My marshal plan to save Nigeria — BUHARI

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62254

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Seven ministers quit Agony of Oshodi/ Apapa Road users Jonathan's cabinet •Fashola, Works Minister, Julius

•President bids them farewell

54

Berger turn blind eye

•Pgs.32-33

My marshal plan to save Nigeria — BUHARI

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Levinus Nwabughiogu

•Says Nigeria has never been so divided •Stampede at his declaration as presidential aspirant A •APC leaders defy party rule to support him

BUJA—FORMER Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, laid down a nine-point agenda to salvage Nigeria from what he termed the increasing rot in all critical sectors of the polity.

Buhari’s public declaration for the 2015 presidential election on the platform of the All Continues on Page 5

Dignitaries storm Ekiti as Fayose takes over today 55

Mr & Mrs BUHARI DECLARES—Arrival of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during his declaration of intent for All Progressives Congress, APC, Presidential candidate in Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

COLUMNISTS: Before the auctioneer's hammer falls on our airports

Obasanjo's amazing apotheosis •P.17 C M Y K

•P.19

Fintiri: Come easy, go easy •P.19

MUTINY: 59 soldiers arraigned, plead not guilty 8

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POCKET CARTOON

THE AGONY RETURNS—Traffic build-up at Sanya Bus Stop, along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, yesterday: Photo: Shola Oyelese.

My marshal plan to save Nigeria — BUHARI Continues from Page 1 Progressives Congress, APC, at the Eagle Square, Abuja saw a massive turnout of supporters and associates including several senior party officials and elected public office holders belonging to the party.

Though party leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was absent, the signpost of his inclination on the presidential ticket was seemingly indicated by the heavy presence of his followers in the Southwest led by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and many other senators from the Southwest.

Four APC governors including Governor Babatunde Fashola, Lagos; Rotimi Amaechi, Rivers; Adams Oshiomhole, Edo and Tanko al-Makura of Nasarawa were there.

Among senior party officials at the venue were the National Vice Chairman, Northeast, Pastor David Lawal and the National Secretary Mai Mala.

Senate Minority Leader and former governor of Benue State, Senator George Akume led the National Assembly delegation that included several senators and members of the House of Representa-

tives. Also remarkable by their presence were the younger brother of late President Umaru Yar‘Adua, Col. Abdulaziz Yar‘Adua and a former member of the House of Representatives and immediate past board member of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Zilani Ibrahim.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s earlier declaration was more serene but a source in his campaign said Atiku chose not to invite party officials and governors in order not to compromise them.

Buhari’s declaration was an opportunity for several governorship and senatorial aspirants from mostly the North hoping to ride on the coattails of the former head of state to showcase their aspirations.

Tributes pour in for Buhari The declaration ceremony was interspersed with tributes to the former head of state and denunciations of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which was tagged "Poverty Development Party, PDP", by one of the masters of cer-

emony, Mr Dino Melaye, a former member of the House of Representatives.

Among those who paid tribute to Buhari were former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh; Senator Akume, former Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State; Senator Olorunimbe Mamora, Governor Amaechi of Rivers State and a youth leader, Jasper Azutolam who made a parody of the promises and failures of the present administration.

Praising Buhari’s commitment to the country, former Governor Sylva said Buhari’s decision to contest was a sacrifice he was making for the younger generation.

Chiding those who may take issues with the general’s age at 71, Sylva said: “Buhari is not in this race for himself. He is in this race because of us, the younger people. We are very happy that he has decided to come out of retirement to help us stabilise this country so that you and I, the younger ones can carry on with the development of this great nation. And people even say General Buhari is too old. To them, I will only quote the words of the former president of America, late President Ronald Regan who said, “we are

not going to make age an issue in this campaign because we do not want to be accused of taking advantage of the inexperience of our opponent”.

Gen. Buhari brings experience to this campaign.

He brings integrity to this campaign.”

Paying tributes to General Buhari on behalf of Nigerian youths, Imo State born Comrade Azutolam derided what he described as the many failed promises of the Goodluck Jonathan administration. He said the president promised to build refineries in every state but had not built even a palm kernel oil refinery and recalled how as a student he enjoyed benefits including drugs from the PTF (Petroleum (special) Task Force) headed by Buhari.

“Jonathan laid foundation for the second Niger bridge two times, that is the road I pass to my village, there is no single brick being laid in the name of second Niger bridge" Jasper said to the rapturous approval of the audience.

Former Senate minority leader, Senator Mamora speaking on behalf of the APC elders said Nigerians were determined to change the circumstances they were faced with.

“Can we go on with the insecurity in the country?

Can we go on with youth unemployment in the country? Can we go on with the subversion of the rule of law in the country? Can we go on with no power supply?

Can we go on with economic degradation and deprivation? Therefore, we need that change and the time has come.

Everyone of us is involved and we have to work to achieve that success,” he said to the rapturous excitement of the audience.

Ogbeh, a former national chairman of the PDP who introduced the aspirant said that Buhari was not the religious bigot that he has been sometimes depicted to be by political rivals. Noting Buhari’s links with many Christians, Ogbeh described those who made such claims as enemies of Nigeria who did not mind dividing Nigeria along religious lines.

Buhari salutes Nigerians, states 9-point agenda Buhari at the beginning of his speech was quick to return tribute to Nigerians who he said were “enduring all sorts of hardships and deprivations on a daily basis.”

Noting the reign of insecurity which he attributed to the “godless Boko Haram” group, kidnappers among others, he said he had decided to offer himself to salvage the country.

He said: “Since 1999, PDP has presided over our country ’s decline.

Nigeria in my experience has never been so divided, so polarized by an unthinking government hell bent on ruling forever. We, in APC, are resolved to stop them in their tracks and rescue Nigeria from the stranglehold of PDP.” He affirmed that he

would do things differently from the PDP presidents if elected, and outlined a nine-point agenda to achieve this, namely: *Protection of lives and property. *Pursuing economic policies for shared prosperity and immediate attention on youth employment. *Quality education for development, modernity and social mobility. *Agricultural productivity for taking millions out of poverty and ensuring food security. *Reviving industries to generate employment and “make things” not just to remain hawkers of other peoples’ goods. *Developing solid minerals exploitation which will substantially attract employment and revenue for government. *Restoring honour and integrity to public service by keeping the best and attracting the best. *Tackling corruption which has become blatant and widespread. The rest of the world looks at Nigeria as the home of corruption. Nigeria is a country where stealing is not corruption. *Respecting the constitutional separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary and respecting the rights of citizens.

Also present, yesterday, were former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, Rotimi Akeredolu; Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Ajayi Borofice, Senator Abdul Adam, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Kano state Deputy Governor, Magaji Abdullahi; Senator Ibrahim Musa, Senator Anthony Adeyemi, Senator Sadiq Yar'Adua, initiator of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; former national women leader of the party, Sharon Ikeazor and Prince Tony Momoh among others.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Policeman slumps, dies during promotional exam

By Evelyn Usman

T

HE ongoing p r o m o t i o n a l examination of policemen to the rank of Sergeant and Inspector, at the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, turned tragic yesterday after a Police Sergeant attached to the Oyo State Police Command slumped and died.

The Sergeant identified simply as Lekan, reportedly wrote the promotional examination with his other colleagues between Wednesday and Friday last week.

Vanguard gathered that officers who passed the examination were expected to undergo an assessment exercise with a team of senior Police officers headed by an Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Before the assessment, the policemen reportedly assembled in a syndicate of 50 on the parade ground, awaiting their turn.

But the situation took a tragic dimension when Sergeant Lekan, who was to be promoted to the rank of Inspector, reportedly slumped at about 1pm.

Members of his syndicate were said to have tried all they could to resuscitate him, to no avail.

A doctor said to have arrived the parade ground informed the perplex policemen that Lekan had passed on.

An ambulance from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH , later arrived the scene and removed the corpse to the mortuary .

Though the situation jolted the policemen but it did not stop the assessment exercise .

Police sources at the college told Vanguard that the deceased came to the college sick.

According to a policeman who spoke on condition of anonymity, “ we are from the same command. Lekan was involved in an auto accident back in Oyo state.

“In fact, he managed to come for the promotional course because he had been sick. He passed the examination that was written last week.”

HYGIENE: From left— Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Ochekpe; representative of IGP, AIG Mamman Tsafe; Wash Ambassador, Mrs Ebere Okeke and Director-General, Wateraid, Mr. Michael Ojo, with pupils of POWA International Children School, marking the 2014 Hand Washing Day in Abuja, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Tension in Bayelsa community over rape of 11-yr-old girl

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—THE failure of some natives of Nembe community, Bayelsa State, to allow justice prevail in the case of a man, 60, who allegedly raped an 11-year-old girl and was to be given the traditional mode of punishment, is causing tension in the community.

The suspect, Inabiah Isaiah, popularly known as CO2, was allegedly caught red-handed having carnal knowledge of the girl (names withheld) after luring her to his house where he allegedly committed the act.

After allegedly confessing to the crime, the victim’s guardian, Jerry, reported the matter to leaders of the community for traditional justice to take its course.

It was gathered that the punishment for such an offence in the community was public lashing of the culprit at the community town hall.

However, trouble started when some local militia gang loyal to the accused, who it was gathered, is also a militia leader, whisked him away to

the police station, apparently to shield him from public humiliation.

This did not go down well with a section of the community who insisted that the full weight of tradition must be allowed to take its full course or there would be no peace.

It was gathered that the people's anger was hinged on the fact that the accused had also participated in flogging other offenders who committed a similar crime in the past and was also alleged to be enjoying the backing of some community leaders and influential

politicians from the area.

Meanwhile, Vanguard gathered that a group of persons and gender activists who condemned the act, has vowed to pursue the matter in the court of law to ensure that justice prevailed, aside from the traditional punitive measures.

Protest in Kwara over ownership of mission schools

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—THOUSANDS of Christians of different denominations stormed the streets of Ilorin early hours of yesterday protesting plans by Kwara State government to continue to hold on to mission schools.

This came as schools in the state resumed after a prolonged holiday occasioned by the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease.

But the governor ’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr Muideen Akorede, in a swift reaction, denied that government had such plans.

Vanguard check revealed that

the schools had been receiving aid from the state government since 2006, a development that conferred the ownership status on the government which the Christian communities rose up to reject yesterday.

As early as 7am, the protesters gathered at St James Schools, Primary, Junior and Senior Secondary schools owned by Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, on the ever busy Yidi road,singing Christian songs and praying fervently for the state government to hand over the schools to them.

The protesters displayed placards with inscriptions such as “We want our schools back,” “We are taking back our schools

because they belong to us,” “Government should stop aiding our schools, we can run them on our own,” “Enough of oppression and injustice, we are taking back our schools, they belong to us,” “Mission Schools belong to us, we want government to stop grant us aid,” among others Spokesman of schools owned by the Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Pastor Peter Ogunwale, lamented that the incumbent governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, had requested that the churches wrote the government officially if they wanted their schools back and that they had done so for long without any response from the government.

25-yr-old arrested for attempted murder

By Esther Onyegbula

T

HE Nigeria Police have arrested a 25-year-old generator repairer, Amaneze Odunna, for allegedly stabbing one Sunny Nsuka with a screw driver and broken bottle in Lagos.

It was learned that the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased

in the neck, head and back, following a heated argument between the duo.

An eyewitness said: “After the victim returned from work, they discovered that his neighbour and other tenants were trying to fix their electricity which was faulty?

“He told them to be careful with the electrical connections

they were carrying out because they aren’t officials of Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

“The suspect, Odunna, told him to keep quiet and mind his business or he would slap him.

Suddeenly, they were engaged in a scuffle which later led to the suspect using the screw driver in his hand to stab the

victim on his hand and back.”

The victim is, however, receiving treatment at a separate medical facility at Isolo where he was eventually taken.

It was gathered that the suspect who ran after stabbing the victim, had been arrested and the case is currently being investigated and would soon be charged to court.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—7

BACKLASH: 4,000 lose jobs in Anambra

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

N

N E W I — O V E R 4,000 workers at the Atani Road Industrial Estate, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Anambra State, have lost their jobs, following refusal of the Federal Government to assist industrialists who lost their machines to the 2011/12 flood disaster that ravaged the state.

Chairman, Pokobros Group

of Companies, Chief Paul Okonkwo, who disclosed this in an Interview with Vanguard at Isuofia, said some companies in the estate closed shop because of the flood.

Some of the industries located in the area are Pokobros Group of Companies, Kristoral Group of Companies, Borillo Pipes Industries Limited, Patason Zochanis (PZ) Industries, Orange Drugs Industries Limited, Ejiagwu

Industries Limited, Dozzy Group of companies Limited, Intafact Company, a subsidiary of SaB MillierGroup, brewers of Hero larger Beer, Grand Malt, just to mention a few.

Chief Okonkwo said that almost four years after the flood disaster that ravaged communities in the state and companies in the area, the Federal Government was yet to come to their rescue, even

ERODED: Erio Road, Ekiti, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

when they had written the Presidency, Senate and House of Representatives.

“The President himself constituted a panel to see what can be done for the industries, and the panel raised so much money, including money they brought from donor agencies in Europe and America and all walks of life, but up till today, our machines that the flood destroyed are still there unrepaired because of huge amount of money required to make them work.

“Even after the visit of the industries by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, nothing has happened in terms of help from the Federal Government.

“Some of you are aware that we have laid off over 4000 workers and contractors to some of our companies are also affected.

“There is still danger, because the flood may happen again and any further delay in coming to the rescue of the companies will spell doom for some industries that are managing to produce, and their workers,” he said.

He appealed to the Federal Government to come to their rescue without further delay as more companies were folding up because of the effect of the flood disaster.

Okonkwo also called on the Minister of Trade and Industries, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, to visit the industrial estate to see things for himself.

Gunmen kill security man in Jos

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—TWO gunmen, Tuesday night, invaded the permanent site of Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH at Lamingo, Jos, Plateau State, and shot two private security guards.

The state police command confirmed that one of the guards lost his life in the incident as he tried to stop the gun men’s vehicle from forcing its way through the rear gate of the hospital.

According to a staff of the hospital who did not want his name in print, “the security man was shot when he discovered that there were arms in the car boot and was trying to stop the men from entering the hospital.

“The security man died during treatment in the hospital. The gunmen all escaped and their mission was not known. Security agents have been on alert after the incident.”

AWOSIKA MURDER: Court warns against tempering with frozen Police funds

By Innocent Anaba

A

Lagos High Court, yesterday, warned that there would be consequences if anything happened to the more than N500 million frozen police fund lodged with Zenith Bank Plc. Trial judge, Justice Olatunde Oshodi, gave the warning at the hearing in the various applications by judgment debtors, garnishee and other interested party seeking to oppose compliance with the payment of N500 million awarded to Mrs. Ebunoluwa Awosika, the widow of the slain banker, Modebayo Awosika, who was felled by the Police in Lekki, Lagos on October 1, 2008.

Until the time he was killed, Mr. Awosika, then 39 was a seasoned banker, a Relationship Manager with the First

Bank of Nigeria Plc and the breadwinner of his entire family.

Following the confirmation of Modebayo’s murder by a coroner ’s inquest, his widow commenced a fundamental rights action against the respondents at Lagos High Court, wherein Justice Ebenezer Adebajo, now retired, awarded damages against Inspector General of Police, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, and the Divisional Police Officer, Maroko, Victoria Island.

The judgment creditor commenced garnishee proceedings to enforce compliance when same was not obeyed by the Nigeria Police.

The garnishee proceeding was against seven of Nigeria’s commercial banks.

On March 10, a Lagos

State High Court made a garnishee order nisi, attaching monies in the custody of the garnishees and their corresponding

banks standing to the credit of Nigeria Police Force or under the control and/ or for the benefit of the Nigeria Police.

Man docked for illegal possession of gun, cartridge

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

38-year-old man, Sikiru Rasaki, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos, for illegal possession of one locally-made single barrel short gun and one live cartridge.

The accused was also accused by the police to have conspired with others, now at large, with intent to commit felony.

Rasaki is facing a two-count charge of illegal possession of gun and intent to commit felony, but pleaded not guilty to the offence read to him before the magistrate, A. O. Komolafe.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 328 (d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.

The magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N400,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 6.

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8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—MILITARY authorities yesterday in Abuja arraigned 59 soldiers, who are taking part in the ongoing war to flush out Boko Haram terrorists in the North east, on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and mutiny.

The 59 soldiers, who are part of 97 officers and soldiers brought from the 7 division of the Nigeria army Maiduguri Borno State, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Both charges are punishable under section 52 (1) A of the armed forces act Cap A2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and if they are found guilty, they will be killed by firing squad.

The soldiers from the 111 Special Forces battalion, who were camped in Mulai Primary School, Opposite AIT in Maiduguri are alleged to have refused on August 4th 2014 to join troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Opurum for an advance operation to recapture Delwa from the terrorists.

According to the charge sheet, the soldiers were alleged to have refused the orders of their Commanding Officer to advance on an operation to recapture Delwa and prepare the way for other battalions to proceed to recapture Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State from Boko Haram terrorists.

At the commencement of the trial, the prosecution counsel, Captain Joseph Nwosu, applied for an amendment of the initial charge, which had 60 names of the accused, telling the court that Lance Corporal Anthony Simeon was critically ill and could not be arraigned on health grounds.

Consequently, there was a 2-hour adjournment to have the amended charge sheet corrected and served on the accused persons.

On resumption of trial, the prosecution called the commanding officer of the 111 battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Opurum as its first witness.

Lt. Col Opurum told the court that he had four officers and 98 fit soldiers under his command as at August 4th 2014, when he received orders to advance on Delwa and hold the location as part of the operation to capture the other towns.

He stated that the advance was important to clear the enemy along the route to ensure clear

MUTINY: 59 soldiers arraigned, plead not guilty passage of troops from the 251 battalion and 254, whose task was to capture Bulabulin.

Opurum said at the 5 am appointed time for the advance, some of the troops refused to go on the mission, despite having made them understand that their task was lighter than that of the others.

He testified that when some soldiers refused to advance, he went ahead with the plan with only four officers and 29 soldiers and captured Delwa.

Opurum stated that on the 18th, Delwa was attacked by Boko Haram and the Nigeria troops had to withdraw because they were outnumbered, however while pulling out of Delwa, they called for reinforcement and 47 soldiers from the 111 battalion, who initially refused orders to advance joined the reinforcement to retake Delwa from the terrorists.

He said these 47 soldiers were disciplined and rejoined their colleagues in the battalion; however he identified them as part of those to face court martial.

Defence counsel Mr Femi Falana, in his cross examination, asked the witness if the troops had earlier complained about lack of adequate equipment, to which Colonel Opurum answered that all the troops in Borno had complained of not having enough equipment, but stated that the soldiers were given enough equipment and support for that particular task.

At the trial of the soldiers yesterday at the Mogadishu Cantonment Abuja, the President of the General Military Court Martial, Brigadier-General Musa Yusuf restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to fair hearing, justice and fairness in the trial of the 59 soldiers accused of breaching the law.

AWARDS: President Goodluck Jonathan receiving an award as the Grand Commander, ICT Promoter in Nigeria from the Communications Technology Minister, Mrs. Omobola Johnson as part of the harvest of awards presented to the Presidency during the Federal Executive Council Meeting at the Aso Chambers, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

FG proposes $78 oil benchmark for 2015 budget

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE Federal Government has proposed $78 as the benchmark for the 2015 Appropriation against the $77.5 per barrel in 2014, just as the debt profile of the country as at March this year remained $65.26 billion.

The Federal Government in the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and FSP also has the oil production projection at 2.2782 million per barrel daily, mpbd, which is lower than the 2014 oil production projection of 2.388mbpd.

Government explained that the reduction on the oil production per day was a reflective of lack of new

investments in the oil sector due to uncertainties owing to delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB. The MTEF and FSP document further explained that production was estimated at 2.3271 mbpd and 2.4067 mbpd for 2016 and 2017 respectively, adding, “These projections are indicative of government’s position to improve actual production capacity of the oil sector.”

The exchange rate is pegged at N160 per dollar.

The MTEF and FSP document stated that the Excess Crude Account, ECA, which had been depleted was gradually being rebuilt and that

Boko Haram: US has not cut Nigeria off militarily, says envoy

By Jonah Nwokpoku

T

HE United States of America's envoy to Nigeria, Ambassador James Entwistle, has denied reports that the US has refused to sell arms to Nigeria on account of human rights violation in the fight against insurgency in the country.

Entwistle, who was speaking as a guest at the Diplomatic Dialogue Series organised by the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, NLI said the US has not cut off Nigeria militarily and that the two countries continue to enjoy healthy military relationship.

He insisted that his remark on arms sale to Nigeria recently was misrepresented and that there was never a time he said the US will not sell arms to Nigeria on account of human rights violations.

According to him, “Nigeria and

the US have a military relationship that continues. We look at every aspect of that relationship very carefully in the context of our policy, Nigeria policy including human rights.

This is a process that we undergo with every country in the world. But we have a rich military relationship with Nigeria that continues even as I speak.

“Let me be clear, the United States wants Nigeria to win its war on terror and we are here to support the effort. Security is a critical dimension of our bilateral relationship. As friends and partners, we provide support in the form of equipment and training, but we also share our own lessons learned in combating terrorism.”

He further explained: “Over the past decade, the U.S has learned that defeating terrorism requires more than just military power. It

requires protecting civilian populations despite the fact that terrorists don’t. It requires working to develop impoverished areas where extremism takes root. It requires ensuring that education is accessible to all. It requires empowering a free and fair press to report openly and without fear of reprisal. ''And, perhaps, most importantly, it requires engaging the growing youth populations that are being swayed towards extremism due to lack of economic opportunities, education, and distrust of government. In other words, it requires a comprehensive, whole of government approach. The work we are doing with the Nigerian government and people addresses these needs.”

balances had dropped from about $9 billion as at early 2013 following drawdowns to augment shortfalls in revenue in 2013 to about $2.28 billion in December 2013.

It, however, stated that with prudent management of the 2014 budget, some built-up was expected in 2014, adding, “It stands at $4.09 billion.

On the expenditure outturns, government said that it had been on track notwithstanding the delayed passage of the 2014 Appropriation Bill and that of the total capital expenditure of N1, 135.

17 billion, N10.01 billion had been released as at the second quarter, while the sum of N226.97 billion (or 61.98 percent) had been released as at July.

It also said that the 2014 budget had a revenue projection of N3, 731 billion and an expenditure outlay of N4, 724.69 billion and that as at June, the prorated revenue inflow was N1, 552.70 billion, which was 83.23 percent of the target as against N1,865.50 billion budget as oil and non-oil revenue sources fell short of their budget targets.

According to the document, net oil revenue after derivation was N22.62 billion short of the half-year prorated budget revenue of N, 179.93 billion.

On the total debt stock and breakdown, it stated that overall, Nigeria’s public debt stock was the equivalent of about $65.26 billion as at March, 2014 and that of the amount, the Federal Government was responsible for about 80 percent while the 36 states and FCT accounted for the balance of 20 percent which implied a debt to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP ratio of 12.8 percent.

“The total debt stock is comprised of external debt stock of $9.17 billion and domestic debt stock of $56.09 billion,” it stated.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 9

WHO set to declare Nigeria, Senegal Ebola free

Jonathan moves to equip Police

By Sola Ogundipe & Gabriel Olawale

...Sends bill to Senate

F

OLLOWING the nondetection of new Ebola cases in Senegal and Nigeria after the requisite 42 days of active surveillance that is currently in place, the World Health Organisation is set to declare the end of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the two countries.

The anticipated declaration that the Ebola outbreaks in the two countries are over, is expected to give the world some welcome news, even as the EVD epidemic remains out of control in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The death toll so far in the outbreak, first reported in Guinea in March 2014, has reached 4,447 from a total of 8,914 cases. Total number of cases in West Africa are expected to top 9,000 this week.

In a “Ebola situation assessment Report” released yesterday, the global health body said the end of the outbreak of EVD will be declared in Senegal on Friday October 17, 2014, while the declaration for Nigeria will be made on Monday, October 20, 2014.

In the statement, WHO confirmed that tracing of people known to have contact with an Ebola patient reached 100 percent in Lagos and 98 percent in Port Harcourt.

“In a piece of world-class epidemiological detective work, all confirmed cases in Nigeria were eventually linked back to the Liberian air traveller who introduced the virus into the country on 20 July,” the WHO noted, explaining that 95 percent of confirmed Ebola cases have an incubation period in the range of 1 to 21 days while 98 percent have an incubation period that falls within the 1 to 42 day interval.

Further, the WHO explained that the outbreak in the two countries have been far smaller than in other West African countries, with 19 confirmed cases and eight deaths in Nigeria, where the last reported case was on September 5, 2014, according to the Centres for Diseases Control, CDC, while the single confirmed case in Senegal was in late August, where the infected person survived.

The WHO, it was gathered, is therefore confident that detection of no new cases, with active surveillance in place, throughout this 42-day period means that an Ebola outbreak is indeed over.

To declare the end of an Ebola outbreak, a WHO sub-committee on surveillance, epidemiology, and laboratory testing establishes the date of the end of an Ebola outbreak, according to rigorous epidemiological criteria that include the date when the last

case with a high-risk exposure completes 21 days of close medical monitoring and tests negative for the virus.

According to WHO recommendations, health care workers who have attended patients or cleaned their rooms should be considered as “close contacts” and monitored for 21 days after the last exposure, even if their contact with a patient occurred when they were fully protected by wearing personal protective equipment.

For health care workers, the date of the “last infectious contact” is the day when the last patient in a health facility tests negative using a real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RTPCR) test.

For WHO to declare an Ebola outbreak over, a country must pass through 42 days, with active surveillance demonstrably in place, supported by good diagnostic capacity, and with no new cases detected. Active surveillance is essential to detect

chains of transmission that might otherwise remain hidden.

Meanwhile, the WHO has expressed alarm over reports of suspected Ebola cases imported into new countries that are said, by government officials or ministries of health to be discarded as “negative” within hours after the suspected case enters the country.

According to the Report, two negative RT-PCR test results, at least 48 hours apart, are required for a clinically asymptomatic patient to be discharged from hospital, or for a suspected Ebola case to be discarded as testing negative for the virus.

VISIT: From left; Mr Victor Omoregie, Corporate Affairs Manager, Vanguard Media Ltd; Mr Azu Akanwu, Production Editor, Vanguard Media Ltd; Prof John Enaohwo, Chairman, Institute Planning Nigeria, IPN planning commitee, and Mr Richard Mayungbe and Mrs Biokoro Judith, Asst Registrar, both members of IPN annual planning commitee during the IPN team's visit to Vanguard's Apapa, Lagos headquarters, yesterday. Photo by Shola Oyelese.

Nigeria-Cameroon trans-border military operations conference begins patrols along our common operations against terrorism is

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—CHIEFS of Defence Staff of Nigeria and Cameroon, yesterday commenced the CameroonNigeria trans-border Military Operations Coordinating Conference, with the aim of evolving a joint military offensive strategy to tackle Boko Haram insurgency.

According to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, the conference was “part of the ongoing efforts at engaging relevant stakeholders in our collective determination to address the challenges of terrorism and other acts of criminality which our two countries in particular and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) countries in general are currently being confronted with” Badeh said “the overall efforts is to contain terrorism in the sub region as agreed in previous meeting where it was agreed among other things, to conduct at the bilateral level, co-ordinated

borders in order to crack down on Boko Haram, locate and save all abducted persons.

Badeh then recalled the series of meetings held in Paris, Yaoundé and Niamey, which were aimed at articulating a common approach towards addressing the threats posed by Boko Haram in North Eastern Nigeria and Northern Cameroon as well as the Lake Chad Basin.

He said, “specifically, the Yaoundé meeting highlighted the need to enhance the fight against terrorism by operationalizing the LCBC Multi National Task Force (MNTF).

“We agreed to set up an information sharing mechanism to support our joint operations against terrorist, as well as the importance of setting up an information sharing mechanism on gun smuggling and strengthen measures to protect all military hardware and armouries in our two countries”.

With a draft resolution yet to be finalized, Badeh said the need to work together and agree on the operational details that will guide the conduct of troops at the joint

needed, as he advocated “a robust strategy that would lead to the defeat of terrorism within the subregion”.

He added that ''While the resolution is being drafted, it is imperative that we work out and agree on the operational details that will guide the conduct of our troops as we jointly conduct operations against terrorists”.

The Cameroonian Chief of Defence, General Rene Claude Meka expressed optimism that the mutual cooperation and the need to strengthen same would be beneficial to the two countries, as both countries need each other.

He presented the souvenir of a Lion to the CDS of Nigeria, saying it indicated that with Nigeria and Cameroon working together, they will finish off Boko Haram in no distant time.

Present at the coordinating Conference were the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General KJT Minimah; CNS, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Rear Admiral Okoi.

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

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B U J A — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday sent to the Senate, a bill for an Act to provide funds for the equipment of the Nigerian Police so as to meet up with the security challenges occasioned by the Boko Haram onslaught on Nigerians.

President Jonathan in a letter to the senate titled, ‘Bill for an Act to provide for financial contribution by the Federal Government of Nigeria to Police Reform Programme and for Matters connected thereto’ noted with dismay the poor condition of the police force which he said needed immediate intervention.

The letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator David Mark read in parts, “Further to my letter dated 16th June 2014, I forward herewith for your kind consideration and passage into law, the abovementioned Bill.

“The state of our Police Force calls for immediate intervention if Nigeria is to achieve the desired result of operating an effective Police Force in tune with international best practice.

“The Bill as presented seeks to provide financial contribution by the Federal Government to the Police Reform Programme which is a deliberate government policy aimed at equipping and repositioning the Nigeria Police to more effectively and efficiently meet its constitutional obligations.”

The details of the Police Reform Bill were not made public.

President Jonathan also submitted the 2015-2017 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, for the year ’s Appropriation.

Senate President, said, “Pursuant to provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, the preparation towards submission of the 2015 Budget to the National Assembly is progressing well.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Ogun govt dismisses Ebola outbreak report

APAPA-OSHODI EXPRESSWAY: FG, Julius

Berger's negligence compounds gridlock L

By Kingsley Adegboye

A B E O K U TA — T H E Ogun State Government has debunked the report of an outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, in the state.

Commissioner for Health, Olaokun Soyinka in a statement described the report as false, adding that “there is absolutely no cause for alarm.

“Some misinformation has spread as a result of a case that was reported to the Ogun State Ministry of Health early on Tuesday, October 14 concerning a male patient admitted to an Ijebu Ode Hospital."

AGOS—THE traffic gridlock on the OshodiApapa expressway has worsened because of some craters and gullies on the road between West Minster and Cocoa nut areas of the expressway.

Vanguard’s visit to Cocoa nut end of the road to find the cause of the traffic gridlock revealed that those bad portions of the road are responsible for the hellish traffic situation being faced

by Apapa bound road users.

The craters are said to have remained unattended to by the contractors working on the road, Julius Berger Plc and inadequate supervision by the Federal Ministry of Works.

Appeal Court reserves judgment in Akingbola's case

Tanker drivers

By Onozure Dania &

Hope Ofobike AGOS—THE Court of Appeal in Lagos has reserved judgement for an appeal filed by a former Managing Director of the defunct Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr. Erastus Akingbola, challenging the ruling of Justice Lateef Lawal-Akapo of an Ikeja High Court on the issue of jurisdiction.

The appellate court presided over by Justice Amina Augie reserved the appeal for judgement after counsel to the appellants and respondents adopted their brief of arguments and highlighted cogent points from their briefs.

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FGC Okigwe old students flay attack on Northern schools

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AGOS—THE Old Students Association of Federal Government College Okigwe, Lagos State chapter, has warned that the growing attacks on educational institutions in the Northern part of Nigeria, would be counterproductive for the country.

The chairman of the association, Mr. Omeoga Chukwu, who said this, regretted the killing of students at a Federal Government College in that part of Nigeria and the abduction of Chibok girls.

The tanker drivers who were last December given 72 hours by Lagos state government to vacate Oshodi/Apapa Expressway for causing traffic nuisance on the ever busy dual carriageway, are back and the chaotic traffic situation has subsequently returned.

The bad portions have caused tanker drivers who load products at depots at Cocoa nut to slow down thereby causing slow movement backward which subsequently builds traffic gridlock that extends to Mile 2 end of the expressway.

It was also discovered that a large chunk of the

expressway has been taken over by tanker drivers waiting for their turn to load products at Cocoa nut section of the road thereby making the bad portions to be more impassable to other road users.

72-hour ultimatum

The 72 hours ultimatum by Lagos State was made when officials of the state government and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG; Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, and the Association of Maritime Truck

Owners, AMATO, met in December at the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, on the need to tackle the gridlock that had continued to be a nightmare to motorists and residents in the area is currently of no effect.

Commissioner speaks

Speaking at the end of an emergency meeting, Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa told newsmen that the government was worried by the situation around Oshodi Apapa Expressway, hence, it

is determined to address the situation, lamenting that in recent time, the traffic situation had been horrible as a result of the on-going construction of the main carriageway by Julius Berger.

According to him, the construction had led to traffic diversion to the service lane which was initially earmarked for tanker drivers and articulated vehicles.

However, with the absence of government officials to control the tanker drivers, lawlessness on their part has returned to the expressway.

FLAG OFF: From left: Special Adviser to Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Riskat Akiode, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Hon. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Chairman, Igando /Ikotun Local Council Development Area, Mrs. Morenike Adeshina Williams, during the flag-off ceremony for the second phase of Lagos State Government Economic Empowerment programme, the at Council Secretariat, Ikotun, Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi.

HORN FREE DAY: Lagos commends motorists

for compliance

By Olasunkanmi Akoni &

Monsur Olowoopejo AGOS—THE Lagos State Government has expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance by motorists during the maiden “Horn Free Day ”, a day without the use of horn on the roads observed yesterday.

However, government did not record absolute compliance as some motorists violated the directive in some parts of the state by honking their horns.

The state governor, Babatunde Fashola had last week said the initiative was a step towards sensitizing residents to the harmful effects of noise pollution.

Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, who led officials of the ministry on monitoring

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exercise in some parts of the state acknowledged there was appreciable reduction in the level of honking, “ which means our motorists bought into the idea of reducing noise on our roads.”

The commissioner,

particularly, commended members of the road unions, especially, the executives for sensitizing their members on the need to comply with the directive.

Opeifa, said the measure

aimed among other things to: reduce noise pollution from the use of the horn, improved road courtesy, lane discipline and draw motorists’ attention to mutual respect for other road users.

$1.69M FRAUD: Court discharges Ajudua, Orie

By Abdulwahab Abdulah &

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Bartholomew Madukwe

AGOS—ELEVEN years after he was apprehended and formally arraigned before the Lagos State High Court, Lagos Lawyer and socialite, Mr. Fred Ajudua was yesterday discharged of the US$1.69 million fraud case levied against him by the Federal Government.

However, the court failed to acquit him of the offences.

The lawyer was accused alongside his Co-defendant,

Charles Orie of defrauding two Dutch business men, Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen of about US$1.69 million between 1999 and 2000.

Reprieve however came his way yesterday when Justice Kudirat Jose of an Ikeja High Court discharged him of all the charges proffered by the EFCC, moment the agency’s counsel narrated its ordeal and its inability to bring prosecution witnesses to the country.

As the proceedings lasted for

years, EFCC had alleged that the defendants deceived their victims by claiming that there was some money to be paid by them for sundry payments to various government officials in order to win big contracts worth $18 million dollars.

The matter was filed in 2003 and has been on since then. On several occasions, the matter suffered setbacks as the EFCC failed to produce some key foreign witnesses in the matter.

V anguard, THURSD AY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 11 Vanguard, THURSDA

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

2015: Oshiomhole in presidential race to rescue Nigeria from bondage — Odion

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—EDO State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, yesterday, said the state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, was earnestly in the race for the 2015 presidential election to rescue Nigeria from its current bondage.

He declared that the governor was better equipped to lead the nation with his pan-Nigeria perspective, asserting that he had better credentials than other All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential aspirants.

