Ebola latest: Another nurse dies doctor in bad state

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62210

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Confab ends, adopts final report

•Reconvenes August 21 for closing formalities

52&53

EBOLA LATEST:

Another nurse dies, doctor in bad state •My contact with Sawyer, by dead nurse on Facebook •Another doctor tests positive; 15 cleared •Trial drug arrives; Dangote donates N150m •FG suspends residency training in federal hospitals — Page 9

By Sola Ogundipe, Chioma Obinna, Tony Edike, Okey Ndiribe, Favour Nnabugwu, Monsuru Olowoopejo, Gabriel Olawale & Racheal Adebayo

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BUJA — A NURSE, Justina Obi Echelonu, one of the primary contacts who participated in the initial management of the index case, late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, at the First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Lagos, has Continues on Page 5

Guard rapes 9-yr-old girl to death

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Mr & Mrs

JONATHAN IN AKWA IBOM—From left: Chairman of the Quantum Petrochemical Complex Mr. Jim Ovia; President Goodluck Jonathan; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke; Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio and his wife Mrs. Ekaete Unoma Akpabio, during the ground-breaking ceremony of the Quantum Petrochemical Complex, held at Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday. Inset: L-R: President Jonathan cuts the tape to commission Seven Energy's Uquo Gas Processing facility. He is flanked by Gov. Akpabio and Philip Ihenacho, CEO of Seven Energy.

POWER: Govt to develop 186trn standard cubic feet of gas — Sambo 9

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POCKET CARTOON Tunwase National Paediatric Centre, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State before relocating to Lagos to take up appointment with First Consultants Hospital. She hailed from Mbaise in Imo State and graduated from the Department of Nursing Science in Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

Justina’s story before she died

SYLVA @50—Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (R) and General Muhammadu Buhari at the 50th birthday lecture in honour of former Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva at Sheraton Hotel in Abuja, yesterday.

Another nurse dies, doctor in bad state Continues from page 1 died in quarantine.

She is the second nurse and fourth fatality of the Ebola Virus Disease in the country.

Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu confirmed her death yesterday at a joint press briefing with the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, in Abuja.

Chukwu, who disclosed that another of the doctors who treated the late Patrick Sawyer tested positive to the deadly virus, said Nigeria has now recorded 10 confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, of which four have died and six are currently under treatment.

“The total number of persons under surveillance in Lagos is now 169.

These are all secondary contacts as all the primary contacts have completed the 21-day incubation period and have been delisted to resume their normal lives,” the Minister explained.

Earlier, a top medical expert who is part of the medical team of experts managing confirmed cases at the Ebola Ward of the Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, said the nurse passed away in the early hours of yesterday.

“We lost her in the early hours of today after much effort. She was one of the people that helped Saw-

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

True forgiveness is when you can say, “thank you for that experience." —Oprah Winfrey

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N challenging moments, it’s hard to see posi tive forces, but one must try and be grateful no matter the situation. Gratitude helps us see our situation in a way that can lessen panic, and could open up our thinking to new solutions. Most people aren’t hardwired to be grateful. And, like any skill worth having, gratitude requires practice.

There are three stages, says Dr. Robert Emmons, in his writing on how to practice gratitude and recognizing what we’re grateful for, acknowledging it, and appreciating it.

First, gratitude puts situations into perspective.

When we can see the good as well as the bad, it becomes more difficult to complain and stay stuck.

Secondly, gratitude helps us realize what we have.

This can lessen our need for wanting more all the time.

Thirdly, gratitude strengthens relationships, improves health, reduces stress, and, in general, makes us happier beings.

yer when he was vomiting and stooling. That was when she contacted it,” he remarked.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who spoke to our correspondent on phone, said he could not confirm the death of the nurse yet but promised to give details after the Ebola Management Committee meeting scheduled to hold at the hospital later in the evening.

Also confirming news of her death, Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji regretted the demise of the nurse, and commended her for her selfless service to the nation. In a statement issued, yesterday, the governor prayed for the repose of the dead.

“My heart bleeds as I write this. On behalf of my family, the Government and the good people of Abia State, I commiserate with family, friends and colleagues of our dear lady nurse, Justina Echelonu, who died following the contact she had with the AmericanLiberian, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, in the course of discharging her duty as a nurse. I pray God to give them the fortitude to bear this tragic and irreparable loss. Rest in Peace Ms Justina Echelonu.”

Ms. Echelonu is the fourth person to die of the disease in Nigeria after Mr. Sawyer died on July 25 and was followed by two other nurses.

Justina, 25, previously worked at Otunba

“I never contacted his fluids. I checked his vitals, helped him with his food (he was too weak)....I basically touched where his hands touched and that’s the only contact, not directly with his fluids. At a stage, he yanked off his infusion and we had blood everywhere on his bed...but the ward maids took care of that and changed his linen with great precaution.

“Every patient is treated as high risk...if it were airborne, by now wahala for dey. I still thank God. Friends, up to our uniforms and all linen were burnt off. We are on surveillance and off work till 11th.

“Our samples have long been taken by WHO and so far we have been fine. For me, kudos to my hospital management because we work professionally with every patient considered risk, because that’s the training.

“Had it been it’s a hospital where they manage ordinary gloves like government hospitals and some janjaweed private hospital, …wahala for dey o. I must also thank Lagos Govt…in fact! Even Federal Government sef (sic)…all have been supportive. I’m good and so are the others in the hospital...” (culled from her Facebook page).

Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Abuja cleared Further, the Health Minister stated that Enugu State now has six persons under surveillance as 15 after complete evaluation were found not to have had contact with the nurse, a primary contact of the index case who became symptomatic and tested positive and is one of the 10 confirmed cases.

“The nurse who had been placed under surveillance in Lagos disobeyed the Incidence Management Committee and travelled to Enugu. At the time she made the trip, she was yet to show any symptom and did not infect anyone on her way as transmission of the disease is only possible when a carrier of the virus becomes ill.

“However, she has since

been brought back to Lagos. Before the return journey, she had become symptomatic and had to be conveyed to Lagos with her spouse in special ambulances. The husband is not symptomatic neither is he positive for Ebola Virus Disease but has been quarantined given the intimate contact with her while in Enugu.

“It is therefore important to emphasise that there is no Ebola Virus Disease in Enugu. All cases are still confined to Lagos State.

Also, reports of Ebola Virus Disease in Abia, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have all been investigated and none of them was found to be Ebola Virus positive,” Chukwu affirmed.

The minister reaffirmed that the last Federal Executive Council, FEC resolved to partner with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, governors in their respective states and their commissioners for health for adequate cooperation. “We have been in contact with the private sector and Nigerian scientists both home and abroad”.

He announced that an emergency operation centre under the coordination of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), in collaboration with an inter-ministerial committee headed by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, has been set up by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Chukwu affirmed that all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT are well prepared to contain the virus even in the states that the EVD has not been reported aside Lagos, adding that all hands are on deck to prevent its spread within and outside Lagos.

He said President Goodluck Jonathan held an emergency meeting with all states of the Federation and the FCT to review the state of preparedness of each of the states during which each of the states gave a status report on their readiness while the Lagos State

Government gave an account of the Ebola experience in the state.

Chukwu said the Federal Government and international health agencies commended the efforts of the Lagos State Government, describing it as adequate and satisfactory from preventing the spread of the virus.

He said most of the states are very well prepared ahead, and added that the World Health Organisation, commended President Jonathan for the leadership provided, especially his personal commitment to ensure that the EVD does not spread further.

He appealed to Nigerians to adhere strictly to health regulations of washing their hands with sanitizers in line with the WHO international health regulations and in keeping with international best practices in order to keep safe and healthy.

Chukwu further stated that health specialists have been positioned in all of the nation’s entry points, and active surveillance has also been stepped up. All government tertiary health institutions have also been equipped to handle any emergency that might arise from the disease.

“In Imo State, the case was that of a corpse returned from Liberia to Abia accompanied by proper medical certificate of death, and added that the deceased was confirmed to have been cleared of Ebola.

“In Anambra, a corpse was also returned from Liberia with medical certificate of death while all the people that accompanied the corpse had no Ebola “In the case of Garki Hospital, Abuja, a diabetic and HIV patient was taken to the hospital in coma after which the doctors exhausted all necessary tests for Ebola.”

Chukwu said it was deduced that a patient that had two critical diseases, he could as well have had Ebola but the test carried out was negative hence there is no case of Ebola.

Continues on page 57

6—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, AUGUST 15, 2014

Bizman docked over N6.8m scam

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS — A 45-year-old businessman, Fidelis Mbiereh, who obtained N6,081,463, from FBN Mirofinance Bank and was unable to pay back, has been arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate’s court.

The defendant, who resides at 38, Palace Road, Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos is facing a two-count charge of obtaining and stealing preferred against him by the Police.

The prosecutor, Raphael Donny, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on November 21, 2012 at 48 Baale Street, Ajegunle area of Lagos.

He said the defendant with intent to defraud obtained the said amount with the pretence that he was going to use and refund the money with interest which he failed to do.

According to the prosecutor, the offences are punishable under Sections 312 (1) (1a) (3) and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

Sections 285 (1) prescribes seven years imprisonment for any offender.

Earlier, the defendant had pleaded not gulty to the two-count charge.

Magistrate F. F. Gorge, however, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the matter till September 3 for mention.

Guard rapes 9-yr-old to death in Enugu E

NUGU — THE Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old security guard, identified as Gideon Musa, for raping a nine-year-old girl to death in the state capital.

According to reports, the suspect, who is a guard near the victim’s house, took the teenager to a nearby bush and raped her to death.

However, father of the deceased, Mr. Edwin Ode Ominiyi of Umuchigbo, a community in Abakpa Enugu East council area, was said to have reported the disappearance of her daughter to the police.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Ebere Amaraizu, said the victim, according to her father, suddenly disappeared at about 1 pm, which resulted to a search and subsequent report at the police station.

Following the report, Amaraizu said the policemen swung into action, spreading their tentacles within the arena and environs.

According to Amaraizu, “a search was, however, intensified by the father assisted by the suspect.

During the search, the suspect

pretended to be assisting until the policemen were informed that he was the last to be seen with the victim.

“Following this revelation, Musa, popularly known as Aboki Mai-guard, was invited and questioned by the police. He then confessed that he took the victim to a nearby bush

where he had carnal knowledge of her until she became unconscious and fainted.

“He further revealed that when the victim fainted, he had to run out from the bush.

When he took the operatives to the place, the lifeless body of little Endurance was seen lying naked with blood

gushing out from her private part.”

Meanwhile, Police has confirmed that the state’s Criminal and Investigation Department has commenced investigations just as the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Parklane Hospital Enugu mortuary for autopsy.

Some suspected robbers being paraded by the Oyo State Police Command, yesterday.

Photo: Dare Fasube

Three killed as assassins invade Anambra community

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By Vincent Ujumadu

WKA — THREE persons were killed, Wednesday night, at Umuawulu in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State following the invasion of the home of one Chief Azubuike Ekweozor by suspected assassins.

Ekweozor, the target, escaped death by whiskers, while a visitor to his house, one Rueben Ikwuka, was not so lucky as the assassins mistook him for their target

thereby killed him.

However, two of the suspects, who stormed the community in a black Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, were killed by the policemen attached to Ekweozor.

Anambra State Police Command said, yesterday,

that investigations had commenced on the incident as an identification card of the Enugu State Transport Company was recovered from one of the suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, Uche Ezeh, said in Awka that the

command would not relent until the perpetrators were found.

He confirmed that one person was killed by the suspects, while two members of the gang were gunned down by policemen attached to Chief Ekweozor.

Stock broker nabbed for selling client's shares

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By Ifeanyi Okolie

AGOS—A 54-year-old stock broker, Bioye

A riderover-loading his motorcycle with bags of rice along Iju Grammer School, Old Akute Road, Iju Lagos. Photo: AKEEM SALAU

Eluwole, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over an alleged N30 milliom scam.

The suspect allegedly sold 300,000 units of shares belonging to one of his clients without authorisation.

The shares, spread over 16 different companies, were reportedly warehoused in his firm, Bytofel Trust and Securities Limited, but were confirmed to have been sold by the Central Securities Clearing System, CSCS, when the client sought to confirm the status of his investments.

Vanguard gathered that the EFCC’s investigations revealed that, Eluwole sold all the shares and those of other investors who had shares with his company.

Spokesman for the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren, said the suspect will soon be arraigned in court for stealing, fraudulent sale and conversion of shares.

In a related development, the EFCC is poised to arraign two commercial motorcycle operators for offences bordering on currency counterfeiting.

The suspects, Oluwatosin Olanrewaju, 34, and Ojeniyi Oluwasegun, also 34, were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, at Igboho in Orelope Local Government Area of Oyo State with 49 pieces of suspected fake Nigerian currency notes and one piece of 10,000 CFA note.

They were nabbed while trying to exchange the fake currencies for genuine ones from unsuspecting members of the public.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—7

One killed in Lagos community cult war

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS — SOCIAL and commercial activities were, yesterday, paralized in Ilasamaja area of Lagos following an invasion of Taminowo Street by suspected cultists, which led to the death of a father of three.

Report said pandemonium broke out at about 4 pm, Wednesday, after four men clad in black shirts and armed with dangerous weapons, including guns, stormed 8, Tanimowo Street.

Their target, according to reports, was a 29-year-old father of three identified as Biodun Fadipe, popularly known as "Pepper."

The suspected cultists were said to have fired sporadically, thereby causing everyone to take cover.

Fadipe, a technician, was said to have just finished a meal and was sitting in front of his shop when his assailants attacked him.

and key while some of the residents who fled for fear of being attacked in a likely reprisal were yet to return home.

While some of the residents were of the opinion that the deceased belonged to a rival cult group, others kept mute when Vanguard approached them.

But a relation, who identified himself simply as Wasiu, said: “The incident happened in broad daylight, when four men clothed in dark apparels and armed with dangerous weapons stormed the area and started attacking people indiscriminately.

There was commotion as everyone ran for safety.

Two of the invaders were said to be wearing masks.

"When the dust settled, we all came out from our hide-out only to find Biodun in the pool of his blood.”

When Vanguard got to the residence of the late Biodun, at Oremeji Street, his widow, who is nursing a baby, was said to have been taken to her in-law's place.

Contacted, the Deputy Police Public Relations the late Biodun Fadipe Officer, Lelma Kolle, an Assistant Superintendent He was said to have been hacked to death with of Police, could not state whether any arrest was made. He simply said he would get back to an axe.

When Vanguard arrived the scene yesterday, Vanguard. his shop and others around it were under lock

Three dead as fire razes make-shift houses in P-Harcourt

By Jimitota Onoyume & Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT – Three persons were feared dead and properties worth millions of naira destroyed in an inferno that consumed a make shift settlement in Oroakpor communityMgbuosimini, Obio/Akpor Local Government AQrea.

Neighbourhood sources told the Vanguard that the fire started from a lit candle in one of the apartments at about 2 a.m yesterday.

A lady and two other little girls were reportedly consumed by the inferno.

Vanguard gathered that the late arrival of fire fighters made the it to escalate.”If fire fighters had come early, the situation would have been put under control. They came very late,” the source said.

Some residents said their

Scene of the inferno. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

valuables were consumed.

“Nobody came out with

anything. All I have now is a pair of trousers and a shirt I am

wearing,” a resident, simply called Mr Philip said.

Pastor’s daughter raped during robbery •As Oyo Police parade 24 suspects

By Ola Ajayi

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BADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has arrested a self acclaimed pastor, who allegedly raped the daughter of a genuine pastor of a popular church during a robbery operation.

The suspect, Ayodele Ademola, aged 55 and a woman, Aina Mohammed were among other 22 suspected criminals paraded

by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Okaula at the state Police Command yesterday.

The police boss said: “On July 22, 2014 at about 11:45pm, one pastor reported that four armed men jumped into his compound, knocked on his window and ordered him to open his main door.

“He stated further that he complied and three armed men entered his living room while one was standing outside with a gun.

“They ordered everyone to lie down and ransacked the whole house. They carted away valuable items. The robbery victim revealed further that during the robbery operation, one of his daughters was raped by one of the men.

“On receipt of the information, policemen of the command swung into action and through investigation led to the arrest of all the members of the robbery gang.

It was the devil —Suspect

"Ademola, in his confessional

statement said he did not know what came over him when he raped the girl.’’

He said: “My wife is dead. I have three children, a boy and two girls. When we were robbing the house, we ordered all of them to lie down. Then, I saw the girl who had a wrapper round her waist. I ordered her to remove her pants but she refused. I then begged her to do so and she did. It was the devil. I was the only one that raped the girl.”

One of his partners in crime, Azeez Rafiu, 27, confirmed that it was the 'pastor’ that raped the girl.

He said: "We warned him but he would not listen. It was this same pastor that introduced me to the group.

"He promised to buy me a motorcycle after he had paid me N10,000 for taking him round the city. I never knew he was an armed robber until he deceived me that we were going to a party but ended up robbing a house with other members.

That time, he told me it was too late for me to turn down his invitation.”

The police boss said all the suspects would soon be charged to court.

One of the suspects, Aina Mohammed, a married woman, said her husband did not know she was an informant to a gang of robbers.

During interview, she said, her boyfriend who is in Agodi Prison, linked her with the other suspects.

NSCDC nabs 18, rescues 3 children in A-Ibom baby factory

By Tom Moses

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YO – LUCK ran out of 18 fake operators of children clinic in Ikot AkpanAbia, in the outskirts of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Wednesday, as men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, clamped down on the clinic and rescued three children.

The state commandant of NSCDC, Mr. Pedro Idaba, said at the scene of the incident that officers of the command swooped on the culprits following a tip-off.

He said: “This place was used as a medical clinic where they raised young girls, get young men to get them pregnant and sell the children to people that desire children. We arrested the suspects, 18 of them, and recovered three children.

“Earlier in the day, we arrested a man who sexually abused his 12year- old daughter.

Before then, we got information that led to Ndoki in Abia State and Oyigbo in Rivers State where we also arrested 18 teenagers who were abducted and kept in various locations within the three states which we have handed over to NAPTIP." Idaba noted also that criminals involved in stealing and vandalization of hightension cables, telecommunication equipment, adulteration of petroleum products were apprehended and charged to court accordingly.

According to him, "the command has been very meticulous in the protection of petroleum pipelines, power equipment and telecommunication facilities.

"We implore members of the public to continue to report suspected and obvious criminal elements in their environments to the command for necessary action."

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

EFCC quizzes Alabi over Intercontinental Bank sale

By Soni Daniel

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BUJA — A former Managing Director of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Mr. Mahmoud Lai Alabi, was, yesterday, quizzed for many hours over his role in the transfer of the ownership of the bank to Access Bank.

Alabi was still being questioned by a crack team of the EFCC as at 5:30p.m. when the story was being filed by our correspondent.

The former MD reportedly arrived the Commission's Abuja facility at about 10a.m. and had been facing a barrage of questions from the operatives of the anticorruption agency over his involvement in the sale of the bank to the new owner under a controversial deal, which is being challenged by the founder Erastus Akingbola.

Alabi's invitation by the EFCC followed a petition

by Akingbola, founder and pioneer Managing Director of the bank, who was eased out in the wake of the banking sector reform by former CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is now the Emir of Kano.

APC accuses DSS of partisanship T

HE ALL Progressives Congress, APC, has accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of partisanship and unprofessional conduct over its actions and comments on the recent election in Osun State.

In a statement issued in Abuja, yesterday, by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also accused the spokesperson for the agency, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, of making baseless and incautious

statements.

According to the party, ‘it is sad that a spokesperson for the DSS does not know there is no offence called ‘loitering’ under Nigerian laws. For her to now go on national television to say the APC’s National Publicity Secretary was arrested for ‘loitering’ in Osogbo on the eve of the state’s governorship election is the height of ignorance and constitutes a great embarrassment to DSS.

‘’It is even worse that the socalled spokesperson, ever so glib, would make a joke out of such a faux pas by an agency that is supposed to be non-partisan and highly professionalised.

"How on earth can any human being not be disoriented when 15 hooded gunmen arrest him/her and point their weapons at his/ her head as they did to me on that night in Osogbo? ‘’How can a spokesperson for such a sensitive government

INAUGURATION: From left, Vice Chairman, NAVIMOR Group, Mr. Roman Kinda; First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs. Asabe Hamed, at the inauguration and christening of Federal Ministry of Agriculture's newly acquired fishing vessel, in Poland, Wednesday.

Bankers Committee to clear N25bn gas debt ....To contribute N15bn to Terrorism Victims Fund

By Babajide Komolafe

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HE BANKERS Committee, yesterday, said it would help the privatised power firms clear N25 billion debts to gas producing companies.

The Committee had also decided to provide funding support to the 18 rice milling companies across the country so as to boost local production, reduce foreign exchange spent on rice importation and boost job creation.

These were the highlights of the 317th meeting of the Committee in CBN Lagos office, yesterday.

The Bankers Committee comprises the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and chief executive officers of banks.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jibril Aku said that the Committee decided to set up a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, that would be used to clear the debt.

He spoke in company of the Director of Banking Supervision,

CBN, Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Skye Bank PLC, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo and the Managing Director/Chief Executive, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe Aku noted that though the N25 billion was inherited by the power firms from the PHCN legacy firms, it had become a challenge to increasing gas supply for power generation.

He said: "Today, there is enough incentives for the gas companies to produce gas and that is necessary because when you look at the 26 generating stations in Nigeria, they are all gas dependent. So, we feel, that is one major incentive that would help the gas companies to begin to produce locally.

"Another incentive has to do with the legacy debt. The legacy PHCN had accumulated of about N25 billion and the gas companies have always been agitating that the debt should be paid otherwise they would not produce in order not to begin to accumulate new debts.

"The Bankers Committee is

willing to support an initiative where an SPV would be set up, that would provide loans to clear that debt and over time, the loans would be recovered from the multi-year tariff order, MYTO, and direct deductions. The Central Bank would play a key role in assisting the banks to do that.

"The banking community is willing to support and resolve that debt and when you look at the increase in the gas price we believe that most of the problem of gas to power would have been resolved and we will begin to see the generating companies produce at a higher level and increase the power generation. So this is an initiative with full commitment of the banking community to support it."

Also, speaking at the briefing, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Skye Bank PLC, Mr. Timothy Oguntayo disclosed that the Bankers Committee in a bid to address the issue of food security, had decided to provide support to the 18 rice milling firms in the country.

He said the aim is to reduce the

amount of foreign exchange spent on rice importation annually and also help generate jobs.

He said in this regard, the Bankers Committee would provide funds to help the rice milling firms to produce at full capacity, and help them to go into rice farming for backward integration.

This, he said, would lead to creation of more jobs in the economy, and enhance the goal of food security.

He said the modalities for the funding support was between the CBN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

On his part, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said that the Bankers Committee also decided to contribute N15 billion to the fund set up by the Federal Government for victims of terrorism, which is known as Terrorism Victims Support Fund.

He said the contribution would be shared among the CBN, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, and the banks.

agency not understand that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria provides for freedom of movement?

"On what basis is Ms. Ogar questioning what the APC’s National Publicity Secretary was doing in Osun, when the same fellow has not questioned the presence of Musiliu Obanikoro, Chris Uba and the likes in the same state, or are those people from Osun State? ‘’Was it not publicly announced that the APC was moving its headquarters to Osun to give support to Gov. Rauf Aregbesola?

Why didn’t Ms. Ogar question the presence of President Goodluck Jonathan or Vice President Namadi Sambo in Osun when they came too, if she was being fair?

"It is sad that Ms. Ogar has turned herself to the spokesperson of the PDP by echoing what that party has said on the Osun election. This is unprofessional and irresponsible,’’ it said.

APC said by spear-heading the mass arrest of its leaders and members in Osun before and during the August 9 governorship election in the state, and by preventing the rally planned by the NLC in support of Governor Aregbesola from holding, the DSS has decided to pitch its tent with the PDP, instead of staying neutral.

The party said the questions to ask Ms. Ogar are: ‘’How many PDP leaders were arrested in Osun? If the rally by the NLC had been planned in support of the PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, would the DSS have aborted it? Why must the DSS send hooded gunmen to police an election that is a civic matter? Does Ms.Ogar bother to read and understand the Nigerian constitution to know the rights of the citizens?’’

It described as a tissue of lies the allegation by Ms. Ogar that the party tried to bribe the DSS with N14 million before the Osun election, wondering why the DSS did not arrest the official, who offered the alleged bribe. ‘’Apparently, Ms. Ogar has never heard of a ‘sting operation’ that is widely used by security agencies to catch a person who is committing a crime. The allegation by Ms. Ogar would have been sweet in her mouth had the DSS mounted a sting operation to catch whoever was offering the alleged bribe, and then prosecute him or her,’’ the party said, calling the allegation cheap blackmail by a conspiratorial organisation.

APC said it is important to educate the likes of Ogar, and indeed the entire DSS, that election is not war, but a celebration of democracy, hence DSS agents should drop their hoods and hide away their menacing guns when next they are posted to police an election anywhere in the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 —9

POWER: FG to develop 186trn standard cubit feet of gas — Sambo ...says $4.7bn earmarked for transmission in next 5 years

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA — THE Federal Government declared, yesterday, that it is currently making serious effort to unlock full development of gas resources of over 186 trillion standard cubic feet of gas with a view to making the commodity available for the power sector and other domestic industries.

Besides, the government in collaboration with a consortium of financial institutions have pooled a total sum of $4.7 billion, (about N752 billion) which is already being earmarked for power transmission expansion in the next five years.

The Vice President, Arc. Namadi Sambo, who revealed this while inaugurating the National Council on Power, NCOP, at the Sheraton Hotels and Tower in Abuja, said the effort is being prioritised and given full focus.

Arc. Sambo added that "it is expected, therefore, that in the next couple of months, substantial gas would be available to the power sector both through conventional means and by opening new opportunities for indigenous private gas developers."

Funding The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, explained further that, in the funding strategies envisaged under the Nigerian Gas master plan, the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA, is being further capitalised to "ensure it plays greater intervention role in gas development."

According to him: "With respect to the issue of improving our transmission infrastructure, this had been identified by many as one of the weakest links in our perspective plan towards making power available and ensuring greater reliability.

"Let me reassure all stakeholders in the sector that no stone is being left unturned in ensuring that Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, is well funded to be able, at any time, to exceed our generation capacity in terms of its wheeling power.

"Besides our commitment to adequate provisions within our national annual budget in the years ahead, we will continue to expand our national transmission grid to all parts of the country through additional resources leveraged from Development Financial Institutions, DFIs, such as Africa Development Bank, AFDB, Islamic Development Bank, IDB, World Bank Group,

WBG, Japan International Corporation Agency, JICA, among others.

"A total of USD$4.7 billion (N752 billion) is already being earmarked, for transmission expansion in the next five years.

In addition to this, more innovative approaches will be adopted to fund the TCN through opening possible private sector investment windows at the nearest time possible.

"Similarly, it is not surprising, I have been informed, that the question of adequate metering has been raised repeatedly in the course of this Council and indeed in discussions among Nigerians.

Government is greatly concerned that the metering level amongst

consumers remains low and the incidences of arbitrary or estimated billing still exists.

"For the power sector to progressively grow in the direction in which government intends it to be, this metering gap must be bridged immediately.

"Indeed, adequate metering could play a multiplier role by shoring up the market revenues of the distribution companies themselves and also ensuring greater equity and accuracy in the billing of consumers.

"It is for this reason the government is sourcing various funding revenues, including opening an initial N33 billion soft term credit to enable the distribution companies acquire

smart meters and making them more available to consumers."

Arc. Sambo noted that, "as it pertains to the overall funding of the power sector, a number of efforts are being made to leverage resources from various funding agencies to ensure that all participants in the sector have access to funds under soft and long term conditions."

On the energy mix prospect, the Vice President said the government was committed to attracting new investments to improve the energy mix, adding, "available studies show, Nigeria's coal belt covers over eight states and is capable of generating about 5,000 megawatts of power if fully developed."

VISIT: Mr. Jim Osayande Obazee, Executive secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRCN, (left), and Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, during the ICAN President's courtesy visit to FRCN office, in Ikeja, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Nigerian companies issue $30bn Int'l bonds from domestic market Emma Ujah, Abuja Bureau Chief

N

IGERIAN COMPANIES are now taking advantage of the window opened through the successful issuance of Nigerian Sovereign Eurobonds, to raise long term funds, having issued a total of nine bonds to raise $30.4 billion from the International Capital Market.

The Director General of the Debt Management Office, DMO, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo disclosed this in Abuja, yesterday.

According to him, "for the first time in Nigeria's economic history, the private sector have been enabled to access long term funds from both the domestic and international capital markets.

"The successful issuances of three Nigerian Sovereign Eurobonds in the International Capital Market B one in 2011 and

two in 2013 have opened the window for Nigeria's private sector to raise required foreign currency funds."

Dr. Nwankwo added: "They are now able to fund long term real sector projects (agriculture, manufacturing, housing, mineral exploration and processing, infrastructure, among others), for diversified and sustainable economic growth, towards employment generation and poverty reduction."

On the domestic front, "between 2007 and 2013, as many as 22 Nigerian companies raised over N223 billion from the domestic market," he said.

The DG noted that the success recorded was part of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan, whom he said, has provided the enabling environment for the organisation's effective

operations.

He explained: "Positive change is taking place in various facets of the economy, the Domestic Bond Market has been meticulously developed with appropriate products and institutional frameworks so that long term debt capital (bonds) with tenor of up to 20 years can now be easily sourced in Nigeria."

Dr. Nwankwo solicited the collaboration of all stakeholders to "sustain the momentum and make maximum use of the opportunities as patriotic responsibility demands the commitment of all in continuation of the positive transformation that is taking place."

The DMO boss also urged both public and private organisations that have raised funds from the domestic and international capital markets to utilise the proceed in order to sustain the trend.

FG suspends residency training in federal hospitals

By Chioma Obinna

T

HE FEDERAL Government, yesterday, announced the suspension of Residency Training programme in all federal hospitals across the country.

According to a statement by the Deputy Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Health, Alhaji Isiaka Yusuf, the programme was suspended pending when "all challenges in the health sector are addressed. ”The public could recall the protracted strike action by members of the Nigeria Medical Association consequent on which untold hardship has befallen innocent members of the society in need of medical care.

“The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, made good its threat of June 11, 2014 by calling out its members on industrial strike on July 1, despite the Federal Government's successive intervention meetings and dialogue including extensive deliberations with the leadership of the NMA on June 25 and 26, 2014, where agreements were reached on each of the 24 demands and an MoU was signed by both parties.

“In the midst of the strike action, the Federal Government had also cultivated the attention and intervention of some eminent personalities in order to prevail on the NMA leadership to respect the ethics of their profession and end the strike while the dialogue wass on-going.

“It should be stressed that the Federal Government has implemented more than 90 per cent of its responsibilities as signed by both parties. At the conclusion of each meeting, the NMA promised to call off the strike, but did not.

"For the whole of July 2014, these doctors did not work yet government, owing to the emergency situation in the country, paid them the July salaries with allowances such as call duty allowance, teaching allowance, hazard allowance, among others, believing that this magnanimity of government would make NMA to call off the strike.

“This strike action can be considered as one of the most insensitive steps taken by any labour union in our history."

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

PERFORMANCE: Presidency blasts Fashola for attacking Jonathan

By Henry Umoru

...Reels out President's achievements

On Jonathan's achievements “We state as follows: The Government of President Goodluck Jonathan, has never lied about its achievements, programmes, commitments and even challenges within the Nigerian context.

The Government inherited a generating capacity of 2800 Mega Watt, MW, 10 comatose National Integrated Power Projects, NIPPs, and an inefficient Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, the privatisation of which, though central to effective power supply, was never the less, seemingly unachievable.

“In three years, the Government has increased power generation to 5000MW with an installed capacity of 7000MW; which itself would have increased but for

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

L

A

BUJA—THE Presidency yesterday carpeted Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State for accusing President Goodluck Jonathan’s government of being inactive for three years, saying the governor might have been occupied in his state to know the achievements of the administration.

At a briefing in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who admitted that there were some challenges, insisted that the government was giving its best attention to the problems.

Okupe was reacting to comments

by Governor Fashola during a lecture at the 50th birthday celebration of former Governor Timipre Sylva.

Fashola was quoted as saying “this government had been inactive for 3 years and in the fourth year intends to give the electorate kerosene, price and money for the purpose of seeking their votes.”

However, according to Okupe, “it has become necessary for us to respond to some blatant and obvious lies, deliberate and skillful misinformation contained in the lecture given by Governor Raji Fashola at the 50th Birthday celebration of former Governor Timipre. Governor Fashola stated that “this government had been inactive for three years and in the fourth year intends to give the electorate kerosene, price and money for the purpose of seeking their votes. Nothing can be further from the truth than this. ' ''We admit that Governor Fashola may have been too occupied in Lagos and that may have narrowed his vision or precluded him from appreciating lofty developments by this administration all over the country.''

Repair works on Eko Bridge commences next week

LECTURE: From left; Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Chief Timipre Sylva at the 50th birthday lecture in honour of the former Bayelsa State Governor at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja yesterday. sabotage and vandalism sponsored by the opposition.

The PHCN was seamlessly and transparently privatised to the acclamation of global players. All the comatose NIPP projects have been completed and brought back to life and their initial problem of non-alignment with gas pipe line infrastructure has been corrected.

“In the last three years, through the execution of its transformation Agenda, this administration, contrary to the assertions of Governor Fashola, has made significant achievements in the following areas: Railways – which were comatose for 20 years, have been revamped. Lagos-Kano lines have been opened and currently carry in excess of 5 million passengers per annum from less than 1 million 4 years ago.''

On infrastructure “Infrastructure – several thousands of our major economic arterial roads have been rehabilitated while more than 2000km of new roads constructed. Aviation – Virtually all our airports international and local have been comprehensively rehabilitated and refurbished. ''Agriculture – local food production has more than tripled. Food imports bill drastically reduced. We have become the largest exporter of cassava in the world. We have increased local Rice Production from 1.5 million tons to 3.5 million tons. We have revived the rice milling in the country. We had 1 million three years ago. Today, we have 18 million. A recently commission mill in

Nasarawa is the largest in Africa.

On commerce industry

and

“Commerce and Industry – A new sugar master plan is working. We will be self-sufficient in sugar production in 10 years.

We are currently net exporter of cement. Housing – for the first time in Nigeria history, a Mortgage Refinancing Company has been formed and capitalized with $ 300 million. This will allow low and middle income Nigerians to be able to access long term mortgage loan at cheap rates nationwide.''

On economy “Economy – We have maintained healthy economic indices in the last three years. We have successfully diversified the Nigeria economy. Latest figure shows that contribution from oil has significantly reduced. ''We are currently the largest economy in Africa and the 26th largest in the world. If we are able to maintain the current trend, we will be among the world top 20 in 10 years.''

On insurgency “On the issue of insurgency, the President has not lied to the people of Nigeria. Insurgency is a global phenomenon which has recently plagued the country. At its peak, it ravaged some 12 States in the North including Abuja.

Today, because of the courage, resilience and capability of our Armed Forces and Security Agencies, we have pushed them to the fringes of the North Eastern parts of the country.

There are still obvious challenges but Government is giving it the best attention and considerations possible.

“Recently, Foreign Allies including Britain, USA, France, Israel, China and Australia have arrived Nigeria soil and are cooperating with our military to resolve especially the issue of the kidnap of the Chibok girls. These are the best global players and have been with us for about six weeks. If the releasing of the girls was a tea-party, definitely, it should have been over by now.

We have said it before and we will say it again, “yes, we know where the girls are but our approach at releasing them must be carefully weighed against their overall safety.

“It is a matter of National disgrace and shame that highly placed, and highly net worth individuals in the country will continue to politicise the Nations misfortunes and challenges not minding the deleterious and untoward demoralizing effects this attitude have on our Military especially, the widows and innocent children of our Military heroes who die daily on the fields, defending their country”.

On missing $49 billion “On the issue of the purported missing $49 billion from the NNPC account, it is regrettable that even some of the best among us will in the name of politics descend so low to propagate a confirmed falsehood. Even the originator of this story has since changed the figures at least three times.

From $49 billion to $12 billion and to $20 billion, yet, none has been substantiated.”

AGOS — L A G O S State Government yesterday said planned repairs of Eko Bridge would commence next weekend, explaining however that it would not necessitate total closure but a phased partial closure at each expansion joint location.

Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, who announced this in Ikeja, said the state government through the state Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, was part of the ongoing replacement expansion joint of bridges across the state.

According to Opeifa, the project awarded to one of the leading construction firms, would commence work on Eko Bridge in Surulere/Lagos Island Local Government Area for a period of 71 days beginning from Saturday August 23rd, 2014 to Monday, October 27th, 2014.

He however, appealed to motorists and other road users to exercise caution and cooperate with workers on the road by obeying all traffic regulations and ensure traffic flow during the maintenance period.

Fashola commissions Tejuosho market today

By Monsur Olowoopejo

G

OVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State will today commission the first phase of the popular Tejuosho Market, gutted by fire seven years ago.

The commissioning is coming six years after the reconstruction of the market started under a 25-year Build, Operate and Transfer, BOT lease agreement.

