Corruption: EFCC moves against Odili, others

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62651

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

From left: Chairman, D.C Okika Nigeria Ltd, Mrs. Beatrice Okika; Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dangote Group, Oare Ojeikere; Chairman, Chinedu & Sons Ltd, Chinedu Ezenyili; MD, Nwa Ado Resources, Igwebuike Ikwueme; and GMD, Dangote Cement Plc Onne, Van dar Weijde, at the cutting of tape for presentation of fleet of trucks to empower distributors in Lagos.

Army/Shiite clash: Sultan lauds FG on fact-finding mission 14

Corruption: EFCC moves against Odili, others

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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•Vows to bring to book top Nigerians implicated by Dasuki probe •Sets up procurement fraud unit to tackle graft in MDAs

BUJA—THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is set to reopen the trial of high profile politicians whose corruption cases had either been delayed or put in abeyance as a result of court injunctions.

A top management officer of the EFCC told

Continues on Page 5

Senate approves MTEF as Naira crashes further 7 Pro-Biafra RALLY IN LAGOS— Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and other pro-Biafra agitators during a rally at Alaba, Lagos, yesterday. See story on Page 44.

How 9 policemen were killed in Ikorodu creeks MODIBBO

KAWU Remembering Governor Muhammed Lawal

JOSEF OMOROTIONMWAN

Like California, like Southern Ijaw

COLUMNISTS:

P.19

P.17

10

Nigeria's neighbours threaten her survival — Ogbeh 8

Mr & Mrs

2—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—3

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POCKET CARTOON

MEETING—From right, Bishop John Okoye of Awgu Catholic Diocese; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of Nsukka Catholic Diocese; Senator Ike Ekweremadu, deputy Senate president and Bishop Callistus Onaga of Enugu Catholic Diocese after the bishops held a closed door meeting with the governor at Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

Corruption: EFCC moves against Odili, others Continues from Page 1 Vanguard , yesterday, that the commission under the leadership of acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was bent on reopening all the corruption cases involving top politicians, who were shielded by the court through perpetual injunctions that had temporarily tied the hands of the commission from prosecuting them.

Top on the list of those whose cases are to be reopened, is former Rivers State Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, who secured a perpetual injunction from a Federal judge barring the EFCC from investigating his eight-year tenure over

alleged graft.

Justice Ibrahim Buba had granted a perpetual injunction restraining the EFCC from probing graft allegations its operatives levelled against the former governor.

The commission, however, filed an appeal against the ruling, which was described as strange by legal pundits. But the appeal has not made progress since it was instituted over four years ago.

However, the top EFCC operative vowed in an interview with Vanguard that all stumbling blocks to reopening the cases and similar ones would be

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

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OTHING in life is as important as the decisions you make today. everyday presents an opportunity for you to make a decision, decide wisely. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

With our thoughts we make our world — Take Heart Quotes

O

UR imagination and sense of reality is closely intertwined. The mind can run away leaving us to act through suspicion and fear, but we can also use our imagination as a tool to change our life. Focus attention on what you want to manifest.

Why waste your life dreaming about someday when you can be building your life now. Remember, if you are filled with fear, frustration, or any of the lower negative states, you will have nothing but failure.

Fill your heart with love, positivity and a great imagination to excel.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE You can't be in the valley and pluck an orange on the mountain.

removed by the Magu administration at EFCC with a view to bringing the former governor to book.

The top operative said that the new Criminal Justice Administration Act of 2015 has removed the stumbling blocks to prosecuting those who looted the nation’s treasury.

The senior management official of the commission said: “Let it be made clear that the EFCC will go after all cases that are deserving of investigation. There is nothing like perpetual injunctions anymore in our criminal administration justice code.

“We have a duty to investigate all cases since we are empowered by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate all such corruption-related cases and that is what we are asked to do.

“We are empowered by Section 15 of the new Criminal Justice Administration Act to investigate all cases irrespective of injunctions. We cannot be stopped,” the official said.

The source confirmed that top officials in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who abused their office by fritting away huge national cash and assets would be summoned to clear the air on why they breached public trust.

Among those slated for questioning are former Minister of Finance &

Coordinating Minister of the Economy in the last Administration, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and some former officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, who handled the disbursement of funds to the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA. Asked when the officials would be summoned, the official said no date had yet been fixed, adding, “I will find out and get back to you.”

In the meantime, the EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has established a Procurement Fraud Unit, PFU, to strengthen the fight against corruption in the country.

The Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement to Vanguard, last night, that Magu made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday during a meeting with leaders of a coalition of civil society organisations.

Uwujaren said that Magu expressed concern over the increasing rate of procurement fraud and told his guests that the PFU would contribute immensely to the anticorruption battle when it became operational.

“I am so concerned about procurement fraud. I am thinking of establishing a unit dedicated to procurement fraud.

When put in place, it will go a long way in checking corruption,” Magu said.

Alleged N13.6bn scam: Yuguda, Bafarawa, son beg court for bail

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

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BUJA—JUSTICE Peter Affen of the Abuja High Court at Maitama, yesterday, adjourned till Monday to decide whether the former Minister of Finance, Bashir Yuguda, former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa and his son, Sagir Attahiru, should be released on bail pending their trial.

The trio are answering to a 22-count criminal charge alongside the embattled erstwhile National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, retd, and the former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Shuaibu Salisu.

Meanwhile, after two days at the Kuje Prison in Abuja, the Chairman emeritus of DAAR Communications Limited, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, yesterday, regained his freedom.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, alleged that the accused persons connived and diverted over N13.6billion from the office of the NSA, prior to the 2015 general elections.

A company that the antigraft agency said served as conduit pipe for the alleged illegal diversion of the funds, Dahaltu Investment Limited, was also charged before the court as the 4th accused person.

All the accused persons had on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as they separately prayed the court to okay their release on bail pending hearing and determination of the criminal case against them.

They predicated their bail applications on provisions of sections 158, 162, 165, 167 and 168 (b) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as section 36(5) (6) of the 1999 constitution.

The accused persons, through their lawyers, insisted that the charge slammed against them by the anti-graft agency were bailable.

Whereas Dasuki, through his counsel, Ahmed Raji, SAN, urged the court to grant him bail on self recognition, Bafarawa and his son, Sagir, prayed the court to grant them bail on health grounds.

While Barafawa told the court that his health had badly deteriorated owing to his continued detention, his son, told the court that he has Ulcer.

Both father and son addressed the court, yesterday, through two different Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Chief J.O. Olatoke and Mr. H. O. Afolabi. Likewise, the 3rd accused, Salisu, prayed the court for bail, saying he has been in detention for the past 31 days.

Meantime, the EFCC, yesterday, urged the court to refuse their bail requests and order accelerated hearing of the case against them.

Th e Commission, through its lawyer, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, told the court that the defendants have wide influence and affluence to intimidate, harass and influence the proposed prosecution witnesses if released on bail.

EFCC insisted that the defendants will escape from Nigeria once out of detention.

It told the court that the applicants are also being investigated in respect of other criminal allegations.

The prosecuting agency, via an affidavit that was deposed to by one of its lead detectives, Mr. Hassan Saidu, told the court that the accused persons acquired “a large volume of assets with the proceeds of crimes”.

Saidu said his team was currently tracing the assets, “if released on bail the applicants will interfere with the assets tracing activities”, he added.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 , 2015

Bizman docked for defrauding 2 Britons of £3.1m L

By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A 42-year-old businessman, William Onyema, alleged to have defrauded two Britons of the sum of 3.1 million pounds sterling, was yesterday charged before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court, Lagos.

The defendant whose address was not given is facing a three count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing, preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Idowu Osungbure told the court that the defendant committed the

alleged offences between 2011 and 2015, in Lagos.

He said that the defendant allegedly conspired with another still at large to obtain the sum of 3.1 million pounds sterling equivalent of N927.4 million, from two Britons; one Mr Marek Lewonowski and one Mr Darren Collins.

Osungbure, also alleged that the defendant obtained the said money under pretext of investing it in a property developing business for the Britons but converted it to his own use.

The prosecutor alleged that the

defendant knew that the representation he made was false.

According to him the offences committed is punishable under sections 285, 312 (1) (3) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 312 provides 14 years imprisonment, section 285 provides three years imprisonment while section 409 provides two years imprisonment for such offences.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Adesegun Talabi, urged the court

to admit the defendant to bail on liberal terms, stating that there was no proof of evidence before the court and that there was no complaint in the matter, adding that it was just a lawyer that alleged that he received a call from the Britons, as the defendant was arraigned based on the petition written by a lawyer.

The magistrate, Mr B.A. Sonuga, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

DSS murdered our officer—Ekiti Police A

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

DO EKITI—AS controversy continue to trail the alleged killing of a policeman, Sgt. Sylvester Malik by operative of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State Police Command has accused the DSS of murdering its officer in cold blood while carrying out his legitimate duty.

The command decried the refusal of the state Director of DSS, Mr Duke Fubara, to produce the suspect, despite repeated request by the police that the culprit be produced.

The command in a statement, yesterday, made the allegation while reacting to the alleged shooting of a policeman by DSS operative when they escorted the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Femi Thomas to DSS’s command in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday morning.

It was gathered that two policemen, Sgt Malik and Corp.

Mough Tergu, from the Special Protection Unit, Lokoja, Kogi State, were said to have been shot within the premises of the DSS office after engaging in hot argument over attempt to disarm them before entering, which they resisted.

After the altercation, it was gathered that the DSS operatives allegedly opened fire on the policemen and one of them was reported to have died on the spot and the other survivoir is now on the danger list at one of the hospitals in the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Alberto Adeyemi, who said that the policeman was murdered in cold blood, accused the DSS of shielding the suspect who fired the shot.

“In fact, the DSS is shielding the suspect and we are still waiting for them to hand him over to us. The two policemen were fired at and one of them pretended as if he had died and he heard all their conversations.

“Is there any law in the land that says one should be killed for escorting someone to a barrack or command base?

“Looking at it from professional angle, dropping of arms is even unprofessional. The DSS alleged that the victims refused to be disarmed and they had to struggle with them and claimed that one of them was injured in the process. We are waiting for them to produce the injured to confirm their claims.”

He said the Police Commissioner, Mr Etop James was in Abuja for a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase with state commissioners.

When journalists visited the DSS base in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, the DSS director was said to have gone to a security meeting with

Governor Ayodele Fayose.

A top official, who attended to journalists said: “The DSS Director is not on seat now. He is attending a security meeting with the governor. But I want to assure you that we will reach out to you as soon as he is back.”

But no response had been received from the DSS at press time.

RETURNEES: Nigerians who had escaped from Boko Haram attack and ran to Central African Republic and Cameroon being registered on their return by National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, officials at Fufore Internally Displaced Persons' Camp in Adamawa State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Estate agent remanded in prison for defrauding 81 accommodation seekers

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—JUSTICE Olutoyin Ipaye of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, yesterday, remanded in prison an Estate Agent, Babatunde Habeeb, arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on 81-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence from 81 accommodation seekers.

According to the charge, the defendant allegedly obtained N350,000 from Moses Ezigbo, N400,000- Mr Ibu Anthony, N400,000- Damola Adebunmi, N250,000- Olawale Oluwaseun, N200,000- Lateef Fadipe, N250,000- Sunny Okreke,

N240,000- Odusanya Tunde, N209,000- Rilwan Lawal, N334,000- Azeez Ogundiran and N178,000- Owumi Onome on a false information he made to them that the money was house rent of a property at 59, Oriola Street, Alapere-Ketu, Lagos.

The defendant was also accused to have in the same manner collected N250, 000 from Erubi Salome, N340,000- Bayo Adeyemi, N400,000- Olajuwon Soname, N240,000- Rosa Isa, N230,000- Alhaji Mutiu Ogunlaja, N210,000- Basset Victor, N260,000- Adisa Abayomi, N160,000- Ifedayo Lawal, N370,000- Titilayo Oyediran, N400,000- Peter Adebayo,

N495,000- Nzegwe Nnamdi, N380,000- Ismaila Segun, N260,000- Sunday Ola, N120,000- Igbokwe Amechi and 56 others.

EFCC prosecutor, Mrs Iyabo Daramola, informed the court that the offence was contrary to section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

However, when the charge was read to the defendant, he pleaded not guilty to the offence and was remanded in Prison till February 2 and 3, 2016 for the prosecution to respond to the bail application brought by his counsel, Paul Nwokemodo.

Edo Police contacts INTERPOL over fleeing alleged murderer

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN CITY—THE Edo State Police Command has intensified the search for a fleeing murder suspect, identified as Christian Obiagwu based in the United States, as the command seek the extradition of the suspect through the help of INTERPOL. The suspect is under investigation for last month's murder of his apprentice, identified as Tochukwu Nwagbala in Benin City. The corpse of Tochukwu, who was said to be the only child of his mother, was dumped on the Benin-Abuja Express Road.

Vanguard learned that the deceased boss, Christian informed the police at the Egba Division about the corpse after allegedly dumping it on the road and claimed he was only a Good Samaritan.

The police however, took the corpse and placed the cause of death as ‘sudden and natural.’

Unfortunately for Christian, eyewitnesses informed the police investigators how Tochukwu died shortly after Christian travelled back to America.

Counsel to the family of late Tochukwu, Lanre Adejunmobi, in a petition to the state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, alleged that Christian and his accomplices tortured Tochukwu till he died.

In the petition, Lanre explained that late Tochukwu managed the businesses of the suspect each time he was abroad, adding that the deceased was beaten with cane and electric cable by his boss for several hours over poor sales until he fainted.

Lanre stated that Tochukwu was taken to Faith Mediplex hospital where doctors confirmed him dead.

The body of Tochukwu, according to Lanre, was later dumped on the road by his boss and the police used contacts on the cell phone they found on him to contact his relatives.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—7

Enoh.

Recommendations

DECORATION: Navy Secretary, Navy Headquarters, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai (right), Commodore Ibrahim Dewu being decorated with his new rank in Abuja, yesterday.

He is being assisted by the Commodore's sister, Atika Dewu. Photo: NAN.

Senate approves MTEF as oil prices, Naira crash further Naira depreciates to N270/$ in parallel market

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor, Babajide Komolafe, Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — THE Senate, yesterday, approved the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP, 2016-18 submitted by the Federal Government, basing the financial estimates on oil revenue at benchmark of $38 per barrel and exchange rate at N197/ $1. MTEF and FSP are the three-year fiscal plan from where the annual budget is extracted.

But the international oil prices and the domestic currency market at the parallel segment have all moved against both benchmarks, yesterday.

While the global oil benchmark, West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude closed, yesterday, at $35.83 per barrel, down by 4.07 per cent and Brent Crude down by 3.25 per cent to $37.20 per barrel, the OPEC

reference where Nigeria’s Bonny Light trades also closed lower at $32.6 per barrel, far below the Federal Government’s 2016 budget benchmark.

Similarly, while the official exchange rate has been retained by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, at N197/ $1, the Naira crashed to N270 per dollar at the parallel market, yesterday.

Market operators blamed the continued crash in Naira value at the parallel market on constrains in the supply of the foreign exchange resources coupled with speculations that official devaluation is becoming inevitable following steady decline in foreign reserves and dollar inflow from crude oil sales.

The speculations appeared further fuelled by CBN’s reduction of quantity of foreign exchange supply to Bureaux de Change, BDCs, yesterday to $10,000, down by over 66 per cent from $30,000 per week.

CAN protests moves to list Nigeria among Arab nations to fight ISIS

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MBRELLA body of Christians in Nigeria, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, last night protested the attempt by the current All Progressives Congress, APC, government to subtly enlist Nigeria among Arab nations to fight ISIS. It was reported on foreign news last night that Saudi Arabia was building a coalition of 34 Muslim/ Arab countries to fight ISIS and Nigeria was named among the 34.

A statement late last night by the General Secretary of CAN, Rev. Musa Asake, said: “This singular gesture of the Buhari government betrays so much, and tends to

confirm our fears that underneath everything this government is doing, there is an agenda with strong Islamic undertones, aimed at undermining Nigeria’s pluralistic character and neutrality regarding government’s affiliation to any one religion.

“While joining hands with other countries to fight ISIS is something good, our country must not be tagged as a Muslim or Arab nation. Christians must make a public statement showing their discontent on this development which portends great danger to national unity and integration.”

At the backdrop of these developments, President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to present the 2016 budget estimates to the National Assembly on Tuesday for further deliberations and final approval of the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

Single salary account for all employees Meanwhile, the Senate also approved, yesterday, that the Federal Government should, in 2016, establish a data base and possibly a single salary account for all its employees to help streamline and reduce its personnel cost.

The Senate also urged the government to sustain the implementation of Treasury Single Account, TSA, in 2016 with e- collection platform.

President Buhari had, Wednesday, December 8, forwarded the MTEF and FSP to the National Assembly with far reaching economic proposals including scraping of oil sector subsidy.

President Buhari wrote the National Assembly yesterday, informing it of his readiness to present the 2016 Appropriation Bill to the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tuesday.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who read Buhari’s letter at plenary, said the President had requested to address the joint session of the federal parliament on the 2016 budget at exactly 10:00 am.

The approval of the MTEF and FSP documents were sequel to a report by the Joint Committee on Finance, Appropriations; and National Planning and Economic Affairs by the Chairman, Senator John Owan

In the approved MTEF report, the Senate also asked the Federal Government to sustain the current tempo towards increasing Federal Government internally generated revenue and diversification of the economy, as well as the projected increase in oil production from current 1.9 million barrels per day, mbpd, to 2.2 mbpd Other recommendations of the joint committee as approved by the Senate were: “that the relevant committees of the National Assembly should closely and constantly maintain oversight over the ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, responsible for implementing special intervention programmes to ensure that the targeted benefits are achieved while safeguarding against abuses.

“The diversification of the economy should be accompanied with economic modernisation such that the economy can be more competitive and productive; arrears of 2015 fuel subsidy for domestic consumption as proposed in the MTEF be sustained;the funding of the infrastructural development stated in the MTEF should be clearly captured in the details of the 2016 Appropriation Bill; “The National Assembly in close collaboration with the executive should as a matter of urgency consider an accelerated passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) particularly those sections with implication on joint venture funding by the federal government (JV Cash Calls).”

In his remarks, Senate President, Bukola Saraki who noted that the contents of the MTEF document had clearly indicated that Nigerians were going to a very challenging times in 2016 because the nation was still practicing a mono economy with a product that we do not control the price, stated: “We must continue to increase our independent revenue, we must make effort to increase our tax revenue and the committees should intensity efforts in their oversight activities.

“We must also work to reduce the level of borrowing and the executive should also comply with the senate recommendations on the MTEF particularly as regards to oil subsidy. The situations in the past where we submit MTEF and we then go to do something completely different I think should not be entertained again.”

Naira depreciates to N270/$ in parallel market Vanguard investigation

revealed that from N260 per dollar at the close of business on Tuesday, the parallel market exchange rate rose sharply to N270 per dollar in Lagos, indicating N10 depreciation.

But in Abuja, the parallel market exchange rate rose from N262 per dollar to close at N273 per dollar, indicating N11 depreciation.

BDC operators, who confirmed this development to Vanguard, said the sharp depreciation was due to further reduction in the weekly dollar sales by the CBN. President, Association of Bureaux de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, told Vanguard that though the CBN increased the number of BDCs it sold dollars to from 1,170 last week to 2,270 this week, it however reduced the amount of dollars sold to each BDC by 60 per cent from $30,000 to $10,000.

According to Mr. Harrison Owoh, Chief Executive Officer, H.J Trust BDC, the decision of the CBN aggravated the demand situation in the market.

He said: “There is huge volume of unsatisfied demand in the market. We had to turn down lots of request for dollars because there is no dollars to sell to them,” he told Vanguard.

An Abuja-based BDC operator, who spoke on condition of anonymity told Vanguard: “The dollar is selling at N273 in Abuja this evening. It was N262 in the morning. We are surprised at the pace of depreciation, because we can’t explain why it just went up by such margin in one day.”

Speculative reaction On this development, Director, Corporate Communications, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ibrahim Mu’azu, said the reduction in dollar sales to BDCs is part of the demand management of the CBN in the foreign exchange market.

He said the depreciation of the naira to N270 per dollar is a speculative reaction to the development.

According to him, “the rate is not sustainable. This is because there are still other windows for end users to buy dollars at lower rate. They can buy dollars at the official rate from the deposit money banks, and from Travelex inside the airport. So by the time people know about these alternatives, the reaction in the parallel market, and the exchange rate will calm down.”

Further investigations reveal that the naira also depreciated heavily against the British pounds. From N365 per pounds at the close of business last week, the parallel market exchange rate rose sharply to N385 per pounds at the close of business yesterday.

In addition to the reduction in dollar sales by CBN, foreign exchange supply from autonomous sources is thinning due to hording.

“People are hording their dollars in anticipation of further depreciation of the naira, while some are demanding higher exchange rate before they sell,” said the Abuja-based BDC operator.

8—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Nigeria’s neighbours threaten her survival —Ogbeh Alleges influx of poisonous rice, weapons to Nigeria

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA — MINISTER of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, yesterday raised the alarm that some of Nigeria neighbouring countries have become serious threat to the survival of the economy of the country.

Ogbeh also warned the country to beware of the rice they eat that were imported through the Seme and Cameroon borders, alleging that such rice that had stayed about 10 years in the country they were imported from were not fit to be eaten by pigs.

This is just as the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Rep Linus Okorie, has expressed worry that Nigeria is today one of the largest importers of food in the world, spending as much as $20 billion annually importing wheat, rice, sugar and fish among other food items.

Speaking during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions led by Rep Linus Okorie, the minister lamented that successive administrations, whether military or civilian, had abandoned the sector and depended on oil.

According to him, “the Nigerian elite, either military or civilian, consistently look down on agriculture to the extent that whoever takes interest is looked upon as a failure, it is the destination for the never do wells, it is the place for the poor peasants, for the nameless villager.

“Shall I say that we should thank God that the oil era is over, it is going to cause us stress, but we are a country that react best, when we are under stress, that is what we are and I am glad we all recognise now that we have to eat.

“We depended on $20 billion a year to import food, now we don’t have it. It is time to feed ourselves.

I am glad that you, the younger generation, are also taking this matter seriously.

Influx of poisonous rice, weapons to Nigeria

“Some of our next door neighbours have become a major threat for our survival as a country, smuggling across Seme border while the Cameroon border is something that we are going to look into very seriously.

“We cannot destroy ourselves in an attempt to be charitable to others. Too much rice, fish, polluted chicken are coming across the borders and trucks with weapons are coming in too and it seems as if we can do nothing

about it.

“Some of the rice coming in today is 10 years old, and it is not fit for pigs to eat. Per boiled rice is not consumed in the Republic of Benin, they eat white rice. Every grain of per boiled rice coming from that border is heading to this country which is about 10 years old.”

Speaking at the interactive session, chairman of the committee, Okorie said despite

efforts by previous administration at redeeming Nigeria economy through agriculture, it was worrisome that the nation still spends a capital flight of over N1.3 trillion annually against its inherent potentials.

He said: “I want to point out the precarious and unsustainable state of our current food policy that is anchored on an annual food

import of more than N1.3 trillion and the incontrovertible potentials of Nigeria’s agriculture.”

Okorie added that such policies that had defied all known approach to robust agriculture since the 80s despite the nation’s critical population was as a result of a wholesome neglect of research, education and extension system which was a key driver of the sector while regretting that they were being strangulated through policy instability, poor funding, lack of political will as well as obsolete legal framework.

ANNIVERSARY: From left, President Muhammadu Buhari; Chairman, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS Authority, President Macky Sall of Senegal and President of the ECOWAS Commission, Amb. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo during the opening of the 48th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to mark the 40th anniversary celebration, in Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Reps to NERC: Suspend increase in tariff now

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA — THE House of Representatives, yesterday, ordered Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to suspend any planned increase in electricity tariff until its inquiry into activities of operators in the sector is concluded.

The Ad-hoc committee investigating the activities of Electricity Distribution Companies, DISCOs, charged with the responsibility relating to infrastructure and billing of energy operators in a letter dated December 15 and addressed to NERC reminded the commission of previous communications in which it was agreed that further actions be suspended regarding review of electricity tariff in Nigeria.

The letter which was signed by its chairman, Rep Babajimi Benson referred NERC to all previous correspondences in respect of the above subject

matter.

The letter read in part: “ In paragraph 3 (three) of our letter dated October 29, 2015 under the same subject heading, we requested you to suspend the implementation of any increase in electricity tariff until the committee concludes its investigations.

“Further recall that at the joint investigative hearing with the Committee on Power, it was agreed that any tariff increase should be suspended until all stakeholders are carried along.

“Our attention has been drawn to various news items published in many newspapers of yesterday (Tuesday) December 13, 2015 to the effect that your commission has concluded plans to announce the new electricity tariff to Nigerians this week.

“It is our opinion that any plan by your commission to announce new electricity tariff will run contrary to the spirit of the letter under reference and undermines the outcome of the investigative hearing by this

committee as it relates to infrastructure and billing by Electricity Distribution Companies.

“Consequently, we hereby once again, demand that you suspend the announcement and/or implementation of any increase in electricity tariff until above stated issues are concluded.”

The committee further recalled that at the investigative hearing, it made an order that the commission forward the list of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) indebted to the DISCOs. It, therefore, urged NERC to also forward the list of DISCOs to it to enable it conclude its assignment.

Vanguard recalls that NERC chairman, Sam Amadi, at the investigative hearing alluded to the fact that distribution companies engage in overbilling and charging of flat rates due to the absence of effective metering system which he said would be addressed in the nearest future.

FG summons foreign envoys, outlines foreign policy direction

By Victoria Ojeme

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BUJA — AS part of the effort to acquaint members of the diplomatic community with the direction of its foreign policy, the Federal Government, yesterday, summoned foreign ambassadors serving in Nigeria for a meeting.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who addressed over 50 envoys present at the maiden meeting, said the country’s foreign policy would seek to pursue the three pillars that constitute the domestic priority programmes of the present administration.

According to Onyeama, these key programmes, which include combating insecurity, the fight against corruption and rejuvenating the declining economy, constitute the major operational challenges of our foreign policy.

The minister, who called for international support towards achieving the President Muhammadu Buhari change agenda, said an effective and dynamic foreign policy requires a solid and functional domestic base.

He said: “Accordingly, the overall goal of our diplomatic exertions, to be pursued in the context of the three pillars of the present administration, is to facilitate the emergence of a secure, stable, viable, resilient and prosperous Nigerian state.

"On combating insecurity, our foreign policy exertions will seek to consolidate and strengthen cooperation and partnerships at the regional, continental and global levels.

“In the fight against corruption, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will synergise with other relevant ministries and agencies with a view to supporting their activities. In this regard, we will place our diplomatic resources and reach at their disposal in monitoring, tracing and facilitating the recovery of stolen funds and assets stashed abroad.”

Onyeama, who noted the magnitude of illegal activities in Nigeria’s oil sector, called for the support of their governments and organisations in persuading multinational oil companies, international financial institutions and international shipping lines to cooperate fully with the efforts of the Nigerian government in cleaning up the sector.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—9

Man, 54, arraigned for defiling 3-year-old girl

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—A 54-year-old man, Kehinde Layode, was yesterday, brought before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for allegedly defiling a 3-year-old girl (name withheld).

The defendant, who lives at

Plot 3 John-Kay Crescent, Igando area of Lagos, is facing a count charge of defilement of a child, brought against him by the state government.

“Layode (m) on January 12, 2013 at No. 3/5 John-Kay Crescent, Igando, Lagos in the Ikeja Judicial Division

defiled one (name withheld),” the charge stated.