He said: “It is not a rumour, it is a fact. Oshiomhole is in the race. But if you expect the kind of jamboree that is currently taking place, where people embark on road shows, promising heaven on earth, Oshiomhole is not going to do that. I can tell you he is in the race, and it is in response to the yearnings of well meaning Nigerians, that our country needs somebody of his pedigree at this point of our history to move Nigeria forward. You will even recall early this year when Governor Babatunde Fashola said the nation needs somebody like Oshiomhole as President to change Nigeria. Fashola, as we all know, is a performing governor. But he said being some body that has stayed in Benin City before as a student of University of Benin, UNIBEN, he knows what

Benin was then and what it is today. That is why he said Oshiomhole is a good material.

“As a journalist, I take time to read reports and I have looked at the parade of some of the APC leaders who have so far declared interest in the presidential ticket. Of course, you have people like General Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has also been

mentioned as a possible candidate, and my brother and friend Sam Ndah, has also been mentioned. But when I look at the parade, I am not inspired with some of the sentiments they advance for joining the race.

People will say Buhari is a regional champion, that he is the only one who can galvanize votes from the North. In terms of qualification, Atiku is regarded as someone who has a deep pocket. As for Rabiu Kwankwaso, he is somebody who is very effective in Kano state. For Tambuwal, some will

say whereas he seems to offer freshness, his own disability is that he has not had the experience.

“For Sam Ndah, I read where he was described as a man of novel ideas. I think among all of them, Oshiomhole stands taller in the sense that he is the only one who offers a panNigeria perspective.

Oshiomhole is going to come in not as a candidate of the SouthSouth, but as a man whose face is known in every nook and cranny of Nigeria. That is what he is bringing in."

DECLARATION: Hon. Pally Iriase, House of Representatives member representing Owan Federal constituency of Edo State declaring his intention to run for a second term at Afuze, yesterday.

Delta assures on school's infrastructure devt

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ELTA State Government has promised to sustain the drive in the provision of infrastructures in public schools in the state.

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Peter Onwusanya, gave the assurance when he presented exercise books to more than 3,000 SSS3 students preparing to write the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations,SSCE, next year.

Onwusanya, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Ogbueshi Joseph Ikediashi and the Political Adviser, Mr. Eloka Nwanze, explained that in the past few years, the state government had invested heavily in the education sector to justify its policy of human capital development.

He said schools in Oshimili South constituency would continue to receive his attention because of his interest in empowering adults, youths and children in the area.

Onwusanya, while responding to request by some principals, also promised that the state government would soon embark on building and renovation of more schools in the area.

The Speaker commended the governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, over his support to the education sector, especially schools in Oshimili South Constituency.

Edo Police Commissioner, heads of other security agencies strategize on 2015 polls

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—EDO State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Foluso Adebanjo, yesterday, met with other heads of security agencies to strategize on how to stem violence in the state, ahead of next year's general elections.

Edo State House of Assembly had accused the state Police Commissioner of alleged ineffectiveness during the attack on its quarters by suspected political

thugs who riddled over 30 cars with bullets last Saturday.

The Commissioner, who described the allegation as untrue, however, disclosed that 12 persons had been arrested in connection with the Assembly mayhem.

In a statement, the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Noble Uwoh, said the meeting with heads of security agencies centred on plans to train and retrain officers

through workshops and seminars on election guidelines and the role of security officers before, after and during the elections.

Seme Customs Area Command rakes in N963m

S

By Ifeyinwa Obi

EME Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service generated N963,796, 422, last month, following new anti-smuggling measures put in place by the command.

Customs Area Controller, Mr. Willy Egbudin, who disclosed this, noted that the amount was the highest monthly collection made between 2013 and 2014.

He affirmed that the command’s antismuggling operations were paying off as unrepentant smugglers were now fleeing the area.

He said: “In line with the Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde's, zero tolerance for smuggling, we are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that Seme border becomes and remains a no go area to perpetrators of smuggling and other unlawful activities.

“Seme will continue to be unsafe for them as we are increasing our intelligence on a daily basis on their movements which we share with other commands to achieve the same goal.’’

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—13

I want a woman to succeed me —Dickson

By Emem Idio

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E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday

said he would prefer a woman to succeed him as governor of oil rich state.

Governor Dickson, who spoke in Yenagoa at the state secretariat of

Rivers to mark 7th anniversary of Amaechi’s S-Court victory

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State Government is to hold a rally to mark the 7th anniversary of governor Chibuike Amaechi’s victory at the Supreme Court.

It would be recalled that a Supreme Court judgment in October, 2007 deposed Sir Celestine Omehia and installed Amaechi as governor of the state.

A statement by the media aide to the state Chairman, All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwu, said the rally would hold on October 25 at the 65,000 capacity stadium constructed by the

government.

He said the Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikiru, who is the Chairman, Central Planning Working Committee, inaugurated the various committees for the programme at Government House, Port Harcourt.

“The Committee has the following subcommittees: Mobilisation with Chief Tony Okocha, the Chief of Staff to Governor Amaechi, as Chairman; Publicity with Commissioner of Information, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, as Chairman; Health with Dr. Sampson Parker, the Hon. Commissioner of Health, as Chairman,” he said.

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, during the State Executive Council, SEC, meeting, said: “When I have to vacate my seat at the end of my tenure as governor of Bayelsa State, I have to search for a woman to succeed me.”

The governor urged female politicians to seek for elective positions and promised to give them his support to realize their ambition, describing PDP as a women friendly party.

He appealed to party faithful to be prepared to see more women as members in the next state House of Assembly and other elective positions.

The governor counseled politicians seeking elective positions on the need to learn how to engage and enlist the support of the people they wish to lead and shun politics of violence and intimidation stressing that power comes from God.

Delta politicians urged to allow citizens choose their leaders

By Uduma Kalu

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OUNDER of Urhobo Historical Society, UHS, has asked political leaders in Delta State to allow the citizens choose their leaders.

Speaking with Vanguard ahead of activities making the 9th annual conference of UHS taking place in Effurrun, Okpara Inland and Olomu communities between November 13 and 16, 2014 at the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurrun Delta State.

He said: “What we advocate is simple: let the ordinary people decide on who will lead them. Let each candidate offer his points of view, wherever he comes from, whether he is Urhobo, or Ibo or Ijaw or whatever.

Let them offer their views.

Part of the problem in our politics, not just in Urhoboland, but in the Delta, especially, is that the ordinary man has not had the opportunity to express his own point of view. Let us leave it to the ordinary man.

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"Let the elites canvass their point of view but allow the ordinary man to choose. Usually, they are wiser. That’s the whole meaning of democracy- that the ordinary man is wise.”

Eke said the Urhobo elites are interested in the elections insisting, “Let them vote. I assume you are asking me whether the Urhobo elite will be part of the election. Am saying let

everybody campaign. Let it be open. Allow the ordinary man to vote, to cast his vote. If you want to vote for an Urhobo man, that’s fine.

“There is too much of zoning in Nigeria at the present time. The whole idea is that you choose for the ordinary man, you tell him that this is what we have for you, and it is predetermined. The ordinary man is not a fool.”

DELSU, community mourn lecturer

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ELTA State University, DELSU, Abraka, and Umukwata in Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state, have described the death of a lecturer in Theatre Arts Department of the university, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogu-Raphael, as painful.

The lecturer died recently after a brief illness.

Before his death, OguRaphael, who had just finished his PhD thesis, was embroiled in a legal tussle to clear his name over an

alleged rape incident but which his friends said was only a set up.

Ogu-Rapheal had later gone to court alleging felony, stealing and assault against three former students of the university before an Abraka Magistrate’s Court.

At his burial, many of his relations, colleagues and acquaintances at the funeral service at Ogbe-Umukwata in Ukwuani LGA, spoke glowingly of him.

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14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

2015: Edo PDP stops sale of forms

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN CITY—THE leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo South senatorial district of Edo state, has directed aspirants not to purchase nomination forms yet as it plans to set up a committee to screen its senatorial aspirants with a view to ensuring the emergence of a credible candidate for the party.

The PDP senatorial aspirants from Edo South include the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Matthew Urhoghide, former Chief of Staff to former Governor Osarhiemen Osunbor, Isaiah Osifo, former chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Victor Ebomoyi, former House of Representatives member and Ehiogie WestIdahosa.

The incumbent senator, Senator Ehigie Uzamere is serving his second term and there are no signs yet of angling for a third term.

It is being rumoured that he wants to contest the governorship election in 2016.

....As Bayelsa PDP woos defecting APC members

By Samuel Oyadongha

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E N A G O A — LEADERS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Bayelsa State, yesterday met with the leaders of the defecting members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, promising to provide a level playing field ahead of the 2015 general elections in the state.

It was learnt that the meeting, convened by the State Executive Council, SEC, of the PDP led by Col. Sam Inokoba (rtd), was attended by nine representatives of the over 8,000 defecting members of the APC led by Ebikibina Miriki and Sunday FrankOputu.

State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Osom Macbere, confirmed the development saying the meeting was an in-house arrangement.

He said, “the coming of the group did not follow proper protocol and we have given them a proper date and time. The chairman met with them at the level in which their members were introduced.”

Why we can't impeach Uduaghan —Delta Assembly

By Festus Ahon SABA—DELTA State House of Assembly, yesterday, said it could not commence impeachment process against Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, on frivolous petition, passing a vote of confidence on the Governor for his policies and programmes aimed at improving the living standard of citizens.

In a motion on matters of urgent importance, raised by the Deputy Majority Leader, Mr Johnson Erijo, the House also passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mr Peter Onwusanya for collaborating with the governor in promoting the well being of Deltans.

Moving the motion, which was unanimously adopted by all members of the House, Erijo said the development strides of Dr Uduaghan cut across all sectors of the state economy, including peace and security, infrastructural development and various empowerment programmes of the administration and were worthy of commendation.

Stating that the governor’s achievements had earned him both national and international recognitions and awards, he said the philosophy of the administration to finishing strong

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was also worthy of note.

Speaking with newsmen, Olorogun Taleb Tebite, described the vote of confidence as a testimony of the good works Governor Uduaghan was doing in the State.

Tebite said” Governor Uduaghan has touched the lives of all Deltans through his three point agenda”, adding that; “the

socio-economic lives of Deltans have improved under his government.”

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Mr Johnson Erijo, said the House could not act on petition without facts and could not commence impeachment process on a governor, who according to him, was doing well in the administration of the

State.

While describing the petition as frivolous, Erijo said the petitioner might face the law for attempting to misinform the people of the State.

On his part, the Chief Legislative Adviser to the Governor, Chief Emmanuel Okoro, commended the House for jettisoning the petition, saying the House had spoken the minds of all Deltans.

NOMINATION FORM: Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji (right), receiving the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, Senatorial Nomination and Expression of Interest Form presented to him by stakeholders from Abia Central Senatorial Zone in Umuahia.

IMG slams Dubai Police over death of Alamieyeseigha's son

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AGOS—THE Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, has described the failure of Dubai police and other security agents to disclose killers of the son of Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha, in the United Arab Emirate as unacceptable.

In a statement signed by Comrade Joseph Evah, the Ijaw slammed the UAE authorities for not disclosing the cause of death, lamenting that for that to happen “in a security conscious nation like the UAE is ridiculous.”

The statement said: “We reject the attempt to cover-up the senseless murder without trace of any suspect. We urge Kingsley Kuku, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta matters to use his global connections to put pressure on UAE security agents to fish out the killers for prosecution.”

The Niger Delta activist asked Kuku to relocate to UAE to meet the Nigeria Ambassador in that country. He argued that it was time to show the world that “every Niger Delta soul anywhere in the world is important to the region.”

The former Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress, INC condemned the growing rate of Nigerians killed in foreign lands, insisting that Nigerian foreign missions abroad were not doing enough to assist citizens facing

threats.

“Any Ambassador that failed to follow-up the prosecution of killers of Nigerian citizens in the

country of their foreign assignment should be recalled and replaced without delay. The careless attitude of most of our

ambassadors in various countries has contributed to the poor treatment of Nigerians abroad.”

Let's vote out PDP, Ijaw group tells South South people our brother at the helms of af-

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ENIN—THE people of the South-South, have been advised to vote out the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the zone for them to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

An Ijaw group, Izon Ibe Global Policy Network, in a statement, claimed only the All Progressives Congress, APC, could deliver the zone from poverty and underdevelopment.

The group cited among others, alleged failure of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, the NDDC and the Amnesty office to bring development in the region, regretting that “they have rather turned those ministries to conduit pipes to milk the nation in the name of developing the Niger Delta”.

In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Ayubalayefa Olu Dennis, decried the growing level of poverty, deprivation, unemployment and total infrastructural collapse in the region saying “voting out PDP is the only way out of the

region’s predicaments. It is shocking that in spite of promises to bring development to the South /South, the region has continued to retrogress in a manner never witnessed. The so called transformation agenda this administration is embarking on has not affected the people of the South region “The East-West road has been lingering on for donkey years.

In spite of the fact that we have

fairs in the ministry of Niger Delta, with billions of naira allocated to the East West road, the project is still far from completion and there is nothing to show for it.

“This administration has not been able to manage or improve on the Amnesty programm and it has failed to address the salient issue why the amnesty was granted to Niger Delta exagitators."

Aig-Imoukhuede to speak at LAPO annual forum today

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By Patience Obuh

BUJA—PRESIDENT, National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and former Managing Director of Access Bank, Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, will deliver a keynote paper today at Lift Above Poverty Organization’s 21st edition of its development forum.

The forum is scheduled to hold at the International Conference

Centre, Abuja, with the theme: “Governance, Poverty and Peace Building Nigeria.”

The group, in a statement signed by General Manager, Mrs. Sabina Idowu-Osehobo, said the annual forum would provide a veritable platform for development organizations and government agencies to discuss, exchange ideas and proffer solutions to poverty and governance issues in Nigeria.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 15

BUHARI DECLARES: Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, after his declaration as presidential aspirant, at the Eagle Square in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

BUHARI DECLARES: Supporters of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during his declaration as APC presidential aspirant for the 2015 election, in Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Adamawa: Fintiri drags Justice Ademola to NJC, alleges foul play

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—FORMER Acting Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, has asked the National Judicial Council, NJC, to investigate Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja, over his alleged refusal to furnish his lawyers with a copy of the judgment that sacked him from office.

In two separate petitions sent through the law firm of a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, he accused the high court judge of deliberately frustrating his appeal against the verdict that not only ousted him, but equally stopped the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from conducting a governorship bye-election in the state on October 11.

The two petitions endorsed by another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Duro Adeyele, SAN, were dated October 10 and 14, respectively.

Specifically, Fintri, who had since resumed his former position as the Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, told the NJC that though Justice Adeniyi refused to grant him a copy of the judgment, he alleged that the judge ensured that an enrolled order of the verdict was served on INEC headquarters few hours after it was delivered on October 8.

According to him, “To begin with, though Tuesday 7th October was a public holiday, I got a phone call at about 6:19 pm from someone who claimed to be the secretary to the presiding judge of Federal High Court No 6, Abuja inti-

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mating me that judgment in the above quoted suit would be delivered the next day Wednesday 8th October.

“I was not in Abuja and I therefore instructed one of my junior colleagues in chambers to go for the judgment. I also emphasized that he should obtain a certified true copy of the judgment as my expectation was that His Lordship would make a copy of the judgment available to parties knowing the constitutional and political nature of the case. However, no copy of the judgment was made available”.

“On getting back to Abuja on the same Wednesday 8th October, I instructed one of my junior colleagues in chambers to apply for a certified true copy of the said judgment to

concretize the notice of appeal which I had instruction of my client to file. However, up till close of business of that day, the judgment was not made available. Nevertheless, I still went ahead to file a notice of appeal based on what my junior heard in court.

“My Lord, to my shock and surprise, up till the close of business the next day Thursday and Friday, Ademola J. refused to release the said judgment and there is no indication from the court when it will be ready and made available to me. One would expect that in a matter such as this, his Lordship should have gotten the judgment ready before delivering same.

“What now compounded the situation is that even though I

was not availed a copy of the judgment, an enrolled order of the judgment was served on INEC headquarters Abuja by 11:28 am on the date of judgment, 8th October, and by 2pm of the same day, a copy of the said enrolled order was taken to the Chief of Staff of my client at the government house, Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State.”

Likewise, Fintri, in his follow-up petition, told the NJC that on October 13, “We again sent one of our colleagues in chambers to the said court to obtain a certified true copy of the judgement.

However and to our chagrin and consternation, the Court Registrar again informed our colleague that the judgment was not ready for certification as it was still being typed."

PDP proud of Deputy Speaker Ihedioha —Secondus

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—DEPUTY National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, said yesterday, that the party was proud of Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, for his loyalty and service to the party.

Speaking when the deputy speaker visited him in his office after collecting his expression of interest form for the governorship race of Imo State, Secondus who reiterated the commitment of the party’s position on a level playing field for all aspirants, stressed that with aspirants like

Ihedioha, the PDP would have to put its best foot forward, just as he congratulated Ihedioha for seeking to move from the legislature to the executive arm of government.

Secondus who charged all aspirants on the platform of the party to maintain and pursue peace in the states as that would help position the PDP for victory in the forthcoming general elections, said, “We wish you well and we want to commend you for all you have done for the party as the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; you have done well, you supported the party and supporter Mr. President. We wish you well.

“For us in the national working committee, we will

provide a level playing field for all aspirants, we will conduct very transparent primaries that will show that PDP is the best in terms of internal democracy and by the time we come out of that primaries, our candidates will be unbeatable in all the elections.

“On behalf of the National Chairman and Members of the Working Committee, we wish you well and we want to congratulate all your supporters; we ask that the most important thing is that we must maintain peace, we must be our brother’s keeper even back home in the state so that this process can come and go for us to start the campaign for the general elections.”

Ebonyi PDP urged to adopt Chukwu as gov candidate

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI-

STAKEHOLDERS from Ebonyi Central Senatorial district of the state, yesterday called on the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to support the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu as the consensus candidate of the party in the 2015 governorship election.

According to them, the decision to adopt Prof.

Chukwu would go a long way in eliminating bitter rivalry, rancour and bad blood amongst those contesting for the 2015 governorship election in the State.

“Prof. Chukwu is a very talented man who has brought intellectual creativity, robust professional capability and unimpeachable integrity to public service for nearly three decades in the country,” they said.

In a communiqué issued by the Ekumenyi descendants from the zone and signed by over 120 stakeholders including the chairmen of the four local government areas, Obinna Nwachukwu, Jeff Ogbu, Laz Ogbee and Moses Onyema Nwekoyo, Ishielu, Ezza North, Ezza South and Ikwo respectively, they called on Prof. Chukwu to answer the call of service to his people.

16— Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Igbinedion mourns Akpata

By Henry Umoru BUJA—FORMER Governor Lucky Igbinedion of Edo State, has described the former Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF, late Tayo Akpata, as an astute administrator, who left indelible footprints everywhere he was privileged to serve.

In a condolence message he personally signed in Abuja, Chief Igbinedion who expressed his condolences to the Akpata family over the death of their patriarch, Chief Tayo Akpata, the Ima of Benin Kingdom, described him as a notable educationist, elder statesman.

The former governor in the statement said: “Either as an administrator or educationist or a super civil servant, Chief Akpata discharged his duties excellently. He was a distinguishedMidWesterner, an illustrious son of Bendel and later, Edo State."

A

LG POLLS: Mu'azu hands over party flags to PDP candidates in Delta A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—AHEAD of the the October 25, 2014 Delta State Local Government Council election, National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu, yesterday handed over the party flags to candidates of the party in the 25 council areas of the State.

Those that received the flags include Mr Henry Baro, Uvwie; Mr Paul Etaiga, Ughelli South; Mr Kenneth Ibru, Ughelli North; Mr. Chucks Oseme, Aniocha North; Isaac Awuzia, Aniocha South; Chief Oluwole Karitimi; Bomadi, Chief Ebikeme Clark, Burutu; Mrs Faith Majemite, Ethiope East; Solomon Golley, Ethiope West; Francis Ebonka, Ika North East; Fred Nwakego, Ika South; Emmanuel Egbabor, Isoko North and Malic Ikpokpo, Isoko South.

Others are; Mrs Nkechi Enuma-Chukwura, Ndokwa East; Ifeanyi Osakwe, Ndokwa West; Chief Godwin Ejinyere, Okpe; Mr Luis Ndukwe,

Oshimili North; John Obuson, Oshimili South; Mrs Josephine Abeki, Patani; Mr Ejaife Odebala, Sapele; Solomon Kpomah, Udu; Mrs Bennedicta OsakwuniIzugbu, Ukwani; Francis Maku, Warri North; Mr Mofe Edema, Warri South and Mr Omadeli Weyimi, Warri South

West.

Speaking during the ceremony, the PDP National Chairman charged the flag bearers to be above board in their service to God and humanity and uphold the sanctity of the party.

He boasted that victory was assureed for the party as

Delta was a PDP State and would remain so.

Mu’Azu who was flanked

by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan assured the flagbearers of the support of the national leadership of the party in mobilizing for their victories in the forthcoming Local Government Councils election.

Delta Speaker tasks political appointees on govt policies

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SABA—POLITICAL appointees in Delta State have been charged to see their positions as avenue to support and propagate government policies and programmes.

Speaker of Delta State House of Assemby, Right Hon Peter Onwusanya, gave the charge while addressing his newly appointed political aides.

He explained that the state government had humanoriented progammes which they must acquaint

themselves and help to disseminate so that Deltans would appreciate Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan According to him, all the appointees must exercise collective ideas and direction, as government would not tolerate divergent objectives in the prosecution of its programmes and policies.

Hon Onwusanya also informed them that they must be loyal to Governor Uduaghan and be ready to carry out directives that

would be of interest to the state, stressing that they must be seen to have collectively done the needful at the end of each assignment.

He added that he was open to suggestions that would help achieve over all objectives of the House of Assembly and the state government in general, stressing that they should gather information from their areas that would help in implementing its programmes.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 17

T

Obasanjo's amazing apotheosis Baba should not throw away the baby with the bath water”.

Senate President, David Mark, also weighed in:”In any disagreement of this nature, the older person is always right. All of us in the PDP are appealing to you to come back to the party”. A few days later, Obasanjo responded with typical bluster: “There are, for me, issues of principle, morality, honour, integrity, commitment and character which are paramount…I cannot accept that the zonal leader of my political party and, worse still, in my zone, will be an indicted drug baron wanted in America. How do I explain

Baze University, Abuja: Garlands for the 18th Sultan of Sokoto and Dr. Stella Adadevoh

L

AST Saturday, the new Baze University in Abuja, organized its first Convocation Ceremony in Abuja. 64 young Nigerians received their first degrees on the occasion with nine achieving First Class degrees. All of these were young Nigerian girls, including a physically challenged, wheelchairbound young girl. At the Ceremony, the 94year-old, 18th Sultan of Sokoto,Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree for his contributions to Nigeria’s development. And may we recall that Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki was an excellent public servant who gave his all to the development of Nigeria. His stature rose higher as a community leader, especially in Northern Nigeria, after his deposition as Sultan. He remains a go-to person for advice; and he is a major repository of the collective memory of public service, the traditional institution and inter-communal relationships in the North and beyond, because of his extensive knowledge and network of relationships around Nigeria.

Similarly, Baze University posthumously awarded Dr. Stella Adadevoh, an Honorary Doctorate degree for her uncommon courage and spirit of self-sacrifice, in the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria. It was the patriotic and professional commitment of Doctor Adadevoh and her colleagues that saved Nigeria of what might have become a monumental tragedy. She and her colleagues gave their lives so as to save our country. I feel humbled as a Nigerian citizen that the new Baze University recognized Dr. Adadevoh, when the Nigerian government did not see the need to celebrate the late DoctorAdadevoh’s patriotism and professionalism.

I have only visited the Baze University just once. About two years ago, I was invited to meet Honorable Aliyu AhmanPategi, from Kwara State at the premises of the new university. I met him at a site verymuch under construction, busy supervising a group of workmen putting extra shifts to finish the construction of hostels that the student were expected to occupy in a few weeks from that date. I learnt that it was the brainchild of Honorable Datti Baba-Ahmed, a scion of the famous Baba-Ahmed family of Zaria. I was not surprised that Honorable Datti was investing in the education of young Nigerians at a point when the country was in dire need of first class institutions, at all levels of the educational system. Their father was one of the great educationists of the old Northern Nigeria and he also succeeded in parenting, giving Nigeria outstanding children who have gone to serve our country excellently in different areas of human endeavor.

When I asked Mouftah Baba-Ahmed the meaning of the “BAZE” in the university’s name, he said BA came from Baba-Ahmed, the family’s name; Z represents their hometown, Zaria that they are so proud of and E stood for education. There you have it! I have read testimonies about the quality of facilities and faculty and we look forward to the new university’s continued contribution to the development of our country.

C M Y K

that to friends outside Nigeria?...I have national and international standard to maintain and reputation to keep and sustain. For these reasons, I opted to remain active only at the ward level of the party till the leadership of the party does the needful”.

Let’s take Obasanjo’s appeal to “principle, honour,

,

HE NATION newspaper’s HARDBALL of Tuesday, October 14, 2014, mischievously described it as the “BEGGARS’ ORCHESTRA”. The occasion was the triumphant return to their old PDP base of some political grandees, from Ogun State led by former governor, Gbenga Daniel (but wait a minute, didn’t incumbent governorAmosun say Gbenga isn’t from Ogun state?). As HARDBALL noted, PDP National Chairman AdamuMu’azu, “led the beggars”: “I want to join Governor Daniel to appeal to our Baba, President Olusegun Obasanjo, to forgive us. We are your children and we have been making mistakes; we have made mistakes and so we apologise. Please, Baba, we apologise; come and lead us.

Even the President (Goodluck Jonathan) is waiting for you to come and lead us; you are our leader, we appreciate you, we thank you for your leadership and courage”.

Mu’azu became more emotional: “Baba should please forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. We are your children; we have made mistakes. Please forgive us and come and lead us to victory in the 2015 elections.

sidelined and ignored Obasanjo in the past couple of years have suddenly rediscovered his usefulness for their ambition. Never mind that Obasanjo serially lost even in the polling booth in front of his house, the truth is that in the contemporary configurations of power in Nigeria, they will ignore

So in every direction, everybody became willing to forgive Obasanjo’s trespasses and crimes.

He has become the ultimate survivor, the eternal political bride of Nigeria

integrity”, with a healthy dose of salt, given how he also pressed people with questionable characters into service while in power. But there is no gainsaying the depth of chasm that has developed between Obasanjo and his protégés in power and in party leadership.

And as battle is about to be joined for 2015, those who

,

Obasanjo only at their peril.

Obasanjo knows the workings of the levers of power and his shadow frighteningly hangs over the political system. My father used to tell me the old Fulbe proverb of the cripple that cannot milk a cow but can use the stump going for a hand to pour away the milk.

This is Goodluck Jonathan’s dilemma and that of the party

chairman he appointed, Adamu Mu’azu. They would rather Obasanjo was within the loop than without.

And this realization has also drawn the opposition in his direction.Obasanjo’s sworn political enemy Bola Tinubu has abandoned quixotic “progressive” pretenses. He now regularly consults with Obasanjo. It is indicative of Obasanjo’s place in the schemes of ruling class politics, that Bola Tinubu recently returned to Obasanjo to seek opinion on some of Obasanjo’s “former boys” seeking APC’s presidential ticket. When quizzed about the development, long-standing Tinubu sidekick, Lai Muhammed, effusively said Obasanjo could assist the opposition’s quest for power in 2015. These are moments of seismic shifts on the political order in Nigeria.

Many sections of the political elite have become fed up with Jonathan’s presidency: his predilections for a damaging provincialism; serial bungling and faux pas; and the alienation of many who assisted his rise to the top.

Obasanjo is at the top of the pile of those hurting deeply: knocked off his perch within the party; couldn’t muster the influence he felt entitled to; deliberately sidelined.

Obasanjo consciously flirted with an opposition desperate to seize the moment to achieve access to power that seems more than ever before, closer to achievable. So in every direction, everybody became willing to forgive Obasanjo’s trespasses and crimes. He has become the ultimate survivor, the eternal political bride of Nigeria. This is the moment of Obasanjo’s amazing apotheosis!

Ilorin: Hajj, Sallah and the culture in between

I

WAS back home in Ilorin for my first Eid-elAdha celebration in three years.

Last year I left Nigeria on Sallah Day for a trip to China, Vietnam and Dubai; and the year before, I was home alone at my friend’s residence in Buena Park, in California. Yet, this time of the year is always one of the most memorable in Ilorin. And to stroll the shores of history, I went back to the Ilorin Railway Station just to take in the atmosphere (it is all about neglect and decay today!). The station used to be the point of embarkation for those doing the Holy pilgrimage for the Hajj, since they will take their flight from Kano. Families from all over the city of Ilorin would escort aspiring pilgrims to the railway station, which was one of the few well-lit points of the Ilorin of the 1960s. And the return journeys were equally big family events, with people literally climbing each other’s heads in a congested railway station, as newlyreturned pilgrims (many with new gold teeth; Saudi headgears and all), making desperate efforts to collect the bulging bags from the Holy Land.

In the weeks before their return home, rooms are renovated with walls wearing generous coatings of paint while families have prepared their “&CO” dresses that will be worn on the days of the thanks giving for a safe return from the hard duty of Hajj! On those days, families accompany the pilgrims, dressed in the best Saudi pattern, with solemn songs: “ARAFA ODUN TINBO GBOGBO WA LAO JOLO (May we also perform the Hajj)”; often to the Emir’s palace and back home, where sumptuous meals have been prepared for all and sundry. The bags from the Hajj are opened usually on the same day of arrival, because there are too many people waiting for presents: Jalabiya; skull caps; scarves for women; and a lot of edibles: Dabino (Labidun in Ilorin Yoruba); Mazarkweila (Mazankola in Ilorin Yoruba); even dried meat and of course the mandatory ZAM-ZAM water as well as Viewfinders for children with pictures of historic places in the Holy land.

They were the precursors of video and were always sought after by children. There was an incredibly strong communal

ethos that was reinforced by the culture of Hajj and the ceremonies of return, including the travellers’ tales about the difficulties of doing the Hajj; the meetings with Muslims of all cultures and of all races from all over the world and the exotic destinations, including the mystification about the Red Sea and how it appeared as if it was pulling the plane as all pilgrims read copiously verses from the Holy Qur’an.

Much later in life, I wondered whether they were just mystifying the normal turbulence of flights that must have been truly incomprehensible for people who were likely ever to be doing their only flights of a lifetime! Today Hajj has a slightly banal nuance and much of that cultural element has long disappeared with more knowledge, but they were very much the sensibility that we grew up within and they helped to define our lives in those romantic phases of our upbringing. Trying to catch a whiff of those moments in history was one reason why I enjoy going back home to Ilorin at that time of the year!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 WHILE opening the current session of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, made comments which some interpreted as meaning that Nigeria is not even contemplating holding the 2015 general elections.

This was contained in his keynote address entitled: “Threat to National Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Nigeria

by Insurgents”. He was quoted as saying: “there is no question of elections; it is not even on the table now. We are in a state of war ”.

This drew a firestorm of criticisms, and one of the groups that weighed in on the controversy was a coalition of civil society organisations. Speaking on behalf of others, Mr Clement Nwankwo of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) said a postponement of the election would be admission by government of its failure to secure the lives and property of Nigerians and protect the nation from internal and external threats. A media aide of the Senate President fired back, accusing a section of the media of misrepresenting his boss, adding that Mark never made such

2015 Elections Must Hold a call.

We are not interested in whether the Senate President’s comments amounts to an indication that the general election of 2015 might be postponed. We are here to affirm that the elections must hold. Everything possible must be done to ensure that the Nigerian electorate is provided its constitutionally guaranteed right to decide who will run governments at all levels.

Nigerians reserve the right to pass their verdict on those they gave their mandates in previous elections and allow them to

continue in office if they have the constitutional backing to do so, or replace them with new hands.

It is high time we, as a people, realised the importance of the democratic and constitutional system of self-rule we have chosen for ourselves. It is something that has come here to stay. No crises or hiccups in the system should serve as enough excuse to truncate our democracy, even if through unconstitutional shift of dates.

We must learn from the experience of India, the largest democracy in the world, where elections have held routinely since 1947 when that country gained independence, despite losing Pakistan and Bangladesh and getting mired in unending crises with Pakistan and the clashes over Kashmir. Here in Africa, Egypt still defied a revolution and upheavals to conduct elections.

We must hold our elections in spite of insurgency in the north east. In fact, we must see the defeat of Boko Haram as an incentive to enable us hold elections all over the country in 2015 and shame those who thought they could derail the nation by instigating or supporting the insurgency.

OPINION

By Omotayo Adeolu

W

ITH the end of the slave trade, the mis sionaries came to Nigeria from Sierra Leone and landed in Badagry in 1842. From Badagry they came to Abeokuta in 1843 through Ogun River. Today this river has dried up through siltation as it was never dredged. The progress Nigeria has made is through the use of education that came along with religion. We can see the difference between parts of the country where education was accepted and where it has not been accepted fully. Were it possible for Nigeria to copy what Japan did in 1872, when it introduced compulsory elementary education building a total of 54,000 elementary schools, one such school for every population of 600 people!

And Japan became the most literate in the whole of Asia; Nigeria will be different in a very short time.

My interaction with my fellow students and the environment provided by the school made me to be inquisitive, particularly about the absence of industries in Nigeria. I became interested in visiting second hand bookshops in London and Liverpool where I studied. I bought books on industrial growth and paper making. Some of these include Landmarks in English Industrial History by Townsend Warner; The manufacture of Paper by R. W. Sindall; Japanese Paper making

by Timothy Barrett, and Small-scale Paper making by A. M. Western, amongst others.

I have looked around: We do not manufacture anything, the only thing we see around is “pure water”. In institution of learning a workshop is provided at the beginning; once the equipment stops functioning, there is no replacement, sometimes the site of the workshop becomes that of the library for the college and the workshop is C M Y K

Time to take our destiny in our own hands never replaced.

I have given what I have seen some thought; I came to ask myself whether some policies initiated many years ago by Britain could have affected the African thinking generally. These include the Navigation Act of 1651 and 1660 which forbade the importation and exportation of goods between Asia, America and England, save in the ships built and owned by England and with English crews. The other was the Mercantile System established under four main heads: 1.

To encourage native shipping by Navigation Acts, 2.

To protect and help native corn-growers in order that England should be independent of food from outside, 3.

The policy of protecting home industries and planting new ones to give employment to native artisans and finally, 4.

Policy of amassing and keeping in the country a large amount of money.

India, a British colony, was not much affected by mostly African countries. Most of the education we give remain without the possibility of application. Whatever may be responsible for this, it is my idea we borrow a leaf from India, Japan and others and transform Nigeria. It is that despite the fact that India had been producing paper by hand since the 7th century, an Institute of Paper Technology, Saharanpur (U.P.) India, founded in 1968 and affiliated to the University of Roorkee, was to be awarding degrees in chemical engineering with major courses in Pulp and Paper Technology. Approach was made to the Swedish government for assistance. Sweden sent most of the equipment required to set up

the institute, made available six Swedish experts for five years plus training facilities in Sweden for ten Indian teachers. That was 21 years after independence to India in 1947.

I believe that it is possible that we can approach other foreign countries, including Sweden, for similar assistance. We need such repositioning in our various faculties offering courses in technology and industrial design. This is the time to change, the future is bright and well assured. Our petroleum is waiting for refinement from the crude form; bitumen is also waiting; fabrication of agricultural machinery, three wheeled vehicles and solar power are possible if we have confidence in ourselves and if our steel industry would produce sheet metal.

With these ideas we can celebrate 53 years of independence with confidence.

All that is known about Africa today had been recorded by visitors to Africa from Europe. An ambassador, Dr. Nachtigal, a German from Prussia to Kukawa, capital of Borno Kingdom in 1870, saw the Lake Chad full of water, walked round it and made a record of it, including all the rivers that flowed into and out of it. Today, the lake has dried up as a result of siltation. We do not need to divert the water of another river into it, all we need to do is to dredge it as well as all the rivers that flow into it, plant trees around them all to protect them from sand being blown from across the Sahara Desert.