Vanguard gathered that the reconstructed Tejuosho Market which now has over 4,000 shop space with lock up and KClamp shops, is located along the Ojuolegba-Itire Road, Yaba would be commissioned and open for commercial activities.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 —11

EKITI: PDP wants APC's petition struck out

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—PEOPLES Democratic Party, PDP in Ekiti State, has asked the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Ado Ekiti, to strike out the petition by the state chapter of the All Progressive Congress, APC, challenging the declaration of its governorship candidate, Ayo Fayose, as the winner of the June 21 governor ship election in the state.

PDP, which based its argument on what it called non-joinder and mis-joinder of parties in the case, however said it had lined up 35 witnesses to prosecute it case.

The APC has dragged Fayose to the tribunal, claiming among others, that Fayose ,who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, did not score the highest number of votes in the June 21 governorship election.

The PDP in its preliminary objection, deposed to, by its lead counsel, Yusuf Ali (SAN) and filed by the party’s legal adviser in the state, Mr. Kolapo Kolade, urged the Tribunal to strike out the case on the basis of non-joinder and mis-joinder of parties in the case.

Speaking, Kolade said “The APC is claiming that Fayose did not score the highest number of votes and that his election should be nullified and Governor Kayode Fayemi, who was not joined as a petitioner be declared winner. This is a case of non-

joinder. Then, what is the reason behind the joining of the Chief of Defence Staff as a respondent in this case? Because Military did not partake in the electoral process and this is a clear case of mis-joinder.”

According to Kolade, some of the issues raised by the party, particularly the contention over the Higher National Diploma, HND Certificate paraded by Fayose, now being contested by APC in its petition, run contrary to the principle of estoppels.

Noting that controversy surrounding Fayose’s HND Certificate obtained from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, had been trashed by Appeal Court, in the case of Alliance for Democracy, AD, versus Fayose in 2003, contending that the case had been gazetted in the Court records.

PDP equally described as mere academic exercise, APC’s claim that the election was rigged via what it termed ‘photo and thermo chromic’ electronic device, saying such “is

unknown to electoral Law.” APC had in its petition deposed to by its lead counsel, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) and filed by Akingbolu, had argued that Fayose was not qualified to stand for the election on the premises of his 2006 impeachment as the governor of the State and the fact that he allegedly paraded fake HND obtained from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.

APC equally averred that the INEC allegedly rigged the election in favour of Fayose through electronic means.

VISIT: Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State flanked by Mr Akinwumi Ambode (left) and Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice when they visited him on his re-election at oshogbo yesterday.

Ogun Permanent Voters Cards ready September — INEC ...PDP stalwart advises eligible voters in Oyo to collect their cards

By Ola Ajayi & Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — T H E Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, announced that residents of Ogun State would get their Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, by September.

The INEC however, blamed politicians in the country for making it difficult for the commission to conduct free and fair elections, saying the Professor Attahiru Jega-led commission was ready to give Nigerians free and fair elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in Ogun States, Sam Olumekun spoke in Abeokuta, at the stakeholders’ forum on governance, peace and political stability organised

by Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Ogun State.

Olumekun, while speaking on “towards a free, fair and credible 2015 general elections in Nigeria”, said the commission had injected new innovations with a view to conducting credible elections.

According to the state REC, no political party could clone the

Permanent Voters Cards.

He said “the INEC has injected new innovation, we have moved from temporary voters’ cards in 2011 to the level of issuing Permanent Voters Cards. Where we are now is second face. In the third face, it will be Ogun state turn which will commence next month. The second face will end this August.

“Permanent Voters Card is a smart card with certain features.

It stores voters’ data like bio metric and facial feature, it cannot be counterfeited. Anyone without PVC would not vote in 2015".

In his remarks, national

President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Sunny Enenuvwedia said the INEC should be independent of the Federal Government.

Enenuvwedia, however, said he doubted the capacity of the INEC to conduct free and credible elections in 2015 because of the number of the states involved.

Meanwhile, as the distribution of the permanent voter card begins in Oyo State, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party in Oyo State, Mr. Olayinka Oladimeji, has advised eligible voters in the state to ensure they

collect their cards.

Oladimeji, who is contesting election for the Akinyele/ Lagelu Federal Constituency in 2015, said the call became necessary in view of the importance of the card.

The one-time Personal Assistant in the office of Speaker of House of Representatives under Dimeji Bankole, also called on those who have attained 18 years of age after the last registration exercise to take advantage of this new opportunity to register in order to qualify to vote for candidates of their choice in the February 2015 elections.

Ekiti APC chieftain calls for party overhaul

By Gbenga Ariyibi

A

DO EKITI—A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State, Mr. Olusegun Osinkolu, has called for the overhauling of the machinery of the party in the state in view of its poor performance during the June 21 governorship election in the state.

Osinkolu, who was the former chairman of the state-owned,

Fountain Holdings Investment Company, said this was the only panacea for good outings in the 2015 general elections.

Speaking with the newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Osinkolu blamed Jide Awe-led state executive of the party for its poor outing.

According to him, “There should be restructuring across board, the party cannot afford to approach the next elections with the same strategy, so the leadership must

be changed. I am quite happy because our congress will be coming soon and I am confident that it will throw up credible people that can bring radical change to the party. ''The Awe-led executive could not do much in terms of administration because both the party leadership and government were fused into one. APC must learn how to separate the two because it will make things difficult for party members.''

Ogun students in free-for-all over slash in school fees

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U TA — I T was a free for all yesterday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, as two factions of students from tertiary institutions in the state clashed over Tuesday reduction of school fees announced by the state government, leaving four persons injured.

The incident occurred around Federal Secretariat, Oke Mosan, about 100 metres away from the governor’s office after a faction had staged a solidarity marched from Kuto Roundabout to the governor’s office at Oke Mosan to thank him for reducing the school fees, led to gridlock on this route.

Students, who were from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Gateway Polytechnic, Igbesa, and other ICT polytechnics in the state broke into two factions and attacked each other with various weapons, including broken bottles, matchets, among others.

The pro-Amosun faction was received at the arcade ground by the Education Commissioner, Segun Odubela, Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Tola Banjo and Special Assistant to the governor on Students Affairs, Olusegun Clement.

Odubela, who also commended the students for appreciating Governor Amosun’s gesture, advised them to take their studies seriously to justify the government’s gesture.

But the second faction, led by the Students Union Government President, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Olusegun Ifade, argued that the said fee reduction should have taken effect from 2013/2014 session, and not the 2014/2015 session as announced by the state government.

It addressed journalists at Iwe Irohin House, Oke Ilewo in Abeokuta, claiming it had demanded for fee reduction since 2011, which the governor failed to yield to.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

APC chieftain tasks DSIEC on council polls

A

chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, and former member of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Harvest Igben has called on Delta State Independent Electoral Commission, DSIEC, to ensure free and fair polls in Udu Local Government Area in the October 25 council elections.

Igben, who made the call yesterday in Udu, during a formal declaration by the councillorship aspirants of APC in the council ahead of the forthcoming elections, also alleged that Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leaders were already allotting names to themselves to be announced as winners of the elections.

He said: “Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan has assured all Deltans of a free and fair election come October 25 and DSIEC has been given enough funds to conduct credible polls.”

... as ACD seeks peaceful polls

T

HE Chairman of Advanced Congress of Democrats, ACD, Delta State and the Secretary General, Conference of All Registered Political Parties in the state, Mr. David Ebrunuj, has called for peaceful, free and fair election in the state’s October council polls.

He advised candidates vying for elective offices to join parties that can promote and deliver democratic dividends to the masses.

Burial

A G M : Members of National Council on Power at their inauguration in Abuja, y e s t e r d a y.

NAN PHOTO.

IG petitioned over ‘double salaries' of Delta govt official zIt's a lie, Revenue Board scribe responds

By Festus Ahon and Wahal Abduwahab

O

KPE Awareness and Integrity Network, Delta State, OAIN, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, asking him to probe the Secretary to Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr. Isaacs Itebu, for allegedly receiving salaries from two different government agencies.

Meanwhile, Itebu, yesterday described allegations levelled against him as mischievous and untrue.

Reacting to a media report credited to the Okpe Awareness and Integrity Network, Itebu

said the report was a calculated attempt to smear his good image, adding “the allegation is a product of lies with evil intentions to malign my good image in the name of political differences.

“The allegation is coming as a result of my position in the recent Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, local government councillorship and chairmanship primaries.”

OAIN in the petition by four members of the group, namely Paul Ikpeba, Efe Owho, Avbarefe Samson and Milverton Enajero, argued that if the allegation turns out to be true and nothing was done to check same, it would affect the image of the people of Okpe Kingdom in Delta State,

3,600 graduates apply for EduMarsharls' 100 jobs

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

D

ELTA State Government has said no fewer than 3,600 graduates from the 25 local government areas of the state applied to be recruited as Education Marshals, EduMarshals, in the state.

The Executive Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Education Matters, Stella Blaize, said this during an aptitude test/ interview for prospective EduMarshals. She said the

figure was trimmed down to 170 through a selection process, where the best applications were considered for invitation to participate in the test/interview.

She explained that out the 170 candidates invited, 167 candidates were present for the exercise.

She said the exercise was for graduates, noting that at the end of the exercise, 100 candidates would be recruited to join the EduMarshals, pointing out that those that will be joining the team would be selected on merit.

where Itebu hails from.

According to them, Itebu was appointed as Legal Adviser to the Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly in 2007 and was appointed as Secretary, State Board of Internal Revenue in 2009.

They alleged that while the man had relinquished office as the Legal Adviser, he “continued to collect remuneration and other benefits attached to the office as well as the remuneration and other benefits to his present job as the Secretary of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue.”

The group appealed to the IG to use his good offices to investigate the matter.

Denying the allegations, Itebu said: “What the petitioners have said is a complete lie and it is not possible because when l was a Legal Adviser to Afe in 2007 and until I got this appointment in 2009 as Secretary to the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue, I was operating the same account with Unity Bank.

“So, it was not possible that I was receiving two salaries at the same time because after my resignation as Legal Adviser to the Majority Leader, I was immediately replaced by one Mr. Hero Omwirhiren.

“I was not bothered with what I saw and I do not want to join issues with anybody over elective or appointive positions they have held in the past, as it

EDEVBIE TO DELTA YOUTHS: I'm your David

L

ATE Chief Edward Awinoron, Uvwie kpe’ru of Uvwie and Urukpe Agbarha of Agbarha, who died on April 8, will be buried tomorrow in Epkan, Delta State.

Mr. Awinoron worked with the tin mining industries in the 50s in Jos, and later worked at the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

D

ELTA State governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Olorogun David Edevbie, has told youths of the state that unless a credible person was elected as governor in 2015, they risk being marginalised for the next four years, adding that he was their ‘David.’

He said: “I want the youths to support me because this

battle is for you. You should ensure that your votes go to the right person and by all standards, I am the best man for the job.

“For me to be able to do what I have promised, I need your support. Use your votes wisely and I hope you cast your votes for me. I am your David and I will kill your political Goliath; only give me the catapult.”

Edevbie, a former Delta State

Commissioner for Finance and Principal Secretary to late President Umaru Yar’Adua, spoke at a consultation visit to PDP leaders and elders in Warri South and Warri North Local Governments Areas.

Responding, the chairman of the PDP in Warri South, Mr. Amah Agbajoh said he was a beneficiary of Edevbie’s excellent performance when he was a commissioner.

does not portray true Okpe man.

“But it is shocking to see that people could go to any length in the name of politics to tarnish one’s image. I will not quarrel with any one on this issue, but they should know that in politics there are interests.”

Patani students counter past unionists over comments on Clark

P

ATANI—PATANI Local Government Area Students Association, Delta State, has raised alarmed over what they described as an unruly and unguided statement credited to some past students union leaders, calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to asked Chief Edwin Clark to hands off the politics of Patani council.

The association, in a statement by its President, Mr. Bina-Ebi Brakoru, called on Clark not to join issues with “Mr. Ologe and the faceless past students union leaders,” describing it as the ranting of a loser.

The students said that Mr. Godfrey Regha, who is from Ughelli North Local Government Area was the one that signed the purported statement, therefore, does not have the authority to speak for present and past students union leaders from the Patani council. They called on Clark ignore the threat by the group.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—13

Urhobo group faults alleged zoning of DELSU's VC position

By Festus Ahon

U

G H E L L I — COALITION of Urhobo Youth Organisation, CUYO, yesterday, frowned at the alleged planned zoning of the position of Vice Chancellor of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, to Delta South senatorial district.

Spokesman of the group, Mr. Stephen Ohwokirerhuo, described the move as “illegal, uncalled for and a ploy to shortchange the people of the Urhobo nation,” noting that the law that established the institution does not recognise zoning but merit.

He said the group will resist any attempt by the Governing Council of the university to zone the position to Delta South, calling on Urhobo professors, who are qualified for the position “to disregard the purported zoning arrangement by the Governing Council and apply for the position without fear of intimidation.”

He appealed to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan to look into the issue of the failure of the university authority to upgrade over 80 staff of the institution.

He said: “Of the over 120 universities in the country, it is only DELSU that still indulges in this barbaric and obnoxious practice, which is against the human capital development agenda of the governor.”

N'Delta Ministry a failure without East-West Road completion— ORU

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—MINISTER for Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Steve Oru, has said that the ministry will be considered a failure if the East-West Road project was not completed on schedule, urging contractors to explore night duty and other commitments critical to meeting completion deadline by end of the year.

Dr. Oru in a chat with engineers of Setraco, the contractor on Section 1 of the project between Effurun (Delta) and Kaiama (Bayelsa) said it

was the desire of President Goodluck Jonathan to have the East-West Road completed and commissioned in December.

He said: “As the man charged with the responsibility of carrying out this desire of the President, I implore you to tell us what is needed to go the extra mile in realising this strong desire of the President.

“We believe you must begin to consider working at night and increasing your resources as steps towards fast tracking the job.

“The East-West Road, without any iota of doubt, is the flagship

B

ENIN—THE Benin National Congress, BNC, has described as wicked, the actions of some professors at the University of Benin, UNIBEN, who complained about the absence of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Osayuki Oshodin due to illness.

Meanwhile, a family source told Vanguard that the VC has recovered fully from the illness and will return to the country this

The minister was, however, not impressed by the pace of work at the Kaiama Bridge where he rejected the December 2015 completion date projected by Setraco.

He said: “That date is not acceptable. The President is receiving frequent complaints from his people who are accusing him of abandoning this section of the road. You have to redouble your efforts to give us an acceptable date.

“If you say this bridge was started in 2012, then you have not shown enough commitment on this section.”

VISIT : From left— Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III, and Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, during Amaechi's visit to the Sultan in Sokoto, NAN yesterday.

PHOTO.

NBA, CLO urge speedy passage of Child Rights Act in Bayelsa

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—WORRIED by the continued delay in domesticating the Child Rights Act in Bayelsa State, Yenagoa branch of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, and the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, have

urged Bayelsa State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill to give children in the state a sense of belonging.

The chairman of Yenagoa branch of NBA, Mr. Anthony Okorodas, who spoke yesterday in Yenagoa during a courtesy call by members of

Brouhaha about UNIBEN's VC wicked, says Benin Nat'l Congress

By Simon Ebegbulem

of the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry. The failure of the project is therefore, failure of the ministry. Its completion is the surest measure to judge the success of the ministry.

“This is a point of worry for the President and the ministry over the non-completion of the project thus far.”

At the 900 meters Patani Bridge, Raed Salibe, Project Manager for Setraco said six out of nine segments of the second bridge had been laid, adding that “the remaining three and full completion of the Section 1 would be met by December.”

week.

BNC called on security agents to invite and investigate those complaining about the absence of the Vice Chancellor, who was allegedly poisoned before he was flown abroad for treatment.

BNC, in a petition by Chief Michael Imasogie, Secretary of its Board of Trustees addressed to the Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, said: “This man is

known to be very dedicated to his duties and that is why UNIBEN is transformed today.

“That a man is sick, not by any natural development, but substantially by a deviouslyinfused anti-body on account of which he was flown abroad and has substantially recovered, empathy demands that a set of staff who claimed that they love him should treat perceived absence misdemeanour with respect, passion and candour.”

CLO Bayelsa branch, described as unfortunate the non-passage of the bill in Bayelsa, noting that NBA was ready to partner CLO on issues relating to child rights and welfare in the state.

Lawmakers 're parents, says CLO

The state branch chairman of CLO, Chief Nengi James, said that the organisation attached great importance to the passage of the bill and expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, noting that CLO was concerned about the bill because of the positive effects it will have on children in the state.

James said: “Our children need to be protected from abuse and without the enabling legal framework, we cannot protect these children.

“Our legislators, as fathers and mothers, do not need to be begged to pass this Act because it is an Executive bill,” adding that it is a bill that affects everyone.

Bayelsa council laments low birth registration

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — CHAIRMAN of Nembe Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Mr. Eminah Benneth, has expressed concern over the low rate of registered births credited to the council, blaming same on the few registration centres established in the area by the National Population Commission, NPC. The low rate of registered births credited to the council, he said, represents the monthly returns coverage of only six communities where birth registration centres had been established by NPC. Benneth, who spoke in Yenagoa, called on the commission to recruit more registrars so more communities can be captured in the forthcoming births registration project in the council.

14—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Uduaghan's Facebook account hacked

Jonathan calls for revolution in oil, gas sector

G

O V E R N O R E m m a n u e l Eduaghan of Delta State Facebook account has been hacked by fraudsters.

A source told Vanguard that the fraudsters who hacked into the governor’s Facebook account have been using same to solicit financial assistance from unsuspecting members of the public.

The source warned the general public to disregard such solicitations, as they were the handiwork of fraudsters, as same could not have been sent by the governor.

Maritime workers in Bayelsa threaten strike over pirates attacks

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — MARITIME workers in Bayelsa State have threatened to withdraw their services in protest over the recent upsurge in pirates’ attacks on passenger boats in the creeks.

It will be recalled that Governor Seriake Dickson had last week approved the appointments of a former leader of the defunct Movement of the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben, A.K.A. Boyloaf and 10 others into its special task force to curb criminality in the creeks.

Lamenting what they described as the insensitivity of the state government to their plight, the boat operators, under the auspices of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, have issued a two week ultimatum to the government to address the insecurity on the waterways, failure of which they will withdraw their services.

Chairman of the maritime workers union, Mr. Lloyd Sese, yesterday in Yenagoa, said that the waterways was no longer safe for any meaningful business due to the incessant attacks on passenger boats by the rampaging pirates leading to the death of some boat drivers and passengers.

By Chioma Onuegbu & Tom Moses

U

YO—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the need for a revolutionary expansion of the oil and gas industry for the country to become the leading African nation in the sector.

He said: “The nation’s gas known to be of much quantity than oil, when maximally utilised, will not only boost the economy and create employment, but will to a very large extent, reduce cases of gas flaring to its barest minimum by 2020.”

He spoke in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after performing the ground-breaking ceremony of the Oqua Gas plant and commissioning of the $600 billion gas processing facility initiated by Seven Energy Frontier Oil Limited and the Accugas Limited in conjunction with the Akwa Ibom State Government in Esit Eket.

Jonathan, at a separate event, commended Akwa Ibom State Government for partnering the private sector in the promotion and development of infrastructure in the state.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone of the $I.5 billion methanol plant located at Ibeno Local Government Area of the state, he expressed optimism that the project, when completed, would create employment opportunities for Nigerians.

He said apart from reducing the unemployment rate in the state, the methanol plant will encourage non-oil investments.

He also commended Chief

Jim Ovia, Chairman Zenith Bank Group for the partnership, adding that the industrialisation effort which was worthy of encouragement will also complement his administration’s

P

ORT HARCOURT— ALL Progressive Congress, APC, in Rivers State, has enjoined the Police to be dispassionate in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Lamenting the shooting on Wednesday at Rumuipirikom, Obio Akpor Local Government Area ahead of the planned visit of Governor Rotimi Amaechi on the said day, state Chairman of the party, Dr. Davies Ikanya, said the Police needed to rise above partiality and sentiments.

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has

economy.

On his part, Governor Godswill Akpabio described President Jonathan as a transformational leader, noting that he had touched all sectors of the economy.

Ebola a challenge for Nigerian professors, students— BIU's VC

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN— THE ViceChancellor of the Benson Idahosa University, Benin, Professor Ernest Izevbigie, yesterday, charged Nigerian scientists and students on the need to embark on serious research with a view to finding solution to the dreaded Ebola virus and other diseases

rather than wait for Americans and other Western countries.

Briefing newsmen as part of activities for the 10th convocation of the university, Professor Izevbigie described the prevailing problems in the country as a challenge for both students and Nigerian professors.

He charged the graduating

... as Esan S-East chair calls for more isolation centres

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—AS the killer Ebola virus continue to spread to other parts of the country, Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Joseph Ikpea, has appealed to the Federal Government to establish isolation centres in all the local government headquarters in the country with a view to containing the disease.

Ikpea expressed worry over the high number of victims of the contagious disease within and outside the country, adding that in Ubiaja, the administrative headquarters of Esan South-East Local Government, that the council

AMAECHI's TOUR: APC, PDP trade blames over shooting incident

By Jimitota Onoyume

transformation agenda.

He added that the Federal Government was committed to any feasible investment in the non-oil sector as it would promote and encourage the expansion of the country’s

blamed the governor for the crisis that erupted Wednesday in Rumuipirikom.

Ikanya who said the Police did selective arrest after the crisis in the area, accused PDP of fomenting trouble, adding that they had often tried to disrupt the ongoing Meet the People Tour of Governor Amaechi.

He said: “The governor was to visit his own local government area, Ikwerre. PDP blocked the governor from passing Isiokpo.

Last Monday, they tried to stop him from entering Rumuomasi.

No arrest was made in all these areas and it culminated in Wednesday ’s incident at Rumuipirikom.”

had commenced sensitisation campaign to create awareness in the locality.

Speaking at the flagging off ceremony of the third phase of the council’s free health care programme, he said: “My appeal goes to the Federal Government to ensure that this virus does not spread further.

Epidemic looms if...

“Funds should be made available to all the local governments to build isolation centres. If we do not have isolation centres across the councils, when it happens, there will be an epidemic.”

Ikpea said that the exercise, which cuts across the 10 wards of the council, will evolve the services of medical and paramedic personnel who were expected to administer appropriate medication to patients.

students of the university to apply what they have learnt in the by providing solutions to these “growing world challenges.”

He said 456 students will graduate from the school with 1st Class; 143 with 2nd Class Upper; 156 with Second Class Lower and 17 with 3rd Class.

He said: “The world has been in a state of panic over the reemergence of Ebola Virus. We have a lot of professionals in this country. We have many professors in this country in various fields. The essence of this attainment of academic excellence is to do research.

“You do not get professorship as a honour. You have to engage in active research for societal good. On Sunday, our Pro-Chancellor asked all the scientists to come out during the service and she prayed for us that God should give us the grace to get additional insight to the revelation so that we can make contribution to the problem of Ebola virus.

“Some of us have been saying America should do more; the West should do more. I have a different approach which is that everybody should do more.

We should not look at somebody from outside to solve our problems.

“I am saying the science community here should do more. That is why I met with staff of the Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences and challenged them that we be part of the solution.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 — 15

APGA members in free-for-all in Imo

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—THE Imo State secretariat of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, turned into a battle field yesterday as factional members unleashed mayhem on one another.

The ensuing confusion spilled over to the ever busy Owerri-Umuahia federal highway, causing serious gridlock on the road, while Imo State Police Command quickly dispatched its men to the scene to restore sanity.

Our correspondent gathered that trouble started immediately the state interim chairman of the party, Peter Ezeobi, drove into the premises with a retinue of security details but was booed and jeered by angry members.

The aggrieved party faithful accused Ezeobi of unilaterally sacking 14 council chairmen of the party without recourse to the State Working Committee, SWC. Apart from chanting unprintable songs, they also carried placards with varying inscriptions, some of which read: “Go Ezeobi Go”, “God will judge APGA National leaders”, Mazi Okwu has won Umeh in Imo and then

has been replaced by Umeh people”.

Briefing newsmen on the incident, a chieftain of the party and chairman of Owerri West local government area, Barr Charles Oguchialu , accused the new state executive of being used to destroy the party through dictatorship.

“We are grieving for our party because our men and

women who laboured to put the party on a solid foundation were purportedly and dramatically sent packing by a single individual, who is just new to the party,” Oguchialu said.

He recalled with grief that “a day before the controversial dissolution, a state Exco meeting, which involved all the local government party chairmen

was organized without any discussion on dissolution, only for Ezeobi to announce the controversial dissolution the next day.”

Efforts made by newsmen to get the reaction of Ezeobi and the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Tony Mgbeahuruike, failed as they rebuffed all entreaties to speak on the issue.

VISIT: From left: Adetoun Odejinmi, Airport Manager, British Airways, Ag. Director General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Benedict Adeyelika, Corporate Sales Manager, British Airways, Adetutu Otuyalo and Customer Service Manager, British Airways West Africa, Babatunde Pecku, during a visit by the British Airways team to NCAA's office, in Lagos.

....Accuses PDP of plot to rig Abia bye-election

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—AHEAD of tomorrow’s bye-election into the Aba South State Assembly, the state chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has accused the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, of planning to rig the election.

The election is to be held to fill the vacancy created by the death of the former occupant, Wogu

Iheasimuo, whose wife, Nkemdirim, had been chosen by PDP to fly its flag in the election.

APGA state chairman, Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu, has in a petition to the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, Umuahia, alleged plans by the ruling PDP to rig the election.

According to him, PDP has hatched an insidious plan to

manipulate the electoral process and influence the outcome of the poll.

He complained that one of the plans of the PDP was to ensure that counting of ballot papers and announcement of results were not done at the polling units.

Ukaegbu also alleged that the ruling party was planning to import non members of the

constituency and empower them to vote with unclaimed or falsely manipulated voter’s cards.

APGA urged INEC to do everything possible to ensure there was free and fair election tomorrow to compliment the commendable feat the commission achieved in both Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections.

Imo elders' council accuses Presidency of masterminding attacks on Gov Okorocha

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—IMO State Council of Elders has accused the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state of masterminding security breaches and attacks on Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The Council, therefore, called on President Goodluck Jonathan to call his party men and women in Imo State to order to prevent the escalation of the situation.

At a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Chairman of the Council and former Deputy Director General, State Security Service, SSS, Okey Njemanze, said the call was necessary in the light of the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

Njemanze further cited the incident of the recent clash

between Governor Okorocha’s convoy and that of Senator Chris Anyanwu, who represents Imo East senatorial zone, saying

incessant attacks against the governor could trigger political crisis in the state.

He stated that if the situation

was not tackled immediately, there might be possible blood bath among loyalists of different political gladiators in the state.

Don't exploit court powers to heat up polity — Justice Orjiako

O

By Chidi Nkwopara

WERRI—IMO State High Court Judge, Justice K. A. Orjiako, yesterday, lashed out at people who exploit the powers of the court to heat up the polity.

Justice Orjiako made his feelings known while reacting to the ex-parte motion, HOR/88/ 2014, brought before the court by two agents of Imo State government, Eze Samuel Ohiri

and Edinburgh Olumba, seeking the leave of court to stop Eze Cletus Ilomuanya from celebrating the New Yam Festival of Obinugwu autonomous community.

When the matter first came up in the court, Orjiako said: “I have read through the motion exparte and I am of the humble view that the application is not one to be heard ex-parte.”

He, therefore, ordered that the

respondent be served appropriately on notice to enable him react accordingly, and subsequently adjourned the matter to August 14, 2014, based on agreement of both parties.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, counsel to the claimants/applicants, Mr. Mike N. Okafor, told the court that he was not in court with the case file and could not confirm if the respondent had been properly served or not.

Oko Poly ASUP threatens court action over alleged showdown with students

By Bartholomew

O

Mdukwe

KO—FEDERAL Polytechnic, Oko chapter, of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP, has said it would go to court over the action of those behind media reports which claimed that students of the institution threatened a showdown against their lecturers.

The union said it would no longer treat with kid gloves those who peddled all sorts of lies to create tension in the institution.

In a statement signed by its chairman and General Secretary, Dr. Onyeka Uwakwe and Ogugua Ochuba respectively, the union noted that in recent times, the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, had been in the news, adding that historically, no institution in Nigeria had attracted such an attention.

Lions Club plans N120m charity fund

L

A G O S —

INTERNATIONAL Association of Lions Club, District 404B-2, Lagos, has announced plans to raise N120 million to further humanitarian activities across the country.

Speaking at a press conference, the District Governor, Lion Abiodun Adediji, noted that the District had concluded arrangements to procure and donate dialysis machines and accessories to four tertiary hospitals within the district.

The hospital include LASUTH in Lagos, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, in Osogbo, Federal Medical Centre, Iddo Ekiti and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

Adediji also listed other projects by the district to include the supports to diabetic patients, provision of portable water, support to special schools, and other charity homes, undertaking of free eye screening and surgeries for indigent members of the public.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Enugu impeachment panel orders re-examination of slumped Dep Gov E

By Tony Edike

NUGU—THE Enugu State Impeachment Panel, yesterday, ordered that another doctor from the state government-owned hospital should be engaged to evaluate the state of health of the embattled Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, who slumped while giving evidence before the panel on Wednesday.

Medical experts had after reviving the Deputy Governor at a private hospital on Wednesday recommended that he should have enough rest to enable him recover from his ill health.

Dr. Anisiuba, a consultant physician and cardiologist with the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, who attended to the Deputy Governor said he has low blood pressure.

One of his counsels, Mr. Peter Eze asked the panel to wait till Monday next week to enable him recover enough to

continue with his evidence, saying from what he saw when he visited the Deputy Governor, it was clear that he would be unable to appear before the Panel today.

Eze further told the panel that besides, Monday was not

too far considering that the Panel has three months under section 188(7) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to carry out the investigation, adding that if the Deputy Governor was able to come on Monday

he would conclude his evidence being their last witness and that they will close their case.

Chairman of the Panel, Franklyn Oraekeiyi, however, accepted the submission by the prosecution counsel that

another government doctor should re-examine the deputy governor and report back today.

He adjourned further proceeding to today.

Other members of the impeachment panel are Maxwell Eze, Anthony I. Iguh, Fabian Oko, Perfectus Aroh, Martin Onyemuru and Mercy Anyim.

We've not reintroduced ATM charges —CBN

L

By Peter Egwuatu

AGOS—THE Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, yesterday said it has not reintroduced charges on the use of Automated Teller Machines, ATMs as being speculated.

The Director, Banking & Payments System Department of CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun, who explained this to Vanguard after his remarks at the meeting held

by Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum in Lagos, said: “It is not a reintroduction per se . You have to agree with me that when the amendment was made in November 2012, it used to be a N100 for any remote-on-us withdrawal that you did. And you

know that the remote-on-us is when you as a card holder goes to the ATM of a bank other than your bank to withdraw cash. It was removed then so that people would be encouraged to go to other ATMs without paying for it. But the truth is that as we said in the circular on the Introduction of Fees on RemoteOn-Us ATM Withdrawal Transactions recently, that N100 included the N35 that goes to the issuing bank, which has now been completely waived. The issuing bank does not make any thing, but in going to other ATMs to make withdrawal , your bank, that is, the acquirer bank incurs cost of N65 which they pay to

the switches and the owner of the ATM that you are using.

Continuing, he said: ''Between 2012 and recently when the review was done, it was discovered that people have actually turned ATMs into their personal purses because nothing is charged. Somebody needs N500, or N1000, he will go to ATM and withdraw, he needs N2000, he will go to ATM and withdraw, so that in a day some people can patronise ATM for up to four or ten times. That has created a huge cost burden for the banks that issue the cards. It was becoming discouraging to them.

“So that is why we said, you

can go to an ATM other than your bank ATM to withdraw up to three times and no charges would be imposed on you, but it is when you make the fourth withdrawal that you will pay the N65 that ordinarily your bank would have paid on your behalf.

But of course if you go to your bank’s ATM, the issuer, for withdrawal you can withdraw as many times as you like without being charged. So, it does not discourage financial inclusion.

You should bear in mind that when you talk of cashless regime, you are encouraging people to do their transactions electronically other than the use of cash. So it is a motivation for people to patromise the ATM. “

8-DAY FIDAU PRAYER FOR LATE IKORODU MONARCH, OBA SALAUDEEN ADEKOYA OYEFUSI AT IKORODU, LAGOS PIX: SHOLA OYELESE

Prince Kehinde Oyefusi, Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, Prince Afolabi From left: Olori Muyibat Oyefusi, widow, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Ganiyu Oyefusi, and Princess Olayinka Oyefusi, all children of the late Ikorodu Solomon, and Hon, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the 8-day Fidau prayer for the late Ikorodu monarch. monarch, HRM, Oba Salaudeen Adekoya Oyefusi at Ikorodu, Lagos.

From left: Otunba Adekunle Ojora, Olori Ojuolape Ojora, and Otunba B. Shofola.

From left: Sheik Rabiu Adebayo, Sheik Olowu Ebi, Sheik Yahaya Oshoala and Sheik Kabiru Aguda, at the event.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, August 15, 2014— —17

C M Y K

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 JUST five years ago, few believed that the alien and macabre incidence of suicide bombing was possible in Nigeria. Nigerians were known as easygoing by nature, and rated as “the happiest people in the world”.

Suicide bombing was seen as a phenomenon of far off Asian and Middle Eastern countries wracked by religious extremism. But the Arab Spring revolutions that swept through North Africa and the Middle East, leading to the fall of powerful dictators, unleashed a new impetus for radical Islamists such as the El Shabbab of Somalia, the Al Qaeda in Islamic Maghrib (AQIM) and the Boko Haram in North Eastern Nigeria.

The recharged Boko Haram introduced suicide bombing, starting from Abuja and spreading to the north east, wreaking grim harvests in lives and property. Following the routing of the Islamists from the cities, they went into remote areas and started sending suicide bombers as mailed fists of terror.

Today, especially in Kano and adjoining areas, Boko Haram has opened a new, frightening front in the use of vulnerable women and children in

Women, kids as suicide bombers the execution of their dastardly acts.

It is obvious that most of the individuals used in this manner are ignorant of the fact that the devices being tied around their body frames are instruments of their own deaths and those of others because they are either brainwashed with religion, bribed, deceived or threatened.

Boko Haram is turning to young, impressionable women and children, as well as homeless people for foot soldiers mainly because many northern cities are teeming with the downtrodden - beggars, abandoned street urchins (known in local parlance as “al majiri”) and poverty

stricken women who have been denied of basic care and education. The insurgents reach out to them and find it so easy to manipulate them for anti-social ends.

We condemn the dehumanisation of Nigerian citizens in any form, including assaulting tbeir human dignity and denying them of their right to education. It is lack of care by the government and society that drives them to the fringes - and into the open arms of insurgents and anarchists.

We must reclaim our citizenry through good and inclusive governance.

Secondly, we re-emphasise the importance of closing ranks as a people, and cooperating with the security agencies to eliminate all forms of terror from our society. It is becoming more glaring that Boko Haram is merely using the banner of Islam to win support from unsuspecting or evil minded members of society.

Islam abhors the unprovoked killing of innocent human beings, or victimisation of the vulnerable members of society, such as women and children, who should be specially protected, even in situations of war.

OPINION

By Eddie Mbadiwe

A

S a country, we seem to wallow from one crisis to another. Not long ago, the hype was (and still is) the fate of kidnapped Chibok girls; next the wave of impeachment by some state legislatures. Now everybody is an expert on Ebola haemorrhagic fever.

Nigerians' resilience and ability to bend and rebound like the palm tree is second to none anywhere in the world. We invariably emerge stronger at the end of every crisis.

Our sense of humour is also insufferable as we foist a humane face on every tragedy. There is now an Ebola bath (dangerous with sodium chloride); Ebola handshake – long distance outstretched palm with knees bent. I understand there is also an Ebola dance.

As a popular Nigerian artist captures in one of his songs – "Nigeria Go Survive".

Going back to ground zero, Nigerians sometimes push their luck too far which brings me back to the subject of this contribution – impeachment fever now ravaging our state legislatures. Section 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is quite clear about gross misconduct which is the main plank for the removal of a state governor. Sub-terranean antics, party machinations, etc, can always be woven into gross misconduct.

Adamawa and Nasarawa states present two very interesting cases for any bright PhD student of political science.

C M Y K

Democracy's

teething

Leadership which is the problem in both states has been described as the ability to mobilise a majority of followers to key into a previously articulated vision so that the various units work in synergy.

The various units are encouraged to function as leaders. The great Chinese leader Tao Te Ching said that “great leaders give opportunities not orders”.

When, therefore, a governor is not jellying with his legislature, there is a problem and often times a crisis. The beauty of section 188 is that the three arms of government – executive, legislature and judiciary- have independent roles which must converge for impeachment to happen.

In the case of Adamawa, the legislature previously controlled by Governor Nyako’s party broke ranks with him and decided to get rid of him. Rightly or wrongly, they set up the process of impeachment which then Governor Nyako (a perfectly decent person) decided to ignore and therefore refused to appear and defend himself. The panel had no choice but to find him guilty on all counts in absentia. He was removed and section 188 says he cannot challenge that decision in court. That aspect of Nigerian democracy methinks needs a second look.

