the dressing room after the first half, there were 15 security people that were hitting the players.

Continues on page 60

•••Sets Jan 4 deadline for the release of players

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HE Nigeria Football Federation will not hesitate to invoke the necessary provisions in FIFA statutes on the release of players by clubs should there be any difficulty in getting Nigerian players for early camping, ahead of the

2013 AFCON, beginning January in South Africa.

Subsequently, the NFF has fixed January 4, 2013 as deadline for the release of all their Europe-based profes Continues on page 60

Terry trains with Drogba

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S most of Chelsea’s players explored the delights of Japan before their Club World Cup semi-final with Monterrey on Thursday, life continued as normal for two familiar faces.

Back at the club’s training ground in Cobham, captain John Terry continued his recuperation from a knee ligament injury alongside Continues on page 60

• Keshi TODAY'S

PUZZLE

CONTROVERSY ... referee Enrique Osses returns to the changing room after Tigre refuse to play the second half

Eagles ‘ll reach last four — Adepoju N

IGERIA’S Super Eagles have been tipped to reach the last four of the 2013 Afcon in South Africa.

Former Nigerian midfielder, Mutiu Adepoju YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

told supersport.com that he was confident that the Super Eagles will qualify from Group C, where they are drawn with defending champions, Zambia, Burkina

ACROSS 1 Taken in (6) 5 Trouble (6) 9 Communion table (5) 10 Sally (6) 11 Even (6) 12 Unpleasant (5) 14 Hovel (4) 17 Clef (3) 18 Slay (4) 20 Silk fabric (5) 22 Clothe (5) 23 Real (7) 24 Vision (5) 26 Ship’s crane (5) 29 Weave (4) 30 Cushion (3) 32 Skirting (4) 33 Sped (5) 35 Pill (6) 36 Emotional (6) 37 Disprove (5) 38 Milliner (6) 39 Ebb (6)

Faso and Ethiopia.

He added that Nigeria will also “go beyond the quarterfinals” of the tournament.

Continues on page 60

Arsenal crisis deepens — P.60

DOWN 1 Evaluate (6) 2 Shoot (6) 3 Shower (4) 4 Dreary (5) 5 Rash (5) 6 Host (4) 7 Phlegmatic (6) 8 Breathe out (6) 13 Mundane (7) 15 Roman (5) 16 Power (5) 18 Massage (5) 19 Clear (5) 21 Entrap (3) 22 Finish (3) 24 Drawing (6) 25 Gallows (6) 27 Suitcase (6) 28 Language (6) 30 Father (5) 31 Object (5) 33 Present (4) 34 Love (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Stain 7, Narrow 9, For 10, Wit 12, Fusty 13, Read 15, Regal 17, Solemn 19, Yarn 20, Piece 22, Pat 24, Knotted 27, Tor 28, Loath 31, Boss 33, Zealot 35, Chest 37, Roam 38, Value 39, Sop 41, Pining 43, Weald.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Enwrap 2, Grense 3, Tow 4, Sofa 5, Truly 6, Interest 8, Wire 11, Temptress 14, Dock 16, Gna 18, Lent 21, Innovate 23, Tell 25, Ooze 26, Door 29, Atomic 30, Homage 32, Scull 34, Atop 36, Head 40, Pin.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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