Forestry was introduced into Nigeria in 1916, today the trees in them had been cut down without new ones to replace those that were cut down.

Mature wood for making furniture are not readily available. Care of our forestry must be main-

tained with considerable responsibility.

Rivers in Nigeria before colonization provided communication routes linking villages and other settlements, today they have ceased to function as they have all silted up and need urgent dredging to bring life back to the settlements they linked before. Absence of dredging is causing flooding in different parts of the country today.

Agriculture formed the cornerstone of our economy. We planted groundnut, cotton, cocoa, palm oil, others which we exported. As soon as we discovered oil, we abandoned them rather than add value to them and use them ourselves.

We have today become “La moo lo” and not “la moo se”. Many children come out of school with no job to absorb them. Mineral deposits abound everywhere in Nigeria, empower every state to mine and add value to one or the other mineral in its state and make a considerable difference.

Every effort should be made to produce locally most of the things we use today in order to provide jobs for our children.

If the ideas being put forward here can be effected at least a quarter of people coming to Lagos will stay away, thus reducing over population in Lagos metropolis.

The presence of institutions of higher learning and concentration of highly motivated teachers will in a short time bring about the desirable changes that will transform the various societies in the country. By ensuring that the knowledge we impart can lead to practical application and changes desirable in societies will take place.

•Prof. Adeolu, a retired lecturer, wrote from Lagos

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014— 19

, EPUTY governors are supposed to be dumb. Vice presidents are expected to be morons, at least, in Nigeria. Here in Nigeria, the personal interests of a governor are more important than those of the state he bestrides.

The individual concerns of a Nigerian president are put above those of the nation.

Since we started our presidential system in 1979, the pattern has always been for the powers that be to select a perceived malleable character for president or governor, and then, go for a colourless individual as his running mate. In recent years, deputy governorship candidates have tended to be older or retired men. In places like Lagos State, women have become the popular choice for deputy governors, partly because of the need to give the opposite gender a place at the top and partly because women are assumed to lack the grit and political clout to “challenge” the Governor politically.

That is not supposed to be so. A vice president or governor is supposed to strengthen the flag bearer and the ticket. He or she is the one to continue if for some rea-

sons the chief executive is not available to provide leadership.

When Barack Obama emerged as the presidential candidate of the Democrats in 2008 and the question of who he would like to pick as his vice president arose, he made it clear that he wanted an experienced person who will continue to provide strong leadership for America in his absence. He later went for Joseph Biden, who was one of the longest serving senators and a seasoned hand in foreign affairs.

Funny enough, Nigerians have come to expect vice presidents and deputy governors to be not much more than mere idiots. Till today, some Nigerians still describe President Goodluck Jonathan, a former Deputy Governor and Vice President as “clueless”, maybe because he lacks the charisma of General Ibrahim Babangida, does not break heads like Generals Sani Abacha and Olusegun Obasanjo, and does not have the oratorical flow of Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Obasanjo once said something that rings a bell in my ear till date.

During the campaigns for the 1999 election, he was asked by re-

porters what his special advantages were over his opponents. He simply said: “My biggest advantage over my opponents is that I have a stupid face”! Perhaps, that is the same philosophy driving President Jonathan’s political successes.

Certainly, the assumed simplicity of deputy governors was what the new Governor of Adamawa State, Bala James Ngilari, hid behind to turn the table against those who conspired to get him out of the way and take over. It was a low-ball constitutional coup, which the judiciary has once again foiled.

Ngilari obviously knew it was only a matter of time before he would emerge as governor. It started from the moment that his former principal, Murtala Nyako, joined his fellow Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, rebel governors to decamp to the newly formed All

Before the auctioneer’s hammer falls on our airports O

UR system has become so warped that some of the things that bring happiness elsewhere only succeed in producing the opposite effect in Nigeria. This is where corruption has landed us.

The world is today celebrating a major feat achieved by a Nigerian, Adebayo Ogunlesi, 56, who has just acquired the London Gatwick Airport for £1.455 billion (about N366.66 billion).

As we join in the celebration, this column feels impelled to bring you a short history of this young achiever. Ogunlesi attended Kings College, Lagos. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association, USA. He was a lecturer at Harvard and Yale Law Schools.

Ogunlesi, whose father is on record as the first Nigerian-born medical professor, studied philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford University before proceeding to Harvard where he earned degrees in law and business. Ogunlesi is the Chairman and Managing Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners, GIP, an independent investment firm based in New York City where he has lived for 20 years while maintaining close ties with Africa.

The Ogunlesi initiative is being celebrated because it comes out clean. The same cannot be said about Nigeria’s disposal of its assets.

Corruption comes in various forms and sizes.

In Nigeria, government business is no one’s business. Its transactions are shrouded in secrecy and dubiety. That explains why tongues must wag each time we hear of government’s intention to dispose off its property. In most cases, the sellers of government property are also the buyers, albeit under pseudo names.

We are reminded of the Governor of one of those not-too-viable states in Nigeria who, as soon as he assumed office, embarked on the renovation of the state’s property in Abu-

,

ja to the tune of N400 million. Soon after the renovation, he sold it to himself for the sum of N100 million – just a quarter of the renovation cost!

We recollect, with nostalgia, the days when the Nigeria Airways (The Flying Elephant), the Nigerian National Shipping Lined, etc, adorned the air and the high seas. They were simply the pride of the nation but today, they are no more. They have either been sold for peanuts or simply run aground. Whichever way they went, they provide the saddest memory.

There are indications for sale. When an establishment suddenly becomes favoured in funding or when government embarks on the renovation or repairs of its assets; and when they begin to advance the ludicrous argument that government has no business in business, watch out, for the assets will soon come under the auctioneer’s hammer.

We virtually devoted our entire budgetary outlays, starting from the Obasanjo presidency, to the power sector before selling the assets. Even after sales, we are still bank-rolling the organisations. In essence, we pay the bills and other sundry costs while the buyers simply sit back and collect the profits.

The obnoxious practice comes under what they call bail-out loans in which we sell out our assets and still continue to fund their operations.

Surely, cheap government-sponsored financing has potential benefits but when we lack the ability and sincerity to manage the process, it only leads to the crass opportunism to put some quick money in the hands of a few individuals while the nation loses more money, more quickly.

In line with the current administration’s transformation agenda, Nigeria’s airports will soon fall under the auctioneer’s gavel.

Speaking at the 9th International Trade Fair, organised by the Abuja Chamber of

Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, ABUCIMA, the Director General of the Bureau for Public Enterprises, BPE, Benjamin Ezra Dikki, said that they were in the process of engaging experts to design an appropriate framework for the concession of the enterprise.

We saw it coming. The airports in Nigeria

,

Fintiri: Come easy, go easy D

We need the courts to continue to stand up against serial attempts to rape the Constitution and truncate our democracy by political buccaneers

Progressives Congress, APC. Ngilari chose to stay in the ruling party. Unlike some of the rebel governors who were able to move with the bulk of their state legislators, most of the Adamawa House of Assembly members stayed behind in PDP. When the impeachment allegations against Nyako were compiled and the process put in motion, the normal expectation was for Nyako to be removed and Ngilari sworn in as the constitution says.

However, the Speaker of the House, Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, had other ideas. He was able to conspire with his colleagues to also hang some half-chewed allegations on Ngilari to make for a double impeachment that would clear the coast for him to jump from Speaker to Governor. Ngilari knew that if he fought the impeachment by insisting on his innocence he would still be pushed out. He offered, instead, to resign.

But rather than hand over the resignation to Governor Nyako as the constitution says, he handed it over to his chief assailant, Speaker Fintiri. Consumed by greed, Fintiri and his cohorts could not see that this was a poisoned chalice.

Fintiri took over as Acting Governor, while Ngilari went to an Abuja High Court presided over

by Justice Ademola Adeniyi, and pled that since he did not hand over the letter to the Governor who was yet to be booted out when he resigned, he should be sworn in as governor. His relief was granted.

That was the end of Fintiri’s vaulting ambition. If he still wants to occupy that coveted post, he can join the governorship race come

Let there be some semblance of transparency in the transactions; and let us begin to imbibe the attitude that government’s business is somebody’s business

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have since been put on the path for sale for a very long time now. It would be recalled that the administration under the immediate past Aviation Minister, Stella Oduah, embarked on quantum renovation of virtually all the nation’s airports. By Nigerian standard, they were being prepared to qualify for sale. Evidently, such revamped assets cannot continue to remain in the nation’s portfolio. They must be sold!

It is also not by accident that since 2012, the Federal Government and the aviation industry have been engaged in this diabolical romance that would enrich the industry players and further impoverish the nation.

Rather than breathe new life into the nation’s carriers with a view to resurrecting them, Nigeria began to talk of procuring 30

February next year. But he will now be contending with an Ngilari that has consolidated and will be running for re-election as an incumbent.

The most annoying thing about Fintiri’s misadventure was that he was not contented with holding the fort for three months before a new governor was elected. He also wanted to contest, and most likely would have won if the bye-election had gone ahead penultimate weekend.

The Judiciary has shown, once again, its pride of place as an umpire in the savage contest for power between the Legislature and the Executive. Without the Judiciary, this, and other Constitutional coups, would have taken place unchallenged and our democracy would not be worth the piece of paper on which it is written. We need the courts to continue to stand up against serial attempts to rape the Constitution and truncate our democracy by political buccaneers like Ahmadu Finitiri.

We must also give due kudos to the Federal Government for, once again, supporting constitutionality and due process by ordering the immediate implementation of the court ruling. The rule of law has fared very well under this administration, which has always enforced the will of the electorate and the rulings of courts, irrespective of which political camp is benefiting. It is a great departure from the days of former President Obasanjo, when court judgements were often described as “merely declaratory” and subsequently disobeyed.

It requires collective vigilance by everyone for our democracy to endure and grow.

aircraft for distribution to the country’s airlines in an effort to improve efficiency, safety standards and reduce fares. The aircraft acquisition was funded by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Bank of Industry, BOI. Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, spokesman, Yakubu Dati, was categorical at the time: “An hour’s flight in Nigeria shouldn’t cost more than N10,000 (US $63.97) or N15,000 (US $95.95)”.

Contrariwise, air fare in Nigeria has remained at the roof-tops ever since. In Nigeria, whatever goes up comes down, except inflation and commodity prices.

While the unconventional move may help Nigeria’s struggling airlines upgrade their fleet, this is yet money flushed down the drains because like previous bail-out loans, this, too, will not be repaid.

A propaganda-based government like ours can only sell what it will. While it may be willing to sell everything, including the Government House, even in the worst of times, it will never sell its propaganda machines – NTA and FRCN! It is a matter of the protection of self-interest.

With the government’s mind already made up on the Nigerian airports, to sell or not to sell is no longer the question. Rather, the question is when. Before the hammer falls on them, the only wise option left for us is to appeal to their conscience. Let there be some semblance of transparency in the transactions; and let us begin to imbibe the attitude that government’s business is somebody’s business. After all, with every quick fix done on government, some citizens somewhere are being short-changed with all the injuries flowing therefrom.

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, OCTOBER 16, 2014

onslaught in the town, some indigenes of the area who are residing in Abuja and Lagos asked us to repair a bridge in Awale, after which they asked us to go back to Gwoza town,” he said, alleging that the people prevented anybody from going out of the town. He said he managed to escape before the insurgents struck, hence he believes that there is a grand conspiracy behind the set up.

Bitrus said the insurgents came in large numbers. “At first, they told us (residents) they are not after us but are on a mission to dislodge the soldiers.

They therefore proceeded to the various military units in the town, including TC, Kofar Sarki and Government Lodge.

Immediately they dispersed the soldiers, they came back to the town and opened fire on the youths,” he said, adding that he was forced to lie in thick foliage behind his house until the sporadic shooting subsided.

*The victims...as they recount their ordeal

Sporadic shooting

CRIES OF DISTRESS:

Touching tales of Boko Haram victims in Adamawa R

UKAYYAT is one of the numerous persons displaced from their homes as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North Eastern part of Nigeria. The woman, who witnessed the gruesome slaughtering of her husband, has since lost her mind and is now suffering from mental disorder.

Rukayyat who is presently staying in the Damare NYSC Camp for internally displaced persons, IDPs in Adamawa State, could hardly coordinate her speech when she spoke to Vanguard Metro, VM. The mental turmoil that Rukayyat is going through, was visibly written all over her body when she was ushered in to have a chat with VM. She looked scruffy, disheveled, skeletal and pale. When asked what was wrong with her, she gazed into the skies before muttering that her husband was slaughtered like a ram in her presence by the Boko Haram insurgents.

One of the inmates who did not want her names in print, told VM that since the gory incident took place, Rukayyat has been behaving in a funny way.

According to her, Rukayyat’s C M Y K

four-month-old baby girl is now being taken care of by other concerned women in the camp, since she can no longer cater for the baby adequately.

Meanwhile, health experts attached to the camp have subjected her to series of counselling to see if she can regain her mental stability.

Rukayyat’s story is one of the gory tales told by those who were displaced from their homes in Adamawa State since Boko Haram laid siege on the once peaceful state.

Incessant killings The incessant killings and destruction of properties of innocent Nigerians by the dreaded sect in the North Eastern states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have rendered many victims homeless. Some of the internally displace persons, IDPs, from recent attacks in Gwoza, Madagali, Gulak, Michika, Bazza, Shuwa, and part of Mubi are now taking shelter in a refugee camp located at the Damare NYSC camp.

A visit to the camp would make even the strong-willed to break down in tears. The camp has

become a miniature Mecca with those who are touched by the plight of the victims, coming in to donate relief materials.

At each of such occasions, the inmates took time to recount their ordeal and how they have been made widows, widowers, orphans and homeless by the evil-minded insurgents.

According to them, they were only lucky to escape alive as hundreds of others, mainly youths, were slaughtered and their homes razed. Recounting her ordeal, another victim of the insurgency who resides in the Damare Camp, Mallama Tani Asabi, said the insurgents had a field day in her town when they attacked it.

According to her, they (Boko Haram members) operated unmolested. She explained that both the soldiers and residents could not offer any strong resistance as they ran into the nearby bushes and hills to save their lives.

She alleged that the insurgents later assembled the people who could not escape and slaughtered them at the community square.

Tani further alleged that when the insurgents became tired of slaughtering the men, they

decided to shoot the remaining, hence the town was littered with corpses of men.

“We, the women, took up the task of burying our husbands and children who were killed in their hundreds, as a mark of our last respect to them. We did this because almost every part of the town was littered with corpses and we could not help but bury them. The exercise was as gory

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By Umar Yusuf, Yola

Bitrus said the cessation of shooting was a decoy by the insurgents to deceive the people that they have left the town.

According to him, unsuspecting residents who fled to the bushes and hilltops returned to the town, only for members of the sect to strike again in the morning when the people had started their daily chores. He alleged that as a result, about 2000 people were killed.

“Whenever they sighted a youth, they will kill him unless those that pledge to become new converts of the insurgents,” he said.

Another refugee, Mallam Isyaku Bama, said he stayed in the hilltop for about 15 days before being taken to the IDP camp.

Unlike Bama, Mallam Ahmadu Datti, another IDP, said he hid in the ceiling of his house

According to them, they were only lucky to escape alive as hundreds of others, mainly youths, were slaughtered and their homes razed

as it was chilling and will remain indelible in our minds,” she cried.

Tani said initially the insurgents promised to take care of the women (having killed their husbands) and children but the promise was fulfilled in the breach as the insurgents started abducting them into the bushes.

“That was why we had to run for our lives,” she explained.

Another IDP, Mr. Bukar Bitrus, said he suspected foul play in the whole saga. He alleged that the government is behind the unfortunate incident. His words: “A day to the Boko Haram

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for 10 days before his wife told him that the insurgents have launched a house-to-house search for men and have slaughtered many of those they found. Datti said he waited till night fall before escaping through the bush. According to him, he left the town around 8pm and reached Madagali around 2:00 am.

But another 10-year-old member of the camp, Sini Mamza, said he has been out of school for a long time as insurgents have burnt down their school.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 21

BY BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

N

igeria may lose N5 trillion in tax revenue if the Bill seeking to compel private companies to list on the stock exchange is passed by the National Assembly.

The Bill known as Private Companies Conversion and Listing Bill, 2013, seeks to compel private companies to convert to public companies by becoming listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The thresholds for the mandatory conversion are: shareholders fund in excess of N40 billion Naira ($250 million), turnover or total assets of N80 billion ($500 million). A private company that meets any of the thresholds must be converted to a public company and be listed on the NSE within 12 months. Failure to comply with the Bill attracts fine of 10 percent of annual turnover and imprisonment of at least 2 years. It also contains a packet of incentives including five year tax incentive at a rate up to one-third of its applicable income tax for a company that lists at least 40 percent of its issued share capital. Listing of 30 percent of issued share capital is eligible for a tax incentive of up to one-fourth of applicable income tax; while a listing of 20 percent of issued share capital is eligible for a tax incentive at a rate up to oneeighth of applicable income tax. Expenses incurred in compliance with the Bill will be deductible for tax purposes in addition to the existing capital gains tax exemption on share transactions.

Compulsory listing: Nigeria to lose N5tr tax revenue

From left: Mr. James Agada, Chief Technology Officer – Computer Warehouse Group, CWG Plc; Mr. Sam Ndata, Doyen of Brokers; Mr. Austin Okere, Founder and Chief Executive Officer –CWG Plc; Mr. Oscar Onyema, Chief Executive Officer –NSE; Mrs. Taba Peterside, General Manager, Listings Sales and Retention – NSE, and Mr. Phillip Obioha, Chief Operating Officer –CWG Plc during an official visit to CWG Plc in Lagos.

A tax expert, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele however faulted the Bill, saying it would lead to lose of tax revenue of up to N5 trillion. Oyedele, who is the Partner and Head of Tax and Corporate Advisory at PwC Nigeria, noted that, “ Based on the 2013 tax revenue profile,

oil and gas companies in Nigeria (all private) and nonoil private companies paid over N3 trillion in income taxes to the Federal Inland Revenue Service. If these companies list at least 40 per cent of their shares and hence enjoy a reduction of one-third of their

income tax rates, then Nigeria will lose at least N1 trillion annually for five years.

Oyedele also noted that the proposed bill contradicts extant laws such as Section 25 of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act which states unequivocally

that “no person who owns, whether wholly or in part, the capital of any enterprise shall be compelled by law to surrender his interest in the capital to any other person”.

He noted that if the implementation of the proposed Bill may lead to melt down in the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

He said, “Another issue is whether the NSE has the absorptive capacity to cope with such a large scale listing. How much free cash flow do we have in the economy or that foreign investors will be willing to inject?

Due to the frenzy of a new listing, existing shareholders of listed entities will seek to sell off their stocks to buy the new shares. This in turn will depress the market given its relatively small size.

Institutional investors like pension funds, banks, insurance and investment funds all have paucity of equity investable cash given the various legal restrictions and attractiveness of the money market that offers high returns and a much lower risk.”

Corporate Trustee vows to protect investors’ wealth in capital market

BY PETER EGWUATU

T

he Association of Corporate Trustees, ACT, has vowed to continuously protect the wealth of investors in the Nigerian capital market.

The President of ACT , Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, who stated this , said the association will contribute its efforts to ensure that investors confidence returns to the Nigerian capital market.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of ACT in Lagos, Ekundayo, who is also the Managing Director of Skye Trustees Limited, said corporate trustees play a significant and critical role in the capital market which entails protection of investors’ wealth in the market.

According to her, what the market needs today is the return of investors’ confidence, adding that ACT would assist in that direction by creating more awareness and rendering efficient services that would attract more investors to the market.

“As corporate trustees, the association holds a very significant and critical role in the capital market because trustees are saddled with responsibilities of ensuring investors’ confidence and if you look at what the market need today, it is the return of investors’ confidence. Even though investors’ confidence is gradually returning, as an association, it is not yet where we want it to be and we will contribute our quota in ensuring that more investors return to the market” she said.

According to her “ACT will serve as watchdog for C M Y K

investors to ensure that investors reap the benefits of trust deeds in the market. This is the main reason why the Chinese walls are built into capital market transactions.”

Ekundayo disclosed that the association has actively partnered Securities and Exchange Commission through involvement of its members in various activities of mutual benefits and collective investment schemes.. ‘’Over the years, we have seen the reward of this partnership as the recognition given to ACT by the regulator and it has periodically improved significantly,” she said. She added that the association has been involved in a lot of advocacy with regulators and which have actually yielded positive result, assuring that the partnership would continue in the years ahead.

Commenting on the future plans of ACT, the president said more public awareness would be created going forward. “Low public awareness has been an issue and the ACT will continue to strive to improve the level of awareness of the highly important value adding services role of corporate trustees particularly in the area of private trusts” Ekundayo said.

She noted that ACT will also advocate for better working environment for its members, disclosing that the association has successfully launched an official website. She said issues relating to the sub-sector as well as other market developments generally will be posted on the website from time to time.

USC 222.30

USC 4.20 USD3,139.00 USC 16.83

USD 80.00

USC 0.16

USD 86.16 USD -2.73 USD 82.89

USD -2.85

DOLLAR 154.75 155.25 STERLING 246.3465 247.1425 EURO 195.8052 196.4378 FRANC 162.0758 162.2596 YEN 1.4486 1.4532 CFA 0.2791 0.2891 WAUA 229.2851 230.0259 RENMINBI 25.2603 25.3424 RIYAL 41.2502 41.3834 KRONA 26.2992 26.3842 SDR 229.8811 230.6239

155.75 247.9384 197.0705 162.1232 1.4579 0.2991 230.7667 25.4244 41.5167 26.4692 231.3666

CBN Exchange Rate as 14 /10 /2014

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

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After doing due diligence about your goal, if you still deem it a worthy goal which would add richness and value to your life, then you are ready to strike out

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Climbing your mountain

BY JEAN STUTES

A

re you happy with your life? Or, are there things you would like to change?

Dissonance, or unhappiness, creates tremendous stress in our lives and often causes us to chase from one poor choice to another. People who lack vision or goals stew in their own unhappiness. The more they stew, the more unhappy and restless they become.

Eventually, depression sets in; and with that a lethargic sense of going nowhere; like trying to run through waistdeep water. Often, people use the distractions of work, entertainment, socializing, or substances to anesthetize their unhappiness.

Most of us have had to climb, or are climbing now, these mountains of confusion, of dissonance. It takes a lot of

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courage to keep on climbing when your heart is afraid. It takes a lot of positive people along the way, encouraging and cheering you on. It takes a lot of perseverance to continue when you just want to quit. But, when you reach the peak, when you’ve invested in yourself, when you have conquered something very difficult, when you’ve recognized the importance of developing your life, you will have changed not only elements of your life, you will have changed the very being of who you are. As Zig Ziglar puts it, you will have changed from a “wandering generality to a meaningful specific.”

Victory stirs an internal elation; a self-confidence that rivals everything else experienced. It is an elation that occurs over and over as you reap myriad benefits which all of your hard work brought to you.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.”

How do you get started? Take the first step.

The first step is vision. The Good Book says “Without vision, the people perish.”

Which mountain do you want

NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES

to climb? Develop your goals. Before you head out, you need to know where you are going, what you need to get there, a clear picture of the obstacles you must overcome, and whether this mountain peak is even worth the effort.

Spend some time here.

Ziglar said, “Failure to define the goal carefully can result in discouragement; if we fail, then we won’t try again.” Meet with people who are currently doing what you would like to do.

Don’t be taken by surprise by a lousy view at the top of your mountain; learn about the pros and the cons of your goal before you start.

You may need to re-think your goal; but don’t sell yourself short. If you want to abandon a goal, is it because it looks difficult, or is it because you don’t think

Everything worthwhile takes time and effort; there are no short-cuts

BUSINESS

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it is a good fit for you as a person?

Everything worthwhile takes time and effort; there are no shortcuts.

After doing due diligence about your goal, if you still deem it a worthy goal which would add richness and value to your life, then you are ready to strike out. Watch out for people, places and things that might distract you from your goal. Life has a tendency to throw a few storms in our path, but keep your focus on your goal, get through it, and keep on climbing.

Many goals take years of study or practice to accomplish. Some people may say, “It’s too late. I’m too old.” You are never too old to set a new goal and strive to achieve it. A year from now you can be at the base of the mountain, kicking dirt and feeling defeated by how high that mountain looks, or you can be up into the foothills, taking a brief rest before pushing on. The further into the foothills you climb, the closer the peak looks; so don’t ever stop climbing.

Culled from Ziglar.com

Date Currency 14/10/14 DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BY YINKA KOLAWOLE, with agency report

F

ish farming is one of the most popular types of farming in Nigeria and for good reasons.

Gone are the days when the only means of getting fish is by catching it in the local rivers and ponds through trial and errors. Today, modern farm practice has made it possible to grow fish in farms and control the input.

Fish farming (especially catfish) is most compatible with poultry farming as you can use the poultry drops to make the feeds for your fish.

Benefits Fishery products constitute more than 60 percent of meat products in the Nigerian market.

Fish is one of the highest sources of low-fat high quality protein that is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin). Omega-3 helps to keep the heart and brain very healthy. Since bodies don’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids, the only source through which we can get it is through what we eat, and fish is a main source. Fish is also very rich in calcium and phosphorus and is equally a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium.

Fish sells faster than other animal products and is relatively cheaper than meats, making it the number one choice when it comes to affordability. Fish farming is very profitable. According to Mr. Darlinton Omeh, a consultant on fish farming, with proper planning and good management, N3 million investment in fish farming could easily result to N4 million of profit within six months. Omeh also owns

Buying(N) 154.75 246.3465 195.8052 162.0758 1.4486 0.2791 229.2851 25.2603 41.2502 26.2992 229.8811

Central(N) 155.25 247.1425 196.4378 162.5995 1.4532 0.2891 230.0259 25.3424 41.3834 26.3842 230.6239

Selling(N) 155.75 247.9384 197.0705 163.1232 1.4579 0.2991 230.7667 25.4244 41.5167 26.4692 231.3666

How to start fish farming business

business blog, wealthresult.com.

Fish farm does not cause any environmental hazard.

Unlike poultry farming, you can set up fish farm anywhere, including residential areas.

With a spacious compound, one can easily setup a small fish farm at the backyard without any regulatory precaution.

Challenges Fish is very sensitive to manage and a slight mistake could result to degenerated growth fish or even death of the fish which may cause massive revenue loss.

Setting up a fish farm is capital intensive, much more than that of poultry and snail farm. Fish farming requires more careful planning and much capital input. A relatively small fish farm may take up to N500,000 to setup, while bigger ones takes

millions of naira. There is no byproduct in fishery unlike poultry where even the drop can be harvested and sold to other farmers and make extra profit.

Species Some of the most popular fish species suitable for aquaculture in Nigeria include the following. Cat fish is one of the easiest fish species to cultivate and by far the most cultivated in Nigeria. Tilapia is the second most popular fish in Nigeria’s aquaculture industry. It lives in fresh shallow water. Tilapia is very easy to cultivate and very popular in Nigerian market (more than cat fish), it reproduces very rapidly and grows fast too. Mackerel (Titus) is by far the most popular fish in Nigerian market but it’s not farmed because it can only survive in salty water. But some farmers

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—23

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& YOU

The quest for superiority or who does better should not be envisaged in a progressive team or organization

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COMMODITIES (15/10/14) Commodity Light Crude

Last 81.77

Natural Gas

3.79

-0.03

-0.79

Sugar

16.52

-0.29

-1.73

Coffee

220.05

-1.85

-0.83

Cocoa

3,141.00

+39.00

+1.26

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in Nigeria are considering the possibility of creating artificial salty water that will be similar to sea water where mackerel can only survive.

Requirements Land - Any location is good since fish doesn’t cause any environmental disturbance.

Half plot of land is good enough for an average fish farm. A compound with leftover space can accommodate two or three ponds.

Pond construction - the service of expert pond construction engineer may be needed or visit a fish farm to get the specification and construction requirements.

Plumbing work must be properly done to ensure proper drainage.

Borehole - Adequate water supply is the lifeblood of fish farm and must be changed on regular interval.

Naturally available sources of water such as borehole and river water is the most suitable. Rain water and tap water from chemically treated source is not recommended for fish cultivation.

Overhead tank - This is the water reservoir from which water is supplied to the ponds. The tank has to be connected to the ponds through plumbing system to allow water to flow into the ponds when needed.

Juvenile fish - Go for high yield specie of catfish or tilapia and make sure you are

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Building right foundation for team success

getting it from a healthy farm.

Training - Get attached to a fish farm for proper apprenticeship. For you to properly learn this trade, you need at least two months training.

Feasibility study for a standard fish farm Below is a feasibility study prepared Kings Way Agro Services for a standard catfish farm with capacity for 10,000 fingerlings of high breed catfish. The expenses cover pond construction to marketing. The farm has 10 concrete ponds of flow through system and each pond is contains 1,000 stocked catfish.

Construction cost Each pond is 3m x 2.5m by 1.4m, each pond consumes 210 blocks and each bag of cement for 30 blocks. Hence 210 x 10 = 2,100 blocks.

2,100/30 = 70 bags of cement needed. N2000 x 70 = N140,000. 4trips of sand used =7,000x4 = N28,000. Two trips of gravel = 32,000x 2 = N64,000.

Cost of labour = N150,000.

Cost of plumbing (inlet and outlet facility) = N100,000.

Cost of bore hole = N150,000. Cost of treatment = N50,000. Cost of high breed fingerlings 30x10,000 = N300,000. Cost of feeding from day one to maturity stage is 200 bags of foreign feed = N1,000,000. Total input: N3.25 million.

Income After maturity, average weight of a fish is 1.7kg, and sold at N800 each. The output is 9800 fishes, due to allowance for 200 mortality.

N800 x 9800 = N7,840,000.

Less N3.25 million inputs, the profit is N4.59 million after six months of culture.

Following this cost analysis, you can easily invest N3 million and expect a turnover of N4 million within six months.

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

“I have always found that the speed of the boss is the speed of the team”…Lee Iacocca

S

aying to leaders and managers that their organizations’ success is hinged upon having an effective team is like telling them what they have already known even before they started their career. And not only that, their organizations at one time or the other have invested in what is called team building, team bonding, team cohesion or team synergy – depending on the organization.

From a simplistic viewpoint, one can deduce that their main reason for investing or training their workforce on team building is to get everyone to work together for the growth of the organization.

But in reality, is it possible for someone to sabotage the growth of his or her organization after knowing the benefits of teamwork?

Yes, it is possible. This is based on the popular belief of how effective team is being created. Some organizations believe that the key to having an effective team is by better c o m m u n i c a t i o n , understanding the vision of the organization, cooperation or good chemistry. The truth is that the foundation of a great or an effective team goes much deeper than that. The foundation then is “genuine respect” for each other and what each other brings to the

table – a respect that goes beyond position, beyond educational qualification, beyond gender, beyond economic status, and importantly, beyond idiosyncrasies, ideologies and disagreements.

With this genuine respect comes communication, shared vision, cooperation, good chemistry, and ultimately team success. So it means that without genuine respect for individuals in organizations, we might not be able to have better

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With a spacious compound, one can easily set up a small fish farm at the backyard without any regulatory precaution

Change ($) -0.07

Building worldclass organization requires that leaders should utilize everybody's contributions

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communication or cooperation that will lead to team success. There is also a misconception that some leaders have about respect in organizations. They believe that for their subordinates to show genuine respect for them, they always have to be in total “agreement” with their viewpoints. That is very wrong as respect does not equal agreement. If as leaders and managers we are looking for everyone on the team to agree perfectly with our viewpoints, it may not totally happen, and that might affect the team’s success. In addition, in organizations, it is even dangerous to always have someone’s idea as the best idea probably because of the person’s superior position.

Let us not confuse respect to mean that we will blindly accept what is wrong or unethical just to ‘falsely’ show how respectful we are.

Nobody has the whole answers; we all have a portion of the answers. This explains why we need to rely on the views of others where we fall short – and that is even why effective team should exist.

Genuine respect is recognizing the gifts and value in others and utilizing those gifts and that value. The quest for superiority or who does better should not be envisaged in a progressive team or organization. The good news is that every employee “sees in part”, so everyone sees, and everyone has a contribution. Building world-class organization requires that leaders should utilize everybody’s contributions. According to Doug Cartland, Leadership can be seen as the ability to unify a team, motivate it and head it in the right direction.

It is also the ability to interpret the gifts and abilities of those with you to best utilize them. The truth is that every employee has a significant role to play in driving growth in every organization, and being able to identify that ability is crucial for every leader and manager.

Points to ponder: Does your organization encourage mutual respect for one another? What drives team success in your organization?

Like Robert Half said, “there is something that is much more scarce, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.

How does your organization recognize the ability in others? Do your managers know that the best idea that can transform the organization might not necessarily come from them? Things can still get done when others do not do it your own way.

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014

New ATM charge: Sterling Bank deploys additional ATMs to protect customers

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From left: Mr. Ken Abazie, Head, Strategy of Techno Oil; Mr. Steve Muckett, Technical Representative, Incotex Group, Bulgaria; Sir Chudi C. Onyeama, Managing Director, Techno Gas and Power Limited; Engr. Tony Onyeama, Managing Director, Techno Oil Limited during a press briefing on the manufacture of Techno Gas and Power Pre-paid Meters.

CBN warns bank directors on corporate governance practices

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned bank directors that they would henceforth face the consequence of poor corporate governance in the banks.

CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele gave this warning in a keynote address delivered at the CBN/FITC 2014 continuous education programme for directors of banks and other financial institutions in Lagos.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability, Dr. Kingsley Moghalu, Emefiele said, “The level of corporate governance in banks can sometimes reflect the culture of governance in the system. In the advanced countries, we found that the level of corporate governance in the banks before the global financial crisis was an extension of the larger governance culture in those countries. They were seen as private and profit making institutions and so the values of capitalism drove those institutions to the extreme and many of them collapsed.

“This is what we have to avoid.

And the responsibility is on you as bank directors. We do not want the privatisation of profits and socialisation of losses. You don’t run your bank well and when it is about to collapse, you start looking for CBN for accommodation.”

The CBN boss further explained that, “The CBN under the previous administration reached a decision that no banks will be allowed to fail again. And it was a good decision. This was because; this country has gone through a very scarring and scary history of failed bank failures. People have lost fortunes and as a result lost complete trust in the banks. But let’s not make it a habit. That is what I am saying. Going forward, do not count on the CBN, if you don’t run your banks well.”

Emefiele said effective corporate governance stemming from good risk governance is critical to stable financial system. He noted that the global financial crisis would have been averted if there were effective risk and corporate governance practice in the financial system.

He said: “Many of the bank di-

rectors don’t govern effectively the management of risks. If bank failure had not occurred, all those collateralised debt obligations and structured investment vehicles and other financial engineering which was an increase in the multiples of all the risks banks were taking, would not have taken place. There are questions. And those who should be asking those questions are boards of directors of banks. So we believe that the failure of corporate governance, especially the failure of risk governance was a major cause of the global financial crisis.

“Corporate governance is not just about compliance, it is about governing to create value, governing to build enduring institutions. Corporate governance is a key factor in financial systems. However in an environment like Nigeria, it is even more critical because it is bound up in a number of wide cultural issues.

It is also bound up in a number of wider governance issues. It is the same as public governance. This is because, to make impact, you have to have the same issues of integrity, ethics, avoiding conflict of interest, respecting processes and avoiding insider dealing.

Africa transformation depends on infrastructure —AfDB

By JIMOH BABATUNDE with agency reports

T

he African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has called for stronger emphasis on infrastructure by African leaders saying that the big challenge is that Africa invests only four percent of its collective GDP in infrastructure, compared with China’s 14 percent.