In Nasarawa State with a scenario similar to Adamawa, the legislature was also hostile to Governor Al-Makura and

pains

again set up the impeachment process.

In this case however, while the governor did not recognise the legitimacy of the panel, yet he appeared.

His accusers – the state legislature while more or less questioning the integrity of the panel- declined appearance. The panel faced with circumstances similar to that of Adamawa dismissed all charges against the governor. Currently the legislators are threatening fire and brimstone. One would advise caution.

For any democracy to grow, especially in semi-literate society like Nigeria, those in positions of authority must cultivate the personal discipline and patience and take the smooth with the rough, but more of the smooth.

Governor Al-Makura knew all along that he walked a tight rope in his dealings with the state legislature and did the next best thing which was to woo his primary constituency, the masses directly.

One thing all our legislators, both the state and national level, must never forget is that in elementary basic physics of metallic expansion, there is a point known as the elastic limit at which point the metal will snap if additional pressure is put on it. In everyday usage, this is known as the tripping point. An indepth study of this phenomenon, if applied to dealings of

our national life, will make us apply the brakes as necessary.

Not too long ago, there was a parliamentary explosion and show of shame in the Rivers State House of Assembly when chairs and tables became effective missiles of war by parliamentary gladiators. That show was captured on tape and is still screened world-wide to ridicule Nigeria’s attempt at democratic governance.

The House of Representatives as Big Brother passed a motion as provided for in the constitution to take over functions of that Assembly.

Was that motion implementable? Your answer is as good as mine.

No democracy-not America with more than 200 years experimentation, not even the mother of all democracies – Britain, is perfect. Still democracy continues to fine-tune itself. It is apt to sign off with an extract from a speech Sir Winston Churchill delivered on the floor of the House of Common in 1947 when he said: “Democracy is the worst form of government except all the other forms that have been tried from time to time”.

Leaders of Nigeria, a word is enough for the wise!!

*Dr. Mbadiwe wrote from Abuja.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, August 15, 2014— —19

N

OW that Ebola is in Nigeria and may spread if nothing is urgently done to contain it, we may find ourselves in a situation where government may have to issue a federal isolation or quarantine order, on the whole nation, in order to stop or limit the spread of disease. Isolation is used to separate ill persons who have a communicable disease from those who are healthy. Isolation restricts the movement of ill persons to help stop the spread of certain diseases.

For example, hospitals use isolation for patients with infectious tuberculosis.

Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to see if they become ill.

These people may have been exposed to a disease without knowing it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms.

Quarantine can also help limit the spread of a communicable disease.

Isolation and quarantine are used to protect the public by preventing exposure to infected persons or to persons who may be infected. If the government takes you in, you would have no rights in that situation. And once you get locked up with all of the other Ebola patients, there would be a pretty good chance that you would end

up getting the disease and dying anyway. Ebola mortality rate is 55 percent, and can be as high as 90 percent.

The fear here is to imagine how we, as Nigerians, live; with porous borders; our traders still touch their tongues with fingers while counting money; we hug and shake hands freely, bunch ourselves up on top Okadas, travel in overcrowded buses, taxis and trains all over the country. It is just mind boggling how this thing can spread to persons in a matter of days, even through a hand shake.

If a carrier blew his nostrils and used his handkerchief to clean up as usual, any one he shakes may be infected! With an incubation period of eight to 21 days, one can be spreading it for over one week before realising he has it.

This is one disease nobody should catch.There is no vaccine, no cure for now. Doctors treating Ebola patients so far are going to extreme lengths to keep from contracting it, but despite those precautionary measures, some doctors have already gotten sick and died.

This is not like other Ebola outbreaks, something seems different this time.It's like a stronger strain of the East African type came to West Africa, and Mr Sawyerr from Liberia, who perhaps thought Nigeria had solutions, brought the evil to us! Good and bad things alike

,

come through humans, and so we have Ebola from Liberia.

O

ther nations have been preparing for this outbreak, but not Nigeria, as usual. America, according to the Committee on Armed Services, distributed “Biolological Diagnostic Systems” to National Guard Units in all 50 states back in April this year.Also, about 340 Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System, JBAIDS, units have thus far been given to emergency response personnel. The systems are rapid, reliable, and [provide] simultaneous identification of specific biological agents and

Bamidele Aturu: In memory of Advocate of the masses By

Yushau

Shuaib

“No religion condones injustice as the Holy Scriptures abhor oppressors and condemn injustice. Check your Holy Book for guidance.” – Bamidele Aturu

T

HAT was a direct quotation from the late anti-corruption, anti-impunity and an honest human rights advocate, Bamidele Aturu, while responding to my initial disposition to leaving oppressors to the judgement of Almighty God. To him, powerful elements in the society would rather wish to be taken to the courtyard of God than be sued in the court of law because of their arrogance and power intoxication.

As a legal practitioner who was familiar with the Sharia legal system, even though a Christian and pastor at that, Aturu quoted copiously from the Holy Quran, and some sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), known as Hadith, to convince me to go to Court since I am a Muslim.

In his attempt to persuade me to take the right course, he offered to defend my case free of charge in prosecuting a legal battle against my powerful opponents (individual and institutions) who would later hire Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SANs, to defend them in the case.

He personally took responsibility for his flight tickets, accommodation and transportation and, occasionally, that of lawyers that he assigned to attend to my case in Abuja, before he later assigned a dedicated young lawyer to pursue the case on his behalf. Despite his tight schedule, he always took time to call and give me updates on the case.

It is undeniable the fact that impunity and injustice trigger corrupt practices, nepotism, terrorism, robbery, kidnapping and other criminalities. Those C M Y K

who encourage such negative vices and oppressions should face the legal consequences of their actions which will be lessons in humility and justice.

The satisfaction of going to the court afterward was indeed an eye-opener. It exposes the hypocrisy in the civil service and mediocrity in the public office. In fact, from documents tendered and other revelations since made, I now know that those who should protect your interest are the very ones who always work against you. In that process some leaders that should be adequately advised are unconscionably misled to take irrational decisions based on frivolous innuendoes and accusations. There are many stories for another day.

As one of the beneficiaries of his philanthropic legal service, the death of Bamidel Aturu came to me as a rude shock. Few days before his demise, the gentleman informed me that my case had been further adjourned to October 2014.

There was never a premonition he would die soon. The last time we met in his Abuja hotel room, he was so vibrant, energetic and always eloquent in his delivery. A leading authority on labour laws in Nigeria and author of law books, we discussed media and publishing venture which we were both passionate about. In fact, while going through my recent initiatives in the publication of Spokesperson’s Digest and Emergency Manager’s Digest magazines, we mooted the idea of publishing The Lawyer’s Digest focusing on activities of legal practitioners.

Before his legal representation on my case, I had had memorable encounters with him at several workshops/ conferences towards promulgation of laws on transparency and accountability in government, especially those organised by

pathogens. A hospital in Germany, assured WHO, is to receive and help treat victims, with all necessary preparations on ground.

With over 670 people already killed by the disease in West Africa, 10 cases in Nigeria and two deaths, we need to develop an African solution to this epidemic. America and Europe may decide to restrict movements from nations with Ebola into their territories, and they will be right to do so in the interest of their peoples. Nigeria, like others, should be working round the clock to contain this attack in months.

How many ordinary Nigerians know about Ebola in our rural areas where they still enjoy their bush meats, especially bats and monkeys ? How many Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System, BAIDS, units are we getting, where and when they will be installed, and how educated and informed are our security personnel about Ebola, and biological agent identification?

Our home grown solution may begin with the development of the bitter kola therapy. It is wrong to disparage the bitter kola story, because we have our own experiences with bitter kola and its high medicinal values which may help in Ebola treatment. In 1979, just before I left the University of Ife, there was study on the bitter kola by a Professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy. The result included that chewing bitter kola sticks in the morning prevented tooth decay. We tried it, it was true, and we followed up during our NYSC

,

By Clement Udegbe

,

Overcoming the Ebola palaver

If Ebola is from Africa, we ought to have our own home grown treatment for it; our home grown solution may begin with the development of the bitter kola therapy; it is wrong to disparage the bitter kola story

Beneficiaries of his benevolence can be found among Nigerians of different backgrounds, religions and tribes; it is no wonder that he was regarded as another Senior Advocate of the Masses, SAM

,

the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, as well as Media Right Agenda, MRA. At such fora, he provided legal insight towards the establishment of some institutions like NEITI, BPP and FOI.

S

ince his death on July 9, 2014, many tributes have been written eulogising his uncanny humility, courageous posture, fearless mien, exemplary conducts and above all his excessive generosity as the voice for the voiceless and defender of the defenceless across the Niger.

Born in October 1964, Bamidele Francis Aturu was reported to have abandoned a career in the military to train as a scientist before he became a lawyer. As a brilliant student, he came out in flying colours in all his academic pursuits, carting awards at every stage as best graduating student. He did same at University of Ife and Nigerian Law School.

During his National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, programme, Aturu refused an award of the best corps member of the NYSC 1987/ 88 batch because he didn’t want to shake hands of the military administrator of Niger State, Lawan Gwadabe, in protest against

in 1980 to export chewing sticks to Africans in the USA and UK. Second, my village house was unoccupied for about five years because we travelled. Upon return, and based on recommendation of my mother, I used bitter kola to keep the place safe once again, and found out that something about the bitter kola keeps snakes away! Third ,we ate so much bats during the war, and we also ate lots of the whole fruits of bitter kola, and that may be why we did not fall sick at all.

The ripe bitter kola fruit has a fine taste. Finally, only last August a colleague in the UK was visiting a factory that produces antibiotics, I think in Glasgow. He was taken to a warehouse that was full of bitter kola; he called me, and I told him that I was not surprised.

If bitter kola restricted Ebola growth only in the test tube, ala Prof. Maurice Iwu’s work, let Nigeria develop it to the next level, because Africa’s first cure for Ebola may well lie in the bitter kola.

Our governments and Big Pharma should develop the serum for use in Nigeria, and then export it to the world. If Ebola is from Africa, we ought to have our own home grown treatment for it, and now is the time. God must be saying something to us all about Ebola, and it is: “Africa, this is your time, repent, and change!”

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

military rule.

He was later to become one of the fearless leaders that mounted campaign against military dictators, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Sani Abacha. He was severally harassed and detained by security agencies.

S

on of a policeman who was regularly transferred around the country, Aturu understood the complexity of Nigeria and therefore, developed a better understanding of various cultures, tribes and religion of the people. Beneficiaries of his benevolence can be found among Nigerians of different backgrounds, religions and tribes. It is no wonder that he was regarded as another Senior Advocate of the Masses, SAM, like the late legal luminary, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

It may be surprising for many Nigerians to realise that in a country where eye-service, lips-service and excessive love of money are the order of the day, there are still individuals who will stand by you, fight for you and never expect a dime from such efforts. Their only reward is the smiles and happiness returned to the faces and hearts of fellow human beings in place of despair and despondency. They are determined to ensure equity and justice in our fatherland.

Aturu’s intervention in my life and that of numerous others who suffered immense injustice in a clime beclouded by vainglory through pro bono legal services was a sure sign of a brighter future for Nigeria because no matter how long it takes, the element of goodness will eventually overpower those of darkness.

It is a sad commentary that a man who devoted his life fighting for the oppressed in the society did not get a reciprocal gesture in time of need. A public hospital to which he was rushed during a health crisis rejected him because once again, medical doctors had proceeded on another of their neverending strikes.

*Mr Shuaib, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Abuja.

20 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, AUGUST 15, 2014

Fear of epidemic as refuse takes over Abakaliki metropolis

BY PETER OKUTU, Abakaliki

R

ESIDENTS of Abaka liki, the Ebonyi State capital, presently have every cause to be alarmed. This is because many parts of the metropolis have been taken over by refuse, prompting many to express fear that the situation may soon lead to an epidemic outbreak if urgent steps are not taken by the State Ministry of Environment to address it. Indeed heaps of refuse have become common sights along majors roads, streets and at bus stops within the state capital.

worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained and healthy environment for the state.

They are putting the blame squarely on the doorstep of the present leadership of the state Ministry of Environment, arguing that the contrary was the case when Dr Okorie held sway and had an effective waste disposal management system in place.

Vanguard Metro, VM, learnt that he was removed from office by some powers that be, in order to reduce his popularity in case he chooses to run for an elective position in 2015. The argument of those who share

,

We find refuse almost everywhere within the State capital; to be frank,what is happening now is unprecedented; government needs to act fast

This has been attributed to the indiscriminate dumping of waste by some residents without regard to environmental regulations.

Environmental regulations Some places where refuse are commonly seen within Abakaliki metropolis include Ogbaga Road around new Kpirikpiri Market, St. Patrick Road Kpirikpiri, Goddy Ogbaga Avenue, Convent Road, opposite Enugu Electricity Distribution Company close to Awolowo Street, inside internal roads within the state capital, among others.

Disgusted by the development, some irate citizens have turned on the Governor Martin Elechiled administration, criticising it, especially for sacking the pioneer Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Paul Okorie who, they claimed, C M Y K

,

this sentiment is that the intrigue behind his removal was for the interest of a few political class who did not consider the interest of the general populace in the state as no other Commissioner so appointed into the State Ministry of Environment has been able to better the records set by Dr. Okorie in the area of waste management and disposal.

To make the present situation even more alarming is the common resort to burning of wastes in most residential area, a hazardous health practice said to be perpetrated by those suspected to be staff of the State Ministry of Environment. Indeed, many health practitioners in the State have condemned the practice in its entirety, especially given the accompanying suffocating stench and smoke.

A resident, Mr. John Eluu, who spoke to VM, expressed dismay over the development as he stated thus: “My brother,

*An eyesore....Wide-spreading refuse dump in Abakaliki metropolis the situation is disheartening. We find refuse almost everywhere within the State capital. To be frank, the State Ministry of Environment do not have any waste disposal management skill to tackle this problem. What is happening now is unprecedented. Government needs to act fast so

that our environment will look healthy again”.

Another resident, Mrs. Gloria Aniamaka, wants the indiscriminate burning of waste within the State capital to stop as it easily exposes people to diseases.

Speaking with VM, the State Commissioner for Environment, David

Egbu, stated that modalities have been put in place to ensure that the state capital was free of refuse and any other environmental hazards. He debunked the insinuation that the Ministry was redundant.

According to him, the Ministry of Environment will not fold its arm and

allow indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the State capital, Abakaliki. “We are not relenting over the situation.

The state Ministry has mobilized the necessary machinery to ensure that the state capital remained clean and habitable for all,” he assured.

For over 3,000 youths, a time to say goodbye to poverty

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A

T least 3, 500 residents, mostly youths, have so far benefited in the Lagos State Government-sponsored programme to help citizens acquire relevant skills for self employment.

The state Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation recently commenced another phase of short-term training for residents of the state.

The training, which is for a minimum of four weeks, commenced last month at four different centres around the state. It is aimed at enabling thousands of residents of the state to undergo training in different vocational skills, which include cake and snack production, soap making, beads, hairdressing, make-up and headgear, textile designs, event and decoration, among others.

The Deputy Governor, Orelope Adefulire, in her message at the flag-off of the training enjoined participants to use the opportunity of the programme to learn a skill, noting that government, through the programme, is determined not only to eradicate poverty but also provide a window of opportunity for idle and vulnerable residents of the state to be empowered and make a better living for themselves.

She added that the short-term training was the

Ministry’s response to the yearnings of the people who are unable to attend the regular programme which currently runs at the 17 skill acquisition centres.

Adefulire added that the short-term training programme is equally rich in content like the regular classes as the Ministry has deployed qualified instructors and sufficient materials to assist the beneficiaries in learning efficiently and effectively within the short period, while assuring that other local government and local council development areas not yet covered will enjoy similar opportunity soon.

Obviously, elated, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Titilayo Philips, a full-time house wife, thanked the government for the programme, which she said “has provided me an opportunity to learn a skill which I hope will afford me an opportunity to make more money to support my husband and family.

“I enjoin other women who are at home not to remain idle but also seize the opportunity the programme offers to acquire a skill because most if not all the skills being taught at the centres offers a window of financial independence.”

All the participants at the programme disclosed that their participation at the programme is free of charge and they have not been asked to make any payment.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 — 21

By FRANKLIN ALLI & PROVIDENCE OBUH

T

HE Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) arm of the Organised Private Sector (OPS) has called for the adoption of Nigeria’s “Naira” as the single currency for ECOWAS sub region.

NACCIMA said that for this to happen, first, the Naira should be revalued for it to be at par with the American dollar as it was in the 80s.

In a chat with Vanguard, John Isemede, NACCIMA Director General, pointed out that the much talked about economic integration has been elusive for years because the requirements for the convergence can’t be met by the participating countries.

He argued for instance, “our import cultures have not allowed economic integration and taking orders from other people to run our own country. Again, how can we achieve the economic bloc? We are talking of the Common External Tariff which will take off next year; we are a sub region and not a custom union. For us to be a custom union, incentives, VAT, import duties, tariff and non-tariff must be the same thing.

Today, VAT in Nigeria is 5 percent, Benin Republic 20 percent; Ghana 17 percent and if we now have all these, why will the borders not be porous and smuggling not be booming because there is a big advantage of routing your goods through Nigeria at 5 percent.

How can we achieve free movement of goods with the differences in VAT.? “ In view of this, he said “If

NACCIMA proposes Naira for ECOWAS single currency we can develop our economy internally like what happened in the 80s, today the naira can become ECOWAS single cur-

rency. I can give you the exchange rates of the Nigerian currency for over 30 years. In 1980 what was the exchange

From left: Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim; Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria, CCSON, President, Comrade Bassey Williams Etuk and CCSON Publicity Secretary, Olayemi Success during the presentation of 2014 Certificate of Commendation to NDIC, in Abuja.

-1.0

3,213.00 +18.00 16.15

0.02

105.21

+0.60

97.81

+0.43

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR 154.73 STERLING 260.4415 EURO 207.3691 FRANC 170.4263 YEN 1.5028 CFA 0.2966 WAUA 236.1789 RENMINBI 25.0351 RIYAL 41.2569 KRONA 27.8076 SDR 236.9071

155.23 261.2831 208.0392 170.977 1.5077 0.3066 236.9421 25.1165 41.3903 27.8975 237.6727

155.73 262.1247 208.7093 171.5277 1.5125 0.3166 237.7053 25.1978 41.5236 27.9873 238.4382

CBN Exchange rate as at 08/08/2014

was N4.2 to a dollar in 1986.

“So all we have to do is to work on our own Naira because in the past, people were traveling with the Naira to abroad because the Naira was more or less the single currency in West Africa. If the value of the naira today is N50 to the US$, a lot of experts in America would come back to Nigeria because the value of the currency. If you are mighty, other economies will run after you,” he said.

According to him, Ghana Cedis and the CFA may not qualify for the single currency because they are overvalued and have been depreciating for almost 20 years; how can they meet the convergence?

“In fact, we cannot wait for this people because there can never be a convergence. It can’t work. The CFA today is a member of the Euro because when France decided to surrender the French franc to Euro the CFA automatically became Euro; if you are doing business with francophone countries if you invoiced your goods in dollars and pounds, they may not pay you because their currency is not tied to dollar and pound. But if you invoice your goods in Euro, you get your money in jiffy because their currency that was once tied to the French franc is now tied to the Euro,” he said.

IFRS Board classifies Nigeria as an IFRS country

By PETER EGWUATU

188.4

rate? It was between 50 and 60 kobo to the U.S. Dollar.

When SAP was introduced it

T

HE Board of the International Fi nancial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has officially classified Nigeria as an IFRS country.

This classification follows the successful implementation of the first two phases of the National Road Map for the Adoption of IFRS in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Board will visit Nigeria in November to facilitate the adoption of IFRS by Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) in the country.

Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), Mr Jim Obazee disclosed this during a courtesy visit by the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) to the Council. “The IFRS Foundation (usually called International Accounting Standards Board) has not only classified Nigeria has an IFRS country officially, they shall be coming to Nigeria in November to “train the trainers” on IFRS for SMEs

at our instance”, Obazee said.

IFRS is a set of international accounting standards that state how particular transactions and events should be reported in the financial statement of companies. The standards, which replace the old International Accounting Standards, are issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB), for the purpose of making international comparison of companies as easy as possible.

The journey to adoption of IFRS in Nigeria started in July 2010, when the Federal Executive Council approved the Road map for Nigeria’s adoption of the standards. This was followed with the enactment of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria Act in 2011, which led to the transformation of the Nigeria Accounting Standards Board to the Financial Reporting Council (FRC). The FRC among other things is charged with the responsibility of implanting the road map for adoption of IFRS in Nigeria. In 2012 Nigeria commenced phased adoption

of IFRS in 2012, with the implementation of the Road Map for the Adoption of IFRS in Nigeria.

Under the roadmap, all companies quoted on the stock exchange and companies with significant public interest are required to adopt IFRS by January 1st 2012. In the second phase, other public interest entities are expected to implement IFRS by January 1st 2013, while the phase requires that small and medium-sized entities should implement IFRS by January 1st 2014.

Obazee said that by 2015, the FRC would require “Not for Profit” entities (NGOs, religious bodies) to comply with IFRS. ICAN, he said, “should take the lead in preparing them, ensuring your members are their accountants, external auditors, and assurance providers. This project should start now.

Obazee said in order to consolidate on the gains of the implementation of IFRS in the country, FRC would soon release the National Code of Corporate Governance.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

NSE to sanction defaulting firms on dividend payment T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE has disclosed plans to sanction issuers/firms that fail to pay dividends to its shareholders within the timeline specified in the resolution passed by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, AGM at which such dividends were declared.

The exchange said it will not hesitate to administer and enforce a 5 per cent sanction on defaulting issuers as this will help enhance market performance and growth.

The exchange stated that the proposed sanction was not a new proposal but part of the already existing General Undertaking in The Exchange’s Listings Requirements, which was executed by every Issu-

er before its securities were approved for listing on the NSE. The Head of Legal and Regulation Division at The NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe stated that before securities are approved for listing on The Exchange, every Issuer has to execute a document known as the General Undertaking. The General Undertaking sets out the obligations imposed on an Issuer. These commitments include the obligation to notify The Exchange prior to taking certain corporate actions; the obligation to seek The Exchange’s approval before publishing certain information; the obligation to comply with The Exchange’s Listings Rules; the obligation to comply with the directives of its shareholders in the

event of declaration of dividends.

“These obligations kick in once an Issuer executes the General Undertaking. They are obligations of long standing, which remain binding for as long as an Issuer is listed on The Exchange. Section 14 of the General Undertaking, which is one of the Listings Requirements sets forth the sanctions for violations of the Rules. Section 14(e) provides that failure of a listed company to pay dividend on the due date shall attract a fine of 5% of the total dividend amount declared. (For the entirety of Section 14, please see our Listings Rules at http:// www.nse.com.ng/regulation/issuerregulation/rules-guidelines; ‘The Green Book’ page 57)” said Awe.

From left: Alero Edu, Head Consultant PR Distinction; Kenny Ogungbe, MD, Radio Services, Daar Communications and Chioma Alonge, Brand Manager, Veleta, during the White & Ball event sponsored by Intercontinental Distillers Limited, in Lagos

Global stocks rise on hopes of conflicts cooling, copper slides A

GLOBAL gauge of stock mar kets rose on Wednesday as investors were cautiously optimistic about de-escalation of conflicts in Ukraine and Iraq, but copper, a barometer for global economic growth, fell more than 1 percent to a seven-week low.

Recent anxiety over the standoff between Russia and Ukraine ebbed slightly after Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said late on Tuesday that the possibility of Russia’s military invading eastern Ukraine had receded after Moscow agreed to send in humanitarian aid under Red Cross auspices.

Still, Ukraine denounced the convoy as an act of Russian cynicism and said it would not be allowed to

cross the border.

In Iraq, where the new prime minister-designate already won endorsements from the United States and Iran, got support from Shi’ite militia and army commanders. They had been loyal to Nuri al-Maliki, the previous prime minister, who has refused to step aside. The support of the army commanders may signal reduced likelihood the country would descend further into violence.

“The market seems comfortable with what’s going on abroad, and while there’s always a risk of escalation, which would give the market pause, trying to anticipate that is pure speculation,” said David Lebovitz, global market strategist at

J.P. Morgan Funds in New York.

“Focusing on fundamentals has us viewing any weakness as a buying opportunity,” he added.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI was up 97.44 points, or 0.59 percent, at 16,657.98. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index .SPX was up 12.71 points, or 0.66 percent, at 1,946.46. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC was up 37.58 points, or 0.86 percent, at 4,426.83.

European shares gained ground, helped in part by forecast-beating results from bellwethers such as Swiss Life SLHN.VX and E.ON EONGn.DE. The FTSEurofirst 300 .FTEU3 index of top European shares was up 0.3 percent, with MSCI’s world stock index .MIWD00000PUS up 0.5 percent.

CAPITAL MARKET:

CIS, Anabel sign MoU to create 150,000 jobs

BY PETER EGWUATU

A

S part of strategic move to enhance capacity building in the Nigeria capital market, the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Anabel Leadership Academy Limited.

Specifically, the initiative aims at mobilising 150,000 young graduates in 2014, a prelude to much higher mobilisation in the nearest future, to enrol for the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment Examination. Under the MOU, Anabel Leadership Academy Limited would deploy its membership and mobilization strategies to enlist qualified young Nigerians seeking a career in the Capital and Financial Market to benefit from this initiative. The Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers serves as a platform for the training and certification of the beneficiaries.

Commenting on the MOU, the President, CIS, Mr. Albert Okumagba described the signing ceremony as historic. According to him, the institute is undergoing a comprehensive re-positioning programme and one of the cardinal objectives is to grow the membership base and widen the scope of capacity building through creation of platform for impacting knowledge and skills that can provide job opportunities.

Okumagba explained that upon completion, the beneficiaries would be awarded CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment to operate as back-office staff for capital market operators and regulators while those who aspire for higher certification could enrol for the Institute’s Professional Examinations and become chartered.

Anabel Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Prince Nicholas Okoye described the MOU as a great initiative by the CIS to develop a financial inclusion master plan for the young Nigerians. Okoye explained that the initiative which is consistent with Anabel’s Empower Nigeria Initiative aims at overall development of manpower for the Nigeria’s economy and creating jobs for thousands of young people. He further stated that many of the qualified youths will be supported by the Empower Nigeria to set up their own Financial Planning Houses in communities across Nigeria.

According to Nicholas Okoye, this program will now provide the foot soldiers needed for the Nation’s financial Inclusion strategy which is being promoted by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Nicholas expressed delight that this private sector led initiative which is ultimately designed not just to create new jobs but also to support the mobilization of savings all over Nigeria, would not only have a multiplier effect on the overall development of Nigeria’s financial markets, but it will equally provide a positive boost to the growth of our national economy in the medium and long term. Under the new arrangement, the Professional Diploma Examination which is currently done twice per annum would henceforth be on monthly basis for the next one year from September, 2014.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 — 23

Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina flanked by the Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Asabe Ahmed and Mr. Roman Kinda, Vice Chairman Remontowa Holding during the christening of Research Vessel ‘RV Bayagbona’ in Gdansk, Poland, on Wednesday.

FG policy on agric to boost fisheries sectors —Mrs. Jonathan … as Nigeria takes delivery of 10m Euro fish vessel

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

N

igeria’s first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan has disclosed that the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the government is rerepositioning both the marine and the fisheries sectors to boost the economy.

She made this known at the christening of a new 10.1 million Euro Research Vessel acquired by the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research in Gdansk, Poland on Wednesday.

The first lady explained that the focus of the ATA is to promote strategies for ensuring sustainable fish stocks through integrated fisheries management, while promoting aquaculture and improving trade through established global best practices, in overall fisheries management.

Mrs. Jonathan noted that the acquisition of the vessel will boost Nigeria’s local fish supply and further drive the successful achievement of the policy of Mr. President to make Nigeria self-sufficient in

fish production, in the near future.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant aquatic resources with a coastline of 853 kilometers, also rich in fish and shrimps. Shrimp export is of great importance to the fisheries sub-sector in Nigeria.

Nigerian shrimps, considered one of the best in the world, generate foreign exchange worth over 65 million US$ annually.”

She added “The Niger Delta of Nigeria, reputed as the second largest salt-water

enhance the exploration of the country’s fish resources.

“This deep-sea marine vessel, which we are here to commission today, is one of the many deep-sea vessels that Nigeria will acquire to fully tap into its abundant marine resources. I am pleased to note that this vessel will also boost Nigeria’s capacity in marine and oceanographic research for sustainable management of our vast deep-sea resources.”

Speaking at the commissioning, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said Nigeria has no reason to import fish as the country’s capacity for producing fish is enormous, “so this vessel will allow us to go into the territorial water, deep sea to harvest a lot of resource we have.

Adesina said beyond taking advantage of the country’s fish resources which for a long time the foreign ships have taken advantage of, that the newly acquired vessel we also allow the country to carry out marine research. “ this vessel we also allow us to do marine research that will enable us to understand the dynamic of the ocean, to understand the diversity of species we have, to be able to take a good stock of them and be able to have better ecological and environmental management of our marine resources.”

The Minister who decried the huge amount spent on fish importation yearly said the ministry is working assiduously at realizing its four year plan on fish sufficiency.

“We are spending roughly N127b

habitat in the world, has shrimps that are the most highly valued resource after crude oil.

“I am reliably informed that Nigeria’s deep-sea waters also harbor Tuna and Tunalike fishes, Drift Fish and large Lantern Fish populations.”

Mrs. Jonathan said the acquisition of the deep-sea fishing vessel named ‘RV Bayagbona’ after the first Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, will no doubt

importing fish and that does not make sense and what we have planned to do is to have four –five years plan.”

He noted that the first part of the plan is to produce one million metric tons of table size fish that will put the country at 70% self sufficient in fish.

“We can leave the remaining 30% for those who need diversity, but what we will not accept is for Nigeria to be totally dependent on imported fish when we have water all around us and we are not using them.”

How govt fish policy saved our business — Igbe T

he Managing Director, Vessa Fisheries, Lagos, Mrs. Vero Igbe, has commended the new Federal Government policy on fisheries that ensures that all supplies are in tandem with specific quota assigned to

Mrs. Igbe,

C M Y K

individual firms.

She said before the introduction of the new policy that the big foreign players made life difficult for the local players because they had superior economic advantage over them.

Speaking on the situation before the tide turned for the indigenous fish firms during a media interaction, Igbe said, “Before now, we were at the mercy of the foreign companies.

“They would go to the firms abroad and buy almost every fish s t o c k

meant for Nigeria and bring them into the country.

“If any local dealer goes to the source to buy, those people would ask them to return to their agents in Nigeria. So it was a cartel that could not be broken.”

She said it was particularly difficult for the local firms because most of them were struggling to stay in business because the big foreign firms had put in place structures that ensured that they were perpetually under their control.

“They (foreign fish companies were getting not less than 70 per cent of all the fish that were imported into Nigeria. There was nothing like quota at that time.

“The worse aspect was that

they set up cold rooms that would feed other smaller ones that they had set up close to our markets. So they were also retailing,” she said.

Igbe also revealed some of the unscrupulous dealings of the foreign fish firms in the past, including gimmicks that perpetually enslaved local dealers that depended on them for their retail supplies.

She said: “Back then, these foreign companies would raise the prices of fish so high, and because they were the only ones supplying most of the fishes consumed in Nigeria, the smaller cold room operators are forced to buy from them at that rate.

“But once they sell out to these people, they crash the prices using their own retail

structures. So the Nigerian dealers are forced to operate at loss and are unable to pay back because most of them take supplies on credits that they are far less capable of paying.

“This situation forces so many people to take bank loans, which still don’t help them and; often, the foreign companies end up taking over their cold rooms.”

The consequence, as disclosed by the Vessa Fisheries MD, is preponderant cases of large cold rooms, stocked with old and expired fishes that flooded Nigerian markets until recently that the Minister of Agriculture, Akinwumi Adesina, led a personal hunt for bad fish stock piles.

24 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Unchecked travelling system threatens global economy — Egbudin

By Ifeyinwa Obi

T

L-R: Consultant to the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations (NASPRI), Marce Anyanwu; Commandant of the school, Col John A.Agim; Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi; NASPRI Deputy Commandant, Lt Col. Tukur Gusau; Assistant General Manager Public Affairs of NPA, Musa Ilya; and Special Assistant to Managing Director of NPA, Abdullahi Buhari , when the NASPRI team visited NPA Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

Jonathan approves N25bn for dredging of River Benue

By Ifeyinwa Obi

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, Tuesday, said his administration has approved N25 billion for the dredging of River Benue.

He disclosed this at the maiden edition of the International Conference and Exhibition, ICE, organised by the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA. The theme of the conference and exhibition was ‘Modernising inland water infrastructure and vessels for safe and sustainable inland waterways transportation in Nigeria.”

The president who was represented by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, said the dredging of the river has been scheduled to commence in a few weeks.

He said, “In order to further consolidate the transformation of the inland waterways sub-sector, the Federal Government has approved the dredging of River Benue while the process for the award of the contract for the construction of Makurdi River port is in progress. To stimulate economic growth through our inland

waterways, my administration has put in place necessary machinery to dredge River Benue.

“Government has no doubt that the vision which informed huge investment made on the inland waterways sub-sector will encourage private sector participation which will lead to a rewarding return on investment. River ports located at Baro in Niger State, Oguta in Imo State and Lokoja in Kogi State are also being constructed with several jetties across the country. All the River ports will be concessioned to private sector upon completion.”

President Jonathan also disclosed that his administration has procured patrol boats to provide security within the inland waterways. He said government was vigorously pursuing the delivery of intra-coastal system to reduce pressure on the nation’s road transport network.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of NIWA, Hajia Maryam Ciroma, said the conference was

meant to gather stakeholders and intellectuals in the inland waterways sub-sector across the world to brainstorm and provide roadmap for repositioning and improving activities on Nigeria inland waterways.

She stated further that the objective of the conference was to ensure maximum utilization of the dredged River Niger, adding, “For maximum utilization of the dredged River Niger, the authority thought it wise to bring together various stakeholders in the inland waterways sub-sector in a gathering like this for dialogue and exchange of ideas as to the sustainability, safety and utilization of our inland waterways including the tourism potentials for the growth and development of our economy.

“For the dredged River Niger to be put into effective use, the Federal Government approved the rehabilitation of the abandoned Onitsha River Port which is being put up for concessioning

by Messrs Green Stratos of India under the supervision of ICRC.”

Terrorism: FG suspends rail projects in Maiduguri

T

By Godwin Oritse & Favour Nnabugwu

HE Federal Government has suspended all rail projects in Maiduguri following the activities of Boko Haram insurgents. Transport minister, Senator Umar disclosed during a courtesy call by the body of Permanent Secretaries led by the Head of Service, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji to his office in Abuja.

Senator Umar said that due to activities of the insurgent which peaked at Maiduguri presently, the ongoing 1,552kilometre rail project from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri enroute Aba-Umuahia-EnuguMakurdi-Lafia-Kuru-Bauchi-Gombe-BiuMaiduguri will now stop at Gombe until Maiduguri is rid of activities of the insurgents.

After watching and listening to a 41-page presentation of the Ministry of Transportation‘s progress report by its Permanent Secretary, Engr Nebolisa Emodi, Alhaji Goni Aji said he was not disappointed with the progress made so far though he

added that the body will go into a close door meeting to score the Ministry on its performance.

He commended the cordial relationship that exists among the minister, permanent secretary, the directors, staff and the union of the Ministry. Aji explained that the driving force of various reform initiatives embarked upon by the administration was to ensure efficiency and high productivity in the Federal Civil Service reiterat-

ing that the body of permanent secretaries has taken up the challenge to continually review themselves through Peer review mechanism for accountability and results.

Earlier, in his brief to the body, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr.

Emodi, highlighted the Ministry’s milestone achievements in actualizing the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.

HE Area Comptroller of Seme Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, has said that the global travelling and trading system if left unchecked, could seriously affect nations and the global economy.

Egbudin who chaired the flag off ceremony of Proactive Security Measures Towards National Security, convened by the Joint Border Security Meeting, JBSM, made this remark in his keynote address.

He explained that JBSM is an umbrella body of all the security agencies operating at the border, including the Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service Border Patrol, Nigerian Army (242 Battalion and 15 FER), Nigerian Navy, Department of State Service, Nigerian Police Boder Patrol, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Standards Organisation of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Corps, Port Health Service, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service, among others. The Customs chief pointed out that the increase in legitimate trade and travel across the border comes with a lot of economic advantage, even as he regretted that it had also been accompanied by cross border crimes.

His words: It is in the light of the foregoing that the security agencies at this border are collaborating for a coordinated management of Seme border security. To achieve this, we have been liaising also with our counterparts in the Republic of Benin as appropriate to curb cross border crimes. Investigation over time revealed that a major catalyst in these cross-border crimes can be traced to the means of transportation, which in this case involves the use of motorcycles/tricycles. It has also been observed that motorcycles/tricycles could be used to meander through alleys and narrow parts to circumvent security agents."

Egbudin added that the command had received reports of unsuspecting travellers and motorists being dispossessed of their valuables by criminals posing as commercial motorcyclists. He said that as a result, operational activities of commercial motorcyclists and tricyclists at the Seme border and its environs have been restricted to between 6:00am and 10:00pm.

