75.94% of total PVCs distributed-INEC

...towards a better life for the people

**

VOL. 25: NO. 62344

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Thinking aloud before a nation unravels >>58&59

N10bn jet story against me, mere fabrication, says Alison-Madueke >>9

75.94% of total PVCs distributed — INEC

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

L

•North West highest with 88.66%; S-West lowest with 63.20% •APC senators allege plans by Presidency, INEC to scuttle polls

•Jega appears before Senate today on polls shift — Page 8

Nigeria loses N632m daily as oil theft drops to 60,000bpd

AGOS—THE Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday, released details of the Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs collection rate, showing that 75.94% of registered voters across the country have taken delivery of the crucial voting material.

52,275,367 voters of the registered 68,833,476 voters, according to INEC's computation, had collected the PVCs as at yesterday.

The details, however, showed a continuing disparity in the PVC collection rates with indications that collection of the PVCs were

Continues on page 5

Policeman killed, 50 others injured at APC gov rally in Rivers >>13

>>8

Mr & Mrs Enugu Govt fighting fire without water See Pull-out inside

Continues on Page 5

The pursuit of happiness •P.17

C M Y K

COLUMNISTS:

I want my wife back •P.40

Echoes of Chibok •P.19

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

BAYELSA AUTO CRASH—First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, condoles with the only survivor of the accident that claimed the lives of eight persons, including the wife of Bayelsa State SSG at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Monday. Photo: NAN.

75.94% of total PVCs distributed — INEC Continues from Page 1 significantly higher in the North than in the South.

The revelation came as the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senate caucus, yesterday, alleged fresh plans by the Presidency allegedly working in cahoots with the Senate leadership to ensure that the PVCs and card readers were not used for the elections. The caucus alleged that the ultimate agenda was to scuttle the rescheduled elections.

The figures for PVC collection showed that Zamfara, Nasarawa and Gombe states with 97.51%, 96.29% and 95.05% respectively have the highest collection rates.

Ogun with 40.86% had the lowest collection rate and was trailed by the Federal Capital Territory with 61.42% and Lagos with 62.4% trailed in that order.

The geopolitical collection rates showed the North-west with 88.66% collection rate, and the South-West having the lowest

collection rate with 63.23%.

PVCs: How the regions stand

The geopolitical distribution rate is as follows: zNorth East – 82.95% zNorth West – 88.66% z North Central – 73.78% zSouth East – 73.35% zSouth West – 63.20% zSouth South – 74.09% No explanation was available for the disparity in the collection rates among the geopolitical regions and Mr. Kayode Idowu, Chief Press Secretary to National Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega was not available for comments on the development as his telephone lines were switched off.

APC senators were led to the press briefing by the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume who claimed that the Presidency manipulated the INEC Chairman, Jega, through security agencies to shift the elections.

The hastily arranged

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

When you seek information about enhancing your life. Be careful from whom you accept input. Wrong thinking and misinformation can seal one’s fate before they even begin—Dr. Phil

I

N life there are basically two categories of people, those who have learned to flow with life’s natural rhythm and those who have not. Dr. Phil, a renowned psychologist sums it aptly: “You either get it or you don’t”. It’s easy to tell these people apart. Those who “get it” understand how things work and have a strategy to create the results they want. Those who don’t are stumbling along looking puzzled, and can be found complaining that they never seem to get a break.

You must do what it takes to accumulate enough knowledge to “get it.” You need to operate with the information and skills that are necessary to win. Be prepared, tune in, find out how the game is played and play by the rules.

briefing was in response to the summons given to Jega to appear before the Senate today. They said the summons was part of plans by government to compel the INEC chairman not to apply the card readers and the PVCs in the conduct of the polls.

They described the action as part of a plot to emplace an Interim Government.

“There is no country in the world whose leader can sit down and do what we are doing here, to undermine our democracy. We have nothing like Interim Government in our constitution and of course, there is nothing like coup in our constitution and therefore, we must do the right thing.

“The President himself has sworn to protect this country and therefore, where he is going wrong, he must be corrected.

Elections must be held as rescheduled, it is important that INEC must do this in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

“Nigeria is a huge and complex society, culturally, structurally, and all hands must be on deck to avoid the Somalia experience,” they warned.

Senator Akume said the use of card readers will add value to the conduct of the elections.