Speaking on behalf of the Bank Group during the 9th African Development Forum (ADF) in Marrakech, Operations VicePresident in charge of Agriculture, Human Development and Governance, Aly Abou-Sabaa,

said many countries in the region are hungry for infrastructure investments, and now is the best time for African governments and their development partners to focus on fast-tracking resources.

Abou-Sabaa said infrastructure is vital for transformation, but added that “other sectors are central, including agriculture, good governance, health, education systems.

“Africa’s transformation cannot occur with weak governance, health or education systems or within a context of prevailing food insecurity,” he said. He also addressed various unforeseeable crises prevailing in the region, including HIV-AIDS, malaria and

Ebola.

The Vice-President explained that in spite of agriculture contributing up to 25 percent of Africa’s GDP and employing about 60 percent of the population, the continent still imports $25 billion worth of food every year. “The Bank is promoting participation of anchor investors in private sector investment in agriculture,” the Vice-President stated.

Abou-Sabaa expounded on the Bank’s estimates, observing that “the annual financing need for African infrastructure is about $95 billion, of which only $45 billion is currently invested each year, from African governments, development finance institutions and the private sector.”

terling Bank has announced the de ployment of additional ATM points nationwide with a view to protect its customers from the effect of the reintroduction of the ATM charge of N65 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Remote-on-Us ATM transactions.

A statement from the bank said that additional ATMs will be added to existing branches while ATM Galleries will be put in place in strategic locations nationwide.

A robust infrastructure to support the expansion has also been put in place, the Bank said..

Remote-on-Us transaction occurs when a card holder goes to the ATM of a Bank other than his or her own bank to make a withdrawal. The card holder will be charged N65 after making three withdrawals from such ATMs after a given month. The Bank where his or her account is domiciled will be responsible for the payment of the charge of N65 for the first three withdrawals from another bank’s ATM. While speaking against the backdrop of insinuations that the charge was initially removed by the apex bank in December 2012, Sterling Bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Communications, Mr. Shina Atilola explained that “the charge payment was never suspended by the CBN. Rather, the responsibility for absorbing the charge was transferred to the commercial banks to pay on behalf of their customers” to encourage the use of ATMs by Nigerians.

Bankers, others examine challenges of FDI, proffer solutions

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s part of efforts to support the trans formation agenda of the Federal Government, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria , CIBN will assemble top operators from the banking and financial services industry and academia to examine the challenges and prospects of attracting Foreign Direct Investment, FDI into the country with a view to proffering strategic solutions.

This will take place during a special stakeholders’ forum organized by the Institute, scheduled to hold on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to statement from the institute “We will use the opportunity provided by the forum to confer Mr. Godwin Emefiele, CON, HCIB, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria; Mr. Emeka Emuwa, HCIB, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director Fidelity Bank Plc and Mr. Ifiesimma Sekibo, Managing Director/ CE, Heritage Bank Company Limited, with the Fellowship and Honorary Senior Membership awards.”

The theme of the event according to the institute is “Making Nigeria a major Destination for Foreign Direct Investment” and would be address by Dr. Dick Kramer, Chairman, African Capital Alliance and Prof. (Mrs.) Comfort M. Ekpo, Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 25

*Mrs Olatoun Williams, Coordinator, Sponsor A Child (5th right); Youssef Makrouf, Programme Ofiicer, Social Development Fund, Embassy of France, Abuja (middle) and other participants at the Good Home Quality Service Advocacy Scheme training, held in Lagos.

Dons blame Nigerian varsities' low ranking on lecturers’ carelessness •As KSU rejects ranking

By Dayo Adesulu & Boluwaji Obahopo

V

ICE Chancellors and lecturers have continued to query the rationale behind the low ranking of Nigerian universities over the years, arguing that if things are done as it ought to be many Nigerian universities will be among the top ranking universities in the world.

The former VC of University of Lagos and current VC, Federal University, NdufuAlike Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Professor Oyewusi IbidapoObe said that carelessness was

The imperative of professionalising the Nigerian Civil Service Pg. 28

the major cause of the low ranking.

Speaking at the second annual seminar theme: Alternative Energy Potentials and Carbon Footprint in Nigeria held in Lagos, Ibidapo-Obe said: “The low ranking of Nigerian universities is not because we don’t have the ability to really be up in that ranking but because we are careless about everything we do in theb country.

“If all the teachers and lecturers upload their findings, their Curriculum Vitae, their innovations into the web, of

Education: Panacea for vibrant democratic society Ekweremadu

Pg. 30

course we will be highly ranked.”

Ibidapo-Obe who is a professor of Systems Engineering and President of

the Nigerian Academy of Science disclosed that having gone to several universities in Africa, Europe and China, Nigerian universities are not as

bad as portrayed in many quarters.

He explained that the edge universities in developed Continues on page 26

Parents, students bemoan unity schools’ strike

By Amaka Abayomi

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ARENTS and students are bemoaning the inability of the 104 Unity Schools to reopen after an extended holiday occasioned by the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) in the Federal Ministry of Education and the Unity Schools declared a strike action on September 22 following Federal Government’s failure to, among others, pay salary arrears, provide better conditions of service and promote workers as at when due.

The Issues Vanguard’s investigations reveal that all the staff of the 104 Unity Schools, Federal

Inspectorate Offices and the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters commenced the strike at the expiration of a three-month grace period given to Minister Shekarau to meet their demands.

According to the Organising Secretary, ASCSN, Musa Abbas, there would be no compromise until the demands of the workers are met.

Abbas said: “Our grouse is that we want our entitlements paid to us. We have been dialoguing with management since 2007 and all we keep getting are promises, yet they collect money from government but refuse to pay us our promotion allowances, repatriation allowances, death benefits and so on.

“These allowances, which have

Continues on page 26

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Unity schools’ strike Continued from page 25

Dons blame Nigerian varsities low ranking on lecturers’ carelessness Continues from page 25 countries have over those in developing countries is infrastructure. “The type of equipment available for use to do academic work overseas is not here. Also, the type of encouragement you get in academic work overseas is not in Nigeria.

“The type of facilities that are provided in those universities are not just facilities.

When you are a full-time Ph.D. student, the university itself, through various government grants ensure that you live well.”

Explaining further on the reason our students who studied overseas refuse to come home, he pointed out that when you are a good Ph.D. student who has a good work, the system itself ensures that you get a job.

Ibidapo-Obe who agreed that it pays, in those days to return to ones country after schooling abroad, stated that we are

placed it on 111th position out of 112 universities assessed in the country.

Speaking during a press conference organized by the institution at Anyigba, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Hassan Isah said the coalition of universities in Nigeria has out-rightly rejected the ranking, saying that the ranking was based only on website analyst and not what the universities have on ground.

According to him: “The university in 2012 scored 71.5 percent of full accreditation conducted by the National University Commission in all the programmes of the institution which has validity for seven years. I now wondered why KSU that has over 70 PHD lecturers can be regarded as a nose diving institution while a young university that is not up to four years in existence with less that ten PHD lecturers and less than 2000 students was ranked above the first generation universities in the country.

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getting to a stage that even people with Ph.D. are not It paid me to come down to offered jobs even in this Nigeria in 1972. I have served country.

His words: ‘’It paid me to as an assistant professor, the come down to Nigeria in 1972. system provided this, Nigeria I have served as an assistant professor. The system provided valued education, it valued our this. Nigeria valued education, contribution it valued our contribution.

Now, we are getting to a stage that even people who do PhDs are not offered jobs even in this “It is worrisome that some universities country. that are still battling with NUC "Initially, I thought it was Nigeria's accreditation were rated far above population, but now, I know better. I institutions that have trained several considered the population of China, which scholars in many fields of endeavour” despite their dense population are waxing He added that Association of African stronger in economic development."

Universities (AAU) has already established The Vice Chancellor who lamented the African Quality Assurance mechanism brain drain in the university, however urged through which universities in Africa will teachers to be proud of their profession and be assessed periodically based on endeavour to upload their works and infrastructure, quality of programmes, curriculum vitae for the world to see sophistication of the facilities and reiterating that this will boost our university equipment. ratings.

“I believed that these are the requisite He said, “When you go to China, people qualities that must accompany university teaching in universities are proud to be part service in the 21th century. Web ranking of that prospect.” alone is not enough prerequisite for Meanwhile, the management of Kogi measuring the academic strength of any State University, KSU, has disregarded the university” Webometric ranking of the institution which

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*UNIBEN, ABU students and other contestants at the Onga Cooking Contest

College, Yaba, said “I’m not happy with the situation of accumulated over the years, things because other students include, but are not limited are in schools except those in to, outstanding promotion Unity Schools. Can you arrears for 2007-2010 and the imagine the stress we went balance of 2011; arrears of through to take our kids back salaries to some staff for July, to school only for us to be August, September, and called the next day to come October 2013; end-of-year and take them home. Since it incentives; non-payment of is government that ordered first 28 days in lieu of hotel schools to resume September accommodation; 2010 22, the same government mandatory training; should meet their demands so repatriation allowance; duty that our children can go back tour allowance to affected to school too.”

For Mr. Joe Adewale, officers, among others.”

Though the sum of keeping students at home is N527,643,440.00 (five tantamount to playing with hundred and twenty-seven the future of our children.

“Initially, schools were shut million, six hundred and forty-three thousand, four because of Ebola; now that hundred and forty-four other schools have resumed, Naira) has been released by unity schools are still shut the Budget Office to the because of government’s Central Bank of Nigeria for failure to pay the workers onward transmission to the their entitlements. What they Federal Ministry of Education have failed to realise is that to start the payment of the first they are toying with the future batch of promotion arrears, of these children because ASCSN’s Secretary General, nature abhors vacuum and if Alade Lawal, and the they are not occupied with Chairman, Nigeria Union of academic activities, it would Teachers (NUT), Federal take the grace of God to keep t h e m positively There is no denying the fact occupied.” that the students would be at the Tired of receiving end as it could lead to staying at home, a JSS 2 decreased academic student of Q u e e n s performance College, Yaba, Opemipo Government Wing, Comrade Ajumobi, called on Emeka Okonta, both said the government to meet the strike continues until there is demands of the teachers so proof of payment from our that she can go back to school: members. “because I’m tired of being Okonta, who was among alone at home when my those owed their salaries brother goes to school.” between July and October Likewise is SS2 student of 2013, when the Integrated Federal Government Payroll System was Technical College, Yaba, introduced by the Flourish Oluyomi, who wears government, said government a long face all day due to his must show some seriousness prolonged stay at home. He in offsetting the arrears so as said: “government should not to jeopardise the future of please urgently meet the the students. demands of our teachers so that we can go back to school Parents, students lament because other schools are in Though the striking workers session but we are still at have good reasons to embark home.” on the strike, it has caused sadness and pains for Implication for students affected parents and students, There is no denying the fact especially as other students that the students would be at are in school. the receiving end as it could One of such parents is Mrs. lead to decreased academic Joy Chukwu, whose son is at performance. home said: “gone are the days Aware of this, ASCSN’s when teaching at any FGC Secretary General, Alade was dream come true; when Lawal, charged all teachers attending FGC was a thing to ensure that they cover up of pride. It is so sad that these by giving students extra unity schools are now lessons when the strike is shadows of their former selves suspended. and, unfortunately, that In the words of the damage seems irreparable. Principal, Kings College, Government ought to take Lagos, Otunba Dele Olapeju: drastic and urgent steps to "school administrators have reverse this situation before it no choice but to adjust their is too late.” curricula to cover much Mrs. Omotolani Oyewale, grounds." whose daughter is in Queens

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 27

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worllightbearersint.com 08035095243

54 years after, experts make case for CRA implementation

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

F

Rights of children Speaking at the pilot: The Good Home Quality Service Advocacy Scheme, funded by the Social Development Fund of the Embassy of France, Abuja, under the Fund’s Human Rights priority area, Mrs. Olatoun Williams, the Coordinator, SAC, said: “The Sponsor A Child is a 10-yearold children’s charity with child rights focus, implementing the rights of children in various ways, such as developing libraries, orphanages, charity schools, playgrounds in different parts of the country.

We also do sanitation facilities like toilets and help in fostering capacity building for child-care givers. We teach child-givers the child rights act and how to implement them in their institutions.

“We are poised in achieving this, because we have discovered that all these policy instruments and legislation is C M Y K

Whose dream is it?

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*The Lagos state branch of Edo College Old Boys Association ECOBA) held its 2014 ‘Ancients’ Day on Saturday, October 11 at Pearl Garden Restaurant, Victoria Island Lagos. ‘Ancients’ are old boys of Edo College who left the school at least 50 years ago. Photo shows Prof. Gabriel Osuide, pioneer Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Osarieme Bazuaye, who was inducted into the ancients group and Mr. Godwin Ize-Iyamu, ECOBA Lagos Chairman.

there, but practice is lacking, so, we want to close the gap, because they do not even know how to get hold of the child rights law. Most of them have not even heard of it and yet these laws are promulgated with a great expense by the government. What is the purpose of having laws and policies without being implemented. And these laws are there to guide standards and practice, to ensure optimum development of our children.

Lamenting the alarming rate of out of school children, Williams noted that: “what we have done is to encourage a

drive for early child-care centres to have an outreach that will identify children that are out of school and bring them in to benefit from their services.

This could be achieved through scholarships and heavily subsidized education, so that many children as possible could be brought into the system. At the beginning of this programme in June, we gave the early child-care givers the rights, because they won’t know if they are violating the rights of children if they don’t know what the rights are all about.

CSR: Innoson donates multi million naira building to UNN

By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

T

HE role of education as a catalyst for building a prosperous, crime-free and healthy economy cannot be overemphasised. To Innoson Group of Companies boss, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, education is the bedrock of economic growth and development. According to him a country with a high population of educated youths would have an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attract foreign direct investments, create job opportunities and ultimately create wealth.

“When you educate the youths, you keep them out of crime because they are least likely to indulge in criminal activities.

You equip them with the right skills and knowledge such that even in the face of unemployment, they can create jobs themselves,” he told Vanguard in a phone interview.

This conviction explains Dr. Chukwuma’s focus on education as his Corporate Social Responsibility, where he invests millions of naira on school projects aimed towards uplifting

the quality of education by creating an enabling environment for teaching and learning to thrive across institutions of learning in Nigeria.

Chukwuma whose company, Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM), manufactures the only truly Nigerian auto brand, at a well attended colourful ceremony held at Enugu campus of University of Nigeria (UNN) donated a classroom block to the Business Administration Department of the institution.

The donation came on the heels of a N35 million worth school building donated to Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), May this year.

The hand-over ceremony attracted dignitaries from the institution including the ViceChancellor, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, Deputy ViceChancellor, Prof. Ifeoma Enemuo, Dean Faculty of Business Administration Prof.

Justice Nnabuko, Prof. J.U.J Onwumere, Prof. Uche Modum, Prof. Julius Onah, Prof. U.J Ewulum, Prof. Regina Okafor, Prof. John Ezeh among many others.

HE hall was filled with a standing ovation of the excited crowd who gathered together to witness the annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year award as the recipient of the award walked towards the stage exuding confidence. His parents were very proud of their son as the experienced intense happiness in knowing that all their sacrifices and labour in providing for their son needs through medical school and internship was not in vain.

At last the son had realized the father’s dream for him to become a medical doctor. After receiving the award, the applause subsided and everyone was silent as they waited for the young doctor to speak. As the young doctor braced up and stood confidently to speak, abruptly he broke down with tears flooding his eyes and turning towards the direction that his parents were seated he pleaded, “Please, Mum and Dad, forgive me. I am sorry, but I can’t go on.”

He was helped off the stage as the crowd stood in astonishment at the misery displayed by this successful young doctor who was the envy of people in his community.

As they drove home, he told his parents, “Everything I have accomplished and achieved during these years has been to please you, Dad, and to fulfil your life-long dreams. I have become what you wanted me to be, but I have never become who I am,” he said.

“In spite of all the cars, homes and other material things I now have, my life is empty. I never wanted to be a doctor like you did, Dad. In truth, I hate being a doctor. I always wanted to be a musician, but you and mum would not allow me to follow that dream.

“Please understand. I love and respect you deeply. I know all you have sacrificed to provide me with my education, and I thank you for it. But tonight, I realised that I cannot continue living to fulfil your dreams and expectations. I must start fulfilling my own.

When I accepted that award tonight, I felt like a hypocrite.

Someone I don’t even know earned that award because I don’t know myself. I want to live. I want to come alive. I want to be what I was born to be. Please set me free and let me live.” The young doctor is Clyde I have become what you Wilson, junior.

The world is full of wanted me to be, but I people who have lost with have never become who touch themselves; they are I am wandering generality rather than meaningful specifics. They do not know who they are and what they are capable of doing. They live through the motions of the day; going to jobs that they hate; staying in relationships that they despise; engaging in activities and habits that guarantees a failure-ridden life; being very busy but heading towards nowhere.

They feel trapped in an unending circle void of forward motion.

Much of the discontentment in life arises when we permit other people in our lives to define us; who we are and what we can do.

We then live our days trying to conform to their expectations; trying to win their approval or at least not to lose it. We even try to fit our lives in the society’s mould; pursuing careers and living a life held in a prestigious esteem by the society. Eventually we may acquire fame and wealth but the feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction makes us a slave to life despite the superficial success we display.

We need to live our lives on our own terms and not on the terms of others; no matter who they may be. We need to live lives not imposed from without but impressed from within. Until we become who we were created to be and do what we were created to do, we will live perpetually in bondage. To be fulfilled, you need to live out your dreams. Your dreams will keep you awake at night and wake you up before sunrise. Your dreams will stretch you out of your comfort zone into your strength zone.

When you possess a dream, the dream will invariably possess you; you draw your motivation from within and not from without.

You do not expire because you are always inspired to live out your dream. The acid test of proving if a dream is yours is: what will you be happy doing even if you were not paid for it but which you can be paid? What will you be doing if it was impossible to fail? If it is your dream, you would not need to shape who you are to accomplish it but rather, your dreams will shape who you are. You can never experience the joy of living until you live out your dreams.

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IFTY-four years after independence, the exponential growth in population has put immense pressure on the country ’s resources and on already overstretched public services and infrastructure.

With children under 15 years of age accounting for about 45 per cent of the country ’s population, the burden on education and other sectors has become overwhelming.

A recent statistics released by the United Nations International Children Education Fund, (UNICEF), showed that Nigeria has 10.5 million children aged 6-11, that do not attend any primary school, the highest number in the world.

Ahead of 2015, the deadline set by the United Nations for member countries to achieve Education For All, the Federal government had, in 2004, passed into law, the compulsory, free Universal Basic Education (UBE) Act, in its effort to fight illiteracy and extend basic education opportunities to all children in the country.

Barely three months to the deadline, experts in childcare and health, who gathered last Thursday, at Victoria Island, Lagos, at a first of its kind Child Rights Act, (CRA), Training Programme, organised by Sponsor A Child, (SAC), for early child-care givers, held that even though the prospect of Nigeria achieving Education for All by 2015 is frail, some achievements could be recorded if the gap in implementing the Child Rights Act is closed.

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28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

The imperative of professionalising the Nigerian Civil Service Being a keynote lecture delivered at the 4th International Conference of the Faculty of Administration, Nasarawa State University, on ‘A century of Public Sector & Corporate Governance in Nigeria, 1914-2014’ held at the Assembly Hall, Keffi on the 8th of October, 2014. progress have been characterised

By Tunji Olaopa by series of disruptions, false starts, hiccups, misinterpretations, administrative misses and RITERS are often fortuitous breakthrough that make c o n s i d e r e d it very difficult for the system to literary prophets. Chinua achieve a critical rethinking and Achebe’s A Man of the People reconsideration of its base preceded the first Nigerian fundamentals. military coup by seven months.

Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun gave William Shakespeare is no less an empirical backing to this prophetic. In Achebe’s case, we historical demonstration of our could say it was easy to diagnose reform profile since independence. the Nigerian predicament and In a 2005 survey of the reform forecast possible consequences. profiles of 29 African countries Shakespeare wasn’t a Nigerian, divided into four categories, yet in Hamlet, probably his most Nigeria qualified as a ‘hesitant’ popular tragedy, I see a deep reforming nation behind advanced analogy in Hamlet’s famous reformers like Botswana, Namibia speech to the characterization of and South Africa, and committed Nigeria as a ‘hesitant’ reformer in reformers like Ghana, Cameroon the comity of reforming nations in and so on. When I completed my Africa. ‘To be, or not to be,’ says doctorate in 2005, I equally got a Hamlet, while contemplating corroborating insight into one whether or not to commit murder. critical reason for the hesitant steps That is also the question for the Nigeria has been taking in its Nigerian civil service (NCS) in the reform efforts. That doctoral 60th year of its existence. dissertation titled The Nigerian When more than four hundred Civil Service: A Framework for years ago, Shakespeare wrote Reform, revealed a lot, basically Hamlet, Prince Hamlet’s question the recognition of the dynamics was a literary metaphor for deep that articulate the structural hesitation; today, it connotes a specifics underlying the needed deeper and more philosophical reconstruction. framework that surrounds Essentially, at the institutional conception and reality of what we level, I discover a real structural want the Nigerian civil service to predicament which, with the be. benefit of my research practice, To be, or not to be, that is the beginning with the doctoral question—Whether ’tis Nobler in dissertation, has continue to be the the mind to suffer bane of the institutional The Slings and Arrows of reformation of the Nigerian civil outrageous Fortune, service system since 1975 when Or to take Arms against a Sea of systemic decay set in. My thesis troubles, revealed that there are too many And by opposing, end them? people doing nothing, too many doing too little and too few people The Nigerian civil service, since doing too much. its inauguration in 1954, has been The fact that my dissertation, later wading through its own ‘sea of published as Public troubles’ that has constrained it Administration and Civil Service from rising up to the zenith of its Reforms in Nigeria, has entered historical mandate of mediating the into its third edition attests to the social contract between the significance of this protracted Nigerian government and the structural predicament. In my new Nigerian citizens through the book, The Nigerian Civil Service efficient and effectively delivery of of the Future (2014), I analysed this the dividends of democratic research finding into two governance. Service evolution and

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significant imperatives which the NCS must address if its future as a world class institution is to be assured. The first imperative is the urgent task of professionalism. The second urgent imperative concerns an urgent reassessment of HR functions as the fundamental basis on which a professional civil service can orient its capability readiness.

The NCS doesn’t need experts.

According to Frank Lloyd Wright, ‘An expert is a man who has stopped thinking. Why should he think? He is an expert.’ What we need are professionals managers; administrative leaders who are constantly motivated by the specifically local administrative predicament of Nigeria and the global knowledge framework to think, learn and rethink in other to evolve a world class institution that can deliver service as efficiently and effectively as any of its counterpart elsewhere.

Modernising imperative The challenge that the NCS confronts is therefore that of how it can metamorphose into a new public service supervised by those we have called the ‘new professionals’ who are aware of the modernising imperative the NCS must fulfil. In other words, how can the NCS calibrate a refreshing and globally compliant HRM architecture around which the reform of the institution can be facilitated? A new HRM architecture requires a strong, professional and adequately incentivised administrative cadre that will deploy creative and ingenious means to resolve the challenge of effective service delivery to the populace. Thus, reforming the civil service essentially involves rethinking our idea of who the civil servant is as well as a renegotiation of what constitutes his/her essential professional brief.

This reforming framework was already pre-empted by the 1999

White Paper on Modernising Government by the UK Government. This sets out six key themes as the locus of the modernisation programme aimed at promoting a performanceoriented civil service: (a) stronger leadership with a clear sense of purpose (‘vision and values’ for

At the institutional level, I discovered a real structural predicament which, with the benefit of my research practice, beginning with the doctoral dissertation, has continued to be the bane of institutional reformation of the Nigerian civil service system since 1975 when systemic decay set in

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C M Y K

Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology

responsibility—which the civil servant is supposed to be known for. And this has been the subject of many of the reforms which have attended the refurbishing of the NCS since 1954. Apart from the Foot Commission and the Gorsuch Commission that laid the foundations for the present Federal Civil Service Commission and the Establishment Branch respectively, the Nigerianisation Policy accelerated to fast track the national shape and dynamics of the newly minted Nigerian civil service. Its basic objective was the creation of a specifically Nigerian professional core of civil servants that would be saddled with the onerous task of nation building and national development. This Policy was however undermined by many factors, one of the most significant of which is its subordination of merit to representativeness in appointment into the NCS, and the consequent fall in professional standards.

By the time the terrible purge of 1975 happened, it was clear that the NCS was at the peak of its performance in the efficient prosecution of the civil war while it also has taken some wrong turns. The most significant of these turns, for me, were the neglect of the momentous administrative insights and reforms advocated by the Adebo Commission of 1971 and the

departments; stronger central control of senior appointments, ‘360-degree feedback’ on staff performance); (b) better business planning from top to bottom (with all departments to have business plans with peer or outside review ‘cascaded down to personal responsibility plans’); (c) sharper performance management (with relative appraisal systems to identify poor performers).; (d) a dramatic improvement in diversity (with targets to have more women and ethnic minorities at senior levels); (e) a Service more open to people and ideas, which brings on talent (more interchange and outside recruitment); and (f) a better deal for staff (‘good conditions of service, meeting or exceeding best employment practice in the UK’ – a concession to tradition).

It is definitely not a mere conceptual coincidence that the modernising imperative is hinged, first and last, on the image of leadership—a civil servant that understands the direction of effectiveness and efficiency, and s/ he takes it!

What then is a Nigerian civil servant? This question is not meant to refer to the ‘person’ of the civil servant who isn’t more human than the average Nigerian. Rather, it is supposed to address the ‘persona’—the role and

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Udoji Report of 1974. ‘To make knowledge productive,’ Peter Drucker says, ‘ requires the systematic exploitation of opportunities for change.’ With the Udoji Commission Report, Nigeria lost a significant opportunity to exploit the managerial revolution and install a performance management system that would have impacted significantly on the question of what a Nigerian civil servant ought to be. The gradual but steady breakdown in manpower utilisation as well as vague job design and performance appraisal inevitably led to a general inability to recruit, retain and motivate adequate numbers of technical and professional staff as well as a gradual loss of professional and technical personnel from the civil service to other sectors as well as outside the country. If government fails to recruit and retain the best in the labour market, then how can it achieve the objective of building an HRM structure that will backstop its vision of a world class public service institution?

Back to Shakespeare: To be or To be continued next week.

Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, wrote in from Abuja.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 29

Education, solution to Africa's devt challenges says US Ambassador

By Ebele Orakpo

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Jigawa state Varsity as a metaphor for others (2) Continued from last week “A university does not just answer that name unless it is able to provide for the needs of the society. I fancy one great university that is all in all. A university that is well-funded to meet all the academic needs of the society that it is founded to serve.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Osun State, New Telegraph, September 3, 2014, p 23. *Amb. James Entwistle addressing the AUN community. Seated from left: AUN President Margee Ensign, Dr Pamela Schmoll (wife of the Amb) & Dean of Student Affairs, Byron Bullock The ambassador praised the institution’s contributions to deepening US-Nigeria relationship and for bringing change to the educational sector. “The US and Nigeria have been doing fantastic things together for decades. Look at this university; that stands as a testimony to the US-Nigeria relationship.

“One of the things that has changed in my time as a US diplomat is that when

I started years ago, almost anything of substance between two countries took place in the government to government channel. One of the most positive developments I’ve seen in the past 35 years is the growth of contacts in nations in nongovernmental channels. It is relationships between academic institutions which lead to fantastic things like AUN. So, I’m

delighted to have a chance to see and celebrate what this institution represents,” he said.

He noted that AUN’s community service is of great interest to the US government. “The US government is very interested in the many activities that you engage in off-campus. I had a spectacular session y e s t e r d a y morning(October 8) with the AUN-Adamawa Peace Initiative as they talked to me aboutwhattheyaredoing tosupportInternallyDisplaced Persons. We are looking at supportingtheireffortsthrough USAID.Differentactivitieslike that might be appropriate for USgovernmentinvolvement.”

During the three-day visit, Entwistle had opportunity to interact with students, faculty and staff of AUN before the Pressconference.

He urged African youths to tap into the ongoing Young AfricanLeadershipInitiative,a programaimedatempowering Africanyouths.

While speaking, President Ensign traced the history of AUN to the life-changing encounter the Founder and Nigeria's former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar had with US Peace Corps volunteers who taught him when he was a young boy.

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HE Nigerian economy is headed for a recession.

Never mind what the National Bureau of Statistics is sending out as quarterly reports. Already, Federal allocated revenue, on which Jigawa depends to finance its projects is dwindling and the situation might continue till next year or beyond. The funds earmarked for the university in the first two years might not even be available. Yet, JSU, must be prepared to pay the same salaries and allowances, may be even more, to attract lecturers already engaged. The attempt to leverage on Obasanjo’s global network of contacts for the benefit of JSU clearly ignores the fact that JSU and Bell University have become competitors.

Unfortunately, as Aregbesola had said, the inescapable plight of JSU mirrors the problems of most Federal and State universities. If there is one public university which should not have problems, it is Federal Uni-

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MBASSADOR J a m e s Entwistle, the US ambassador to Nigeria, has harped on the importance of education to the development of any nation.

Entwistle made this assertion recently while addressing a Press conference at the end of a three-day visit with his wife, Dr. Pamela Schmoll to the American University of Nigeria (AUN). He acknowledged AUN’s academic excellence and development initiatives as the solution to Africa’s myriad development challenges.

“I’ve been very impressed with AUN, not just what you’re doing in terms of education, but what you’re doing to make the world around you a better place. For the many activities that you engage in off-campus, I have to give AUN pretty high marks.”

The university still has more staff than students and it is impossible to imagine anyone from most states in Nigeria rushing to Otuoke for admission

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versity situated at Otuoke – President Jonathan’s village.

Today, the university still has more staff than students and it is impossible to imagine anyone from most states in Nigeria rushing to Otuoke for admission. It is just another village university.

Nothing promotes mediocrity better than that. Unfortunately, that is what we have springing up all over Nigeria. Just as unfortunate for JSU, Lamido started it too late. His successors might not share his vision and then what will become the fate of JSU? FUNNY DOCTORATE AWARDS A bogus organization calling itself the European American University, recently granted Doctor of Science, D. Sc (Honorary Causa) to Mrs Shade Okoya, Sally Mbanefo, Folashade Tinubu Ojo and Elemo Gloria Nwakaegho.

Unfortunately for the recipients, they were duped. Vanguard published Shade Okoya’s photo holding to the worthless certificate she was given. Pity. “Money is not our problem but how to spend it”, abi?

V i s i t : w w w. d e l e s o b o w a l e . c o m or Visit: www.facebook.com/biolasobowale or www.twitter.com/DrDeleSobowale

ASUSS slams Govt. for falling education standard

By Boluwaji Obahopo, Lokoja

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HE Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, has attributed the retrogression in the education sector, especially the mass failure recorded in the last West African Examination Council, WAEC, exams to the failure of government to invest in the teaching profession.

The Union also said the mass failure was a direct C M Y K

implication of the series of vices that have bedevilled education in the country in time past.

The Kogi State Chairman, ASUSS, Comrade Ojo Ranti Matthew who made this known in Lokoja, however, charged stakeholders in the education sector to accept responsibility and find a remedy to the ugly trend.

According to him: “Government has done very little about the persistent drawing of

attention to our empty laboratories and libraries, acute shortage of teachers especially in key subjects.

“Dilapidated structures, unsuitable teaching and learning environment, poor mobilisation and funding of the supervisory and inspectorate units of the education ministry and parastatals,” he stressed.

Ranti, however, appealed to the teachers to stem the tide even in the face of daunting challenges.

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Rivers govt distributes ebola preventive materials to schools

British Council pledges support for education devt in Nigeria

By Kelechukwu Iruoma

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N a bid to strengthen the capacity of education in Nigeria, the British Council has pledged continuous support for the development of education in Nigeria and also announced British Council Education Exhibition 2014.

The call was made at a media briefing by the British Council at British Council, Thompson Avenue, Lagos to announce the 12th Education UK Exhibition 2014.

Speaking to journalists, the Director Programme, Nigeria, Louisa Waddingham said that the British Council has been responding constructively and pro-actively to the needs of education in Nigeria, adding that it is what the Council still aims to do with the UK Education Exhibition 2014.

According to her: “The UK Exhibition has always had a very strong interest in Nigeria, we have a lot of institutions that want to come here to meet intelligent students, their parents and their educators and do what they can to support Nigeria’s development in the educationsector, it is really important," she said.

Sephora Imomoh, the Project

*From left: Adetomi Soyinka, Regional Manager, CSFP, Laura Waddingham, Director Programmes, Nigeria, Sephora Imomoh, Project Mananger, Laura Oloyede, COO/Business Director, Cutlar Communications, Anthony Chukwuma, Project Manager, during a media briefing at British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos to announce British Council Education UK Exhibition 2014. Photo: Kelechukwu Iruoma.

Manager at the British Council explains why the UK is such a popular destination for international students. According to her “UK has a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas and think for yourself.”

However, the exhibition will be

held in Lagos and Abuja. In Lagos, it will be held on Saturday, 8th November, 2014 at Intercontinental Hotel, Plot 5254A, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time is 11am-5:00pm.

In Abuja, it will be held on Tuesday, 11th November, 2014 at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja. Time is also 11am5:00pm.

Education: Panacea for vibrant democratic society— Ekweremadu

effective leadership, insecurity, corruption, poverty and unemployment should be reformed, improved and revamped,” he added.

Speaking on the nature of Nigeria’s federalism, Ekweremadu who bagged a Bachelor of Law and Master of Law degrees from the University of Nigeria, said that the country has not been able to practise true federalism, especially as it empowers the central *From left: Dettol Brand Ambassador, Patience Ozokwor; G M, West government to wield too Africa, Reckitt Benckiser, Rahul Murgai; Marketing Director, West much powers to the Africa, Silivrili Oguzhan; Nollywood Actress/Producer, Omoni Obo- detriment of the component li and pupils of The Royal Master’s School, during the Reckitt Benck- states. He called for the iser Global hand-washing day media parley in Lagos on Tuesday. overhaul of such ingrained Photo Lamidi Bamidele practices to allow for true society. In his words: “Education

By Victor Agi & Okon Desmond federalism that will see the redistribution of powers to and EPUTY senate president, must be prioritised through reconfiguration of resource Senator Ike Ekweremadu special interventions to ensure allocation formula to cater for stressed that Nigeria can only that facilities and standards are the new responsibilities that will create a vibrant democratic high.” He also stressed that come to the states. society where Nigerians will public institutions must be He advocated for the return better their lives through revamped to boost efficiency and effectiveness and public to the regional arrangement functional education. with six geopolitical zones as This was said at the 54th participation must not be federating units judicial Founders’ Day Lecture of the neglected.

He further asserted that “if reforms, proportional University of Nigeria, Nsukka, representation, modification of held at the Princess Alexandra NYSC Scheme is reformed to become a compulsory military the presidential system to allow Auditorium (PAA). for a greater overlap and affinity Delivering a lecture titled: Key service for every Nigerian who between the executive and Governance Issues in Nigeria: attains the age of 18, it will make legislature as well as the My perspective, he pointed that the scheme serve the nation creation of a new state in the education, among other factors better.”

“To create a vibrant democratic South East as equity and justice is key to creating a vibrant society, other vital issues such as demands.

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HE Rivers State Govern ment has distributed Ebola Preventive materials to all Model Primary schools in the State. The materials include thermo scanners, buckets, soaps and hand sanitizers to schools on resumption of the new academic session. Speaking during the distribution of the Ebola Preventive Materials at the Township Model Primary School 1, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Commissioner for Education Rivers State, Dame Alice Lawrence-Nemi said the State Government is concerned for the safety of pupils and teachers in various schools across the State.