Defaulters will be arraigned accordingly as the security of the nation is paramount.

Nigeria is passing through serious security challenges that require the collective effort of all citizens. Instead, concerted effort of all will be required to protect the nation,” he added.

NAGAFF slams FMF for under-funding of Customs

T

BY GODFREY BIVBERE

HE National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, has slammed the Federal Ministry of Finance for deliberate underfunding of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, even as it called for partial autonomy of the Service to enable it meet it responsibilities.

The group in a letter with ref: NAGAFF/

HQ/01/F/101/36 dated August 5, 2014, to President Goodluck Jonathan, said the under-funding of the Customs affects the Service from its core function of facilitation of trade, in addition to intensifying its security watch on the nation’s borders.

NAGAFF said, “We have observed from our strategic point as critical stakeholders that at the moment, it is apparent that the Nigeria Customs Service is being under

funded which may be currently affecting its operations and the freight forwarding business.”

The group declared in the letter, signed by its founder, Boniface Aniebonam, that its understanding of the President Jonathan’s transformation agenda implies a genuine desire “to usher in development and prosperity to the Nigerian people”.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—25

I N S I D E

Osun guber election: What next?

Page 28

A section of those in the Enugu State governemnt are determined to see the back of the incumbent deputy governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi.

Their scheme has been dubbed the Chicken Impeachment given the extent the antagonsits of the deputy governor have gone to fetch charges against him.

2015: The challenges of Jonathan

Ebonyi’s strange democracy Page 27

Page 26

ENUGU

The story of the chicken impeachment

BY TONY EDIKE, ENUGU

T

HE ongoing impeach ment proceeding against the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, took a frightening dimension on Wednesday when the embattled number two citizen of the state slumped while giving his testimony in what is now popularly tagged as Chicken Impeachment in Enugu State.

The impeachment saga which commenced suddenly some weeks ago following alleged disagreements between Governor Sullivan Chime and his deputy, has escalated the political tension that gripped the state since the governor pronounced a ban on second term ambition of the National Assembly members from the state.

The Deputy Governor who had maintained daily presence at the impeachment panel that began sitting on August 6, 2014, slumped after giving evidence for three hours and five minutes.

But one of his lawyers leading him in evidence, Mr. Peter Eze, said the unfortunate incident occurred five minutes after the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo and the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Anthony Ani, SAN, came in the court room.

Mrs. Nwobodo was accompanied by the Attorney General to the panel in response to the subpoena served on her on Tuesday at the instance of the Deputy Governor who informed the panel that she needed to clear some issues relating to the allegations leveled against him particularly the evacuation of birds from the poultry farm at his official residence.

According to the defence coun-

sel, the Deputy Governor was rushed out of the court hall for medical attention at about 11.38 am by his wife, Mrs. Nneka Ada Onyebuchi, his children and some of his aides present. The panel stood down its proceeding until 2pm to enable them get feedback from Onyebuchi’s family regarding his state of health.

Onyebuchi’s lead counsel, Mr. Chris Aghanwa was said to have informed the panel upon resumption that the Deputy Governor suffered from postural hypotension.

He said that “the Deputy Governor was first rushed to one Dr. Akunyili of St. Leo Hospital who could not handle it and invited one Dr. G. C. Anisiuba, a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist who attended to him. The doctor then issued a medical report

“which reveals that he had postural hypotension for which he is now receiving medication.”

Aghanwa, tendered the medical report and informed the panel that his client could not continue with his evidence that Wednesday.

Feelers from the panel yesterday (Thursday) indicated that the sitting continued despite the request by the defence counsel that further proceedings be suspended till next Monday to enable the Deputy Governor recover and continue with his evidence which was truncated on Wednesday.

Sources said that the panel was considering sending a team of medical doctors from the stateowned Enugu State University Teaching Parklane Hospital, to carry out fresh examination of the Deputy Governor to confirm what

the medical expert from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu, Dr. G. C. Anisiuba, a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist had observed.

,

Response to the subpoena

mediately, even in a wheelchair or stretcher.”

The group noted that “this unusual hurry of a panel that has a constitutional period of three months to complete its work further confirms that it is executing a 2015 script written in the Enugu State Government House.” It further condemned the continued secret trial of the Deputy Governor by the Panel, “which has barred the press from an impeachment hearing in a democratic society” just as it called on President Goodluck Jonathan and the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Three major offences had been listed against the Deputy Governor by the Enugu State House of Assembly which commenced the impeachment process by serving the notice in which he was given seven days to respond. These include running of poultry farm inside his official residence, which had been undergoing reconstruction since mid 2012 but had long been abandoned and his alleged refusal to represent the governor at two official functions in Enugu and Onitsha.

However, the Deputy Governor denied all the allegations against him and took time to respond to

The Deputy Governor who had maintained daily presence at the impeachment panel that began sitting on August 6, 2014, slumped after giving evidence for three hours and five minutes

This prompted an angry reaction yesterday from the Enugu Rescue Group which in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Martin Okenwa,, condemned in strong terms “the clear partisan attitudes of the Investigation Panel, especially its insistence, against medical advice, that the Deputy Governor be brought back to the hearing im-

,

the allegations point-by-point insisting that he did not commit any impeachable offence to warrant his being removed from office. He told the panel that he was not guilty of the alleged acts of gross misconduct in the performance of his official functions.

Onyebuchi, who presented an eight-page defence with several Continues on page 26

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Enugu: The story of the chicken impeachment Continues from page 25 annexures to the House, said that he was not aware of any resolution of the State Assembly that banned the operation of commercial poultry in residential premises in the state, pointing out that the poultry in his official residence was built by the regime of Dr. Michael Okpara in the defunct Eastern regional government and had been operated by his several predecessors like the one operated by the governor in his own residence.

He described as untrue the allegation that he refused to represent Governor Sullivan Chime at the flag off of the second Niger Bridge in Onitsha by President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he was present at the event from its inception to the end as shown in the live television coverage of the event.

On the third allegation that he turned down the directive to represent Governor Chime at the last meeting of the South East Governor’s meeting held at the Lion Building, Enugu, the deputy governor explained that the governor did not mandate him to act on his behalf while he was away on vacation, adding that no manifest of the event was made available to him.

Onyebuchi, who noted that he had worked closely with Governor Chime, who at one time described him as “reliable and loyal deputy who understands the working of government” said it was a shame that alle-

panel’s proceedings and it was granted by the panel. Thereafter journalists were prevented from witnessing the proceedings in spite of the repeated protests by the Deputy Governor.

Prior to the Deputy Governor’s evidence that was truncated by his ailment, some of his aides and personal staff had testified before the panel giving account of what they knew regarding the controversial poultry at the deputy governor’s lodge and his alleged refusal to represent the governor at two events.

One of the lawyers told newsmen after the sitting on Tuesday that three police officers attached to the deputy governor who were among those summoned, were prevented from appearing before the panel by their superior officer at Government House.

The defence counsel, however, opened the defence of the deputy governor on Tuesday with the testimony of his first witness, Adaobi Obiefuna-Ezenwa, who resided in the deputy governor’s lodge between 2008 and 2010.

The witness told the panel that the deputy governor started living in his official residence in 2008 and that towards the end of that year, they started poultry at the residence. She said there was a poultry attendant, while she was in charge of cleaning the poultry every morning. According to her, she feeds the birds while a veterinary doctor was in charge of vaccination.

Onyebuchi had maintained that his greatest offence against the governor was his decision to seek election into the 2015 Senate to represent Nkanu East, the seat which the governor is believed to have reserved for one of his female loyal aides

,

gation of disobedience should be leveled against him few months to the end of their second tenure.

Apparently not satisfied by the Deputy Governor’s response, the lawmakers mandated the State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike to set up an impeachment panel which he did without delay. The seven-man panel was headed by Mr. Franklyn Uche Oraeke with Pastor Uluakanwa Okoh, Elder Nnamdi Martin Onyenwuru, Barr Marcel Ebele Eze, Mrs Praise Mercy Anyim, Aroh Okechukwu Perfectis and Dr. Anthony Iguh as members.

Inaugurating the panel, the Chief Judge said he was under a constitutional obligation to inaugurate the panel had wished them success in “this important but onerous constitutional function.”

The Chairman of the panel, Mr. Franklyn Uche Oraeke, had assured that the panel would not witch-hunt anybody as their duty was just to conduct an investigation of the charges handed over to them and make a report of their findings known to the state House of Assembly.

The proceeding of the panel commenced with the testimonies of the prosecution witnesses mainly serving Commissioners and the Governor’s aides, who had labored to defend the various allegations leveled against the Deputy Governor. But on the first day of the Deputy Governor’s appearance, he briefed journalists saying that he knew that he would be removed before he leaves the office, the whole world would hear the truth about his travails.

This comment reported by several national dailies did not go down well with the prosecution and the government as it clamoured for the ban on press coverage of the

,

The witness also explained that “the normal routine then was every morning the poultry attendant, Chinwe Ezugwu, will clean the poultry and feed the birds, and then the veterinary doctor comes at interval to give vaccination and drugs as the case may be.” She stated that at the time she entered the deputy governor’s lodge, there was a poultry structure already in existence.

The witness also said she had a 1st Degree in Crops Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration (Management) from UNEC and that she was a marketer for the poultry section.

•Umezulike Two other witnesses, Timothy Ngba-Ekon and Chika Nwoko, also testified and told the Panel that they worked at the Deputy Governor’s Lodge as poultry attendants, explaining that their work was to sanitise the poultry. They said they cleaned the poultry twice daily and that they never suffered any illness as a result of the presence of the poultry farm in the Deputy Governor’s Lodge. According to them, they were on duty on January 27, 2014, when people who identified themselves as staff of the Ministry of Enugu Capital Territory came with buses and trucks into the Deputy Governor’s Lodge and took away about 3,000 birds, the eggs and other accessories in the poultry. They said that when the ECTDA officials were carting away the birds the deputy governor did not hold anybody or prevent any body from doing what they were doing.

The cook to the Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ogbuke also testified informing the Panel that she and her children live at the Boys Quarters in the Deputy Governor’s Lodge and has never perceived any odour emanating from the poultry house because it was always cleaned by poultry attendants.

On the allegation that the Deputy Governor refused to attend the meeting of the South East Governor’s Forum on July 6, this year, the security man at his private residence told the Panel that he was never given any manifest on the night of July 5th 2014 by

Barrister Emeka Asogwa, the Chief of Protocol.

He stated that Emeka Asogwa, visited the house of the Deputy Governor in the night of 5th July 2014 and spoke with the Deputy Governor on the phone before he was allowed to enter the premises. Samuel Odo, the driver to the Deputy Governor also testified informing the Panel that he drove the Deputy Governor to Onitsha for the flag-off of the second Niger Bridge on 13th March 2014 and that they arrived the venue at about 10 am.

However, when the Deputy Governor was expected to conclude his evidence on Wednesday while cross-examination by the prosecution was expected to follow but that was to come after the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Nwobodo and six other officials subpoenaed had testified before the panel.

When the panel observed that Mrs. Nwobodo was not present, the Deputy Governor was asked to commence his evidence which he did from 9.30 am to 11.35 am when he reportedly slumped and could not continue.

Political camp The panel continued with its proceedings yesterday but it could not be ascertained by press time if Mrs. Nwobodo and the six persons summoned along with her appeared before the panel.

The ongoing impeachment trial of the Deputy Governor has inevitably heightened tension in the state as the issue has dominated public discussions even as his kindred from Nkanu land in Enugu East Senatorial Zone which he had declared intention to represent at the Senate in 2015, had expressed their solidarity with him but lacked the courage to come out to defend him.

To Governor Chime and his political camp, the impeachment of the Deputy Governor would only take some time but it is a fait accompli, hence they have reportedly penciled down Onyebuchi’s successor from his Nkanu area to ensure that his people are not denied the seat that was zoned to them since 2007.

Onyebuchi had maintained that his greatest offence against the governor was his decision to seek election into the 2015 Senate to represent Nkanu East, the seat which the governor is believed to have reserved for one of his female loyal aides.

2015: The challenges of Jonathan

By CHIOMA GABRIEL

W

HEN the Chairman, PDP Board of Trust ees (BOT), Chief Tony Anenih last week announced in Calabar that President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the presidential election in 2015 on the platform of his party, many were not surprised.

It was an open secret. But others wondered if Anenih considered the many issues that could cause obstruction to Jonathan’s re-election bid. From Boko Haram, to the kidnap of Chibok girls, molehill of alleged cor-

Continues on page 27

•President Jonathan

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—27

Ebonyi’s strange democracy Even before the courts would pronounce on the case filed by the former speaker of the Ebonyi House of Assembly, Governor Martins Elechi led the heriarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to overturn the impeachment. What role the governor and the PDP have in sitting as umpire in an issue among House members is a wonder to many.

BYPETEROKUTU

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HE crisis rocking the Eb onyi State House of As sembly took another dimension when the group supportive of the impeached speaker of the House, Chukwuma Nwazunku filed a suit at the State High Court praying the court to restrain Hon. Helen Nwobashi from parading herself as the authentic Speaker of the State House Assembly.

Mrs. Nwobashi was elected speaker of the House on July 21, 2014 when 18 of the 24 members of the House in an early morning meeting removed Nwazunku from office upon sundry allegations of incompetence.

Meanwhile before the suit was filed, it was gathered that Nwazunku was asked by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Governor Martin Elechi to resign to allow the House during plenary reverse the impeachment notice.

Impeachment notice But in a dramatic twist, the governor during his recent meeting with party stalwarts insisted that Hon. Nwazunku remains the Speaker of the State House of Assembly and that he was never impeached.

But the party after a meeting with the house members told reporters that its findings showed that the Speaker was never impeached.

The party's position was made by the state governor, Chief Martin Elechi at the party's state secretariat in Abakaliki.

The Governor added that the decision to reinstate Nwazunku as the authentic speaker of the house is not negotiable.

His words; “Today being the eleventh day of August, 2014 exactly three weeks we woke up to hear the purported impeachment of speaker of the our House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku.

“Ever since then there have been reactions from all manner of people from, the informed, the uninformed and ill informed. We have read from the pages of the news-

papers of various comments and reactions from so on and so forth.

"Therefore, we as a party, we as a government remained calm and did every thing to unravel what led to the alleged impeachment of the speaker" "We interviewed both sides and they barred their minds and spoke frankly. On our own part, we believed that the issue that led to the alleged impeachment of the speaker were not good enough to justify any attempt of impeachment.

"We are also convinced that the allegationswhichthemembershad against him were in all respect improper and unacceptable".

"We also realized our duty and obligation to ensure peace in Ebonyi State not of course to deny the right of the honorable house to change its leadership as at and when it deems necessary.

"But we do not appropriate blames at that stage. We simply met with our elders and principal stakeholders in PDP and in executive armofgovernmentbyextensionthe entire Ebonyi State "Having considered all these and in the interest of justice, peace and fair play to prevail, we as a government, we as a party hereby state and affirm that Right Honourable Chukwuma Nwazunku was never impeached as being alleged. So he remains the Speaker of Ebonyi State Assembly and we shall continue to work with him".

Party's interference But the Minority Leader of the house, Hon Enyi C. Enyi described the party's interference in the matter as unconstitutional. "It is unconstitutional for anybody who is not the member of the house to interfere in its internal affairs". He added that no person except court of law can declare the impeachment of Nwazunku illegal.

AnAbuja-basedlegalpractitioner, Dr.EzeAnokeTuesdaycondemned Governor Martin Elechi's verdict on the impeachment of Hon. Chukwuma Nwazunku by the State House of Assembly.

In a chat with Vanguard, Anoke stated that the action of the gover-

•Elechi nor was a clear manifestation that the present administration was a threat to the growth of democratic principles in the State.

According to him, Ebonyi State House of Assembly had always supported Governor Elechi on passage of bills into law, appointment and sack of commissioners and local government officers among others but wondered why Governor Elechi should become overbearing on the House members who decided to change the leadership of the State House of Assembly.

Anoke emphasized the need for governors in the country to allow House members to embark on legislativeactivismassuchpracticewas necessary for the growth of democ-

racy in the State.

"The action of the governor will not portray him in a good light beforebothNationalandInternational community. The constitution of the Federal Republic allows for separation of powers but this is not the case in Ebonyi state where anything goes because of the selfish interest of our parochial politicians.

"For such controversial development, it is the court of competent jurisdiction that is allowed to handle it. Governor Elechi is not the court and his verdict doesn't hold water.IftheimpeachedSpeakerbelieves he has a good case, then he should allow the court to rule on the matter".

Meanwhile, the State High Court

sitting in Abakaliki would on 4th September determine whether it has the jurisdiction to entertain the case and also on the interlocutory injunction filed by the Nwazunkuled group seeking the court to restrain Hon. Helen Nwobashi from parading herself as Speaker of the State House of Assemby.

Also, the Helen-led group had also filed a suit at the State High Court sitting in Abakaliki praying the court to restrain Hon. Nwazuku fromparadinghimselfastheSpeaker of the State House of Assembly.

Also, security operatives have taken over the entire House of Assembly as no House member is allowed into premises of the complex.

2015: The challenges of Jonathan Continued from page 26 ruption, some of the issues surrounding the Jonathan administration are as strong as death.

At every point since he enthronement even as acting president, President Jonathan seems to have had one challenge or controversy almost always around him.

Remarkably, his administration has now been adjudged in some quarters as the weakest and the most challenged in the history of the country.

It is thus not surprising that the opposition has since its advent played up the negatives of the administration focusing on major sore points of the administration as insecurity, poor infrastructure and unemployment. The last is perceived by many as a time bomb that may explode in no distant time as more graduates are being churned out of tertiary institutions annually without any hope of profitable engagement.

Meddlesome opposition The APC has persistently painted the administration as one that swam in corruption and

lacked self-respect noting that its foot soldiers were people who had been shown to have been indicted for corruption.

For instance, when Dr. Okupe claimed government will generate 780,000 jobs through the ‘Young Graduate Employment Scheme’ and 5,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SUREP, opposition advised the teeming young graduates who have no jobs not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked by this promise, advising them to remember that this same administration promised to create 10,000 jobs in each of the 36 states through SURE-P in the past but couldn’t do so.

Jonathan severally got knocks on every issue ranging from security, conflicts, politics, governance, infrastructure and the opposition which threatened to make Nigeria ungovernable and made good their threat recently threatened to form a parallel government should Jonathan win 2015 presidential election.

Boko Haram If there is anything that has affected the

Continues on page 28

28—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

T

HE Osun State gubernatorial election, bitterly contested has been won by the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola in a hard way. Following the PDP victory in the neighbouring Ekiti State, the political pressure was on the APC to show that it controls the political soul of the South-Western zone of Nigeria.

One political factor is certain – it is not easy to dethrone a sitting government.

The opposition party lost to APC in Edo State; was defeated by Labour Party in Ondo State, and has just been declared loser in Osun State. The PDP‘s victory in Ekiti State was an aberration, defying even the classical rigging style of the old •gwild, wild West•h (Ekiti was part of the old Western Region). The old fashionable method would leave two or three local areas for the loser, but ensuring that the scores allocated would not affect the total votes awarded to the winner.

But in Ekiti State, the PDP addicted to its selfish principle of ‘winner-takes-all‘ would not favour the loser with any success. The party took everything, thus confounding not only its supporters but also media correspondents and respected columnists. Ekiti State election has just added a new concept to political philosophy – stomach infrastructure which was not unappreciated in Osun (rice and kerosene).

The closely fought election battle in Osun State perhaps, would provide ample room for researchers or political analysts on how election could be won in the face of heavily policed environment. Osun is a Yoruba State with different Yoruba dialects – the Ife (Ife dialect), Ijesha (Ijesha dialect), Ede, Ejigbo, Modakeke, Iwo, Osogbo (Oyo dialect) etc, while the votes of Ife areas (Omisore), and Ijesha areas (Aregbesola) evenly cancelled themselves out, but the votes of the Oyo speaking areas and Igbomina actually determined the winner. It looks as if any future electoral victory would rest on swings in the votes of Oyo and Igbomina (Ila) speaking areas. However, this factor does not diminish the heavy presence of security personnel as a major factor in limiting voters‘ participation in elections.

Continues from page 27 Jonathan administration more, it is the insecurity situation in the country. Since 2010, the Nigerian nation has almost on a daily basis experienced violations to life and property in the hands of the Islamic Boko Haram sect.

While some people believe that the insurgency is a result of social, religious, economic, and political imbroglio, the agenda of the insurgency in Nigeria is turning into a mystery. It had claimed to be anti-west and focused on the establishment of Islamic rule.

Nigerians, especially majority of Christians and even some Muslims who were of the view that Boko Haram represented an Islamic agenda had challenged devout Muslims to find means of curbing the nefarious activities of the sect that that has portrayed Islam in bad light.

But it is increasingly becoming clearer to Nigerians and the international community that Boko Haram was just a criminal gang using the name of Islam to perpetuate evil.

The bombings and killings in the north have degenerated over the years to the point of kidnapping school girls and taking over of an entire community, Gwoza by the terrorists. Nigerians are waiting to see how government translates its promises to secure their lives, meet its promises of increased power supply, implement its job creation strategies, reconstruct the nation’s landscape for better transportation, and boosts agricultural production for a better nourished populace.

Osun guber election: What next?

Although the principle of democracy has been followed in both Ekiti and Osun States in respect of period elections under multi-party system, the outcome has been the growth of bitterness and divisive tendencies among the Yoruba stock. In Ekiti, the loser, Fayemi (APC) quickly congratulated the winner (Fayose of PDP) which was a demonstration of political maturity. The Osun loser would not see any sense in congratulating the winner before going to court.

However, President Jonathan deserves support for doing the right thing by congratulating the winners in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun on the strength of results announced by INEC. The President‘s support is necessary for INEC to continue to improve in giving the country free and fair elections. This however, does not prevent INEC from improving its cumbersome voting pattern. Why not vote immediately after accreditation of voters?

This is the time to join others in congratulating the winner (Aregbesola) for being returned to power over his performance in his first term and also, to appeal to the loser (Omisore) to accept the situation. Omisore has seen political good days as Deputy Governor under Akande (AD) and was elected a Senator

(when in prison), and a past chairman of Appropriation Committee of the Senators early in this century. He failed to regain his Senate seat in 2011 and has not been elected as governor according to INEC‘s results in Osun. I believe there are many other ways of serving a nation besides the juicy politics.

THE PRESIDENT‘S ENEMIES From media reports, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan would appear as the most criticized (not abused) President in the past and recent times. I think a former President, Sheu Shagari shared that odious distinction. Apart from intellectual criticisms from his opponents (Awolowo and Azikiwe) in the 1979 Presidential elections, Shagari was even asked by the late social critic (Tai Solarin) to state how many literature books (English and not Arabic) he had read. Even Shagari could not escape the acerbic tongue of our own Obasanjo (a past President) who remarked that Shagari was ill prepared for the job of the President and •gwanted to be nothing more than a Senator which was no crime•h. But gentleman Shagari took all on his strides, and after a Buhari coup that toppled his government in 1983, he now resides happily in his modest farm in Sokoto.

The critics of President Jonathan are not his enemies but perhaps, his political good friends who would prefer his role as a Statesman rather than that of a wily political leader he is made to be at present. Many political and ethical errors are committed by his supporters in his name in order to ensure his re-election in 2015. By his education and demeanor, President Jonathan looks like the ideal Nigerian leader of all times.

However, the glamour of office and the push of the political sycophants often becloud his vision of true leadership and greatness. Hence, the growth of ethnic and religious schism in the country.

Before the scourge of Boko Haram and the election of President Jonathan in 2011, the lives and properties of many Southerners have been left in the brutal hands of marauders without compensation except the setting up of series of commission of enquiry whose reports are begging for implementation.

Under the present political dispensation, the religious and ethnic quests for political power in the Centre have continued with unabated fury.

The political history up to the end of the 20th century is a problem with sordid news of broken empires and countries and also, pleasant surprises of modern states, out of the murky waters of totalitarianism.

The valuable lesson is that a plural society needs an all inclusive government devoid of political divisive tendencies.

Some old countries that could not understand or manage their plural existence have ended in disintegration.

Those who can manage their own peculiarities like Switzerland and Belgium seem to be waxing stronger in prosperity.

The problems of Nigeria are increasing day by day. From Boko Haram insurgency, mass unemployment, armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual and political killings to the present Ebola virus, the answer lies only in political unity and not in the glaring political prospects of 2015, (but with its prognosis).

The ranging problems outlined above are the real enemies of President Jonathan and the country.

2015: The challenges of Jonathan Thousands of people have been killed in terror attacks in the North since the insurgents came on board.

Kidnap of Chibok girls This is perhaps, the greatest tragedy of the Jonathan administration. The abduction of about 300 Chibok school girls and the subsequent inability to rescue them have continued to generate outrage both at home and abroad. This is distasteful news to a country where, already, 10.5 million children of school age are out of school, and where no more than four per cent of girls in the North-East of Nigeria ever manage to complete secondary school.

Protests have come and died but the problem is beyond what money can buy.

There is no alternative to life and compensating the parents of the girls with money does not solve the problem when the girls are still alive and can be rescued.

The worst part of the story is that despite assistance by the international community, nothing has come out of it.

Recently, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) advised President Jonathan to forget his re-election in 2015 if the abducted schoolgirls are not released before the end of October.

The forum alleged that the frequent communal clashes in the north were engineered to weaken the region politically and economically as a way to exploit such weaknesses for electoral benefits in 2015.

The NEF in a statement signed by two members of the forum, Mr. Solomon Dalung and Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, had accused the presidency of lacking the will to fight insurgency even as it decried the deep-seated corruption and incompetence in the country, which it said has “allowed a band of terrorists to take and hold vast parts of our land and population hostage, while every citizen lives in fear that they will be its next victim. The security situation in our nation today represents the most serious threat to our individual and collective lives in our entire history.

Consistent identity “The reality is that the threat posed by what appears to be an insurgency that has many manifestations and defies a clear and consistent identity is growing due to the absence of a clear national consensus over its nature and its solutions.

“In the light of our firm conviction that the insurgency and related security challenges pose a threat to the 2015 elections and the survival of our nation, we strongly advise President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to bring an end to the insurgency in all its manifestations and produce the Chibok girls before the end of October, 2014.The circumstances under which our fellow citizens in and around Gwoza in Borno State in particular live and die

will not be tolerated by any people who have a government and a leader who swore to defend them, and they must be reversed immediately.

“If President Jonathan fails to do this, Nigerians will be left with the only conclusion that he has forfeited his right to ask for our mandate beyond 2015. At all cost, the 2015 elections must be free and fair. This means that any threat which may provide a cover for militarising the electoral process must be eliminated before the elections. Every part of Nigeria must participate in these elections, and no citizen should be deprived of his or her right to vote under any excuse,” the forum said.

Rotation of power As 2015 general elections draw closer, the fact that the “North” is strongly opposed to Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition is becoming more vehement. The actions and inaction of those who claim to represent and speak for the north have become more glaring to political observers. So many voices are rising from the north in the bid to stop Jonathan’s ambition for 2015.

To these northerners, Jonathan by the doctrine of necessity has served Yar’ Adua’s two-term in office and contesting another term would be a third. For the North the strident opposition to Jonathan’s reelection could backfire and garner more support for Jonathan from the south.

Vanguard, FRIDAY , AUGUST 15, 2014—29

Otedola’s daughter opens up on music career My parents are pushing me to be the best – DJ Cuppy NOT minding her stupendously rich background, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, aka, DJ Cuppy, decided to pick a career in the world of music;waiting in line like everyone, picking the pieces of her life, to create a new world for herself. In this interview, the billionaire’s daughter, who has touched all facets of entertainment, from Disco Jockeying, to music, scriptwriting amongst others, talks about her journey into entertainment and her personal life.

Have they been commercially

By ANOZIE EGOLE released?

Yes, they have been released OW was growing up last year 2013 July. It is a new like? version of old songs. One thing I will say that growing up was I am very passionate about is my actually colourful. I used to be a country. I have lived half of my very playful, naughty child that life in Nigeria and the rest in UK, always asked questions. I am al- so in my songs, I reflected the ways intrigued by things. There culture there. I also made sure was a time I turned my living that whenever I am in the UK room into a studio. I was always or any part of the world dovery playful. I grew up here in ing my job, I take a piece G.R.A, Ikeja Lagos. I had fun of Nigerian songs growing up. with me. I love NiTell us about your journey into gerian music. I music? am proud My name is Ifeoluwa Otedola. p l a y i n g I am 21 years old. I have always Nigeriloved music, even as a child and I am very passionate about young people. I am greatly honoured when young people approach me to say they like what I am doing. I am also establishing my own company which is into publishing and management. I have a 10-year plan to change the face of entertainment in Nigeria.

What is your album all about?

I have many tracks in the album. There is one I titled, “I love my people”. That one talks about the good stuffs of Nigeria. I tried as much as possible, to portray our cultural settings in the music. I have another one, “Oyelano”.

H

Ruggedman professes love for Chidinma C M Y K

an music anywhere. But it is the House music I play that makes me unique.

What medium of expression did you use to sing “I love my country”?

Because it is a powerful song I put it in a medium that would be very simple to understand. I put it in a medium different from House music and Techno music.

I think because of globalization, the country is becoming more open to new sounds. So for me, getting something that was very Nigerian and something that any one can listen to is exactly what I need. I got some Nigerian sounds and merged them with my own and some other sounds, t h a t was

how I got the fusion of Afro-beat and House music I used.

How do you intend to get your House music accepted considering the fact that Nigerians only love Afro-pop or Hip-hop?

Music is never static, it is always evolving. What we play today is quite different to what was being played in the past. There is a new music going on now, Cona by Mafikizolo and it already has a big market in Nigeria. This is a good sign that our people are ready for new sounds and willing to accept them.

Is doing your own songs and releasing them part of your 10year plan?

When you talk about my 10-year plan, it is one of the

I don’t see Olamide, Wizkid, others as threats — Lace

reasons why I started my own company. As far as Nigerian music and Nigerian musical content is concerned, I feel like, there is so much to do on a larger global field. I think we are underestimating the power of our music. Now that it is being accepted outside the country we should tap in to give it more global appeal. Part of my plan is to provide opportunity for African artistes to have a global platform.

Global platform I am not talking about forming a musical group but talking about having a structure to recognise publishing rights. In modern times, I see DJs and producers becoming more relevant in the business of music.

So I think moving forward will involve a lot of changes in the industry. Looking at the business side of music, we need to commercialize these talents. I ask myself, how can it be used as business. You have to look at how the industry is growing and how artistes are trying to protect their contents.

So, I am actually doing my masters in New York City and I will be doing a course in music business. I am looking forward to studying the legal side of entertainment, that is, studying Entertainment Law. A lot of music talents get wasted because, they are not well protected, their contents do not last long. When I talk about 10-year plan project, I know it is going to be a gradual process. I want a situation where Nigerian music will be very lucrative.

How supportive are your parents in your choice of career?

I will say that I am very lucky, Continues on page 30

Nokia comes bold 'N' bigger in XL dual

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Synopsis

Single, Married and Complicated centres on the

realities of our very lives which are always before us and as long as we live there are some things we cannot deny..

It is a re-plotted tale of love, life and living it as they seek to find an answer to the question.. What do Men really want?

Well.. we all have our answers but at the end of it all we realise that many will be single, some married and quite a few.. simply complicated.

My parents are pushing me to be the best – DJ Cuppy

The movie SINGLE,MARRIED AND COMPLICATED will be releasing on Friday, 15th August,2014.

TOP MOVIES OF THE WEEK HERCULES THINK LIKE A MAN 22 JUMP STREET ONE NIGHT IN VEGAS AKAN

Exhibition Schedule from August 15th - 21st Continues from page 29 I have the most supportive parents in the world. And I have the most supportive team in the world. My parents push me to be the best version of myself. I think it is all about being the best version of myself and not trying to be someone else. I am very lucky to have the kind of parents that are pushing and challenging me to be the best I can.

Being someone from a very rich background, people will always think that you have certain advantages over others?

A lot of times, people get distracted by the background information. I am where I am following my dreams and doing a very exciting project. Yes, maybe it is shadowed by my background but with time people will come to see that it is passion and talent that has worked for me.

You were made the official DJ for MAMA, can you share the experience with us?

Yes, I was actually the official DJ for MTV African award this year. What happened is that they approached me and told me they love what I am doing, especially with House music.

House music House music is big in South Africa and they love what I am doing with different sounds.I have done DJ work in different countries including Mexico. My job keeps me on my toes and I get to see different things. I am always up for a challenge.

How did you come about the name,“CUPPY”?

My stage name as you all know is DJ Cuppy. It comes from the word Cupcake.

When I was very young I was obsessed with Cupcake. Because of that I choose DJ Cupcake but later asked myself if it is a name I would still like when I grow older. And when my friends started calling me all sorts of names because of the name I changed it to Cuppy.

How do you hope to survive in this male dominated profession?

That is a very interesting question and I think it is all about work line balance. To be honest, I am not very good at the moment, I work all the time. If I am not working, I am thinking of work. Like I said, I am not just a DJ, I run a music company.

C M Y K

It is just a balance of everything. Being in a business that is mostly dominated by men, makes me more comfortable and confident.

I just started and I am going for world domination.

You were quite impressive at the MTV award; how did you manage that?

I always say this is a job and you are there to satisfy your client. For me, if the dancehall is empty, it means that I am not doing my job. It is a matter of research. Before I went for that MTV award, for more than a week, I was busy researching South African music. I make sure I am very well prepared. My mother always tell me, ‘If you fail to plan you plan to fail’.

How good are you in Yoruba Language?

Honestly, I embarrass myself with the accent. I have lived half of my life in Lagos and half in London. I fully understand the language and love the culture and tradition but when I speak the language, I embarrass myself many times.

It is all over the internet that you have something for Ice Prince, how true is that?

Ice Prince is a friend of mine and we are actually working on a new song together.

When you told your mum about your DJ career, what was her first reaction?

My mother has actually been my everything. She has been very supportive of my career. She is such a strong woman, I only wish I can be half of what she is. All I know is that it is always good to do what you love. I also love to do business and that is why I am combining music and business together. From onset, I have always had this entrepreneurial spirit to run my own business one day, that, I will say I got from my dad.

Do you have plans of breaking into Nollywood?

No, I am not breaking into Nollywood. I am involved in a children animation which will be coming out very soon. I am one of the casts and I am very honoured. There are several ways of expressing oneself other than acting.

How much support do you get from your dad?

He is not only my mentor. He is very involved in my adventures. When I have shows he will help me go through the list.

He is very passionate about music. He loves music a lot, when I was 6 years old, I remembered listening to Fela’s music with him in the car.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, VICTORIA ISLAND Hercules: 2:25pm, 6:30pm, 8:25pm, 10:20pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 4:00pm, 6:15pm, 8:35pm 22 Jump Street : 11;30am, 4:30pm, 8:30pm Think like a Man too : 12:15pm, 4:25pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, IKEJA Hercules: 11:10am, 1:10pm, 5:20pm, 7:20pm, 9:20pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 10:30am, 2:55pm, 7:15pm Think like a Man too : 12:50pm, 6:15pm, 10:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, SEC ABUJA Hercules: 4:40pm, 7:10pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 1:20pm, 3:40pm, 6:00pm, 8:20pm 22 Jump Street : 12:40pm, 2:50pm, 5:00pm, 7:10pm, 9:20pm, Think like a Man too : 3:05pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Hercules: 3:20pm, 7:15pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 11:40am, 2:00pm, 6:30pm 22 Jump Street : 16:20pm, 8:50pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, PORT HARCOURT Hercules: 6:00pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 11:20pm, 1:40pm, 4:00pm, 6:20pm, 8:40pm 22 Jump Street : 11:00pm, 4:00pm, 8:20pm One night Vegas : 2:30pm, 6:40pm, 8:30pm Think like a Man too : 1:50pm Devil in a dress : 12:20pm, 4:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, WARRI Hercules: 12:50pm, 5:05pm, 7:00pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, UYO Single, Married, And Complicated: 11:40am, 2:00pm, 4:20pm, 6:40pm Akan: 12:30pm, 2:40pm, 4:45pm, 7:00pm 22 Jump Street : 11:40am, 2:10pm, 6:50pm One night in Vegas : 12:40pm, 2:40pm Jump And Pass: 4:40pm Number one fan : 11:30am, 1:20pm, 3:10pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm Jump And Pass : 4:05pm, 5:40pm, 7:15pm OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Hercules: 1:30pm, 3:20pm, 5:15pm, 7:10pm Think like A Man too : 9:00pm Transformer 4 : 10:15am Bad Neighbour: 9:00pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, LAGOS Hercules: 2:45pm, 4:53pm, 6:25pm, 8:15pm, Single, Married, And Complicated: 2:55pm FILM HOUSE HERITAGE MALL, IBADAN Hercules: 2:50pm, 4:45pm, 6:45pm, 8:40pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 1:50pm, 5:50pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS SAMONDA Hercules: 1:45pm, 3:40pm, 5:40pm, 7:40pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 2:30pm FILM HOUSE CINEMAS, CALABAR Hercules: 1:50pm, 8:20pm Single, Married, And Complicated: 12:40pm, 4:40pm, 8:35pm 22 Jump Street : 1:50pm, 4:00pm, 6:10pm, 8:20pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—31

Ruggedman professes love for Chidinma

By ANOZIE EGOLE

N

IGERIAN rapper, Michael Stephens Ugochukwu, aka, Ruggedman, has shown he doesn’t mind being a love-struck wreck for the Kedike crooner, Chidinma as he openly professed his love directly to the petite beauty in a radio programme which had two of them in attendance.