At resumed hearing before Justice Atinuke Ipaye, the prosecutor, Mr Afeez Owokoniran, Principal State Counsel, told the court that he was ready for trial, after the defence maintained that they

were not served with a medical report which was to be used as an exhibit.

After listening to parties, the judge ruled that the prosecution should go and do the needful, and adjourned to January 13, 2016.

Ghanaian, 12 Nigerians docked over alleged possession of dangerous weapons

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By Onozure Dania

AGOS—A Ghananian and 12 Nigerians, who are alleged to be members of an unlawful confraternity, were, yesterday, arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate's Court, Lagos, over alleged possession of dangerous weapons and charms.

The defendants, are Gabriel Owolo, 24, Obasesan Bassey, 28, Confidence Onyegbulam, 24, Akin John, 22, Simon Sunday, 19, Bitrus Markus, 22, Obakunle Afeez, 26; Femi Emmanuel, 28, Abubakar

Abdulahi, 35, Akeem Olusegun, 51, Adedakun Samuel, 21, Nana Antwi, 38, and Paul Ekeh, 24.

The defendants whose addresses were not given are facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, belonging to unlawful society, possession of dangerous weapons and carrying out unlawful business.

The prosecutor, Inspector Feddy Asu, told the court that the defendant’s committed the alleged offences on December 14, 2015, at White Sand area of Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said that the defendants allegedly assisted in the management of an unlawful secret society known as “Eye and Aye.” The prosecutor, also informed the court that the defendants were allegedly found smoking substance suspected to be Indian hemp, thereby polluting the atmosphere for the people living in that area.

He said that the substance the defendants were allegedly smoking was harmful to the health of the people living there.

Asu further alleged that the defendants were also unlawfully in possession of weapons namely: knives, cutlass, and a charm without any lawful excuse, adding that the said instruments were suspected to be used to commit an offence.

When the charge was read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Mr P. Adekumaiya granted them bail in the sum of N50, 000 each with one suriest each in like sum.

Man gets 3 strokes for stealing 7 tubers of yam

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BUJA—A Gudu Upper Area Court in Abuja, yesterday, sentenced one Yusuf Salisu to three strokes of the cane for stealing seven tubers of yam.

The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, who handed down the sentence, warned the convict to desist from further involving himself in criminal activities following his guilty plea.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr A.O Urom, told the court that one Harisu Galadima reported the matter at Garki Police Station on December 14.

Urom alleged that the convict went to the complainant’s house and stole seven tubers of yam.

“The tubers of yam were valued at N3,500. During police investigations, six tubers of yam were recovered from him. He also admitted to the crime,” Urom told the court.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 , 2015

Stanbic appeals judgment in FRC suit

By Innocent Anaba

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AGOS—STANBIC IBTC Holdings Plc, has appealed the judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, dismissing its suit against the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, FRC and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP. Trial judge at the lower court, Mr Justice Buba, in his judgment, held that the questions raised by Stanbic IBTC regarding FRC were hypothetical and academic and he did not deal with them.

The court held that section 7 of the NOTAP Act 1979 expresses important national public policy of Nigeria, namely to avoid the dumping of obsolete and inappropriate technology in Nigeria and to raise revenue for the Federal Government of Nigeria.

According to the court, an agreement that seeks to circumvent the registration requirement under the NOTAP Act would not be enforced by the courts.

Stanbic IBTC in the appeal before the Court of Appeal, is contending that the lower court did not addressed the position where an agreement was submitted for registration and NOTAP fails or refuses to register or where an agreement is for a period of years and NOTAP gives approval to make payment in relation to some (but not all) of the years.

Meanwhile, the bank said that given that none of Stanbic IBTC’s agreements that are pending with NOTAP seeks to circumvent NOTAP Act, it was awaiting the full judgment to enable it to understand the decision regarding the meaning and application of section 7 of the NOTAP Act 1979 and the implications of the decision.

The bank insisted that as a law abiding corporation, it will continue to respect the rule of law and comply with extant Nigerian law.

C M Y K

‘How we killed 9 policemen at Ikorodu creek'

By Ifeanyi Okolie

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“I was against their brutal style of operation and Ossy became angry with me and wanted me dead. Our problem started in May 2014, when they abducted nine policemen that attempted to stop our operation at the Arepo Creek. ‘’As a senior member of the group, I told Ossy not to kill the policemen, but he ordered that they be killed because they were seriously disturbing his activities. ‘’I moved to Ogijo with one of my brothers, Austin Ajama and we teamed up with one Fish, Henry, Aloma, Lastborn, Tabalet and some others. These guys were

INE persons, including an amputee have been arrested by operatives of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force on Pipeline Vandalism, for vandalizing and siphoning petroleum products from a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria National Petroleum Commission, NNPC, in Ogijo area of Ogun State.

The suspects, including two exmilitants from Ondo State, an owner of a popular petrol station and one of his staff and five receivers of stolen petrol products, were arrested at separate locations in Ogijo, Shagamu and IjebuOde areas. Sources told Vanguard that the militants were working with a notorious gang of vandals

By Akpokona Omafuaire operating in Ikorodu, Lagos, but ARRI – THE Okerenko relocated to Ogijo, Ogun State, ko Federated Communiwhen they fell out with the commander of the camp, one Ossy, ties of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South West Local Governin Ishawo, Ikorodu. ment Area of Delta State has They reportedly formed their denied media reports credited own gang and the owner of the to it in the national and online popular filling station, located at media as calling on the EcoOgijo, was their major client. nomic and Financial Crimes When Vanguard interviewed Commission, EFCC, to investione of the militants, Timi gate Chief Government EkpeTamarawemeyedo, also known as mupolo, a.k.a Tompolo over City, he told Vanguard that he left sale of community land.

In a statement by Chief James Ikorodu for Ogijo because Ossy, Ta n g b o w e i , the ‘commander’ in charge of Iko- C h a i r m a n , rodu wanted to kill him. the communi-

natives of the area and they also had arms. They also brought one Wasiu, who is an engineer who used to bore the hole on the pipeline and also constructed valve which we used in connecting the hose. ‘’Our operation was going smoothly, until recently when another group went behind us to siphon fuel from the same line where we had worked and they had an issue with some policemen on patrol and they shot at the officers.

That was what got the policemen angry and they

lunched a man hunt fort us. ‘’On the day I was arrested, I was at our usual rendezvous with my brother Ajama and my driver, Oluwole Akingbeno, waiting for Fish and his men, when the police rounded us up. It was one of the buyers, Abdulraman Yusuf, who led the policemen to where I was.” City, also disclosed that he bought two SUVs and built houses in Ondo and Lagos states.

Also, the owner of the popular fuel station in Ogijo, one Niyi Fadassi, told Vanguard that he bought few jerry cans of fuel from the vandals.

Okerenkoko community disowns media reports calling for EFCC probe of Tompolo

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ARMS PROBE: Buhari can’t be blackmailed — BAMIDELE

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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DO EKITI—MR Opeyemi Bamidele has said that attempt to blackmail President Muhammadu Buhari as one of the beneficiaries of the arms-gate scandal won’t stall the prosecution of those involved in the arms bazaar.

Bamidele insisted that President Buhari cannot be blackmailed, and would ever remain undaunted in the fight against corruption.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti yesterday, Bamidele said the two Jeeps donated to President Buhari after Boko Haram attacked his motorcade in Kaduna by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan should not be used to rubbish the fight against corruption and the prosecution of those that allegedly looted the nation.

Bamidele, who lampooned the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for being averse to sanity, said their attempt to stop the trial of those fingered in the multi-billion naira arms deal, had further exposed the PDP as a party that is inherently corrupt.

He said he expected the culprits and the PDP to have rather exhibited soberness considering the N333 billion arms deal and cover their heads in shame than to be raising mud against a President that was committed to sanitise the system and restore Nigeria to the path of glory.

ty insisted that they neither spoke nor mandated anyone to speak for them.

He said, “Our attention has been drawn to various newspapers reports, with caption, ‘N13b Varsity land: Okerenkoko leaders back EFCC to probe Tompolo’ with a rider, ‘We got only N360 for the land’ which was credited to Michael Johnny.

“We make bold to say that the author had no backing of leadership of the community, neither was he mandated

to speak for the community.

He can speak for himself as an individual but not for the community.

“Again, it is very unfortunate that the author does not know the crux of Tompolo’s invitation by EFCC as it has nothing to do with the community land acquisition for the permanent site of the university.

The acquisition of the permanent site was concluded amicably and even the author got his fare share from the sale.

Vanguard, THUSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 — 11

EKITIGATE: You can’t escape justice, APC tells Fayose

FG'll transcend party differences to develop rail transport in Nigeria

As SIEC restricts Fayose, govt officials movement during LG polls

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

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HE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has accused Governor Ayodele Fayose of blackmail, saying his fraudulent and pre-emptive tactics will not stop justice from taking its course in the resolution of the biggest electoral fraud in the history of Nigeria.

The party was responding to the governor’s allegations in his press conference in Lagos, purporting that APC was planning to illegally use the Supreme Court to upturn his mandate in favour of the party.

Publicity Secretary of APC, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that Fayose’s alleged fraudulent attempt to draw the support of the international community to the poll fraud was an impish attempt to legitimise fraud, stressing that the same international community had since realized that world leaders were also victims of Fayose and PDP’s fraud by misleading them in Fayose’s electoral victory in Ekiti State.

“Even though the international community declared that Ekiti poll that produced Fayose was fair, the same world leaders have since changed their position after listening to Ekiti poll fraud tape as secretly recorded by Captain Sagir Koli detailing how Fayose and PDP leaders rigged the election, including Fayose himself talking in the tape how he collected INEC soft copies and got them printed to win the election,” Olatunbosun explained.

He added that the governor was running away from his shadow after failed bids to beg President Muhammadu Buhari, who he abuses daily.

“Why did Fayose try to pressurize members of the Military Panel to rescue him? After his emissaries returned empty-handed in their failed bids to achieve their aims, Fayose has now resorted to blackmail, accusing the President of trying to destroy democracy and we wonder who among him and the President is the enemy of democracy,’’ Olatunbosun asked.

The party said no amount of crocodile tears shed from one television house to the other and blackmail of the ruling party would make him escape justice in the resolution of Ekiti State election fraud.

SIEC restricts Fayose, govt officials’ movt during LG polls Meantime, as the people in Ekiti State file out for the local government elections on Saturday, December 19, the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, has restricted the movements of Governor Fayose, government officials and the entire Ekiti C M Y K

populace between the hours of 8am and 4pm.

Addressing newsmen in Ado Ekiti yesterday, the Commission Chairman, Justice Kayode Bamisile, also barred women in purdah from participating in the voting.

He said barring those in purdah from voting became imperative because the body won’t deploy card readers for the elections and the only means

of identification would be through the Permanent Voter Cards and facial outlook.

He revealed that a total of 7,000 ad hoc staff, comprising of youth corps members and unemployed graduates would be deployed as presiding officers in all the 2,195 polling units where the elections would take place.

Bamisile said the five political parties, including Peoples

Democratic Party, KOWA, African People Alliance, United Peoples Party and Peoples Party of Nigeria, would be participating in the polls out of the 24 political parties in the state.

The APC, had earlier boycotted the elections on account of the suit it filed against the composition of SIEC, which Justice Dele Omotoso of the State High Court had struck out on Monday for lack of merit.

HAND-OVER: Lagos State Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Mr. Wale Oluwo (3rd right), cutting the tape to commission and hand over the G b e r i g b e Community Hall, Ikorodu, with installation of 33KVA Transformer by the Lagos State Government.

With him (from left) are Perm Sec, Min of Local Govt & Community Affairs, Mr. Sanuth Jafaru Babatunde; and others.

ROAD PROJECTS: Osun landlords protest non-payment of compensation M.D.S, Fakunle and Ajegunle

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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S O G B O — LANDLORDS whose buildings in Osogbo, Osun state capital were demolished by the state government in its road reconstruction projects in 2012 yesterday protested to the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. TitiLaoye Tomori over the nonpayment of their compensation.

The irate landlords stormed Laro-Timehin Middle School, Isale Osun, Osogbo where the deputy governor was attending to an event displaying placards with various inscriptions calling on Governor Rauf Aregbesola to pay them the compensation without further delay.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mrs. Funke Afolabi said their buildings were demolished in 2012 and that the governor had in June, 2012 invited the affected landlords and ladies to the State House at Oke-Fia where he promised to pay them after the governorship election in the state.

Afolabi said “when Governor Aregbesola invited us to the government house, he said there was no money to pay us but promised to pay us after the election in 2014. We are angry because he has not kept his promise now that government has the money to pay.”

The affected buildings according to Afolabi were located at Ayetoro, Igbona, Old-garage,

areas of Osogbo stressing that the compensation is running to about N2 billion.

The protesters therefore expressed displeasure over the governor’s decision to pay claimants whose houses are yet to be demolished while denying them, whose houses had been demolished since 2012 their compensation.

Wielding placards bearing inscriptions like: “Ogbeni, please pay us our compensation”, “We want justice, so, Ogbeni, be just and fair,” the protesters almost distrupted the payment of compensation to other claimants affected by the new reconstruction at Orita Olaiya/ Asubiaro/Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan road in Osogbo.

Mimiko reshuffles cabinet, drops 3 commissioners

By Dayo Johnson

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KURE—GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State yesterday announced a cabinet shake-up, charging his commissioners to abide by the principle of transparency and accountability

in the discharge of their duties.

The fate of three of the commissioners remained hanging as the governor announced a replacement for their positions, an indication that they might have been dropped.

Their replacements hail from the same constituencies as the

three dropped commissioners: (Owo, Okitipupa and Ese-Odo) council areas of the state.

They include that of the Women Affairs, Mrs Oluyemi Mahmud, Mrs Adenike Ademujimi, Commerce and Industry and Bekeknmi Idihiarhi, Youths and Sports.

By Jimitota Onyume

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ORT HARCOURT: Federal Government has promised to transcend party differences in developing the railway sector.

Minister of Transport, Mr Chibuike Amaechi, who gave the assurance, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while flagging off the weekly Railway Mass Transit service between Port Harcourt and Aba, Abia State said, the political party in power in any state will not determine how the government go about its railway programme round the country.

“There will be no PDP or APC in the development of our railway system. The Federal Government is prepared to work with any governor no matter the party the governor belongs to. As we say: the naira has no colour.

“This flag-off of the Port Harcourt to Aba railway system is a landmark event which marks another milestone by the Nigerian Railway Corporation in the development of railway system in Nigeria.

“The Federal Government is determined to provide safe, cheap an affordable means of mass transportation in the country. The Nigerian Railway Corporation has completed the rehabilitation of Eastern rail line from the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri and the line is ready for commissioning and operation.”

In their separate speeches, governors of Rivers and Abia states lauded the initiative, saying it will ease transportation.

Amosun congratulates Buhari on his 73rd birthday

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OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 73rd birthday.

Governor Amosun joined family, friends, political associates and Nigerians in celebrating the President, who he described as; “A true patriot and father of the nation.”

The Ogun State governor said the President’s commitment to the Nigerian nation and his exemplary style of leadership is not only worthy of emulation by all but equally deeply inspiring for the coming generation.

“Through your dogged commitment to the ideals of democracy, good governance, accountability, probity and love for humanity, you have rekindled the hope of Nigerians and restored the glory of our nation in the international community,” Amosun said.

He wished the President more years of good health, success and fulfilment in the service of the nation.

12—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Rivers gov poll: A-Court upholds Wike’s sack Gives INEC nod to conduct fresh guber poll

As case shifts to Supreme Court

By Jimitota Onoyume, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Levinus Nwabughiogu & Dapo Akinrefon

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BUJA—THE Court of Appeal, sitting in Abuja, yesterday, upheld the nullification of the April 11 governorship election that brought Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State to power.

A five-man panel of Justices of the appellate court, in a unanimous judgment yesterday, dismissed three separate appeals that sought to set aside the verdict of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal that earlier sacked Wike from office.

The three appeals were lodged before the appellate court by Wike, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The appeals were all dismissed as lacking in merit, even as the appellate court directed INEC to go ahead and conduct fresh governorship election in the state.

In the lead judgment delivered

by Justice M. B. DongbanMensem, the appellate court held that Wike failed to prove that the election that produced him was conducted in substantial compliance to relevant sections of both the Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

The court said it was satisfied that the petitioners at the lower tribunal, All Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, successfully established, through their witnesses and exhibits, that the election was fraught with manifest irregularities.

The court said there was sufficient evidence that INEC made use of the Card Reader Machines for authentication of voters for the election mandatory.

However, it noted that officials of the Commission in Rivers State “blatantly and brazenly” refused to employ the Card Reader Machines, an innovation the court said was meant to bring sanity and sanctity to the electoral process.

The appellate court said it would be tantamount to setting a bad precedent for INEC officials to be allowed to overlook directives and guidelines aimed at ensuring that elections were free, fair and credibly conducted.

It said: “It portends great danger for our democracy and electoral process for INEC officials to have the effrontery and temerity to thwart laid down directives and go ahead to conduct elections according to their own whims and caprices, not withstanding the approved guidelines.”

The court said the admission of two senior electoral officers that testified before the tribunal that the election was not conducted in compliance to the Electoral Act

FLAG-OFF: From left: Chairman, Senate Committee on Land Transport, Sen. Olugbenga Ashafa; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuwade and Minister of Transport, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, at the flag-off of Aba-Port Harcourt Mass Transit Train Service in Port Harcourt. and Approved Guidelines, amounted to an indictment on INEC. The appellate court waved aside Wike’s contention that he was not granted fair-hearing by the Justice Suleiman Ambrosaled tribunal.

It described as “misconceived”, Wike’s argument that upon removal of the initial Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Muazu Pindiga, fresh pre-hearing session ought to have been held on the petition filed by APC and its candidate.

The court said Wike’s insistence that APC failed, to in line with section 85(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010, give 21 days notice to INEC before it held the primary election that produced Dakuku, amounted to “a sympathizer crying more than the bereaved”.

It stressed that there was no time INEC complained that the notice APC gave to it was too short.

Justice Dongban-Mensem said the tribunal was right to have held that Dakuku was qualified to contest the April 11 governorship election in the state.

She further placed reliance on section 137(1) (a) and (b) of the Electoral Act to maintain that both APC and Dakuku had the requisite locus standi to challenge Wike’s election at the tribunal.

The Appeal Court maintained that the tribunal was right in according probative value to documentary and oral evidence that showed that the Rivers State governorship election was characterised by over-voting.

It said the fact that the number

of voters that participated at the election far exceeded the num ber of those that were captured in the accreditation process, rendered the outcome of the election void.

The court dismissed Wike’s contention that the tribunal wrongly admitted into evidence, the Card Reader Report the petitioners tendered through a senior official from the ICT department of INEC, as well as argument that the Card Reader is not known to either the constitution or the Electoral Act. It was the view of the appellate court that under section 160 of the Constitution, INEC has the powers to independently introduce guidelines and regulations it considers necessary for a free, fair and credible election.

The court held that even the President has no power to interfere with the decision of the electoral body.

“INEC can even without the guidelines, make use of the Card Reader Machines in the accreditation process. The innovation and introduction of the Card Reader has been firmly instituted by the Electoral Act. “Harmonious reading of the Electoral Act clearly shows that INEC's manual for the election was legally and properly made for the purpose of giving effect to the Act, to uphold the tenets of one-man-one-vote, as well as to enhance the credibility of the electoral process.

“Where evidence has been properly evaluated by the lower tribunal, unless the appellant shows that the tribunal made wrong conclusions, the appeal court does not find pleasure in

interfering with the decision of the lower tribunal”.

The appellate court said it was convinced that the tribunal properly weighed all the facts of the case before it nullified Wike’s election.

Consequently, the court, yesterday, resolved all the seven grounds of appeal against Wike.

“Having determined that the 2nd respondent was not validly elected, I hereby affirm and uphold the decision of the lower tribunal that nullified his return as the winner of the April 11 governorship election in Rivers State.

“I hereby affirm the order for INEC to conduct a fresh election. I make no order as to cost,” Justice Dongban-Mensem ruled.

Meantime, Wike, yesterday, vowed to take the matter before

the Supreme Court.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Mr. Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike, said he completely disagreed with the judgment, saying he will exhaust his constitutional right by appealing it at the Supreme Court.

“Wike called on all his supporters and the people of Rivers State to remain calm as Justice will be done at the end of day.

“He assured the people of the state that he will use all constitutional processes to protect the mandate they freely bestowed on him, hence his decision to approach the Supreme Court for further adjudication," he said.

Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State has expressed displeasure with the ruling of the Appeal Court yesterday which nullified the election of Governor Nyesom Wike.

Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah described the judgement as the product of an alleged gang up of the Federal Government and APC against Wike.

Wike ‘ll lose at S’Court— Sagay

Commenting on the Court of Appeal verdict ousting Governor Nyesom Wike, head of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay, welcomed the judgement.

Sagay said: “Everybody knew that Wike was not elected. Wike got into power through a brutal manner and I have never seen such brutal approach to power except through a coup. What Wike did was a bloody civilian coup, what he did was a big embarrassment to this country and if he had gotten away with it, I tell you that would have been the end to any type of free and fair elections in the South South."

Vanguard,THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—13

APC gradually winding up in Bayelsa —Dickson

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio

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E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State says the defection of over 2,000 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state marks the gradual winding up of the APC in Bayelsa State.

But the APC governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, through the Director of Media and

Publicity of Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, advised its members in the state to be wary of the antics of the PDP to lure them to its fold.

Dickson, who alongside chieftains of the PDP received the decampees in Yenagoa, said the action of more defectors from the APC to the PDP was an indication of the fact that the machinations of the APC have been exposed as displayed in the governorship election in the state.

The returnees, according to the governor, were deceived by the leadership of the APC, noting that, now that they have known the truth, they have retraced their steps to the PDP. Assuring the returnees of the readiness of the leadership of the PDP to give them a sense of belonging, Dickson said the umbrella was big enough to accommodate them.

On the violence that marred

Tompolo may shun today’s invitation by EFCC

By Emma Amaize, Regional Editor, SouthSouth

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ARRI—FORMER Niger Delta militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, will not appear before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, which penultimate Wednesday ordered him to report to the commission today (Thursday) or be declared wanted, Vanguard has learned.

EFCC is investigating Tompolo over alleged fraudulent sale of land to government at N13 billion and first invited him to appear at its Lagos office, November 25, but he responded through his solicitors, saying he was already in court with the agency.

Sources close to him told Vanguard, yesterday, “He will not appear, we do not trust the EFCC to be fair to him. In the first instance, he had no land deal with government, it was his buildings for the International Diving School, Kurutie, that government purchased for the Federal Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, but they are twisting the story.”

The EFCC was unambiguous in its December 9 letter by Head of Operations, Iliasu Kwabai, requesting Tompolo to report at its office on December 17, failing which he will be declared wanted.

One of Tompolo’s men, who did not want his name in print, said: “Let me reiterate that our stand is that he (Tompolo) will not go to EFCC. He had made the point clear through his lawyer. He is in court with EFCC and will not appear before a commission that does not have respect for the law.

“We maintain that EFCC is partial. It has flagrantly disobeyed court rulings without any reason and we do not have faith in the commission. We all saw how it condescendingly treated the former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and flouted court orders in respect of the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki,” he said.

Mixed reactions

The probability of EFCC declaring Tompolo wanted and launching a manhunt for him if he fails to honour the invitation is generating diverse reactions in the state.

The Joint Task Force in the Niger Delta in June 2009 declared Tompolo wanted over the disappearance of 16 service personnel of the Nigerian armed forces and mounted a search for him without finding him. The ex-militant leader surfaced at Abuja in October 2009 to accept presidential amnesty from the Federal Government under the regime of former President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Some Ijaw natives in Delta State and other parts of the Niger Delta see him as a liberator, but others see him as an oppressor.

There are speculations that he had gone into hiding, but sources close to him denied it, saying, “It is not true.”

No tension over his invitation, says Ayiri However, Niger Delta activist and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain in Delta State,

Chief Ayiri Emami, who spoke to Vanguard on phone, dismissed purported tension in the region over the matter and advised Tompolo to honourably report to the EFCC. He said, “My advice to him is to appear before EFCC, instead of creating unnecessary embarrassment for himself. He needs to go there and clear himself and not sit at home mouthing some things because nobody is above the law.”

A group, Ijaw People Development Initiative, IPDI, Warri, led by Mr. A u s t i n O z o b o , h o w e v e r, disagreed with Ayiri, saying, “We condemn the invitation.

The Federal Government was not forced into acquisition of the assets by Tompolo, as it p a s s e d through the Federal Executive Council, FEC, which approved the purchase.

EFCC is painting a wrong picture of the government that handled the land deal."

the conduct of the re-scheduled governorship election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, he said the APC should be held responsible, noting that instead of preparing people for the election, the APC was preparing the innocent youths for violence.

“This ceremony of receiving APC defectors is most significant, because it signals the winding up of APC in Bayelsa State, which is known as operation winding up APC in Bayelsa. I listened to your reasons for being deceived into the APC fold, so you all shall be carried along in the new government and as your fathers, we believe you have not done anything wrong.”

Similarly, Dickson said that as the governor of the state, he was prepared to receive everyone, and all political parties, including defectors from the APC and Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM unconditionally.

He commended youths from Ekowe and Amassoma as well as women for their gallantry in resisting the soldiers who collaborated with militants in

carting away ballot boxes at gun point on the election day and even daring to wait and vote by midnight amidst threats, winning their units.

Don’t fall for PDP's antics, Bayelsa APC warns members

Meanwhile, the Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, SICO, has advised its members in the state, to be wary of the antics of the PDP, to lure them to their fold.

Director of Media and Publicity of SICO, Chief Nathan Egba, in a statement in Yenagoa, said, that the advice became necessary in view of the “devious plans” of the PDP to entice members of the APC in the state.”

According to him, “Among such plans is the recent act of inviting unsuspecting APC members through their relations and friends to PDP gatherings.

“Such people are then immediately paraded before television cameras and other means of mass media, as new APC decampees, with a view to making the general public believe that Governor Dickson is gaining popularity, whereas, the reverse is the case."

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 , 2015

ARMY/SHIITE CLASH: Sultan lauds FG on fact-finding mission •Wants govt to set up enquiry board; Reps to meet service chiefs

By Luka Binniyat, Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

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ADUNA—THE Sultan of Sokoto, Mohammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, President of the Jam’atu Nasril Islam, JNI, has commended the Federal Government for sending a fact-finding mission to Zaria, led by the Minister of the Interior, Lt Gen. Abdurahman Danbazzau

over clash between the Nigeria Army and Shiite Islamic sect, which left several members of the sect killed.

The Sultan, however wants the Federal Governnment to set up a board of inquiry into the bloody fracas, even as the sect accused the army of evacuating the corpses of

its members deposited at the morgue of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and buried them in unknown mass graves.

The House of Representatives on its part has directed its relevant committees in charge of defence and security to meet with the top echelon of security agencies in the country to find out the cause of the clash between the army and the Shiite Islamic

Don’t interfere with Benue South race, Tiv advised

D

EPUTY leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) elders forum in Benue State, Chief Abu Shuluwa has called on Tiv politicians not to interfere with the forthcoming rerun election between former senate president, Senator David Mark and All Progressive Congress candidate, APC candidate, Mr Daniel Onjeh.

Shuluwa, who spoke with newsmen noted that the

people of Benue South senatorial district have the exclusive right to decide on who represent them and wondered why Tiv politicians now scramble to interfere with the affair of Idoma people.