Alice Nemi commended Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and Commissioner for Health Dr Sampson Parker, for taking proactive steps in curtailing the Ebola Virus Disease in

not come to school. ‘’I must emphasize that whatever we present to you here thermo scanners, sanitizers, buckets and soaps, the most important, is the knowledge of what Ebola is all about. Also to inculcate in ourselves first and the students the knowledge of hygiene and to practice basic hygiene, that is all we want. That is why when people told me about sanitizers, I said no, because this is an opportunity for us to learn basic hygiene and we started basic hygiene lessons with hand washing and teaching the students how to wash their hands’’. ‘’Yes we have won the battle against Ebola in Rivers State, but the war against Ebola is not over and we must all be alert, we must continue to keep our envi-

*Head teacher of Township Model Primary School 1, Port Harcourt, Mrs Comfort Pepple checking the temperature of a pupil. the State. She said that the Ministry had earlier met with Nigeria Union Of Teachers, NUT on the steps taken by the State Government to tackle the EVD. The Commissioner stated that providing the preventive materials is in fulfilment of the earlier promise to the NUT that the State will ensure the safety of teachers.

On his own part, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker, charged the

ronment clean’’ he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Education Minabelem Michael West, charged the teachers to make good use of the materials that have been handed to them stating that the reason the State Government trained them during the holidays was for the teachers to train the pupils on preventive measures against the EVD. When asked about the expectations for the new academic

*Pupils of Township Model Primary School 1 washing their hands before entering classrooms. teachers to put to use the preventive materials being provided by the State Government in their various schools. Dr Parker said, though the state is free from Ebola, the fight against the dreaded disease is still on. He stated that the awareness for the disease is still on and he charged the residents of the State to continue to maintain personal hygiene.

The Health Commissioner also tasked the teachers to take any pupils that develops high fever to the nearest health centre and also said that sick children should

session, he stated that the State Government is expecting the teachers to redouble their efforts to impact more knowledge to pupils. Michael West stated that the State has provided the right environment for teaching and learning for teachers and is expecting anything other than good results. ‘’Rivers State is an education State, we placed education on high premium, education is a focal point of development agenda of this State.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—31

20 Nigerians to be trained on research in Germany

UNN @ 54: Students celebrate varsity, task V-C on transparency BYKELECHUKWUIRUOMA

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IGERIA’S first indigenous university, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, known for academic excellence, turns 54, with the Founders Day lecture delivered on 8th October, 2014 by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu titled Key Governance Issues in Nigeria: My Perspective.

However, students of the great citadel of learning celebrated the University for its quest towards making the institution one of the greatest universities in Nigeria and in the world. The students also expressed their feelings on the challenges they have been battling with in the school and urged the Vice Chancellor, Professor Benjamin Ozumba to be transparent, in order to enable the continuous development of the university.

Speaking to QUADLIFE, a 100 level student of Mechanical Engineering who identified

Professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba.

himself as Chinazaram Henry, felt glad to be in a university such as UNN, according to him “I feel glad and happy to be a student in one of Nigeria’s best university.”

He however said that the university needs a conducive environment. In his words: "There is lack of teaching facilities, inadequate lecture theatres.”

He also said that lack of

adequate hostels is another challenge.

According to him: “The hostels are not pleasing to the eye and are h i g h l y uncomfortable.

Remember an adage says ‘Health is wealth."

He said. He also said that he is not benefitting

enough from the internet service, adding that students need it in the hostels.I am 101% certain he is going to deliver.

However, he added: "Few days after he was inaugurated he promised to reduce the price of internet fee and has also visited the whole hostels. I am positive about his administration”. He concluded.

BYKELECHUKWUIRUOMA

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N a bid to assist in the development of developing countries in the area of climate protection, Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation has made plans to train 20 young Nigerians on climate experts in the field of climate protection in Germany.

The International Climate Protection Fellowship will enable young climate experts to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection and climate related resource conservation.

The Fellowship which also allows non-European transition or developing countries to participate, requests for application from interested persons who have university degrees and those who are active in the areas of scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health based or social aspects of climate change.

The fellowship which also offers 20 scholarship for climate experts from developing countries interested in conducting a project in Germany and pursuing longterm collaboration also includes intensive training and an orientation program at the introduction.

However, during a threeweek introductory phase, participants will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection Fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany.

An intensive German language course will be offered before the fellowship begins, which will smooth the participants into everyday life in Germany whilst the continuing education event lasting several days in the course of the fellowship will enable them acquire not only practical knowledge of climate protection but also expertise in management.

LASU gives external students Oct. 22 deadline to pay fees

By Ikenna Asomba & Tare Youdeowei

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HE Lagos State University, Ojo has given its external students a two weeks ultimatum to pay their fees, saying it plans to wind up the programme by 2016.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. John Obafunwa, said at a press briefing in Lagos that the two

weeks ultimatum will last from October 8 to 22.

Obafunwa said the decision was taken at a stakeholders’ forum after it was discovered that only 5,366 students had registered for the semester.

The VC said the university was compelling the students to pay because the National Universities Commission had given it till 2016 to wind up the programme.

48 bag 1st class as UNILORIN graduates 5,421

By Covenant Williams

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HE UNIILORIN Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Kunle Akogun, has revealed that the 30th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin ,UNILORIN, will see a total of 48 students awarded first class degrees out of the about 5,421 graduating students.

According to report, the award of degree certificates will take place on Thursday 23rd October, 2014.

Mr. Akogun, while giving the breakdown of graduating student’s performance said that about 1,190 students will be graduating with secondclass upper degree; a further 2,814 will be awarded the Second Class Lower degree while 1,068 will bag the third class degree and 84 will get the pass grade.

He added that 18 Diploma graduates, 642 master ’s degree, 106 PhD and 142 postgraduate Diploma graduates will receive their certificate during the convocation ceremony.

According to #CampusPortalNG, details showed that 12 of the First Class graduates are from the Faculty of Engineering; 11 are from the Faculty of Physical Sciences; nine from the Faculty of Life Sciences; six from the Faculty of Agriculture and five from the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences. The Faculty of Management Sciences produced two First Class graduates this year while the Faculties of Arts, Basic Medical Sciences and Education produced one first class graduate each.

“The National Universities Commission has been magnanimous enough to give us grace till 2016 and there is no justification for any student not to pay his or her fees,” he said.

Obafunwa said 29,987 students profile had been uploaded in the university portal, while about 7,000 have yet to be uploaded.

He said the two weeks of grace was to enable the students to pay for the Harmattan Semester, adding that some of them still had outstanding sessions to pay for.

He said: “We are only insisting on the payment for this semester for now. We know how to collect the outstanding when the time comes.”

Obafunwa said most of the external students protesting against the non-issuance of certificates to them were not authentic students of the institution.

He said: “If you go through records, you will discover that most of those students complaining are either not LASU students or have outstanding courses to write.”

Some external students of the institution had staged a protest two weeks ago at the Government House, Alausa, Lagos State, accusing the authorities of failing to issue certificates to them.

AAUA new Senate Building.

AAUA Inaugurates New Senate Building Oct. 17

By Olatide Faith

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DEKUNLE Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, will inaugurate its newly completed four-wing and fivestorey Senate Building on Friday, October 17,2014.

The Senate Building, which provides for 16,000 square metres of exquisite office space on a 12-hectare land, will be inaugurated by the Visitor to the University and Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko at 10:00 am.

The five-storey Senate Building Complex is a wellthought-out architectural masterpiece with 4 (four) wings radiating round a central courtyard that helps to illuminate the core area of the complex.

Each wing has a central circulation that links the circular circulation of the courtyard for easy connection

to one another. The courtyard also serves as a waiting/ relaxation space. The worldclass edifice, houses the Vice Chancellor ’s Office, the Registry and the Bursary, among others. The state-ofthe-art facilities in the Building comprise the Senate Chamber, Council Chamber, a large Reception Hall, Cocktail and Entertainment Lounge, five stair halls, three lifts, covered Courtyard and a large foyer.Other facilities include 104 parking lots with capacity to extend, 143 offices, 149 toilets, 11 Conference/ Board rooms and a Generator House housing two 1,000 KVA generators. It also has two fountains, open Piazza that can sit 2,500 people.

Students who have visited the edifice have showered praises on the School administration for continuing on its quest on making the University a “21 st century University, properly called”.

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32— Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Traffic gridlock on the Oshodi Apapa expressway...but when will this nightmare end?

APAPA-OSHODI CHAOTIC TRAFFIC:

No end in sight despite assurances ‘W

five hours last Tuesday. At the end of the day’s business, Bidemi who lives in Shogunle, ran into another horrible traffic jam between Berliet Bus Stop and Ilasamaja, also on the ever-busy Oshodi-Apapa Expressway.

He is not alone in this desperation. Indeed, motorists and commuters plying the Lagos

Commuters and traders at Mile 2 on the Oshodi-Apapa road C M Y K

– Badagry and Oshodi/Apapa expressways, have on several occasions, been subjected to untold hardship occasioned by perennial traffic gridlocks that have become the recurring decimal along these roads.

Last week in particular, users of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway literally went through hell as a result of the traffic snarl allegedly caused by the last minute efforts by petrol tanker drivers to load petroleum products from the farm tanks before the long Sallah holidays.

The indiscriminate parking of these trucks worsened the already chaotic traffic situation in the area.

Those who attributed the traffic logjam to the last minute rush for the Sallah may not be altogether correct, going by the fact that the gridlock returned shortly after the long holiday. Yesterday, (Wednesday) the traffic along the axis assumed a rather frightening dimension as motorists spent several hours without accessing their

destinations. A middle-aged man who simply identified himself as Lamidi told Vanguard that he spent more than five hours from Orile Iganmu to Kirikiri. “The traffic from Orile to Mile Two started before Orile Bus Stop.

After spending more than two

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By Jude Njoku & Kingsley Adegboye HAT kind of country is this''! An exasperated Bidemi yelled at nobody in particular. Bidemi who has his forwarding and clearing business in Apapa, was trapped in the traffic gridlock that stretched from Sanya Bus Stop to Apapa for over

dual carriageway. The traffic gridlock on this axis usually starts after Cele Bus Stop where the second phase of the reconstruction of the expressway stopped and terminates around Iyana Isolo. The worst affected area is between Berliet and Ilasamaja which have developed deep gullies and craters.

The scenario becomes very terrible whenever it rains. On such days, traffic will stretch from Ijesha to Ilasamaja. A classic example was what transpired during the just concluded Sallah festival when the road became very busy because of the last minute business closures.

Controller directs Julius

Officials of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA, denied neglecting this side of the expressway

hours to reach Mile Two, I discovered that Julius Berger had blocked the interchange that leads motorists to Apapa. I had to drive to Festac Town before nd coming out at 2 Rainbow to continue my journey to Kirikiri,” he said.

On the other side of the expressway, precisely between Cele Bus Stop and Ilasamaja, commuters went through another traffic nightmare. This time, the “go-slow” was caused by the deep craters that had taken over several portions of the ever-busy

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Berger to carry out palliative repairs Commenting on the poor state of the road and the resultant traffic snarl, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, Mr. Godwin Eke, an engineer, admitted that the Berliet axis of the road has become very bad, thereby impeding free flow of vehicular movement. Eke said he has directed the construction company handling the reconstruction of the OshodiContinues on page 33

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 33

Apapa/Oshodi chaotic traffic: No end in sight despite assurances

Works minister, Mike Onolememen

Lagos State Governor, Fashola Continues from page 32 Apapa expressway, Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, to move into the area to carry out palliative repairs. Hopefully, he said, the company will undertake the assignment this weekend.

The Controller explained that the contract for the reconstruction of the expressway from Cele Bus

has carried boulders and stone base materials to the bad spots for palliative repairs. He gave reasons why the bad portions have not been worked on.

According to him, the water that percolated on the the bad spots have not dried up and whatever is done now that the rain is still falling, will be washed away.

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Apart from the menace of tanker drivers, the reconstruction of the Oshodi-Apapa expressway by Messrs Julius Nigeria Plc is believed to be progressing at a rather snail’s speed

Stop to Oshodi which falls under the third phase of the reconstruction, has not been awarded to any contractor.

According to him, Phase Two of the reconstruction being handled

by Julius Berger terminates at Cele Bus Stop. Eke noted that inadequate budgetary allocation to the road sector is hampering the fixing of some federal roads, not only in Lagos state, but other parts of the country.

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Oladele said as soon as the water that percolated on the road dries off, palliative work will commence immediately.

“FERMA has been carrying out routine maintenance on those spots by applying boulders and stone base materials as well as

cleaning of drainage channels and culverts around Berliet and Ilasamaja. This is still ongoing before permanent reinstatement of the expressway by the Federal Ministry of Works . The problem with that part of the road is that it is the low point of the road. This explains why that part of the dual carriageway is usually flooded whenever it rains”, the FERMA official noted.

Strategic nature of Apapa There is no disputing the fact that the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway is one road that is very strategic as a major gateway to the country’s sea ports. The major share of government’s revenues come from both the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.

The expressway is noted for endless traffic jams that keep motorists for hours as they try to navigate through the tankers and

trailers mindlessly parked on the expressway by their drivers.

Apart from this menace of tanker drivers, the reconstruction of the Oshodi-Apapa expressway

by Messrs Julius Nigeria Plc is believed to be progressing at a rather snail’s speed. The parlous state of the link roads have also aggravated the already bad situation.

But perhaps, the greatest problem of Apapa which directly and indirectly impacts on the traffic situation in the area, is the location of tank farms and seaports in the neighbourhood.

Apapa is the home of two major sea ports -Apapa and Tin-Can Ports and no fewer than 20 tank farms.

The plethora of tank farms in Apapa became necessary following the collapse of the refineries and the massive importation of refined petroleum products through the seaports.

Lagos which enjoys a near

monopoly of fuel importation in the country, thus became the preferred destination for fuel dealers who send their tankers from all parts of the country to lift the product. Functional refineries at Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri would have lessened the quantity of fuel imported into the country and the number of tankers that come to Lagos to lift the product.

NUPENG’s role The Lagos Zonal Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Comrade Tokunbo Korodo told Vanguard in an earlier interview that the union, in collaboration with the Lagos State government, is doing everything within its power to ensure free flow of traffic in the Apapa axis.

“If you go there now, you will see our officials on ground controlling the traffic and ensuring that tankers no longer park indiscriminately on the road.

We are also working in partnership with LASTMA officials in that area to ensure less traffic congestion. Our monitoring officials are working on shift basis: morning, afternoon and night to ensure orderliness and ensure that Nigerians and Lagosians, in particular, get fuel.

If we fail to handle the situation with caution, it may affect fuel distribution in the country. This is what we are trying to avoid.

For your information, most of the tankers you see are not Lagosbased. But that is not an excuse and like I said, our officials are on ground to ensure there is order. We are not hooligans; we are not lawless and we are lawabiding and a disciplined organisation,” he said.

Routine maintenance Also reacting to the poor state of the road, officials of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency FERMA, denied neglecting this side of the expressway. According to them, routine maintenance is carried out generally on the dual carriageway whenever the need arises.

FERMA Engineer in charge of Lagos 2 West which comprises Oshodi/Apapa Expressway, Mr. Afolabi Oladele, said that portion of the road is under the third phase of the reconstruction of the entire expressway which begins from Cele down to the end of Oshodi.

The FERMA official noted that his Agency has been intervening on the expressway even before the idea of reconstructing the entire stretch of the Oshodi/ Apapa Expressway was muted.

According to him, the Agency in a bid to make the road useable,

Commuters trekking at Mile 2 as vehicular traffic has come to a standstill C M Y K

34—Vanguard,THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

TUC laments pensioners’ woes

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG TRADE Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has decried unpaid and delayed payment of pension benefits to pensioners.

It said it plans to mount intensive pressure and campaigns for adequate, prompt payment of pension to all pensioners.

The umbrella body for senior staff associations in the country lamented that pensioners’ woes are

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made worse by the virtual collapse of social services, which in effect has turned every household into a mini-government on its own.

TUC in a statement by its President, Bobboi Kaigama, contended that the pain was more excruciating because monetary contributions were deducted from workers’ salaries into the pension funds unlike what obtained in the past when government paid from its coffers

According to the statement, “we feel pained that many senior citizens of our country have died before their time due to poor pension administration and the indifference of the government concerning their plight. Cases of embezzlement of pension funds abound, yet no one has been significantly brought to book. Why a few individuals should be feeding fat on the misery of poor and hapless pensioners remains a mystery to us. Pensioners’ woes

are made worse by the virtual collapse of social services, which in effect has turned every household into a mini-government on its own.

“Incidentally the pain is more excruciating because monetary contributions are deducted from workers’ salaries into the pension funds unlike what obtained in the past when government paid from its coffers. In this milieu, retirement aggregates to being sentenced to permanent poverty or

even death, except in the case of the privileged few in society. This ugly trend must stop. To this end, the leadership of the Congress and all workers

and pensioners at all levels shall soon mount serious pressure and campaign for adequate, prompt-payment of pension to all retire.”

Delta inaugurates pension fund mgt c’tee

BY FESTUS AHON DELTA State Head of Service, Mr. Paul Evuarherhe, has enjoined members of the State Pension

Fund Management Committee, PFMC, to ensure the objectives of committee are met by discharging their duties diligently.

Inaugurating the committee in Asaba, the State capital, Evuarherhe, said their reappointment was not unconnected with the good jobs they did during their first term in office, saying; “you have to keep the flag flying”.

Chairman, Bureau of Local Government Pensions, Mrs. Patience Ikomi, earlier said; “the inauguration of the PFMC for a second term in office is very fundamental because it is in keeping with the provisions of sections (20) 2 (B) of the Delta State Perform, Reform law 2008 (as amended). This inauguration will no doubt, open a new chapter in the implementation of the contributory pension scheme, especially as our efforts in this regard, are already being acknowledged by all and sundry.”

She commended Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for reappointing her and her team and for the “support, encouragement, and understanding in our first term in office.”

Ikomi congratulated Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for winning an International award on Contributory Pension matters at the recent World Pension Summit.

She also congratulated members of the committee; Mr. P.E.S Okoh, Secretary, Bureau of Local Government Pensions. Mr Peter Ngozi Isibor, Mr. L.O Akokigho, Comrade David Emouvwerha, Comrade David Ofoeyeno, Dr. A.O. Oguafor, Barr. F.O. Diokpala and Mr. Godwin Ajuebor, and appealed to them to remain dedicated to their responsibilities to keep the Bureau afloat.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 , 2014—35

BITS Bits

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ILO calls for more training, decent work for teachers

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Casual Labour: CDWR wants worker’s death probed

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AMPAIGN for Dem ocratic and Workers’ Rights, CDWR, has called on the government to probe the circumstances that led to the death of casual worker, Atukpo Wisdom at Lynda Company based in Iju, Lagos.

The group in a statement by its publicity secretary stated, “CDWR demands the setting up of an independent and democratic panel of enquiry made up of trade union representatives, elected representative of workers, officials of the ministry of labour and other relevant regulatory agencies.

The panel's duty should be to investigate and determine the culpability of the management officials of Lynda company in the death of late Atukpo ".

C M Y K

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NLC leaders and workers protesting perceived unfair government's policies

Between NLC and Kriston Lally where lies the truth?

•Controversial housing project Barely three weeks ago, Vanguard broke a story on a failed housing project and short changing of workers. The project was initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC. Days later NLC issued a statement and an advertorial disowning its partner in the project; Kriston Lally. Now, the company has told its side of the story and clearly, both parties owe workers an explanation especially the NLC. Labour Vanguard promises to see this to the end by the grace of God.

BY FUNMI KOMOLAFE & VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

E

ARLY 2013, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Kriston Lally signed a memorandum of understanding, MoU, to provide houses for workers.

Advertisement was placed and innocent workers began to subscribe to the project with their hard earned money with the hope of becoming landlords.

NLC in its statement of 22nd September, 2014, said “under the MoU, Kriston- Lally was to build specified housing types at agreed prices. The funding of the project was to be provided by financiers who KristonLally had identified from abroad.

“The NLC was on its part, to ensure that there were off-takers of the housing units by mobilizing workers to subscribe by paying ten per cent of the price of the desired house type.”

By NLC admission “the response of Nigerian workers was overwhelming.

Congress was excited about this.”

How an MoU went sour: NLC in the statement by its President, Abdulwaheed Omar said “ However, on the 4th of October , 2013, Congress decided that further subscription and collection of money be stopped to enable the project consolidate and deliver the first phase of houses to those who had

governments. Thus, that of Nigeria won’t be different.”

He stated nine issues which include “All the sites that we have taken interested subscribers to have valid documents that are in the process of being perfected. Delays are only due to usual bureaucratic bottlenecks. .....

The accountant of the NLC has already accompanied us to ascertain the position of our accounts which has been confirmed to be in order.”

The GMD of Kriston- Lally EPC Nigeria Ltd, Alhaji Madawaki in his conclusion stated, “ Finally due to the fact that the NLC has not been able to provide land for this project especially in Abuja, we have been forced to acquire additional lands at our own costs to ensure that the expectations of the teeming subscribers are met while confirming the commitment of the NLC to the Average Nigerian Worker in this regard.

With this huge commitment of funds (N45billion) on our own part, it is expected that the NLC would commend these efforts coming at this crucial economic climate knowing fully well our goals are the same.“ From the correspondence from both sides, NLC stated, its own task was to “ mobilize workers to sub-scribe” but Kriston- Lally said NLC was supposed to provide land for the project especially in Abuja .

Labour Vanguard recalls that NLC in series of television adverts, announced that it was to launch a housing project in Abuja as part of May Day anniversary

subscribed within the promised time frame of December , 2014. This decision was served on and acknowledged by Kriston – Lally on 4th October , 2013.”

NLC in a letter by Chris Uyot, then Acting Secretary, addressed to Alhaji U.M. Madawaki, Group Managing Director, GMD, of Kriston- Lally EPC Ltd, wrote, “Given our partnership and experiences on the mass housing project, the NLC demands that you furnish it with the comprehensive list of all subscribers and the Bank The NLC was on its part, to accounts directly or remotely ensure that there were off-takers related to the housing project of the housing units by mobilizimmediately” .

It asked that this be done ing workers to subscribe by within the week of the letter. paying ten per cent of the price The GMD of Kriston – Lally EPC Nigeria Limited responded of the desired house type with a letter to NLC President Omar, titled, “ Re: Conveyance event but this was not to be. of NAC decisions as regards the NLC The minister of the federal capital Kriston Lally EPC affordable housing territory announced that NLC had not scheme”. Alhaji Mustapha Umar acquired land anywhere in Abuja for this Madawaki listed the experience and project. achievements of his company in housing The question is, was NLC not aware of projects .A part of his letter reads” Our this before it invited President Goodluck achievement to date includes but not Jonathan, to lay the foundation on a limited to over 80% of the construction of non existing site? the 2004 Athens Olympics Village, In Labour Vanguard's subsequent, Marina, Train and Road Tunnels, Bridge editions, it will publish more details about and Inter- Connecting Roads. We are issues related to subscribers funds, refund, also part of the team constructing the NLC state offices that have provided land, World’s First 80 story Rotating Tower in and the sweet relationship of the two Dubai. It’s worthy to note; we have partners before it went sour. very cordial relationship with the labour Watch out! Only in Vanguard. unions of these countries and their

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N its message to mark this year’s Teachers Day, the International Labour Organization called for more training for teachers just as it demanded decent jobs for them.

The ILO demanded “highquality pre-and in-service training for teachers, based on respect for human rights and the principles of inclusive education”.

However in Nigeria, especially in states where governors asked teachers to undergo retraining, the teachers resisted.

The ILO based in Geneva, Switzerland emphasized “ All too often, teachers work without resources or proper training. The stakes are high: we face today a global learning crisis, with 250 million children not learning the basics, over half of whom have spent four years in school.

“An education system is only as good as its teachers.

Teachers are essential to universal and quality education for all: they are central to shaping the minds and attitudes of the coming generations to deal with new global challenges and opportunities. Innovative, inclusive and results-focused teaching is crucial for 2015 and beyond if we are to provide the best possible opportunities for millions of children, youth and adults worldwide.”

Finally due to the fact that the NLC has not been able to provide land for this project especially in Abuja, we have been forced to acquire additional lands at our own costs

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36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Release Okey Wali unconditionally now — SANs who contested against Wali in 2012 NBA election, spoke in a similar vein. He called on the security agencies to brace up on their responsibilities in ensuring that protection of lives and properties is maintained at the highest level nationwide.

He added: “The news of the kidnap of the immediate past President of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Okey Wali, SAN by some gun men at his Port Harcourt residence Saturday night is to say the least, the most shocking and disheartening news I have received in recent times.

Okey is a peace loving and easy going gentleman who abhors violence in any shape or form. Okey has not done anything that would warrant his being kidnapped by gunmen.

Okey, while serving as the 26th President of NBA, stood and fought for human liberty and cessation of all form of violence in our national life. Indeed the NBA under his leadership organized the first ever security summit where issues bordering on the state of insecurity in Nigeria were thoroughly considered.

By Dayo Benson, Jimitota Onoyume & Bartholomew Madukwe engage in kidnapping and other crimes.

In his words: “Kidnapping is a terrible disease that Nigeria is experiencing from criminal characters who want to make money without working for it. So, it is to be condemned in every way possible. It just happened that Wali is a prominent person. But I think we need to reBest of flect on the conrelationship tribution of the Nigeria elites to I am very shocked. Okey Wali the present situis not just a former president ation of crime and of NBA to me, he is my kins- corruption in the man. We come from the same country. If the ethnic nationality, we are both tiny elites is conIkwere men and from the same suming all the reLGA in Rivers State. We at- sources in the tended the same secondary country, considerschool, even if I was his sen- ing the level of • Mr Okey Wali SAN ior. We have the best of rela- corruption- the tionship. He is not a contro- $20b missing, the subsidy fraud which is com- ble record of human welfare. versial person.

“So I appeal to all those be- mitted mainly by PDP people, So I am saying that those in hind this, who are aware of the pension fund fraud, even government, especially in any useful information, to the new South Africa scandal, PDP, are the root cause of this please help us. They should it shows that we have a tiny problem. If they won’t change release this young man and elite who are fraudulently and their way, their ravenous hunger to grab our resources and power, then it will enThe development is a symptom of clear misuse courage criminal elements to lawlessness to which an alarming large now take to the type we are talking about. We in the politsegment of the society has descended ical party as the elites we must change, if this country is to be let him return safely to his fam- criminally consuming all our cleansed from criminal acily. It is an appeal I am mak- resources which should have tions.” ing. Wali is not a trouble mak- been used to develop the er and he is a respected law- country, provide employment Criminal yer. We all are praying for his and the welfare of Nigerians. actions immediate release.”

“To buttress this point, if you Constitutional lawyer, Pro- look at the latest Mo Ibrahim Another senior advocate, fessor Itse Sagay SAN, on his report on African leadership, Tani Molajo, opined that the part, noted that those in gov- Nigeria is 47 out of 53. In development is a symptom of ernment are the root cause of terms of welfare of Nigerians clear lawlessness to which an kidnapping in the country, in the country, we are 47 in alarming large segment of the noting that if they do not Africa. Yet we are supposed to society has descended. He change their ways it will en- be the richest country in Afri- explained: “It was only a few courage criminal elements to ca and we have such a horri- weeks ago when there was an

S

ENIOR Advocates of Ni geria and other lawyers have unanimously condemned the abduction of the immediate past president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Mr Okey Wali SAN. Former NBA President, Chief O.C.J. Okocha, SAN, who described Wali as a complete gentleman, said it was sad that anybody could contemplate his abduction.

He stated: “The abduction is condemnable. This is very shocking. He is not a money bag and he is not a politician.

I appeal for his unconditional release.

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Lawyer petitions AGF, others over unlawful detention — PG.38 C M Y K

assault on the judiciary in Ekiti State. Now, it is a lawyer. It is not his rank that matters. An attack on a lawyer anywhere is an attack on lawyers everywhere. You recall that this is not the first Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be kidnapped.

Last year Mike Ozekhome SAN was kidnapped.

“This is sad and I only pray that he will soon be with his loved ones. I would expect that lawyers will immediately deliberate on how to secure his release. I do hope that it will not be left to his family alone.

We must call upon the police to put a stop to this extent of lawlessness to which has gripped the country for too long, particularly as we approach the 2015 elections. I grieve when I hear things of this nature, in respect of anyone.”

Chief Emeka Ngige SAN,

Recurring issue The report of that summit along with its recommendations was forwarded to the Presidency for its consideration. Sadly, nothing was ever heard from the Government in that regard.

“The kidnap of Mr. Wali brings once more to the fore, the recurring issue of the state of insecurity in Nigeria and in Rivers State in particular. The Police in that State are now more interested in engaging in partisan political activities instead of protecting lives and property.

This is another kidnap too many! Yesterday it was Ilochi Okafor, SAN, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Doyin Rhodes-Vivour and others.

Today it is the turn of Okey Wali. Who know whose turn it Continues on page 37

Corruption, Impunity threaten human rights — Oyebode —Page 39

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—37

Release Okey Wali unconditionally now — SANs Continues from page 36 will be tomorrow?

“It is on this note that I join all other well wishers in calling on the abductors to release Wali from their custody forthwith and unconditionally. It is an irony that a person who has stood on the side of the downtrodden and oppressed in the country will be treated this way. But this is Nigeria, where life is now ‘nasty, short and brutish,’ a country that is now strictly speaking, a failed state!”

Meanwhile, Professor Fidelis Oditah QC, SAN, wondered why a person like Wali was kidnapped since he is not a politician. He described it as an absolute disgrace that shows the extent to which insecurity is in the land.

“Is he a politician, why did they kidnap him? It is an absolute disgrace and it shows the extent to which insecurity is in the land, if the other day hoodlums went and beat up a high court judge and last

•Sagay

•Okey Wali show and demonstrate that Nigeria is not a failed state.

“It is with utmost shock, to bone-marrow, that l received the most unfortunate and un-

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This is particularly shocking; in consideration of the learned SAN’s complete harmlessness and lack of capability or capacity to hurt even a fly, not to talk of humans

weekend the immediate past president of NBA was kidnapped. Where is the government? What government is to do for the people as a primary responsibility is to secure lives and property. We know there is insecurity in the North-East, we saw the lawlessness in the South-West and now we are seeing example of lawlessness and insecurity in the South-South. It is a total disgrace, they must release him immediately ” Prof Oditah said.

A human rights lawyer, Chief Morah Ekwunoh, while urging the federal government to put all its mights and powers into ensuring the quickest and unconditional release without harm on Wali, said if that is done it will

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

•Oditah

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believable news of the kidnap of our immediate past President, Mr Okey Wali, SAN. This is particularly shocking; in consideration of the learned SAN’s complete harmlessness and lack of capability or capacity to hurt even a fly, not to talk of humans.

“This, for the umpteenth time and more than before, brings to focus the hydraheaded nightmare of insecurity sweeping across the nation, with the speed of light or harmattan fire, and quickly running from the North East, through the Chibok girls, Benue and Ekiti State, where courts are shut for weeks running, on account

of abominable physical attacks on learned High Court Judges, and ,now, our Okey Wali SAN, all rising in crescendo as we approach 2015 elections. If these are forebodings of our election time expectations, for sure, there is much to fear and worry about, as the country is certainly sitting on kegs of gunpowder” Ekwunoh stated.

Another lawyer, Martins Iwegbu, expressed fear over the upcoming 2015 elections following the kidnap of Wali.

“Is this a preview to what will happen in 2015?” he asked.

He pointed out that for Wali to be kidnapped, it speaks volume of spurious security situation in the country.

NBA Publicity secretary, Mr Angus Chukwuka, who also appealed for his unconditional release urged security operatives in the state to swing into action to unmask those behind it, saying “the abduction is unfortunate. We are calling on the state government and security bodies in the state to swing into action to ensure his release. It is

•Molajo important he is released without any harm.”

Also appealing to the kidnappers to release the hostage unhurt, the Publicity secretary of Civil Liberties Organization, Mr Livingston Wechie enjoined security bodies in the state to step up effort to secure his release.

“We send our strong appeal to his abductors to kindly release him unhurt and unconditionally. We hold this position giving the great contributions of the NBA under his watch in the promotion and defence of human and peoples rights in Nigeria in which capacity he just handed over to a new leadership of the Bar just last month. It is a great concern to us now the recent rising spate of kidnapping in Rivers state which appears as a phase of security crisis in the state one too many particularly as 2015 elections draw close.

“We therefore charge the security forces in the state

•Ngige

•Ekwunoh particularly the Nigerian Police and the Department of State Security to not only launch a high powered rescue mission of Wali, but to also redouble their effort in checking kidnap plots and also take citizenship and community security more seriously than before as so much is expected of them. This effort will help douse the tension and the rising fears among residents of the state who do genuine business” CLO said.

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Lawyer petitions AGF, others over unlawful detention Council of Legal Education Statutory report to NBA (3)

BY OLANREWAJU ONADEKO

T

HE body hopes to make the NLS the hub for its capacity building programmes in the West African sub region.

Two of our academic faculties have just returned from one of such capacity building workshop that held in Uganda.

Infrastructural renewal and Completion of Ongoing Projects We have concentrated on completing ongoing projects. Examples of such include: •Headquarters - Conference and Recreation Centre, now Bar Part 1 hostel; replacement of the roof of the main auditorium; • Kano Campus - Completion of the hostel and staff residential accom-

*Mr Olanrewaju Onadeko Office to solicit and coordinate alumni intervention projects across our Campuses.

50th Anniversary

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We have had to enforce the code of conduct for NLS students in the course of this academic session, consequent upon which some students are currently serving varying terms of suspension as punishment for their misdemeanors

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modation; perimeter fencing; • Yola – Completion of the Lecture Auditorium and Admin block; • Lagos – Completion the student hostel accommodation and repair of the Sir Adetokunbo Ademola Dinning Hall • Yenegoa – Completion of the new lecture hall and admin block, renovation of the staff residential quarters donated by the Adamawa state government • Augustine Nnamani Campus, Enugu – completion of the students’ hostel and staff quarters.

Establishment of the Alumni Development Office: In view of the inadequate funding by the government, we have decided to seek ways of augmenting government subvention with donations and support from the alumni of the NLS. Consequently, we now charge a token as a oneoff alumni levy from anyone who requests the school to send transcripts, references, etc.

We are at the concluding stage of opening an Alumni Development

Pledges: I wish to acknowledge the various pledges made during the Golden jubilee anniversary of the NLS. It is gladdening to report that the Katsina State Government has commenced the construction of a 250 bed Bar Part 1 hostel at the Headquarters. The 1986 Class is also in the process of commencing the construction of a Moot Court Complex at the Headquarters. May I request through this esteemed body that the pledges be redeemed timeously to help ameliorate the infrastructural challenges of the NLS across our campuses.

NLS Lecture Series The NLS have continued to engage distinguished members of the Bar as adjunct faculties to provide that rich blend in their interface with our faculties. The CLE and NLS is deeply indebted in this regard to some Learned Silk, who have not only responded each time we have invited them to deliver lectures but have also

taken it upon themselves to identify and persuade their brother silks to come on board as adjunct faculties at the NLS. Prominent among these eminent individuals are: D.D. Dodo, SAN; Mia Essien, SAN; Chief GboyegaAwomolo, SAN; Chief Chris Uche, SAN, to mention a few.

Strict Adherence to Ethics and Discipline: In line with the vision of the founding fathers of our noble profession, it is our firm believe that aspirants to the Nigerian Bar must epitomize and exhibit the best culture of learning, character and discipline.

Character and discipline We have had to enforce the code of conduct for NLS students in the course of this academic session, consequent upon which some students are currently serving varying terms of suspension as punishment for their misdemeanors.

Since we have no other profession, we must do all we can to groom the ‘ would-be-ministers’ in the temple of justice in the best tradition of the ethics and ethos of the noble legal profession.

Conclusion: I wish to end this report with an appeal to the Bar and the Bench for unwavering support and robust interface with the CLE and the NLS in the discharge of our statutory duties. I solicit the unalloyed cooperation of all other stakeholders in the training of aspirants to the Nigerian Bar. Concluded.

BY ABDULWAHAB ABDULAH

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HE Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN has been petitioned by a Lagos based lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Achukwu over his detention by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja and subsequent criminal prosecution by the Police Special Fraud Unit allegedly at the instigation of a Belgian and his business partner.