And it seemed the Ruggedman’s confession of love hit the right spot of the MTN project fame winner, Chidinma, who reportedly smiled at the comment, and

Stakes get tougher on ‘Star The Winner Is’ as Rhema shines

e c I 9 s a s n o i t c a e R l a c i t i l o p s e r a l c de ambition G

ONGO Aso crooner, Abolore Akande, known as 9Ice who has somewhat disappeared from the music scene for a while has resurfaced, only this time as a political aspirant, of a yet-to-be declared political party. The singer officially made public his intent to contest for the House of Representatives seat for Ogbomosho North/South/Orire Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the February general election of 2015 on Tuesday.

9Ice is the latest entertainer to declare intent to run for an elective office come 2015 general elections. Only last week, ace comedian, Julius Agwu rolled out his posters, declaring his ambition to be the next governor of rivers State.

Others who have also caught the political bug include Jibola Dabor, Kate Henshaw, Desmond Elliot and a handful of others, warming up to do same.

C M Y K

However, 9Ice’s declaration has generated avalanche of reactions as some believed the singer doesn’t have what it takes to be a leader while others contend that he should be given a chance.

One critic, named Fola on Best of Nollywood chat-room platform fired at the singer, saying the singer is irresponsible. “9ice is an irresponsible fellow who could not hold a marriage. This guy’s ambition is dead on delivery” he writes.

But another respondent, Bimbo Johnson on the platform replied Fola, saying “It’s nice to have 9ice in the affairs of this country. It’s a welcome development, if young, intelligent, brave and energetic Nigerians begin to stand up and get involved in serving this great country” The chats go back and forth with most questioning the Alapomeji’s personality, education, sophistication and ability to present motions and defend them as a lawmaker.

promised to feature the rapper in her next music video.

Ruggedman, also known as Ruggedy Baba, came into limelight through his controversial hit track, ‘Ehen’, which featured Nomoreloss.

He also later dropped ‘Baraje’ single, which ruled the airwaves back then.

Recall that recently, Ruggedy Baba, was made the United Nation’s ambassador for peace. He is also CEO Rugged Record.

I

T was indeed a night of heartwarming and exciting performances as the road to becoming 10Million Naira and a brand new car richer grew tougher for contestants on Star The Winner Is 4th episode last weekend.

After 10 rigorous performances with contestants desperately battling in duels for their voices to shine against their opponents, 23-year-old Rhema Osbourne emerged victorious securing a well-deserved spot in the semifinals.

With undeniable good looks and an amazing vocal range to complement, charming Rhema took to powerful deliveries of Chris Brown’s Don’t judge me, Fairy tale by Liquideep and Lionel Richie’s

classic, Hello and proved why he was the jury’s favorite.

Other contestants from the episode, Temisan Francis, Haitee Olajorin, Micheal Emeka, Uju Prince and Treasure Clement also rendered quality performances but not enough to impress the 101-jury members.

The last round of the episode was a particularly heated one with sultry singer Treasure and Rhema going head to head in the battle, Treasure however lost the round and sadly lost an opportunity to walk away with 400,000 naira.

Winning the episode propels Rhema to join Philip, Brenda, and Happiness from previous three episodes in the race for 10 million naira and a brand new car.

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

I don’t see Olamide, Wizkid, others as threats —Lace T

AIWO Agbohunsa popularly known as Lace, who said he looks up to Akon, Tuface and Wande Coal has just dropped a hot new single titled ‘Turn by Turn’ Lace, an artiste with Foxtrot records, has been in the industry for a while, but after a long hiatus, he is back, better and bigger. He has reinstated himself back into the industry by dropping a hot new single titled ‘Turn by Turn’.

The new single is already enjoying massive airplay.

He feels that he has what it takes to succeed in the industry. According to the ‘Se bi wo’ crooner other established artists are not threats to him “Olamide, Wizkid and other established artistes are not threats. We are not in competition, we are colleagues but at the same time we task each other to become better.”

Speaking further, Lace says, “the desire to create something more than the usual is what motivates me. I want to make a difference in the music industry. I look up to people like Akon, Tuface, most especially Wande Coal, and all other artists who are doing good songs.

Seeing what they have been able to achieve gives me the strength and the will to put more effort. I want to be a model of an impactful artist, someone who can be said to have given his all to music.”

Why I didn’t study music in school —NS Ben

By ANOZIE EGOLE

W

ITH educational background in Biological Science from Kogi State University, the rave-of-the moment, NS Ben, has opened up to his numerous fans on the reasons why he chose not to study music in school.

The talented singer who is putting everything together for the release of his hit single, “Karambani”, said that, “I choose to study Biological Science instead of music because, as a little child, I have a very big interest in life and nature. I also needed to have a professional experience. I know music is a God-given talent which must surely come to reality one day. What inspires my music, are my experiences in life. My latest single is all about how a pretty lady made me to Karambani. Karambani, is an Hausa word which means, living to impress,”he said.

Oge’s Sister is a movie that teaches family values– Uche Jombo C M Y K

U

CHE Jombo Rodrigu ez, one of the foremost female movie producers in the Nigerian movie industry is out with a new movie titled ‘Oge’s Sister’.

‘Oge’s Sister’ is the story of two sisters, Oge and Esther who lost their mother unexpectedly. They had to redefine their lives; one of them for a good cause, while the other finds a way of shutting out the pains of

losing a loved one. Their lives became contrasting; everything threatened to draw them further apart…what becomes of these two women as they look for ways to put their lives back together? These answers you will find in ‘Oge’s Sister ’.

According to her “Oge’s sister is a movie that is first and foremost meant to teach families and especially sisters that unity and love

makes all the difference. It is a movie that all movie lovers would be pleased to see. This movie I am proud to say is a very wonderful one, even if I say so myself ”.

The movie which features Uche Jombo, Seun Akindele, and an upcoming Nollywood star Yvonne Jegede, is scheduled for release in February 2015 and would be in cinemas across the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—33 With PRINCE OSUAGWU princeosuagwu@gmail.com 08050498513

Nokia comes bold 'N' bigger in XL dual

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

W

HY would Nokia wait for now to bring the best?Perhaps it ‘s new motto is the saying "save the best for last.’ With the way it's now going, does the tech giant have there more up its sleeve?

Of all the device makers who are cashing in on the market research that discovered Nigerian phone lovers to prefer bold screen and multiple SIM devices, only Samsung has been able to think of it on the high end, with its Grand Duos, Galaxy Grand devices.

But the recent release of Nokia's XL, a dual SIM brand, brings a different dimension into mobile phone space with multiple Sim specifications. This could probably be a swoopin on the market. No one expected it from Nokia. Though it has other brands on dual sim specifications, they have been on the low end spectrum.

As its name suggests, the Nokia XL is a large device. The 5-inch device is the largest in Nokia’s family of Androidrunning phones. However, the XL like others in the X series,

carries Nokia's customized version of dual-SIM connectivity, and 5-megapixel main camera and a secondary, front cam.

For users like me, Nokia disappointed in the thickness and weight of the device. Not only is it thick, it's also very

heavy, measuring about 190g.

But it compensates with its usual solid architecture. One can hold the device tightly without fear of having it creak.

Design-wise, the XL follows Nokia’s signature design language with a soft plastic wraparound shell. Apart from one

back key in front, all physical keys are on the right side including the power/lock key in the middle, and the volume rocker above it, and both are plastic, comfortably within reach of your thumb and very easy to press.

It doesn't have much of the sharp screen you can see on the Nokia PureView 808, but there are great and vivid colours and Outdoors.

The screen comes with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, which works out to a pixel density of the very low 189ppi.

Like most phones, it may be difficult to use under direct sunlight. The user may have

Charcoal microwave oven sends memories down ‘village lane’ I

F you grew up in the village, then it’s a no-brainer to guess the first thought that struck you when you heard about LG's new charcoal microwave tech innovation. Back in those days when it took a forceful blow of breeze either from a hand fan or the mouth to disperse thick smoke, for the fire to light the charcoal stove for your food to get done.

Those days, when compared to now, couldn't have been fun. So what is LG thinking bringing sad memories back?

In those days, one would judge whether or not a lady is marriage material by how dark her knees are- meaning that the darker her knees are portrays how dedicated to cooking for the family she has been! Though, traditionally it is believed that food cooked under the charcoal condition, has a unique gourmet taste, who would actually want those days back?

Home cooking has seen some very good transformation, particularly since the arrival of microwave ovens. Though this trusty heat-and-eat device comes in handy, and truly makes cooking easier and healthier, many of the conventional versions sacrifice that gourmet taste.

That taste however, is what LG said was behind its introduction of the new Lightwave Charcoal Microwave oven.

It said that with capabilities such as Charcoal Lighting Heater, Grill Temp C M Y K

Control and Multifunctional cooking, The Lightwave Oven is revolutionary.

The charcoal lighting heater enables users cook with a revolutionary charcoal filament for tastier, all natural, deep even cooking in a shorter time.

Charcoal heating is a world’s 1st heating grill that enhances water heat absorption, cooking more naturally and efficiently compared to conventional sheath, like real charcoal grilling.

Speaking on the new product, General Manager, Home Appliances Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Hyunwoo Jung, said: “On first glance, it may appear to resemble a microwave oven, but it outperforms both

microwave and convectional ovens through its advanced technology.

For him, with the oven, meals can now be prepared in a third of the time of a traditional convection oven.

The Charcoal Lighting Heater uses a charcoal filament to maintain a more even heat-flow that gives food that healthy, natural flavor. With the Charcoal Lighting Heater, dishes such as chicken or lamb become delectably crispy on the outside and irresistibly juicy on the inside. The Lightwave Oven also produces meals that are healthier than those cooked in conventional ovens by allowing food retain its natural flavours.

to be forcing his stare or shielding the screen due to high reflectivity of the screen.

But what thrills is its lively, vivid colours and it has apparently the best screen on an affordable phone in the market today.

It was so shocking, to hear, recently, that Nokia, an undoubtedly top brand in the mobile market ceded its Mobile arm to Microsoft, another top flight brand. People wondered why, because Microsoft's venture into mobile devices in the past had been anything but successful. At least its first stint in the business was with Kin mobile and lasted not more than two years.

Social netwoking Kin was a short-lived mobile phone line from Microsoft designed for users of social networking.Microsoft targeted the phones towards men and women between ages of 15 and 30.

It was manufactured by Sharp Corporation and sold through Verizon Wireless.

It was reported that Microsoft invested about $1billion in two years developing the Kin platform which based on Windows CE. The Kin ONE and TWO went on the market in May 2010.

Within two months, Verizon stopped selling the phones because of poor sales.

As a result Microsoft scrapped its planned European release, stopped promoting the devices, ceased production, and reassigned the Kin development team to other projects.

But it's becoming so interesting these days to see these two, relatively conservative companies, coming out of their shelves to join the trendy outlook of today's mobile world.

It now gives a better understanding as to why they fused. Nokia XL is an innovation.

34 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Ebola scare:

•Labaran Maku

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BOLA remains the most dreaded word in the Nigerian- even West African vocabulary right now, pushing HIV/AIDS, malaria, typhoid and hepatitis B to the background of oblivion.

It is deadlier than typhoid and like HIV and hepatitis B, it has no known cure. But by far the most frightening thing about the scourge is that so little is known about it: its symptoms (they are more or less the same as those of malaria, typhoid and influenza), as well as its modes of transmission.

Many questions remain unanswered.

If the virus can only be transmitted by a dying sufferer, how come Patrick Sawyer- the Liberian who purportedly imported the virus into Nigeria- appeared healthy and yet was able to transmit it? How did the virus get to Anambra state where there had been no reported cases of Ebola? If the disease can only be caught when in direct contact with sufferers’ body fluids, why is the wearing of masks recommended?

There are other questions.

Does everyone who comes into contact with Ebola compulsorily catch it? Like most diseases caused by pathogens (disease causing germs), can it lie dormant permanently in the body? What role does the host’s immunity play?

Only Wednesday morning was one of the questions answered. Information Minister Labaran Maku disclosed to State House journalists that the nurse, who had previous-

ly had contact with the Liberian Ebola patient Patrick Sawyer, fled quarantine in Lagos, and returned to her home in Enugu. This risky decision, and her resulting contact with 20 other people, have put the government on high alert.

Minister of Information Labaran Maku has disclosed that the nurse and the 20 people she was in contact with are currently under surveillance in Enugu.

Perhaps the host of unanswered questions, more than the disease itself, is responsible for the widespread panic and mass hysteria that has pervaded the entire country.

While quips about Ebola have become standard jokes, it is from a sadistic rather than light hearted outlook that leave a bad taste in the mouth and fills you with more dread than comfort. Deaths have been recorded of people trying to avoid catching Ebola by the rather unconventional means of ingesting large amounts of cooking salt in the northern part of the country.

But considering there is no known cure, where really is the place of alternative remedies in all of this?

While the salt remedy has been roundly discountenanced, talk about previous research by former INEC boss and professor of pharmacognosy Maurice Iwu which fingered bitter kola as a possible cure, has been dead on arrival, despite having been reported by the BBC as far back as 1999 and the discovery being announced at the 16th International Botanical Congress in St Louis in the US.

Controversy, facts and alternative remedies According to a source in Sierra Leone which accuses western corporate interests of undermining local alternatives, that country’s Natural Solutions Foundation (NSF) claimed that it communicated 11 days to the three presidents of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone that a herb called “Nano Silva” cures Ebola without leaving behind any toxic imprint and or causing any side effects on patients. NSF claimed that Nano Silva is available in large quantity and can actually CURE Ebola for good.

“But why has Nano Silva not been tried?” the source asked Lipstick. “Unconfirmed reports within the government hierarchy in Guinea say the recent use of Nano Silva is one of the reasons Guinea is miraculously recovering from Ebola as the disease claims more lives in Liberia and Sierra Leone”.

Olufolahan Emmanuel, a food supplements manufacturer in Lagos recommends through Lipstick that carriers stick to therapeutic foods pending the availability of other remedies. “ I advise that infected and quarantined should drink 7 cloves of garlic three times after food daily for at least one week. May save lives…”

Meanwhile Dr. Wole Adebajo, head of Pathology at the General Hospital Lagos Island tells Lipstick he can only support “empirically proven remedies”.

•Sawyer and wife “I have heard the one about potash and curry. As a doctor I know how the Ebola virus attacks the system on the cellular level, so I can guess what is feasible and what is not. Let me use this analogy.

It is a well known fact that a good umbrella will keep the user wet. That, one can endorse, but if someone comes and says they have a basket that can keep you dry…”

Asked why everyone who comes into contact with a carrier seems to be getting it sometimes even when they are wearing protective gear, he agrees that the natural immune system should ordinarily be able to protect the body.

“Don’t forget that when the victim is dying, there is fluid all over the place: they are throwing up, stooling, weeping and are being given infusions. When you talk about immunity, you are talking

about people who eat well”.

He says the average Nigerian’s diet is inadequate in quantity and quality, and living conditions are dire.

“In a place like Lagos that is so crowded. People are on the BRT bus and need to stand. They are holding on to a pole and bumping into people. It is important for people to be aware”.

Another medical practitioner who wishes to remain anonymous- the medical director of a private hospitaltells Lipstick he is terrified of the whole thing, since many of those affected in Liberia and Sierra Leone are medical practitioners taking care of Ebola victims.

“Unless government has changed yesterday, we can predict they will be spending more money on press than they would on doing the needful”.

Odeyemi installed Lions District Governor

By ANINO AGANBI

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NGINEER Abiola Odeyemi was re cently installed Governor of Lions District 404B-1. Present at the event were members of his family, Lions club members, presidents and other dignitaries.

In his acceptance speech, an elated Odeyemi expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve.

“I am happy to be installed as the pioneer District Governor of District 404B1 Nigeria for the 2014-2015 Lions' year.

“The journey to the governorship position started in Akure in 2012 when I was elected

by delegates to the position of the 2nd Vice District Governor. It was with great honour that I assumed leadership of the nascent District as a result of the mandate given to me by all Lions at the last Multiple District Convention”.

“Although the International President's theme for the year is 'Strengthen the Pride, District Governor's theme is 'Service and Caring' which depicts a situation where all members of the Lions family have joined together to achieve the vision of the organisation which can only be actualized when it is pursued vigorously with care “, Odeyemi said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 —

Revamp your space in 5 steps

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gos a L s r e n t ar UNFPA p o r women in on care f c y emergen

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

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1. Make a Statement dd a statement piece that steals the atten tion and creates the ‘ wow’ effect – it can range from a bright chair to eclectic lamps, floor vases, dainty curtains or chic art on the wall.

Change the position of lighting to change a room’s mood.

A perception of more space or a cosier feel can also be achieved with a simple adjustment or two. Tea-lights, lanterns and funky lampshades are all great options available to renew a room.

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2. Flora and Fauna Indoor plants, available at low prices, can act as a mood enhancer in any room; they’re easy to maintain and generate a feeling of freshness in your living space. Artificial fauna can also have the same effect.

3. Know the Major Colour Families The two main families are “ warm” colours (red, orange, yellow, etc.) and “cool” colours (blue, green, purple, etc.)

Generally speaking, you want to stay within one family as crossing lines can be awkward if not done well. If you have a red sofa, for example, look for warmer tones and colours when choosing rugs, art, chairs, etc.

4. Declutter You don’t need an interior designer to make your home look better. What would make a world of difference is to rid your home of clutter. Resolve to throw away, donate, or sell at least a bag full of stuff every weekend, and you’ll find your home looking much more

spacious.

5 Replace Your Toilet Seat If your toilet seat and cover are looking a bit raggedy, replace them with brand-new ones if they’re too worn to clean. Consider getting the seat and cover in a material that you can easily clean.

HE physiological make-up of women puts them at higher risk and in need of special care, both in conflict and emergency situations. This fact therefore inspired an ongoing 5-day workshop entitled ‘Minimum Intervention Service Package for Traumatized Women and Children’ by the Lagos State Ministry for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, WAPA, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, in Lagos.

The training designed for desk officers attending to traumatized women and children in crisis and domestic violence cases in the state, according to the Assistant Representative, UNFPA, Mr.Osaretin Adonri, would sensitize emergency officers on the essential needs of women and children in such situations.

“Our mandate at UNFPA is to ensure every birth is safe, every child is wanted and that every young person fulfills his or her potentials. WAPA is our principal ally on this and that is why we have decided to carryout this training also known as Minimum Initial Package for Reproductive Health. In emergency situations, everything is disrupted and usually, people focus on providing mattresses, food and mosquito nets for the displaced and forget some vital needs of women and children.

“For example, a woman having her monthly flow would need sanitary towels as she cannot get any to buy at that time, and would also need help if pregnant. That is why this training seeks to sensitize and empower core officers to be able to take care of these minimum needs.

These officers will be equipped with emergency kits like a first aid box. This training is also replicated, though not simultaneously, by the UNFPA in other states because we do not have to wait for crisis or disaster, like the flood that displaced people a couple of years ago in Lagos, to happen, before positioning people”, Osaretin explained while speaking at the flag-off of the workshop.

Director, Women Affairs Department, WAPA, Mrs.Folashade Ogunaike, added that the workshop would include the implementation of life-saving activities and actions that prevent illnesses, trauma, etc. among women and children.

“Aside disaster, violence against women is on the rise despite efforts by government and all. Hence, we need to equip officers handling these cases as well. Nobody plans for emergencies but in reality, we must prepare for it to be able to assist women and children whenever it happens”, Folashade said.

Africa Magic evolves! Redefined for your convenience

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OCAL movie lovers who sub scribe to the leading paid digi tal television service providers DSTV and GoTV will have noticed something slightly different about the popular entertainment channels as from the 1st of August, 2014. This is because the channels are changing their names, marking the debut of the brand new Africa Magic channel identities.

Apparently, the changes are being rolled out as part of Africa Magic’s development strategy, as the brand looks to become even more accessible by ensuring that each of its channels are clearly defined, not just in content but also in name; and they’ll still have the same great African programming, the same dazzling African stars and the same unforgettable African storytelling.

This is according to M-Net Director for West Africa, Wangi MbaUzoukwu, who explains the reasoning behind the decision and what it

represents for Africa Magic viewers: “Africa Magic has grown very fast and we’ve been pushed by the market to launch multiple channels to meet the demand for home-grown content. As a result, we had spent more time focussed on the content of the channels using basic naming conventions for channel names. Now, it’s time to give these channels strong names that will allow them to speak directly to what they are. This is very important to us because we want our audiences to have the convenience of knowing exactly which channel offers them the programming that they are specifically looking for.”

The name changes, which will be seamlessly incorporated on air so as to cause no inconvenience to viewers, will include Africa Magic Entertainment (DStv channel 150/151), home to such hit original shows as Tinsel, Kona and StarGist, which is becoming Africa Magic Showcase.

Africa Magic Movies (DStv channel 152) is becoming Africa Magic Epic Mov-

ies in celebration of the epic stories it tells in keeping with its personality of being rooted in culture; Africa Magic Movies 1 (DStv channel 153) is becoming Africa Magic Urban Movies, a tribute to its ‘real life, real stories’ outlook that is based on contemporary tales told in modern settings and the original Africa Magic channel (DStv channel 154) will also be changing its name and is becoming Africa Magic Family, simply titled because coming home to the channel is just like coming home to family. The first Africa Magic channel ever created, it’s become like family to most television viewers on the continent and is jam-packed with your favourite stars and stories.

“With the rest of the Africa Magic channels staying exactly as they are (Hausa, Swahili, World and Yoruba), you don’t have to look further than any of the 8 Africa Magic channels to get your daily dose of super African entertainment content. There is so much to look out for, with many other exciting programmes like Big Brother Africa season 9 coming to Africa Magic soon,” Mba-Uzoukwu added.

36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Health Department clarifies position of suspected Ëbola virus in Benin Republic

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FFICIALS of the Ministry of Health at a news briefing in Cotonou, have explained issues surrounding the admission of a patient with the Ebola virus from Nigeria at the County Hospital, CHD, of in Porto-Novo, Capital of the Republic of Benin. According to their statements, the analyzes have not yet revealed the disease even if the patient has symptoms associated with it. For now, there is a suspected case of the Ebola disease.

The Deputy Chief of Staff of the Minister of Health, Mouphalilou Abubakar, said of the persistent rumours: “This is a patient of

21 years who came from Nigeria and was admitted to the County hospital of Porto-Novo. The suspected person could not speak. He had diarrhoea and was vomiting. He was not in good physical condition.

These are the cases that we often get in our hospitals.

The patient and his companions were isolated."

Dr. Abubakar said it was unwise at this time to talk about a case of Ebola, noting, “This is a suspected case, but this is not confirmed yet. Samples have been made to confirm or not the Ebola disease. Hë, however, indicated that those samples will be analyzed

abroad, because Benin Republic does not have a laboratory capable of detecting Ebola cases. We tell people to keep calm. We have taken security measures at our borders."

He advised the people to observe the rules of hygiene and avoid eating bush meat.

On his part, Dr. Orou Bagou Yorou Chabi called on Beninoise to stop the consumption of meat from monkeys, bats and other animals in the bush, adding, “everyone is on high alert. The situation is under control.

Beninoise political alliance petitions Obama over governance is banned from all

Antoine Idji Kolawolé, Member of Parliament, former foreign minister, former president of the National Assembly and member of the political party “Union fait la Nation,” has sent a petition to the American president, Barack Obama. In the petition, he asks Obama'to examine the state of governance in the Republic of Benin. Excerpts:

public service media, and our appeal before the court failed to remedy this situation.

Mr. President, Of great concern today to the people of Benin Republic are two crucial issues. These are the permanent electoral list computerBeninoise president, Boni Yayi ized, LEPI, and the R. President, We are appealing to end of the term of President Boni Yayi. The you, on the occasion of the meet- municipal and local elections have not been ing you are organizing on August 5 and 6, held for a year and a half, failing electoral 2014, with a large number of leaders of the list, transparent, delayed on purpose.

African continent. The Union Nation, UN, Right now, an electoral list is being comis a political alliance in the Republic of piled and we have every reason to fear Benin, the main opposition political alli- that it is anything but consensual and transance, engaged in parliament and in polit- parent. The government there has only the ical action in general, against the policies essential levers including material and fiof President Boni Yayi. nancial. An Independent National ElecAs you know, the countries and peoples toral Commission has been designated, of Africa do not always have balance and and the president has at its head, one of fairness in relations with the developed his closest men. world. Our hope is that you intend today President Boni Yayi promised as usual, to engage the United States in a radically that his second term would be the last, new and exciting partnership with Africa. according to the Constitution of Benin, but The country is hungry for justice and fair- now many and varied signs make us fear ness. America has the means to contribute the opposite. To prepare public opinion for mightily to stop the plunder of Africa’s re- this dramatic and disruptive change, a sources, a source of war and poverty, to government minister said on television that give him a chance, finally, to stop poverty. it is quite possible that President Boni Yayi To achieve these broad objectives, the makes a third term as head of Benin.

African people are ready and willing to For this lie to anti-constitutional affirmaplay their historic role of free and respon- tion, another minister of the same governsible citizens of their destiny. Their big- ment merely stated that it was not Presigest handicap in most states is the lack of dent Boni Yayi that was plaintiff in the democracy and freedom it requires. suit.

In Benin, the opposition is fighting Handling is clearly at work. The “Union bravely for the advent of the rule of law. fait la Nation” opposes this attempt on the Unfortunately, the regime of President Boni Benin democracy. In this struggle, and also Yayi suppresses all democratic institutions. in the fight for our freedoms and mainThey are no longer trusted by the vast taining strong democratic institutions, we majority of Benin’s citizens. The opposi- rely on you, as the support of the Amerition is deprived of the minimum resources can people. that would allow it to exist and to be heard, A. Kolawolé IDJI, Former Minister of in blatant violation of the laws of the Re- Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Former public. Thus, contrary to the clear provi- President of the National Assembly of Besions of the law, the “Union fait la nation” nin, Member of the National Assembly

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—37

APC, Aregbesola’s victory and the rest of us Dear sir S the members of All P r o g r e s s i v e s Congress (APC) all over the country celebrate the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, it is time for the party's spin doctors to have a rethink on the way and manner they disparage the office of President and its occupant in the build-up to the Osun gubernatorial election.

In a clear show of statesmanship, President Goodluck Jonathan was the first to congratulate Aregbesola on his victory. It was also a demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship. But unfortunately, these has not thawed the hatred and bitterness that Aregbesola and his party have against Jonathan’s presidency.

Instead of humility in victory, Aregbesola is still speaking as if he is in a war front. He’s quoted as saying:

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Arochukwu –Ohafia Federal road: An appeal to the Minister of Works Dear sir ONOURABLE Minister, may I painfully inform you that Arochukwu, an ancient kingdom in Abia State is presently cut-off from the rest of the country.

The only major federal road that connects Aro with the rest of the country is in a deplorable state.The 27 kilometre road from the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan Military Barracks Ohafia to Arocukwuin Abia State has been neglected for over 30 years.

It has no major obstacles like bridges or difficult terrain.The only problem of the road over these years can easily be traced to promises made and promises broken! Sir, for us, it is a sad commentary that a well-known community like Arochukwu reputed in history as the cradle of Igbo civilization has found itself in such a sorry state in terms of bad roads.

Under its present terrible state,a journey from Ohafia to Arochukwu that should not last more than 20 minutes, now drags for over three hours.There is no doubt that Arochukwu –Ohafia road in its current condition is perhaps the worst federal road in Nigeria. And this is not an exaggeration.

A trip on this road is a terrible experience that no one is prepared to recommend even toone’s worst enemy.

This is why for some time now, many of us from Arochukwu neither travel home nor risk the shame of inviting friends andwellwishersto visit our community.

We hibernate in major cities across the world in regrets while our kits and kin at home especially commuters who must use the road on daily basis groan in fury and penury.

In recent times, the residents of Arochukwu have been cut off from supply of essential goods and services from parts of Abia State and beyond because of poor state of the access road.

Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, member, National Executive Committee, Nzuko Arochukwu.

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"Ordinarily, this should be a moment of joy and celebration consequent upon the hard-earned triumph of the people's will. However, this election shows that democracy is still gravely endangered in Nigeria.”

Does it mean that his victory is not a true reflection of the people’s will since democracy at victory point of is still endangered?

Jonathan has been called all sorts of name by members of APC and the governor for no just cause. What is amazing is that some of the party chieftains in the state feigned their arrest just to tarnish Jonathan’s image and present him as a tyrant. It is now obvious to well-meaning Nigerians these efforts to give President Jonathan a bad name has failed.

Let us assume the result of the Osun gubernatorial poll was not in favour of the incumbent governor, APC members would have gone to town screaming to high heaven that Jonathan rigged out Aregbesola and the APC. Now that victory is theirs, the likes of Lai Mohammed and other spin doctors of the governor and the party suddenly lost their voice to tell Nigerians how the presence of security personnel had helped their candidate in winning the election.

Spirit of sportsmanship Even in victory the party and its members find it hard to accept with equanimity their victory, which shows how bigoted the party and its leaders are. A certainty is that APC’s victory in Osun does not, in any way, signal a death knell for PDP in the South west; instead, it has further endeared President Jonathan and the party to the people of the region. Reason? People of the region have seen that all the name calling by APC and its spin doctors is to paint him black.

When PDP trounced APC in Ekiti governorship recently, no body in APC had the spirit of sportsmanship to congratulate the party on its victory; instead, they linked the dismal performance of the party to the presence of security people.

Even the incumbent governor of the State, Kayode Fayemi, who congratulated his opponent, Ayodele Fayose on his victory had to recant his earlier statement, saying he congratulated the winner to avert mayhem. What a shame!

Now that victory is at APC’s door and its members in Osun, members of the PDP have showed maturity by congratulating the governor.

Demonising PDP and Jonathan on the pages of newspapers does not speak well of a party that wants to take power at the centre. One could begin to imagine what would be the behaviour of the party’s spokesman if APC wrests power from the PDP in 2015.

For Aregbesola to lampoon the Federal Government even in the face of victory is a sad commentary on the party.

Mrs. Josephine Babatunde, Festac Town, Lagos.

Electricity Commission and fixed charges

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HE reported interactive session by energy stakeholders on fixed charges convened by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, is instructive. The providers acknowledge inadequate and dwindling power supply. If the truth be told, the aggregate of 15 days supply is a tall order.

Yet, they want the fixed charges paid.

Meanwhile, consumption rates have now been increased, effective July.

Fixed and consumption charges should be mutually exclusive. One should pay highest of the two and not both. It should be termed minimum charge; A situation where a prepaid user is made to pay accumulated fixed charges for three or more months when one goes for recharge is fraud to say the least.

Nigerians should pay for what they use.

Anonymous, Lagos state

Insurgency and Jonathan’s administration I don’t think Jonathan and his party, PDP , want the insurgency to end since the three states affected by the Boko Haram menace are in firm control of the opposition.

It might be their assumption that if the insurgency persists, elections may be put on hold in those states in 2015, to the detriment of the opposition and to the gain of the ruling PDP. What a hallow and shallow thinking if indeed the thought line is correct as alleged!

Bazakey 08060768946

Boko Haram’s activities

Boko Haram has no right whatsoever to force any body to renounce his or her faith. Religion is a free will. The insurgent should not force people to be Moslem or to practice Islam.

Pst.Vincent Daudu 2348137518785

Budgetary allocation to the Nigerian Army Those in charge of Nigerian Army budgetary allocation and purchase of military equipments should be sack because they have not only failed but have debased the Nigerian military forces. President Jonathan should set a commandos units as a swift respond squad with modern ammunition to dismantle the Boko Haram sect and insurgency.

Anonymous +2348165876331

High cost of kerosene

The question on the lips of average Nigerians is, has the issue of reduction in the price of kerosene been put into

the trash can? It is baffling to note that kerosene is sold for N150- N170 pump price against the N50 approved official rate since 2011.

What is really baffling is how did the product leap to a 100 percent increase in a country that produces crude oil? The Senate and Labour Unions should look into it.

Dedemo2348033783758

Killings of Christians by Fulani militants

The word “terrorism”which used to sound quite alien to Nigerians has become part of our daily grammatical lexicon. The latest killings of Christians in Kaduna state by the much dreaded Fulani militia has really opened another chapter in the on-going campaign of terror being masterminded by some Islamic fundamentalists in various part of the North.

But my question is,who wants to exterminate the Christians minority of north? Honestly, Fulani traditional leaders and elders have not made any attempt to put an end to this devilish acts being perpetrated by their children because they think that their collective interest as a people is being protected! But this is genocide.

Anonymous: 08060768946

Judiciary workers strike

It is either that the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation is not alive to its responsibilities or that the Office is vacant. Judgment of court against which there is no pending Appeal must be enforced.

President Goodluck Jonathan should please take note and ensure that judiciary worker return back to work now.

Anthony Obi Esq 08056009586

Boko Haram insurgency

The Islamic terrorist sect, Boko Haram has declared war on poor innocent Nigerians both at religious places and other parts of the country.

All over the world, rebels and government forces kill each other at battlefields which the Boko Haram sect has always done but our government is doing the opposite.

If not, why are they imprisoning terrorists and murderers instead of taking their lives? Tit for tat. Why are they kept in prisons that are already congested? This act of levity in handling the Boko Haram issue is encouraging the sect to do more harm to the nation.

Dedemo2348033783758

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deed and words return back to us sooner or later. Be kind to get kindness back in return.

Simon Adewale08056180103, Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable.

Address your sayings to: The Co-ordinator, Sayings of Our Elders,Vanguard Media Ltd., PMB 1007, Apapa,

38—V anguard 38—Vanguard anguard,, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Proper information management about Ebola virus outbreak in Nigeria

By Jossy Nkwocha

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TRATEGIC communica tion remains a critical success factor or element of any human endeavour, issue or institution. Strategic communication is a well-planned and well-coordinated means of passing well-designed messages from an individual or institution to its identified stakeholders or general public at the right time, in the right quantity to achieve well-defined objectives.

Strategic communication, therefore, involves a carefullyplanned and systematically delivered message with the purpose of creating a desired understanding, goodwill, support or behaviour for a particular course of action, policy or programme. Information is power, and must be used appropriately to achieve desired results.

My thesis or submission in this article is that there is acute need to apply strategic communication or effective information management in dealing with the current outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Nigeria; and indeed in all the countries where the disease has been reported.

For now, raw information, in my considered view, is just being dished out unprofessionally, insensitively, without weighing their implications and imports, sociologically and psy-

Intensive support care

Medical personnel fully kitted in Ebola clothing

semination? Top government health officials have inadvertently engaged in much misinformation and outright poor information management about the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria.

There is the urge to rush to the press to announce something.

Such unprofessional information (mis)management has only achieved widespread tension, fear and panic among health workers, immigration

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Top government health officials have inadvertently engaged in much misinformation and outright poor information management about the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria

chologically on the people and residents of Nigeria. What is flowing into the public space is unguarded, unprocessed information that has capacity to aggravate the sad situation we have found on our hands.

While CNN and the US health officials are dishing out positive information about how the two infected Americans, Dr. Kent Brantly ’s and Nancy Writebol’s conditions have significantly improved after receiving a medication of an experimental drug, ZMap at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta; their Nigerian counterparts are unmindfully reeling out frightening information about the number of Nigerian doctors and nurses that have been infected, how many persons are being quarantined or isolated, how there is no cure for Ebola, blab bla bla!

What exactly is the objective for this kind of information dis-

This is not exactly correct. A search at the website of the World Health Organisation, WHO, shows that many people have survived this disease in Liberia, Sierra-Leone and Guinea where the disease broke out about March this year.

According to WHO, as at July 23, 2014, a total of 1,201 cases of the disease and resultant 672 deaths had been recorded in the three West African countries (Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone), which gives a case fatality rate of 55-60 per cent. This statistics was updated on August 4, by WHO, showing more cases and more deaths, with one death of a Liberian, Mr Patrick Sawyer in Nigeria, but the fatality rate remained around 55 per cent.

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officers, airport and airline workers, family members of sick persons and the general public.

This would eventually degenerate into stigmatization of anyone who falls sick especially as the symptoms of EVD are same with those of common illness in Nigeria such as malaria, typhoid fever, diarrhea, etc.

Very soon many clinics and hospitals may close down for fear of their personnel contracting the disease. Many bereaved persons may become afraid of burying their dead and leave the corpses to decompose in their homes.

Already, many people are no longer shaking people’s hands.

I’m told that many medical personnel have started absenting themselves from work because of the fear of contracting Ebola.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, glee-

fully announced that a Nigerian doctor who attended to late Sawyer has tested positive to the deadly EVD, and three other health workers have become symptomatic of the disease. Lagos State chapter chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Tope Ojo, equally announced that the matron of the hospital who also attended to Sawyer was showing symptoms of Ebola virus.