“We are talking about free and fair elections.

Time has passed when people carry ballot boxes and papers to their respective rooms, thumbprint and in the following days, we have senators, we have members of the House of Representatives, we have governors and we have the president.

The whole world is watching this county. We have become a laughing stock, we are becoming a banana republic.

Intimidation

They accused the Presidency of using soldiers to intimidate their leaders.

“If we don’t have troops to provide security cover, it is appropriate to say that we have troops who can intimidate, harass, embarrass and humiliate members of the opposition. It has happened to the national leader of our party and a governor under our party platform. The fact that we are in the opposition does not make us any security risk. We are even more patriotic than those who are in government.

“We want elections and card readers must be applied; they must be used, otherwise, the elections can never be free and fair. If Ghana can get it right, using the card reader, why can’t the

Continues from Page 1

giant of Africa do it? If Sierra Leone can do it, even Liberia, why can’t Nigeria do it? We are waiting for INEC to do it; INEC must do it. Card readers are a must to ensure free, credible, acceptable elections. To do otherwise won’t be acceptable,” Akume added.

He continued: “We note with regret that in far away London, the National Security Adviser alluded to the possible postponement of the elections on the ground that the Permanent Voters' Cards, PVCs had not been sufficiently distributed to the people.

“The production of PVCs we know, is the responsibility of INEC. They distribute to the states and the people also come forward to receive these cards. As political parties, we also have a role to play in ensuring that Nigerians, particularly our supporters have access to the PVCs. “They are there for people to pick. INEC has produced over 67 million PVCs and of course, every Nigerian who is registered has the responsibility to come forward for them. There was the National Council

of State meeting and the issue discussed there was the elections and from records, we know that all the former Heads of State supported holding of the election as scheduled.

Former chief justices, those who know the law also supported the holding of the elections.

But INEC later said the elections could not hold on the flimsy ground that the service chiefs said they could not provide security. Security for what?

“We have over 774 local government areas in this country and serious security breaches in the North-East are registered in only 14 local governments and therefore, there was no reasonable ground to shift the elections. We recall that in 1999, there was no election in Bayelsa during the first round of voting, elections were later held.

“Under normal circumstances, we believe the situation is also normal now, these affected areas should have been isolated for the purpose of holding elections at a later date.

But this was not to be. We are all learned people, educated people to know that elections have been held in Columbia, which is perpetually at war with itself. Elections have been held in Egypt, in Afghanistan, in Iraq, in Syria, in Pakistan, in Mali, Tunisia and other countries. Nigeria cannot be an exception."

“Yesterday, the reason given was lack of adequate distribution of PVCs, later, it turned to inability to provide security cover and we wonder that the multinational force that has been assembled to fight Boko Haram is just 7000, including the Nigerian troop and we have a troop level of over 100,000 in this country. Why is it not possible to hold elections with adequate security cover for those who are supposed to do their jobs constitutionally? We believe that there is serious manipulation and a deliberate attempt to undermine and to manipulate the democratic institutions and structures,” Akume further said.

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Missing N200m campaign fund splits Nasarawa PDP

By Abel Daniel

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AFIA—NASARAWA State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is currently embroiled in crisis over alleged mismanagement of N200 million campaign fund released by President Goodluck to the party for campaign.

Investigation revealed that the campaign team is currently divided because some groups are lamenting that they were not being carried along, alleging that the money was being pocketed by a top party chieftain in the state, who is also a member of the President’s campaign organization.

A source told Vanguard in Lafia, yesterday, that the said party member had refused to involve any other committee set up by the party to work jointly for the presidential and governorship candidates.

One of the campaign coordinators said: “They just created the sections and put us there, but they do not implement our proposals. They plan and implement their agenda.

We are just figureheads.

“Some of us are making sacrifices because of our love for the party. Could you believe that they even avoided the Senator Solomon Ewuga-led Agabi governorship campaign organization?”

A source said PDP in the state was so broke that not even a jingle of the flag bearer was being aired on local radio stations, while most committees were either dissolved or suspended.

‘How we kidnapped popular Lagos hotelier’

By Ifeanyi Okolie

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HE kidnappers, who abducted the owner of Scot Hotel in Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Saheed Kolawole, and demanded a ransom of $200,000, said they monitored the victim for three days before abducting him.