Others petitioned by the lawyer are the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr Augustine Alegeh (SAN), Chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Prof.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu and Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Investigations.

To this end, the lawyer is pleading with the authorities to put a stop to the alleged abuse of the judicial processes and the nation’s security agencies.

In his petition, the lawyer stated that the Belgian national and his business partner decided to terminate their business relationship, following which negotiations were then brokered by the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) in his Chambers at Anthony Village, Lagos.

The Belgian national, he alleged, did offer to buy him out of the company with USD400, 000.00 payable in four (4) installments or with USD200, 000 payable once (a one-off payment), the offers which he rejected, insisting on the full value of the 5 percent of the share of the companies which he holds.

Following the rejection of the offers, the petitioner alleged that his partner’s Belgian Company on June 11, 2007, through their representative in Nigeria allegedly briefed their then Solicitors to write a Petition against him to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (the EFCC), making allegations against him.

He said however, after a very thorough investigation, nothing came out of the allegations as the Commission refused to prefer any charge against him, but rather counseled that what the parties had was a civil/ commercial dispute and that the parties should go and resolve same amicably.

Not satisfied with the decision of the EFCC, on September 18, 2007, the complainants again wrote a petition to the Nigerian Bar Association on behalf of some of the companies

Mr. Mohammed Adoke, SAN, AGF against him raising the High Court, withdrawing same allegations to which the Charge but the Belgian petition, the petitioner re- went to the then AttorneyGeneral of the Federation, plied in 2007 within the Chief Michael Aonperiod demanded by the doakaa SAN, who wrote to Nigerian Bar Association. the Court stating that in exAgain, following his de- ercise of the powers contailed response to the NBA, ferred on him, he was taknothing came out of the al- ing over the prosecution of legations. the charges.

The Belgian national, Consequent to the said through a law firm accord- letter, the lawyer was on ing to him wrote another November 6, 2008, arpetition to the Special Fraud raigned at the Federal Unit of the Nigeria Police High Court, Lagos and Force (SFU), Milverton, the Office of the Attorney Ikoyi, Lagos, again accus- General of the Federation ing the petitioner of vari- on March 13, 2009, and ous sorts of fraud and dis- amended the charge.

However, counsel to the honesty.

Following the said peti- petitioner had upon readtion, the SFU by letters dat- ing the Amended Charge ed respectively July30, and the Proof of Evidence 2008 and August 18, 2008 accompanying it, filed a motion to quash the charginvited him to their office.

When he honoured the es for not disclosing a priinvitation, he was detained ma facie case, warranting for several hours, but sub- his trial.

The aforesaid application sequently released after having been refused by the being granted administraCourt on the sole and techtive bail by the SFU. nical, ground that he had The lawyer stated further already entered a plea, his that after several days of lawyer filed the Appeal No. attendance at the SFU, CA/L/873/2010 against the making statements and fol- decision of the Federal lowing subsequent inves- High Court. tigations, the CommissionWhile the appeal was er of Police counseled both pending at the Court of parties that the dispute was Appeal, Lagos, the petitiona civil/commercial one er, with two members of his which could be resolved staff were again invited by amicably. the Inspector General of However, the Special Police Monitoring Unit, LaFraud Unit of the Nigeria gos Office, to see the same Police, on August 13, 2008, officer who was then the filed charges against him IPO at the SFU, but now at the Federal High Court transferred to the MonitorLagos, despite their coun- ing Unit. His vehement protest at this brazen anomaly sel to the parties.

The Charge aforemen- made the persecutors to tioned was never served on change their mind and him but he got to know of shelve their plan to further its existence because a detain him.

His prosecution by the counsel in his law firm hapFederal Ministry of Justice pened to be in the same Court when the matter was under the direction of Aonlisted on Wednesday, Au- doaka lasted for nearly four (4) years when the Court gust 20, 2008.

Consequently, the lawyer of Appeal by a unanimous wrote a petition to the then Judgment delivered on Inspector General of Police June 7, 2011 quashed all through the Deputy In- the Charges against him spector General of Police and held that his retrial “D” Department Nigeria would be prejudicial, opPolice Head Quarters Abu- pressive and serve no useja as well as the Minister ful purpose.

The petitioner also alof Interior, which was the then supervising Ministry leged that he was defor the Nigeria Police Force. tained in a cell in the SARS Sequel to the petition, the premises in Ikeja, where Police wrote to the Chief hardened criminals and Registrar of the Federal armed robbery suspects were kept.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—39

Corruption, Impunity threaten human rights — Oyebode P

rofessor of International Law at the University of Lagos, Prof Akin Oyebode, has warned that massive corruption and impunity constitute grave threats to individual freedom and human rights in Nigeria.

Oyebode, who was a Guest Speaker at the annual National Management Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) in Warri, Delta State, said that these maladies also threaten national survival unless countered by adequate measures.

He said: “In a situation of threatened state failure, massive corruption, impunity and rising incidence of selfhelp, enlightened self-interest warrant recognition by all concerned of veritable threats to individual freedom and national survival, which need to be met by the adoption of requisite, well-considered measures to salvage the situation.”

According to him, the time has come to re-dedicate to the tested approach of “subjecting human conduct to the governance of rules” as originally advocated by Lon Fuller, his one-time teacher.

Speaking on “Building institutional capacities as a pathway to good governance: The importance of a legal and regulatory framework,” the university teacher, who was conferred with the fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Management at the event, also warned that the destiny of the nation “must never be abandoned to the whims and caprices of enemies of the open society and fidelity to law and due process.”

“We all should recognize the

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

F

•Prof. Akin Oyebode

necessity to subject all activities and actions under the superintendence of law, or else, we open the flood-gates to chaos and disintegration.

Reliance on law in all things is the panacea to the multifarious problems confronting the polity and the earlier this fact is brought home to all concerned, the better for the future of the fatherland” Oyebode stated.

He declared that the right to democracy and good governance has since become a fundamental right under contemporary international law, adding that Nigerians yearn for democracy and good governance.

“For far too long have our people been hoodwinked and shortchanged by all manner of fake democrats masquerading as messiahs of the people’s cause, To aver that the preponderant majority of Nigerians endure manifold privation in terms of basic

needs of life such as food, clothing, housing, health and education amounts to a gross understatement.

This explains why the people look up to government to deliver them from poverty, ignorance, hunger, squalor and disease and other debilitating indices of their deplorable existence” he noted Oyebode pointed out that the electorate has an even greater role “to put the government on its toes by checking the excesses of those in power.” He observed that while the government must be responsible and accountable, the people “must be ready, willing and able to protest arbitrariness and misrule and ultimately kick out oppressive and ineffective governments.”

“A docile people who are amenable to dictatorial tendencies of those in power forfeit their right to democracy and good governance” he added, noting that true and effective transformation “implies that the people become empowered and are able to challenge and confront their niggardly circumstances.”

Court frees accountant charged for subsidy scam

By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

J

USTICE Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, has discharged an accountant, Mr Ezekiel Ejidele, of involvement in a N1.9 billion fuel subsidy fraud scam.

Ejidele was discharged by the judge after she upheld his no-case submission application.

He was charged alongside two oil marketers, a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), Fakuade Babafemi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a nine-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretences, forgery and

Former Ogun AG urges FG to set up outfit for disbursement of security funds

uttering.

The defendants had all filed their respective no-case submission applications, urging the court to discharge them.

Delivering her ruling, the judge held that the EFCC had not adduced sufficient evidence before the court to establish a prima facie case against the fourth defendant (Ejidele).

Okunnu said the prosecution solely relied on the testimony of an EFCC investigative officer, Mr Shehu Mohammed, who claimed to have interrogated one Danjuma Edeko.

According to her, Mohammed had alleged that Ejidele instructed Edeko not to monitor the product imported by the defendants

which was being discharged at the Integrated Oil and Gas Depot.

“This piece of evidence is inadmissible. There is nothing before the court to prove that he gave the said instruction to Edeko,” Okunnu added.

She said though Ejidele had signed the Shore Tank Certificate which the marketers used to process the subsidy payment, there was no evidence that he knew that the document contained false representation.

“In my humble view, there is no evidence linking the fourth defendant (Ejidele) to the crime. I hereby uphold his no-case submission and he is accordingly discharged,” the judge said.

Okunnu, however dismissed the applications of the other four defendants, adding that sufficient evidence have been led against them which warranted their explanations.

ormer Ogun State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi SAN, has called on the federal government to enhance security system in the country through setting up an outfit managed by competent and tested Nigerian for disbursement of security funds as at when needed.

In an interview with Vanguard Law and Human Rights, Ogunlesi said government alone could not ensure security or fund it, adding that it would be better if the government could appeal to the generality of the people, most especially the wealthy ones.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has earmarked some money for the Ministry of Defence, but how far do we know if it gets to people fighting this insecurity. Maybe he can set up a security system managed by competent and tested Nigerian for disbursement of funds as at when needed,” he stated.

According to him “You do not have to provide police escort for yourself because if you run into a mob, they will not be able to protect you. But if you adequately support by giving funds to government to purchase vehicles and other gadgets for the police, and to a large extent, the military, it will enhance the security system in the country.

“If you look at it, we operate a federal system.

When we operate a federal system, it does not mean that the state should not support security. I am aware that the police is not state police. But when an armed robber attacks your house, the first thing you do is to protect yourself, secure your family before calling outsiders to come to your aid. You do not leave the responsibility to federal government alone. They too need the support of the state and individuals to tackle insecurity.”

He opined that if corruption was tackled by government at all level in the same way the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was tackled, it would have been eradicated.

Urging Nigerians to be resolute in fighting corruption, the senior advocate said: “if courts are also resolute in conducting a speedy trial for corrupt official, corruption can be tackled properly. For instance, there is yet to be any conclusion on any of the cases of corruption preferred against some governors. Why should a case of corruption be dragged for over five years?”

On the need to fast tracking trial of corruption cases, he advised the federal government to take a queue from the Lagos State Government, by creating a special court and delegate special judges to preside over matters bothering on corruption.

•Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi SAN

40 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, OCTOBER 16, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 41 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 CANCER: Unusual exhibition of aggressive approach by you may put people around you off the balance. It’s in your own interest not to bite more than you can chew, especially before mid-afternoon.

LEO: You may be tempted to embrace extravagant tendencies while planning your financial transactions.

Watch what you promise before early part of afternoon period.

VIRGO: If you are offered what looks like Greek gift before early hours of afternoon, you are advised to politely turn it down. It’s wrong to encourage aggression.

LIBRA: Tomorrow may be your lucky day. Yet, if you are more observant within your base of operation, you will not have it wrong, even today. Keep secrets.

SCORPIO: Although, many will go through tension before mid-afternoon, the whole thing will work in your favour early in the day. The more ambitious you, are the better for you.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

E

VERY trade has a secret.

Every profession has its secret and every skill has its secret. But you will not get to know the secret unless you

Trade secret learn the trade, profession and or skill. This is where most people miss it. They start by pursuing the secret of anything they

TERROR MUDA

want. No! the sweetness of the pudding is in the eating. How can you get the true secret if you are not willing to

in “Never say goodbye”

participate in it either genuinely or by pretence?

Do you want to know the secret of a trade? Then get involved in the trade. The secret is in doing it.

By Lanre Kehinde

SAGITTARIUS: Today ’s line-ups will bring you under the fire of enthusiasm to achieve much along your career/business lines. Be very moderate.

CAPRICORN: The very best for you today is to look for ways to consolidate on progress you have recorded recently. The more willing you are to respect the law, the better.

AQUARIUS: You may face more challenges tomorrow than you can imagine now; you’re, therefore, advised not to postpone what you can conclude today. Watch your finances.

PISCES: If you have, consciously or unconsciously, started unnecessary cold war at work recently, it would come to the head today to the resentment of people that count before mid-afternoon.

ARIES: The zeal to work harder exhibited by you will earn you unexpected success at work to the betterment of your rating and finances. Don’t allow mid-morning blues to get best off you.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

TAURUS: If it’s possible for you to wait till tomorrow before an important assignment is carried out, your cause will be better for it. Take your love life seriously.

GEMINI: Now, you can not pretend that happenings within your (family) base of operation pleases you, but, you will need to be as diplomatic as possible. Avoid unnecessary rush.

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,

Is Aries a weak star?

Dear Joshua, I don’t want my data published. I have many books where Aries is described as an aggressive star sign, but I am an Arian who can’t take hard decision, especially if such will affect others negatively. Why is Aries a weak star sign, afterall?

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Anonymous, Maiduguri.

Dear Anonymous, You are an Arian truly but, other planetary placement responsible are pointed out here under. Generally, people born when either the Sun, the Moon and/or any other important heavenly body (especially when they cluster— that is, when they are more than two) in Aries, they are categorised as member of aggressive and daring group of the Zodiac.

Yes, you were born under Aries star and basic characteristics of Aries star sign are highly pronounced in your inner-self, however, natually, many other planetary positions have greatly modified mighty Sun’s placement in your chart.

Less than 50% of pushful influence rush the conjuntion of Venus and Mercury are pointers to an Arian personality high modified. Two important influences mentioned in this paragraph may not allow raw aggressive approach to manifest comprehensively. Because, they are meant to make you less aggressive and more loving. Sometimes lover of diplomacy who will attract what he wants rather than staging a war just to press for his right.

But then, combination of the aggressive traits of Aries in your inner self and more amiable influences together with the distribution of the planets through quadrauplicity and triplcity (that is quality and element) within the Zodiacal constellations, they are indications of your being a person with balanced personality.

More importantly, however, is the placement of Saturn in Capricorn as the only planet at home when you were born. It always induces you to give priority attention to your career/image/public standing and justice.

And as your natal Sun and Moon were placed in Aries and Gemini respectively, you are mainly an Arian and partly a Geminian. These characteristics of the two said star signs are highly pronounced in you.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Delta 2015:

As Ayo Fayose returns today Will his personality reshape Ekiti?

By CHARLES KUMOLU

W

ITH a peculiar personal charm, Mr. Ayo Fayose seems to be greatly loved and largely despised among different segments.

This personality trait that is defined by an unusual umbilical connection with the grassroots, has seen him becoming a recurring decimal in the politics of Ekiti State and perhaps Nigeria.

For a man, whose first tenure as state governor, created a litany of historical anomalies, many had thought that the anticlimax his charged tenure became would short-live his political career.

But that was not the case with Fayose, as his relevance grew with every controversy that surrounded him.

It was such that every part of the divide found him useful at different times, as evidenced from the role he

publicly insulted verbally, defying the conventional respect the Yoruba are known to have for elders.

But that was Fayose doing his thing his own way and in no other person’s style.

This character trait has so far made him to be cautiously admired and largely chastised by the elite, who despise his style.

As he assumes office today, flaunting the image of a man of the people, which he earned through personal generosity exhibited to Ekiti people, the attention of the country is focussed on him.

The combination of his perception by the elite within and outside Ekiti, as someone who has brought back the days of infamy and expectations of good governance, informed such attention.

Already, the unfolding troubles in his domain, which were long predicted could

,

As he assumes office, flaunting the image of a man of the people, which he earned through personal generosity exhibited to Ekiti people, the attention of the country is focussed on him

played in the electoral victory of Dr. Kayode Fayemi in 2010.

Like the proverbial Leopard that hardly change its spots, even outside power, various political antagonisms targeted at him were returned with the same quantum of venom.

In fact, the businessman turned politician, does not spare any verbal missile for those he believed orchestrated his impeachment in 2006.

Teeming supporters To Fayose and his teeming supporters, the sudden but predicted exit as governor was marshalled chiefly by former President Olusegun Obasanjo-a man he had

,

pass as a curtain-raiser on the developments to expect.

Fayose would be returning to office under an unpleasant circumstance as a result of the legal crisis surrounding his eligibility to contest the polls.

With the stereotyped perception of him as always being on the wrong side of the news, no one is surprised that he is at the centre of the current storm.

But the truth is that if Fayose did most of what he was alleged to have done in the present crisis, it implies that there is much cause for apprehension.

This recurrence of what has become a familiar pattern of political culture, has raised concerns on what the future holds for Ekiti.

•Fayose

However, there are expectations that Fayose would characteristically conduct himself and approach governance differently, as he succeeds Fayemi-an urbane man who he overwhelmingly defeated at the June 21 governorship election.

He had during his electioneering campaign, repeatedly pledged to act differently this time.

Cantankerous

relationship Such promise played out at the palace of the Ewi of Ekiti, who he had a cantankerous relationship with during his first term.

In a gesture that downplayed his past, Fayose said: ‘’I urge you Kabiyesi to forgive and forget the past,so that tomorrow can come.

I will accord you the desired respect and recognition if you

offer me another chance. It is my detractors that stood between me and your royal majesty.”

Aside the mixed feeling heralding his second coming, expectations that Fayose will shun the path of controversy may not be dashed.

The reason is simple: the Ekiti electorate, who voted for him against popular expectations, expect genuine leadership from him.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—43

Personalities that'll shape Fayose’s government

By Gbenga Oke

A

S Mr Ayodele Fayose takes over the reign of power from Dr. Kayode Fayemi today as the governor of Ekiti State, a host of eminent persons who are expected shape his government have emerged.

Some of the personalities include his deputy, Dr. Olusola Kolapo Eleka; his former deputy, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi; Human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana and legal giant, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) among others.

Dr Olusola Kolapo Eleka Dr Eleka was a senior lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State before he was called upon to run alongside Fayose.

Most stakeholders are looking up to him to use his wealth of experience to assist his boss.

And Eleka has pledged repeatedly to work with Fayose to improve on the fortunes of the state.

“I never aspired or contested for it. I was never a politician, but my father is a politician.

Fayose called my father to come and be his deputy, but he said he is old. ''Fayose then asked him to choose somebody who would be loyal and work with him conscientiously for the progress of the state. My father chose me without telling me. He

•Falana

•Babalola knew I was never interested in politics. Later, I got a call from His Excellency. He called me on phone that I should see him with my credentials.’’he noted.

Mrs Abiodun Olujimi Former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, will pass for a history maker.

She made history as a female acting governor when Fayose was removed from office by the state House of Assembly. She also served as commissioner for Works under the administration

of former Governor Segun Oni. She had so much influence during the time and many put some of the mistakes made by Fayose on her doorsteps.

She has maintained at various fora that she did not betray Fayose as being alleged. She is expected to play a prominent role in this dispensation.

Mr Femi Falana An indigine of the state, his criticisms of various governments at different levels are well known.

•Eleka

Since the second coming of Fayose, Falana has continued to tell those who cared to listen that Ekiti State is returning to its past.

He particularly said that many Ekiti indigenes will go on exile because of Fayose.

Falana will be seen on the centre stage, as he is likely to criticize some of actions of the new government.

Chief Afe Babalola Although he congratulated Fayose when he became the governor-elect and set agenda for him, many still consider Babalola as a no nonsense man who might not spare Fayose if things were not moving well.

Till this moment, there seems to be no love lost between

•Olujimi Babalola and Fayose. This is why many analysts argue that he is likely to be one of the greatest critics of the new administration.

The future of Ekiti APC

BY DAPO AKINREFON

T

HE exit of the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the ruling party will change the dynamics and permutations of the state’s politics especially ahead of the 2015 general elections.

The party’s loss at the June 21, 2014 governorship election to the Peoples Democratic Party ,PDP, came to many as a surprise.

Consequently, governorship polls will not hold in the state next year but elections into the Senate, House of Representatives and state House of Assembly, will be held.

Many reasons have been adduced for the defeat suffered by the outgoing governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, even as analysts opine that APC governed the state in dignified ways.

Though Fayemi has said he had no apology for all he did in government but next year’s election will be a litmus test

for the state chapter of APC under Fayemi’s leadership.

As it is customary in Nigeria’s politics, parties defeated at the governorship polls are usually burdened by the inability to secure victory in subsequent elections.

In 2003, when Fayose defeated the incumbent governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, he subsequently led his party to win all the elective positions in the state.

The same feat was recorded when the Appeal Court ruled in favour of Fayemi in 2010.

With the 2015 polls around the corner, observers are waiting to see whether the PDP would coast home to victory or allow the APC retain its stronghold.

The APC, though, has majority of Federal and state legislators, it will have to contend with Fayose’s growing popularity.

Expectedly, the incoming governor would want to ensure that his party wins all elective positions in 2015.

However, the future of the

party may be bleak if its leadership failed to put its house in order to avoid mass exodus.

History has shown that mass defection to any winning party from the opposition is usually witnessed in this kind of scenario.

The APC National Assembly and state legislators will leave no stone unturned to retain their seats.

The Ekiti APC Chairman, Chief Jide Awe, sensing urgent need to reassure the people that the party would continue to galvanize and mobilise to reclaim the state, said “victory is certain.”

He said: “Fayemi has rescued a lot of projects from the jaw of stomach infrastructure to have made them real social infrastructure. To us in the APC, it is not over yet, we are marching forward. There might be a temporary eclipse, but after this eclipse comes sunshine.

•Fayemi ''We have done a lot in this state through our governor and government that posterity will not forget us. The state belongs to us. We will continue to struggle to ensure that we achieve our ideals for this state.

“We will continue to galvanize and mobilize our party for greater heights. I want to assure you that victory is achieved already. Victory is certain.”

44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

No letting up in the fight to end polio in Nigeria

By Ted Turner

T

HE Ebola outbreak in several countries of West Africa offers a stark reminder of the importance of investing in health systems and infrastructures before health emergencies strike, as well as the persistent nature of the most challenging diseases.

The programme established to help eradicate one of these diseases – polio – is currently offering vital support to the Ebola outbreak response, in terms of surveillance, tracing people with whom patients have had contact, implementing preparedness planning, training of health workers, and providing health communications to the public.

While polio infrastructure can play an important part in addressing health emergencies like the Ebola outbreak, we also need to remain focused on the goal of ending polio, itself, on the African continent.

Dramatic progress has been made in the global effort to eradicate polio, with polio cases decreasing by 99 percent since 1988. These gains are thanks, in significant part, to the efforts of UN agencies such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Rotary International, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations

Nigeria’s polio programme has proven its effectiveness. TThanks to the local, state and Federal leadership involved, as well as the engagement of traditional and religious leaders, only six cases of polio infection have been reported in Nigeria so far in 2014.

Foundation, governments and proven its effectiveness; thanks many other partners in the Global to the local, state and Federal Polio Eradication Initiative. leadership involved, as well as Nigeria, one of the countries the engagement of traditional and recently affected by Ebola, is the religious leaders, polio has only country in Africa where polio declined dramatically in Nigeria. remains endemic and one of only The country has reported only six three endemic countries in the cases of polio in two states so far world, along with Afghanistan in 2014, compared to 48 cases in and Pakistan. In recent years, nine states for the same period Nigeria’s polio programme has in 2013 – a reduction of over 85 percent.

More than 75 percent of all children in the eight northern Nigerian states have received at least three doses of oral polio vaccine. These gains directly support Nigeria’s ambitious “Saving One Million Lives” initiative, and they are a testament to the progress that has been made on polio.

I recall visiting Nigeria in 2010, at which point I met with several prominent government, religious, traditional, and civil society leaders. Their commitment to ending polio in their country was clear, and they have delivered on that commitment in the intervening years.

But a strong polio programme – even one that can help fight the spread of other diseases like Ebola – cannot afford to let down its guard for a moment. While Nigeria’s progress on polio is commendable, it is also fragile.

It will be critical to sustain momentum in the coming six months, but with presidential and state-level elections coming up next February, there is reason to be concerned about a decline in high-level oversight at the state and local government levels.

Nigeria cannot hope to reach the ultimate goal of ending polio without expediting the release of domestic resources that have been committed, and without appropriate oversight and

accountability for polio eradication activities by government leaders, in partnership with traditional and religious leaders.

It is encouraging to see the way that existing health efforts like the global polio eradication program can be leveraged to fight a crisis like Ebola. This is one of the great and lasting benefits of putting this type of infrastructure into place. But we cannot praise the legacy of the polio programme until it finishes the job it set out to do.

To accomplish this goal, Nigeria must not lose focus or momentum in its fight against polio. The country can, and I believe will, succeed in eliminating polio and therefore play a critical role in delivering a polio-free Africa for all children.

However, in order to make this a reality, Nigerian leaders must not allow complacency or distraction to hinder the polio eradication effort, particularly as the 2015 elections approach.

Rather, Nigerian leaders must double-down on their commitment to making polio a thing of the past.

Achieving the historic goal of a polio-free Africa now depends on success in Nigeria.

By Ted Turner, Founder and Chairman of the United Nations Foundation, Chairman of Turner Enterprises, Inc.

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I

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Do you concur and can you help? Florence Yes what you experience affects a lot of women

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Please do you still have it? Mike Yes Optimale Enlargement Cream is still available along with a few others like it. Men like it a lot because it also improves their erections – Uche The Colts Stay Hard Delay Cream I got from you is really helping control my premature ejaculation. I feel bad sort of because until I bought it, I told my friends that these sexual products don’t work. I am glad you proved me wrong - Effiong Please how effective are pheromone perfumes that are used for attracting the opposite sex? I want to buy one but I need assurances – Steve Good quality pheromones are generally effective but they don’t work like magic though. What they do is to make the opposite sex notice you and like the way you smell. So if you like a girl, you still have to chat her up. But if she is attracted to you, it will make the job easier. I recommend the Yes Cologne. It is very strong – Uche That is all for today. The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy.

Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—45

Onuesoke faults Amaechi's comments on PDP

By Kelechi Azubuike

D

ELTA State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in 2007 general elections, Chief Sunny O n u e s o k e , has described Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi's recent media attacks on PDP, where he claimed that the All Progressives Congress, APC, would perform better as laughable.

The governor, while inaugurating and handing over 22 transformers and four buses to Obio/Akpor Local Government Caretaker Committee in Rivers State through the Chief-of-Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha had urged Nigerians to vote out the PDP in 2015.

Reacting to comments in a statement, Onuesoke said it was ridiculous that Amaechi, who was Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly for eight years on the platform of PDP and governor for a term and above, could turn round to criticize the same party that put him in political lime light.

Isoko youths tasked on devt

T

HE President General of Isoko Development Union, IDU, Maj. Gen. Paul Omu (retd.) has called on the new executive of Isoko National Youth Assembly, INYA, to reposition itself and stand with its counterparts at the state, federal and international levels to excel in both academic and professional pursuits.

He made the remark while inaugurating the Isoko National Youth Assembly, INYA, at Oleh, Isoko South council of Delta State.

Omu, who was in the company of Dr. Okah Avae, Mr. Dan Odhomo, among other IDU executives, reiterated the importance of positive change that will attract good things to Isoko.

Edo PDP assures supporters of free, fair primaries

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—CHAIRMAN of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, yesterday assured party faithful that the party would conduct free and fair primaries next month to ensure that only the best candidates were fielded in the 2015 general elections.

Chief Orbih gave the assurance in Benin when some aspirants jostling for the elective positions stormed the party’s secretariat to collect forms of intent to contest elections.

Among those who were at

the party’s secretariat to collect the forms were the State PDP Director of organization/ Operations, Mr. Pascal Ugbome, Mr. Sergius Ogun and former All Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, National President, Mr. Felix Akhabue.

Speaking to journalists after collecting the form, one of the aspirants, Mr. Pascal Ugbome, while pledging to carry out a campaign devoid of any rancour and acrimony, said “so, as a Senator, I will join hands with other well meaning Nigerians to help revive the middle class to be able to help bring self confidence back to the Nigerian people.”

Meanwhile, sequel

to insinuations that the leadership of the PDP in Edo state may have given automatic ticket to the nine PDP lawmakers in the state House of Assembly who may want to return to the House, the leadership of the party has been urged to be careful with such decision in order not to pick unpopular candidates for the party.

A chieftain of the party and House of Assembly aspirant for Igueben constituency, Mr. Odiana Eriata, who spoke after he picked the nomination form, stressed the need for the party leadership to take into the account the feelings of the people before making such decision.

ELECTION: Mr. Odiana Eriata (middle), displaying his nomination form for Igueben Constituency seat of Edo State House of Assembly, yesterday; with him are Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters in Benin.

PDP chieftains deny report on Delta governorship

T

WO chieftains of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Mr. Joe Adigwe and Mr. Godwin Mbabego, have denied media report, in which they were purported to have stated that any attempt to deny the Urhobo nation the right to produce the next governor of the state would rob PDP a landslide victory in the Presidential elections.

The duo, while dismissing the said report published on Tuesday October 7, insisted they were never in Lagos or attended any meeting as claimed by the said publication.

In separate statements, they described the publication as a calculated attempt to tarnish their image and good relationships with Anioma people.

Adigwe and Mbabego added that there was no way, as true advocates of fair play and equity for Anioma nation, they

could have attended a meeting and make such a statement.

They enjoined members of the

public to discountenance such publication as it had no foundation.

I'll govern for common good if elected, says Uduehi

A

N aspirant in the 2015 Delta State governorship race on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Esther Uduehi, has said she would govern for the common good, if elected.

Speaking during her consultation visits to PDP executives in Ethiope West, Sapele, Warri North and Okpe local government areas, Uduehi stated that her focus would be on wealth creation in the state, adding that having served in various capacities, from local government to the federal level, she decided to join the race because she was best positioned to lead the state.

She noted that if elected, she would run the government for the common good of the people by introducing an economic committee, comprising representatives from all the local governments in the state, to deliberate on the yearnings of the people of their local government to reflect same in the budget of the state.

She promised to consolidate on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s Delta Beyond Oil initiative to take youths off the streets through gainful employment so that the average Delta youth would not beg politicians for what to eat.

Kpakiama people back Andaye for DTHA

By Onoja Innocent

B

OMADI—THE people of Kpakiama in Bomadi Constituency, Delta State, and leaders of PDP Ward 2 in Bomadi Local Government Area, have endorsed the state Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Youth Circuit, Rawlings Dagidi Andaye, for the Bomadi seat in Delta State House of Assembly in 2015.

The endorsement was boosted by earlier blessings and support given Andaye by elders, youths and notable politicians in the community.

Speakers at the event pledged support to the youth leader and stressed the need for Kpakiama political leaders to continue to support Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan for optimal dividends of democracy in the constituency.

Isoko elders insist on rotation of assembly seat

A

cross section of elders, leaders and stakeholders of Isoko Constituency II of Delta State, has reiterated its commitment to the rotation of the House of Assembly seat among the six wards in the constituency.

The group in a meeting convened by a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Prince Anthony Efekodha, which had in attendance community and religious leaders, unanimously agreed that it was time for the present occupant, Prince Johnson Erijo, to give way for a fresh hand after representing the people for twelve years in the State Assembly.

They, however, endorsed the candidacy of the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chief Ferguson Onwo, as the preferred choice for the office.

C M Y K

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Court okays Obigwe's leadership of Abia MWUN

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA— N AT I O N A L Industrial Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State, has ordered that Mr. Uche Obigwe-led leadership of Abia State chapter of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, should continue to administer the affairs of the union, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order followed leadership dispute in the state chapter of the union as a faction, led

by Christopher Uche Ezekiel, is laying claims to the leadership of the union.

Giving the order, the presiding Judge, Justice O. Y. Anuwe, said: “Parties are to maintain status quo and not do anything adverse to public peace and interest of the parties” and adjourned the matter to November 7, 2014, for hearing of all pending applications.

In the Suit No. NICN/ OW/51/2014, the Obigwe-led executive committee of the union is challenging the legality of Abia State Head of Service in recognizing and transferring its checkoff dues to the unelected factional leadership of Christopher Uche Ezekiel.

Okorocha dismisses report of planned return to PDP

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

O

WERRI—GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha, yesterday, discredited report that he was making moves to return to People’s Democratic Party, PDP, saying it was not only baseless, but also blamed Imo State PDP for the story.

Okorocha, in a statement by Sam Onwuemeodo, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, said what made the report laughable was that it was credited to a strange group, Imo Progressives and Consultative Assembly, and also with two vague names, Nze Benjamin Irohah, and Benjamin Ogoke, signing as coordinator and secretary.

The statement read: To make the falsehood look real, they said for the fact that two PDP governors, Chief T.A. Orji of Abia State and Gosdswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State attended the wedding of Governor Okorocha’s daughter last weekend, it was part of the Imo governor’s negotiation to join the PDP, and they had followed the false claim up by asking President Goodluck Jonathan not to allow Governor Okorocha to join the PDP. As a busy government we won’t allow Nigerians especially Imo people to be deceived.

"The PDP in Imo State was responsible for the falsehood.

They first planted the farce in an Owerri based tabloid, we ignored them, they decided to hide under a motley group to push the belated lies to national newspapers. It all shows the pitiable level the party has degenerated to in Imo state.

"They do all these to deceive the president by giving him wrong picture of the status of the party in the state.

“If truth is sacred, we owe Nigerians the truth. And the truth on this matter is that Governor Okorocha has never contemplated, and to say the least, does not think about joining the PDP, because there

is no reason for that either at the moment or in the nearest future especially when the PDP is now stagnant in Imo State, thinking about which leg to put forward first.

"The reason they gave for

coming up with this latest gimmick could explain the whole drama.

Governor Okorocha is not, in any way, in enemity with any PDP governor or member, and does not have any rift with Mr. President.

Politics does not make people enemies."

We're creating paradigm shift in the way practitioners act—CIPM boss zAs CIPM hosts 46th annual confab in Abuja

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BUJA—PRESIDENT of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, CIPM, Mr. Victor Famuyibo, has said the institute was poised to create a paradigm shift in the way human resource professionals and business leaders think and act to achieve quantifiable growth in work places.

Speaking ahead of CIPM 46th Annual National Conference, with the theme: ‘Switch On' taking place in Abuja, Famuyibo said there was urgent need for practitioners and leaders in the industry to demonstrate contemporary, modern quality in their skills, as well as embrace the burning desire for flawless execution in work places.

He said: “The Conference is unique in many ways, as it offers a complete suite of plenary and technical sessions to be delivered by renowned experts and thought leaders – including Master Series, HR Clinics, Health and Lifestyle talks, HR Best Practice Awards, Exhibition, the official launch of our HR Practitioners Licence, and of course a hilarious and exciting Gala

night.

"The sessions are specially put together to navigate, explore and exploit specific industry issues and developments with the overall objective of creating a paradigm shift in the way Practitioners think and act.”

Seasoned speakers expected

at the conference are Chief Emeka Wogu, Minister of Labour and Productivity; Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, former Vice President of the World Bank and Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau; Mr. Micheal Ikpoki, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; Mr. Babs Omotowa, Managing Director, Nigerian LNG, among others.

Pro-Jonathan group flays attempt to hijack empowerment programme

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WKA—A GROUP, 4J, has raised alarm over what it described as attempts by some people to hijack the success of a recent empowerment programme it held for for widows in Anambra State.

The group in a statement by its National Coordinator, Dr. Emeka Eze, said 4J is a Non Governmental Organisation founded by Prince Arthur Eze, to assuage the burden of widows.

The statement reads: ‘’We wish to bring to note that some mischief makers are trying to tap into the success of the Women for Change/4J widows empowerment project, by laying claims of involvement.

We are cautious on wrong claims so that the project is not

smeared or tarnished by persons who do not bear the same philanthropic ideologies as we do.

“4J is an NGO founded by Prince Arthur Eze, a philanthropist, will continue to collaborate to assuage the burdens of widows and children in the Nigeria. ‘’First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was the special guest on the memorable occasion which witnessed a large turn out, and presented to widows of the Southeast states, with empowerment materials.

"However, 4J for Jonathan is also a South-east volunteer initiative positioned to unite and align all President Goodluck Jonathan’s friends, fans, and followers all over the South-east zone and the country in general.’’

What is your view on FG's silence on the $15m Arms Deal?

How is it legal for a country like Nigeria to try and smuggle $9.3M into South Africa, and while that issue is still brewing, try to continue the shady business involved with another $5.7M transaction?

Mrs Assumpta Ebere — Businesswoman

The main issue is why carry cash instead of money transfer? Does your South African customer not have a bank account? Even here in Nigeria, the law says it’s an offence to carry huge sums about.