This kind of unprofessional information dissemination has heightened the apprehension about this Ebola epidemic.

More worrisome is the fact that government is not saying anything about measures being taken to save the lives of those who have tested positive to the disease. We are only told how they are being isolated … to die or to recover! Have they tested our own bitter kola on them?

Hopeless information Such hopeless information has also impacted negatively on Nigeria’s image outside the country. Just last week, a South Korean university (Duksung Women’s University) rescinded an invitation for three Nigerians to attend an international conference it was cohosting with the United Nations; and a group of South Korean medical volunteers called off a trip to West Africa amid growing concerns about the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

One of the misinformation already dished out about the Ebola disease is that it has no vaccine or drug; therefore, it is incurable; that anyone who contracts the disease will die.

A WHO bulletin showed that many patients have survived the disease as a result of prompt medical care and intensive supportive care. According to WHO, the patients who are frequently dehydrated need intravenous fluids or oral rehydration with solutions that contain electrolytes. This is one piece of good news! Pray, when a government health official continues to emphasize that Ebola disease has no cure or vaccine, what does he intend to achieve

with that message?

It is not surprising that during a recent visit to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Director-General of WHO, Dr Margaret Chan, emphasized on the need to “improve information and communications systems in an effort to strengthen sensitization and promote community participation, taking into account cultural contexts.” Effective communication or proper information management is key to fighting the scourge of the Ebola epidemic.

We need to control or guard the dissemination of information about the disease. Government needs to upgrade its public enlightenment and education programme about how to prevent the spread of the disease; send those infected to the US hospital; provide needed laboratory facilities; provide appropriate testing facilities at entry points; and go the whole hug in researching the effectiveness or otherwise of our own bitter kola in providing the needed cure for this deadly Ebola disease. We need action and a message of hope.

•Dr. Jossy Nkwocha, fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), was the General Editor of Newswatch magazine. He is currently the head of corporate communications for a multinational company in Nigeria.

The Abuja environment during and after El-Rufai’s era (2) This is the concluding part of this piece which was first published in yesterday's edition

By Akinsola Alonge

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HILE street-begging was eliminated by ElRufai, the reverse is the case today. The London Taxis have all disappeared. The town buses (now called El-Rufai buses) are no longer being properly maintained. The drivers are reckless with no respect for other road users.

The buses are dirtier than the ones on the road to Sambisa Forest! Uniforms are no longer worn by the drivers and you can be sure no more training.

The only days the streetlights works is when Mr. President moves from Aso Rock to the Airport. Fallen Streetlight poles are not replaced and when at all done, they are replaced by road side types.

Take a visit to the sea of residences being built on green belt along the expressway by Aso Rock/Aguiyi Ironsi Barracks ahead of Maitama. As anArchitect, your stomach will writhe in anger and pain seeing the illegalities.

Aren’t they afraid another

ruthless man like El-Rufai may spring up some day and be anointed to do the demolition works?No wonder, the immediate past FCT Secretary, Engineer Alhassan said since the creation of FCT, Abuja, the city has never experienced a progressive and effective Minister like El-Rufai.

I make bold to say that all Ministers that have come after him have not been able to fit into the shoes he left behind.FCT Abuja was never meant to be what it is now: Industries, Public institutions, Ghettos, Universities, etc., all lumped into the City.

It was designed to be like Washington DC. Not massively populated as it is increasing to five million inhabitants today. Even cities like Johannesburg, CapeTown, Mombassa, Accra, NOT Chicago are better organised. Do we really want a dream City we can be proud of? If we answer YES, then I will say we achieve this dream not with what we are doing to FCT right now. Who will save FCT Abuja?

Akinsola, a public commentator, is resident in Abuja

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—39

40— VANGUARD,

FRIDAY, AUG 15, 2014 r Mashud Fashola, is the Amir (President) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, he spoke with Facing the Kaaba on issues on inter-religious harmony shortly after the end of the inter-faith coference held in Warri, Delta State recently. Excerpts.

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We 're committ ed tto o sa ving liv es committed saving lives — Dr. Fashola, Amir Ahmadiyya and prayer at the end of the day does not matter. Religion should bring all of us together and that is what we are preaching and also that the advent of the promised Messiah will bring interfaith harmony. I am happy everywhere we go in the world, they accept us. In Germany, they told us this is Islam. Some one was trying to interpret a verse of the Qur’an that God will not accept any other religion other than Islam, and some fanatic Muslims will not get paradise. My take is that Islam did not start with Muhammad (s.a.w) The Qur’an says Abraham called is followers Muslims, Jesus called his followers Muslims and the meaning of Muslim is someone who has submitted himself to the will of God. Jesus Christ a l s o emphasised that: ‘not my will but the will of God.’ Even Hare Krishna said the same thing.

Religion does •Dr. Mashud Fashola not preach selfishness.

And that is what the advent of of religion is righteousness. If Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) you want the pleasure of God, propagated. We are happy always work for the good of Ahmadiyya is now established in mankind. What we desire in about 200 countries, and they people is moral excellence. Of are accepting us because our goal what use is our fasting and prayer is to serve mankind. In USA, at nights when at the end of the Ahmadiyya promised they were day we lack truthfulness. So, if going to donate 1000 bags of you are such a person that lacks blood and within one month, charity, piety and you do not they were ready. We won’t shed support what is right, even if it blood of people but we will shed came from a pagan, then you can our own blood to save lives. By never see happiness. That cut so doing, we will bring the moral across all religions. Your fasting excellence in religion. Doctrines the Messiah to come down from the sky, when they will all see him, but that is not possible. The Bible says when the Messiah comes, it will be like a thief in the night. Only those who are watching will discover the advent of the Messiah. But with time, his advent will be like a lightning that shines from the east to the west and the message will go round the world.

That is what Ahmadiyyya Jamaat is preaching. When we preach, it is about Love for all, hatred for none.

We are friends to all because the beginning a n d end

From left: Dr. Gani Enahoro, Naib Amir Eastern region; Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, Amir; AbdulHakeem Ajibola and Pastor John Ukpendivwe, CAN, representing Pastor Ayo Oristejafor during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Easter Zone conference held in Warri, Delta State recently.

will not give anybody paradise.

The promise of paradise by God is only for the virtuous.

God says your honour before me is the measure of your piety and dutifulness. The Qur’an says let part of you get up and encourage people to virtues as the virtuous will be in bliss and the wicked will end up in hell not minding whether they fasted for a whole year. So, the

,

What is the essence of the interfaith dialogue?

The theme of the conference is the advent of the coming Messiah and interfaith harmony. A Messiah’s role has always been to put people back on course when they deviate from the path of rectitude. If you remember, Jesus told the children of Israel that they have the law but they are not keeping to the spirit of the law. He then preached to them moral excellence. He said, the law says thou shall not kill but you have been wicked to each other. if you are angry with your brother, then you endangered the law by being angry with your brother. So, your offerings may not be accepted by God until you settle with your brother. So, go settle with your brother before you come to the altar to offer offering to God. The law also says that thou shall not commit adultery.

Even by looking lustfully at a woman, you already committed it. So, what he was teaching them was moral excellence. When the law was given by the law-bearing prophet, the people became so harsh about the law. But when a Messiah comes, he teaches them the moral excellence of the law.

That is what is required to unite all religion. So, we are expecting the second coming of the messiah that will bring the moral excellence we are talking about.

So, Jesus Christ was not emphasising the law but the good Samaritans. The Messiah will bring people to the reality of religion which is righteousness to God and kindness to fellow men. That is why Ahmadiyya says: Love for all, hatred for none’ and we believe that the Messiah has come in accordance with the tide of time and the time appointed in the Bible and Qur’an. But you see, when the Messiah comes, a lot of people will not know. When Jesus came, even scholars did not know but some poor and humble people like fishermen and carpenters were able to know. The signs are there.

About the coming Messiah?

Again, people are expecting

poor and great African slaves and he told the slaves and their masters that they are all equally before God. That was why the chiefs and slavemasters hated him. So, you can see that the prophets had concern for the plight of the oppressed. Christ said unless you take care of the poor, whether he is your relation or not, you cannot attain nearness to God. For example, there was a pregnant woman who could not even get antenatal care, and at the point of delivery, she had problems. She was asked to deposit a lot of money even at a General hospital but she didn’t have any and at the end, she was advised to go to Ahmadiyya hospital. When she got there, her blood count was so low that she needed to be given blood, yet she had no money nor anybody to donate. The doctor on duty had to call members of Ahmadiyya to come donate and they responded immediately and she was saved.

The baby and the mother were taken care of and for about 25 days of intensive care she did not pay a dime. I told the doctor that even if you did not get additional money, God will give you paradise for what

...it was not my choice to be born a Christian, Muslim or any other Religion. It was neither my choice to be born Yoruba, Hausa or Ibo. Why must we fight?

,

advent of Prophet Muhammad was not emphasising the law but the spirit behind the law.

The law is made for man and not man for the law.

With the rate of atrocities in this country, would you suggest all Muslims toe the line of Mahdists to stem the tide and bring about moral rectitude you talked about?

That is not our approach, we are not asking you to come to Ahmadiyya, but rather follow the sunnah. God told Muhammad (s.a.w) that you have no business in the wold except to be mercy to all creatures. So, follow the sunnah and show concern and kindness for people. Look at all the prophets, they did not start by asking to be made prophets, but by fighting for the oppressed. The first followers of Prophet Muhammad were

you have done. That is the work of mercy we do, we don’t look at you as Muslim or Christian, we look at you as human being deserving of mercy. We are all creatures of God and one family. If you do good to one person, God will bless you for it. Yet, some people exploit our tribal and religion differences to cause chaos and divide us. This act is devilish because it was not my choice to be born a Christian, Muslim or any other Religion. It was neither my choice to be born Yoruba, Hausa or Ibo. Why must we fight? So, the advent of the coming messiah is going to emphasise interfaith harmony. As far as we are concerned, you don’t have to belong to Ahmadiyya Muslim community, we only appeal to you to follow the principles and traditions of the Prophets who are known with kindness, who are not materialistic but spent their lives working for humanity.

Cross section of some of the 1,212 intending pilgrims from Ogun State under-going medical screening during the just concluded medical screening exercise held at the Governor’s office, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUG 15, 2014—41

Isolo agog as Daru Dawah holds 41st graduation ceremon ceremonyy

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Ebola: No cause for alarm on Hajj 20 14 —NAHCON 201 A

GAINST fears of the spread of the deadly Ebola virus and rumors making the rounds of suspension of hajj visas to Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON has said that preparation is ongoing for the annual rites, adding that there was no communication from Saudi authorities that Nigeria had been banned from this year’s exercise.

In a release sent to Facing the Kaaba and signed by the commission’s head of media, Alhaji Uba Mana; it reads: “the attention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has been drawn to a newspaper report published in one of the dailies (not Vanguard) Wednesday 6th August, 2014 titled-Ebola: Saudi Bans Nigerian Pilgrims.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to make it categorically clear that there is no formal communication from Saudi Arabia indicating that Nigeria has been banned for this year’s Hajj. “To the contrary, Tuesday (last week) the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja released to the Commission the required codes for the processing of visas for pilgrims. “ C o n s e q u e n t l y , arrangements for this year’s Hajj are ongoing and have not been hampered by any internal or external factors.

“The Commission has also interfaced with all the relevant Federal ministries on Ebola issue and the Federal government is doing everything humanly possible to make this year’s Hajj exercise a success.

“Moreover, information

available to the Commission shows that only three countries in the West African sub-region have been banned and these are Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia. It is imperative to note that discussions between the Saudi authorities and the governments of these countries on the visa suspension over the Ebola virus started four months ago.

Indeed, the Saudi authorities have equally assured the affected countries that the

suspension will be reviewed as soon as the World Health Organization (WHO) issues a statement that citizens in these countries are allowed to travel for Hajj.

“The Commission commends the efforts of all federal agencies and the Saudi Arabian authorities for their efforts on the welfare of the pilgrims. The general public is once more assured that the airlift of the Nigerian pilgrims will go on as scheduled God willing,” Mana stated.

Sheikh Zuglool urges Muslims t o unite against atrocities

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ROPRIETOR of Daru Dawah Wal Irshad Arabic School, Isolo, Lagos, Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool has urged all Muslims to unite against all forms of atrocities in the country and the world in general.

Sheikh Zuglool gave the charge during the 41st graduation ceremony of the school, held in Isolo, Lagos, recently.

The scholar who spoke in Arabic stated that the prevalence of vices such as injustice, corruption, killings, and other forms of inhumanity to man in the world were enough concern for all and sundry, adding that Muslims world over should come together to stop all forms of atrocities against fellow men.

“The situation in Gaza is pitiable and should be the concern of every one. All over the world including Nigeria, there are a lot of evil acts, killings, injustice, and several cases of abuse of human rights.”

“Anybody whose right has been abused or denied should be

assisted to get justice in line with the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad. (s.a.w)” He urged the over 50 graduands who had taken five to seven-year courses in Arabic and Islamic studies to be good ambassadors of the school, adding they should intensify in the pursuit of knowledge as there is no limitation to the acquisition of knowledge and use same to better the society.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof Murtadha Bidmus, University of Lagos, in his opening remark praised the initiative of Shiekh Zuglool claiming he was one of the first students of the scholar.

Also, the proprietor of AlHikmah University, Ilorin, who also spoke in Arabic said he was impressed by ideals of the school indicating that the panacea for the immorality, indiscipline and other vices in Europe and the West are found in the school in line with what is obtainable in Makkah and Madinah.

as essential partners in change, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world’s youth.

In the statement signed by the President of association, Alhaji Kaamil Kalejaiye, "it is a known fact that government of this country has failed the youths of this great nation in terms of mental development".

"You will agree with me that being a youth in Nigeria at this moment is not just tough but thorny considering various challenges youth are facing especially in the area of

unemployment and poor funding of education".

It will be recalled that the theme of the International Youth Day 2014 is and it is aimed at raising awareness of the challenges and hardships facing the world's youth.

Kalejaiye posit that on a day when the world celebrates its entire youth, "it saddens our hearts that we in Nigeria are commiserating on the disappearance of our sisters that were abducted over 100days ago by the terror “Un-Islamic” group Boko Haram."

HE Isolo area of Lagos was agog recently with pomp and festivity as the popular Arabic and Islamic school in the area, Darud-Dawah Wal Irshad Arabic and Islamic Center held its 41st graduation ceremony.

The event which hampered both human and vehicular movement in the serene area was held last Sunday as dignitaries and eminent Muslim personalities thronged the area. Residents could not easily access the road out of the environment as visitors took over the area.

Parents of graduating students friends and well wishers were seen with loads of sumptuous meals and gift items just as drinks flew freely in celebration of worthy achievements.

The atmosphere of chuminess, assisted by clement weather climaxed with dance as certificates and prizes were given to graduands. Brisk businesses of Islamic materials took over the street while the occasion lasted.

From left: Alhaji Olanrewaju Ridwan; Prof Murtadha Bidmus, Chairman of the occasion; Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool, Proprietor, Darud-Dawah Wal Irshad Arabic School, Isolo and Dr. Yusuf Jumah, Proprietor, AlHikmah University, Ilorin during the school’s graduation ceremony held in Lagos recently.

From left: Sheikh Mustapha Zuglool, Proprietor, DarudDawah Wal Irshad Arabic School, Isolo and Dr. Yusuf Jumah, Proprietor, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin; Sheikh Idris AbdulAzeez; Alhaji M. Ishola and Sheikh Issa Atesinshe during the school’s graduation ceremony held in Lagos recently.

Muslim students chide govts on youth devt

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HE Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Lagos State area unit has alleged that governments both at the federal and state levels are not doing enough for youths in the country on areas of mental development in other to achieve their full potentials.

The statement was made during the celebration of the 'International Youth Day' themed: “Youth and Mental Health”held in Lagos recently.

The International Youth Day is an annual celebration of the role of young men and women

Some of the 2014 graduating students of Dawah Wal Irshad Arabic School, Isolo

Some parents and Ulamas at the event

42 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, AUGUST 15, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—43

Court stops swearing in of new ASPAMDA exco

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Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Jigawa z6,000 displaced, 13 villages flooded

By Charles Kumolu

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By Tina Akannam

UTSE—TWO days rainstorm has displaced no fewer than 6000 persons in three local government councils of Jigawa State, with Taura local government being the worst hit, where about 13 villages were completely flooded.

Chairman of the council, Alhaj Suleiman Dauda Taura, told Vanguard that 1,351 households were affected while 2,057 women including widows and divorcees were victims.

According to him, a total of 2,542 rooms had been destroyed in Taura local government alone, lamenting that all the farmlands in all the affected areas had been submerged by the flood while hundreds of animals and birds were lost.

No life was however lost.

Alhaji Taura said since the flood, the local government had expended over N1.5 million on foodstuffs, blankets, plates and mats for the victims.

He said: ''The situation is very pathetic in three villages of Chukuta, Katarika and Chakwaikwaiwa where all their farmlands were submerged, animals and birds

AGOS—A LAGOS High Court has restrained the newly elected executive council of Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association, ASPMDA, Trade Fair Complex, from being sworn into office, following alleged controversies that trailed the election of the officials.

It also mandated the Chief Anthony Ughawu-led executive to hand over to The Registered Trustees of Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association pending the determination of the substantive suit on September 6, 2014.

In a ruling on motion exparte, brought by James C. Umeji, Ngozi Emechebe and Okwudili C. Chukwuma against The Registered Trustees of Auto Spare Parts & Machinery Dealers Association, Justice S. S. Ogunsanya of Lagos High Court on August 7, restrained the newly elected executives from being sworn into their respective offices until the determination of the substantive suit.

The judgment reads: “ Upon this motion exparte coming up before this Honourable Court today, the 7th of August, 2014 on behalf of the claimants for an order of interim injunction restraining the defendants, their servants, agents, privies, cohorts and other persons from swearing into the office of the 4th defendant and other purportedly newly elected executives on the 11th August, 2014.

worth millions of naira were also submerged.”

Taura said the state committee on flood disaster headed by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mahmoud and officials of the State Emergency Management Agency,

SEMA, had visited some of the affected areas and promised to assist victims.

Similarly, in Ringim local government and Hadeija town, the flood destroyed over 2,000 houses and displaced over 3,000 persons.

Farmlands in the affected areas were also destroyed.

At the time of this report, in Taura local government, hundreds of families displaced by the flood had taken refuge in primary schools and mosques in the area.

VISIT: From left: General Manager, Operations, Bank of Industry, BoI, Mr Joseph Babatunde, DG\CEO, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, FIIRO, Dr. Gloria Elemo, MD\CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, and GM, Small and Medium Enterprises, BoI, Mr AbdulGaniyu Muhammed, during the visit of the BoI's Managing Director to FIIRO in Lagos.

LAGOS: Religious leaders call for cooperation between law enforcement agents, residents

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AGOS—RELIGIOUS leaders in Lagos State were yesterday unanimous in their call for harmonious relationship between the law enforcement officers and the public.

The call was made in Lagos during a community outreach programme organised by the Lagos State Law Enforcement

Training Institute, LETI, in furtherance of the efforts to stimulate seamless relationship between law enforcement agents and residents of the city.

The leaders include; the National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen, Sheik Abdulrrahman Ahmad,

former Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, National Chief Missioner of NASFAT Alhaji Abdullahi Akinbode and Senior Apostle Adeniyi Ajibade who represented Pastor Gabriel Fakeye of the

By Bartholomew Madukwe

PEOPLE SPEAK

08102479985

Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ayo-ni-o.

According to Abdulrrahman, mutual understanding and acceptable communication was necessary for cordiality to exist among all the parties, saying that failure to communicate properly could easily lead to misunderstanding.

(nwamad@yahoo.com)

On US rejects Nigeria’s request for Ebola’s trial drug

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FRICA is blessed with tons of herbs.

Can’t we find a natural cure for this scourge? I believe there is herb for every ailment and we should encourage our traditional medicine. Mr. Jonathan AdichiePensioner

W

E Nigerians are merely speculating that there is some sort of conspiracy to infect Africa with the virus for the purpose of depopulation. If US share the trial drug on Ebola, Nigerians will say our government is using her Citizens lives for Trade interest with America. Mr. Dominic Ntodonke- Self Employed

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HAT is the use of the drugs when you do not have the heath care infrastructure? No public health warning system that is why other primitives have filled in the gap informing the populace to bath with hot water and salt.

Ms. Jane Njideka- Worker

W

HAT are Nigerian scientists doing? Our lecturers and medical doctors know nothing else than strike. Here is a challenge and we are going to America for solution. Our lecturers and medical doctors will go on strike.

Ms. Mabel NnennaStudent

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OES America know anything about RVD ?

Another Western desperation of tricking the World through World Health Organization (WHO) in order to make money? Maybe with this Ebola, Nigerians will begin to seek traditional herbs as solution. Ms. Chika DikeStudent

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NE thing I believe is that, in life everything that has a beginning must have an end someday. So we should not make this Ebola virus look as if its more destructive than the Boko Haram insurgency.

Thank God now that there is a bit distraction. Ms. Cynthia OsuchukwuCommunicator

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; Many of you may be tempted and give in to the urge to gamble either with love or other important issue to the detriment of your cause. Be practical.

LEO; This is not the right time to take happenings along your career line for granted. Prepare for important domestic challenge. Keep your family secrets.

VIRGO; You may over inflate your ego to the resentment of people that matter. Watch what you do with money before 12.31pm. Try to be more diplomatic.

LIBRA; If care is not taken you would mislead others before 12.31pm while you are close to minor but costly mistakes from 12.31pm. Be wise with money.

SCORPIO; After initial confusion before 1pm you find your bearing and assert yourself but you will need to prepare to take care of oppositions that may come up suddenly.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

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home is a place you retire to at the end of the day’s work. It is full of love, peace, unity and laughter. A home therefore is much more related to couples. A house on

Of Home And House the other hand, is basically about the physical structure of the building – the bricks, blocks, etc.

A man or woman without a home can never be going back

TERROR MUDA

to his or her house after close of work, because he/she has no home to retire to.

Among such individuals are the workers who work overtime everyday. It

in “Never say goodbye”

takes a man or woman to build a house, but it takes partnership to build a home.

Yes, you’ve built a house, fine! But have you built a home?

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS; It is important you don’t allow friends mislead you before 12.31pm no matter how genuine their intention. Watch what you do with your health. Tomorrow is your best day.

CAPRICORN; Take it easy along your career/business line during the morning period so that costly mistakes will not make things difficult for. Take your social life seriously.

AQUARIUS; What may look like a very good advice from younger members within your base of operation may eventually lead to avoidable trouble.

PISCES; Miscalculation is possible before 12.31pm that is why you will need to be as practical as possible and refuse to take people for granted throughout.

ARIES; Yes it is good to take partnership related issue seriously but priority attention must be given to money.

Watch what you tell others before 12.31pm.

TAURUS; If you take your new ideas too seriously they would mislead you. But taken good advice from your influential friends can prove helpful. As the Moon fluctuates during AM period it is important you practical till after 12.31pm.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

GEMINI; Provided you don’t allow mid-morning blues to get better off you will eventually live up to expectation at work. Take good care of your health, please.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my sensitive part?

Dear Joshua, I ma interested in your daily analysis in Vanguard Newspapers. The truth is your daily horoscope column always work for me and now I just cant do without reading my Star in your papers.

My believe is since you can be as accurate as possible writing daily horoscope you are in a better position to analyse my health which is very important to me. I want to know which area(s) of my body should be taken more seriously.

Ope-Oluwa, Kano Dear Ope-Oluwa, According to your natal horoscope you have gone above danger zones of your life health-wise. But then what you will find here-under will be of benefit.

Thanks for your commendation Opposition between the Sun (an indicator of basic self-hood) and difficult Saturn during your birth hour pointed to a very tough beginning in life but luckily for you both Spiritual Neptune in powerful Scorpio and steady Pluto in healthy Virgo were at positive angles to your natal Sun thus, your chances of surviving are more than the delicate ones. More so as your natal Sun and Moon are members of strongest Star signs-health wise.

Certainly Saturn must have brought you a few number of health related challenges raging from skin, bone, sometimes the stomach and importantly headache . Since you were able to survive infancy and middle age you have very good chances of living to a very old age. While the ailments stated here can easily be managed by yourself one important organ of your body that must be managed by medical expert is your HEART because of many placement in heart related Star sign. This is not to say you must have heart problem but here is an organ you in particular must take very seriously. Yes fever is common in Africa and today fear of STDs is the beginning of good health. STDs are mentioned here because of your natal planets is sexual Scorpio.

Mind you nothing fatalistic here, but mere warnings.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—45

Low gas, LPFO supply killing industries, power sector —Dangote

By Omoh Gabriel

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ANGOTE CEMENT Plc, yesterday, raised alarm over the continued short supply of Gas and Low Pour Fuel Oil, LPFO, in the country, saying the situation had gone from bad to worse in the last six months.

Lamenting the shortage of gas and LPFO supply in the country, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, Managing Director, Dangote Cement, said that if the situation was allowed to continue much longer, it will have adverse effect on industries and the recently privatised power sector.

He said most industries that relied on gas supply and LPFO to power their plants were suffering as a result of inadequate gas and LPFO supply, causing them to produce far below their installed capacity.

He said that the most unfortunate of it all is the fact that LPFO, which was supplied to industries from Kaduna and Warri refineries is now being imported by companies.

Mr. Edwin said that many of the power generating companies GENCOs, are already facing difficult times as a good number which borrowed money from banks are finding it difficult to meet their obligations to the banks because they cannot generate enough power due to lack of gas supply.

He said that many of the loans taken by these power operators

may go bad and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria may be called upon to buy off these non-performing loans in banks.

But AMCON has already foreclosed further purchase of non-performing loans in Nigerian banks.

He, however, said that Lagos area was better served with gas supply, noting that other regions were worse for it. He said in order to combat the ugly situation, the Dangote Group has invested $250 million in a coal plant to power some of its operations.

He said the company had imported three 30 tonne-vessels

of coal from South Africa to serve as fuel for the coal thermal plant the company had set up.

Mr. Edwin also said that "Dangote cement now imports LPFO or black oil and has rented a tank farm for the purpose in Apapa."

LPFO is mainly used in industries as fuel for generation of power or for firing their heaters.

Allocation of the product was made to industries through marketers when the refineries were fully operational. HPFO at the time was mainly exported, but now the country has to import the product.

Edwin said that Dangote Group

is concerned about the situation because of the long term effect the lack of gas and LPFO will have on the economy.

He said while large scale companies as Dangote can afford alternative power supply, the small and medium enterprises that are the engine of economic growth will be unable to do so.

This, he said, will hinder the prospects of job creation and compound the unemployment situation in the country. He said that if the situation is allowed to linger for a long time, more robbers and militants will dominate the nation’s land space.

VISIT: Former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere (left), greeting Itai Afe Annang III, Okuku Pius Effiong Eside IV, during a consultation visit to Afe Annang in Essien Udim.

ABIA 2015: Otti under attack over alleged spoiler’s role ...as group gives him 7-day ultimatum to quit bank

By Eric Ugbor

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BA — THE South East Progressives Assembly, SEPA, has taken a swipe at the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Otti, over his conducts and unguarded utterances that clearly suggested that he joined the governorship race of Abia State to play a spoiler’s role.

The group also berated Otti for allegedly attacking the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and Governor Theodore Orji over their insistence that Abia South should produce the next governor in accordance with the zoning arrangement that had prevailed in the state since the return of democracy in 1999.

The group in a statement signed by its President and former media aide to Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, Ebere Uzoukwa, SEPA wondered why Otti had refused to resign his position as Managing Director of Diamond Bank to prove he was truly contesting the governorship seat.

The statement read: “SEPA has noted with dismay the C M Y K

unscrupulous activities of Dr. Alex Otti who is the Managing Director of Diamond Bank and custodian of peoples’ investment and deposits.

“Otti who claims to have come from Isiala-Ngwa in Abia Central and not Arochukwu as originally known to everyone, claims he is contesting the governorship of Abia State under the platform of PDP, a party his membership remains in doubt.

“It is a fact that PDP which Otti

claims to belong has officially zoned its governorship ticket, based on equity, justice and fairness to Abia South, a decision heralded and overwhelmingly supported by party members across the state, including Governor Theodore Orji.

“The implication of that decision is that Otti has been automatically zoned out of the race.

"Rather than stand behind the PDP on that popular decision or join another political party to

actualise his ambition, the Diamond boss, to the chagrin of Abians, resorted to heating up the polity as he continued to conduct himself in a manner that suggests that PDP or Abia belongs to him.

“This becomes more worrisome, considering the fact that Otti, owing to his position as the Managing Director remains the custodian of peoples’ huge investments and funds in Diamond Bank.

.... Guber aspirant urges PDP to scrap zoning

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA — A PDP governorship aspirant in Abia State for 2015 election, Dr. Alex Otti, has called the party to discard the zoning of the seat.

According to him, the party will be encouraging mediocrity and incapacity to thee detriment of the development of the state.

Otti told the state party leadership to place emphasis on meritocracy, capacity and credibility of the next governor of the state, rather than on zoning which might throw up somebody incapable of moving the state

forward.

He said rather bring peace, the party was creating confusion and crisis with the zoning system it adopted and categorically stated that it would not work, as it was also undemocratic.

Otti, who spoke Wednesday evening when he met the state leadership of the party in Umuahia to declare his intention to contest for the ticket, told them to their face that it was important for the party to consider capacity.

“For us what we are interested in is capacity, meritocracy rather than mediocrity. It is important that what we are looking at is the

capacity and credibility.

“I don’t believe in zoning but I understand it to be not dominating, it provides equity.

But the zoning itself will bring a lot of confusion. Even though the party has said it, they have the right, even though they have given it to the South, the problem has not finished.

“You have started a problem. I will not fault it but what we need is our best, competence is what to consider. What we believe is that the party can say what they want to say because it is their right, we will do what and believe is right,” Otti said.

Nigeria'll overcome challenges — Kumuyi

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA — PASTOR William Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, has predicted that Nigeria would come out of her present security challenges but noted that leaders must rule with the fear of God. According to Kumuyi, "when leaders fear God, they will not be disappointed because God is faithful."

Kumuyi, who was on a courtesy call on Governor Theodore Orji in his office in Umuahia, also commended the governor’s developmental efforts, especially in the area of security.

He noted that through Governor Orji’s vision, Abia State had been transformed from a state of insecurity to one of peace and security.

He recalled that a few years ago, Abia that was notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery had now been transformed to a haven of peace and security.

The Deeper Life General Superintendent prayed God to grant the governor more wisdom to continue with the good work.

He also prayed that there would be a peaceful transition in 2015 when the governor will hand over to his successor.

Pa Idemudia is dead

P

A Gabriel Idemudia, is dead, aged 102.

In a statement in Benin, yesterday, the family said late Idemudia will be interred in his residence at Adesevbo Street, Orhogho village in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State on Friday, August 29, after wake-keep the previous day.

He is survived by wives, many children and grand children, including Mr. Festus Idemudia of Vanguard Newspapers.

Late Pa Idemudia

46 — Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY,, AUGUST 15, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 —47

NIS tackles challenges in e-passport reforms, calls for patience

By Esther Onyebgula

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EVERAL weeks after President Goodluck Jonathan charged officers and men of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), at the official launch of the newly introduced 64-page Nigerian e-passport at the Presidential Vila, to work towards projecting the country in a positive light by conducting themselves in a more professional manner, NIS is employing appropriate strategy to tackle the challenges in obtaining e-passport.

Although faced with the initial teething problems occasioned by the introduction of the new epassport reforms, the NIS has appealed to Nigerians to be patient and support the NIS to serve them better.

The change has caused some hardship for applicants seeking new passports or renewal of old ones. Among the problems are long queues at passports offices, with applicants complaining of delays.

Reacting to the public outcry, the ComptrollerGeneral of NIS, David Paradang, while appealing for patience and understanding, said just like any organisation with such problems, the service was doing its best to address the challenges.

According to him, Nigeria is the first country in Africa and the 50th in the world to begin the use of the electronic passport with enhanced security features, saying to further secure the integrity of the e-passport and enhance its quality, the Federal Government had approved major reforms with attendant cost implications.

The reforms are epassport for persons below 18 years to cost N8,750, that of persons between the ages of 18 to 60, N15,000, and that for persons of ages 60 and above to cost N8,750.

Change of data/lost epassport to cost N20,000, change of name as a result of marriage, divorce and deceased spouse to cost N8,750, and change of data on request, N30,000. He said that all payments are to be made online.

INSECURITY: Ilorin Emirate urges govt to mop up small arms, light weapons

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN — ILORIN Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, has called on government to “as a matter of urgent public need, set in motion machinery to recover and mop up small arms and light weapons from the hands of miscreants and block the source of proliferation of these weapons.”

The body which comprises the people in the emirates local governments of Asa, Moro, Ilorin South, Ilorin East and Ilorin West, spoke at a post security summit briefing in Ilorin.

According to the address jointly signed by the chairman

and secretary, Alhaji Abdul Hamid Adi and Alhaji Hamzat Abdulraheem respectively, the group also stressed the need “for continuous review of the existing laws to meet current security challenges of curbing the activities of criminals to restore the harmonious coexistence in the emirate and in the state at large.”

It equally called on the government “to support National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with surveillance gadgets and logistics, saying the agency should be encouraged to carry out routine raids on uncompleted buildings, known joints and hideouts of

miscreants periodically to apprehend and bring to book those engaged in drug abuse and peddling.”

IEDPU, however, frowned at the over involvement of women of the emirate in politics, claiming it was aiding the breakdown of family values as most of the women had abandoned their major responsibilities in the home front.

It tasked politicians in the emirate “to be re-educated to conduct themselves more decently and keep off from irresponsible show of affluence in the public which instigates crimes and criminalities”

Former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed (left) and Mr Solomon Dalung during a press briefing on the state of the nation on behalf of the Northern Elders Forum, in Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

NEMA wants emergency evaluation plan for flood prone communities

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By Aliyu Dangida

UTSE— NATIONAL Emergency and Management Agency, NEMA, has stressed the need for the development of an emergency evaluation plan for communities prone to flood in Nigeria through space technology.

Speaking at a workshop on emergency evacuation and mass sheltering for communities prone to flood in Jigawa State, the NEMA zonal coordinator in charge of North-West, Musa Ilallah, said the space technology had made disaster planning easier and mitigation activities less costly, arguing that countries around the globe had put in place measures to mitigate devastating impact of climate change on communities, towns and cities vulnerable to flood.

Ilallah explained that from the experience of 2012 flood that devastated the country, there was compelling need to assist communities prone to flood and

those living along the banks of major rivers to have home made plans of evacuation to high grounds within stipulated time frame once early warning was issued by NIMET, NIHSA, or NASDRA. His words:- “The year 2012 flood wreaked havoc on several states of the zone, adversely

affecting human lives, properties, live hood, settlement, fresh water, fisheries, biodiversity, agriculture, health/sanitation and caused development of gullies, human migrations/ displacements and security challenges among others.”

NAS commissions children's library

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FFURUN — IN furtherance of the education initiative of the National Association of Seadogs' (NAS) Street Child Project, the Rainbow Deck of the association has commissioned a well furnished children library and a soft play area for children with disability to St. Anne’s Orphanage Home, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

They also made a similar donation of a creative sick children fully equipped to the

Children’s Ward Central Hospital, Warri in Warri South Local Government Area of the state under the leadership of Engr.

Jude Ojukoko and his executive.

Commissioning the various projects, the NAS President worldwide, Cap’n Ide Owodiong Idemeko said the gesture was to make our children happy while at in the hospital, orphanage and even after school, saying that children lack so many social facilities to enlighten their minds and keep them busy.

Ilaje accuses Ondo govt of marginalisation

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE — STAKEHOLDERS in the oil rich Ilaje council areas of Ondo State have accused successive government of marginalisation in the scheme of things in the state, lamenting that the state has not been fair to them in political patronage.

At a meeting under the auspices of Ilaje League of Professionals, ILP, resolved to produce the next governor in 2017.

All the traditional rulers in the four ethnic nationalities led by the Olugbo of Ugbo, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan attended the stakeholders conference held at Igbokoda under the theme “Ilaje Nation’s Unity and Development.

The Chairman of the lLP, Benson Obayelu, said being the only oil producing local government in the state, it was time for them to see concrete development in the communities.

Obayelu said the four ethnic nationalities were tired of producing the oil that is devastating their communities for others to reap the benefit.

He lamented that despite the enormous resources in the local government, they had nothing to show for it.

The chairman said they would support the political class in pushing for the governorship seat at the appropriate time, saying: “We must get our politics right and support our own into leadership position in politics.”

The monarch led by Oba Akinruntan who shared the same sentiment, said: “I want all the Ilajes to come together irrespective of where you come from and your political party affiliations. When Governor Mimiko finishes in two years time, we must produce the governor."

St Enda old students meet

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AGOS branch of St. Enda's College (Agbarho Grammar School, Agbarho) Old Students Association will hold its monthly general meeting tomorrow at Chief Lucky Arhere's residence, 12B, Abuja Close, Agbara Etates, Agbara, Ogun State at 3.00 p.m.

General Secretary, Mr. Sunday Orode urged members to be punctual as decisions will be taken on the school's 50th anniversary ceremony.