According to him, ‘PDP will win Benue South not minding that people are jittery about David Mark, particularly, my people of Tiv extraction who have no vote in the zone. My

advice to them (the Tiv politicians) is that they should leave the zone to decide who represents them at the senate.’

The Tiv-born politician also enjoined the Idoma people not mortgage their future to ‘a puppet who will be errand boy to another at the red chamber ’, adding, ‘Senate is a place for matured, strong hearted, vibrant and experienced persons.’

Movement of Nigeria.

JNI, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr Khalid Abubakar Aliyu in Kaduna yesterday on behalf of the Sultan described the clash as unfortunate, arguing that “ restraint should always be exercised in the course of discharging one’s civil, official and /or religious duties.''

According to the statement, “Security agencies must operate within the internationally established convention of rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties.

Excessive force should be avoided and lives be preserved and protected.

“Similarly, members of the public should always recognize and operate within the ambit of law and order as provided by the laws of the land as well as our religious texts.

Furthermore, JNI commends the Federal Government for instituting a fact finding delegation,

under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, for an on the spot assessment, it also implores the Government to institute an enquiry into the Zaria upheaval, to unravel its remote and immediate causes, so as to forestall future occurrence.

The Shiite movement, in its own statement signed by its spokesman, Ibrahim Musa rejected the investigative panel set up by the Minister of Interior and headed by an Area Commander of the police in Zaria, arguing that “the AC being of a junior rank compared to the perpetrators of the attack on our members might not do justice to the issue, as it involves high ranking officers of the rank of a Lt. Gen. “We hereby demand that a high-powered investigative panel headed by a high ranking officer should be constituted, whose members should include members of some human rights organisations

and other highly respected elders of the country”.

Reps to meet Service Chiefs

Also, the House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to find out the cause of the clash with a view to finding lasting solutions.

Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Abdulrasak Namdas, told newsmen in Abuja yesterday, that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara had told the committees to do a thorough job considering the sensitive nature of the matter and the security situation.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—15

FAD, Anambra govt empower 30 farmers

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE International Fund for Agricultural Development, IFAD, and the Anambra State government have empowered 30 farmers in the state with modern knap sack sprayers and kits on safe and effective methods of agro chemical application in the farms.

The beneficiaries, drawn from the five pilot local government areas of Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Awka North and Orumba North, had earlier undergone a training programme on the use of the equipment at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Anambra State programme coordinator of the Value Chain Development Programme, Mr. Emma Agwuncha said yesterday, that the training became necessary following the discovery that most of the farmers using the spray machines, did so wrongly

Int'l enquiries must be carried out into Army killings at Zaria, Onitsha —Rights group

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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NITSHA—A human rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety, has called for international enquiries to be carried out into the Zaria Army massacre and the Onitsha military killings.

The society said the essence of this exercise to be conducted by the United Nations is to ascertain the truth behind the dastardly acts and secure strong evidence in the two heinous

killings and fish out those directly and indirectly involved.

In a press statement entitled: 'Zaria & Onitsha Killings: A Call For International Investigation Of Army & Police Chiefs In Nigeria,' issued yesterday, in Onitsha, Anambra state, the society said the grand aim is to charge those found individually and vicariously involved including Chief of Amy Staff, COAS, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and InspectorGeneral of Police, IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase, before the International Criminal Court, ICC or United Nations, UN Special Criminal Tribunal for

crimes against humanity.

The group contended that such enquiries would as well send a strong message to the Nigerian authorities including President Muhammadu Buhari, IGP Solomon Arase and the COAS, Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai that the era of impunity for mass murder, carnage, pogrom, rape, ethnoreligious cleansing, torture and murder, among others; culminating in committing of crimes against humanity; as well as brazen abuse of office; is no longer condoned in any part of the world including Nigeria.

According to the group in the statement signed by its chairman

Okorocha orders payment of 10 months salaries of health workers

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, has directed that the 10 months arrears of salaries owed all health workers in the state should be cleared immediately.

Although the government press statement signed by the Governor’s media aide, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, explained that “government delayed the

payment of the health workers’ salaries to enable it resolve the issues of certain questionable allowances and gross case of unseriousness on the part of the health workers”, Vanguard however gathered that “the health workers preferred to forego the salary since it was unreasonably and inexplicably slashed by government”.

Apart from the health workers, Governor Okorocha also directed

that all the workers should be paid their salaries up to 10 months.

His words: “The truth is that there was never a time the state government intended to owe the health workers in the state.

"The only thing was that the government was not satisfied with health workers' conduct and their poor service delivery to the people, despite the huge amount spent on the payment of their salaries and allowances."

of Board of Directors, BoT, Emeka Umeagbalasi, “All draconian and obnoxious enactments and caselaws are now on rampage and used to run riot on Nigerian citizens. From the judicially castrated public order Act to Holden Charge; from long detention without trial to trumped-up charges; and from Decrees 2 and 4 to pretrial perpetual detention, per Terror Act of 2011; the list is numerous to mention."

Intersociety further declared: “We have severally kicked against and still kick against killing of unarmed citizens or groups in Nigeria or any part thereof, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, age or class affiliations.

Any person or group of persons whether in military or police that perpetrate or perpetuate such killings must be fished out no matter how short or long it takes and brought to justice.

"In the Republic of Chad, for instance, former President Hissene Habre had since 2014 been taken into judicial custody for atrocities he committed during his tenure. The duo of Lt. Gen. Tukur, and IGP Arase have earned pariah status locally and internationally and such pariah status is not statute barred."

16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015— —17

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OVEMBER 15th, marked the ninth anniversary of the passing of Rear Admiral Muhammed Alabi Lawal, naval officer, former Ogun state military administrator and first democratically elected indigene of Ilorin as civilian governor of Kwara state. To commemorate the anniversary, a prayer session held in his residence in Ilorin, while his political associates used the opportunity to recall his contributions to Kwara’s development. I was unable to attend ceremonies to commemorate his death. I had a very difficult relationship with Governor Muhammed Lawal.

There was really nothing personal between us, but by proxy, we became enstranged, as a result of issues and individuals within his administration. Those directly concerned did everything to set Muhammed Lawal against me, and I must openly declare today, that it was testimony to his character, that he did not go as far as they wanted, in the manner that I decided to end my tenure as General Manager of the Kwara State Television Service.

I met Governor Lawal alone in his office inside the Government House, Ilorin, on May 7TH, 2002, to submit a letter of resignation; we then spent the next one hour and a half hours discussing all the issues that were crafted as political allegations against me as well as my honest view of his performance as governor that he insisted that I offered.

Political division “You’re a journalist and Political Scientist”, he had reminded me, “please tell me the truth”! I resumed as Editor of DAILY TRUST the following week, and in February, 2003, I met Governor Muhammed Lawal again, in Ilorin, this time at the behest of General Ibrahim Babangida, who insisted on the meeting, so we can settle whatever differences we had. That meeting held before the 2003 elections and the backdrop was the deep political division, which had developed in the Ilorin Emirate, and the feeling that Governor Muhammed Lawal had designs against the Emir of Ilorin and the Emirate structure. Dr. Olushola Saraki postured as defender of our community’s values; therefore, a tactical alliance was built against Governor Muhammed Lawal.

Exploited feelings: The late Olushola Saraki exploited our feelings and manipulated emotions about our historical values to open access for his son, Bukola, to seize the reigns of power and unfortunately, we couldn’t foresee that we were embarking on a journey to perdition.

The Saraki hegemony has turned out to be the worst plague that our community has ever or can ever suffer! But that is a different C M Y K

Remembering Governor Muhammed Lawal issue to address at another point in time.

After Governor Muhammed Lawal’s defeat in the 2003 elections, I won’t get to meet the man again, until April 2004, in Sokoto and later on in Abuja.

That last meeting in Abuja held for a very long time and we discussed in some detail, many of the issues that haunted his administration and led to his alienation from the community.

I left Muhammed Lawal that day, a bit more sympathetic towards him, even when I was still caught up in the sweep of the emotions of the events, which led to his defeat at the elections. Not long after our last meeting, his mother died in Ilorin. I went to greet him but did not meet him, I however left a very long note. We were not destined to meet again, till he died in 2006.

I wrote an obituary which some of his supporters were not happy about. And when I attended a wedding ceremony in his mosque a year or so after, a member of his family even attempted to assault me as we filed out of the mosque!

It was indicative of the deep emotions that the late Governor Muhammed Lawal continued to stir in our community. But I think nine years after his death, and with the experience of the Saraki hegemony in Kwara since 2003, there has come a newer understanding of Governor Muhammed Lawal’s years in our state as well as a greater appreciation of the man himself.

The late Governor Muhammed Lawal belonged to that generation of Ilorin elite born during the 1940s; they were the first set that really had university education and

Muhammed Lawal was a genuine patriot who loved our community and worked for its genuine development and the empowerment of our people

therefore were the link between the older generation and the much younger. They helped the community to finally appreciate the importance of tertiary education.

That generation was also unique, because many of them were outstanding students and Muhammed Lawal was also one of the best of his generation.

They went into professions and would be outstanding in their various fields. Muhammed Lawal studied engineering at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before joining the Nigerian Navy, where he rose to become an admiral. When he retired, it came as no surprise that he would join politics; and it was also remarkable that he became civilian governor at a point when the Ilorin community had reached a consensus, that one of its children should become governor, for the first time since the creation of Kwara state in 1967.

Lawal years Muhammed Lawal took to the job like a duck to water and made tremendous efforts at rehabilitating many projects that had decayed over the decades of military dictatorship. He went on a roads rehabilitation and construction spree; health centres were rehabilitated; a new presidential lodge was constructed and Muhammed Lawal renovated Kwara Hotel and government quarters all over the GRA were given a facelift. Above all, he consciously chose to empower local contractors and so a lot of money circulated within the economy of the state.

Remarkably, Muhammed Lawal did not choose to sell off state assets as Bukola Saraki was eventually to do when he became governor and he didn’t prioritise non-Kwara contractors as Bukola Saraki was to do, in a conscious effort to impoverish the community, as a weapon of control.

And because Muhammed Lawal was a bonafide son of our community, he readily showed respect for our culture and our people.

Whether at wedding ceremonies or funeral prayers, Muhammed Lawal knew the values that our people valorised. On the contrary, when Bukola Saraki became governor, his arrogance became the talk of the community. He looked down at people, including the elders of our

community, and carried on as if he was doing a favour being governor of Kwara state.

Second term politics Unfortunately, the politics of Second Term in power distracted Governor Muhammed Lawal.

Unbeknownst to all, late Olushola Saraki had decided that his son, who was alien to the community, was ready to become governor. He postured as defender of the values of the community at a time that Muhammed Lawal was increasingly becoming profiled as antagonistic to the Emir of Ilorin and the structures of value of the community. It was a battle that he could not win, since the Saraki family had entered the ruling PDP; federal might was called upon, after then Vice President, Atiku Abubakar had imposed Bukola Saraki as PDP’s governorship candidate, despite protestations of original members of the party in the state.

Muhammed Lawal was defeated in the 2003 elections, and people in our community and state rejoiced. What we could not foresee in 2003, was that we were about to enter into the worst possible period in our history. The Saraki hegemony was finally instituted and the control of Kwara’s finances since 2003, led to the entrenchment of Bukola Saraki’s personality cult.

Political project He defeated his father and sister in the 2011 elections and installed as governor a longterm loyalist, AbdulFatai Ahmed. With that action, the most unique political project was foisted on Kwara state, which has no parallel in Nigeria-genuinely ruling a state by proxy!

There is no gainsaying the fact that the twelve years since 2003, has been the worst in the history of Kwara state. The steady impoverishment of our people has gone side-by-side with the jaw-dropping enrichment of Bukola Saraki and the coterie of political hangers on around him. Today teachers, local government staff and workers in parastatals are owed salaries.

The huge sums that Kwara took from the Federation Account along with the massive loans taken in our name over the past twelve years, cannot be seen in meaningful developments

genuinely touching the lives of our people. Governance in Kwara since 2003 resembles an elaborate project of deceit and patent fraud. It is like entering a “One Chance Taxi”, and in the name of Public-PrivatePartnerships (PPP), Kwara state has been systematically fleeced while its resources resembles a lady that fell into the hands of serial rapists. This is the lie that governance has desperately continued to attempt to hide since 2003 and it’s the reason that Kwara state lies prostrate.

Our people are in acute despair because governance is a fraud, which does not touch their lives positively.

Given the pains they have gone through since 2003 with the institution of the Saraki hegemony and the enthronement of Bukola Saraki’s personality cult, it is no wonder that people are reappraising the Muhammed Lawal legacy in Ilorin in particular and Kwara state in general. There were many things that people disagreed with during his administration; they included the employment of thugs and cultists who visited violence on the community. His commissioner son-in-law also alienated people. They were also unable to tolerate his disrespect of the emirate structure and they expressed their displeasure through the ballot box.

Fond memories However, in the years since he left power, and following his tragic death, we now know better, who was really a genuine lover of our community and its ethos. Muhammed Lawal worked devotedly as governor and he never attempted to alienate the properties of government, nor sold them to cronies.

He did not take loans in the name of Kwara, nor use the loans to build shopping complexes, diagnostic centre or aviation college; he did not appropriate hundreds of millions of naira for a so-called Zimbabwe farm, then turn around to say those projects do not belong to our state, but to a so-called “Private Sector”. That was the governance gimmick introduced to Kwara state by Bukola Saraki.

Muhammed Lawal was a genuine patriot who loved our community and worked for its genuine development and the empowerment of our people. He did not manipulate the House of Assembly to approve for himself an immoral pension package and did not treat Kwara as a private estate.

That came after he left power and the state became the hegemony of a single family and eventually the wallet of an individual. This is the background today, why the late Governor Muhammed Lawal is now fondly remembered in Kwara state. May Allah forgive Governor Muhammed Lawal and grant him Aljanna. Amin.

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 Coming after the spate of relatively successful elections that preceded the inauguration of the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, the conduct of recent governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa States came as anything but a step forward.

In Kogi State, the election was declared inconclusive at the end of official polling, mainly on account of the failure of voters in 91 polling units to vote due to alleged irregularities, violence and other malfeasances. The situation was compounded by the death of All Progressives Congress, APC’s, Prince Abubakar Audu, the candidate who was leading at the end of polling. The response of the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC to the development was largely jumbled and the decision to invite another person to take over the votes scored for the dead Audu is already raising legal fireworks.

The bungled Bayelsa polls If INEC bungled in Kogi, perhaps on account of “the hand of God”, the entire electoral system collapsed in Bayelsa largely due to man-made failures.

Though the state is only made up of eight local government areas, the conduct of the election across the state was seriously hampered by armed hoodlums, seemingly compromised security officials and electoral officers.

The residence of the chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of one of the parties was attacked, and appeals for protection from security officials were reportedly unheed-

ed for hours while the hoodlums were at work.

At the end, the Commission managed to declare results in seven of the eight local government areas.

The election in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area was on Election Day marred by poor logistical arrangements, forcing voting to be postponed to the following day.

Still, the election could not proceed smoothly. Perhaps as a result of its logistical failures, the new INEC leadership was compelled to declare the results inconclusive.

This is indeed a very poor record not just for INEC, but also for the

new political authorities in Abuja.

Reports of security and election officials allegedly colluding with one of the parties is a disappointing departure from the relatively acceptable level of integrity of the ballot box that was handed over by the previous administration.

The new administration’s admirable battle against corruption must not be seen to be only restricted to financial sleaze. Indeed, the greater sleaze of stealing of votes provides the opening to all other forms of corruption.

While we disapprove of the irresponsible conduct of some elections and security officials involved in the fiasco, we seriously hope that the authorities will bring those responsible for the chaos to book.

Prof Mahmood Yakubu’s INEC must sit up and be more thorough in its work and stop wasting public funds on repetition of elections.

OPINION After the Onitsha debacle

By Chuks Iloegbunam

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NE of the stories out of last week’s mas sacre in Onitsha had to do with a uniformed man who suddenly paced a few steps ahead of his cohorts, raised his assault rifle, trained it on Nkiruka Anthonia Ikeanyionwu, a 21-year old undergraduate, and pulled the trigger at pointblank range. Red-hot lead homed into her chest.

The impact flattened her. Blood spouted immediately, turning her light-blue dress crimson. She died instantly. She was armed – with her cellphone! Her scandalized comrades raised a concerted voice of protest but colleagues of the cowardly shooter covered him with their outstretched arms and led him to their backward formations. Some others reportedly shot dead in similar circumstances were named as Chima Onoh (Enugu State), Kenneth Ogadinma (Abia State), Angus Chikwado and Felicia Egwuatu (Anambra State).

There was one weapon wielded by almost every participant or watcher of the demonstration that blockaded the Niger Bridge.

That weapon was the mobile phone. This has heightened incredulity regarding some other stories in circulation. Since every mobile phone has a camera and a cinecamera, was it possible that major aspects of the Onitsha demonstration could have passed unrecorded? How come that, of the thousands of photographs taken on the

bloody day, there was no single frame and no single clip that captured a single demonstrator who was armed with a bludgeon, a machete, a gun, or an explosive device?

Some were armed with the Bible, singing Christian hymns. Some were armed with the Biafran flag. Most were armed with mobile phones. Yet, their members were rewarded with hails of gunfire!

A fabulous story claimed that the pro-Biafra agitators had burnt down the Onitsha Central Mosque. How come that, to this day, not a single photograph of the incinerated mosque is available for public viewing?

Another fantastic story claimed that the demonstrators torched branded Dangote vehicles. Why, then, is it that not a single picture of a single one of the burnt vehicles is on exhibition anywhere in the world?

On the night of the demonstrations, the Sabon Gari Market in Kano went up in flames. Pictures abound of the burnt market; films exist of the market burning. How

If brute force chased peaceful demonstrators from the streets, would it put an end to agitation?

come that, as concerns Onitsha, there is no pictorial evidence of violent demonstrations, no pictorial evidence of the “burnt” mosque, and no pictures of the “torched” Dangote vehicles?

Uniformed men had, during the past month, been threatening to implement their Rules Of Engagement (ROE) once given the orders to halt the pro-Biafra demonstrations. Now that they have actualized their threats, do they not owe Nigerians and the world an explanation of their carnage? Is the mowing down of peaceful demonstrators in Onitsha not going to be investigated? If the President’s sons and daughters, or the Vice President’s sons and daughters had been central to the Onitsha demonstrations, would any uniformed men have taken potshots at them? Or is it being suggested that the First and Second Nigerian citizens are blessed with offspring more human than those wantonly cut down in Onitsha?

Onitsha is in the Anambra North Senatorial District. What has its Senator said or done about the carnage? There is a politician representing the Onitsha North and South constituency in the Federal House of Representatives. There is a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North. What have these elected officials said or done about what happened in Onitsha? Miss Ikeanyionwu was from Adazi-Nnukwu, which is in the Anaocha-Njikoka-Dunukofia Federal Constituency. What has the politician representing this constituency done or said about her murder? Adazi Nnukwu is in the Anambra Central Senatorial District. What

has the District’s Senator said or done about Ikeanyionwu’s assassination?

It was reported that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State cautioned security officials against shooting peaceful demonstrators. Why have the Governors of Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States shied away from doing likewise? Indeed, why should any Nigerian Governor not damn, denounce and condemn massacres anywhere in the country?

Nigerians are famous for religious fervor.

Is it proper for anyone that calls upon God’s name to embrace silence in the face of the Onitsha atrocity? It has been reported that Rev Father Emmanuel Obimma (Ebube Muonso) of the Catholic Church in Anambra State has unreservedly condemned the cowardly massacre of Ndigbo in Onitsha.

Bless him! But why are other ordained people of God all over Nigeria not screaming “NO” to the wantonness in Onitsha? Why should professed people of God not condemn any massacres anywhere in Nigeria?

Nigeria bristles with civil rights advocates, radical lawyers, and progressive politicians. Why are they not raising a din on the willful murder of peaceful demonstrators? Nigeria is called a democracy. Why, then, should the lips of people demanding self-determination be padlocked? Why should their lives be snuffed out who demand their inalienable rights? Final thought: If brute force chased peaceful demonstrators from the streets, would it put an end to agitation? *Mr. Iloegbunam, an author, wrote from Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 17,, 2015 – 19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Like California, like Southern Ijaw

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HE impression has been created in many quarters that INEC may have changed its name to the Inconclusive National Electoral Commission.

Of course, if it is by coincidence that the two gubernatorial elections so far conducted under the new INEC leadership ended up being inconclusive, it must be a serious coincidence.

In Kogi State, we saw how the death of one of the candidates at the middle of the election introduced a lot of confusion into the process.

Understandably, in Bayelsa State, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, left no one in doubt as to its desire to retain its position as the occupant of Creek Haven, the seat of power. On the other hand, the All Progressives Congress, APC, was locked on the fierce struggle to break the PDP hegemony and prove to Bayelsans that there is a viable alternative to the PDP. In its determination to dislodge the PDP from Creek Haven, the APC relied heavily on the massive support it enjoys in Southern Ijaw Local Government.

At the close of business on

Saturday, November 5, PDP was leading at the poll with a margin of 33,154 votes, having won in six of the declared seven Local Government Areas, scoring 105,748 votes against 72,594 votes of the APC. However, the result of the poll from Southern Ijaw with a total of 120,827 registered voters was still awaited; hence the exercise was extended to Sunday.

While Gov. Seriake Dickson and the PDP were leading, Southern Ijaw was waiting to pull a California on them. In the United States, presidential candidates know that whatever lead they have means nothing until the massive votes from California arrive.

California, which occupies an area of 441,013 square kilometres, is in the extreme West coast of the U.S. It is the last State before the Pacific Ocean.

Because of its distance from the centre, the votes from California would invariably arrive last.

Similarly, Southern Ijaw Local Government is the biggest council area in Bayelsa State and it is predominantly riverine, with most of its communities far-

flung, thus making effective policing difficult because of the tricky and risky topography of the creeks.

There is an incontrovertible fact that cannot be removed from the Southern Ijaws – they are highly aware politically. By and large, they have block-votes and they are unidirectional.

Whoever they support wins.

Because of the difficult terrain, the votes from the area normally roll in last.

Many meddlesome interlopers went to work by Sunday, December 6. The State Returning Officer, Prof. Zana Akpagu, maintained, and quite rightly so, “We have yet to receive the results from Southern Ijaw Local Government Area with 120,827 registered voters.

As a result of this, I, as the Returning Officer, cannot return on this election until the results of the Local Government are received”.

Meanwhile, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Barito Kpagih, jumped into the fray to announce, “There were

In a situation where we lack enough wisdom to do, wisdom consists in not doing at all.

Since time is of the essence, we have no choice but to accept what we now have

NDIC: The path to progress

By Bashir Hassan

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N recent years, the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has played a critical role in stabilising Nigeria’s financial market through innovative programmes. The turbulence that the banks faced in their continuous growth to maturity, which was triggered by both the nation’s quest to modernise the banking system and global financial meltdown, have been effectively overcome – to the relief of both depositors and the financial system. And, generally, the Corporation has charted a path that has taken the deposit insurance scheme (DIS) within the country to enviable heights. At the regional and global stages, the NDIC leadership has become critical to the promotion of best practice in DIS among African nations and developing countries. All these cannot be divorced from the quality leadership at the NDIC. The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) was established by Act No. 16 of 2006 as a risk minimiser with the broad mandate of deposit guarantee, bank supervision, as well as to provide mechanism for orderly resolution of failures, including bank liquidation.

One of the major policy objectives of putting in place a DIS is to provide an orderly mechanism for failure resolution.

Timely and effective handling of failing and failed insured institutions including the adoption of exit strategies, enhance confidence in the banking system, help contain costs, and avoid adverse effects on other safety-net participants, the government, the public, the banking industry, and the economy.

Four years ago, NDIC saved 3.7 million depositors from their distressed banks through a failure resolution engineering that became a celebrated case study in the global community. Depositors now

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look up to the NDIC to offer relief to them when their funds are threatened or trapped in failed or ailing financial institutions. The NDIC demonstrated its ingenuity in 2011 when it introduced the bridge bank model in failure resolution.

The bridge banking option places priority on the interests of the banking public, especially the primary depositors preventing outright liquidation, which would have had systemic consequences on the financial system and undermined or eroded public confidence in the banking system. The corporation took over the assets of the critically distressed banks and assumed liabilities in the three bridge banks, namely: Mainstreet Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited and Enterprise Bank Limited, to replace the erstwhile Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc and Spring Bank Plc, respectively. The CBN subsequently revoked the operating licences of the three banks, i.e. Afribank Plc, Bank PHB Plc and Spring Bank Plc, on August 5, 2011.

The adoption of the bridge bank option helped to preserve and sustain daily operations in all the 577 branches of the three failing banks. In the process 6,667 jobs in the affected banks were safeguarded.

Significantly, too, depositors had unfettered access to a total deposits of ?809.4 billion (U$5.58 billion) as against ?130.57 billion (U$842.39 million) insured deposits guaranteed by NDIC. The three bridge banks (Keystone Bank, Mainstreet Bank and Enterprise Bank) were acquired, through share subscription, by AMCON. In the past, the option to resolve the cases

In the last five years of the current management of the NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, has taken the NDIC to greater heights

reports that the election in Southern Ijaw was substantially marred by violence, ballot box snatching and hostage taking of election officers… Consequently, the Commission has decided, in the interest of the integrity of the process, to cancel the governorship election in Southern Ijaw….”

We search, but in vain, where the REC derives the power to announce the cancellation of a gubernatorial election or part thereof. For all we know, that power is vested in the State Returning Officer. This is where we agree essentially with the APC flag bearer, Chief Timipre Silva, that the election in Southern Ijaw has not been cancelled and that the results should be announced so that whoever is dissatisfied can proceed to the next bus stop – the Election Petitions Tribunal.

Essentially, Governor Dickson serially walked the electoral law on its head. Which candidate would, at the middle of an election, call out the citizenry in violent protest of the election, simply because failure was staring him in the face? He knew, or he ought reasonably to have known, that inciting the citizens against the Federal Government and other constituted authorities is in itself a treasonable felony!

And what was His Excellency doing in Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw, on Election Day, in utter defiance of the restriction of movement order, until he was chased away by APC supporters?

Whatever the sores were, there is preponderant evidence that this was not the first time the good people of Southern Ijaw were voting massively for a candidate

would have been Imposition of Holding Actions (HAs). These were corrective or self-restructuring measures. They may also have involved recapitalisation, restriction on new lending, debt recovery, restriction on new capital project, and rationalisation of branches and staff, among others.

Another innovative measure of safeguarding the interests of depositors' banks that took place in the last five years was the establishement of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) in 2010 . It is a collaborative measure between Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NDIC. The AMCON was established for the purpose of efficiently resolving the non-performing loans assets of banks in Nigeria and to recapitalise the technically insolvent banks and enhance the availability of credit to the critical sectors of the economy.

AMCON acquired the three (3) bridge banks mentioned above from NDIC and injected the sum of ?1.012 trillion (U$6.98 billion) into them as capital injection. The specific amounts injected by AMCON into the three banks were: ?194.59 billion for Enterprise Bank ?366.89 billion for Keystone Bank; and ?451.42 billion for Mainstreet Bank. AMCON also injected the sum of ?1.379 trillion into five (5) of the intervened banks (Intercontinental, Oceanic, Finbank, ETB, Union) with a view to facilitating their merger and/or acquisition. Furthermore, AMCON acquired NPL of about ?2.16 trillion in 20 banks (including the 10 troubled banks) at a discounted value of about ?770.54 billion in FGN-backed bonds between December 2010 and 2012.