Mrs Ukogu Chinasa — Worker

Why can’t the FG handle this money via wireless transfer? It is a shady deal. No one is stopping FG from purchasing weapons, if it is meant to protect Nigeria. Saudis & other countries do buy weapons from the USA, and we read about his in newspaper. Ms. Chika Dike — Self Employed

We ought to determine whether the arms deals were negotiated at peace or war time. Arms deal contracted in hostility times through the underworld economy is certainly sealed with cash payments, and in black-market.

Daniel Okoji — Student

Why the purchase of the alleged arms can’t be discussed on public domain. What is the details of the weapon the government is purchasing. The question is why did Nigeria carry such huge cash into another person’s country.

Ms. Esther Adichie — Worker

While their fellow leaders around the world are bringing advancements in science and technology. The Nigeria leaders are looking for new advanced ways to loot and pillage the treasury.

I weep for this country.

Ms. Ebereke Kelechi — Student

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 47

2015: Benue CNPP declares support for Buhari

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI—SEQUEL to General Muhammadu Buhari’s formal declaration to contest the forthcoming presidential election, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, CNPP, in Benue State has declared support for his aspiration.

State Chairman of the CNPP, Mr. Baba Agan who made this known yesterday in an interview with newsmen in Makurdi, the state capital, said the decision was informed by the former Head of State’s antecedents.

Agan said, “the position of the CNPP on the matter was a collective decision and it was premised on the track record of General Buhari whose exemplary leadership qualities stand him out as an incorruptible Nigerian.

“In fact, at this time of our development as a nation, we need a morally strong leader like Buhari to place this country on the pedestal of faster growth and development, hence our decision to queue behind his aspiration.

“The truth is that his election come 2015 would require some sort of a mass movement of all Nigerians who are craving for change in the country.

“Already, a subtle mobilization

of market women, civil servants, artisans, religious groups and the political class has fully commenced and there is no doubt that Nigerians earnestly desire a change for the better.”

Agan who said, the CNPP had already put modalities in place to ensure that Buhari emerged victorious in the election.

The CNPP leader then asked the Independent National

Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants in the coming elections pointing out that the will of Nigerians should be allowed to prevail at the polls.

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MEETING: From left: Emeka Nkwocha, Group Advert Manager, Vanguard Media Limited; Iheanacho Dike-Udensi, Legal Practitioner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors; Chidi Okonkwo, Deputy General Manager, Tecno Mobile; Arthur Li, Deputy General Manager, Transsion Holdings, Nigeria; Ozah Micheal Ozah, Legal Services Manager, Vanguard Media Ltd; Nnamdi Oragwu, Partner, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors, and Ebitibi Micheal Akeke, Associate, Punuka Attorneys and Solicitors yesterday during a business meeting between management of Vanguard Media Ltd and Tecno management in Lagos. Photo by Emeka Aginam.

PDP presidential primaries: Balewa's campaign posters flood Bauchi

By Suzan Edeh

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AUCHI—DESPITE the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, as its consensus candidate for next year ’s presidential election, campaign posters of the son of Nigeria’s former Prime Minister, late Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr Abdul Jhalil yesterday flooded the Bauchi, the state capital.

Investigations by Vanguard revealed that the posters, which bear the picture of Dr Tafawa Balewa, were pasted at strategic locations in Bauchi metropolis, especially at the popular Wunti Roundabout, Gombe Road Gate, Yelwa; the NNPC Mega filing station;

Dogonyaro Roundabout, Ingi Road as well as the Emir ’s Drive, among others.

Most residents woke up and discovered the posters on their walls of their houses. The posters bore the inscription “2015, Dr J T B, candidate for all: The only man for the job.”

There was traffic gridlock at the Wunti Roundabout as motorists and other passersby stopped to catch a glimpse of the posters, which was the first ever on the ruling PDP platform since the adoption of Jonathan as sole candidate in 2015.

The posters, coming when preparations are in top gear for President Jonathan’s official declaration for the 2015 election, has kept tongues waging on the real motive of

those behind their appearance.

Speaking to Vanguard on Balewa’s plans for the presidential race, his Personal Assistant, Mr Philip Kimsa Gumel, said “Dr Jhalil would be unveiling his presidential campaign shortly after publicly announcing his political decision for 2015 in the next few weeks.

“We are not bothered by the adoption of President Jonathan

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AUCHI—THE Bauchi State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, is to partner the United Nation Children Education Fund, UNICEF, to enrol 58,530 out of school children in six local government areas of the state.

Some of the local governments include Alkaleri, Ganjuwa, Ningi, Shira Toro and Zaki.

The SUBEB/UNICEF Focal Officer, Malam Ismail Umar, made this known during a oneday State Planning Meeting, on C M Y K

the 2014/2015 strategies for effective school enrolment campaign drive,in the state.

Umar explained that the enrolment campaign drive would be carried out under the UNICEF- funded Girls Education Project 3, GEP 3, pointing out that the exercise would be conducted in 696 catchment communities, targeting 50, 208 households with focus on 210 selected primary and junior secondary schools.

He said that the out of school children were identified in the

as the PDP’s sole candidate in 2015 election, the campaign train of Dr Jhalil has decided to go ahead with plans for him to publicly declare his ambition.

“He has over some months now been going round the six geopolitical zones in the country for consultations with, not only the high ranking politicians and other elites but with many socio-cultural pressure groups and associations.

I N N A — GOVERNOR Babangida Aliyu of Niger State yesterday picked an expression of intent form for the Niger East Senatoria District on the PDP platform.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that Aliyu’s form was bought by an organisation, Talba Support Movement, TSM, at the party ’s state secretariat in Minna.

TSM Coordinator, Alhaji Hamisu Jankaro, said Aliyu’s candidacy would continue the struggle of the North.

“As he (Aliyu) steps into the senate chambers, the struggle for the emancipation of the north will continue.

“He has the experience as a governor and the Chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum,” he said.

Earlier, the PDP zone B caucus held a meeting where it agreed that the senatorial seat should be contested by Minna Emitate where Aliyu came from.

Addressing the meeting, Alhaji Mamman Gambo, who is the chairman of the zone, said zoning of political offices had been a long standing practice.

“This tradition started way back in 1979 during the National Party of Nigeria period. Principal offices are shared among emirates.

Police assure political parties in Kwara of level playing field

By Demola Akinyemi

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LORIN—THE Kwara State Police Command and other security agencies in the state have assured political

SUBEB partners UNICEF to enrol 58,530 out-of-school children

By Suzan Edeh

Gov Aliyu picks expression of intent form for Senate

six local government areas based on the community mapping and household listing conducted in 2013 through the sponsorship of UNICEF, pointing out that out of the figure, 7,466 were drop outs,while 51,064 had never attended schools at all.

“Most of these out of school children are engaged in begging, hawking, and doing one kind of trading or the other.

“These children are supposed to be in school but are not thereby contributing to low enrolment in schools in the state.

parties in the state of level playing field as long as they played the game according to the rules ahead of next year’s general elections.

The state Commissioner of Police, Salihu Garba made this known while speaking at an interagency consultative committee meeting on Election Security/ Stakeholders in Ilorin yesterday.

Garba, however, warned politicians in the state to obey the Electoral Act before, during after the 2015 general elections, as anybody who disobeyed the law would be decisively dealt with to serve as a deterrent.

He said that officers and men of the security agencies in the state were not politicians hence those involved should ensure that they complied with the stipulated rules and regulations.

The police boss, who said care needed to be taken to see that the electioneering campaign

was conducted peacefully too, added that politicians, security agencies and other stakeholders were prepared to face the challenges of having free, fair and credible polls.

Also speaking, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Faruk Akanbi, called for the mopping up of arms and ammunition in the hands of miscreants, popularly called Good Boys, in the state.

He also asked security agencies to embark on stop and search of vehicles to discourage proliferation of arms, adding that INEC should also be unbiased umpire before, during and after the election.

Akanbi also advised security agencies in the state to treat politicians in the state equally, added that there should not be special security for anyone among them.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

NEW YAM: Eze Ndi Igbo, Lagos, Eze Nwabueze Ohazulike (left) and other dignitaries at the New Yam festival in Lagos last Saturday.

TOUR: From left— Alhaji Rashidi Adebowale; Mr. Johnson Olaniyi, the Regional Director, Sales and Marketing; Mr. Devakumar Edwin, Group Managing Director; both of Dangote Cement, and Engr Joe Makoju, Honorary Adviser to Alhaji Aliko Dangote; during presentation of certificate of participation by block moulders from the SouthWest and Edo State in a sensitization tour of Dangote Cement, Obajana Plant, Kogi State.

WEDDED: Mr. and Mrs Christopher Ogbonna, newly-wedded couple, flanked by their sponsors, Mr and Dr. (Mrs) Fintan Ibegwam, during their wedding at Mount Carmel ProCathedral Emekuku, Owerri, Imo State. Mr. Christopher Chibuike Ogbonna took former Miss Perpetua Nwakaego Ashagwara as wife

KERO-DIRECT: Thousands of consumers scrambling to purchase kerosene at N50 per litre from the Chief Ayirimi Emami’s A & E Petrolsponsored Kero Direct programme at Pessu Market Water-Side, Warri, Delta State.

PRESENTATION: From left— Director, Human Resources, Ms. Kemi Asemota; Mrs. Ireti Asemota, Executive Director, both of Omoregie Motors; and Mr. Fatai Ajidagba, Executive Chairman, Ifelodun Local Council Development Area, during the presentation of a Toyota Hiace bus, school uniforms, school bags, exercise books at Ladipo School Complex, Amukoko, Lagos.

CONFERENCE: From left— Mr. Ola Oresanya, Managing Director of LAWMA; Mrs Bose Ayeni, President, Association of Fast Food Confectioners of Nigeria, AFFCON, and Chief Host; Ms Evlyn OPutu, former MD/ CEO, Bank of Industry and Guest Speaker; Mrs Aduke Gomuz, SSA to the Governor of Lagos State, representing Commissioner for Tourism; Mr. D. Van Houten, AFFCON Trustee/executive member, and Mrs Olapeju Ogunyemi, AFFCON Trustee/executive member, during the AFFCON-organized annual national conference in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

GRATITUDE: Mrs. Bisi Bunuju (middle) and family members, during the thanksgiving service for her health at the Celestial Church of Christ, Wire Road (Mother Parish) Benin.

PHOTOS: Barnabas Uzosike.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—49

Heritage Bank completes payment to acquire Enterprise Bank

By Babajide Komolafe ERITAGE Bank Limited, yesterday, completed the payment of N56 billion to acquire Enterprise Bank. Enterprise Bank is one of the three nationalised banks bought by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, in 2011, following the failure to meet the recapitalisation deadline of the Central Bank of Nigeria. The other banks are Mainstreet Bank and Keystone Bank.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the Heritage Bank successfully completed the payment for the acquisition of Enterprise Bank yesterday.

Though at press time AMCON said the payment was yet to reflect

H

in its account, Vanguard gathered that the payment has been confirmed by some of the financial institutions involved in the transaction.

AMCON spokesman, Kayode Lambo, told Vanguard that Heritage Bank officials have informed AMCON of the payment of 80 percent balance.

“But the payment is yet to be reflected in our accounts.

However, the deadline does not expire till 12 midnight today (yesterday).” Heritage Bank emerged as the preferred bidder for Enterprise Bank through HBCL Investment Services, a special purpose company established for the transaction.

According to a statement by

AMCON announcing the bid, “this process started with interest shown by 24 parties cutting across local and international bidders.

The emergence of HISL and Fidelity Bank as preferred and reserve bidders respectively resulted from a rigorous and competitive bidding process,

which was coordinated for AMCON by Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Vetiva Capital Management Limited (Financial Advisers) and G. Elias & Co. (Legal Advisers).

Following the announcement by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) on

September 11 as the preferred bidder ahead of Fidelity Bank (reserved bidder), Heritage Bank on September 15 made the first payment of 20 percent of its bid offer in accordance with the terms of the acquisition, while it was to pay the remaining 80 percent by Monday, October 13. AMCON, however, extended the deadline by two days in cognisance of the two days Sallah Holiday last week.

CBN, Reach host cashless conference in Lagos

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HE annual All Stakeholders Cashless Conference organised by Reach Consult in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, holds October 21 and 22 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

Now in its third year, the conference brings together more

than 400 delegates and experts within the Nigerian electronic and mobile payments ecosystem.

The theme of this year ’s conference is ‘Nigeria Transiting to a Cashless Society: Mapping the Nationwide Agenda.’

A statement released on Wednesday by Reach Consult, said the event aims to discuss strategic issues “in respect of CBN’s on-going nationwide implementation of the cashless policy.”

It adds that key topics that will feature at the conference include the development of infrastructure for the industry, enhancing financial inclusion through the deployment of alternative distribution channels and agent networking, security and risk issues associated with electronic and mobile payments, ecommerce, mobile money systems, effective multi-sector regulation as well as legislation, among

others.

Alhaji Suleiman Barau, CBN’s Deputy Governor, Operations, and Mr. Harish Natarajan, Senior Payments Expert, World Bank, are both expected to present keynote papers at the conference. The statement adds that special guest speakers expected at this year’s conference include Senator Bassey Otu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking and Finance; Honourable Oyetunde Ojo, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communication; Dr. Sam Amadi, DG, Nigerian Electricity Reform Commission; Barrister Chris Onyemenam, the Director General, National Identity Management Commission and Mrs. Dupe Atoki, DG Consumer protection Council.

Others are Mr. Peter Jack’ DG Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency; Mr. Mitchell Elegbe, Group MD of Interswitch; Mr Tunde Kuponiyi, Chairman, Committee of eBanking heads; Engineer Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licence Telecommunications Operators and Ms Omokehinde Ojomuyide, Country Manager, MasterCard, will also be speaking at the conference, among several others.

Boko Haram: Cleric seeks tests for preachers

By Chris Ochayi

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BUJA—THE founder, Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, Reverend Father Dominic Adeiza, yesterday, advocated that messengers or preachers of religious faith be subjected certain to minimum tests, including psychological test in order to stem the tide of extremism in the country.

Adeiza who made the call in Abuja in his paper at the workshop on “building and sustaining bridges across divides for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria,'' warned that the Nigeria authorities must henceforth take urgent step to monitor activates of preachers of scripture, multinational speakers to checkmate radicalism.

The one-day workshop was organised by the Centre for Peacebuilding C M Y K

and Socio-Economic Resources Development, CePSERD, in collaboration with the United Nigeria Forum, UNF, to mark the 10 year anniversary of the former.

Adeiza said “we admit that extremist movements, including the spread of non-violent extremist ideologies, have clear geographical peace and security implications. To change the rise and curb extremist activities, will require a fundamental realignment and reprioritization of development policies and programmes.

This demands political will and commitment. Specific and sustainable programs must be designed and integrated into each stage of the identified and identifiable radicalization process as a counter measure.”

50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Winning is like getting into broader limelight...

— Prof Sam Ukala, winner Nig Prize For Lit

By Prisca Sam-duru CONGRATULATIONS, sir!

How does it feel like winning the coveted Prize?

It feels great, fulfilling, reassuring that the quality of my writing is still worthy of critical acclaim.

I know you have won other prestigious awards, but what does Nigeria Prize for Literature mean to you?

It’s like the Nigerian crown for a beauty queen who had earlier won state and zonal crowns! The prize is much higher than the Association of Nigerian Authors’, British Council’s, and other prizes I had won. So, naturally, the stakes were much higher, the demands stiffer. Winning it is like getting into broader limelight, getting more popular, which is good. But it’s also like attracting more critical attention, having your neck stuck out for critical stones to be thrown at your head.

Luckily, though, Iredi War was declared winner by seasoned critics, who are also renowned theatre practitioners, both from Nigeria and South Africa.

Critical searchlight Most well-meaning critics might agree with their findings in respect of Iredi War. But, hopefully, critical searchlights would now peer beyond Iredi War to my other publications, for good or for ill.

Of all issues troubling Nigeria, you chose to write the winning book on the 1906 insurgency of Owa (Delta State) kingdom against insensitive and highhanded British colonial rule. What informed your decision to do so?

As far as I’m concerned, Nigeria has only one issue troubling it, bad leadership.

C M Y K

Every other issue – bad followership, corruption, poverty, squalor, disease, human and infrastructural undevelopment, ritual and political killings, cultism and examination malpractice, intracountry wars and militancy of different names, etc. – all stem from bad leadership. Iredi War focuses on bad colonial leadership and the insurgency that it bred from a relatively small and hitherto peaceful kingdom, which had cooperated very well with A.A. Chichester, the substantive District Commissioner, who proceeded on leave and handed over to his assistant, Captain O.S. Crewe-Read.

Within a short period of CreweRead’s tenure as Acting District Commissioner, his insensitive, highhanded, racist, inexperienced, overzealous and overambitious leadership set Owa boiling over. Thus, the play is about good governance and might communicate to the Nigerian leadership, leadership in every sector.

What message are you trying to pass to the public and how relevant is it to the present

situation in Nigeria and Africa?

The central thought of Iredi War is that insurgency must arise, some day, against any misruler, no matter how formidable he/she might seem and how ill-equipped and vulnerable those he/she oppresses might seem. And these oppressors, the bad leaders, the apostles of bad governance, are found everywhere in our nation and continent.

For, good governance is not measurable at state houses alone, at the President’s office or Governors' offices alone, but also at every

,

Professor Sam Ukala, writer and professor of Theatre Arts at Delta State University, Abraka is now a happy man. The Theatre Arts lecturer was last week, declared the winner of the prestigious Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas ( NLNG)sponsored Nigeria Prize For Literature 2014.

He won the prize for ‘Iredi War’ a play with colonial subject. Prof. Ukala whose book beat a total of 124 others in this exclusive interview, shares his excitement while speaking on other sundry issues affecting the literary industry.

Excerpts.

•Prof Sam Ukala need to offer the kind of leadership they envisaged when they instituted African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a flagship programme for evaluating good governance in all socioeconomic sectors.

Did you have this award or any other in mind while

I needed my work to be evaluated in a contest that was larger than those I had won, because the prize money is high and many have attested to the integrity of the NLNG’s handling of previous contests public and private sector offices, every home. Similarly, insurgency, revolt, lethal disloyalty and treachery of the disgruntled are not raised only against a President or Governor or Local Government Chairman, but also against anyone who recklessly exercises authority over any group, no matter how small.

Africa is full of Iredi wars and African leaders need to work conscientiously towards purging themselves of tyrannical insensitivity. They

,

writing?

Yes, I had this award in mind. I had won other prizes, but had never entered for this.

I needed my work to be evaluated in a contest that was larger than those I had won.

Because the prize money is high and many have attested to the integrity of the NLNG’s handling of previous contests, I knew it would be a contest for creative titans. I needed to assure myself that the quality of my work was still high enough for me to join the

league of laureates of the prestigious Nigeria Prize for Literature. This was my attraction, rather than the prize money, which, for me, was a factor only in so far as it raised the stakes, raised the demands, raised the bar for excellence. I seldom enter my work for prizes. The two times I had done so – 1989 and 2000, I won: in 1989, ANA/British Council Prize for Drama, with Akpakaland; in 2000, ANA Prose Prize, with Skeletons: A collection of Stories. The prize for Akpakaland was getting it published by Heinemann at the expense of the British Council while the prize for Skeletons was a certificate and N10,000. What I valued more than the substance of each prize was the opportunity for a public, critical appraisal of my work. My attitude was the same as I entered Iredi War for the Nigeria Prize for Literature.

How has your background affected your writing?

Significantly. My educational background, a bachelor ’s degree in English and Master ’s and doctorate in Theatre Arts exposed me to the works of great Nigerians and foreign playwrights, novelists, Continues on page 51

UHS returns, holds confab, book launch

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FTER 15 years sojourn, intellectual think tank, Urhobo Historical Society (UHS) has finally settled down in Delta state, ending the years of exile in the United States.

Professor of History and founder of the UHS, Prof Peter Ekeh who disclosed this to Vanguard Arts in Lagos on his way back to the United States last weekend. Ekeh revealed that the group has concluded plans to hold its 9th conference, launching of an appeal fund and presentation of her latest book.

According to him, the group has already acquired a house in Okpara Inland but would need the money for operational purposes. And to achieve its dream, the group will hold an appeal fund of about N300m for the new secretariat at Okpara Inland, Ethiope East LGA, Delta State.

He also stated that it will present its latest book, Olomu and Development of Urhobo land and Western Niger Delta.

Ancient and Modern Versions , edited by Peter Ekeh, Onoawarie Edevbie, and Peter Ishaka.

The UHS 9th conference, he said, takes place from November 13 to November16, 2014 with a general meeting at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, Delta State. The next day November 14 , the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund will meet at the headquarters in Ekeh Street, (Opposite Catholic Church), Okpara Inland at 11a.m. The fund chair is Olorogun Moses O. Taiga, with members like Ms Evelyn Oputu, ex MD, Bank of Industry, Goodie Ibru, Ms Regina Omo Agege, Chief Johnson M. Barovbe, Peter Igho and others.

The Annual Conference itself will hold at the PTI, Effurun, Delta State, on Saturday, November 15, 2014, followed by Thanksgiving Ceremonies in Olomu Communities, next day, Sunday.

The same day will also mark the launch of the latest book at Etako Primary School (opp Anglican Church) Okpare by 3.00 pm under the chair of the Delta State Deputy Governor, Prof.

Amos Agbe Utuama. Book reviewer is Prof. Sa Aghalino while Olorogun John Oguma is the chief launcher.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 51

Hybrid theory...Metaphorical narrative of Africa identity, Africanism

By Prisca Sam-Duru

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HY is there a conflict between Africaness and modernization? Why has the hybridisation of these two elements failed to benefit Africa? What is wrong with the notion of a technologically advanced Africa? Why do Africans themselves believe this notion is “unafrican”?

What is it about the cultural DNA of Africans that refuses to accept the practical laws of physics that the African citizen is subject to? Are other cultures, races or people that have applied the principles of economics, science and technology for the development and advancement of their people, without any cultural identities?

Artists Adesoji Adesina and Uthman Wahaab in Hybrid Theory, a body of works that raises rhetorical questions around narratives on identity and representation, attempt to address the supposedly

sound culture and so can use culture to solve every problem.

Exaltation of the monkey is a metaphor used to address the narrative that black man is a monkey. Interestingly, blacks have long fought against this notion as Africans face several shades of racism even in international football competitions. It is rather painful that Africans remain unable to change the stereotypes especially, since the issues that branded them monkeys are still haunting them. The duo insist the problem is not in the colour but what the skin is representing; poverty, underdevelopment, etc.

The Yaba College of Technology graduates explained that the idea of hybrid theory which was conceived after series of observation and casual interactions with friends and colleagues on the lingering challenges confronting Africa

,

The depiction of the subjects using unique forms, signs and objects is a form of protest to the prevailing notion by Africans that all her problems can be solved through culture

inability of Africans to apply themselves to the mechanism that enables modernisation through the application of the laws of economics, science and technology.

Through Hybrid Theory a joint exhinition which opened on September 25, 2014 at Signature Beyond Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos, the artists warn about the dangers of not curbing retrogressive ways of thinking and acting which are typical of Africans.

With the use of diverse medium such as mixture of acrylic, general purpose white glue and poly filler with a combination of pastel, charcoals, conte and oil bars, the artists display through an intense visual representation of concepts on African identity and Africanism.

Array of works The exhibition which ended October 10th, had over 30 works on display. Centripetal force 1 & 2, Exaltation of the Monkey 1 & 2, are some of the titles displayed. Centripetal force features a man in a gas mask who portrays metaphorically, exchange of culture of globalisation. It speaks against the erroneous believe that Africa alone has C M Y K

,

nations today, is a metaphor for the human ability to subdue catastrophe by innovating and reinventing oneself afresh irrespective of racial and cultural differences.

The presentation of subjects using unique forms, signs and objects they explained, “Is a form of protest to the prevailing notion by Africans that all her problems can be solved by applying African traditional and cultural logic which by the way is what is

•The Gardner by Uthman Wahaab and Exaltation of the Monkey by Soji Adesina regarded as “African” to problems requiring proven and specific economic and scientific solutions which is now regarded as “unafrican”. This misguided need to prove to the other the uniqueness of the “African solution” has continuously led Africa down the path of poverty, disease and chronic underdevelopment.”

On why the works are massive human bodies, the artists noted that, “The human body is a unique piece of biological engineering. It determines a lot in how differentiation is made in terms of race. But in the context of this project the body is stripped of this differentiating ability and the concept of unifying all

human physiology is established...using Afro hair and garden shears as metaphor to that part of us (the mindset) which needs to be taken care of in order to allow and enable the spirit of modernisation. Afro hair in this context represents the usual notion of Africaness that boxes us in the realm of stagnation. The masking (breathing apparatus) represents the process of invention through innovation and hybridisation.”

They are also of the view that “The negative and backward notion held by Africans about the ‘Africaness’ of their identity has created

societies that are synonymous to poverty, diseases and squalor. To break the bond, the erroneously held views by Africans must change. Africans need to adapt to and adopt the productive parts of modernisation and not the myopic and unproductive part of modernity that Africans want to identify with.”

Noticeable in the works are the subdued hues in the project which "were to better help emphasise the drawings so that the visual characteristics of the artists’ style of drawing are pushed to the fore. It is therefore a deliberate idea in relation to the process of developing an invention or innovation."

Winning is like getting into broader limelight — Prof Sam Ukala Continues from page 50 short story writers and poets; my birth and socialisation in Ika culture exposed me to the artistic patrimony of the Ika of Delta State, which triggered my research into the African folktale and its compositional and performance aesthetics, which influenced my theory of “Folkism” and influences my writing.

At what point did you become a writer?

I started writing while a student of Ika Grammar School, Agbor, Delta State. I gained the recognition of staff and student’s as a poet before my fourth year.

In fact, my Principal, Mr. Eyo Ita, now popularly known as Eskor Toyo, created “Poet’s Corner” on the school’s notice board and encouraged me to post a poem there every Monday morning for everyone to read immediately after

morning assembly before going to the staff room or classrooms. I wrote my first published work, The Slave Wife, a play which some now describe as a “classic”, in my first undergraduate year at the Department of English, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and it was published by the then Oxford University Press (now University Press Plc), Ibadan.

Were there times you thought of given up literature due to pressure from parents or family?

Fortunately, no. My parents loved the arts.

Do you think young writers have a chance to win such an award, considering that they will be competing with professors and other well established writers?

Oh, yes. I have been a judge of several literary competitions and I

know that judges who are worth their names evaluate the quality of entries, not the personality of their authors or their establishment as writers. This is why a number of young Nigerians have won awards with their first published works.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was only 25 when she won the Caine Prize for African Writing in 2002. Ben Okri was 32 when he won the Booker Prize for the best original novel written in English and published in the UK in 1991. writers?

What do you think it will take younger writers to come out victorious in tight contests such as NLNG, Wole Soyinka Prize, etc?

What it took Chika Unigwe (another younger writer) and Tade Ipadeola to win the same NLNG prize in 2012 and 2013, respectively, what it took Ben Okri and Chimamanda to win the Booker Prize and the Caine Prize, respectively – talent, training, skill and practice.

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Buhari's declaration a welcome development—PDP

By Henry Umoru

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B U JA — N AT I O N A L leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, described the formal declaration of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, for the 2015 presidential race as a welcome development.

While welcoming General Buhari again to the presidential race, PDP's National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, however, faulted Buhari's claims on the state of the nation and urged him to put the records straight.

Metuh said, “The Peoples Democratic Party is pleased to welcome to the 2015 presidential

contest, the former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, who declared his intention today, Wednesday, October 15, 2014.

While we congratulate and wish him well in his ambition, we have noted some distortions and misrepresentation of facts in his speech and consequently wish to put the record straight.

“According to General Buhari, Nigeria was generating 4000 mws of electricity in 1999 but has today fallen short of that capacity under the PDP. However, the fact remains that as at May 29, 1999 when PDP took office, Nigeria was generating 1600 mws. We urge Nigerians to check the facts on this. Corroboration of this figure can also be sought from the World Bank, the IMF and other

authoritative sources. In contrast, it is common knowledge that under the transformative leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria now generates 4568 mws of electricity; a triple of what was generated in 1999.

“Again, General Muhammadu Buhari stated that a growing economy which the PDP inherited in 1999 has been destroyed within 15 years in office. This also does not represent the reality on the ground. The fact which can be verified from the hand-over notes from the military as well as from the World Bank and IMF is that Nigeria was the third largest economy in Africa in 1999, behind South Africa and Egypt. The nation was also rated number 48

in the world, our Foreign Reserve at $3.6 billion while our foreign debt stood at $36 billion.

“However, it is incontrovertible that in the last 15 years of PDP leadership, especially the last three years of dynamic and

purposeful administration provided by President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s economy has become the largest in Africa and the 26th largest in the world.

Similarly, our Foreign Reserves is now over $39 billion dollars, and our foreign debt has reduced to less than $7 billion from $36 billion.

Entries Open for 2014 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition

S

TUDENTS in senior secondary schools across the country have been invited to submit entries in the 2014 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition. UBA Foundation is the corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc and uses this annual competition to challenge the

reading, research, writing and critical thinking skills of Nigerian students.

The UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, which is in its fourth consecutive year, has witnessed increased participation from students since it was first launched in 2011. Going by the success recorded in Nigeria, UBA is taking the competition to other parts of Africa. Similar essay competitions according the MD/CEO UBA Foundation Ms. Ijeoma Aso are going on simultaneously in Senegal and Ghana as “part of UBA’s efforts to continue to intellectually challenge African youths to improve their capacity to compete in an increasingly global world”.

S1BN LOAN: Jibrin denies reports

By Emman Ovuakporie

A

B U J A — CHAIRMAN House Committee on Finance, Abdulmunin Jibrin, said, yesterday, that there was no time he said Nigeria will pay an interest rate of N45billion on the proposed $1billion loan request for the purchase of arms to combat Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Apparently reacting to a news publication, Jibrin said in a statement,”I did not say there is N45billion interest to be paid on the loan. What I said was that we have started consultation with security agencies and ministry of finance.

“We scheduled a meeting before sallah break, the service chiefs could not attend but sent apologies which we accepted. And that we have re-scheduled the meeting with them for Thursday, October 16.

“What I explained is that some issues will need clarification on the repayment plans and what portion of the loan is accrued to the various security agencies among other questions.”

The Chairman explained that there is no disagreement between the committee and the security agencies as our relationship remain cordial.

C M Y K

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 53

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54—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Harmonize tobacco bill with global convention, Senate urged

By Franklin Alli

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S the Public Hearing on the National Tobacco Control Bill, NTCB, begin in Abuja, a coalition of civil society groups have called on the Senate to ensure that the Bill is in harmony with the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, WHO-FCTC, which Nigeria signed in 2004 and ratified in 2005.

The coalition comprises the Environmental Rights Action, ERA; Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC; and the National Tobacco Control Alliance, NTCA. In a statement, the coalition said a tobacco control bill that is in harmony with the FCTC would not only promote public health, but also be fulfilling Nigeria’s obligation under the FCTC. ERA/FoEN Director, Corporate Accountability, Akinbode Oluwafemi s a i d : “The public hearing on the National Tobacco Control Bill is a welcome development and presents another opportunity for our lawmakers in the Senate to side with the people by ensuring that the bill is in tandem with the FCTC, which is the first global health treaty. ”The Senate must stand firm in the face of growing misinterpretation of the tobacco control bill by agents of the tobacco industry.

“It must remain vigilant and resist the deceptions and lies of the tobacco industry and their front groups.”

Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Rafsanjani, added: “The public hearing is coming at a time that the health burden instigated by tobacco products has started assuming alarming proportions.

Nothing short of effective regulation of the manufacture, sale and distribution of such lethal products is needed now.”

In the same vein, Interim Chair of NTCA, Dr. Lanre Oginni, stressed the importance of ensuring that key provisions of the bill were strengthened.

FG orders free medicare for retired soldiers

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE Federal Government has directed all military hospitals in the country to immediately commence the provision of medicare to retired military personnel in the country, irrespective of whether they

have the money to pay or not.

According to the government, the costs of such treatment should be credited to the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS. Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh, who made the disclosure at the Armed Forces Remembrance

Day briefing in Abuja, noted that the government policy was aimed at reducing the rate at which many ex-soldiers, who were now senior citizens, were dying due to their inability to pay for treatment.

Similarly, the Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau (retd), has assured retired

CONSULTATION: From left— Mr. Ada Val Arenyeka, former Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, commissioner; Mr. Weyinmi Omatsuli and Mr. Michael Tidi, during a consultative visit to the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II.

7 ministers to quit Jonathan's cabinet

By Ben Agande

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BUJA—A valedictory session was yesterday held for seven ministers who are set to resign their positions to contest the governorship of their states in the 2015 elections.

President Jonathan, who presided over the session, said the seven ministers might not be in attendance at the next FEC meeting as they were expected to resign their positions before going for the primaries.

The President commended the ministers for their service to the nation, noting that they served the nation meritoriously.

He said: “If you are in PDP and you are a public officer or you are a civil servant, if you have to go into an elective office you have to disengage on or before 20th of this month.

“Going by that, that means that any of our colleagues who has the interest to contest any level of election, may not be with us the next council day, that is next Wednesday.

“As we are talking, nobody has written and we have not dropped anybody; people should not say we have dropped ministers.

“Those that may not be with us next Wednesday are

Minister of Information, Labaran Maku; Minister of Health, Prof. Onyeabuchi Chukwu; Minister of State, Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike; Minister of State Industry, Trade, Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom; Minister of State Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Minister of State Niger Delta Affairs, Arch.

Dairus Dickson Ishiaku and Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu.

“Assuming they change their mind, they may join us. It is only good that we will wish them well in their future endeavours, having served this country meritoriously.”

Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, who spoke for members of the council, hailed the out-going ministers for their dedication to service to the fatherland and urged them to be good ambassadors of the administration.

... decries friction between ministers

By Ben Agande

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BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has decried the increasing friction between ministers and Permanent Secretaries, noting that such frictions would not

FG moves to amend Firearms Act

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE Federal Government, in line with its overall counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency strategy, has reached an advanced stage in the proposed amendment of the 1959 Nigerian Firearm Act and the Firearms Act of 2004.

Chairman, Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons, PRESCOM, Amb. Emmanuel Imohe, stated this yesterday at the commencement of a 2-day Experts Roundtable on the Repeal of the Nigerian

military personnel who have embarked on several protests in the FCT over their unpaid 53 per cent pensions arrears that they would be paid the arrears soon, saying steps were being taken in this direction.

The minister pointed out that government was aware of the plight of the ex-soldiers but added that the modalities of accessing the money and ensuring payment were in the works.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General KTJ Minimah has pledged the readiness of the Army authorities to fly out any soldier who sustained serious injuries capable of incapacitating such soldiers in the current war on terror, to any part of the world to get best medicare.

Minimah, who said the decision was aimed at boosting the morale of soldiers in the battlefield, said: “We have made provisions that officers and soldiers who are killed or wounded in action, disabled, incapacitated or permanently deformed as a result of our operations in the battlefield are well taken care of.”

Asked why soldiers were being allegedly buried discreetly, he said: “If a soldier dies in action, such a soldier according to our rules, is buried in the cemetery in our barracks close to the battlefield.

“But for death occasioned by natural causes or sickness, the families of such persons have a right to determine where such a soldier or officer will be buried. In any of the burials however, the immediate family members must be represented.”

“Firearms Act” in Abuja.

According to Imohe, the Act is not only obsolete but also does not reflect the realities and challenges associated with armed violence and Small Arms and Light Weapons, SALW, proliferation.

He noted that the effectiveness of the implementation of ECOWAS Convention on SALW depended largely on the potency of member states’ gun laws, potency of the institutional framework for the implementation of the convention, among others.

engender development.

He spoke yesterday after swearing in six new permanent secretaries.

The President also frowned at the increasing impunity in the civil service and called on the new permanent secretaries to ensure discipline among the nation’s civil servants.