48 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

CONDOLENCE VISIT: From left; Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire; widow of the Late Oba of Ikorodu, Olori Muyibat Oyefusi and the First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola, during a condolence visit by the deputy governor and 1st lady at the Royal Castle of Peace home of Ayangburen of Ikorodu.

FORUM: From left; Head, Regional Sales (South), Etisalat Nigeria, Taiwo Embassey; Etisalat customers, Mrs. Divine Aidelokhai and Mr. Revelation Aidelokhai; and Head, Customer Experience and Retention, Etisalat Nigeria, Biola Edun at the Port Harcourt edition of Etisalat Customer Forum 2014, held at The Atrium, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

COMMISSIONING: Nigerian Consul General in Jeddah, Amb. Ahmed Umar with MD/CEO Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole cutting the tape during the commissioning of Jeddah Regional office of Medview Airline ahead of Direct BIRTHDAY: From left: Very Rev. Moronfolu Euler-Ajayi, his wife, Omolara, Bishop George Scheduled flights to Saudi Arabia.

Amu, his wife, Rev. (Mrs) Grace Olaiya, celebrant, Bishop Akin Obembe, Rev.[Mrs] Yinka Badejo and Rev.[Dr] Wilsion Badejo, cutting, during the thanksgivingThe 70th Birthday thanksgiving service of Rev. Omolola Olaiya, at Foursquare Gospel Church Bode Thomas Zonal Headquarters, Surulere, Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

RETREAT: From left; Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Fatai Mabadeje; CEO of Techno Vision, Mr. Tomi Davies and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Mrs. Nike Animashaun at the science and technology retreat in Lagos, yesterday.

CHANGE OF BATON: Rear Admiral Babalola Egbedina, the new Flag Officer Command, FOC, Nigerian Navy Logistics Command, Oghara, Delta State (left) receiving the Command's flag from Rear Admiral Sidi-Ali Hassan Usman, out-gone FOC, as a mark of change of leadership of the Command, Admiral Egbedina becomes the 8th FOC.

BRIEFING: From left; Mr. Dola Bamgboye, Event and Sponsorship Manager, MTN Nigeria; Mr. Sauela Oluseye Whenu, Perm Sec, Lagos State Min of Sports & Youths Devt; Mrs Saidat Lawal-Mohammed, Senior Manager, Segment Management, MTN and Chief Nurudeen Agoro, a Lagos Chief during the MTN media briefing on MTN Lagos Street Soccer Season 7 in Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe.

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PRESENTATION: Head Of Sales, Oando Marketing Plc, Mr Femi Olabiyi (left), presenting a generator to one of the winners in Oando Marketing Plc Automechanics training raffle draw, Otunba Sunday Ogunfowode while the CEO, Automedics Nigeria limited Mr Kunle Shonaike (middle) looks on during the draw in Lagos.

RECEPTION: From left: Spokesperson of Team High Rise, Adefioye Temidayo; PR Lead, Microsoft Anglophone W/Africa, Mr Yemi Orimolade; Oyebisi Jemil, also a member of Team High Rise, and Microsoft Nigeria Technology Evangelist, Funmi Adewole at a reception by Microsoft Nigeria for the Nigerian Team following their participation at the just concluded Microsoft Imagine Cup competition for talented Tech students held in Seattle, Washinton, USA.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—49

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50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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Movt to PDP: APC chieftains give up on Ribadu

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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ENIOR officials and stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress, APC have given up on dissuading the 2011 presidential candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu from defecting to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Vanguard learnt yesterday that Ribadu ahead of a possible defection to the PDP was now avoiding calls from senior chieftains of the APC, the country’s leading opposition party where he was until recently being listed among its presidential materials.

However, a close associate of Ribadu dismissed the claim saying that Ribadu was till date in regular contact with many of his political associates in the APC. Ribadu it was learnt is being wooed by some chieftains of the PDP to defect and vie for the party’s gubernatorial ticket in the forthcoming bye-election to fill the vacancy that followed the impeachment of Admiral Murtala Nyako as governor.

A senior chieftain of the APC who spoke to Vanguard yesterday disclosed that he personally met Ribadu about two weeks ago to counsel him against defecting from the APC. “Well, for me I think he is for now still confused and has not made up his mind but there is tremendous pressure on him to join the PDP,” the senior APC chieftain said on the condition of anonymity.

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EBOLA: A team of Health Workers battle-ready from preventing the spread of the virus.

“He will completely destroy himself with any such move but for now he is not answering our calls and it is becoming difficult to reach him,” the source said.

A senior associate of Ribadu, however, countered the claim saying yesterday that Ribadu remained open to all his political associates across the political divide.

“What they are saying is not true and I can tell you authoritatively that even two days ago that when I was with him there were many senior officials at the national level and even officials of the state chapter of the APC around him.”

“So, the issue of him avoiding anyone is not true and does not

arise,” the associate said.

The former anti-graft czar who flew the presidential flag of the defunct ACN in the 2011 presidential election is, however, yet to choose the platform on which he would run, sources close to him claimed yesterday.

The pressure on Ribadu, Vanguard, learnt is especially being mounted by friends and political stakeholders from Adamawa State, who are claiming that he is among the best to offer service to the state following what they alleged as wasted years under the Boni Haruna and Nyako administrations.

The friends are urging him to contest the election on the platform of PDP, a decision sources

Nigeria out with official logo for GITEX

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BUJA—NIGERIA is intensifying its preparations for a successful showing at this year's Gitex Technology Expo and Conference in Dubai with the use of the official event logo to underscore its thematic objectives as the Official Country Partner for the Gitex 2014.

The logo depicting Nigeria as an entry way into Africa carries the message: ''Invest on Nigeria - Your Gateway to Africa.'' ''Our over-riding objective in Gitex, Dubai is to showcase Nigeria huge potential for ICT investment and to demonstrate to the world that it is not only the favourite destination for offshore investment in all of Africa but also one of the most top global destinations for investment today,'' said Director General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack in Abuja.

Gitex Technology is the premier Technology event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, MEASA. The technology trade show organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, DWTC, over

Glo partners Apple for sale of genuine iPhones, iPads at Glo outlets

78,000 sqm of space, and records over 145,530 trade visitors from 144 countries in 2013. Also, more than 35,000 visitors came from Africa in the 2013 edition of GITEX, where Nigeria premiered its presence by setting up the Nigerian Pavilion, which was promoted by the Nigerian Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA. This year, Nigeria is promoting its IT start-ups and budding entrepreneurs, with a view to exposing them to potential offshore partnerships and also exploring new windows for collaborations in software and local content developments, and other areas, particularly capacity building.

Apart from promoting the Nigerian Pavilion at the Gitex Show for over 20 indigenous exhibitors, Nigerian is also fostering its presence at the event around the Nigerian ICT Conference and Dinner targeting potential investors seeking to explore the Nigerian market deemed Africa's most

fertile. The local organising committee, LOC set up by the NITDA is already working closely with the DWTC and the Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates,UAE, Ibrahim Auwalu has assured of support for the countrys participation in the scheduled to hold in Dubai.

said Ribadu is yet to accept.

Mutual friends of Ribadu and President Goodluck Jonathan, Vanguard learnt, are said to be part of the initiative driving a Ribadu for governor campaign, but President Jonathan it was learnt has not come out to openly declare his support for his one time political rival.

“Yes mutual friends of the president and Ribadu are involved in this agitation, but that is not to mean that he would avoid the primaries,” one source close to Ribadu said yesterday.

A G O S — N AT I O N A L carrier, Globacom has signed a memorandum of understanding with Apple’s authorized distributor for Africa, Core Group, to ensure subscribers have access to genuine Apple products and devices at Gloworld shops, accredited dealer shops and Glo zones across Nigeria.

In a press conference to announce the partnership at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Lagos on Thursday, Head of Gloworld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi said the partnership will also enable lovers of premium quality Apple products to enjoy Globacom’s super fast internet service, Glo Bolt.

According to her, “the strategic partnership removes the burden of worrying about how to get authentic Apple devices, and then worrying about how to activate its full functionalities through the purchase of a SIM and internet connection.''

8th day fidau for late Ikorodu monarch

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HE 8th day fidau for the late Oba of Ikorodu Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, held in the town yesterday.

Former Head of State Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was among the dignitaries who graced the well attended prayer for the late monarch who passed on, on Saturday August 2.

Also in attendance were

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife Senator Oluremi Tinubu, representatives of Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and other dignitaries in the State.

Speaking at the occasion, the widow, Muyibat Oyefusi, expressed happiness at the event, saying she was elated at the turn out of the dignitaries to honour her husband.

NigBRI faults court order on ASPMDA new exco

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AGOS—LEADING business rights group in Lagos, Nigeria Business Rights Initiatives, NigBRI, has faulted a recent court order restraining the former executives of Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers’ Association, ASPMDA from handing over to the newly-elected executives at the Lagos International Complex, Badagry Expressway, Lagos.

The Head, legal services, of NigBRI, Dr. Chinedu Ntigbu, in a press conference yesterday in Lagos told newsmen that, “The said motion exparte brought by three out of the seven presidential candidates at the ASPMDA general election held on July 30th,

was in bad faith and lacking in locus standi as every constitutional steps were carefully taken by the electoral commission and the official handing had taken place even before they approached the court in the first instance” According to him, “It amounts to abuse of court process to seek an exparte Order against an action when it had already taken place even to the knowledge of those that approached the court.

“Besides, election reports we got from the Nigeria Police, the Army and SSS showed that the election was free, fair and credible and there is no crisis in the ASPMDA trading plaza as

speculated in some media before, during or after the elections and the handing over that followed constitutionally.

He urged the losers at the election to assist in creating conducive trading atmosphere and work with the sworn in Exco for the interest of business growth in the highest auto spare parts trading complex in Africa.

According to the results of the election made available to NigBRI as seen by all agents, before the announcement by electoral committee chairman, Chief Kingsley Ekebere, the new president, Chief Daniel C. Offorkansi got 776 votes to win the election.

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

L-r: Senator Musa Adede, Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammed Barkindo and Elder Statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, at Photos: Gbemga Olamkan the National Conference in Abuja, yesterday.

Delegates adopt final report

By Henry Umoru & Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA— IN spite of odds, delegates, yesterday, adopted the final report of the 2014 National Conference amid exchange of banters and pleasantries, thereby ending the five-month exercise on a positive note.

They will now reconvene on August 21 for the closing formalities.

The conviviality, camaraderie and hugs, which characterised the last plenary of the confab were unexpected giving the controversies that trailed the draft report and “draft constitution” produced by the national conference secretariat.

On Wednesday, a section of the Northern delegates distanced itself from the draft constitution and vowed not to pass it but Southern and Middle-Belt delegates differed and said they would adopt the report and draft amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Thus, the stage was set for a thorny plenary yesterday but the delegates disappointed those who expected a chaotic outing by adopting the report.

Alteration However, the report did not pass without minor alteration of the title from “draft constitution” to “Draft Proposals to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of

Nigeria, 1999”.

The alteration followed an amendment by Delegate Adamu Waziri, a former Minister of Police Affairs, to a motion co-sponsored by High Chief Jerry Okwuonu and former governor of River state, Dr. Peter Odili asking the delegates to empower the secretariat of the conference to effect all necessary corrections on their behalf using the various submissions made by the delegates.

According to them, the action would save the time of the conference.

Adoption of report The motion reads: “Whereas the secretariat has done a very marvellous job of compiling the report of the Conference and presenting same to us in easily readable and cross-checkable format; and “Whereas delegates have perused all the reports and submitted in writing all items of omission or incorrect addition to the final report; and “Bearing in mind the dual necessity of bringing the conference to a close for purposes of not unduly overreaching the logistics provision of the conference and not unnecessarily prolonging the continued conglomeration of people in contradiction to the

prescription of Health Authorities especially as the country tackles the Ebola crisis.

“It is hereby moved that the secretariat be mandated to vet all the written submission by delegates and make necessary correction thereby providing the final draft of the Conference reports.”

Just before the motion was seconded and adopted by the delegates, Waziri announced an amendment to the motion.

He said: “To cultivate a conducive environment for delegates to validate and adopt the final report of the Conference, we the undersigned delegates, hereby offer and endorse the following observations and recommendation that seek to facilitate the process and lead to amicable ending of the Conference proceedings. “ We note that the Secretariat of the Conference on August 11, 2014 tabled before delegates a draft report contained in three volumes that are broken down in seven chapters.

“In particular, we observed that volume III titled Draft Constitution conveys an attempt to insert various resolutions and recommendations of a constitutional nature that were adopted by the Conference as proposed amendments to the appropriate sections of the

,

•Reconvene August 21 for closing formalities •Hug one another, sing old national anthem

Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“We recall and welcome the clarification and confirmation offered by Conference Chairman at plenary on August 13, 2014 that indeed Volume III contains proposals for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

“We urged the leadership of the Conference, in collating the final report, to more appropriately designate Volume 111 as: Draft Proposals to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

“Furthermore, we note and welcome the amenability of the

recommendations accepted by the Conference and as contained in votes and preceding that were formally adopted.

“Subject to the acceptance of the foregoing understanding, assurances and conditions and in accordance with the Procedure Rules, 2014 of the Conference, we move for the validation and adoption of the draft reports contained in volume 1,2 and 3 without further debate.

“In the spirit of the consensus building cultivated by members and to maintain the bridges built during the currency of the Conference, we urge all delegates to subscribe to this plea.”

His amendment which sought for a re-title of the report eventually received an overwhelming support when subjected to voice vote by the chairman of the conference, Retired Justice Idris Kuitigi.

With that, the report was unanimously adopted by the delegates thereby marking the end of the 2014 national conference.

Old national anthem Spontaneously, all the delegates who felt fulfilled stood up and enthusiastically sang the old National Anthem “Nigeria We Hail Thee”. Similarly, chants of labour solidarity songs rent the air.

Former Minister of Justice, Chief Richard Akinjide, SAN, who was arguably the oldest man in the conference was called upon by the chairman to move the motion for the adoption of the final report while the youngest delegate to the conference, Miss Yanomah Mandara seconded it.

Encomium Shortly afterwards, delegates took turns to pour encomium on the leadership of the Conference

The stage was set for a thorny plenary yesterday but the delegates disappointed those who expected a chaotic outing by adopting the report

Conference Secretariat to entertain suggestions from the delegates that point out any specific error to misrepresentation of decisions taken or resolutions adopted by the Conference and/or any inadvertent failure to incorporate same in the draft report.

“We are aware that delegates have responded to this call and submitted to the Secretariat their various observations and suggested amendments to the draft.

“In preparing the final report, we urged the Conference Secretariat to keep faith with and reflect fully and accurately all resolutions and

,

for their maturity in steering the conference proceedings.

Former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah gave a moving vote of thanks which received spontaneous applause from delegates.

Also, a delegate representing the South- South, Hon. Orok Otu Duke, read out a farewell poem titled “How Can We Say Farewell” to the delegates.

After the adoption of Votes and Proceedings of the day sequel to a motion by Iyom Josephine Anenih and seconded by Dr. Bello Mohammed, Justice Kutigi called on the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Mohammed Mustapha to move a motion for the closure of Continues on page 53

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—53

Northern delegates didn’t oppose Jonathan’s 2015 election - Gen. Useni •set to dump DPP for PDP in support of Mr. President

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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ORMER Federal Capital Territory Minister, Gen. Jeremiah Useni, yesterday, dismissed media reports claiming that northern delegates to the National Conference were opposed to the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.

Useni, who was part of the north’s delegation, which addressed the press in Abuja on Tuesday, said at a media briefing in Abuja, yesterday that the decisions taken by the delegates were wrongly reported by a section of the press.

According to Useni, the Northern delegates only addressed the press conference at the Gombe Jewel Hotel to draw attention to the fact that what they deliberated and agreed upon at the National Conference were only proposals and should not have been referred to as “Draft Constitution” by the leadership of the confab.

The former minister also pointed out that contrary to insinuations, at no time did the northern delegates, say that they would not back President Jonathan’s re-election next year, if he chooses to contest.

has not changed; it remains the same: The President, Goodluck Jonathan, has the right under the Constitution to contest the 2015 election, if he wishes. If he decides to exercise his rights, it does not amount to a third term.

Furthermore, the National Conference and the events that are taking place there have nothing to do with the President’s or any person’s political rights.

Useni, who described himself as a staunch supporter of Mr. President because of his good work, said he was set to lead all his supporters in the Democratic People’s Party, DPP, to the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in support of Jonathan.

Current sympathies

L-r: Deputy Chairman, National Conference, Prof. Bola Akinyemi, Chairman of the Conference, Justice Idris Kutigi(rtd) and the Secretary National Conference, Prof.Valerie Azinge, displaying the Conference Report, yesterday, at the National Conference in Abuja.

He said that it was wrong to lump the issue of the confab with the president or any person’s political rights, since they were completely unrelated.

The retired General made it clear that neither the national conference nor the document, which was prepared for delegates to endorse amounted to a “third term’ agenda by Mr.

President or a declaration by the northern delegates that Jonathan should not contest in 2015.

He said he had always made his position very clear about the fact that President Jonathan has inalienable rights under the Nigerian Constitution to contest if he wishes to do so next year and that it would not in any way amount to a “third

term”.

Useni said: “The issue of the National Conference or the document in question being part of a third term agenda by Mr. President or that we said or agreed that the President should not contest in 2015 election is not true.

“I have at different times in the past always made my position clear and my position

He said: “Personally, even though I am a member of the Democratic People’s Party, my current sympathies are with the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have issued a statement and I am preparing myself together with all my supporters to move enmasse to the PDP. “It is therefore, not true to report that I hold the view or I am a party to a position that the Presidnt should not contest the 2015 elections or that if he does so, it would amount to a third term,” Useni explained.

It will be recalled that some media had quoted the northern delegates as warning Jonathan not to contest in 2015 as it would amount to a third term.

Delegates adopt final report Continues from page 52 the Conference.

We’ve shamed skeptics – Ahamba Chief Mike Ahamba while seconding the motion said, yesterday was a day of pride and honour because “when we came here, nobody expected us to end this way…We have disappointed the skeptics.”

With that comment, the 2014 National Conference inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan on March 17, 2014 came to an end.

We’re now satisfied with report –Northern leaders In a brief press conference shortly afterwards, the northern delegates forum led by former a Inspector General of Police, IGP, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, Professor Ibrahim Gambari and retired Gen. Jerry Useni said they were satisfied with the change of the title and the subsequent adoption of the final report, saying that their

earlier opposition was for unity and peace of the country.

Delegates speak Speaking to Vanguard on the outcome of the conference, some delegates who expressed utter happiness said reason and understanding prevailed.

For instance, Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, the national chairman of Labour Party said a new Nigeria has emerged “I feel happy. I feel elated, honoured and privileged to be part and parcel of this conference that ended harmoniously with everybody clapping hands, hugging, singing “though tongues and tribe may differ, in brotherhood we stand”. People expected turbulence. People expected fight. But you can see Nigeria is a country put together by God. And I will say welcome to a new Nigeria.”

Chief Victor Umeh, the national chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance,

APGA, said: “I feel happy and completely satisfied that this initiative has not been a waste of time. Nigeria needed the conference very much and some people came here with a mind set to forestall this conference but we have been able to navigate these very critical, important national issues. They were addressed and resolutions were reached on all of them.

Problems nagging the nation During plenary, it was obvious that some people wanted Nigeria to remain the way it is. But Nigerians rallied round in this conference to ensure that what will come out will address the problems that are nagging the nation.”

Similarly, the former President of the Senate, Adolphus Wabara, Abia delegate commended the wit of Adamu Waziri who proposed

the changed.

“I will say to God be the glory.

Most of us did not expect that it would have ended the way it did particularly with the sensational headlines we saw in the dailies. In politics, we say that one minute is too long in political decisions and I think that was exactly what happened here. I also want to thank the North through my very good friend, Adamu Waziri for amending the motion which really doused the situation because talking about a brand new constitution would have torn the conference. But he came up wisely with the fact that there were proposals to the amendment of the 1999 constitution as amended.

“So, that really doused the situation and it ended up on a very sound note as far as I am concerned. And I want to beg the National Assembly and Mr. President to take the recommendations very seriously and not just locking

it up in locker and the National Assembly should forgive and forget the bad words used against them during this conference. They shouldn’t throw away what this conference has done,” he said.

For Sola Ebiseni, a local government council representative from Ondo State, the successful end of the conference is victory for Nigeria.

He said: “The conference ended as victory for the Nigeria state, pride of the African continent and the back man. It shows that in dialogue, we can achieve so much as a people.

There is no doubt that in the last one week or so, the impression to the Nigerian public and to the whole world was that the conference was going to end in fiasco. But we have demonstrated our maturity as a people, as Nigerians that when we are gathered, the best in us can always come out.”

54—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Isoko group advocates sensitisation of electorate

Coalition decries ‘blackmail' over new cement grade

By Festus Ahon

U

G H E L L I — CHAIRMAN of Isoko Political Congress, IPC, Chief A. Okpakpor, has called for the sensitisation of electorate to ensure mass participation and the emergence of credible candidates in the 2015 general elections.

Okpakpor spoke when a rights activist, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo visited him in his Otor-Iyede country home to intimate him of his intention to vie for the House of Representatives seat for the Isoko constituency.

He said IPC cuts across all political parties with over 50,000 members spread across the 19 clans in Isokoland.

He said the group was poised to galvanise the Isoko people politically by providing full backing and required support to credible candidates with proven integrity aspiring for elective positions in the 2015 general elections.

... JGV mobilises for Jonathan

By Tommy Anaduaka

I

N its bid to ensure the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015, Joint Governance Vanguard, JGV, a pressure group, has vowed to mobilise and create awareness on the various people-oriented programmes of the J o n a t h a n ’ s administration.

Speaking at an enlarged meeting of the Delta State chapter of the body in Asaba, the state Coordinator, Ogbueshi Philip Oduah, while inaugurating the coordinators of the body representing the three senatorial districts, harped on the need for members to be focused and remain committed to the set goals of the group.

Oduah, who commended the large turn-out of members drawn from different parts of the state, remarked that same was proof of the overall support of members for President Jonathan’s reelection in 2015.

By Charles Kumolu

C AGM: From left— Mrs. Frances Akpomuka, Company Secretary/Legal Adviser; Dr. Mohammed Koguna, Chairman and Mr. Sule Umar Bichi,Managing Director/CEO, all of Red Star Express, at the firm's Annual General Meetingat in Lagos. PHOTO: Oscar Ochiogu.

Blackout in Delta as ex-PHCN workers ground electricity firms

By Godwin Oghre

S

APELE—MOST parts of Delta State have been thrown into darkness as over 300 former workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, took over the premises of Eurafric Power Company, EPC, and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, new owners of Sapele Power Plc, SPP, and Sapele Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, respectively.

At the Eurafric Power Company in Ogorode, Sapele, the former workers, led by Benson Okorodudu, Joseph Ndem and Nwosu Okechuku, who are demanding for salary arrears, have since Wednesday barricaded the gate, locking out the company’s workers, thus grounding the operations of the company.

At BEDC, in AT&P axis also in Sapele, formers workers barricaded and locked out the company’s workers.

Lamenting the brutalisation of its workers, BEDC’s Corporate Affairs Officer, Mr. Oarhe Evbotokha, and the Business Manager, Engr.

Orhukpe Agbomerele, said: “One Omasan led over 20 armed thugs to our premises and halted our operations.

“They wounded our Senior Distribution Manager, Engr.

Ayeni Ojo, and one of his linesmen, who was on routine check of our transformers. The victims are in critical condition at the Sapele General Hospital.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director of Eurafric, Mrs Heatrher Onoh, who spoke to Vanguard on phone from Abuja, implored the enraged former workers not to harm the company workers, most of whom had fled the premises at press time.

She said: “We took over an empty treasury and zero

generation, yet, so far, we have increased generation to about 150Mw before the former workers

halted our operations.

“They should give us some time to pay their entitlements.”

JTF razes kidnappers den in Bayelsa, recovers arms cache

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—OPERATIVES of the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta, codenamed Operation Pulo Shield, have destroyed a camp allegedly used as kidnappers’ den in the creek of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and recovered large cache of arms and ammunition.

Spokesman of the force, Lt. Col Mustapha Anka in a statement in Yenagoa, said the military operation was launched around the Furopa axis of the council, notorious for being the hotbed of kidnappers.

According to him, the raid, code named Operation Grand Slam, was designed to flush out the criminals and restore normalcy in the area. He said no

arrest was made.

Recovered from the raid were six fibre boats with 75hp bow out engine, seven pieces 65hp engine, 12 pieces of mattress, two power generating sets, four smoke grenade and five cell phones with 15 SIM cards of different communication companies.

He said: “The Southern Ijaw council of Bayelsa State in recent times has been known for criminals’ activities ranging from kidnapping, piracy, pipeline vandalism and oil theft.

“The activities of hoodlums extend to neighbouring communities of Azuzama and Ekeni in Ekeremor council of the state. These criminals cash in on the difficult terrain in the region to perpetuate crime in the creeks.”

OALITION Against Building Collapse, CABCO, has condemned what it described as increasing blackmail in the opposition to the new cement standard which aims to minimise the incidences of building collapse and move the cement industry forward in line with global trends.

A statement by its Secretary General, Mr. Clement Orimade, said rather than comply with the new guidelines, some stakeholders have resorted to blackmailing the House of Representatives and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON, thereby deceiving the public.

It said: “We have noted with dismay a wellorchestrated campaign of blackmail, misinformation and threat being visited on SON with the aim of forcing a policy reversal that will prolong Nigeria’s losses to building collapse.

“When they get tired of blackmailing SON, they turn to the House of Representatives which voted in favour of enforcement of the new cement standard.

“Manufacturers who are kicking against the inclusion of cement grade, batch number and expiry date on the labelling want to perpetuate cheating in a new era where the 42.5 grade has become the mandatory all-purpose cement grade in Nigeria.”

TUC faults call for removal of gov's aide

By Austin Ogwuda

A

S A B A — T H E leadership of Delta State branch of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has kicked against the purported resolution of the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, calling for the removal of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr. Mike Okeme, describing same as uncalled for and a witchhunt.

State chairman of TUC, Mr. Myke Arinze in a statement in Asaba, said: “It is on record that the appointment of the Special Adviser on Labour and Industrial Relations few years ago was largely applauded by the entire

labour family in the state.

“It is pertinent to mention that prior to his current appointment, there was a glaring schism of frightening dimension between

the NLC and TUC in the state and it took the dexterity and large-heartedness of the Special Adviser to meaningfully reconcile the two labour centres.”

EBOLA: Activist urges tighter security

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI— NIGER Delta activist, Mr. Omolubi Newuwumi, yesterday, called for proactive safety measures from the Federal Ministry of Health and security agencies to stop those quarantined for Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, from absconding and making contacts with other people.

Omolubi said the stress-free

manner in which the nurse, who had primary contact with the late American-Liberian, Patrick Sawyer, fled Lagos for Enugu, where 21 one persons, including the nurse, had been quarantined was appalling.

He said: “Government should make sure that all those quarantined are closely monitored and prevented from contacting others to contain further spread of the virus.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 —55

2015: TAN mobilises zonal rallies for Jonathan ....Ekwueme, Nnamani, others to attend South East rally

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — AHEAD the formal declaration of President Goodluck Jonathan for his re-election bid for 2015 presidential election, Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, is commencing zonal rallies.

Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, TAN’s Director of Communications and Strategy, Dr. Udenta O. Udenta, said the planned rallies would kick-start this weekend with South East geo-political zone of the country.

Former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme; ex-Senate President, Ken Nnamani, among others, would attend the South East rally slated for tomorrow in Akwa, Anambra State.

According to him, the people of the South-East zone are already overwhelmed by the achievements of President Jonathan in varied spheres of human endeavours, including massive social and physical infrastructures, human capital development, employment generation and appointments.

Udenta explained that TAN formed a major advocacy group consistently propagating and showcasing the massive developments of the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He said: “TAN’s national rallies

scheduled to take place in the six geo-political zones of the country, will make its debut in the SouthEast show at the popular Ekwueme Square, Akwa, Anambra State, in a blaze of funfare.

“Important dignitaries expected at the Akwa rally include former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former Senate Presidents Chief Adolphus Wabara and Senator Ken

Nnamani; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Ayim; distinguished senators and honourable members of the House of Representatives; top politicians and political appointees from the zone.

“The train would now move with pomp to Ibadan for the South-West zonal rally on Saturday, August 23, while it would swing to Port Harcourt for

the South-South show on September 30, 2014, and thereafter take a two-week recess before proceeding northwards.

“With a strength of over three million registered members and 250,000 on-line followers and fans, this phase of transforming into a mass movement would be most interesting in TAN’s drive towards ensuring citizens' participation in politics.”

LECTURE: From left, Chairman, Reckitt and Benckiser Nig. Ltd, Chief Olu Falomo; NIFST National President/ Chairman, Board of Council, Prof. Lateef O. Sanni, and guest speaker, Country Director, GAIN Nigeria, Larry Umunna, during the Biennial Memorial Lecture of Dr. J.K.Ladipo and Lifetime Achievement Awards by Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, at FIIRO, in Lagos.

2014 WAEC: Our students’ failure is our nation’s failure —Atiku

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA — FORMER Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday, attributed mass failure recorded by Nigerian students in the May/June 2014 West African Examinations Council to the non-chalant attitude of government to education from primary to university level.

He described failure of the students as the nation’s failure.

According to him, the failure of the students is no surprise to

anyone, in view of the series of strikes suffered by the school system in the country.

Atiku in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja, said: “The West Africa Examination Council, WAEC, has just released the results of the May/June 2014 Senior School Certificate Examination. As was the case last year, mass failure was recorded

by Nigerian students.

“Only 31.28 per cent of the students who sat for the 2014 exam obtained credits in five

subjects and above, including Mathematics and English Language.

“No one who has been observing the ongoing attitude towards education in Nigeria will be surprised by this. In the past year alone, industrial action by teachers have dominated the news headlines. Primary school teachers in Benue State, for example, embarked on an eightmonth strike to demand better conditions and allowances.

“Teachers all over Nigeria remain poorly paid, with several

NHRC decries rise in domestic violence ...says it received 2,240 cases in 2013

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA — THE National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, yesterday, said it was worried over the steady increase in the number of complaints on domestic violence across the federation.

The Commission decried that in 2013 alone, it received 2,240 cases of domestic violence.

Consequently, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof.

Bem Angwe, in a press release

signed by the Chief Press Officer at the Commission, Mrs. Fatima Mohammed in Abuja, called for an urgent measure towards stemming the tide.

He said the Commission would spare no efforts in bringing the perpetrators to justice, even as he called on the members of the public to immediately report cases of domestic violence to nearby offices of security agencies and those of the NHRC. ”Such measures would not only stem the tide of the crime, but also

ensure that victims are adequately compensated as prescribed by the relevant local and international laws,” he said.

Prof. Angwe restated the commitment of the Commission to continue to carry out massive human rights education among the Nigerian populace to sensitise people on different forms of human rights violations, including domestic violence, which had assumed an alarming proportion.

jokes being peddled about how parents are reluctant to allow their daughters marry teachers.

“In addition to poor welfare, teachers in the Northeast of Nigeria face a peculiar challenge not common to their colleagues in other parts of the country.

The National Union of Teachers, NUT, reports that the organisation has so far lost about 173 of their members to Boko Haram terrorist attacks.

“Sadly, with the Nigerian government not yet able to adequately protect citizens from these random attacks, that number could easily increase.

“There is also the issue of competence of Nigerian teachers.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State recently lost his seat in a re-election bid with poll results that sent shock waves across the nation, notwithstanding his wellpublicised record of high performance.

“One of the reasons political analysts have given for his rejection by Ekiti people was his attempt to improve the quality of teachers in the state by putting them through competency tests.

"Teachers in Kwara and Edo states also resisted similar tests."

Insurgency increases population of widows in Nigeria —Maina

By Funmi Olasupo

A

BUJA — THE Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, has raised alarm that the insurgency in the country was increasing the population of widows.

Speaking in Abuja during the Widows Empowerment Scheme to commemorate the 2014 International Widows Day, with the theme, 'Empowering Widows, Uplifting the Status of Women,” Maina said most widows were struggling with the grief they found themselves without any social support.

Widowhood, she said, had remained traumatic, particularly for the women.

This, according to her, explained the challenge of integrating widows into national development processes.

The Minister said: “It is believed that the pathetic state of widows is made more difficult by some cultural expectations/ deprivations associated with the phenomenon.”

She lamented that evidence indicated that over the long term, women were affected more severely than men financially, psychologically, sexually and socially.

She added: “This practice, to all purposes and intents, are contrary to universal religious injunctions. They are regrettably another aspect of discrimination against women.”

JOGS 74/79 meets

T

HE MONTHLY meeting of IjebuOde Grammar School Old Boys Association JOGS 1974/79 set, will take place, Sunday, August 17, 2014.

A statement by general secretary of the association Mr. Adeola Adelana, said venue is House 13/9, Housing Estate, Ikangba, Ijebu-Ode, while host is Barr. Jide Banjo, former Commissioner in Ogun State Teaching Service Commission.

President of the association Dimeji Ogunniyi, urged members to be punctual as some health experts will also be on seat for health tips.

56—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Why Ebola is so dangerous W

HAT is Ebola?

Ebola is a viral illness of which the initial symptoms can include a sudden fever, intense weakness, muscle pain and a sore throat, according to the World Health Organization, WHO. And that is just the beginning: subsequent stages are vomiting, diarrhoea and - in some cases - both internal and external bleeding. The disease infects humans through close contact with infected animals, including chimpanzees, fruit bats and forest antelope.

It then spreads between humans by direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids or organs, or indirectly through contact with contaminated environments. Even funerals of Ebola victims can be a risk, if mourners have direct contact with the body of the deceased. The incubation period can last from two days to three weeks, and diagnosis is difficult. The human disease has so far been mostly limited to Africa, although one strain has cropped up in The Philippines.

Right precautions Healthcare workers are at risk if they treat patients without taking the right precautions to avoid infection. People are infectious as long as their blood and secretions contain the virus - in some cases, up to seven weeks after they recover.

Where does it strike?

Ebola outbreaks occur primarily in remote villages in Central and West Africa, near tropical rainforests, says the WHO. It was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1976 since when it has affected countries

further east, including Uganda and Sudan. This outbreak is unusual because it started in Guinea, which has never before been affected, and is spreading to urban areas.

Can cultural practices spread Ebola?

Ebola is spread through close physical contact with infected people. This is a problem for many in the West African countries currently affected by the outbreak, as practices around religion and death involve close physical contact.

Hugging is a normal An ebola patient receiving attention from a medical personnel part of religious worship in Liberia and Sierra Leo- much smaller and occurred in tients and their bodily fluids, the ne, and across the region the rit- places where Ebola was already WHO advises. Do not touch anual preparation of bodies for bur- known - in Uganda and the DR ything - such as shared towels ial involves washing, touching Congo for example. In those which could have become conand kissing. Those with the high- places the education message taminated in a public place. Carest status in society are often about avoiding contact has had ers should wear gloves and procharged with washing and pre- years to enter the collective con- tective equipment, such as paring the body. For a woman sciousness. In West Africa, there masks, and wash their hands this can include braiding the hair, simply has not been the time for regularly. The WHO also warns and for a man shaving the head. the necessary cultural shift. against consuming raw bushIf a person has died from EboWhat precautions should I meat and any contact with infectla, their body will have a very take? ed bats or monkeys and apes. high viral load. Bleeding is a Avoid contact with Ebola pa- Fruit bats in particular are conusual symptom of the disease prior to death. Those who handle the body and come into contact with the blood or other body UINEA has seen more health emergency. fluids are at greatest risk of catchOn Wednesday, Conde anthan 500 cases of Ebola ing the disease. Medecin Sans Frontiere, MSF, has been trying and 377 Ebola-related deaths nounced on state television that to make people aware of how since the deadly virus emerged the country is facing a national their treatment of dead relatives in West Africa late last year. In health emergency because of the might pose a risk to themselves. an apparent bid to contain the Ebola, which also affects three It is a very difficult message to spread of the highly fatal disease, other West African countries Guinea’s President Alpha Conde namely Liberia, Sierra Leone and get across.

All previous outbreaks were has declared the outbreak as a Nigeria.

Guinea declares national health emergency

G

Sierra Leonean churches respond to crisis

By Sam Eyoboka with Agency reports

D

ESPITE challenges posed by the lack of resources and preparedness to deal with the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, churches in the country have initiated programmes to build awareness around the disease, prevention and assistance for the victims.

Ebun James-DeKam, general secretary of the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, CCSL, reports that with support from the ACT Alliance, an intensive campaign has been launched by the churches to sensitize communities on how to respond to the crisis. Sierra Leone is one of the West African countries where around 40 per cent of the cases of Ebola were reported.

DeKam shares in an article that the CCSL is a member of the

sidered a delicacy in the area of Guinea where the outbreak started.

In March, Liberia’s health minister advised people to stop having sex, in addition to existing advice not to shake hands or kiss.

The WHO says men can still transmit the virus through their semen for up to seven weeks after recovering from Ebola.

National Ebola Task Force through which churches have the opportunity to influence the quantity, tone and impact of communications related to Ebola.