NDIC faces enormous challenges in the discharge of its dual roles of guaranteeing deposits and being liquidator of failed banks, and has no made secret of these challenges, which include the following among others: Cumbersome, slow and bureaucratic judicial process resulting in long-drawn

of their choice. Those who have benefitted from the massive votes of the LGA in the past certainly have no moral justification to pitch their voice too high if the same people now have reason to vote against them.

There is no escaping the inevitable conclusion that, regrettably, elections in Bayelsa State are usually volatile. In terms of shooting, violence and other sundry associated irregularities, can anyone, in all conscience, point to what happened in Southern Ijaw that did not happen in Ekeremor, Nembe and Sagbama Local Government Areas?

For those of us who are aquaphobic, anyone who wants to go and verify the results from Southern Ijaw may not even live to blame himself. We hear the sharks are no longer as friendly as they were in the days of Jonah.

Essays of this nature should have some predictions. If you order a dozen re-runs in Southern Ijaw, the results will not tilt otherwise. Ruefully, we may only succeed in losing a few more lives.

In a situation where we lack enough wisdom to do, wisdom consists in not doing at all. Since time is of the essence, we have no choice but to accept what we now have. And there is perhaps no better way of asking God to give us the courage to bear what we cannot change.

It only remains for us to appeal to the conscience of Bayelsans to begin to embrace elections for what they are – the only democratic means of deciding for themselves those who govern them! They yield no room for violence. Those who approach elections in the spirit of do-or-die, invariably die without doing.

out litigation on winding-up actions and debt recovery matters. There is also the issue of court actions by erstwhile shareholders; Low level of public awareness of the Deposit Insurance System and clear understanding of its benefits and limitations; Uncooperative attitude to the bank closing team and poor record keeping (financials, mandate records, broken down IT systems etc) by closed banks; and Problems of Asset realisation (loans and physical assets) due to large size of insider loans, poor loan documentation, poor quality, lack of secondary market and court sympathy for debtors and weak title for landed properties.

Gladly, the leadership at the NDIC is always rising to these challenges. One of the ways to address these issues that the corporation thought of is through enhancing its regulatory role through amendments of its Law. The more serious amendments include: adequate provision for general reserve fund; prohibition of payment of dividends by insured institutions while in default of assessed premium charges; the right to set-off guarantors’ deposits against the claim of the failed bank; payment of insured sums in the event of suspension of payment or imminent difficulty for payment even where operation license has not been revoked; and the supervision of related entities of insured institutions particularly under consolidated supervision, amongst others.

In the last five years of the current management of the NDIC, Mallam Umaru Ibrahim, whose tenure ends this December, has taken the NDIC to greater heights and put forward reform proposals to achieve what it could not achieve due to poor legal framework. If implemented, the Corporation will be further strengthened to achieve more. If progress is to meet continuity; this is the treaded path to follow.

*Mr. Hassan, a finance analyst, wrote from Abuja.

20—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Rage of women over high maternal mortality

By Ebun Sessou

A

GGRIEVED by alleged re curring maternal deaths in Lagos State-owned primary and secondary hospitals, a group of women under the auspices of a non-governmental organisation, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, WARDC, recently took steps to demonstrate that, as far as they were concerned, enough was enough.

This they did by staging a protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Led by Dr. Abiola AkiyodeAfolabi, the protesters claimed in their petition addressed to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and signed

by Dr. Abiola, that findings have shown that despite government’s efforts towards the reduction of maternal death in the state, women still experience financial, infrastructural and institutional barriers in accessing adequate maternal healthcare in the stateowned hospitals.

The organisation gave the instance of one Mrs. Omowunmi Shonuga, who they said died with her baby after giving birth at the Rauf/Aregbesola Health Centre in Mosun Okunola Local Council Development Area in Alimosho on October 26, 2015.

Registration for antenatal care According to them, the woman arrived at the hospital, where she had registered for antenatal care, at 5am but met the gates locked and without any medical attention gave birth in the car.

“She was later referred to Igando General Hospital, but encountered delays as no ambulance was available to convey her. On arrival at Igando, no bed space was available for her,” they said, adding that one Mrs. Obinna Nnanna also died at the Lagos State General Hospital, Gbagada after giving birth to triplets on September 23, 2015.

Another instance given by the protesters in the petition was that of Mrs. Oduyoye Folake, who they informed died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, after she was detained for three months for failure to pay hospital bills.

The NGO stated further that there were also several reports of people being denied access to Lagos hospitals for failure to bring their spouses for compulsory blood donation.

“The attitudes of the medical personnel and absence of the C M Y K

needed resources such as the ambulance and bed spaces are factors that contributed to loss of life.

“The right to life puts an obligation on the state to take measures to safeguard individuals from arbitrary and preventable losses of life and this includes protecting women against the unnecessary loss of life related to pregnancy and childbirth.

The acts and omission of the hospitals by their negligence violated the right to life,” they said in the petition.

They maintained that it is the responsibility of the Government to protect citizens against the loss of life and especially for women during child birth, saying that there is a strong obligation to ensure that all the necessary facilities and adequate human and financial resources were available to prevent avoidable loss of lives.

“WARDC hereby proposes that Lagos State House of Assembly calls for a public hearing or independent investigations on the causes of maternal deaths and the contributory factors; we believe that the public hearing will provide an opportunity to hear men and women, who have been affected by the issue in Lagos State,” they stated.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Mudashiru Obasa, in his response, sympathised with the families of the women, who lost their lives during childbirth in the hospitals in the state.

He also commended the protesters for being peaceful despite their grievances and for taking the matter before the state assembly.

The Speaker said that the House could not actually ascertain the incidents stated by the protesters, but that the petition would be treated accordingly.

“We will critically look at the one that happened at Rauf Aregbesola Health Care Centre,

The right to life puts an obligation on the state to take measures to safeguard individuals from arbitrary and preventable losses of life

*The women during the protest

but LUTH is not under our jurisdiction. That does not mean that we do not have the right to protect the lives of the people of the state. We will write to the hospital and hear from them too,” he said.

The Speaker then told the protesters that the state has primary health care centres in all the local governments in the state that attend to children and women because the crowd at the general hospitals might make it difficult for many people to be attended to.

He added that there are general hospitals in all the local governments in the state, and that there is hardly any local government in the state, where there is no general hospital.

“We are not saying whether they are free of charge or not, but we have about 57 general hospitals in the state. We recently passed the Health Insurance Law, which will enable indigent people to easily access healthcare. All these we have been doing in the interest of our

people,” he said.

Obasa pointed out that the House would continue to care for the residents and that they are concerned about maternal mortality rate, including women health in general, adding that

losing a woman means a lot.

He promised that the Assembly would ensure that pregnant women get good healthcare in all the state’s primary healthcare centres and general hospitals.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

— 21

PIB’ll unlock opportunities in oil & gas industry — LCCI

By Naomi Uzor

T

HE Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, has reiterated its call for the passage of the the revised Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), stressing the bill is an important enabler in unlocking opportunities in the oil and gas industry as well as facilitating transparent operating environment in the sector.

President of LCCI, Chief Nike Akande, made this call in a statement issued by the Chamber.

She said, “the chamber reiterates its call for the deregulation of the petroleum downstream sector in order to reduce the pressure on government finances and the foreign exchange market. This will not only create savings for investment in priority sectors but also provide a great opportunity to attract more investment to the petroleum downstream oil sector. ” She said the LCCI notes and commends the new administration for raising the capital component of spending to 30 per cent from 15 per cent in 2015 budget.

“Many of the assumptions made in the 2016 draft budget seem to reflect the current realities and desired spending priorities for national development. It is our hope that adequate provision would be made [within the context of the capital provision] for infrastructure towards addressing the huge infrastructure deficit” she stated.

She noted that one of the effective means of covering the huge infrastructure deficit is the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.

“To facilitate private capital flow into infrastructure building we employ the government to develop attractive policy frameworks for PPPs. We also urge the fiscal authorities to review and monitor the quality of capital expenditure and ensure that funds are directed to the

From left: Director finance, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Mr. Okeowo Oderinde; representative, accountant-general of the federation, director of funds, Mr. Mohammed Dikwa; former accountant general of the federation, Mr. Kayode Naiyeju and representative of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, permanent secretary, Mr. Yemi Adelakun during the public awareness workshop on treasury single account e-payment/collection in Abuja, yesterday critical infrastructure needed to drive productivity” she stated.

According to her, the draft budget

The draft budget benchmark for crude oil at $38 per barrel looks very fragile given the continued and projected boost of supply side of oil in the international oil market

benchmark for crude oil at $38 per barrel looks very fragile given the continued and projected boost of supply side of oil in the international oil market and its potential impact on the oil price. It is advised, in the circumstances, that the benchmark be further reduced.

“We subscribe to the position of government that greater emphasis would be placed on non-oil revenue through diversification driven by agriculture, solid minerals and service sectors. The quick win is for government to focus on policies and regulations that attract private capital and encourage investment. In addition, efficiency of tax administration is very vital to expand the current non-oil revenue base,” she explained.

On exchange rate, she said, benchmark of N197/$ in the 2016 budget appears too

conservative and at variance with prevailing realities that hold that the exchange rate benchmark should be adjusted to N220/$ threshold in the 2016 budget.

“We note with concern the growing budgetary provision for debt servicing.

According to the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), N1.3 trillion is provided for domestic debt service in 2016 mainly to service existing commitments. This figure represents 72 per cent of the proposed capital expenditure in the budget. It is important that government devise an innovative strategy to reduce the burden of debt service to the economy. ”

FG should suspend ban on rice imports through border —ANLCA today and tomorrow you start getting

By Godfrey Bivbere

T

HE Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Seme Chapter, have thrown its weight behind calls for the lifting of ban on the importation of rice through the land border to stop smuggling of the product.

Chairman of the Chapter, Patrick Ozobialu, said importation of the staple food through the land border not only discourage smuggling but would create jobs as well as block revenue leakages through smuggling.

According to Ozobialu, who is also the Managing Director of Pakristo Maritime Company Limited, “When you talk about rice production in a country, it is not something you start

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results. It is a gradual thing; it takes about five to ten years planning. But now you cannot say because you want to stop the importation of rice through the land border that means they should be coming in through the sea.

“And any import through the sea, you know that it is only one man that is licensed to bring rice through the sea.

So what they are saying is that rice should not come through any other source except through the sea and we know that it is only one man that is importing rice through the sea and now he is using a proxy in the senate to champion this his course,” he stated.

On the impact of the policy on Nigerians he said, “It (rice) should not be sold for more than N6,000. A civil

servant collects N18,000 minimum wage, he goes to market to buy a bag of rice at either N9,800 or N11,000, how would the person buy other things needed in the house and how does such worker meet up with other necessities of the family?

“Normally with crayfish and pepper you can prepare this staple food for the family but if we are paid such ridiculous amount as wage and we buy rice at N11,000 the how much would be left for the worker?” he asked.

The ANLCA boss explained that it does not make economic sense to ban imports of the product through the land border since the product still finds its way into the country without the collection of the accrued revenue to government.

$116.20

-0.90

$3,326.00 -12.00 $14.44 $37.51

-0.94

$36.90

-0.45

CURRENCY BUYING US DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

-0.15

195.97 297.0317 215.7238 198.9947 1.6174 0.309 272.1863 30.3256 52.2252 28.905 273.143

SELLING 196.47 297.7896 216.2742 199.5024 1.6216 0.319 272.8807 30.4034 52.3585 28.9787 273.8399

197.97 298.5474 216.8246 200.0102 1.6257 0.329 273.5752 30.4813 52.4917 29.0525 274.5368

CBN Exchange rate as at 16/12/2015

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Everybody loves them, but very few people have the time or the patience to actually make one.

,

,

7 hobbies that can make money

A

RE you really skilled at your craft? Have you ever thought that it might make a great small business? Here are seven crafts that are great money makers!

Do you sew? Handmade clothes are super popular these days, especially for those of us who don’t fit the one-size-fitsmost category. Custom made clothing with proper measurements taken beforehand fit better, lengths are adjustable and the finished product is unique and made with love. What’s better than that? Aside from clothing, you can consider creating a handy useful product, such as a zipper pouch or a handbag. Infinity scarves and kitchen tea towels are other things that may be quick and easy for an experienced sewer to pull together.

There are a whole lot of jewelry makers already out there. But your designs and creations are unique too Do you have an eye for photography? Well, why not try printing some of your best work on high quality paper and selling them online via markets such as Etsy, StorEnvy or Big Cartel? Offer them as standalone prints, matted and framed so they are available at different price levels. And reach out to local businesses such as coffee shops or restaurants as most offer artists the opportunity to exhibit and sell work while decorating their walls at the same time.

And consider participating in local craft shows. You could also have studio sessions, photo shoots and offer to photograph special events. To get started, ask friends if they’ll allow you to use them as models so that you can build a portfolio and potentially a website.

Yes. There are a whole lot of jewelry makers already out there. But your designs and creations are unique too. Check out local boutiques and small business stores as most offer consignment programs for jewelry sales. Take special requests for bridal jewelry and personalized pieces.

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Do you bake? Well, then maybe it’s time to take that recipe of yours that everybody loves and turn it into some cash. Once you’ve created some really cute packaging, hit the streets and sell your goods at local stores. You can offer your services for catering events such as weddings, showers and parties.

Quilts. Everybody loves them, but very few people have the time or the patience to actually make one. By offering unique fabric options, even a simple quilt made of squares can have a higher asking price simply because it’s handmade and one-of-a-kind. Another popular option are quilts created using clothes that a baby used to wear or t-shirts that a child has grown out of.

Offering unique and personalized quilts like these could potentially make a lot of money, since they are truly one-of-a-kind. And will more than likely be kept as a family heirloom.

Are you good at making old stuff look new again with furniture restoration, refinishing and repairing?

People are always looking for well-made wooden furniture pieces that have been cleaned up and restored. A couple of really good sources for furniture that may need a little fixing up are flea markets and yard sales.

Good sources for furniture If you’ve got the right tools and the time, a five dollar chair that needs a little bit of paint and a new seat could potentially be worth ten times the cost in the end.

Do you have access to a ceramic studio in your neighborhood? Even simple handmade ceramic pieces can sometimes sell for $20-$50.

These pieces can be personalized easily by selecting different styles and glazes based on a person’s taste. Pottery can make a great gift and it’s especially good to display at local stores during the holiday season.

Ultimately, you need to consider how much you want to charge for your product or service and then determine whether it’s a venture you could profit from. Don’t forget to pay yourself. You want to do more than just recover the cost of materials or supplies.

Allright. Now get crafting.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES (16/12/15) Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

Buying(N) 195.97

297.0317 215.7238 198.9947 1.6174 0.309 272.1863 30.3256 52.2252 28.905 273.143

Central(N)

Selling(N)

196.47

196.97

297.7896 216.2742 199.5024 1.6216 0.319 272.8807 30.4034 52.3585 28.9787

298.5474 216.8246 200.0102 1.6257 0.329 273.5752 30.4813 52.4917 29.0525 274.5368

273.8399

Commod Light Crud

Natural G Sugar Coffee Cocoa

MEDIA PARLEY: From left, Mr. Peter Ndegwa, Managing Director/ Chief Executive

Officer; Corporate Relations Director, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, Supply Chain Director, Mr. Cephas Afebuameh and Marketing and Innovation Director, Mr. Gavin Pike, all of Guinness Nigeria during a media parley, in Lagos.

Six weird but successful small business ideas

By Yinka Kolawole, with agency report

T

OUGH economic times can inspire a lot of creativity when it comes to new business ideas. For example, though a recession was in full-swing, 2010 saw the highest rate of entrepreneurial activity in decades, according to the Kaufman Foundation.

But it seems counter-intuitive.

After all, starting a new business is incredibly risky. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), over 50% of small businesses fail within the first five years, and of those that make it, another 50% fail in the next few years.

Those are not good odds for anyone. But when times are bad, sometimes things can’t get much worse – especially for people who have lost their jobs and perhaps even their homes. So the prospect of starting a new business just is not as risky as it might otherwise be. Moreover, for many people, creating their own job becomes their only option.

Though, there are plenty of jobs that are considered “recession

proof,” such as plumbers, morticians, accountants, and grocers, there are also plenty of weird new business ventures that have thrived in a down economy.

These businesses might make your eyes widen with disbelief.

So what are some weird and wacky businesses people have started?

Bed Bug Barrier If you’ve ever been to a hostel or hotel infested with bed bugs, then you know how terrible those little mites can be. Well, Tony Abrams made a fortune by inventing barriers to keep the bedbugs from biting. His business, Bed Bug Barriers, creates and sells barriers that go underneath the legs of a bed.

These barriers trap the bedbugs as they attempt to crawl into the bed to bite sleepers. Think it’s crazy? He’s made millions with this idea.

Rent-A-Chicken: I know what you are asking: why on earth would someone want to rent a chicken?

Well, some people who are interested in urban farming want to get chickens. However, that’s a big step. What if they do not like caring for chickens? Then, they are stuck with a coop and several chickens they do not want.

This is where Rent-A-Chicken comes in. This husband and wife team in Traverse City, MI will bring you everything you need to care for a brood of hens for the summer. For $250, you can see whether or not you really want to try raising chickens on your own. In fact, there is another business just like this in Australia called Rent-A-Chook.

Wacky? Yes. Useful? You bet.

Hangover helpers: Here is the situation: You and your friends were up all night partying. Now, you are suffering from a horrendous hangover, you are dehydrated, and your apartment is trashed. The thought of having to make yourself something to eat and then clean up that colossal mess is just too much to handle.

So what do you do? You call the Hangover Helpers. These two college guys help their hung over clients crawl back into the land of

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 — 23

,

& YOU COMMODITIES (16/12/15)

dity de

Gas

Last 37.09

Change ($) -0.26

C M Y K

% Change -0.52

-0.01

+2.40

14.47

-0.12

-4.20

116.20

-1.90

+1.04

3,325.00

-13.00

-0.94

Nobody would give you their hard-earned money without making sure you’ve done your homework

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The realities for every CEO

1.18

the living with as little pain as possible. The guys show up at your house armed with a breakfast burrito and Gatorade for you. They then clean every room where the party happened. This includes cleaning dishes, pots, and pans, and recycling all of your beer bottles.

Think this idea is too crazy to actually work? These guys have already been featured in Forbes Magazine, on CBS, and on the talk show, Regis and Kelly. They have enough business to keep them busy as long as they want.

The smashing place: Have you ever intentionally broken a plate?

I am talking about when you are stressed or angry, and you just hurl the thing across the room and watch with a real sense of pleasure as it smashes against the wall. Feels pretty good, right?

You might even feel the stress or anger leak right out of you.

Well, that is the whole idea behind The Smashing Place.

This business, located in Tokyo, allows clients to come in, buy a plate or a cup of their choice, and smash it against a concrete wall.

They can swear, stomp their feet, or do anything else they want to relieve stress.

I Do, Now I Don’t: When Josh Opperman’s fiancée left him after a three-month engagement, he was crushed. All she left him was the fancy engagement ring he’d worked so hard to save up for.

However, when he took the ring back to the jeweler to return it, he got a nasty shock. They only

Most times, it is always tempting for leaders to create quick-fix measures to drive growth and create short term stability

offered him $3,500 for the ring he paid over $10,000 for. Yikes.

So he started I Do, Now I Don’t to get even. I Do, Now I Don’t is a website that allows people to sell their engagement rings (or any other fancy jewelry) to other users for way less than going to a jewelry store. Think of it as the Craigslist for fine jewelry.

The site has been an incredible success and has been featured on CNN, The Today Show, Fox News, and in The New York Times.

The Pet Loo: If you’ve ever had a pet while living in an apartment, then you know how painful it can be to take them out for potty when it’s 10 degrees with a fierce wind.

Or maybe you work long hours and always have to rush home to let them out. Or maybe you’re a senior citizen and it’s hard to make multiple trips in and out of your home.

Incredible success Well, all these reasons are why The Pet Loo was invented. The Pet Loo is a square of fake grass, which sits atop a simple waste containment system that you put inside your home or apartment.

It’s just like a mini-backyard where your dog can relieve himself. Although The Pet Loo is based in Australia, similar businesses have sprung up here in the States. Good idea? No doubt. In fact, people are putting their Pet Loos in their laundry rooms, their basements, on balconies, and even in their grass-less backyards.

The take-away: So these are six strange businesses that worked, but what can you take away from them? Well, if you’re thinking about starting a business, don’t go for “weird” just because it worked for others. That’s a sure way to fail. The key to all these unusual businesses is that satisfy a need, even if many people don’t realize they have that need (like with the Tokyo business, The Smashing Place).

"It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can manage change”…Charles Darwin

T

HE worst delusion any leader, CEO or Manager can put up is not to believe the current economic and political realities on ground. An interesting thing about any given reality is that no matter how we try to cover it up, believe in it or not, accept it or not, it is still the reality.

And based on what it is going on in the global business world, the last thing any transformational leader or CEO would do is to live on his or her own world and ignoring the realities visible to other players.

A leader’s primary role is planning and change.

Leaders cannot transfer this role to someone else as their real impact is needed more during times of uncertainties and economic turbulence.

Economic turbulence Leaders and CEOs should as a matter of urgency realize that regardless of how the economic realities are they have a responsibility of creating a future out of any uncertain future.

Now, more than ever leaders and CEOs have no choice than to be adept at leading, managing, and navigating a change in a systemic manner such that any form of reality will not take them off the balance.

Most times, it is always tempting for leaders to create quick-fix measures to drive growth and create short term stability. Taking this approach will end up destroying the organization the more, and taking them far away from the true reality.

With the current economic situation and uncertainties, it is no more enough to create profitability and long term growth by providing good products or services alone. Leaders and CEOs should put to mind that in this present reality, driving

BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

The last thing any transformational leader or CEO would do is to live on his or her own world and ignoring the realities visible to other players

medium to long term growth and sustainability require them and their organizations to be strategic in all facets of their business operations.

Additionally, the current reality does not require organizations developing only operational or tactical skills of their workforce as they may not end up becoming strategic. As a leader or CEO, you will need to be serious in developing strategic skills of your workforce and to prepare

them to handle the changing world.

As the reality persists, leaders and CEOs must always change their thinking and embrace their new world with new mental models, or die out with the old ways and their obsolete thinking. The rules will keep changing and this explains why leaders should not focus on creating stability in their organizations, but rather requires a paradigm shift from creating stability to adapting to changes.

I remember in one of my board strategic thinking sessions for members of Institute of Directors – Centre for Corporate Governance, I realized that most organization CEOs strive or focus on creating stability for their organizations especially in unfavourable realities and turbulent times.

The danger with this mindset is that as we try to stabilize, we forget the fact that policies, regulations, and worst of all uncertainties will always create a hole in what we have done. The most strategic thing for leaders and their organizations to do is to keep adapting to changes and continuously thinking differently.

Final notes: Indeed, the business realities we are currently in not only shows that the world is changing, but also the competition and the customers. The sad news will be that some CEOs, executives and managers have not changed what they do, and how they do it.

It is not enough for CEOs to anticipate for a better future when their organizations continue to adopt the status quo method of thinking or doing things that got them to where they are today. The reality has come to stay, anyone has the right to ignore the reality, but no one can ignore the consequences of ignoring reality.

Call or email us for your views, perspectives or advice.

E m a i l uju@hainescentre.com Mobile: 09091142093 www.hainescentre.com

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24—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Remittance still a major challenge to CPS — EBURAJOLO Says gratuity gone with pension reforms LEADING Human Resource practitioner and Deputy Group Managing Director of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo, in this chat with Pension & You, among others, said non-remittance of deducted contributions by employers into the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, has remained a big challenge to the scheme. Excerpts:

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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HAT is your impression on the amended Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2014?

You see, the amendment was necessary. If you look at pension scheme as it was in the private sector, at one time, it was fully funded by the employer and it was the employer ’s initiative.

When the Pension Act was first passed, and they made contribution the same level for everybody, both the employer and the employee, anywhere I had the opportunity to talk, I said this could not be sustained.

I had said it more than three times in different places where I had given lectures that if the unions knew what they were doing, the first thing they would do would be to go through collective bargaining and see that the employer increased its contribution.

I expected the employers contributing 10%, the employees contributing 5% because it was fully funded.

Good enough, we belong to International Labour Organisation, ILO, so we are following the trend.

I wholeheartedly welcome this amendment.

Employers' contributions But if the unions were strong, they would have done this without amendment. I am sure; they are going to wait again for another amendment to come instead of doing their jobs.

But having said that, what we have in place for implementation is virtually nothing. What goes on is that most companies just pay the minimum to stay out of trouble.

Nobody comes to audit these payments.

Which company have they audited to say let’s see your pay roll and what you are remitting?

When they don’t remit, what happens? Again, the unions are almost toothless, especially in the factory or work place.

So, who is going to monitor this? So, it is when the employee is ready to retire that they find out that remittances were not made, and at that time, he or she is handicapped. You cannot find the Pension Fund Administrator, PFA, you cannot C M Y K

• Mr. Victor Eburajolo go to the National Pension Commission, PenCom and you cannot come back to the employer who refused to remit.

So, I think some fine-tuning have to be made. Let me say if you are expecting auditors to reflect this in the accounts they audit, forget it because he who plays the piper, dictates the tune. It is not possible if I employ you to audit me, and you are going to write castigating me that I am not remitting? Of course, do you know if you are going to audit

With the coming to effect of this act all accrued gratuity shall be calculated and paid to the PFA of the worker's choice

me, it is the information I give to you that you will use. You are not doing a forensic auditing.

Again, if you look at it the government is not complying, so why should I comply or why don’t I pay the minimum to get out of trouble? This is a problem we have in this country and I always narrow all this down to indiscipline.

Problem of implementation Sometimes, you will understand that in your place of work, when people look at you and say “You think you are the one that will repair this country”. We have a lot of fine laws in place, but it is the implementation is the problem.

The issue of gratuity was contentious in the old Pension Act because it was not explicitly stated whether it was abolished or not. Still, in this amendment, it has remained so, what is your thought?

First, let us go back to the background. At that time some multinationals and big companies in the country, introduced pension, they were others not too big or strong and

without such policy from their headquarters, there were not interested in pension. At that time, the union had a choice. You could go for pension or gratuity. Let us take the Textile industry for example, and I refer to the textile unions because I handled that negotiation with Adams Oshiomhole then. I specifically asked on behalf of the employer, for the unions to chose what they wanted because they were not going to have pension and gratuity together; it was going to be mutually exclusive.

The unions were very clear that they did not want pension, but gratuity.

Their reason was that in pension, one could only be paid when one qualified to retire, but in gratuity one could qualify after five years. At a time they brought it down to four years. Again, there was an issue of service gratuity and retirement gratuity.

Retirement gratuity Retirement gratuity includes three components; basic salary, housing and transport. So, what the unions did was to say when you are ten years in service you will get what we call retirement gratuity, but before them you get service gratuity.

So, it was very clear but when this pension reform act came, there is the portion of the law that says “with the coming to the effect of this act all accrued gratuity shall be calculated and paid to the PFA to the choice of the worker.” By Implication, gratuity and pension are now separate, if you look at the background story line I gave to you. So, that was what the employers in the private sector held on to and say we are not going to do pension and gratuity together because it is a heavy burden on the business.

Nigeria Employers Consultative Association,

NECA, came out with its guideline and a lot of companies have negotiated to scrap gratuity.

But here, I commend the unions, they did a smart thing and they said fine, there is pension, but we will not allow gratuity to go completely. So, for all those who have qualified for gratuity, calculate and pay to them everything their gratuity amounts to and continue with pension. Or, you can calculate and set it aside if you are going to keep it and run your business, then you should pay interest on it.