Kolawole was rescued by operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, led by SP Abba Kyari, eight days after he was kidnapped.

His kidnappers, who were based at Arepo, near Ikorodu, Lagos, a notorious haven of pipeline vandals, were said to have masterminded the recent attack on Owutu Police Station at Ikorodu, where three policemen and some passersby were killed during a driveby shooting.

The gang leader, John Paul, a native of Ukomu Village, Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State, who was arrested at the spot where the kidnappers had waited to collect a ransom of $100,000, told Vanguard that they went into kidnapping due to massive blockade of their pipeline operation by men of the Inspector General of Police Special Task Force, on Pipeline Vandalism.

Saheed Kolawole.

Paul, who sustained a bullet wound in his abdomen when he was arrested alongside a motorbike operator, Garba Adamu, at Igbolomu area of Ikorodu, said kidnapping became their only option when it became difficult for them to sell stolen petroleum products.

He said: “We went into kidnapping because we have been blocked by the police. We cannot leave our island with our products because the police are everywhere.

“The officers cannot come into our island because of the nature of the place. But they have prevented us from selling our products to buyers from the mainland.

“It is affecting us seriously, that was why we attacked the

O

WERRI—THE six-year old daughter of former Iwuanyanwu Nationale ace football star, Mr. Sylvester Oparanozie, reportedly escaped from a suspected ritualist at Tetlow/School Road Junction in Owerri.

Oparanozie told newsmen that his daughter was sent on an errand by her mother, but was asked on the way by a woman to pick up a N20 note on the road for her.

He said: “At that point, my wife who was keenly watching

Owutu Police Station. They left us with no other option than to go into kidnapping.

“We kidnapped Mr. Kolawole because we know that he is a very rich man and could afford the ransom we demanded.

“I did not know that his sister would bring the police to the point where we wanted to collect the ransom.”

Garba, a native of Katsina State, told Vanguard that he did not know that he was being used for kidnapping.

He said: “I know one of the boys, Pere. He is my customer.

He was the one who called me to carry his friend to the place where I was arrested.

“I did not know that they were kidnappers. I thought they were policemen because

Corpse of rape victim dumped in Imo community

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—CONFUSION and apprehension have gripped the people of Umunneato autonomous community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, following the discovery of the nude corpse of a lady in their community.

Investigation revealed that the discovery was made a day after the world celebrated the famous Saint Valentine’s Day,

at Okwu village.

An eyewitness, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, told Vanguard that a close look at the lady ’s corpse revealed bruises, especially around the breasts and private parts.

Although the witness did not completely rule out what he called a brutal gang-rape of the girl, he could not, however, identify the victim or give her actual age.

The witness said: “I am not too sure that it was a case of

6-yr-old girl escapes from suspected ritualist

By Chidi Nkwopara

John Paul.

them from a vantage position and apparently being suspicious of the woman’s motive, quickly rushed to the scene, took the money from my daughter and forced it into the woman’s palm and returned to the family compound with my daughter.”

He said the suspected female ritualist disappeared and that not long after, a small tortoise appeared from nowhere to the amazement of all present.

News of the disappearance of the woman and the sudden appearance of a tortoise

spread like wildfire in Owerri and before anybody could finish telling the story, the scene became a mecca of sorts.

Oparanozie recounted: “The mysterious tortoise inexplicably started trailing the little girl to the amazement of the onlookers.

“The spectators were still undecided on what to do with the tortoise, when the Chairman of Oha Owerri, Oha Boniface Anukam, arrived the scene and ordered that the tortoise be burnt,” Oparanozie added.

ritual killing because no part of the girl, on the face value, was missing.

“It is, to me, a case of brutal gang-raping to death of the unfortunate girl.”

The source said nobody knew how the lifeless body was dumped along the road at Okwu or did it.

Speaking also on the issue, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Leo Nwokocha, said the identity of the dead lady was still unknown.

According to the royal father, police stormed the scene soon after getting wind of the incident and removed the corpse.

The traditional ruler said he had no doubts that the police and other security agencies were on top of the situation, with a view to ascertaining who the perpetrators were and making them to face the full weight of the law.

The body of the girl had been moved to the morgue of Aboh Mbaise General Hospital.

No police officer at Aboh Mbaise Divisional Police Headquarters was prepared to speak on the issue, but only referred Vanguard to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Andrew Enwerem.