“We receive almost daily Ebola updates on the progression of the disease, and these are disseminated to our local and international partners,” she said.

“Personally, I am emotionally affected,” DeKam said.

“As a mother, I think about the number of children who would have lost their parents and because of that, possibly their link to good education at home and at school,” she added.

DeKam explains that, with other religious bodies including Catholic mission, Pentecostal fellowship and different Muslim bodies, the CCSL is addressing the Ebola crisis with a “united perspective”.

Through Religious Leaders Task Force on Ebola (RLTFE), anti-Ebola training sessions have been conducted in local communities. Heads of the churches and mosques have spoken to their congregations not only from the pulpit but on radio and television. Buckets of chlorinated water are now found at the entranc-

es of many churches and mosques, said DeKam. Dr Hans Spitzeck from the Bread for the World, a partner of the CCSL said that the “ecumenical community is learning about the Ebola situation and churches’ response through Ebun James-DeKam, general secretary of the CCSL.”

He said, “The World Health Organisation has declared a global health emergency over Ebola.

Considering that Guinea is a signatory to the WHO constitution I declare Ebola a national health emergency in Guinea.”

The Guinean president also announced measures that the country will observe to prevent the further spread of the disease.

These include having strict controls in national boundaries, imposing travel restriction and banning the transport of bodies to another town until the epidemic ends.

Individuals who are suspected to have contracted the hemorrhagic fever will also be automatically hospitalized until results of laboratory tests become available.

Singapore gets first scare

S

INGAPORE experienced its first ebola scare, yesterday, when a Nigerian woman was sent to a hospital isolation unit in the city state. The patient, who is in her 50s, was identified as a possible ebola case by doctors in a private hospital, the Gleneagles Hospital, the Straits Times reported.

She is believed to have flown into Singapore recently and had

arrived at the hospital’s emergency department with a fever.

She was immediately isolated and transferred by ambulance to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Philip Choo, chief executive of the government hospital, said it was a false alarm and the woman had been discharged, the newspaper said.

“We saw a patient with a history from Nigeria,” Choo said,

adding that her detailed history revealed “no contact with any suspect or confirmed patients”.

Despite a couple of scares in Hong Kong and elsewhere in the region, there have been no confirmed cases of the ebola virus in Asia. Underscoring the fears that the virus might spread to Asia, Korean Air Lines said it would suspend flights to Kenya. The Continues on page 59

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—57

Okuboyejo disclosed.

Another nurse dies, doctor in bad state Continues from page 5 The Imo case, he said, was a case of Stephen Johnson’s syndrome, meaning that the patient reacted to a malaria drug which caused her skin to start peeling off and not a case of Ebola.

Fleeing Nurse attended wedding Enugu state government said yesterday that nobody is quarantined in the state over the deadly Ebola virus. The State Commissioner of Health, Dr George Eze who made this known while speaking with journalists confirmed that about 20 persons were under surveillance following contact they made with the nurse who attended to the late Patrick Sawyer.

Eze stated that the state government has designated four centres including the Colliery Hospital, the District Hospital in Ikem, General Hospital in Nsukka and Oji River General hospital as isolation centres for victims of the disease.

The government’s clarification came as the state branch of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), expressed displeasure over the poor preparedness and the way in which the state government has responded to the Ebola virus issue.

The association stated that till date, medical workers in the state were still confused on where to send patients with the ailment, stressing that government has paid less attention to procuring protective devices for volunteers and health workers that could enable them attend to the cases.

Eze stated that the nurse that had contact with Sawyer defied medical advice to visit the husband in Enugu, explaining that the government had acted swiftly on receiving the information and ensured that she and the husband were taken back to Lagos.

He stated that the 20 persons placed under surveillance were due to the contact they had with the lady, explaining that they would only be isolated when they begin to manifest symptoms of the virus.

He said: “You do not quarantine somebody who is moving about because it is only when you develop symptoms that you will be able to transmit the virus and that is when you have excess vi-

ral load. It was when she came down to Enugu from what we got from her and the husband that she now started having symptoms.

It was then that we were informed, we moved in swiftly and provide the wherewithal with support from expatriates that came down from Lagos, we were able to isolate her and decontaminate the house in line with WHO standard and took her back to Lagos.

“Naturally you have to try to track down the contacts anywhere. It is those contacts that have been put under surveillance. They are in their homes and they are placed under surveillance by Centre for

state on the situation of things regarding the disease, he said that he wanted to ensure that the public were given the right information.

He said the centres earmarked have been provided with facilities such as bed among others, adding that Centre for Disease Control would soon start training volunteers.

Waivers for corpses from Ghana, India The Health Minister said waivers were granted to corpses brought in from Ghana and India because they were not Ebola cases. He explained that the one

sult of infection with the virus, there is need for international intervention to halt the likely spread of the disease as the situation is beyond what the country can deal with p r e s e n t l y .

Okuboyejo commended the chief consultant and other health workers at the First Consultants Hospital, Obalende, for promptly reporting the case to the appropriate health authorities after the late Patrick Sawyer, failed to respond to treatment.

However, he pointed out that a lot more needed to be done to address the situation so that it does not get out of control in the country. ”We have been following

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) medical staff wearing protective clothing treat the body of an Ebola victim at their facility in Kailahun, yesterday. AFP photo.

Disease Control in Lagos”.

He stated that the panic being expressed over the development was unnecessary, stressing that the disease can only be transmitted by those who have manifested the symptoms which will unlikely be walking about the streets.

On the provision of protective gear and other materials for personnel, he said the state like others have requested for the facilities from the federal government and would ensure that the materials were not fake.

On the information that the lady in question had attended a wedding in Enugu, he said: “If somebody is well enough to attend and enjoy himself in a wedding, it is not going to transmit the virus. It is only when the person has become ill and developed symptoms”.

On why it has taken so long for the Ministry to brief the people of the

from India died from cancer of the rectum adding that both were proper certified.

Concerns over quarantined victims Meanwhile, fears heightened yesterday over the health of 198 Nigerians in quarantine, following reports that they are critically ill.

Although plans are underway by the Federal Government to provide Personal Protective Equipment, isolation tents and relevant facilities to halt the spread in the country, concerned Nigerians have called for technical support and expertise from the United States of America and the international community to help contain the spread of the disease in Nigeria Speaking in Lagos, Managing Director, Premium Health, HMO, Dr. Ladi Okuboyejo, disclosed that. while a few victims have passed on as a re-

closely and know some of the individuals that are being quarantined and it is beyond what we can deal with right now.

“This disease is new to us in the country and we have never been involved in containing this kind of outbreak. There is need for the international community to come and assist Nigeria in helping to halt the likely spread of the disease. As we speak, those quarantined are critically ill. ”I know that the Federal Government is trying its best but there is a lot more we can do to address this situation. Nigeria is too big to be ignored. This disease is new to us in Nigeria and there are exp e r t s globally that have experience in treating Ebola globally. We need to tap into their expertise in-country.

It is a learning curve for everyone. It is beyond our capacity to handle. If this gets out of control, the consequences, you know,”

Relatives of infected doctor send SOS to US, others Okuboyejo, who led a group of relatives and concerned friends of the quarantined Senior Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist, Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh, of the First Consultants Medical Centre, at a media briefing in Lagos yesterday, sent an SOS to the United States and international community.

“When you turn on your television now the first news item you hear about is Ebola. A few victims have passed on and the question is what is the state of things in our nation right now. We have been following it very closely because a couple of us happen to know a number of people who have been quarantined and it is obvious to all of us that are concerned that are sitting down here that it is beyond what we can deal with. We would not want to paint what is black white but it is beyond what we can deal with right now and therefore we feel that there is a need for us to make this urgent cry for help for the international community to come to our aid and our a s s i s t a n c e .

“I think that it is important that we reflect back and try and see how things happened. I am a medical doctor and I am surprised that they made the diagnosis in the first instance because this is a man that could have gone somewhere else and could have been treated for malaria and he could have died and spread the thing like wild fire. However, the chief consultant that attended to these patients who is also being quarantined right now felt it was very necessary for them to send the blood sample for screening after which it was confirmed and she insisted he must not leave the Hospital.

“So I think we must get the facts right and really come out. We are particularly concerned that if someone could be so patriotic as to save millions of Nigerians from the hardship of this pestilence, the least we can do is to make an appeal to the international community for assistance.

“Two Americans were flown to Atlanta for help.

The chap who brought this thing to Nigeria was an American. Our question is that what is the international community doing for us? What are they doing to help the situation because as we speak this is beyond what we can cope with. For example the patients that are there under quarantine, do they even have water? Do we have the facilities to cope

with this? It is a big question mark.

“We know that the government is trying but certainly there is a lot more we can do to improve the situation. This why we are making this passionate cry and appeal to the international community to come to our aid so that this doesn’t get out of control.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and God forbid if this runs out of control. The consequences you all know. So we have to call you to make this passionate appeal to you.”

Nigerian in Diaspora send experimental drug home Chukwu also confirmed that a Nigerian in the Diaspora has an experimental drug for Ebola treatment. He said the drug, “Nanosilver ”, would be distributed to all Ebola health centres n the country.

“The experimental drug is a donation from a Nigerian scientist in the Diaspora who was concerned about threat of Ebola in his home country. The drug will be distributed to all Ebola centres in the country”.

Dangote donates N150 million Meanwhile, the Aliko Dangote Foundation donated N150million to fund the establishment of Ebola Emergency Centre in Lagos. In her remarks, the Managing Director of the Foundation Mrs. Igomu Agaga called on wellmeaning Nigerians to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and also take personal interest in the fight against Ebola in the country.

“We are trying to look at the possible best way we can be of help in the Ebola virus crises and we decided to fund an emergency centre that will be established in Lagos in order to strengthen the Nigerian health system”.

FG warns media against running down Nigeria Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, stated: “So far, as the ministry reported this morning, all those who had primary contacts with the subject had been quarantined which is the way the global community handles the disease and the secondary contacts have also been traced.

“There is a strong team in Lagos which has been set up by the emergency response centre that is tracing every contact that has been made with either the index case or with primary contacts. So far the number of people that have been traced is 169 are under surveillance in Lagos”.

58 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014—59

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Scientists decode how Ebola virus disrupts immune response

E

BOLA Virus Disease, EVD, is one of the deadliest transmissible infections, having a high fatality rate during epidemics. The virus has been affecting people since 1976, yet there is a lack of clear understanding about the ability of the virus to kill.

In a paper published in the journal, Cell Host & Microbe, researchers revealed the mechanism used by the Ebola virus to block and disable the body’s natural immune response. This research holds great significance as it might pave the way for the development of an effective treatment to treat the deadly disease.

According to Gaya Amarasinghe from Washington University’s school of medicine, all that scientists knew about ebola virus is that it obstructs an important immunological compound called interferon, but the paper now provides a better understanding about how exactly ebola does this.

Here’s how ebola affects the immune system: Researchers showed the ebola virus protein called VP24 is responsible for actually disrupting the cell’s innate or natural immune response, making it extremely deadly. VP24 directly prevents the transcription factor STAT1,

Medical staff taking measures to prevent spread of ebola

Biopreparat: How Ebola came to be (Russian: “Biological substance preparation”) was the Soviet Union’s major biological warfare agency from the 1970s on. It was a vast, ostensibly civilian, network of secret laboratories, each of which focused on a different deadly bioagent. Its 30,000 employees researched and produced pathogenic weapons for use in a major war. istory and establishment: Biopreparat was established in 1973 as a “civilian” continuation of earlier Soviet bio-warfare programmes (see Soviet biological weapons program). The project was reportedly initiated by academician Yuri Ovchinnikov who convinced General Secretary Leonid Brezhnev that development of biological weapons was necessary.

A prominent supporter was identified by some authors in GeneralPolkovnik Taras Chepura, who stressed the importance of disguised research. The research at Biopreparat constituted a blatant violation by the Soviet Union of the terms of the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972 which outlawed biological weapons. Its existence was steadfastly denied by Soviet officials for decades.

Exposure of Biopreparat in the West: In April 1979, a major outbreak of pulmonary anthrax in the city of Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg) caused the deaths of 105 or more Soviet citizens. The Soviets

H

which carries interferon’s antiviral message, from entering the nucleus and initiating an immune response.

According to Chris Basler of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, once we figure out how VP24 promotes this disruption new ways to defeat the virus could be explored.

tried to hush things up, but details leaked out to the West in 1980 when the German newspaper Bild Zeitung carried a story about the accident. Moscow described allegations that the epidemic was an accident at a BW facility as “slanderous propaganda” and insisted the anthrax outbreak had been caused by contaminated food.

The first senior Soviet bioweaponeer to defect to the West was Vladimir Pasechnik (1937–2001) who alerted Western intelligence in 1989 to the vast scope of Moscow’s clandestine programme. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and U.S. President George H. W. Bush put pressure on Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to open up Russia’s germ warfare facilities to a team of outside inspectors.

Outside inspectors When the inspectors toured four of the sites in 1991, they were met with denials and evasions. Production tanks which had obviously been intended for making enormous quantities of something were clean and sterile; laboratories had been stripped of equipment.

Pasechnik’s revelations that the programme was 10 times greater than previously suspected were confirmed in 1992 with the defection to the United States of Colonel Kanatjan Alibekov (b. 1950), the

FOR ENQUIRY CALL MOHAMMED ON 08134744031 Bushmeat...one of the sources of ebola virus

number two scientist for the programme. Alibekov (now known as Ken Alibek) had been the First Deputy Director of Biopreparat from 1988 to 1992. He claimed that development of new strains of genetically engineered superweapons was still continuing.

Alibek later wrote the book Biohazard (1999) detailing publicly his extensive inside knowledge of the structure, goals, operations and achievements of Biopreparat. He was also featured in the October 13, 1998 episode of Frontline (PBS TV series).

1990s: The Biopreparat complex suffered with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since then several large bioweapons production lines have been officially closed. Its current state is unknown, however it is likely that Biopreparat and successor entities continued bioweapons research and development at least through the 1990s.

Operations: Biopreparat was a system of 18, nominally civilian, research laboratories and centres scattered chiefly around European Russia, in which a small army of scientists and technicians developed biological weapons such as anthrax, Ebola, Marburg virus, plague, Q fever, Junin virus, glanders, and smallpox. It was the largest producer of weaponized anthrax in the Soviet Union and was a leader in the development of new bioweapons technologies.

Courtesy: Wikipedia.org

Singapore gets first scare Continues from page 56 South Korean flag carrier will stop operating flights between Incheon and Nairobi from August 20, it said.

No Ebola cases have been reported in Kenya or other parts of East Africa but the South Korean airline has a history of taking risk minimisation measures before other airlines said during a news conference in Abuja.

A member of staff of the West African regional economic body Ecowas this week became the third person in Nigeria to die of the disease.

60 — V anguard Vanguard anguard,, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

BRIEFS

EBOLA: Guinea declares emergency

G

UINEA has a declared a national health emergency as it battles to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola virus.

This meant tighter border controls, the immediate isolation of anyone suspected to have Ebola and a ban on moving bodies from one town to another, state radio reported. Ebola has killed more than 1,000 people in West Africa amid fears that it could spread to East Africa. This is the deadliest outbreak since the disease was discovered in 1976.

There is no cure for Ebola, but the first consignment of the experimental drug, ZMapp, has arrived in Liberia from the US, reports the BBC’s Jonathan Paye-Layleh from the capital, Monrovia.

On Tuesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved giving patients untested drugs.

Saudis give UN $100m to fight terrorism

S

Pope Francis being welcomed by South Korean President Park Geun-hye when he arrived in Seoul yesterday. PHOTO:AFP

N Korea tests missiles as pope visits Seoul N

ORTH Korea has fired three shortrange projectiles into the sea less than an hour before Pope Francis arrived for the first papal visit to South Korea in 25 years, South Korea’s defense ministry has said.

The apparent test firing was conducted on Thursday from Wonsan on the North’s east coast and flew about 220 kilometres, according to a ministry of-

ficial who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing office policy.

The type of projectile has yet to be determined.

North Korea did not declare a no-sail zone before firing the projectiles.

North Korea has a long history of raising itself to the top of its neighbours’ and Washington’s list of concerns.

The country has this year

conducted an unusually large number of missile and artillery test firings.

Pyongyang has expressed anger over ongoing annual military drills between the United States and South Korea.

Early on Thursday, on a dispatch carried by Pyongyang’s official news agency KCNA, North Korea’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea urged Seoul to scrap the joint USSouth Korea drills ex-

pected to start in coming days.

Although North Korea declined an invitation to Seoul for the papal visit, Francis plans to reach out to Pyongyang during his five-day trip in a Mass for peace and reconciliation on the war-divided Korean Peninsula.

During his visit, Francis also plans to beatify 124 Korean martyrs and encourage a vibrant and growing local church seen as a model for the future of Catholicism.

UN declares emergency in Iraq amid clashes

T

HE United Nations has declared its highest level of emergency in Iraq as fresh clashes between government troops and Sunni rebels killed four children west of Baghdad.

Fighting erupted early on Thursday in the rebelheld city of Fallujah, about 65km west of Baghdad.

The clashes on the city’s northern outskirts killed four children, along with a woman and at least 10 fighters, said Fallujah hospital director Ahmed Shami.

Fallujah has been in the hands of the Islamic State since early January, when the group seized much of Western Anbar province along with parts of the provincial capital of Ramadi.

The fighting came as the UN declared the situation in Iraq a “Level 3 Emergency” - a development that will trigger

additional goods, funds and assets to respond to the needs of the displaced, said UN special representative

Nickolay Mladenov, pointing to the “scale and complexity of the current humanitarian catastrophe.”

AUDI Arabia has handed over a cheque for $100m to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to help finance the UN’s centre to combat global terrorism.

The UN chief welcomed the gift at a ceremony in his office and said the recent upsurge in terrorism in a number of countries and regions - most dramatically, the Islamic State group’s takeover of a large swath of Syria and Iraq - “underscores the challenge before us”.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir, who presented the cheque with the Saudi UN ambassador, stressed that “terrorism is a scourge and an evil that affects all of us.”

He said it can only be dealt with if all countries and peoples unite to deal with the threat.

“We believe that the United Nations can play a very strong and very effective role in mobilising the efforts of the world to counter this evil,” alJubeir said.

Peace deal must meet people’s demands—Hamas

H

AMAS has said it will not sign a peace deal with Israel that fails to meet the demands of its people. Khalil al-Haya, the Palestinian group’s negotiator at the talks in Egypt seeking to stop fighting in Gaza, said on Thursday they were negotiating with a difficult side “versed in procrastination”. ”We are keen on having an agreement concluded. It must satisfy the demands of our people,” said al-Haya during public address in which he briefed the people of Gaza on the progress of the talks.

Haya said Hamas would continue to demand the end of what he called “unjust incursions” and a permanent lifting of the siege imposed by Israel on Gaza in 2006.

The comments came hours after the truce between Hamas and Israel was extended for five days as negotiators from both sides press ahead with the talks in Cairo.

Putin addresses Russia’s parliament in Crimea *As Ukrainian rebel leader quits

Indian plane dives 1,500m as pilot sleeps

P

NDIA’s civil aviation regulator has ordered Jet Airways to suspend two pilots after a flight to Brussels dived 1,500 metres, forcing air traffic controllers to issue an emergency warning.

The Times of India said the captain was on a scheduled rest break when the plane dropped over Turkey, putting it at an altitude assigned to another aircraft last Friday.

Air traffic controllers in Ankara had to issue an emergency warning to the co-pilot on duty, who the paper said “did not notice that the aircraft had lost altitude” because she was using her tablet computer at the time.

The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Thursday said it had summoned the captain and co-pilot for questioning over what it called a “serious incident” during the flight from Mumbai to Brussels while it was reportedly carrying 280 passengers.

RESIDENT Vladimir Putin has said Russia will do its utmost to stop the bloodshed in Ukraine, but also that he has approved defence ministry plans to set up a military task force in Crimea.

Putin was addressing Russia’s parliament on Thursday, known as Duma, that had travelled en masse from its normal seat in Moscow to Yalta in Crimea, in what many are seeing as a sign to the people of the recently an-

nexed region that they have not been forgotten.

“We will do everything in our power so that this conflict is ended as soon as possible, so that the blood can stop flowing in Ukraine,” Putin said.

Al Jazeera’s Rory Challands, reporting from the meeting hall in Yalta, said Putin had already been in the region for a few days, meeting its interim leaders.

“If Crimea wanted a display from the Russian

government that it takes them and their causes seriously then this is it,” our correspondent said.

Putin’s address, ahead of a Duma extraordinary meeting, emphasised the work that was being done to transform Crimea during its “period of transition”. The Russian president pledged more than 700bn roubles would be sent to the region to creat new jobs and improve the transport and communication infastructure.

I

61—Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

How to curb rural/urban migration, by Imo guber aspirant

By Onoja Innocent

O

W E R R I — A

GOVERNORSHIP aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, in Imo State, Mr. Ken Ojiri, has said that if governance was extended beyond the state capitals, those in the rural areas would have no reason to migrate to the city.

Ojiri, who said this in Owerri when some PDP members paid him a courtesy call, regretted that much attention was being focused on the state capital at the expense of the rural areas.

He said: ‘’As long as the state governors continue to overlook the rural areas in their development plans, there shall always be all manners of challenges in the city because everyone likes good life. “Most of the insurrections the country has experienced till date is traceable to lack of attention at the rural level, whether as Niger Delta militancy or Boko Haram, MASSOB or whatever nomenclature you want to call it. All would have been arrested if the rural areas were given adequate attention.

“In truth, majority of the violent attacks the country has witnessed from various militant groups wouldn’t have been, if the state governors were alive to their responsibilities to the rural areas.

“These people carry arms as a way of venting their bottled-up spleen. Check them out, many of them are educated,manyareartisanswho could find something to do, if the amenities and infrastructures found in the cities were extended to the rural areas. They find expression in the barrels of the gun."

Native doctor, 9 others in Police net over alleged murder, robbery A

By Eric Ugbor

BA—A native doctor and nine other suspected criminals have been arrested by police detectives from Ndiegoro division in Aba, Abia State, for alleged murder and robbery cases.

An armed robbery syndicate had in a similar mode of operation on different days of last week, wreaked havoc on the residents of the Ndiegoro axis of Aba, killing three persons, wounding others and carting away valuable property, including cash in the process.

Vanguard gathered that in the wee hours of penultimate Monday, a ten-man robbery gang attacked occupants of a building on Iheorji Avenue.

The gunmen were said to have shot a man dead and robbed others of cash and other valuables.

A source revealed that last Thursday, gunmen, numbering about eight, stormed a house on Mbaitoli Street, off Ibere Street and that robbing the occupants, the hoodlums shot sporadically killing a man and seriously wounding members of his household, including wife and children who were admitted in a private hospital in the city

where they are reportedly receiving treatment.

Not done, our source reported that a group of nine armed men invaded No. 90 NEPA Street, off Ngwa Road, and shot another man dead after robbing the occupants of their valuables.

Disturbed by these series of violent robberies in the area, the police at Ndiegoro were reported to have spread their dragnet to apprehend the

perpetrators.

Our source further revealed that following a tip off, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ndiegoro police division, Crescent Mamah, led a team of his men who arrested two of the alleged armed robbers last Thursday.

Again, based on information, the same police team last Saturday arrested seven other suspects, including the native doctor

CONSULTATION: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, addressing Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members, during his consultation rally with PDP stakeholders in Nkwere LGA towards his governorship aspiration in Imo State

RATTAWU demands reinstatement of Enugu Broadcasting Service workers

E

NUGU—THE Radio, Televisions, Theater, and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, has called for the unconditional recall of workers of Enugu State Broadcasting Service, ESBS. The RAT TAWU National President, Mr. Yemisi Bamgbose, made the call on

Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Enugu.

Bamgbose said the situation at the broadcasting station which had led to a crisis between its management and staff members was uncalled for.

He said: “We are here

discussing how we are going to be successful in terms of the 2015 elections and a whole television station is shut down.

“The Enugu State Broadcasting Service, the television arm, of it has been shut down in the last one year.

Anambra traditional council urges massive turnout for voter registration

O

NITSHA—ANAMBRA Central Traditional Rulers Council has appealed to residents to turn out en masse for the forthcoming voter registration and permanent voter cards collection.

Chairman of the council, Igwe Chukwuemeka Ilouno, made the call while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Onitsha, Anambra, yesterday after a meeting of the traditional

who was apprehended with a tortoise and other diabolical items with which he was alleged to be using in initiating and preparing charms for the armed robbers.

Abia State command Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Geoffrey Ogbonna, could not be reached for comments, but a senior police officer who did not want his name in print confirmed the incident.

rulers.

Ilouno said that the council’s call became necessary following the principle of oneman, one vote being promoted by the President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration.

“Any person that knows that he or she is 18 years and above should turn-out en masse to ensure that we are fully registered.

“That we secure our voter cards; if you do not have a permanent voter card, you

should register promptly and get one now because the forthcoming election is going to be one-man, one-vote.

“And we should not be disenfranchised; we should not sell our franchise; we should all ensure that we hold our voter cards because that is our power. If we know that if we don’t secure our voter cards, then we have lost our power.

“Therefore, every person in

Anambra State, who is 18 years and above should ensure that he goes to be registered fully so that he will be part and parcel of the forthcoming election.“ NAN reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had scheduled voter registration, revalidation, and issuance of permanent voter cards in Anambra for Friday to Sunday.

“The radio is not even broadcasting news and the programmes of that station, according to the information at our disposal, are alien to the people of this place.

“Again majority of the workers have been asked to go and sit down at home. The Gate of that organisation is locked against workers.

“Workers have been asked to move out of their residential quarters and we want very good coverage of elections knowing fully the role of the electronic media in informing, educating, enlightening and entertaining the public as well as the effect of a grassroots radio and television station such as ESBS that should be able to get to people unhindered.“ Bamgbose appealed to the management of the station to recall the workers without further delay and make the environment suitable for their duties.

62 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Cesc: I’m not Lampard’s replacement N

EW Chelsea signing Cesc Fabregas insists he is not a direct replacement for club icon Frank Lampard as he prepares to make his mark in the Premier League once more.

The Spanish international, who arrived at Stamford Bridge after spending three years at childhood club Barcelona, has a wealth of experience in England, having spent eight years at Arsenal before his return to Spain.

The 27-year-old felt a move back to England was best for his career, as he targets silverware in west London.

“I thought, I’m at the right age, I wanted a change and I looked at all

the offers I had and – after speaking to the coach – this was the best decision,” Fabregas told Chelsea Magazine.

“My ambitions are to win absolutely everything.

“The more you win, the more you want to win, although last season Chelsea was not able to lift any trophies, so this season we have to perform well.”

However, the midfielder feels he is not a replacement for England international Frank Lampard, who left the Blues after 13 successful years at the club.

“I have only just started my career here, but I don’t consider myself to be a replacement for anyone,” Fabregas said.

•Lampard

Man Utd make £32m bid for Cuadrado

M

ANCHESTER UNITED could miss out on Colombia international Juan Cuadrado this summer as the Fiorentina star has his heart set on a move to Barcelona.

Louis Van Gaal has identified the versatile wingback as the perfect man to slot into his new 3-5-2 formation, and

according to reports in Italy, a £32million offer is now on the table for his services.

United are looking to offload a number of players before the transfer window shuts, including the likes of Nani, Javier Hernandez and Anderson, and Van Gaal is keen to bring in some of his own choices over the coming weeks.

Palace sign Kelly from Liverpool

C •Cuadrado

C M Y K

RYSTAL Palace bol stered their squad ahead of the new English Premier League season by signing Liverpool defender Martin Kelly.

England international Kelly agreed a three-year contract with the Eagles and could make his debut in the club’s league opener at Arsenal on Saturday.

The 24-year-old made his Reds debut back in 2009 but found first-team opportunities limited, with a serious knee injury also ruling him out for a year.

Kelly, who can play at right-back and centreback, is reported to have cost £1.5m and becomes Palace’s fourth pre-season

signing following the acquisitions of Chris Kettings, Fraizer Campbell and Brede Hangeland.

Kelly, a lifelong Liverpool

fan, paid tribute to those who allowed him to play at Anfield and is now looking forward to a fresh challenge at Palace.

Leeds complete Sharp signing

L

EEDS United have completed the signing of Billy Sharp from Southampton, according to the Daily Star.

The 28 year old had a

•Sharp

year remaining on his contract with the Premier League club, but has agreed to drop a division and take a pay cut in a bid to play regular first team football.

Sharp moved to St Mary’s in January 2012, though he has spent the majority of the past one and a half seasons out on loan, firstly with Nottingham Forest then with Reading and former club Doncaster Rovers.

•Kelly

Vanguard, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014 — 63

FIFA re-instates Maigari ...Elections to hold August 26

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

W

ORLD football governing body, FIFA has reinstated impeached President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari with immediate effect. It also directed that the planned August 26 elections must hold on •Umeh the said date.

In a statement titled committee decided to Situation of the Nigeria sanction two other Football Federation, Executive Committee which was signed by its members for six months Deputy Secretary- and one year. By so General Markus Kattner, doing, it seems the said FIFA said in the meeting of the Executive c o r r e s p o n d e n c e Committee went beyond addressed to NFF the prerogative which is Secretary-General Musa limited to suspend Amadu that Maigari’s provisionally, persons or impeachment by some organs, until the members of the Executive following Congress, Committee of the NFF during which the did not follow due process sanctions are confirmed or and was not ratified by lifted. Finally, we also the Congress of the NFF,. learnt that some members “We take note of your of the electoral committee explanation with regards and electoral appeal to the meeting of the NFF committee duly elected held on 24 July and it by the Congress in would appear that the November 2013, were said meeting didn’t removed from their comply with some position by the Executive statutory provisions (e.g. Committee, which is deadline for the contrary to the convocation of the segregation of powers. meeting and for the “The recent decisions of sending of the Agenda). the Executive Committee In addition, in a are highly questionable c o r r e s p o n d e n c e with regard to the addressed to FIFA, Mr. compliance with the Maigari denied the statutes and should course of events and anyway be confirmed by complained that he had the Congress. In the even not been given the meantime, the different possibility to answer the sanctions and allegations against him. suspensions are “We have also been preventing persons to informed that members of contest the elections. the NFF Executive “Under these

Suárez

Continues from BP

won a victory of sorts by being cleared to train with his new team-mates and play in friendlies.

The 27-year-old remains ineligible to play in competitive matches during the fourmonth period, and his nine-game international suspension remains in place but he could be seen in action as early as Monday, when Barcelona take on Mexico’s Club Leon in

aa pre-season friendly at the Camp Nou. “The sanctions imposed on the player

by Fifa have been generally confirmed,” Cas said in a statement, meaning the earliest the striker can return for Barcelona in a competitive fixture is 26 October, when, as fate would have it, the club face Real Madrid at the Bernabéu in the first clásico of the season.

•Maigari circumstances, we deem that the NFF Congress will exercise its sovereign power through the electoral process, which shall be open to everybody and managed by the electoral committee elected by the Congress in their entirety. The Executive Committee of the NFF shall also be reunified as it was before the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Taking into account the internal divisions in the Executive Committee, it is advisable that major decisions are frozen until the elections of 26 August and that the focus will now be on the program of the candidates and the development of Nigerian football”..

KIRIKIRI WARRIORS — Vanguard's Football Club, Kirikiri Warriors after beating TVC 2-0 in a 5-A-Side Media tourney yesterday.

Adidas terminates deal with NFF

T

HESE are certainly not the best of times for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following the decision of global sports merchandise giant Adidas to terminate its kit sponsorship deal with NFF..

Disclosing this information, which will cost Nigeria millions of dollars in revenue lost, Adidas in a statement jointly signed by its Vice-President, Global Sports Marketing Football, Claus Peter Mayer and Marketing Manager, Federation

Umeh tasks Flying Eagles, Falconets their counterparts from

A

CTING President of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Mike Umeh has called on players and officials of the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles, and the U-20 Women National Team, Falconets, to guard against complacency in important international matches this weekend.

The U-20 boys host

Lesotho in a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifying series final round, first leg encounter at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Saturday, while the girls lock horns with New Zealand in the quarter finals of the 7th FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Canada.

FIFA ranking

Continues from BP

third best team in Africa Nigeria moved a place up to the 33rd place in the Fifa rankings, courtesy of the Super Eagles’ second round finish at the World Cup in Brazil.

The Eagles are now the third-ranked African side behind Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire who

finished in the 24th and 25th positions.

Reigning world champions Germany remain at the summit of the ranking table with 1736 points while World Cup runners up Argentina remain unmoved in the second position with 1604 points.

and Leagues, Kai-Philip Stef, said it was not going to extend its contract with the NFF, when the current deal runs out on December 31, 2014. “Ädidas has conducted an analysis of its football partnership and the related business with the Nigeria Football Federation. Based on this evaluation and in

combination with the recent correspondence between the parties, we regret to inform you that Adidas has decided not to extend its current partnership with the NFF as per the end of Agreement on 31 December, 2014. “Ädidas will continue to fulfill its obligations under the Agreement as previously

Ebola Continues from BP persists.

Nations cup qualifying tie involving Guinea and Sierra Leone have become a source of concern to other teams that have matches in those areas worst hit by Ebola.

There are requests that such games should be played in Ebola-free countries.

Moroccan Daily Al Massaa newspaper quoted a source from FIFA saying that “FIFA follows with interest the Eblola-hit countries’ efforts to fight Ebola virus, ahead of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.” “ But FIFA will not make any decision to change the official date until the African Football Confederation (CAF) approves it.”

The Ebola virus outbreak surfaced in Nigeria in July, when an infected Liberian government official brought the sickness and infected some Nigerians, thus sparking a world

concern about a further spread of the disease.

Only on Wednesday, Nigeria was forced to recall her team to the Youth Olympics in Nanjing China, after the athletes were subjected to unwarranted scrutiny.

More than 1000 deaths have been recorded according to the World Health Organization.

The Ebola-affected countries of Guinea and Sierra Leone revealed they will not host any qualifying games because of fears about the deadly disease.

Instead, they asked CAF to relocate next month’s African Nations Cup qualifiers to another territory. For these reasons, FIFA said that AFCON might be postponed.

However, Morocco’s Minister of Youth and Sports Mohamed Ouzzine denied the possibility for AFCON’s postponement. He told the Moroccan media that Morocco is able to face this challenge.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 15, 2014

Suárez biting ban upheld by Cas Today's Sports Vanguard T

HE court of arbitration for sport (Cas) has upheld Luis Suárez’s ban and fine for biting the Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini but the Barcelona striker has

— Centre Spread

Continues on Page 63

Ebola threatens Nations Cup

BY BEN EFE

T

HERE are fears about a possible postponement of the 2015 African Cup of Nations, following the out break of the deadly Ebola virus in the West African region.

Reports from Morocco, hosts of the tournament indicates that world soccer governing body,. FIFA, confirmed that there might be a shift from the January 17 to February 8 date if the Ebola scare Continues on Page 63

Nigeria rise Africa’s top 10 to 33rd on 1. Algeria (24) Coast (25) FIFA ranking 2.3. Ivory Nigeria (33)

T

Falconets celebrate beating England 2-1.

FIFA re-instates Maigari — P.63

HE Super Eagles have moved a place up in the latest global rankings released yesterday to remain the Continues on Page 63

4. Ghana (36) 5. Egypt (38) 6. Tunisia (42) 7. Sierra Leone (50) 8. Cameroon (54) 9. Burkina Faso (58) 10. Senegal (59)

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 3 Stadium (5) 9 Bargain (6) 10 Property (6) 11 Era (5) 12 Bar (4) 15 Evil (4) 17 Smallest (7) 20 Child (3) 21 Soar (5) 23 Encounter (4) 25 Jetty (4) 26 Stream (5) 28 Insect (3) 30 Guard (7) 33 Detail (4) 35 Speed (4) 36 Custom (5) 38 Involve (6) 39 Sausage (6) 40 Symbol (5)

DOWN 1 Allure (5) 2 Afresh (5) 3 Beer (3) 4 Reiterate (6) 5 Channel (4) 6 Tree (3) 7 Implicit (5) 8 Cap (5) 13 Illness (7) 14 Ship (5) 16 Amend (7) 18 Adored (5) 19 Vitality (3) 22 Jockey (5) 24 Can (3) 27 Edit (6) 28 Ventilated (5) 29 Cogs (5) 31 Nautical (5) 32 Weird (5) 34 Nimbus (4) 36 Strike (3) 37 Brown (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Compel 5, Binder 9, Yield 10, Sunken 11, Alcove 12, Dense 14, Oath 17, Dot 18, Cede 20, Stead 22, Aided 23, Subsist 24, Piste 26, Pedal 29, Ache 30, Her 32, Dire 33, Harem 35, Turbot 36, Novice 37, Sever 38, Dodged 39, Wedged.

DOWN: 1, Cosmos 2, Minute 3, Eyed 4, Lined 5, Blast 6, Idle 7, Doomed 8, Reeked 13, Noisier 15, Attic 16, Haste 18, Cited 19, Debar 21, Due 22, Asp 24, Panted 25, Shared 27, Diving 28, Legend 30, Hated 31, Review 33, Hose 34, More.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

C M Y K

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