This makes a lot of sense because if you are not going to use your workers money for your cash flow, you should go to the bank. If you go to the bank, you pay interest, but if you going to take the workers’ own, for God sake, pay little interest.

So, you will have to pay some interest for keeping the money.

That was the arrangement most of them made. Again, I commend the unions, they came out with something innovative.

Something innovative The union said, at the end of every year, this worker that would have been qualified for gratuity please don’t scrap it completely, at the end of every year you just calculate the gratuity he would have earned that very year and pay it as part of his end of the year salary, very smart move. Most employers swallowed it because it is different from the one you accumulate and pay in bulk.

But in this case, if you are paying it monthly, it is like you are paying the 14th month. So, if you pay at the end of the month, you can easily budget for. But if you look at it by implication, gratuity was sort of removed because if the law said accrued gratuity should be calculated and paid, that is the only thing you can read into that.

There are some states as we speak that have not even enacted the pension law, and even those that have enacted, are not implementing. In such states, what is the faith of their workers?

First, we go back to the very weak position of the worker.

Most states owe salaries isn’t it?

Which one is paramount to the worker? He is spending his time fighting for salary, you are talking of pension that will come tomorrow, first things first.

Somebody who has not got the money to pay his house rent, you are telling him he should start fighting for what will become useful 20 years down the line that is not his priority.

His priority is survival of today first.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 —25

L-r: Founder, TOMEB Foundation, Mr. Tunde Popoola, guest speaker, Dr. Mrs. Ibipo Abdurra-heem-Salami, provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. Folashade Ogunsola and College secretary, Mr. Oladejo Azeez and deputy director, student affairs,Dr. Moshood Akinleye at the one day empowerment programme for final year students of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, organised by TOMEB Foundation in partnership with ExxonMobil in Lagos

Keeping students busy during Christmas holiday

By Amaka Abayomi, Tare Youdeowei & Chris Onuoha

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OLIDAYS, especially Christmas holiday, can be a great time for parents to bond with their children and for families to bond, particularly with extended family members that you haven’t seen in a long while.

It is also a time to let your own inner child come out to play.

Though this can be a stressful period as children would tend to

Protest at OOU over non-payment of 16 months salary, others PG. 26

ExxonMobil empowers medical students PG. 27 C M Y K

misbehave due to boredom, it can be a fun time with proper planning and an arsenal of activities to keep the little ones out of mischief and save you the stress.

Keeping the young ones positively engaged during the Christmas holiday can be tasking as they tend to become restless.

Luckily, parents can work with their children to keep their brains active while on vacation, so that they can avoid brain drain as they take a break from school.

Below are some fun and interesting ways to keep them active and rejuvenated that they’ll always look forward to the next holiday.

Book-a-thon: Unarguably, the easiest way to keep your children’s brains active is to encourage reading. This can be achieved by having them set aside designated reading time each day. While educational books are best, anything that gets them to read can work wonders with their brains.

Agreeing with the above is Mr. John Olufemi, who has already bought some colourful educational materials for his preschool daughter.

According to him “based her

performance in examinations, I have bought some interesting and colourful books that would teach her colours, poems, numbers and the alphabets. This way, I don’t have to wait till next school term for her teacher to teach her how to write number two since she already knows how to write number one.”

In agreement is Mr. Abiodun Osokoya, a lecturer, technical educator and CEO Open Intelligence Ltd., who said; “parents should make self help study materials available. As opposed to conventional books, study videos can be used as they are more laid back and interesting.

Stumbling on negative sites They can be used on computers which also teach the students to use computers without the internet, as they might stumble on negative sites.”

For the Principal of Caro Favoured Schools, Awodiora, Lagos, Mr. Mark Okoh, “This period, many parents will find it difficult to keep their children busy because the kids will be carried away with the

celebrations and would be looking forward to gifts and outings.

“Since no amount of convincing would make some read or be involved in any academic activity, my advise to parents is to get educative story books related to the season so that their kids do not completely forget what they

Rather than allow them play video games, download educational apps with which they can practice skills so as keep their brains active while sitting in front of a screen

were taught in school.”

Take Field Trips: Rather than sitting around the house all break, families can take trips to parks, museums or other places of interest to enable their children engage new materials and create learning environment.

These trips can be made more fun by packing some snacks and chilled drinks along for some family time out.

Planning to make the holiday more memorable for her family, renowned actress, Mrs. Dakore Egbuson Akande, said; “the yuletide is the best time to take children to fun places such as amusement parks, beaches and other many interesting places because they get to learn new skills, make new friends and keep in touch with the season aside the holiday coaching class.

"This will actually balance what they have been doing in school which somehow adds up to their fast growing knowledge. Besides taking them out, I could also engage them with in-house activities such as taking piano lesson or other musical instruments of their choice.

“Chatting with them will be of great importance as it will avail me the opportunity of knowing their worries, especially in school, and how they relate with friends in school. This I think will equally develop that bond that will solidify parent-kid relationship.”

Turn the screens off Nothing creates more brain drain that sitting at home watching television for the entire holiday. This is a problem because nothing is easier for parents than turning the television or a computer on and allowing it to entertain the children for hours.

Rather than allow them play video games, download educational apps with which they can practice skills so as keep their brains active while sitting in front of a screen.

Not agreeing with this is Mrs, Perpetual Mordi, who opined that the only way she can get her kids to give her some space is to make sure that DSTV subscription is paid for so they can keep themselves occupied with television.

For Mrs. Ekaete Philemon, she intends to keep her children occupied with words puzzle booklets which they get to solve on their own, educational DVDs, activity books, educational games like monopoly, scrabble and chess.

A teacher with Federal Government College, Port Harcourt, Mr. Torniye Lezigha, said; “students should be involved in computer training, Continues on Page 26

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Minister tasked on technical education

By Dayo Adesulu

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WINNERS: From left, MD, UBA Foundation, Ms. Ijeoma Aso; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza and DMD, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka with the winners of 2015 UBA Foundation National Essay Competition: 1st prize winner, Miss Emediong Uduak Uko of British Nigerian Academy, Abuja (middle); 2nd prize winner, Miss Enonuoya Starish of Lagoon School Lagos (right); and 3rd prize winner, Miss Eze Ugochinyere Golden of Living Word Academy Aba, at the grand finale and prize-giving ceremony at UBA House, Lagos.

Keeping students busy during Christmas holiday Continues from page 25 either at computer schools or at home. They can also have lesson teachers while television viewing should be restricted. To improve connection with the family, homework should be done with parents so that children see learning as rewarding.”

Spend time with your kids: Pointing out that Christmas break is a time to relax and bond with nuclear and extended family members, the Principal, Krisbethel College, Ipaja, Lagos, Ms Olajumoke Solarin, said; “this is the family season, they are supposed to be with family, either they travel or they stay with the elderly ones. They should not be engaged academically, though the school gives project but it is a very light one compared to that of long vacation.

"Basically they should be allowed to rest as this is a form of development in itself. They should also use the period to bond with their family members as most parents who do not have enough time for their children are freer during the yuletide period.”

Yuletide period For a Benin-based mother, who simply gave her name as Aseriabo, exclaimed; “keep them busy? Its a festive season and children have their minds on Christmas, clothes, food and outings.

"Moreso, the holiday is short, just 3 weeks so I doubt if they’ll forget what they learnt during the term. My son takes his book and pencil and scribbles once in a

while, and sometimes on his own he reads.”

Mrs. Gina Karuwi says "I engage my kids with toys, puzzles, story books, watching interactive videos or cartoons, baking of biscuits and ensuring they take their nap by 1pm after lunch. We also go bicycle riding and swimming once a week, and they some times follow me to the market and banks where I engage them on what I am doing.

For Mrs Divine Adamu, a mother of three active boys, "my boys would be going with me to my place of business and I have already bought books and novels they would read. Since the holiday is a short one and there would be no lesson for them, we would make it fun by reading, watching television and movies and would go out to fun places once I'm chanced.

Protest at OOU over non-payment of 16 months salary, others

By Daud Olatunji CADEMIC activities at Olabisi Onabanjo University mini campus, AgoIwoye was paralysed as scores of lecturers of the university protested the non-payment of their 16 months salaries by the Ogun State Government.

Members of the OOU branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, during the protest, lamented the poor funding and the state of infrastructure in the institution.

The protesting lecturers alleged that most of the buildings and laboratories in the school have dilapidated and left bare of equipment for practicals.

The lecturers who began their demonstration at the OOU minicampus at about 12 noon took their protest outside the varsity gate to Ita-Merin/Igan Road to sensitize the students and residents of the community on their plight and proposed strike action.

Armed with placards and a large

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banner, they chanted protest and solidarity songs condemning the attitude of the state government towards the institution and regarding their welfare.

Addressing the protesting lecturers and journalists, the Chairman of the OOU branch of ASUU, Dr. Deji Agboola, said the lecturers may embark on an indefinite strike action after a meeting of the congress of the union scheduled to hold within the

One prominent way by which the state government has been cutting back on funding of the university is the nonpayment of full salary of staff and removal from subversion head

week.

He warned that the proposed strike would be total, comprehensive and indefinite and shall remain in force until the state government takes concrete and sustainable steps to address their demands.

According to Agboola, “one prominent way by which the state government has been cutting back on funding of the university is the non-payment of full salary of staff and removal from subversion head. We have written several letters to the Council and the Visitor to the university to this effect.

Efforts to get the reaction of the state government proved abortive.

When contacted, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Taiwo Adeoluwa referred our correspondent to the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Modupe Mujota.

But, attempts to get reaction from Mujota was unsuccessful as she could not be reached. It was gathered that she had travelled outside the state capital.

HE Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, and the initiator and Director, ‘Skill G’, Chief Gregory Ibe, has stated the need for the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to extend his vision in technology to primary and secondary schools to boost their interest.

The charge came just after the authority of TETFUND sponsored the training of 292 Professors of Engineering and Technology from 73 varsities to Gregory University for an intense practical training in technology to boost their performance.

Gregory, who lamented the lack of adequate technical schools, urged the Minister to establish, at least, one technical school per local government, four vocational centres and a polytechnic.

He maintained that children can only learn when adequate skills are transferred to them through technical and vocational education.

“Unfortunately, we are mostly interested in going to universities. Some graduates are now learning skills after 15 years of leaving school due to joblessness.

“When I was in primary and secondary schools, I learnt various skills which did not hinder my acquiring formal education. I feel that there is need for the informal sector to

be a major driver of an economy.

"I teach entrepreneurship and it has taught me that more people are involved in enterprise in every economy than the white collar jobs. The business that I do involves promotion and study of science and technology.

“Having gone round over 600 local governments in designing the need assessment and also in setting up almost 547 skilled centres for the United Nations, I came to a point where I started feeling very bad because our schools have some instructional materials and equipment to study which are normally abandoned. This is why my company Skill G, came on board to be a one-stop shop where you can get any equipment delivered and trained on how to use the equipment.

“Along the line, I decided to set up a varsity were I could fill all the gap I observe in the public varsities. Here, our students are exposed to the right equipment and facilities.

“One of the challenges is that Nigeria has not yet leveraged on the skill gaps available. We have produced more accountants than those in science and technology.

“At the primary and secondary school needs lots of investment. We don’t want to see a mere beautiful but classroom without facilities. I want to see a very competitive graduate from this institution.

Mountain Top varsity'll produce morally sound graduates — VC

By Amaka Abayomi

T

HE Vice Chancellor of Mountain Top University, MTU, Ibafo, Ogun State, Prof.

Elijah Ayolabi, has said the newly established varsity is a dynamic center of academic excellence for the production of top-rate morally sound graduates of distinction who will be globally competitive for outstanding impact on local and global development.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the commencement of academic activities of the institution owned by the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Ayolabi said MTU, is born for the progress of Nigeria, Africa and the world and is open to people of all faith who must abide by the rules and regulations of the church.

Ayolabi, who is the first African to be honoured as the 2015 Honorary Lecturer to the Middle-East and Africa by The Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), the

international umbrella body for all Geophysicists, said “150 of the 270 students who passed the post-UTME have registered. Though admission is open to people from different religions but they would have to abide by our rules and regulations. Though there would be no stipulated dress code but student would have to dress responsibly to conform to the image of God. “Each student will be provided with a mobile learning device on gratis with 24 hour access to our e-library resources and the laboratories and lecture rooms are equipped with digital learning facilities. Tuition for Art students isN450,000 while Science students would pay N570,000 and this covers hostel accommodation, medical and mobile device.”

In line with NUC approval, academic activities would commence for 2015/16 session with College of Basic and Applied Sciences and College of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—27

ExxonMobil empowers medical students

By Ebele Orakpo IF you fail to plan, you are planning to fail —Benjamin Franklin

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N recognition of this truth, TOMEB Foundation, a nongovernmental organisation that focuses on education, youth development and sustainability, in conjunction with ExxonMobil, organised a one-day empowerment programme for final-year medical students of University of Lagos.

The aim was to get them to consciously plan for the future and equip them with basic skills and knowledge on how to set and achieve their goals.

At the event with the theme: Achieving Goals: A Dignified Successful Future is Possible, held at the College Auditorium of the institution, over 200 copies of The Personal Business Plan: A blueprint for running your life, purchased by ExxonMobil, were distributed to participants.

While delivering his paper, Art and Science of Self-Knowledge, Country Managing Director, Accenture, Mr. Niyi Yusuf advised students to reinvent themselves by developing communication skills that will enable them interact with people, stressing that students should have affinity for experimentation and change.

"Do you know who you are and what motivates you? What do you

like and what would you die for?

These are very important skills in life," he said, citing renowned footballers such as J. J. Okocha, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi etc., who he noted may not have doctorate degrees but whose passion have brought them fame and fortune.

"To these people, football has become a business. Therefore, self-discovery is the key."

Advising participants to find out when they perform best, Yusuf said "Confucius said 'choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life'. You need to be conscious of what you are good at as self-awareness helps you identify your strengths, weaknesses, personalities, habits and values and ultimately areas for continuous improvement."

Delivering a paper on Principles and practice of goalssetting and achievements, Senior Registrar in the Department of Public Heath, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibipo Abdurraheem-Salami, noted with concern that underemployment is a major problem among doctors, adding that the quality of training is not improving with the changing times. She advised the students to always have a clear plan of what they want out of life.

"Unless you are excellent as doctors, you won't fly. Know yourself before setting a goal as it helps to envisage what you

Students can now inherit books – Edet

By Tare Youdeowei

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AJOR General I. H Edet of GOC 81 DIV has stated that students can now inherit books from their elder ones provided the books are still in use in the curriculum and are in good condition.

He made this known through his representative, Col KN Ndamadu at the 22nd Annual Inter-House Sports competition of Command Day Secondary School, CDSS, Ojo, where he was the special guest of honour, which saw Rhinoceros, Dragon and Stallion houses come first, second and third respectively.

Speaking on the essence of sports in nation and child development, the Commandant, Command Day Secondary School, Lt. Col. U. A Ndana said: “Sport is a global unifying force. In Nigeria, one cannot underestimate the power of unity behind the language of sports. Here in CDSS Ojo, we have the task of producing wholesome young men and women who are academically fit to face the daunting challenges of life.

"Among all the extracurricular activities available

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within the school, sports exercise the mental, emotional and physical reserves of the students.

“The benefits that accrue from sporting events are inexhaustible. Gone are the days when students who excelled more in sports while in school were seen as drop- outs. When the talents of these students are discovered early enough, if well monitored, they become the Kanu Nwankwos and Mary Onyalis of our time; some might study Physical and Health Education in higher institutions.

"They learn early in life to be articulate and focused and with sound minds, they learn that life is not a do or die affair. This helps them build stronger relationships later in life.”

Chairperson, Dr Graciana Okeke, MD, Evarady Medical Center, Col B. Tsoho, DEO, 81 DIV, Oba Ekun, Goriola of Iba Town, Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni 1 represented by Chief Alabi Ismaila Bahmam, Baale of Agboroko, Lt Col J. Eduoku, Commandant CDSS, Oshodi, Lt Col J. Are, CO 149 Batallion, Brig Gen Ipinyomi, Dir NA Archives, Col O. Adebanjo, Dir Institute of Army Education, among others graced the event.

want to be in future."

She said people do not set goals as a result of ignorance, the fear of failure or the fear of rejection.

In his paper, Dealing with Procrastination, convener of the programme and founder of TOMEB Foundation, Mr. Tunde Popoola said procrastination is the

number one enemy that defers goals and advised participants to avoid delays.

"You don't write your goals in the paper and go to bed; you have to take action."

Pointing out that impulsiveness is the major cause of procrastination,

Popoola said "that is when you only do what comes to you - you have to watch it because if nothing limits you, you can excel in your future endeavours."

He advised participantstoalways plan ahead by embracing the 6Ps' formula: proper prior planning prevents poor performance.

WORKSHOP: Mr Wellington Jighere, World Scrabble Champion (middle) with students of MeadowHall School during a workshop at MeadowHall School in Lekki, Lagos.

Free meal: FG tasked on quick implementation

By Ikenna Asomba

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HE Principal of Babcock University Schools, Ogba, Lagos, Mr. Gabriel Fasanu, has urged the federal government to commence the implementation of its free meal programme for children in public schools across the country.

Fasanu, who made this call during the school’s Thanksgiving Service and Community Guest Day, pointed out that the quick implementation of the programme will alleviate the hunger problems school chil-

dren face, adding that most parents cannot afford three square meals a day.

According to him, poverty and malnutrition of school children often result to poor academic performance and increased number of children who are out of school.

The Principal, however, said the thanksgiving service was a medium for the school to thank God for its numerous achievements in the two years of existence, as well as appreciate the contributions of staff, students, parents and its host communi-

ty.

On his part, the Vice-President, Spiritual Life in Babcock University, Dr. Tunde Ojewole, in his message entitled Receiving the full reward, said that God is The Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He noted that God is not like man that rewards people partially. He charged the staff and students to always pray for full reward in all they do, stressing that they should not allow sin to make their full reward impossible.

ExxonMobil donates workroom to A/Ibom varsity

By Amaka Abayomi

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N its continuous bid to ensure that Nigerian geoscience graduates are at par with their global counterparts and abreast with industry best practices, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Ltd, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, has donated a fully equipped workroom to the Geoscience Department of the Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at the commissioning of the workroom, General Manager, Operations Technical Geoscience, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited. Mr. Michael Udoh, said ExxonMobil’s commitment to education is in the firm belief that given the right level of educational support, Nigerians have all it takes to transform the nation into its deserved status as one of the

leading economies of the world.

He said “education is a very central aspect of our social investment policy and globally, ExxonMobil is at the forefront of promoting education. The workroom comes fitted with equipment being used in the industry.

“Three members of staff have been trained on the use of these machines and they would, in turn, train other lecturers and students on the use of these equipment. This would positively impact on the quality of geoscience graduates coming out of our tertiary institutions.”

Appreciating the company and its affiliates, the Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Prof James Ibanga, said without proper and adequate practicals, all the classroom talks would be useless.

He said “these facilities would ensure that the students are well grounded on the happenings in the exploration sector. Its not about going to school but about the productivity of the individual.

“We pray the students would key into this because when you educate a child, you educate a nation, and it is a thing of joy to have these equipment that can be used to train and equip our students for the future.

Acknowledging that education is a very expensive corporate social responsibility, the SA to the Governor on Education, Akparawa Udeme Udofia, who represented the Commissioner for Education, Aniekan Akpa, said the state governor is interested in industrialising the state and that only be achieved with qualified and well trained graduates.

28—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

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VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—29

There’s nothing indivisible about Nigeria — Agbakoba

By Bartholomew Madukwe & Ikenna Asomba E have seen at least 195 days of General Muhammadu Buhari as President of Nigeria, what is your view on the state of the nation?

Well, it is good when you listen to perception; know what people think because action of government is to reflect what people want. When I was NBA President, I always do what I call sweeping. I will make sweeping calls to about 10 Chair persons to know what lawyers are thinking. Perception is very important. It is for the President to pay more attention to the way people feel and that is why we need a communication strategy, such as having a Director of Communication. You find different people say different things about the President.

Some say that he does not know what he is doing and some say he is too slow. But my interest in the President is not as General Buhari as a president because I have not met him, I do not know what he does. The country is suffering what I call economic anaemia.

is a very poor country, typified by the fact that we are in the primmest land yet I have no water. Anyone who wants to design a programme for a poor country will take into account what the people want and what their need is. There is no template.

A group better known as the Washington Consensus came together and felt that in the context of the war between the west and east, that imposing democracy and imposing the western economy thought will keep the sovereignty away. If you understand it and do not believe it, that is too bad. But for us who are international political economist, I know that the biggest challenge we face is the west and the east, the conflict that they have had and how it has affected us. So the first thing they will do is to bring their doctors of economy and say structural adjustment programme, which we resisted in Gani’s house in 1985 when IBB started it. We said it cannot work in a poor country. You cannot be doing structural adjustment programme when people are hungry.

Economic anaemia

Government support

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There is no money in the system because a lot of parameters are not working.

There is no investment law, competition law, which is why MTN can do what it likes.

Does this suggest that in 2016, communication should be one of the key things for effecting the change President Buhari intends to deliver to Nigerians?

I hope that the present administration will understand that in 2016, communicating their strategy should be of prime importance so as to dispel all doubts.

Also, the Biafra thing is what a good communication strategist will communicate. I think this administration has not done well in communication. In abroad, what attracts people is the programme. If I look at your programme and I am able to compare, then I can make my choice. If you look at the Presidential Debate in the US, you will be able to make your choice. But in Nigerian politics, it is a personal thing. You will need to know the person and

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) DR. OLISA Agbakoba (SAN) is a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA. Agbakoba co-founded the Civil Liberty Organisation, CLO, in Nigeria and founded Human Rights Law Services. In this interview, he spoke on the state of the nation, communication importance in government, President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic policies and others.

Excerpt: touch him. In the US, for example, you do not need to know anybody; he will appeal to you by what he does. So President Buhari’s programme, quite surprisingly, appears to me as something to be looked at.

Which means that President Buhari’s programme would succeed since people like you are impressed by it?

I am keen to see that it succeeds. Everybody wants to have a break. If he (President Buhari) is going to take us there, then we will support it. I am tired of being able to handle money but unable to spend it because one is not happy. You need to have a country where you feel safe.

You know I come from Apapa in Lagos and you know what happens there? You think I like

it that I have towalk one mile to the office, in a place that is Nigeria’s richest community?

We need to have a good country. And like I said earlier on, the President need to pay more attention to the way people feel and that is why we need this communication strategy.

But some people have misconceived you, saying there is something you are looking for from this administration?

For those who know me for a long time, they know that I do not need to look for anything. I had a chance to be Abacha’s Attorney-General at age 34 or 35, that was quite tempting and not what I was looking for. I am just looking for a good Nigeria.

Many Nigerians seem not to

Lagos govt tasks employers on human rights Pg 31

understand President Buhari’s economic policies. Looking at your good sense of economy, can you share what you know about it?

The nature of person’s ideology changes with where he is.

So the natures of what countries do depend on where they are at any time. Basically, Nigeria as an emerging economy

The country is suffering what I call economic anaemia. There is no money in the system because a lot of parameters are not working

It may be good in the west, but here, it is difficult because people are poor. So if we agree that people are poor, then the last thing you will want to do is to inflict further harm on the people.

But I think I understand what President Buhari’s economic policy is, it has two components.

It is a derivative of social regulation. Underpinning the programme, as I understood, it is social regulation, which makes provision for people who are at the bottom and trying to bring them up and at the same time leaving space for market efficiency so that the markets can run.

Social regulation means we cater for those who need government support but we will allow the Dangotes and the Otedolas space to work, then we task them to about 30 percent to 40 percent, which will be well collected. Once that is done, the money would drizzle down to assist the social regulation policy. It is a mixed economy model that I think it is what this administration want to present.

Those who feel like doing business in the country will find that they have the space but they are not going to do it like they

Continues on page 30 C M Y K

30—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

There’s nothing indivisible about Nigeria —Agbakoba Continues from page 29 have in America. Even in America, there have been questions on the republican model of running an economy.

What programme do you think would thrive in Nigeria today, considering the poverty rate you just mentioned?

If you have a programme, the one that is commonly referred to as market feudalism, which means asking everybody to go and the best person to sell wheat flour wins. Then you will find out that the person can drive his price up, in the exclusion of others, and make money.

So market feudalism, which was Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s doctrine, failed because in the years you will see that her policies did not work.

The other one is social democracy and you will find it in Denmark, Norway and other countries. That is why they are the richest countries in the world, even if they have small population.

Social democracy They do social democracy where they plan for everybody.

They know the need of everybody and try to meet it. I think social democracy is a better programme for Nigeria than market feudalism. Now, I go back to the challenge of not communicating effectively.

In your recent letter to President Buhari, you talked about conspiracy of the elite, can you expatiate?

The problem Obama is facing in America is that of the conspirators. Do you know that he was so frustrated in the last 3 killings and he said he was tired of sitting and being helpless as the America President whereas the gun lobby will not allow him to control guns? Who is benefitting? The last person that killed had 13 guns in the house. How can that be? Why is America unable to raid the gun supply? It is simply because people are making billions.

What are your thoughts on sovereign wealth fund vis-a-vis your advocacy for freeing frozen funds; there are huge

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) funds frozen while infrastructure in the country is in terrible state?

Sovereign wealth fund is a small issue in the large equation. When I was the NBA President, I was able to invite one of the world’s leading thinkers of waking dead capital.

Some of my friends, when they come to Nigeria, evaluating it to its state of wealth economy wise, they are shock that amidst great wealth there is poverty.

Now development law, which we preach but it has not been understood by anybody, government does not have a lawyer in the policy space. This world is a large space and only the best will thrive. It is shocking that as the developed world and China go about setting standards and goals for investment and trade, there is no single investment and trade lawyer who has any expertise to criss-cross various multi-lateral conferences that take place, fixing your own fortune. For instance, in the last Doha, World Trade Organization (WTO) became stranded by the objection

of Brazil and India on the utilization of tree-bags which we allow the west to take away and make into quinine, and then they now put intellectual imprimatur on it- your products.

They take it away and reset it.

The worst one was when they move into higher drugs, which they wanted to bring to South Africa and India to sell at a high

We need to make the quest for power to be only for those who want it. My view is that if you give N1 million as allowance in the National Assembly many will go and not return

rate.

So what am I saying? I am saying that Nigeria is not taking advantage of its huge soft institutions of experts, particularly law. My simple theory is that we have enough money in Nigeria not to worry about how to build our roads. But all our banks, until the Soludo resolution, were interested in getting public fund and lending. So they would not give you any money because they will get it from the government and that was enough to make huge profit.

What is your perception of the various election tribunal judgements across the country, especially the judgement of the Taraba Governorship Tribunal?

These people who go to court have absolutely lost their senses. The reason why they are so mad is to access the money that is available in government house.

Is it not the Taraba man that flew a jet and broke his leg? I am discussing the foolishness of the elite. We need to make this type of Taraba example obsolete. It should not be discussed. We need to make the quest for power to be only for those who want it.

Exercising their right My view is that if you give N1 million as allowance in the national assembly many will go and not return. We need to understand that the elites and elite’s structure are the ones who propose people to the tribunal. Of course, they pay lawyers to do the cases. I am tired of unravelling the conflicting decisions.

You look at Taraba, you look at Kogi and somebody told me that they will end in absolute mess. Have you seen any election that is different? It is the same complain that INEC did not bring materials on time or they did not provide enough material. Until we help Nigerians understand that they need to take up arms and begin to exercise their right, Nigeria is not going to change.