Speaking on the friction between ministers and permanent secretaries, the President said: “Lately, we have received too many complaints about cold relationships between permanent secretaries and ministers.

“If minister and permanent secretaries do not work together, there is no way we can do what we are expected to do.

“The ministry is meant to be run by the political head, the accounting officer and the director. If there is conflict or cold relationship among the actors in any department, it is a recipe of failure.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 —55

By Gbenga Ariyibi

Fayemi on performance

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D O - E K I T I — ARRANGEMENTS were in top gear yesterday for the inauguration of the governor-elect, Mr Peter Ayodele Fayose, which is expected to take place at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, in the state capital, Ado-Ekiti.

Dignitaries from all walks of life were moving into the state capital in their hundreds for the success of today’s inauguration ceremony.

Already, all the guest houses and hotels in the town were already booked, while arrangements for the entertainment of guests were in top gear.

The governor-elect was said to have assured all the groups and associations, public servants and the party supporters of adequate care and entertainment.

Individuals and groups were seen trooping into the Campaign Office of the governor-elect to procure clothing materials with Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, inscription for today ’s inauguration ceremony.

Vanguard, however, gathered that the anxiety already created in some quarters that the inauguration may be thwarted was baseless after all, as the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Ayodeji Daramola is said to be ready to perform his official duty of administering the oath of office on Fayose.

The Deputy Chairman of PDP Transition Committee, Mr Owoseni Ajayi, told newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday, that the CJ had sent the Chief Registrar of the state High Court , Mr Obafemi Fasanmi, to conduct the rehearsal on how today’s inauguration ceremony will go.

Ajayi said: “I can assure you that tomorrow’s inauguration will hold as planned.

“The CJ has sent the Chief Registrar to conduct the rehearsal with the governor-elect on how tomorrow’s ceremony will go.’’

Prophets to cleanse Govt House

As the people of Ekiti State are waiting patiently for the inauguration of Mr Fayose today, no fewer than 1,000 prophets, pastors and Muslim clerics are expected to spiritually cleanse the newly constructed Oke Ayoba Government Lodge.

The multi -million Naira lodge built by the regime of Kayode Fayemi was commissioned by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal.

Speaking on national television in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday, Fayose said the Pastors and Prophets will be from the 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

His words: “I am inviting all our men of God to follow us to Oke Ayoba Government House on Thursday to do some spiritual cleansing there.

“But let me emphasis that we

Ekiti State Governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose, with PDP officials in Ado Ekiti yesterday

Dignitaries storm Ekiti as Fayose takes over today z1,000 clerics to ‘cleanse' Govt House zAs Fayemi scores his administration high, lifts curfew are only inviting pastors who are divinely called to lead us to Government House.

“The clerics will be in front, we shall follow them, our men of God would use the power of prayer to conquer them.

We are prepared – Police

Also, as at yesterday, the Ekiti State Police Command has assured the people of the state of its readiness to police the state and ensure a hitch-free inauguration ceremony.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the state police command,Mr Victor Babayemi, in Ado Ekiti, assured the people of the state that the state police command under the headship of the state police commissioner, Mr Taiwo Lakanu has concluded all arrangements for maximum security for the state during the inauguration just as the security operatives mostly mobile policemen and soldiers have taken over both the Government House and Governor’s Office.

A visit to the two places revealed heavily armed security operatives taking positions and directing affairs. Part of the statement reads; “In view of the forthcoming inauguration and swearing–in ceremony of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose as the Governor of Ekiti state on October 16, 2014, the Command has put in place adequate and comprehensive security measures to prevent breach of law and order.

“Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, CP Taiwo Lakanu, has ordered the deployment of ad-

equate manpower and equipment to police all the events.

“Bomb Disposal Units, Counter Terrorist Units, Police Mobile Force, PMF, and Swift Response Squad, SRS, in addition to conventional and plain cloth detectives have been strategically positioned to ensure an eventful and crisis free ceremony.

“The Police personnel have been mandated to embark on thorough stop and search of persons and vehicles to prevent trouble makers from infiltrating the venues.

“The Commissioner of Police appeals to the good people of the state to support and cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure a hitch free ceremony.

Fayemi not cooperating with us —Fayose

The governor-elect, Ayo Fayose, has again lamented that the outgoing government in the state led by Dr. Kayode Fayemi has refused to cooperate with him over his inauguration as the next governor of the state.

Fayose told newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday that all entreaties from his side were rebuffed by the outgoing government.

Fayose further revealed that the Head of Service, Mr Bunmi Famosaya and some permanent secretaries were in his office where they had some useful celebrations.

He said none of the state’s account currently has above one million naira.

His words: “Well, like I said, I don’t want to join issues with anybody. I only believe that a

chapter has come and gone, then a new chapter will be opened tomorrow(today). “ The outgoing government has refused to cooperate with us in terms of inauguration and my findings has confirmed that no government account has above one million naira.

“The Head of Service has been here and some permanent secretaries and I have asked them.

“No government account presently in Ekiti has more than one million Naira. It’s unfortunate that this is happening, but we are voted to find solutions to the problems.

“As soon as we take over the government, we shall find solution to it.

On the issues of probe, the governor-elect said he was not in position to say whether he would probe Fayemi’s administration or not until the accounts of the state is handed over to his government.

“I would not talk about it now until we takeover the governance officially. We cannot talk about it now, until I assume office. I am yet to receive a handover note. So until then, I do not want to join issues with anybody.

On whether he is entertaining fear in entering Government House, he said; “Entering Government House is not an issue. Anywhere I am is Government House, immediately I takeover, I can be here and act as governor. But events from tomorrow will give us direction.”

The outgoing governor of the state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who yesterday evening made a triumphal entry into his Isan Ekiti country home after leaving the Government House, Ado Ekiti, scored his administration high in the areas of poverty alleviation, education, healthcare delivery, agriculture and social security for the elderly.

Fayemi, equally lifted the two and half weeks old curfew imposed by his government in the wake of the killing of the former chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Chief Omolafe Aderiye.

In his valedictory speech to the people of the state yesterday, entitled: ‘The Promise Kept’ the outgoing governor said his administration has laid a solid foundation on which the incoming administration will build.

Fayemi said some of the reforms he brought to governance in the state has reduced the scourge of poverty in in the state in the last four years.

He said his government was able to win the war against poverty, owing to selfless service he rendered to the people.

The outgoing governor who lauded the people of the state for their support stated that, “eight-point agenda of our government was not a campaign gimmick. It served as our compass. We kept faith to the direction in which it pointed.

“In governance, we professionalized the Civil Service, including the elimination of costly ghost workers. We embraced public participation in the budgetary system and in allocation of community projects. We enhanced Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, without raising the tax rate.”

In the area of infrastructural development, the governor disclosed that his administration reconstructed over 1,000 kilometres of roads in four years, covering about 90 per cent of the intra and inter city roads in the state.

He said: ‘’Regarding infrastructure, we pledged road construction and rural electrification, including affordable housing. Ninety per cent of Ekiti roads are now motorable. These were the promises made.”

He said the state agricultural sector had been turned round to the extent that the state has now become the Food Basket of the Nation and the nerve centre for all kinds of agro-businesses in the South-west.

“In agricultural development, we inaugurated programs like the agri-business summit and youth commercial agricultural development programme among other initiatives. We also promised cottage industries in the Agro-allied sector and skills development in Agriculture,” the governor said.

56— Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Don Maseratte floats record label, signs 4real R

(L-R John Ugbe, Emeka Mbaand Makin Soyinka)

NBC partners MIPCOM for better entertainment content

By Benjamin Njoku

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HE National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has announced a major working relationship that would revolutionalise the entertainment and broadcast environment in Nigeria.

Speaking at a recent meeting with stakeholders in Lagos, Mr. Emeka Mba, Director-General of the NBC revealed the commission’s readiness to work with MIPCOM, a TV and entertainment market, essentially a content forum for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content.

MIPCOM provides the people

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OLLYWOOD star actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie has delivered her second child, this time, a bouncing baby boy.

The curvy actress gave birth yesterday at St Joseph Hospital University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States. This is the second child of the actress who got married in 2011.

Mother and child are

involved in the TV, film, digital and audiovisual content, production and distribution industry a market and networking forum to discover future trends and trade content rights on a global level. It normally lasts four days.

Mba who emphasised the importance of Nigeria being part of MIPCOM and hosting Africastwhich comes up between October 21 and 23 in Abuja, said every stakeholder must take advantage of the opportunities that come with digitization even as the transition date to digital broadcasting gets closer.

Maintaining that the future is digital, he amplified the need for

content in the process, giving this as the reason the NBC fashioned certain policies to promote better content. He observed also that content has ecologically changed the broadcast industry. According to him, though the country has started the adventure with Africast, there is a need to take it higher by also focusing on the business of creating content. For him, this is why Nigeria’s participation at MIPCOM is important because being the biggest market for content, stakeholders in the content creation sector in Nigeria need to get close and be part of MIPCOM.

Mercy Johnson delivers baby No. 2 in US

reportedly doing fine.

However, a source has told Vanguard that the husband, Mr. Okojie, who is from a royal family is overjoyous from pulling a boy off the actress and set to make this celebration ‘something special’ According to reports, the 30 year-old actress gave birth in the early hours of yesterday.

MJ took to twitter to express excitement about her marriage.

E N O W N E D c l o t h i e r, Don Maseratte born Chidiebele Onu has stepped up his game as he sets up an entertainment outfit better known as Don M a s e r r a t e Entertainment.

Unlike established record labels, Don Maserrate has picked interest in encouraging relatively unknown talents whom he describes a s “diamonds in the dirt.”

Rising artiste, Eze Franklin Chekwube a.k.a 4Real is the first artiste to be signed under the record label. 4Real Eze is a promising artiste, song writer cum dancer. He rose to prominence with his debut singles such as ‘High Place’, ‘Cold’ featuring 2Face Idibia and ‘Double Traffikator’ which also featured Wizboy. After the collaborations with 2face and Wizboy, 4real has decided to go solo with a new follow up singles titled ‘Super and Hot. The two new songs which were produced

by GrandMix and SeleBobo of Made Men Music Group, respectively, are presently enjoying airplay and acceptance across the country.

DJ Cuppy joins Roc Nation!

By Anozie Egole

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INCE joining the entertainment industry few years ago, Florence Otedola a.k.a DJ Cuppy has left no stone unturned in her resolve to make a bold statement with her craft.

The daughter of billionaire oil tycoon, Femi Otedola who recently enrolled in the prestigious New York University to pursue a Masters Degree is also an intern at Jay Z’s Roc

Nation music label. DJ Cuppy, has made waves in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a young talented female DJ who knows her onion despite her rich background. The beautiful damsel took to her Instagram to confirm the development. “So excited to be an intern at Roc Nation .Representing Africa all the way!” She wrote. Other international artistes who have also joined Roc Nation include Rihanna, J.Cole, Rita Ora and Scottish DJ Calvin Harris.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 57

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 58

BRIEFS Obama cancels campaign trip to focus on Ebola

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Catholic Bishops disagree on gay rights A

FIGHT for the soul of the Catholic Church has broken out, and the first battlefield is a document on family values that pits increasingly alarmed conservatives against more progressive bishops emboldened by Pope Francis’ vision of a church that is more merciful than moralistic.

On Tuesday, conservative bishops distanced themselves from the document’s unprecedented opening toward gays and divorced Catholics, calling it an “unacceptable” deviation from church teaching that doesn’t reflect their views and vowing to make changes to the final version.

The report, released midway through a Vatican meeting on such

•Pope Francis hot-button family issues as marriage, divorce, homosexuality and birth control, signaled a radical shift in tone about welcoming gays, divorced Catholics and unmarried couples into the church.

Its message was one of almost-revolutionary acceptance and

understanding rather than condemnation.

Gays, it said, had gifts to offer the church and their partnerships, while morally problematic, provided gay couples with “precious” support.

The church, it added, must welcome divorced people and recognize the “positive” aspects of

civil marriages and even Catholics who live together without being married.

The leaders of the bishops’ meeting, or synod, that produced it stressed Tuesday that it was merely a working paper and was never intended to be a statement of church doctrine, but rather a reflection of bishops’ views that will be debated and amended before a final version is released on Saturday.

Still, its dramatic shift in tone thrilled progressives and gay rights groups, and dismayed conservatives already deeply uncomfortable with Francis’ aim to make the church a “field hospital” for wounded souls that focuses far less on the rules and regulations emphasized by his two predecessors.

Brazil’s presidential hopefuls trade barbs P RESIDENT Dilma Rousseff and Aecio Neves, her challenger in a tight election contest, engaged in a bare-knuckle debate that saw the pair trade accusations of corruption and fiercely argue over who could rekindle Brazil’s economy.

The debate Tuesday night was the first in the runoff round that culminates Oct. 26 when upward of 140 million Brazilians are expected to go to the polls and decide who’ll be the next leader of the globe’s fifth most populous nation and Latin America’s biggest economy.

Opinion polls say voters are evenly split and the election is expected to be close to the end.

Rousseff is looking to expand her strong lead among Brazil’s poorest voters, while Neves hopes to tap into widespread voter discontent and demands for change seen during huge antigovernment protests across the country last year.

Neves, a center-right, business-friendly candidate, attacked Rousseff ’s economic record and focused on a growing kickback scandal at the state-run oil company Petrobras.

Brazil’s growth has slowed since 2010 and the

•President Rousseff

•Aecio Neves

economy went into a recession earlier this year, while there are near-daily revelations about the alleged multimillion-dollar corruption scandal involving top figures at Petrobras, one of whom has said Rousseff ’s Workers’

Party benefited from the scheme.

“I’ve spent my entire life combatting corruption,” Rousseff shot back after Neves read off a litany of accusations.

The leader noted that she has gone after those accused of corruption in

her own government, forcing out several Cabinet ministers at the beginning of her term after they faced accusations of wrongdoing.

Rousseff then aired her own list of accusations against her challenger and his Social Democracy Party, citing cases in which Neves favored family members in airport projects while he was governor in Minas Gerais and citing a 16-year-old allegation of a moneylaundering scheme that benefited the then head of Neves’ party.

U.S.-led air strikes intensify as Syria conflict destabilizes Turkey

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MERICAN-led forces have sharply intensified air strikes in the past two days against Islamic State fighters threatening Kurds on Syria’s Turkish border after the jihadists’ advance began to destabilize Turkey.

The coalition had conducted 21 attacks on the militants near the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani over Monday and Tuesday and appeared to have slowed Islamic State advances there, the U.S. military said, but

cautioned the situation remained fluid.

U.S. President Barack Obama voiced deep concern on Tuesday about the situation in Kobani as well as in Iraq’s Anbar province, which U.S. troops fought to secure during the Iraq war and is now at risk of being seized by Islamic State militants.

“Coalition air strikes will continue in both of these areas,” Obama told military leaders from coalition partners including Turkey, Arab

states and Western allies during a meeting outside Washington.

The fight against Islamic State will be among the items on the agenda when Obama holds a video conference on Wednesday with British, French, German and Italian leaders, the White House said.

War on the militants in Syria is threatening to unravel a delicate peace in neighboring Turkey where Kurds are furious with Ankara over its refusal to help protect their kin in Syria.

RESIDENT Barack Obama abruptly canceled a planned campaign trip yesterday and planned to convene his Cabinet at the White House instead, as U.S. officials grappled with the widening Ebola crisis.

The White House said Obama’s trip to New Jersey and Connecticut would be postponed to a later date.

Obama was to speak to reporters on Wednesday afternoon after meeting with top officials who are coordinating the government’s response to Ebola.

Obama’s decision to nix the trip just a few hours before Air Force One was scheduled to depart — reflected the urgency facing the administration amid the American public’s escalating concerns about potential spread of the virus.

Hours before Obama canceled his trip Wednesday, officials disclosed that a second Dallas hospital worker had tested positive for the virus after treating an Ebola patient who later died, raising fears about whether other health care workers may have also been exposed. Word that the hospital worker was on a commercial flight the evening before being diagnosed increased the pressure on the president to reassure Americans that the government has the situation under control.

•Obama

CAR links violence to coup plot

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ENTRAL African Republic’s transitional government on Tuesday said that several days of violence last week, the most serious in months in which about a dozen people were killed, was part of a purported plot to overthrow the administration.

Without identifying anyone, the government said in a statement that a “coalition of negative forces” distributed money to a faction of the population, urging them to set up barricades in the capital to destabilise the country.

“Heavy and light weapons were also distributed among the population, especially to young people for them to sow terror and demand the resignation of the president of the transition and Prime Minister,” the statement signed by government spokeswoman Antoinette Montaigne said.

The three days of clashes pitting mostly militias, known as anti-balaka, against armed Muslims, forced up to 6,500 to flee their homes, according to the United Nations.

The violence was the first major test for the country’s newly deployed U.N. peacekeeping mission, occurring amid increasing political tensions as antibalaka leaders and the mostly Muslim Seleka rebels called for Interim President Catherine Samba-Panza to step down.

Oscar Pistorius: Reeva Steenkamp’s death, ‘end of the world’

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EEVA Steenkamp’s cousin has recounted her happy memories of their childhood together, and her pain at hearing that the South African model had been shot dead by boyfriend Oscar Pistorius.

Kim Martin told Pistorius’s sentencing her death was “the end of the world”.

She spoke of Reeva’s parents’ financial problems, and the fact that she had taken up modeling to support them.

The BBC’s Andrew Harding says this is the first time the court has heard about Reeva outside her relationship.

Pistorius was found guilty of the culpable homicide of Ms Steenkamp last month, but was cleared of murder.

He faces up to 15 years in jail, although the judge may suspend the sentence or impose a fine.

Ms Martin was the first prosecution witness as they outlined their case for Pistorius to serve a jail term for the killing.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 59

Chaos in Onitsha as Police set ablaze suspected MASSOB hide-out

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA— ONITSHA, the commercial city of Anambra State was yesterday thrown into confusion after the Police in the state set ablaze a building at Okpoko Layout, which the operatives described as a hide-out for members of the Movement for Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB. But the owner of the house, Mr. Ikechukwu Agude and his family, faulted Police claims, lamenting that the force had ruined them, saying the house was never a MASSOB hideout.

Agude said: “We don’t have any business with MASSOB members here because they use another building behind ours as their office. I was surprised to hear that our house was set ablaze by the police when I went to work yesterday. My wife went to school because she is a teacher, including my daughter, Onyinye while my first son also went out to his workplace. I have lived in that house since 2006 even before MASSOB came and occupied the house behind mine. That house was the only thing I have in this world, including my family. What has been lost is over N10 million. Governor Willie Obiano should come to our rescue please.”

Counsel to Mr. Agude, Chris Okoro, while reacting, said “We understand the governor is cleansing the state but that does not mean setting ablaze people’s property.

The suspected MASSOB members involved should be arrested and interrogated to know their mind. The law should be

followed to avoid harming the innocent. The entire process of burning houses is wrong”.

First son of Mr. Agude, Chika, while lamenting the incident, said: “I am finished. My whole certificates from my primary to tertiary institutions have all gone. My mother has developed high blood pressure and now she is in hospital.

“MASSOB office is behind our building and they left it and set our own ablaze while we have all gone to work, including my father, who is a driver at Onitsha South Council Area. As it is now, the family has no other alternative place to live as we have been rendered homeless”.

Also his sister, Onyinye declared: “Our first building was demolished by Power Holding Company of Nigeria in 2011 because they said our house was near the high tension but when my father built it, the high tension was not there.

Today, the one he built after the demolition of the other one has also been

Eshikena to be appointed FrieslandCampina Africa's MD

W

ITH effect from January 1 2015, Peter Eshikena, outgoing Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, will be appointed Managing Director of the new Operating Company, FrieslandCampina Africa.

In his new role, he will be responsible for the accelerated growth of FrieslandCampina’s business in North, East and West Africa respectively and assess further business

Abia govt faults monarch on Orji's performance

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State Government has faulted the claims by a prominent monarch in the state, Eze Isaac Ikonne that the administration of Governor Theodore Orji, has not performed well.

Ikonne, the traditional ruler of Aba, was reported to have said former Governor Orji Kalu did more to develop the state than Governor Theodore Orji.

But the government

demolished and this time by the police.”

Also reacting, Mazi Chris Mocha, the Personal Assistant to MASSOB Leader, Chief Uwazuruike, dismissed police claims, saying the house was not occupied by MASSOB members but another Igbo Organization known as Igbo Ga-adinma, which was set up by politicians to fight MASSOB”.

However, Vanguard gathered that the police squad, led by Onitsha Police Area Commander, Mr. Benjamin Wordu, in company of two Divisional Police Officers, DPOs of Okpoko and Fegge, Mr. Emeka Ugwu and Rabiu Garba, stormed the building and set it ablaze.

The source claimed that a gun and some bags of substances believed to be Indian hemp were recovered from the house before it was set ablaze.

The house, police alleged had been used by MASSOB members as their base, where innocent people were allegedly tortured and extorted.

through the Special Adviser to Governor Theodore Orji on Electronic Media, Mr. Ugochukwu Emezue, while dismissing the claims, insisted that there was no basis to compare the two administrations.

Emezue accused the monarch of twisting the truth in “his desperation to disrepute Governor Orji.”

He wondered why respected positions in society should be economical with the truth.

development priorities of the broader African continent.

Eshikena has led FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC since September 2012 and remains member of the Board of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria in the position of non-executive director. As a member of the Board of Directors, Peter will continue to contribute his years of experience to FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria.

Eshikena will be succeeded by Rahul Colaco as the Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. In this function, he will also report to Chief Operating Officer, Gregory Sklikas.

Rahul Colaco currently is Managing Director of FrieslandCampina Malaysia/Singapore.

The Executive Board of Royal FrieslandCampina and the Board of Directors of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, in a statement signed by Ore Famurewa, Public and Regulatory Affairs Manager, “jointly wish Peter Eshikena and Rahul Colaco every success in their new positions”.

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Eagles revive Nations Cup hope

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

T

HE Super Eagles yesterday at the Abuja National Stadium revived their dream of going to Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) championship with a 3-1 win over the Falcons of Sudan.

A brace by CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa in the 48th and 89th minutes and another strike by China based Aaron Samuel was all that the Nigerians needed to keep their AFCON hope alive.

However the capacity crowd at the Abuja National Stadium was silenced when the Sudanese reacted to the first goal in the 55th minute of the encounter.

The Nigerian boys who were condemned to win after a shocking poor start to the ongoing qualifying series reacted positively to the expectations of the thousands of soccer loving fans who turned out to cheer them to victory by taking the fight to their opponents.

The Nigerians had a life line with the introduction of Omatsone Akuko who replaced Raheem Lawal in the 64th minute and that resulted in the second goal by Samuel in the 65th minute.

Before the match there were concerns whether the fans would turn out to support the national team due to the surprising defeats to both Congo and Sudan and the barren draw to South Africa which left the country with only one point from a possible nine.

The first half ended without a goal but not without some anxious moments which left the fans gasping for breath.

The Super Eagles started the game with the plan to get an early goal but the strike force made up of Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa could not produce the much needed result.

However the much criticized China based Aaron Samuel was a delight to watch as he made frantic effort to give the country

something to cheer and his efforts nearly paid off in the 28 minutes when his shot narrowly missed target to the delight of the Sudanese goalkeeper, Akram Ehida.

But another begging opportunity was wasted

by Akpan Hope Uta who in the 38 minute as his effort went off target.

The dou of Mikel Obi and Ahmed Musa however made some spirited efforts which never yielded any positive result.

But the Stephen Keshi boys were also lucky as a 45 minute counter attack by the visitors through danger man, Bakir Abdelgadir narrowly missed target after he dusted the Nigerian defenders.

Meanwhile, the fans who certainly have lost

T

EXECUTIONER: Ahmed Musa (r) celebrates his double against Sudan yesterday. confidence in Keshi continued to boo him with many of them carrying placards,

charging and calling for his immediate sack regardless of the result of the match.

Enyimba for Copa Lagos 2014

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INETIC Sports, organizers of Copa Lagos, have announced that Enyimba Football Club of Aba will participate in The FC Barcelona Club Challenge at this year’s edition.

Copa Lagos, Nigeria’s highly entertaining international beach soccer festival will hold at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 12th to 14th December 2014.

Enyimba FC, the Ababased, two-time African Champions, will compete against other premium Nigerian clubs, including

Asaba to host NOC’s AGM, Merit Award, Elections

Stationary Stores, in the Club Challenge.

The sign up of Enyimba FC was announced by the CEO of Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu in Lagos.

During the signing ceremony with club Chairman, Mr. Felix Anyasi, Adamu said “we are delighted to have one of the biggest clubs in Africa and a key ambassador to help place beach soccer on the Nigerian Football calendar.

Enyimba is a global export and a very special Nigerian one at that.” Enyimba chairman, Anyasi said “Having conquered

Africa, it is another opportunity to break another ground in beach soccer."

Continues from BP critically ill, he could barely speak. But to hit back, he tweeted the photo with the words "don't believe the hype."

The photo was posted online on Tuesday and features the three-time world heavyweight champion posing beside two women.

‘Don’t believe the hype.

HE Executive Board of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, yesterday approved Asaba, capital of Delta State as the venue for its Annual General Meeting and elections as well as a Merit Award Night. The election will hold on November 20, 2014.

Asaba was overwhelmingly voted for after President Sani M Ndanusa announced that the State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan had accepted to host the AGM. To this regard, nomination forms to the Executive positions would be available at the Secretariat of the NOC, National Stadium, Surulere and the NOC’s Liaison office in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory from October 20, 2014.

The deadline for the return of Nomination forms would be two weeks from October 20, 2014.

At the AGM meeting in Asaba, the NOC would confer the Best Current Athlete Award to speedster Blessing Okagbare while the

Ali Feeling great earlier today,’ he tweeted.

Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 but his condition has gradually deteriorated and he is now mostly housebound.

Rumors about his illhealth grew after he was considered too ill to attend the premiere of a film about his life

Distinguished Athlete Award would go to Table Tennis Trojan Segun Toriola.

Sports-loving Governor of Delta State Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan would be conferred with the Olympic Sport Friendly Personality Award for his outstanding performance in Sports.

President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba would be conferred with the Sport Administrator Award.

Post humous awards on Promotion of Olympism would go to Late Alhaji Raheem Adejumo, late Chief Abraham Ordia and Alhaji K. A. B Olowu.

•Ndanusa last week. His condition had meant he couldn’t take part in the production of the movie either His brother Rahman, 71, attended the screening of I Am Ali in Hollywood, and told The Sunday People: ‘I have not been able to talk to my brother about this because he is sick.

‘He doesn’t speak too well.

But he is proud that we are here for him. He has given this film his blessing.’

Kanu Continues from BP

Samson Adamu (CEO Kinetic Sports); Felix Anyasi (Chairman, Enyimba FC) during the signing of Enyimba Football Club’s participation in the 2014 Copa Lagos

Osaile’s home journey begins Late boxing promoter Martins Osaile will today start his journey home with a Christian wake keep at his residence in Ikorodu, scheduled for 9 Halal Estate Opposite AP Filling Station,

Odongunyan by 4pm.

Tomorrow, Friday October 17 his body will be cremated at the Omega Funeral Home, Goodwill Estate, Kings Avenue Ojodu Abiodun Berger by 10 am.

Kanu, an Ambassador of Nigerian Football who was one of the thousands of fans that watched with anxiety, Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Sudan at the Abuja National Stadium said that it was a good thing that African Champions

have finally started firing.

Speaking in an interview with Sports vanguard, Kanu said, “It’s a good thing that we won. This victory was very important for us , we needed to win this match. Thank God that we won”.

Kanu said further that Eagles must continue winning to stand any chance of qualifying for the next year ’s AFCON. “We must continue winning because that is the only way we’ll qualify.

I wish the team good luck in their remaining two matches” , Kanu said.

Keshi Continues from BP Morocco. He should go because we don’t want him again,” said one of the fans, Ejike Ejiogu Another fan, Taiwo Oyejomi said that it was Keshi’s fault that

Nigeria was struggling to qualify for next year’s Nations Cup. “Keshi does not have the wherewithal at all.

It was the boys who gave us victory today

and not Keshi. He shouls go. We don’t want him again.”

Another fan, Segun Ayoola urged the NFF to go for a foreign coach to replace Keshi immediately.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014 — 61

Namibia 2014 AWC...Namibia 2014 AWC...Namibia 2014 AWC...

Super Falcons invite Patience Jonathan to Namibia STORIES BY BEN EFE, Windhoek

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H

AV I N G put themselves in a good position to win the African women championship and qualify for the 2 0 1 5 F I FA Wo m e n ’ s World Cup in Canada, the Super Falcons are calling on Nigerians, particularly wife of the President, Dame Pa t i e n c e J o n a t h a n , wives of other senior political office holders and other women of substance to show more interest in the game.

As they carry on their campaign here in Windhoek, some of the players believe that the presence of the First Lady and wives of some governors will go a long way to boost their morale.

“Surely we need the support of all Nigerians to give female football a boost.

It would have been good if we get even half of the support the Super Eagles are getting.

“We also need the support of all our first ladies. They should show interest in what we are doing. If their husbands can be supporting the male teams, what is stopping them from identifying with us?” said one of the top players yesterday.

Their coach, Edwin Okon nodded in an approval. He stated that his girls needed all the support they can get as they chase not only the African title, but a respectable finish at the global stage.

“Surely we have ambitions. But we need all the support we can get. “ We are going through a lot of difficulties.

For instance, we have to come here in batches, but that notwithstanding, we are ready to do our best for the country,” said the coach.

Nkwocha craves to score more classy goals

CONTEST...Super Falcons player (r) vies with a Zambian counterpart during their 2015 African Women Championship in Namibia. Falcons won 6-0.

••• maintain ‘code of silence’ •Ready to face Namibia with full force

D

ESPITE wearing the tag of favorites for the African Women Championship, the Super Falcons players are keeping a low profile here and refusing to be

carried away by their success so far in the tournament.

It is noticeable in the way the players conduct themselves at the stadium and in their camp. Apart

from older players like Precious Dede, Stella Mbachu and Pepertua Nkwocha who will stop to acknowledge greetings from old familiar faces, others just carry on with

Danjuma hails Falcons

S

UPER Falcons Assistant Coach Christopher Danjuma has hailed the superlative performance of the girls after the 6-0 thumping of Zambia at the Sam Nujoma Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The most successful women’s team in Africa made it two wins in a row with a brace from Desire Oparanozie, one each from Osinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ngozi Okobi.

“It was a game that was decided in the first ten minutes, because we were more consistent and we played with fire,” the Nasarawa Amazons trainer said. “I like the way we executed our playing system, we won deservedly

MVP...Ngozi Ebere of the Nigeria's Super Falcons (m) displays her Player of the Match against Zambia's trophy. and now we have to think of the coming to squeeze Namibia.

“We generated chances and were ruthless, that’s the spirit. Now we need to be more convinced than ever and have belief in

ourselves.”

Super Falcons, who have booked their place in the semifinals of the 9th African Women Championship will next play hosts, Namibia in their last group A match on Friday.

humility. Even at the post match press briefing, player of the match, for two consecutive games, Ebere Ngozi would not talk much.

Coach Edwin Okon admitted that there was a standing order on all members of the team to avoid making comments that will not auger well for team spirit.

“We don’t want any distraction. Even myself I have to seek clearance before I can speak,” hinted the coach.

Speaking on their last group A formality match against Namibia on Friday, he said that the Super Falcons will take the game as if it were a final match.

“I cannot tell whether I will field a weak team or a strong team for Namibia. All I know is that we are going out there to play our game as if it is our qualification depended on the outcome.”

The Super Falcons have scored ten goals and conceded two in the tournament so far.

ETERAN goal poacher, Perpetua Nkwocha is the oldest player at the 9th African Women Championship here in Windhoek, Namibia. She is eager to score more goals and help the cause of the Super Falcons.

Nkwocha, 38, came off the bench to score against Zambia in the Super Falcons’ 6-0 smashing of the ‘Shepolopolo’. She said that it was a delight for her to be in the team, which is super charged to win the trophy after missing out in the last two editions.

“It is my wish to score more goals and help the Falcons to another title,” said Nkwocha who is gunning to win her fifth AWC title as a Super Falcons player.

She was one of the old timers coach Edwin Okon invited to camp to give leadership to his relatively young side in the tournament.

In the game against Zambia, she collected a pass, danced into the box and outclassed two defenders before tucking the ball in the far corner.

“That was an old school goal. I wish to score more of that.”

Coach Okon praised her efforts, adding that she has been most useful.

“She is one of the most experienced players I have in the squad. It would have been wonderful if she was fully fit to go 90 minutes. I always look up to her to give stability to the team, when things are difficult,” said Okon.

•Nkwocha

62—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014—63

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

Ali hits back at rumours about his health BOXING legend Muhammad Ali yesterday tweeted a photo of himself smiling in the company of his female fans, to dispel rumours he was critically ill.

Ali was rumoured to be

Eagles revive Nations Cup hope P.60

Continues on Page 60

•Muhammed Ali with female fans

Keshi must go – Fans

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN, Abuja

D

CELEBRATION . . . Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa (C) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Sudan yesteday in Abuja. Photo: AFP

ESPITE Nigeria’s 3-1 victory over Sudan yesterday, Nigerian football fans have told Coach Stephen Keshi to go.

The fans who were throwing missiles at the Nigerian bench during the match, invaded the pitch with placards after the match saying that Keshi had lost the winning formula to lead the Eagles to next year’s Nations Cup. Some of the aggrieved

fans who spoke to Sports Vanguard at the Abuja National Stadium were insistent that Keshi must go.

“Keshi is not the coach for Nigeria at all as he cannot lead us to the next Nations Cup in

Continues on Page 60

Eagles must continue to win matches—Kanu

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ORMER Super Eagles Captain, Nwankwo Kanu has said that he was relieved that Super Eagles finally won their first match in the 2015 AFCON qualifying race.

Continues on Page 60

•Kanu

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Passionate (6) 5 Scold (6) 8 Glue (8) 9 Spoken (4) 10 Lettuce (3) 12 Mirror (5) 15 Droop (3) 17 Fighting (3) 18 Employ (3) 19 Poem (3) 20 Alternative (5) 21 Pinch (3) 22 Bird (3) 23 Fuel (3) 24 Fixed (3) 26 Coins (5) 29 Finish (3) 33 Bogus (4) 34 Magnificent (8) 35 Span (6) 36 Vent (6)

DOWN 2 Wireless (5) 3 Flat (4) 4 Test (5) 5 Consecrate (5) 6 Chamber (4) 7 Headdress (5) 10 Angry (5) 11 Dulcet (5) 12 Band (5) 13 Pale (5) 14 Rush (5) 15 Feeling (5) 16 Yawned (5) 25 Anaesthetic (5) 27 Follow (5) 28 Instrument (5) 30 Din (5) 31 Among (4) 32 One (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Part 4, Hop 6, Pick 8, Former 9, Insane 10, Old 12, Began 14, Below 15, Nudge 18, Scribe 20, Leader 24, Naked 26, Regal 28, Loved 30, Wed 32, Statue 33, Astute 34, Trod 35, Tap 36, Dune.

DOWN: 2, Arose 3, Timpani 4, Hero 5, Paid 6, Paste 7, Console 11, Log 12, Bus 13, Nub 16, Den 17, Elk 19, Creator 21, Eel 22, Adopted 23, Rod 25, Axe 27, Acted 29, Eaten 30, Went 31, Damp

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.

Printed and Published by VANGUARD MEDIA LIMITED, Vanguard Avenue, Kirikiri Canal, P.M.B.1007, Apapa. Phone: Newsroom: 018773962. Deputy Editor: 01-4548355. Advert Dept Hotline: 014544821; Abuja: 09-2341102, 09-2342704. E-mail: editor@vanguardngr.com, news@vanguardngr.com, letters@vanguardngr.com. Advert:advertproduction@yahoo.com Website: www.vanguardngr.com (ISSN 0794-652X) Ag. Editor: EZE ANABA. Phone: 01-7742861, All correspondence to P.M.B. 1007, Apapa Lagos.

C M Y K