In your letter to President Buhari, you noted that many Nigerians feel alienated and disconnected. Don’t you think that is the reason for recent

Biafra struggle?

The Biafra thing is not an agitation. People there are very hungry, I am from there. They have been dispossessed and abandoned by different political leaders who deceive them when they come for their votes.

APC, PDP and APGA- all kinds of parties deceive them and led them to exactly where they are. The last time I was at the area, I was shocked when I drove around. I was shocked at the level of poverty and unemployment. So when somebody who is an elite wants to manipulate them, which is what is going on now, they will fall for it. I I think the best case has been explained by Prof. Wole Soyinka. We should not say that this country is indivisible. There is nothing indivisible about Nigeria.

Nothing indivisible If we cannot live together, let us go in pieces. Who is to say that it is indivisible and treason? It is not.

If you were President Buhari, how would you handle the Biafra issue?

If I were President Buhari, I will first find out what the people are agitating. When I know the problem, then I will know how to deal with it and move on.

The Nigeria configuration, the Nigeria country, needs to be panel beated around again so that everybody can feel happy.

You will need to assign space and a room in a country called Nigeria. But right now, 180 million Nigerians are outside, they have no room and they can see a few Nigerians eating very well inside a room. So they wonder if it is not their own meal too. The more they eat, the more these men get angry.

The wall separating the two is so huge and the elite keep constructing it and they have reached a position where they just ignore the people and do not care about what the people say. They do what they like and say to hell with you because you will collect their money and vote for them. This is the time to deal with the elite.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—31

NBA inaugurates Barnawa branch

Code of Conduct Tribunal vs Saraki, Free Speech & the Politics of Contempt

By Kolawole Olaniyan

I

T’S not often that a decision by the Supreme Court of Nigeria generates so much interest among Nigerians. But the court’s decision in Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) v Dr Bukola Saraki, which allowed a stay of proceedings before the CCT despite the provisions of sections 306 and 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJ), 2015, has caused something of a storm.

Saraki, who is the Senate President, is facing 13 counts of false assets declaration before the CCT. The wide media coverage the case has received has focused public attention on legal questions usually covered in the courtroom or the classroom rather than by the newsroom.

The general consensus, as championed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana SAN, seems to be that the decision represents a significant setback for the effective and fair administration of justice in the country, and President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s approach to the ‘campaign against corruption.’

Falana and other senior lawyers with whom I agree, have contended that the ACJ Act has (by virtue of sections 306 and 396) abolished stay of proceedings and interlocutory appeals by merging all preliminary objections with the substantive case in any criminal case instituted in a federal court in the country; that the revolutionary intervention of the law was occasioned by the unending trial of politically exposed persons in corruption cases; that as a creation of the law, the Supreme Court is bound by the law; and that the Supreme Court should take advantage of the substantive appeal in the Saraki’s case to review its position given the potential impact on the administration of justice in the country.

to Saraki has threatened contempt proceedings against Falana and other senior lawyers for allegedly ‘scandalising the court’. Mr Daudu is basically saying that criticising the Supreme Court’s decision is contemptuous, scandalous and subversive.

This suggestion, coming from a former president of the NBA and Chairman of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, is deeply disturbing for the legal profession, as it is one of the few objectively useful roles of lawyers to exact intellectual accountability from the Supreme Court and to probe and comment on its decisions.

Mr Daudu’s view implies that once the Supreme Court has delivered a decision, all are bound not merely to accept it as constituting an authoritative statement of the law of the land, but also immediately to accord it intellectual obeisance, and to undertake not to dissent publicly from that decision no matter how implausible or even improper it may seem.

Yet, lawyers, as recent history has shown, have an important role to play in exposing corruption, in beaming the light of publicity into the dark corners of society, in showing up the inadequacies of the law, and so on.

There is a clear case of public interest in the due administration of justice, and no one would plausibly question that the proper administration of justice requires a transparent and accountable justice system.

Contempt of court is not aimed at upholding the dignity of a court or a judge, but at enabling the administration of justice to operate without undue obstruction or interference. It’s therefore difficult to see how by Falana and other senior lawyers simply making a case for an effective implementation of the ACJ Act, they would be obstructing the administration of justice by.

Potential impact The purpose of the ACJ Act can best be determined from section 1: “The purpose of this Act is to ensure that the system of administration of criminal justice in Nigeria promotes efficient management of criminal justice institutions, speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the society from crime…” Likewise, section 2 provides that all courts “shall ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act for the realisation of its purposes.” The use of “all courts” here clearly includes the Supreme Court.

The combined effect of sections 306 and 396 is to carry out the purpose of the Act. However, J.B. Daudu, former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and counsel

The Supreme Court should take advantage of the substantive appeal in the Saraki’s case to review its position given the potential impact on the administration of justice in the country

Lord Atkin’s famous opinion in Ambard v. Attorney-General for Trinidad and Tobago [1936] AC 322, is apposite: “But whether the authority and position of an individual judge, or the due administration of justice, is concerned, No wrong is committed by any member of the public who exercises the ordinary right of criticising, in good faith, in private or public, the public act done in the seat of justice. The path of criticism is a public way: the wrong headed are permitted to err therein…Justice is not a cloistered virtue: she must be allowed to suffer the scrutiny and respect, even though outspoken, the comments of ordinary men.”

Lord Atkin’s statement has been echoed in many cases.

Indeed, if a lawyer, a member of the public, or even a politician genuinely believes that the Supreme Court has strayed from the path of constitutional and legal rectitude, then not only is it the right of that person publicly to say so, but it becomes their solemn duty so to do, particularly if one is a lawyer pledged to uphold the law.

Contrary to what we have been told, what Falana and other senior lawyers have done is not a breach of some standard of professional ethics: it is the highest discharge of one’s professional duty. CCT v Saraki is a matter of undisputed public concern and interest, and comments by Falana and other senior lawyers amount to honest criticism on a matter of public importance. Nowhere have they imputed improper motive to the Supreme Court and have not in any way acted maliciously.

The Nigeria Bar Associaton, NBA, recently inaugurated its Barnawa branch in Kaduna State. The event had in attendance notable bar leaders.

From left: Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), former NBA President, Mr. Joseph Bodunrin Daudu (SAN) and Interim chairman of Barnawa branch, Mr. Abdulrasheed Muritala.

From left: Justice Bashiru Sukular, Justice Mero Mohammed, Justice Esther Lolo and Justice David Shiri Wyoms.

From left: Mr. Daniel Chukwudi Enweium, former, President NBA, Lanke Odogiyan and Mr. Cyril Ogbekene.

Honest criticism Nigerian lawyers, particularly senior lawyers, shouldn’t have to adapt themselves enthusiastically to whatever the Supreme Court might come to say, even if that which is said today is precisely the opposite of what was said yesterday.

And Supreme Court’s decisions shouldn’t be considered only in the most flattering of terms, or accepted as uncritically as if they had been handed down graven on tablets of stone at Mount Sinai.

It’s normal for lawyers and others to ask questions whether the Supreme Court’s decisions follow a legal pattern: that is, do the Court’s decisions conform to legal precedent, ordinary norms of legal reasoning, and established constitutional and legal principles.

Such frank debate about the Supreme Court’s decisions not only acts as a check on our courts, but also contributes to informed and vocal public scrutiny, which in turn can promote accessibility and effectiveness of the judiciary.

. ..to be continued

From left: Chairman, NBA Abuja branch, Mr. Elachi Agada; former Chairman, NBA Kaduna branch, Mr. Anozie Obi and General Secretary, NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe.

From left: Mr. Yunus Ustaz (SAN), Alhaji Tajudeen Oladoja and his wife, Hajia Rabi.

32—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Tackling menace of poor data collection in Nigeria's health sector

By Chioma Obinna

T

HE belief among experts is that dearth of data for planning is a major problem in most sectors of the Nigeria's enterprises, especially, the health sector. Precisely, lack of uniformed data has also remained a clog on the wheel of progress of governments at various levels, thereby hindering provision of adequate, effective, affordable and efficient health care services to Nigerians.

It has also been argued that for any meaningful result to be achieved in the health sector, it is essential for those managing and delivering health care, to base their plans on evidence of what is needed, and what works. Unfortunately, weaknesses in health information systems and lack of accurate data present many obstacles to sound decision-making.

Presently, the health challenges in Africa are increasing at an alarming rate but the health status of Africans remains far worse than that of people in many other developing regions. Although lack of access to health care and serious health system deficiencies are important reasons for this phenomenon, other elements aggravate it. One of them being insufficient research and development aimed at addressing Africa's, particulatly , Nigeria unmet health needs.

It was therefore heart-warming, when AstraZeneca Trust, out of the need for funding that will develop research capacity and facilitate academic advancement in Africa, launched a not for profit Trust for the disbursement of medical research funding in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. The trust fund supports local academic medical research in areas of noncommunicable diseases, focusing

GRANT: Country Manager, AstraZeneca Nigeria, Jude Abonu; Chair, Scientific Review Committee, AstraZeneca Research Trust, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Prof. David Oke; Business Unit Lead: Oncology SA & SSA, Willem Prinsloo and Grant Recipient of N5, 000, 000, Dr. Sylvester Nwokediuko at the AstraZeneca Research Grant Award in Lagos. particularly on cardiovascular/ metabolic, respiratory and oncology conditions.

However, dearth of a standardised data is a great problem in Nigeria and has affected planning on healthcare.

According to experts, the data situation in Nigeria is so bad that most of them are based on guess work.

In the views of Chair, Scientific Review Committee, AstraZeneca Research Trust, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, at the moment there are no all encompassing health data rather most of the data are based on hospital studies. To address uniformity in data, Ogunsola said the AstraZeneca Research Trust project would look at standardizing

data that would cut across all the six geopolitical regions of the country. "All we have now is data from the various hospitals and these hospitals's used different methodologies that will be difficult to bring together as standardised data. In population rules, some of them are so small that we can't even use their data because it doesn't make sense statistically."

"Research requires a lot of funding and we appreciate what AstraZeneca is doing.

In three years, AstraZeneca made an initial commitment to the tune of $350000 annually to the qualifying researchers in Nigeria and other countries. After two years of operation, the project has made a

positive impact in stimulating local research.

To date it has funded 46 studies, out of which 27 are in non communicable diseases and 19 communicable diseases.

Just this month, the Research Trust has awarded an additional four funds for interventional and non interventional studies in Nigeria and are currently finalising the South African awards.

These studies are targeted to generate significant data currently not available in Nigeria and other African countries.

Ogunsola said for Nigeria, they have decided to administer the fund which is about $350.000 dollars over a period of three years for studies that cut across various geopolitical zones.

"We will be looking at communicable and non-communicable but focusing more on generally on non-communicable and this means more data for Nigeria.

“For example in HIV, if we did not have data that allows us know that mothers were transmitting to babies we will not put policies in place. We need local data not using American data that may not work in our situation.

“We are seeing more lung cancer but we are not a country that smokes a lot. If we just focus on tobacco that might not be our problem because we are seeing lung cancer here in people who are not smoking. So we need to start looking at other sources of environmental solution.

And one thing we have discovered is a lot of generator fumes. We need to be able to say: which type, how far you should keep your generator and whether you need to eliminate some but we can't say that because everything we say now is guess work."

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—33

Nobody died in Bayelsa poll —Watch Elections

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT—A non-governmental organisation, Watch Elections, has dismissed allegations in some quarters that five persons lost their lives in the recent governorship election in Bayelsa State.

National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Fez Chinweizu, who spoke to newsmen, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, commended the Nigerian Army for its role in Oporoma, saying they helped to quell a situation that would have resulted in loss of lives.

Dismissing allegations that the army aided one of the political parties, Chinweizu said: "When political thugs started exchanging fire in Oporoma, the few policemen on ground disappeared. It took the timely intervention of the army to save the situation.”

He said that the five persons reported to have died during the exchange of fire by the thugs were rescued by the army and treated at the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt.

“We were very thorough in monitoring the election unlike several other NGOs that did theirs from hotel rooms in Yenagoa. I can tell you that nobody died on account of shooting in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area on the day of

the election. The five persons that were reported dead were rescued by the army and treated at their hospital in Port Harcourt.”

Chinweizu said, if anybody truly died, their photos would have been all over the social media.

He expressed disappointment with the level of preparation by the Police for the election, saying that only about 50 men out of about 200 deployed to Southern

Ijaw had riffles, adding that the Police also had problem with boats to ferry their men to Oporoma.

He said this was why the few that got to Oporoma fled during the exchange of fire by political thugs.

Chinwezu said that the shooting that occurred between the rival political thugs in Oporoma on that Saturday was unavoidable because as at 3p.m., materials for the election had not

gone round the polling units in Southern Ijaw, a situation he said allegedly fuelled suspicions.

The group said that the presence of Governor Seriake Dickson at Oporoma on the election day swelled tension in the area , advising that there should be restriction on movement of VIPs to prevent an ugly occurrence at election venues.

DIALOGUE: From left; Africa Clean Energy Sumit Group, Chief Operating Director (ACESG), Chairman The Environment Communication Limited,Wale Akinwunmi; Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Environment/Mineral Recources, Dr. Iniobong Ene Essien, representing the state governor; DG, ACES Group, MD Always Green Power System Ltd., Dr Victor Faleke; and The Environment Communication Limited, Chief Technical Officer, ACESG, MD Gbolahan Okanlawon Adedotun, at the first Post Comments 21 dialogue in Lagos, yesterday.

Ijaw, Itsekiri leaders vow to shut down Shell operations

W

ARRI—SCORES of embittered Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups in Delta State have threatened to shut down all Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, operations in their land, if the Anglo-Dutch oil company fails to comply with the agreement reached with them some time ago.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday in Warri, the people, under the aegis of their Forum also indicted Shell for allegedly instigating crisis among the host communities with its divide and rule antics.

Mr Moses Eduogha and Fregene Emiko, who jointly signed a statement, argued that they were mostly annoyed that Shell refused to honour a peace meeting summoned by Governor Ifeayi Okowa and the host communities on December 15, 2015.

“We see SPDC's action as a big slap on both the governor’s face and ours. We decided to tell the whole world that Shell is definitely looking for trouble. Our people are already agitated and we will give them fire for fire.

“Host communities have been impoverished. You can imagine a situation where our contractors are made to renew their contract papers on yearly basis with nothing to show for it,” the forum leaders said.

C M Y K

They said that neither Ijaw nor Itsekiri is directly involved in any contract, rather the company staff engages their cronies to do the job local contractors are supposed to do.

“Activities of Shell were capable

of causing crisis among the host communities. Nigeria’s local content law is not working in Shell as the workers have turned contractors,” they said.

According to them, aggrieved youths are already beating war

drums, adding that Shell should immediately respect the agreement reached, “else they will be flushed out from our land.

“Shell's action is an open invitation to crisis,” they added.

ExxonMobil launches excellence reward scheme for A-Ibom schools

By Tom Moses

E

KET—IN line with its commitment to the development of education, ExxonMobil, a major oil company in Nigeria, has launched an academic reward programme to encourage excellence in public primary schools in Akwa Ibom State.

It was gathered that 5,011 pupils have already been selected for the reward that will see the best 10 academically performing pupils in each class from primary one to six across 85 schools, receive mathematical sets, pencil pouches, water bottles and exercise books.

Speaking during the pilot presentation of the items to pupils in primary schools drawn from the company ’s neighbouring local government areas of Eket, Ibeno, Esit Eket and Onna, at a ceremony held

in Eket, Joint Venture Maintenance Manager, Mike Attah, reiterated the company’s history of partnership with the state government culminating in the upgrade of facilities in both primary and secondary schools.

“In the last four years, we have commitment of over N57 million under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC/MPN) Mobil Producing Nigeria Joint

Venture Secondary Scholarship targeting indigent students from Akwa Ibom State.

“In addition, over N4 billion had been spent on the NNPC/ MPN Joint Venture Undergraduate Scholarship to Nigerian students and it may interest you to know that 50 percent of this amount or N2 billion has gone to students from Akwa Ibom State.”

Chartered Institute of Administration honours Nwose

P

ROFESSOR Ifeanyi Nwose has been honoured with the fellowship award of Chartered Institute of Administration.

He was honoured during the 36th induction ceremony of new members, and investiture of new President/Chairman of

the Council and annual general meeting of the institute in Lagos.

Nwose, who hails from Ogbagu-Ogume in NdokwaWest Local Government Area, Delta State, is an Old boy of St. George's College, Obinomba.

Ogulagha crisis: Hitler urges aggrieved youths to embrace peace

F

OLLOWING the crisis which erupted, weekend, in Sokubolou community in Ogulagha Kingdom, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, Chief Beck Hitler has called on aggrieved youths of the community to shun further hostilities and embrace peace in the interest of the community and the kingdom.

Hitler, yesterday in Warri, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the avoidable disagreement had claimed one life and several houses burnt down in the community, with neighbouring communities also affected.

The Ijaw leader charged oil and servicing companies operating in Ogulagha Kingdom to maintain cordial relationship with their host communities, and should amicably handle or settle subsequent disagreements with the host communities as Ogulagha indigenes were peaceful and law-abiding people.

“The oil companies and the host communities must know that they are partners in progress, and whatever disagreement they have, particularly in the payment of salaries to workers, should never lead to the death of any indigene and burning of houses. Both parties must sustain an enabling environment,” he said.

Edo NUJ elects new Exco

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—EDO State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has elected a new executive to pilot its affairs in the next three years.

The election saw the emergence of Rowland Osakwe of the Nigerian Observer as Chairman, while Aliu Ozioruva of The Guardian Newspapers, Mrs Rose Imonikhe from the State Information chapel, emerged as Secretary and Vice Chairman of the union respectively.

The South-South zonal Vice President of the NUJ, Eddy Ogwude who represented the National President of the NUJ at the exercise, commended the peaceful manner in which the election was conducted.

34—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 2015

Ex-PSC Chair, Osayande tasks Nigerians on community devt

42 S'East, S'South groups parley on rallies for true federalism

By Emeka Mamah

E

NUGU—A coalition of 42 South East and SouthSouth groups, yesterday, met in Enugu State, to finalize plans for the mega rallies to sensitise Nigerians towards “restructuring the country along the lines of true federalism.”

According to the organisers, the

By Tare Youdeowei

B

ENIN CITY— F O R M E R Chairman of the Police Service Commission, PSC, DIG Parry Osayande (retd) has stressed the need for well-meaning Nigerians to contribute in the development of their communities, rather than waiting for government at all times.

He said it is the only way the nation can witness accelerated development.

He stated this at the foundation raising ceremony of the ultra modern Uhunmwonde General Hospital Egor, Edo State, which is expected to gulp the sum of N3billion.

The project is being sponsored by the Edo State government in partnership with the Edo National Association World wide and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America and Europe.

DIG Osayande, who was represented at the occasion by a former JTF Commander in the Niger Delta, Maj.Gen. Charles Omoregie (retd), admonished Nigerians not to always wait for government to build infrastructure for them.

He noted that though it is “more the responsibility of every government but our wealthy sons and daughters can always come to our aid to make life easier for our people."

rallies earlier planned to hold in 13 cities and towns in the South East, would now hold in 20 cities and towns within the two zones.

Speaking, the convener of the meeting and the founder of Igbo Youth Movement, IYM, Evangelist Elliot Uko said, that the peaceful marches for true federalism had become important since the country had been run

as unitary administration, imposed by the military since 1966.

He said: “For 49 years, Nigeria has been boiling consistently, sometimes silently seething with rage inside; sometimes the lava would hot up and the hot coke gushes out like a volcanic eruption.

“Imposed peace of 1970 has

NOHIL expresses worry over N30m debt by patients annually ...as hospital celebrates 70th anniversary today

By Chioma Obinna

T

HE MANAGEMENT of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, NOHIL, has lamented huge debt owed by some patients, saying it records about N30 million nonrecoverable debts annually.

Meanwhile, the hospital has reeled out activities to celebrate its 70th anniversary in Lagos.

At a briefing to mark the 70th anniversary of the hospital billed to hold December 17, 2015, the Medical Director, of the hospital, Dr. Oluronbi Odunubi said the

debt had hindered effective healthcare delivery at the hospital.

Activities to mark the 70th anniversary include health walk, free medical screening and treatment, public lecture and a novelty match.

According to him: “We have about N25 million to N30 million non-recoverable debts owed by various patients, who cannot pay for their treatments and this has affected our services in a way.

“This is a care centre, so we don’t ask for money before treatment. The policy guidelines

of the hospital forbid that we ask for money before we treat our patients.

Odunubi further lamented the dwindling allocation from the Federal Government, adding that in the last few years only about N2.9 million is allocated to the hospital.

Even the allocation we receive from government is also dwindling. Before, we used to receive about N7 million, but now, we receive less than N2.9 million, which is grossly inadequate to settle our bills.

worn out, everybody is on edge.

June 12, 1993 election would not have been annulled if Nigeria was practising true federalism. It was annulled because of the winnertakes-all altitude of any holder of central power in Nigeria, which keeps the stakes so high that the struggle for centre is usually fierce and victory usually vindictive.

“The Niger Delta militancy and Boko Haram, among others, would never have happened if Nigeria practised true federalism where regions are free to develop their zones, according to their culture, faith and style. We have been deceiving ourselves for too long.

“With Boko Haram still on the rampage in the North East and Shiite Muslims wahala erupting now in the North West, added to the Biafra agitation in the East, you’ll wonder why any sensible person will want Nigeria to continue with this unacceptable 1999 Constitution. The belief of the Federal Government that force will quench this tension is false and counter-productive.

“Nigeria clearly needs a new constitution, one built on true federalism. This unitary structure is clearly not working.”

ARMY VS SHIITE: NLC says it's unacceptable for Army to declare war against unarmed citizens

By Victor AhiumaYoung

N

IGERIA LABOUR Congress, NLC, yesterday, said it was unacceptable for Nigeria Army to declare war of attrition against unarmed citizens and threw its weight behind the probe of the clash between the Nigerian army and the Shiíte Islamic Movement of Nigeria, MIN, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, in Zaria, which claimed 10 lives.

NLC, in a statement by its

factional President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, contended that it was bad for any group of people to have allegedly blocked the road, restrict the movement, and allegedly threatened the life of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Tukur Buratai.

But he insisted that there was no room for extra-judicial behaviour and extra-judicial killings whatsoever, lamenting that the violence between MIN and the Nigerian Army was getting addictive, frequent and avoidably bloody and wasteful.

“For a country that has

witnessed and still coping with senseless violence with attendant mass deaths, especially in the North East, this is one additional violence most condemnable.

"NLC commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives during the December 12, Zaria crisis and call on the Federal Government to increasingly be proactive in responding to crises in the country.

"We therefore, call on the authorities to take necessary measures to ensure that this unnecessary conflict was brought

to a permanent end.

“Federal Government must urgently investigate the root causes of frequent mutually destructive violence between MIN and the Army. We recall that this is not the first time the movement had been involved in a clash with the military. In 2014, some members of the movement including the sons of Zakzaky reportedly lost their lives during a similar clash.

At a time Nigeria had lost several lives and properties through insurgency, we must guide against further disaster.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On arms deal money laundering trial

H

ow can these people fly an aircraft loaded with foreign currency into South Africa, claiming it is for arms purchase, in this 21st century, and Mr. Jonathan till he left office said nothing about it? -Miss Ogochukwu Onwuatuegwu, Student

I

f GEJ had authorised the purchase of arms from South Africa through covert means, Buhari has no power to question the action of his predecessor. If the deal was on behalf of the state, he cannot again turn around to prosecute them. -Miss Maame Lucina, Student

W

e should start importing judges from the UK to handle high profile cases like these. Go round the 36 states in Nigeria, it is only the poor you will find in jail because they do not have billions to bribe the judges. -Mr. Imoni Jesukri, Journalist

W

e have seen this before in 1983 when PMB arrested and imprisoned many wonderful Nigerian politicians, accusing them of stealing billions of Naira. Later it was found out to be lies. Miss Blessing Ubah, Worker

I

t is finally beginning to look as if somebody is in charge. I mean, in charge of the sinking ship referred to as the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This early rescue mission may not be an exercise in perfection, but what do you expect? -Miss Juliet Ogochukwu, Sales person

C

orruption has been embedded in collective psyche that any person who has the best of intentions at giving it a kick is perceived as a joker bent on wasting our precious time. Only God will save this country. -Mr. Jaiyeola Timileyin, Freight forwarder

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 — 35

Buhari orders HoS to sanction directors over indiscipline

By Favour Nnabugwu

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to sanction indisciplined civil servants from the level of Assistant Directors to Directors.

The Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, who informed the civil servants in Abuja during a meeting with Directorate Level Officers in her office yesterday, sounded the warning of the President to them.

Oyo-Ita warned that “federal government will no longer

tolerate any act of indiscipline from any civil servant particularly a situation when workers form the habit of reporting to work late and closing before the official time of 4.00 pm, Mondays to Fridays.”

“A directive has already been issued to apply appropriate sanctions to the erring officers according to the Public Service Rules,” she added.

The Head of Service said that

all civil servants must begin to work as a team in order to restore the service to the path of honour and integrity.

She said that as machinery for the delivery of good governance, “the civil service deserves the greatest attention and that is why concerted efforts is being made by government not only to identify areas of weakness of the service.”

Young Nigerians unveil SwapNaija App

Y

OUNG Nigerians – Opeoluwa Aiyegbusi, Lawrence Oye and others have developed and unveiled a new mobile app called Swap Naija– with the aim of bringing convenience into the use of mobile telecommunication in Nigeria.

“Swap Naija is a mobile app, which makes airtime swap possible on the go in real-time. Before now, what was obtainable was a transfer between subscribers within a similar telecom network. With Swap Naija, Nigerians can now send airtime to any telecom network. We at Swap Naija, have long been uncomfortable with the fact that telecom subscribers could only transfer airtime within the same network. We set out to convert this constraint to convenience. We believe that when it gets difficult, that is the best time to start-up,” noted Aiyegbusi.

The unveiling was done at the TEDxBodija Conference which was held in Ibadan.

Former Deputy-governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, who was a guest speaker at the event, advised the young innovators to look beyond the excitement of their technological breakthrough and prepare their projects for unforeseen technological disruptions.

VISIT: Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (2nd left) holding his recognition award; Vice chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Prof. Akii A.O Ibhadode; friend of the University and Community leader, Maj. Gen. E.O. Obada (rtd.) and Mr. Esiehor Patrick of the Bursary dept (left) during the visit of the Management team of the University to Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Photo by Wunmi Akinola.

I

L O R I N — T H E management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has directed students to proceed on a semester break following students’ protest over the N5000 payment for late registration.

As early as 8am yesterday, students barricaded the entrance to the institution and other major parts of the state capital in continuation of the protest.

During the protest, scores of the students reportedly sustained injuries during a clash with the police.

In a statement by Deputy Registrar, information and Communications of Kwarapoly, Allh Moshood Amuda asked the students to proceed on midC M Y K

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—KWARA State Government is to enact laws on Environmental and Traffic Offences as part of strategies to promote environmental cleanliness and ensure sanity on roads in the state.

The State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed said this yesterday, while fielding questions with journalists at the Ilorin International Airport.

Gov. Ahmed said while the upgrading of existing laws on traffic and environmental offences are to cope with increased human and vehicular population and attendant environmental issues, they will also focus more at ensuring compliance.

According to him, “We must be proactive to cope with the issues of environmental sanitation and traffic challenges as Kwara State is gradually evolving into a commercial hub with increasing population”.

Reps want removal of primary healthcare from LGAs

By Emman Ovuakporie & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—THE House of Representatives has called for the removal of Primary Health Care from the control of Local Government

councils saying the councils lack the required resources to cater for the health of Nigerians at the rural areas.

Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Rep Chike John Okafor, who stated this at an interactive meeting with the heads of health institutions

PROTEST: Kwarapoly orders students to proceed on break

By Demola Akinyemi

Kwara govt to enact Environmental, Traffic laws

semester break.

Though, no reason was given for the management’s decision, it might not be unconnected with the violent protest by some students which started on Tuesday.

The management equally advised parents and guardians to ensure that their children and wards vacate the institution’s campus as directed.

Recall that there was pandemonium in Ilorin, Kwara State on Tuesday morning as hundreds of students, took to major streets to protest the management’s decision to charge N10,000 fee as penalty for late registration.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the management of the

institution had fixed December 11, 2015 as deadline for the registration of students with the calculation that whoever fails to meet the deadline would be made to pay N10,000 as extra fee.

and parastatals in Abuja, also decried the poor budgetary allocation to the health sector.

Chike said, “Majority of Nigerians reside in rural areas. We cannot afford to allow Local Government Council to manage primary health care centres. The truth of the matter is that local government councils do not have the resources to fund and equip these health centres.

“The situation must be reversed. The Federal Government must take over the management of primary health centres, equip them with necessary facilities and adequate personnel (doctors, nurses and pharmacists).”

“Most importantly, health professionals serving in these health centres must be given necessary incentives to live and work in rural areas”, the lawmaker added.

While he decried the poor budgetary allocation to the health sector, he said, “at the moment, only six per cent of the total budget is allocated to the health sector.”

Besides, he said “this is grossly inadequate considering our huge population standing at 170 million at the last count.

This committee and the entire House will work with the executive to ensure that adequate budgetary provision is made for the health sector.”

GIS: Unemployed youths commend FG for training

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI— PARTICIPANTS at the three-day orientation programme organised by the Graduate Internship Scheme, GIS, for Youths, interns and firms’ Representatives have expressed gratitute to the Federal Government for initiating the scheme.

They said the exercise

offered them opportunity to learn how best to be self productive rather than depending on government.

The training programme took place at Barwee Hotel in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The participants in their separate remarks called on government to assist them with soft loans to enable them establish their business for

the benefit of their family and children who often found it very difficult to pay their domestic needs and school fees.

A participant, Mohammed Bukar said the training has improved his capacity on business and entrepreneurship skills, noting that he is now satisfied with his local trading business at the popular Post Office general area in Maiduguri.

36—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

VISIT: Italian Consul General to Nigeria, Mr Andrea Pompermaier (left) and Managing Director, Elite Wellness Ltd, Technogym exclusive distributor in Nigeria, Mr Benson Uwatse, during the Consul General's visit to Technogym showroom in Lagos.

C M Y K

PREMIER: From left: Nse Ikpe Etim, Ireti Doyle, Mo Abudu, Omoni Oboli, Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Biyi Bandele, FIFTY cast & crew, during the premier of FIFTY the movie at Eko Hotel, Lagos. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu.

DRAW: From left: Patoranking, Skyy Vodka brand ambassador, car winner, Adewusi Olukayode, Paul Wilson, Managing Director, Brian Munro Ltd, Abayomi Ajao, Marketing Manager, Brian Munro, during the draws for car winners in the Skyy Vodka, Campari & American Honey Buy & Win promo at Shoprite, Ikeja, Lagos.

RECEPTION: Mrs. Helen Udofia-Miggins (middle) of Baltimore, USA with friends from Victory High School/Victory College, Ikeja at the reception party at Festac Town following the burial of her mother, late Mrs. (Deaconess) Adiaha Nse Udofia. From left: Elder Kayode Wright, Aaron Oguntoye, Mrs. Ayo Abati- Adeniran, Yinusa Omotayo Isaah, Chief Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, Mrs. Stella Amaka Opara, Modinat Balogun and Salako Oladipo.

NUJ ELECTION: From left: Mr Dokubo Opaka, South South zonal Secretary, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Eddy Ogwude, Vice President, South South, NUJ, James Uwem, Assistant National Secretary NUJ, and Mr Hameed, during the election of the new Edo NUJ executives in Benin.

DONATION: Chief Goddy Pemu, Chairman, Itsekiri Community, Kaduna branch (4th left), during the donation of food items by the community to Adonai Orphanage Home, Kaduna. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

PROMO: From left: Olu Akanmu, Divisional Head, Retail Banking, FCMB, Bukola Smith, Regional Head, Lagos, FCMB, Ugwu Anthony, winner of Plasma Tv, Bolaji Adekunle, and Funmi Paseda, Regional Retail Head, Lagos/ South West, FCMB, during the FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 2 draw in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

PROMO: From left: Regional Operations Director, Lagos Region, Airtel, Oladokun Oye, Vice President, Segment, Usage & Retention, Dinesh Balsingh, One Million Naira winner, Mrs. Eze Sonlove and her husband, and Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Ahmed Mokhles, during the prize presentation to winners in the Airtel Red Hot Promo Season 3, in Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 15—37 17,, 20 2015—37

DISCOs, others're shortchanging Nigerians — AJAERO This is the concluding part of this interview Comrade Joe Ajaero. The second part was published last week

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

T

HAT is one. Two, there are no factories that produce meters here. In some countries, across the counter you buy meter.

But here there are factories where you get all the insulators to even build a meter.

But many Nigerians are trying to see how they get around it. This union, for instance, we have started the process. We have about one or two companies now and

very soon, we go into metering.

We have a vending company, with South African partners. We have a pre-paid meter company, but we are yet to finalise the arrangement. However, it equally depends on the DISCOs. It is not that there are no meters, if they are willing to meter the whole country they can do so. If it costs N10, 000 for a meter you can give everybody and let them know that every month you are taking N500 from their bill for meter until

they finish paying. By the time you deduct it for 20 months or whatever, the payment would be completed.

Consumers want to buy: Fine.

Apart from buying there are various ways if actually they want to meter the country, but does it favour them? Does it make economic sense to an investor who wants to maximise profit? If you were in their shoes would you not do the same? Because some of them even today don’t pick loads. If we say from the national grid, we are giving ABCD company 200 Mw and the market

Comrade Joe Ajaero operator will demand maybe 50 million from 200 Mw. If you take 200 Mw you pay N500million,

you will say no. You reject the load and demand for 50Mw. Why? If you are going to make 50 million profit from 200 Mw, if you give take 50 Mw you are still going to make the same profit because you know that whether supply increases or not you are going to make certain amount that is known. So, you can see a situation where there is no light in your area and they are telling you that they are generating so or so megawatts. The company there is not picking the load because what he picks is what he will pay back. If he picks 100 Mw he will pay back to the market operator maybe N200 million. If he picks 50 he will pay 100 million so he will prefers to pick 50 and pay 100 million. Meanwhile he is equally going to make the same amount.

Issue of service charge: The issue of service charge is like if I go to a hotel now to spend a night they will charge me service charge; they will charge me VAT (Value Added Tax). PHCN Building at Awolowo Road was lost to Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) because they asked for all those VAT. It was because of the interest on the VAT not remitted, not the principal.

That is from one government agency to the other.

Collection of service charge Now, if you can treat one government agency like this they will do everything humanly possible to collect VAT, collect service charge because they are under pressure from somewhere.

National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, role: I think they are even trying. Forgive me, but by the time the NERC is fully politicised the private sector will be appointing NERC chairman and commissioners and when that happens the customers will not enjoy protection. The current chairman and commissioners you have there are not products of any political consideration as far as I know. But this private sector now that I am talking about, as at today I pity the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, because the people involved in petroleum are involved in power, so he is powerless, quote me. If they want to frustrate President Muhammadu Buhari tomorrow the people that bought the DISCOs and GENCOs are the same people in control of fuel they will frustrate him. He will be answering a president without being in control of the economy.

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

By Vincent Ujumadu

F

OLLOWING the nullification of the March 28, 2015 National Assembly election for Anambra Central senatorial district, the two major opponents in the poll, Chief Victor Umeh, former national chairman and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are back to the trenches. They are peparing for another showdown.

The rerun election is likely to take place in March, next year.

Soon after the declaration of Ekwunife as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Umeh went to the tribunal to challenge it. After months of legal fireworks at the election tribunal sitting in Awka by the two parties, the tribunal headed by Justice Naya Aganaba, declared that the election substantially met the requirements of the electoral act and that Ekwunife was duly elected.

Not satisfied with the decision, Umeh appealed against the judgment and the Appeal Court judges nullified the election on the ground that it did not meet the required standards.

Shortly after the outcome of the judgment filtered into Awka, many people converged in groups to discuss the matter, while others went jubilating in the various local councils that make up the senatorial zone.

While some said that Umeh ought to have been declared winner by the Court of Appeal, others said the decision of the court to order for a rerun of the election within 90 days was fair to both parties in view of the alleged irregularities that characterised the polls.

Mixed views

However, there were those who expressed happiness that the rerun election would be conducted on a clean slate as there would no longer be ‘order from above’ to decide who should go to the Senate to represent Anambra Central as was the case on March 28.

I will win rerun polls Umeh

Expressing happiness at the decision of the Appeal Court, Umeh boasted that he would win the rerun election.

His words: “I am happy that the Court of Appeal did not sustain the electoral fraud that took place in Anambra State on March 29 during the collation of the results from the seven local government areas. By coming with a decision that election should be repeated is an improvement over the previous impression created that the election was good and that Uche Ekwunife, won.

“I cried out from the onset that the election was marred with recklessness and impunity. I also

ANAMBRA NASS POLLS:

Umeh, Ekwunife back to the •Uba, Nwoye, others free trenches

•Umeh: Approached the Appeal Court pointed out that the environment under which that election was conducted was skewed against other candidates in the election, other than that of the PDP. “The PDP candidate submitted list of all the ad-hoc staff employed by the INEC for that exercise and during the election proper, the military were deployed to her full use and we were pushed out of the election.

But we managed to hold on to that election and of course, garnered votes that actually won that election.

“But through the manipulation of the PDP and INEC-they first of all announced a scandalous figure, 101548 for the PDP and 77129 for me. Ngige the candidate of the APC got 20,000 votes. Of course, we were very distressed by the outcome of the exercise as announced by INEC and the only thing to do, like I have always done, was to go to the tribunal to seek redress.

At the tribunal, we were able to show that the result announced

by INEC was false because we recalculated the figures we saw on the certified true copies of the results given to us by INEC and saw that PDP got 93,860 on the face value, instead of 101548 and my votes on the face value was 85,898 instead of 77129. So, it immediately cast total doubt on the election. And when we filed our petition, they accepted that the results announced by INEC were wrong. That instead, what we added up was the result but they accepted it, claiming they were still leading.

“If these figures were wrong, it must have obvious consequences on the election

•Ekwunife: Shown the way out

•Nwoye because election is not governed by rule of the thumb. You must be precise and accurate in figures you allot to candidates in an election. You don’t just say this man got 200,000 and tomorrow, you say he got 150 and you expect a judge to accept that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act. It cannot be. So, these were the things we brought to the tribunal, and of course, because they were there to do a hatchet job, they turned their eyes away from the matters that we brought to court. Hence, I proceeded to the Court of Appeal”

anytime any day.

She said: “The Appeal Court judgment is a judgment of man.

The court acted as a father Christmas by awarding to Chief Victor Umeh what he did not ask.

But I take it in good faith believing that my victory at the polls was an act of God. I assure my supporters that we will emerge victorious even as I thank Ndi Anambra central for their supports so far”.

She said that her popularity in the zone was not a fluke, having performed creditably as the member that represented Anaocha/Njikoka/Dunukofia in the House of Representatives, adding that she was sure to win again against any candidate from any other party.

Back to the trenches Already, the two candidates have resumed their campaigns in earnest. For instance, all the

Not satisfied with A/Court Justces served the decision of the tribunal, Umeh as father Christmas -Ekwunife appealed against Ekwunife, on the other hand, said the Appeal Court judges the judgment and served as Father Christmas for the Appeal Court Umeh, alleging that they gave judges nullified the him what he did not ask for. While calling on her supporters to election on the remain calm following the ground that it did decision of the Appeal Court, she expressed optimism that she will not meet the win again in the senatorial zone required standards

campaign coordinators of the candidates met at their campaign headquarters, weekend, to strategize on how to go about the election which most people agree would be tough.

On the face value, Umeh appears to have a better chance this time around because the security operatives that were very active during the last election may not be disposed to work for either of the candidates in view of the present political situation in the country. In addition to his popularity in the seven local councils of the zone, Umeh will also enjoy the assistance of Governor Willie Obiano, who is bent on having at least one senator to also assist him during his second bid in 2017.

Soon after the nullification of the election, there were rumours that Dr. Chris Ngige, the minister of Employment who was also a candidate of APC during the election, might join the race, but there were indications that he might no join after all.

As a result, the camps of both Umeh and Ekwunife were said to be wooing the camp of Ngige for the purpose of inheriting his structure during the rerun. How this would play out would be seen as the date of the rerun draws near.

A member of APGA in Anambra Central, Mr. Collins Obiokafor, said the people of the zone were optimistic that Umeh would emerge victorious, going by his popularity and contributions towards the growth of democracy in Anambra State in particular and Igboland in general. He said that serious mobilization would begin in earnest in all the seven local councils to ensure that Umeh wins convincingly during the rerun.

Nwoye's victory elicit cheers

Another decision of the Court of Appeal that has elicited comments was the upholding the election of Comrade Tony Nwoye as duly elected for Anambra East and West Federal Constituency.

Incidentally, Anambra East and West is Governor Willie Obiano’s constituency and what it means is that the governor has lost his federal constituency and senatorial zone to the PDP. For Anambra South senatorial zone, the Court of Appeal also upheld the election of Senator Andy Uba of the PDP and dismissed the appeal by Chief Ernest Ndukwe of APGA. After the Appeal Court decisions, PDP still has two senatorial seats and nine House of Representatives seats, while APGA has two House of Representatives seats.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—39

•John Olaka-Nwogo: PDP Senator from Rivers SouthEast

•George Sekibo: PDP Senator from Rivers East

•Osinakachukwu Idoezu: PDP Senator from Rivers South-West

How Rivers people received lawmakers’ sack

By Jimitota Onoyume

N

ULLIFICATION of the election of three senators in Rivers State and 12 members of the House of Representatives who were all elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the Appeal court is dominating discussions in virtually all parts of the state.

In drinking spots, commercial buses and several other places the main talk is the judgement of the Appeal court. Some people expressed strong fears that the development could heighten security tension.

Fear of insecurity

A resident in Dioub area, Mr Tuotamuno, said if about 100 persons lost their lives during the last general elections as alleged by the All Progressive Congress, APC, when it held its Black Rivers day rally, then there was need for people to worry about what the security situation might turn out to be during the rerun elections ordered by the Appeal court.

“I am just disturbed. I hope there will be adequate security for the elections. We saw the crisis that marred the Bayelsa govenorship poll in Southern Ijaw “, Tuotamuno said.

Another resident of the same Dioube area, who gave his name as Stephen, said there was no need to panic as government will certainly have measures in place to arrest any ugly situation during the elections.

a veiled reference to the court verdict, Governor Nyesom Wike said he will not be distracted from the goals he had set out to achieve for the state.

The governor, who spoke during inspection of some of his projects, said his mandate derived from the massive votes from people, stressing that they came out in their large numbers to vote for him.

A statement made available to newsmen on Saturday after the Appeal court verdict by Special Assistant to the governor on Electronic Media, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, quoted Wike as saying that efforts were already on by his administration to restore the state back to its Garden city glory.

“The people are happy. They appreciate what we are doing for them. We want to turn Port Harcourt and its environs around and re-establish the Garden City that will be a pride of the nation.

“We will use the dry season to accomplish the revival

Before the Appeal court verdict the APC had only one seat in the state House of Assembly while the PDP won all the elective I won't be distracted - offices contested in the last Wike Meantime, in what looked like general polls

programme within the limits of available resources. In Diobu, out of the 22 kilometres being reconstructed, we have achieved 17 kilometres. The remaining aspects of the Diobu road have reached 70 per cent completion.

“The mandate the people freely gave to us will be utilised effectively for their wellbeing.

People came out overwhelmingly and voted for us and we are doing what they want “, he said

We dedeicate judgement to our murdered members - APC

The APC, on its part, has dedicated the victory of its members, who contested results of the elections at the Appeal court to memories of those allegedly murdered in the state during the period of the last elections.

State Publicity secretary of the party, Mr Chris Finebone, in a statement, said the judgement showed that those allegedly assassinated during the last general polls, including late Chief Chris Adube and his children, will not die in vain.

“The APC believes that there can be no better way to bid farewell to Chief Christopher Adube than to dedicate the recovery of our stolen mandates to the ultimate sacrifice the late Chief Chris Adube, his three children, younger brother and driver made when they were murdered in one fell swoop in the late Chief’s home on Good Friday April 3, 2015. '''We dedicate these victories to Police Corporal Ifeanyi Okorie killed when the APC Governorship Campaign Team was attacked at Okrika and close

to 100 others killed before, during and after the 2015 elections in Rivers State,” he said.

The party further hailed the judiciary, expressing hope that it will one day bring those behind the murder of Adube and others to book.

The APC believes, more than ever before, that the judiciary remains the citadel of justice for the oppressed from the injustice of those who misuse individual and state power in Nigeria just as it obtains elsewhere in the world. We believe that there is no alternative to doing the right thing; for those who do not quite share this ideal, a day of reckoning will always come”, he said.

The appeal court ordered a rerun election for all the affected offices within 60 days.

Politicians structures

revive

Politicians have started reviving their structures and holding meetings ahead of the elections.

Before the Appeal court verdict the APC had only one seat in the state House of Assembly while the PDP won all the elective offices contested in the last general polls.

It is expected that the rerun elections will be keenly contested by the PDP and APC, the two top contending political parties.

There have been conjectures and speculations on the strength of the two political parties which only the rerun elections will provide clear answers on.

The court verdict

The Abuja division of the Appeal court led by Justice Ali Gumel in its ruling said the

Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC undermined certain provisions of the Electoral Act during the last general elections. Some of them according to the judgement included accreditation of voters, use of card reader machines and so on.

Elections by the judgement sbould be conducted in the affected areas within 90 days.

Those sacked

Those sacked include senators George Sekibo, Rivers East, Osinakachukwu Idoezu (Rivers South-West Senatorial District) and John Olaka-Nwogo (Rivers South-East).

They also include Boma Goodhead, the member representing Asari Toru/Akuku Toru Federal Constituency, Hon. Ken Chikere (PDP) Port Harcourt I Federal constituency election, Randolf Brown for Bonny/ Degema Federal Constituency, Dum Deekor of Tai/Eleme/Oyigbo Federal Constituency, Betty Apiafi Ahoada East/Abua Federal Constituency, Awaji Inombek Abiante of Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro federal constituency and Dimnamene Deekor of Khana/ Gokhana federal constituency Blessng Nsiegbe of Port Harcourt federal constituency II, Kingsley Chinda of Obio Akpor Federal Constituency, Boniface Emerangwa of Ikwerre/ Emohua Federal Constituency, Bright Gogo Tamuno of Okrika/Ogu/ Bolo Federal Constituency, and Hon. Jerome Eke of Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency.

However, Hon Uche Nnam Obi of Ahoada West//Egbeama/ Ndoni Federal Constituency escaped what some have code named the sledge hammer of the Appeal court.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Kudos as Media Perspectives launches Media Advertising Guide 2016

By Prisca Sam-Duru & Princewill Ekwujuru

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N furtherance of its determination to ensure that the three major stakeholders in the marketing communications ecosystem; advertisers, agencies and media owners, obtain actionable data that would assist them produce successful Nigerian advertising campaigns that meet the needs of consumers, Media Perspectives Ltd, launched the maiden edition of a book titled, “Nigerian Media Advertising Guide 2016”.

The book presentation, held last Friday at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, witnessed an impressive turn out of eminent Nigerians in the advertising industry as well as the media. “Nigerian Media Advertising Guide 2016”, published by the Media Perspective Research Team, is an annual guide that helps to uncover insights in addition to helping stakeholders in the marketing communications, to match content with context.

Chairman of the occasion who is also Chairman of Troyka Group, Mr Abiodun Shobanjo who expressed satisfaction with the authenticity of the publication, noted that the whole thing about media facts is one that kept me thinking about Nigeria media, how sometimes, they may not necessarily get their facts right.

Media independence I was reading one of the professional journals one day that talked about media independence and I was surprised at the comments made about the very existence of how media independence started in Nigeria.

We all know how media independence came about. It was so unfortunate that no credit was given to Troyka Group because the fact is that what we now know as media independence in Nigeria was started by Troyka Group. So I have looked through these media facts compendium that Media Perspectives have put together, with this kind of research work, in fact, clients can only continue to get better values. I’m pleased and proud that Media Perspectives have been able to do this.”

Nestle Marketing Services Director, Mrs Iquo Ukoh who was the Keynote Speaker described the book as “An excellent opportunity for brand owners and media planners to get C M Y K

data such that the money they are putting behind the media is well spent and we can really account for the amount of money we are spending on media at the end of the day.” In her presentation titled, ‘Consumer Research and Marketing, Doing it Right in Nigeria’, Mrs Ukoh focused on areas of Marketing and return on investment, improving consumer insights and increased access to data prior to marketing expenditure. She emphasised on brands having deeper insights into the consumer so as to meet their needs. To do this, she insisted that stakeholders should identify credible information resources, quality of information, cultural nuances and consider consumer literacy level, etc.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Media Perspectives, Dr. Tayo Oyedeji noted: “We started this project with one goal in mind; providing research data to bridge the gap between strategy and implementation in the Nigerian media advertising industry.

Consequently, we scoured multiple data sources and re-

*Left Dr Tayo, Oyedeji, MD Media Perspectives, Mrs Iquo Ukoh, Guest Speaker, Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman Troyka Group and Mr Jude Odia,Media Director, Strategy, Media Perspectives at the occasion. Pix Biodun Ogunleye. search studies to generate a truly unique report that would help marketing communications professionals make sense

What we wanted to do was to put together research that will help all the industry stakeholders with other agencies and even media owners to make better decisions about the consumers

of one of the most complex markets in the world.”

Dr Oyedeji further explained the reason for the annual publication thus; “What we wanted to do was to put together research that will help all the industry stakeholders with other agencies and even media owners to make better decisions about the consumers. So this research will help everybody that works in the marketing communication industry and spend industry but also more importantly reach out to the consumer properly.”

The core message according to him is, “When you pick up the book and begin to read it, what happens is that you be-

Echoes of nostalgia at Studio Mode Benjamin Njoku

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IKE many young people of her age, Mode Aderinokun, a multidimensional artist recently took a creative trip into her past, reliving memories of her childhood and feeling utmost nostalgia, wishing to return to those days of innocence and pampering.

Dialoguing with the works she paraded at the opening of her third solo exhibition titled,”Nostalgia” last Sunday, at Studio of Modé, in Ikoyi, one beholds a thoughtful transition of the mind.

The exhibition explores the derivation of Nostalgia, the sentimental value of how pain affects oneself will run for a

Nostalgia is a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one's life, and is often triggered by memories of home and friends

• One of the works on display at the ongoing exhibition

period of six weeks.

Nostalgia, according to Mode, who is the brain behind the popular Studio of Mode, located on the island is a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former

gin to understand the consumers a lot better and audiences. what happens is that your marketing communication becomes sharper and better and you can more effectively reach the people that will patronise your brand and your products in every form and shape,” he said.

The event also featured a panel discussion comprising Dr Tayo Oyedeji, Feyi Olugbodu, Mr Jude Odia and Mrs Iquo Ukoh who fielded questions from the audience. They addressed issues bordering on how best to improve on media advertising and more importantly, understanding consumer behaviour.

ist’s focus for this exhibition.

The artist delves into the ache and sadness of nostalgia.

Relying on intense self-reflection, she presents art pieces that explore perceptions of beauty, equality and self-liberation.

Although the art pieces reveal raw emotions and pain, Modé hopes that exposing parts of her vulnerable self will enhance her connection with viewers of her work. She gives the viewers a bit of herself, to create a context in which people can share their feelings and deeply think about themselves in ways they ordinarily would not. The artist hopes that her work will stir up a wistful desire for healing.

Book presentation

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time in one’s life, and is often triggered by memories of home, family, and friends. The expression evokes a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time; however happiness is not the art-

HE public presentation of Oge Nwabueze’s twoin-one novel: Looming Danger – Stop an Impeding War : At The Drop Of A Hat, is scheduled to hold on December 19, 2015, at SNUG, 30, Commercial Area, beside First Bank Plc, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, According to the budding novelist,Miss Nwabueze, it will be a gathering of Nigeria’s Who’s Who.

41 Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—41

Using human rights to promote corruption and impunity Being the paper presented by Femi Falana, SAN, to mark the official opening ceremony of the Amnesty International office in Nigeria at Abuja

By Femi Falana

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NTRODUCTION: Whenever I was incarcerated by successive military regimes from 1985-1998, Amnesty International (AI) waged an effective campaign for my release. Through the activities of the AI and other progressive organisations I was able to regain my personal liberty without any conditionality.

Notwithstanding that I was charged with many criminal offences including treasonable felony the AI declared me a prisoner of conscience. In thanking the AI for its contribution to the defence of human rights and demilitarisation of the country I am compelled to point out that while human rights defenders and workers are no longer detained without trial, the most economically and socially disadvantaged are still subjected to illegal arrests, detention and other human rights violations and abuses.

With the establishment of an office in Abuja it is undoubtedly clear that AI has decided to be more effective in the defence and promotion of human rights in Nigeria. Through the campaign against the death penalty AI has saved the precious lives of many people. Through the campaign against illegal detention AI has secured the liberty of many prisoners of conscience and other detainees including those who were held in dehumanising

and social rights if the organisation is to contribute to the attainment of the principles of universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights - civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. No doubt, this approach requires the active collaboration of AI with the victims of corruption and exploitation and underdevelopment.

In this address, I shall speak on the lacuna in human rights discourse in view of the deliberate plan of the ruling class in the country to use the law and human rights to frustrate the prosecution of the looters of our commonwealth.

Looters of our commonwealth In response to the role of lawyers who secure injunctions to prevent the arrest, investigation and prosecution of rich criminal suspects accused of corruption we shall link the recovery of our looted wealth to the duty of the government to provide for the welfare and security of all citizens. Our position will be anchored on the provisions of local and international human rights instruments.

Human rights, corruption and poverty: Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution has made elaborate provisions for civil and political aspects of human rights.

However, the fundamental objectives and directive principles of State Policy which provides for social, economic and cultural rights in chapter 2 of the Constitution are not justiciable.

But similar rights are incorporated in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (Cap A9) Laws

FEMI FALANA, SAN conditions. Through the campaign for fair trial AI has ensured that the right of many accused persons to fair hearing is respected. Through the campaign for freedom of speech and assembly AI has expanded the democratic space for many people who were otherwise excluded from political participation.

Through the campaign for the observance of freedom of thought and conscience AI has protected many victims of religious and political persecution. But AI has to do much more to promote universal respect for economic

Human rights are not and should not be the preserve of the rich and wealthy

of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 are enforceable. Anyone whose fundamental rights has been violated in any state of the federation is entitled to seek redress in the appropriate High Court pursuant to Section 46 (1) of the Constitution and the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules, 2009. But in actuality human rights are enjoyed by a tiny minority of rich and powerful individuals who have the economic wherewithal to seek legal redress whenever such rights are violated.

I had argued elsewhere that “human rights are not and should not be the preserve of the rich and wealthy. It ought to be realized that without adequate food the rights to life and human dignity are meaningless to the marginalised and vulnerable segment of the population.

Similarly, the right to housing has no relevance to people who are displaced and expelled from cities due to urban renewal projects carried out by governments.

When the right to life of certain persons is violated through extrajudicial killing by the police and other law enforcement agencies those who depend on them for their education and welfare are rendered vulnerable.

Without access to education the right to freedom of expression is of n o consequence to millions of illiterate people.

In view of pervasive and almost absolute poverty in the society it is no longer in dispute that socio-economic rights are not m a d e

justiciable, majority of citizens cannot fully a n d effectively enjoy the civil and political r i g h t s guaranteed by the Constitution a n d international treaties.”

(Falana: Nigerian Law on socioeconomic rights, 2015).

Kolawole Olaniyan in his celebrated book Corruption and Human Rights Law in Africa (Oxford: Hart, 2014) has developed a framework for complementarity between promoting and protecting human rights and combating corruption.

He makes three major points regarding the relationship between corruption and human rights law.

First, corruption per se is a human rights violation, in so far as it interferes with the right of the people to dispose of their natural wealth and resources and thereby increases poverty and frustrates socio-economic development.

Second, corruption leads to a multitude of human rights violations. Third, he argues that human rights mechanisms have the capacity to provide more effective remedies

to victims of corruption than can other criminal and civil legal mechanisms.

He emphasised three major aspects of human rights in practice - the importance of governing structures in the implementation and enjoyment of human rights, the relationship between corruption, poverty and underdevelopment, and the threat that systemic poverty poses to the entire human rights edifice.

President Muhammadu Buhari talks of $150 billion stolen in the last 10 years. The criminals who stole the huge funds and western countries which are keeping the funds have violated the human right that Nigerians with respect to development.

If a large chunk of the stolen funds is retrieved and earmarked for socio-economic development, the government can create jobs, guarantee security and ensure infrastructural development.

As President Buhari puts it, “The fight against corruption is in reality a struggle for the restoration of law and order.

Corruption and impunity become widespread when disrespect for law is allowed to thrive in society.

Disrespect for law also thrives when people get away with all sorts of shady deals and the court system is somehow unable to check them. Ability to manipulate and frustrate the legal system is the crowning glory of the corrupt and, as may be expected, this has left many legal practitioners and law courts tainted in an ugly way.

To be continued

42 — VANGUARD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

South Africans march against Jacob Zuma

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HOUSANDS of pro testers are marching in South Africa to demand President Jacob Zuma sack.

The latest protests are a reaction to him sacking two finance ministers last week, further damaging confidence in the economy.

This comes on top of claims of widespread corruption, recent student protests and a succession battle in the governing African National Congress.

The marchers are using the hasthag #ZumaMustFall on social media.

The #ZumaMustFall hashtag is a modification of #FeesMustFall which was used to organise protests against a rise in university fees.

Before that, #RhodesMustFall was used to demand a statue of British colonialist Cecil Rhodes was removed from the University of Cape Town’s campus.

“It feels like the start of something big,” a woman in her 50s called Lianda told me.

It’s the first protest she has been on since she saw friends and family killed during the 1976 Soweto uprising.

For her it was important to join the demonstrations with her teenage daughters “for the sake of their future”. So along

•Jacob Zuma with thousands of others she came to register her displeasure at the ANC leader, who some increasingly see as a political liability.

But unlike the groundswell of protest that led to the recall of President Thabo Mbeke in 2008, Jacob Zuma still appears to have support within the National Executive Committee of the ANC. Earlier this week, the party’s top brass went on TV to deliver a message

German charged over ‘tattoo of Nazi death camp’

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German man has been charged with incitement to hatred after he was pictured with a tattoo apparently of the Auschwitz Nazi death

SYRIA: No ceasefire unless Assad goes — Opposition

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HE main Syrian opposition bloc, with allied rebel forces on the ground, says it will not agree to a ceasefire unless Bashar al-Assad signs an agreement to step down as president of Syria.

The comments came on Wednesday as the United States and Russia prepared for the next Syrian peace talks in New York on Friday.

“If they [US and Russia] want to fight terrorism as they say, why not get rid of the main problem, the government that is targeting civilians in Syria everyday?” Nagham alGhadri, vice president of the Syrian National Coalition (SNC), told Al Jazeera.

“The US and Russia have always disagreed on the fate of Bashar al-Assad, but agreed on countering [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant], which is ironic because instead of getting

to a South African public still reeling from the events of the past week, that they still support their president.

Yet privately there is said to be considerable disquiet within the ANC. This may not be an Arab Spring but watch this space. The discontent is growing louder.

The ANC has been in power since the end of apartheid in 1994 and won a landslide in general elections last year.

rid of the root of all problems, they want to tackle an product that is a result of the government.

“It is our basic right to choose what we want for our country. We are not waiting for anyone to tell us that the fate of a Syrian leader lies with the Syrian people. We were born with this right.

“They will meet abroad and negotiate Syria’s future, but at the end of the day the whole world knows that if the Syrian people do not agree on any given political solution, they will not apply it.

“All those people who were killed and the millions of refugees living in tents for the past five years did not go through all this so one day the international community can make up their minds regarding Syria. We will decide our own fate, regardless of all the talks and meetings held by them.”

camp.

The tattoo has the slogan “To Each His Own”, which was on the gate of the Buchenwald concentration camp.

The photo was taken at a swimming pool in the town of Oranienburg, north of Berlin, at the end of November.

German media named the man as Marcel Zech, a member of the far-right National Democratic Party.

Mr Zech sits on the council in the district of Barnim in eastern Germany. The trial process has been sped up, German media reports say, and is scheduled to start on 22 December.

Germany has strict laws against the promotion of Nazi ideology in Germany. The punishment for Mr Zech if he is convicted could be as much as five years in prison.

Artist Jonathan Meese was prosecuted in 2013 for giving Nazi salutes at an event the previous year, but successfully argued the gesture was part of an interviewturned-art performance and was acquitted.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—43

44—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

BIAFRA: Court strikes out charge against Kanu ...as protesters move to Lagos, ground Alaba (Lagos), Aba •Our referendum on the way—Uwazurike •BIM, MASSOB at war

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Anayo Okoli, Chris Ochayi, Dapo Akinrefon, Nkiruka Nnorom, Nwabueze Okonkwo & Ugochukwu Alaribe

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BUJA— AN Abuja Chief Magistrate Court, yesterday, struck out the onecount criminal charge the Federal Government preferred against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

In a ruling yesterday, Chief Magistrate Shauibu Usman discharged Kanu following an application by the Department of State Services, DSS, to withdraw the charge against him.

The court granted the motion for discontinuance of the matter, filed and argued by counsel to the DSS, Mr. Moses Idakwo.

The FG had urged the Magistrate Court to terminate further hearing on the charge, saying it has concluded plans to take the matter before a higher court.

Idakwo told the court that the government secured an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja to further detain Kanu for 90 days.

He said the order which was granted by Justice Ademola Adeniyi, was to enable the government to conclude investigation into an allegation that Kanu was involved in terrorism financing.

Consequently, the DSS, applied to withdraw the initial First Information Report, FIR, pending against the defendant.

Idakwo specifically asked Magistrate Usman to step down from the trial on the ground that his court lacked the power and jurisdiction to prosecute terrorism charges.

The application was vehemently opposed by Kanu’s lawyer Mr. Vincent Egechukwu Obeta who insisted that the bail the court earlier granted his client must firstly be complied with before any application for transfer of the case to a federal high court could be entertained.

Moreover, Obeta, urged the court to transfer Kanu to prison custody to enable him to have easier access to his legal team.

Kanu who is the Director of Radio Biafra and Television was in the withdrawn charge, accused of engaging in criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society, as well as indulging in criminal intimidation, contrary to section 97 (a)&(b) and section 397 of the Penal Code.

It will be recalled that he was on October 17, arrested in Lagos by security operatives, shortly

after he arrived Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

He had On October 19, pleaded not guilty to the FIR that was filed against him by the Nigerian government, and was subsequently granted bail to the tune of N2 million.

The court further directed the defendant to produce a civil servant of Grade Level 16, to stand as his surety.

The fact of the case, according to DSS report was that the accused formed an unlawful society with the purpose of bringing into being a Republic of Biafra.

He was alleged to have proclaimed himself as the leader of the Republic of Biafra and established a radio of Biafra.

Kanu was also alleged to have appointed himself Commander of the Loyal Forces of Biafra and was broadcasting to the whole world the dire consequences the government and people of Nigeria will suffer should they attempt to hinder the actualization of the Republic of Biafra.

Meantime, Justice Adeniyi will today deliver ruling on an application seeking Kanu’s release from the custody of the DSS. Protesters move to Lagos Meanwhile, the train of the IPOB protesters has finally landed in Alaba International market, Ojo, Lagos, as thousands of youths carrying Biafran flag and wearing its T-shirts stormed the market yesterday afternoon.

It was learned that the protesters demanded that traders should shut down the market today and join them in the protest.

According to one of the protesters, “we are protesting the continued detention of Kanu, by DSS in Abuja. The treacherous DSS is holding him against court orders. The protests will continue until the Buhari regime does the needful.”

Also, yesterday, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, said they could not hold their proposed protest, which was widely publicized to hold yesterday in Onitsha and other parts of South East because members of the two pro-Biafra agitators were waiting for the verdict of the court over the release of Radio Biafra Director Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

This was disclosed by the National Secretary of MASSOB Mr. Ugwoke Ugwoke, while addressing newsmen. He, however, said that the protest took place in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital, adding they were also careful not to play into the hands of the security agents, who had been detailed to unleash

CEREMONY: From left, CEO, IT Edge Limited, Mr. Segun Oruame; Managing Director/CEO, Mojoy Computers, Mrs. Adenike Shittu; Managing Director/CEO, Technology Times Limited, Mr. Shina Badaru, and Director, e-Government, Federal Ministry of Communications, Mr. Tope Fashedemi, during the closing ceremony of 2015 Computer Village Expo, tagged, 'Otigba Rising,' at Haven events place, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. terror on them like they did over three weeks ago when nine people were shot dead and I8 injured in Onitsha.

Protesters ground Alaba (Lagos), Aba It is, however, a different story in Lagos as protesters, yesterday, grounded vehicular and commercial activities at the Alaba International Market, Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos, in a mega rally to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Radio Biafra Director and leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

Thousands of protesters blocked roads and caused traffic jam on the ever busy routes to Alaba international market shouting solidarity songs and bearing placards in support of the detained radio Biafra boss, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB had earlier disclosed in a statement that it would hold its rally along the Alaba International Market axis, as well as visit several embassies and High Commissions, the Amnesty International and UN offices, on Victoria Island and Ikoyi axis of Lagos, to deliver protest letters.

Armed policemen were at the scene of the protest to ensure there was no break-down of law and order.

In Aba, Abia State, the proBiafra protesters embarked on a protest march, grounding economic activities in the city.

Speaking to journalists, leader of IPOB, Anayochukwu Opara, said the protest would continue today if Kanu is not released by the Federal Government and vowed that no force is capable of stopping them.

The protest, which saw the group march through major streets of Aba, caused heavy traffic as motorists moved at snail speed. Some of the protesters

adorned pro-Biafra emblems and Kanu’s portraits, singing antiNigerian government songs 'Nigeria is for Sale.'

Others were seen selling Biafra emblems for a fee.

Unlike past pro -Biafra protests in the city, markets and business centres were open as residents went about their normal duties unmolested.

A cross section of the protesters, who spoke to Vanguard, urged the Federal Government to release Kanu and grant an independent state of Biafra, stressing that there will be no peace in Nigeria until Biafra is actualized.

“The Federal Government cannot be detaining our Director, Nnamdi Kanu for over two months now and expect us to clap for them.

"We have warned them enough to release our Director and give us Biafra. We have no faith in Nigeria. We will embark on another protest with a different strategy if our Director is not released.”

Our referendum on the way —Uwazurike Meanwhile, leader of Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, yesterday, disclosed that the much desired referendum for the actualization of Biafra is very much on its way, even as it requires a lot of lobby within the United Nations, UN, circle to make it happen.

This is coming on the heels of the appointment of three key officers of the youth wing of BIM, which he said, was still known as MASSOB. In a statement, yesterday, on his behalf in Onitsha, Anambra State, by the Deputy National Director of BIM, Chris Mocha, Uwazuruike noted that nonviolence was part of requirements needed to attract the referendum

of this nature, adding that it was for that reason that BIM had since its inception, as MASSOB, adopted a non-violence posture in its approach to the agitation for Biafra actualization.

Youths slam presidency Still baffled by continued detention of Kanu, Igbo youths under the aegis of Ohanaeze Youth Council, OYC, Worldwide have blasted the Federal Government over the arrest and detention of pro-Biafra agitators, describing it as inhuman and antipeace.

In a statement signed by the Council’s President General, Comrade Francis Oji and Secretary, Board of Trustees, Mazi Okwu Okwu, they said the manner the Federal Government was handling the Biafra agitators showed dishonesty and policy inconsistency, when compared with the the present administration's of Boko Haram insurgency.

Seeking a political solution Reacting to the Federal government’s decision to withdraw criminal charges against the Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, SAN, described the step as a political solution that will douse the rising tension in the South East.

Sagay said “it is an extra judicial decision, in other words, instead of pressing the criminal charges against him (Kanu) for which they are entitled to do. What he (Kanu) did is to operate an illegal radio station which was to fan the embers of treason and the disintegration of Nigeria. He has committed what I will regard as treason. To achieve a political solution, the Federal government has decided to ignore his crimes and to foster reconciliation.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015 — 45

N750,000 ‘too much’for Eaglets — Presidency drastically

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much lower proposal of 150,000 Naira per player of the victorious Golden Eaglets has been tabled by the sports ministry after a proposal of 750,000 Naira-a-player was rejected by the country’s Presidency as “too much”.

It has already been reported that the federal government has rejected

an initial proposal by the sports ministry to reward the Eaglets after they won a fifth FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile last month.

This week the government of President Muhammadu Buhari has warned that next year will be rough for the country because of the poor economy and has moved to cut back

Dalung

Continues from BP

NigeriaFootballFederation in Abuja, stated that crisis should not be perpetual in Nigeria football administration. He noted that the successes brought by the Golden Eaglets and the

Nigeria Under-23 team recently should be built upon so that crisis can be avoided. “ I have heard series of complaints from players and coaches of how their salaries andallowanceswerenotpaid.

From previous reports of crisis

Siasia

Continues from BP

sorts, won a silver medal at the 2008 Games, and after earning the right to be at the 2016 Games in Brazil, the former Super Eagles striker stated that with hard work Nigeria can win the gold.

“I was coach of Nigeria during the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008, when we reached the final, and in 2016 we will aim to do more than reaching the final by winning the (gold) medal,” Siasia said. Nigeria won the men soccer gold at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta USA and came to repeating the feat in Beijing, China.

But Lionel Messi and Angel d Maria combined to score the only goal of the match

and handed Argentina the gold. Nigeria U-23 players gave a good account of themselves in that match, much to the appreciation of Argentina legend Diego Maradona.

Meanwhile the Dutch coach who led Nigeria to the gold in Atlanta’96 Johannes Bonfrere has backed Siasia to do well in Rio 2016.

“He has done well with the youth sides in the past and his experience will be vital for Nigeria in Brazil.

“But there are a lot of things that will still come into play, like getting a good draw and preparing well for the competition. “If they are lucky and get things right, they can win it again.’’

Ighalo, Ikhana to receive Edo FA awards who contributed to the

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ATFORD striker Odion Ighalo, 2003 African Coach of The Year Kadiri Ikhana and 2005 U-17 World Cup winner Victor Osimhen are among several other outstanding football personalities that would be honoured at the maiden Edo Football Association Awards ceremony.

The event, which was initially fixed for December 18, has been rescheduled for December 30 at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre, Benin City. It is organised by the Edo FA in conjunction with the Emmanuel Usoh Foundation.

Chairman of Edo FA, Frank Ilaboya, said the ceremony is organised to celebrate Edo indigenes

growth and development of football in the state and beyond.

“Ighalo is very happy with the recognition from his state and even though he won’t be able to attend the ceremony because of the ongoing EPL season, his wife will receive the award on his behalf,” Ilaboya said.

Ighalo has been shortlisted for the Player of The Year (overseas-based) while Ikhana, who led Enyimba to a historic seventh league title last season, is Coach of The Year. Osimhen is Young Player of The Year.

The PUNCH’s ’Tana Aiyejina (print), Saliu Ibrahim (radio) and Oni Obadan (television) are the media persons of the year.

on government spendings.

It would therefore be seen as double standards if the government now splashes a fortune on the schoolboy stars.

“The proposal has been reviewed after the first rejection. We wait for the green light from the presidency on the date for the reception and the reward,” a sports ministry official disclosed.

from the players camp, the issue has always been that officials took players money!

Please pay them their money. An angel said to the three wise men behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. This is Christmas season. Bring glad tidings to the players. Pay them all outstanding bonuses and allowances before Christmas”.

“However, I keep asking myself, after all the victories, what is behind the crisis in the NFF. “ I want to borrow this phrase from Amaju. He said he will have to step on toes to move Nigeria’s football forward. I will trample on toes .

But crises should never be perpetual. The successes we are experiencing have erased these crises.”

Dalung, urged the Amaju Pinnick led board of NFF to workharderandtakeNigeria football to new heights, and also continue to administer football with justice and fairness. Pinnick in his address gave kudos to the federal government under President Muhammadu Buhari for all the support it gave to the federation in the outgoing year.

However, he said his board has recorded a lot of achievements despite the dwindling resources includingtherecentsuccesses of the national U-17 and U23 teams who won the FIFA cadet championship and the African championship respectively.

Healsostatedthathisboard has further improved the standard of football in Nigeria with the numerous capacity building activities organized for the referees and coaches by the federation in conjunction with some of its partners. While reacting on the issue of allowances due to players and coaches, Pinnick said efforts are being made to pay them even as he argued that it is not a peculiar situation because of the prevailingeconomicrealityin the country.

46—Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015—47

EPL: Guardiola eyes City move F

ORMER Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola is poised to announce his decision to leave Bayern, paving the way for Manchester City to appoint him next summer.

The Spaniard remains close with City chief executive Ferran Soriano and sporting director Txiki Begiristain, from their time working together at Barcelona.

And with Guardiola wanting a new challenge in the Premier League, City will move to snap up the man regarded as the world’s leading coach.

Bayern have offered Guardiola £16million a year to stay, and the 41year-old was tempted by the offer, but is understood to have decided to

N

•Pep Guardiola...Eyeing Manchester City horizon. leave for the chance to manage in the Premier Leage.

Guardiola will meet with Bayern chief exec-

utive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on Saturday, when he is expected to confirm his decision to quit. After Bayern’s win

over Darmstadt on Tuesday, Guardiola said: “Tonight I have no answer.

Next week there will be clarity.”

Mourinho: My players frustrate me J

OSE MOURINHO has launched another attack on his players, questioning the passion they have displayed in Chelsea’s disastrous title defence.

The under-fire manager was the subject of emergency talks held yesterday as Roman Abramovich considers whether the Portuguese is still the best man for the job.

However, it is clear Mourinho feels his players need to change their attitude to life if Chelsea are to pull away from the relegation zone.

“Some of them need to rethink how the way they live Chelsea, they live football, they live their job,” Mourinho told Chelsea TV “Chelsea is big, football is more than a job,

it’s a passion. I think every match on the pitch you should live with an unbelievable passion.”

John Terry was once again substituted, the watershed apparently broken after Mourinho took off the club captain for the first time in his tenure at Stamford Bridge against Manchester City.

Eden Hazard also had to be replaced with a hip injury, although his manager appeared to ask him to continue, before the Belgian almost immediately walked off the pitch again and disappeared down the tunnel.

In his interview with Chelsea TV, Mourinho did not name any players, but he made it clear that some of his personal relationships at

•Mourinho and Michael Emenalo discussing Chelsea problems.

the club had broken down.

“How many millions would love to be football players and they can’t be? You shouldn’t waste any minutes on the pitch, you should enjoy every minute and

you should give absolutely everything,” Mourinho added.

“Yes, I feel frustrated with some players and I feel that some others they give absolutely everything and don’t deserve to lose.”

A

GROUP under the aegis of Sapele Boys Club Worldwide, chaired

by Mr Chamberlain Akarue, has paid a solidarity visit to former ace footballer, goal keeper and Coach of the defunct Green C M Y K

Eagles now Super Eagles, Mr Peter Fregene, in his Sapele country home, describing as a worthy and irreplaceable football ambassador the country has ever raised.

Mr Fregene, 68, who is now down with arthritis in the last two decades, and

IGERIA Olympic Committee (NOC), president, Habu Gumel, has advised the Bauchi State Government to build modern sports facilities at the Yankari Resort and Safari to attract more tourists to the centre.

Gumel also advised the state to give adequate publicity to the resort, saying that the Yankari Safari, which ‘has some of the best collection of nature’s gift to humanity,’ can generate huge revenue for the state.

Speaking during the NOC’s annual general meeting at the Yankari Resort and Safari, Gumel said building a modern golf course and an indoor sports hall can bring tourists to the state, who will come to play their sports and at the same time enjoy nature’s gifts to Bauchi State.

According to Gumel, “the tiny Indian Ocean Island of Mauritius has two shuttle flight services each day from Dubai to the country.

Each flight takes more than 400 passengers, who go there to savour nature.

“If you print brochures and distribute to all Nigerian embassies abroad, I want to tell you that in less than no time the Yankari Safari will start attracting visitors like other African tourist centres.”

Earlier, former international athlete, Falilat Ogunkoya, had suggested that Bauchi State could build a tartan track and camping facilities at the resort so that Nigerian athletes could use it as a camping site before major events.

She said: “The weather and the serene environment are conducive for any type of training one can think of. THIS PLACE IS CLOSE TO NATURE, has a warm water spring, 24 hour uninterrupted power supply and well-equipped hostels.

“Aside Nigeria, other countries can also use the resort as a training base if the facilities are added to the other existing ones.”

At the annual general meeting attended by sports federations’ presidents and other members of the committee, the NOC presented awards to the Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, the national U-17 team, and Apostle Hayford Alile for their contributions to Nigeria’s sports development.

Sports Minister tells NOC to fight drug abuse ...warns against lack of accountability Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, has urged the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) to join the fight against drug abuse by Nigerian athletes, saying that the menace was against the spirit of Olympism.

Speaking during the NOC’s annual general meeting held at the Yankari Games Resort and Safari, the minister, represented by the director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Alhassan Yakmut, said educating the athletes on the dangers of drug abuse would aid the fight against the syndrome.

According to Dalung, “Nigeria as a big player in the international community should champion the fight against drug abuse, which “is one of the three evils

bedevilling our sports.

“Nigeria has had its fair share of athletes testing positive to banned drugs and we should all join hands in the battle to eliminate drug abuse.

“The other evil militating against our growth is lack of accountability and I want you to convey to the federations that the new Nigeria is a country where sports administrators live above board.

SBC pays solidarity visit to Fregene

By Godwin Oghre

NOC advises Bauchi to build sports facilities at Yankari Resort

currently with reduced in locomotion, and restricted to a wheel chair, has appealed to the Federal Government and well meaning Nigerians for monetary aid to seek good medical treatment either within or outside the country.

•Emmanuel Sylvester

“Another issue is getting all the stakeholders to build sports from the grassroots because that is where the future lies.

It ensures that Nigerian youths are engaged in

•Gumel

End of the road for Nigerians at Gov’s Cup Lagos Tennis

By John Egokhan

T

HE cliché ‘you can’t give what you don’t have’, came true yesterday as the remaining Nigerian players in the Governor ’s Cup Futures 11 crashed out, meaning no Nigerian is left in the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned pointawarding tournament.

Just like they did in last week’s event, the home talents could not hit above their belts, losing to their better exposed and conditioned foes from other countries.

Sylvester Emmanuel was the first to bite the dust of defeat, losing in straight sets of 2-6, 4-6 to France’s Fabio Reboul, who now meets second seed, Llyod Harris of South Africa in today’s quarter-final.

Another Nigerian casualty was Joseph Imeh,

who lost in two sets of 46, 2-6 to Takanyi Garanganga of Zimbabwe 64,6-2.

Kaduna boy, Umaru Balami was also sent packing his bags after losing in quick sets of 2-6, 1-6 to sixth seed, Antal Van Der Duim from The Netherlands. 6-2, 6-1.

Africa has three players in the quarter finals as Duncan Mugabe of Uganda, the 2014 finalist, who was dumped out by Sylvester Emmanuel at this stage of the first leg shot down Deimas N’Tcha of Benin Republic 6-2, 60.

In other men’s singles results, Egyptian KarimMohammed Maamoun defeated Aaron Cortes Alcaraz 7-5, 5-2, fourth seed from France Sadio Doumbia outlasted Ben McLachlan of New Zealand in 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2015

N750,000 ‘too much’ for Eaglets — Presidency Pg.45

I’ll step on toes – Dalung warns NFF •Orders them to pay Eaglets, U-23 before Christmas Y OUTH and Sports minister Solomon Dalung has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to pay all outstanding salaries and allowances owed to coaches and players before the Christmas celebrations.

The NFF recently declared itself broke and unable to meet its obligations to staff and the national teams under its scope. But Dalung who was speaking at the st 71 congress of the

*GRITTY...

Nigeria’s U-23 defender, Ndifreke Udo vies with an Algerian attacker, Zinedine Ferhat during their match at the recently concluded CAF U-23 AFCON championship in Senegal.

•Buhari

•Dalung

•Pinnick

Continues on Page 45

Siasia: We can surpass Beijing’s feat F

RESH from winning the CAF Under-23 African Cup of

Nations, Nigeria coach Samson Siasia believes his achievement at the

Beijing 2008 Olympics can be surpassed.

Siasia, a veteran of football tournaments of Continues on Page 45

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Retain (4) 4 Beaker (3) 6 Tardy (4) 10 Youngsters (8) 11 Mirth (4) 14 Massage (3) 16 Coarse (5) 19 Married (8) 21 Deserve (5) 23 Claimed (8) 24 Ire (5) 27 Can (3) 31 Revise (4) 33 Start (8) 34 Sick (3) 35 Prod (4) 36 Tree (3) 37 Cheat (4)

DOWN 2 Resound (4) 3 Tug (4) 4 Revelled (8) 5 Gasp (4) 6 Beer (5) 7 Sicken (3) 8 Lock (5) 12 Renovate (5) 13 Entertainment (5) 14 Spirit (3) 15 Cap (5) 17 Surpass (5) 18 Colour (5) 20 Decrease (8) 22 Brown (3) 25 Wireless (5) 26 Name (5) 28 Prima-donna (4) 29 Intellect (4) 30 Cease (4) 32 Sort (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Tedium 5, Suffer 8, Pretence 9, Ache 10, Hem 12, Adept 15, Err 17, Ass 18, Urn 19, Din 20, Known 21, Tug 22, Ire 23, Eke 24, Sea 26, Dread 29, Rot 33, Hero 34, Entreaty 35, Sturdy 36, Report.

DOWN: 2, Eerie 2, Iota 4, Mined 5, Steep 6, Flat 7, Ether 10, Hades 11, Mania 12, Asked 14, Tuned 15, Enter 16, Right 25, Event 27, Reedy 28, Actor 30, Outer 31, Sour 32, Leap.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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