Garba Adamu.

I normally see them with guns whenever they are going into the creeks.”

PDP governorship candidate, others attacked in Nasarawa

By Abel Daniel

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A F I A —P E O P L E S Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Nasarawa State and his entourage were attacked, yesterday, in Doma Local Government Area, as youths, who claimed to be loyalists of former governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma, threw stones and sharp objects at them at the campaign rally.

The attack was directed against the state chairman and secretary of the party, Chief Yunana Iliya and Adamu Oyanki, respectively, as the aggrieved supporters of the ex-governor demanded that the state secretary of the party, an indigene of Doma Local Government, be prevented from addressing the crowd at the playground of Islamiya Primary School, venue of the rally The fierce looking youths in party T-shirts, who threw stones, sharp objects and pure water at the party heavyweight on the podium, questioned the process that threw up the PDP candidate in the primaries.

The insistence of the party stalwarts to accommodate the beleaguered secretary of the party spurred mayhem that disrupted the rally.

The timely intervention of security agents, who fired gunshot and tear gas canisters in the air, saved the day, as the youths later dispersed.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—7

Two suicide bombers kill 14 in Biu

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—TWO suicide bombers killed 14 people, including two members of Civilian JTF, at a military checkpoint along Miringa-Biu Road, Borno State, yesterday.

They reportedly disguised as Keke Napep (tricycle)

operators.

This came on a day hundreds of suspected members of Boko Haram sect invaded Askira Uba Local Government Area, shooting residents, burning homes and public buildings, leaving scores of people dead.

The suicide attack, which took place at about 1pm yesterday, also left no fewer than 14 people

zAs insurgents invade Askira Uba council injured, mainly hawkers of groundnuts and garden eggs, among others.

A competent source added that two members of Civilian JTF, including a female vigilante who was assisting the military operatives, also lost

Wife of Anglican Archbishop of Kaduna Diocese, Mrs Comfort Idowu-Fearon (right), with internally-displaced persons at the Anglican Diocese camp in Kaduna, yesterday. NAN PHOTO.

Bayelsa auto tragedy victims to get mass burial

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—THERE are indications that victims of last Saturday’s auto crash near the old Ahoada Market Road along the Rivers State axis of the East-West Road may be given mass burial.

The victims, all prominent female politicians from Bayelsa State, were burnt in the fatal auto-crash, which threw the entire state into mourning.

The decision to accord the victims mass burial, it was learned, was reached with members of the families since the corpses were burnt beyond recognition.

Vanguard further learned that the remains of the female politicians’ ashes and two unidentified skulls were conveyed to the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa by a team led by the former Deputy Governor of the state and state coordinator of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, Werinipre Seibarugu.

The decision for mass burial, a source close to a family of one of the victims told Vanguard, was reached following the advice of a pathologist.

According to the source, “the pathologist made it clear that

conducting a deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA, test will take up to six months to one year. This the families considered too long to bear.”

The husband of one of the victims, Mr. Mathew Otolo, said in an emotional voice that the families could not identify their loved one.

He said: “I could not believe that I cannot identify my beloved wife. Where do I start

from?”

Also speaking, Mr. Ambrose Ayebakuro, aged 33, son of the deceased former House of Assembly member, Ruby Benjamin, confirmed that they had been contacted that his mother and others would be given mass burial.

Ayebakuro said: “She was everything to us. But I take solace in the fact that she was close to God.”

Suspected kidnappers, robbers, others arrested in Ebonyi

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—EBONYI State Police Command has arrested persons suspected to be armed robbers, kidnappers, car snatchers and hoodlums, following a tip-off.

Briefing newsmen at the command headquarters in Abakaliki, police spokesperson, ASP Chris Anyanwu, stated that the suspects were arrested during different security operations involving antikidnapping squad, Special Anti-Robbery Squad and campus monitoring unit of the state police command.

According to Anyanwu, the

gang usually assembled at Spera-in-Deo area in Abakaliki, before operations.

He said their preferred area of operation was Democracy Estate, because of its location.

Anyanwu said: “They also chose to hide their victims in Ezza North, being the native place of two gang members.

“While keeping their victim hostage, they collect their ATM cards and withdraw all the money in the victims' accounts.”

He said a Nissan Titan SUV with number plate KSF 576 CW; Toyota Camry, an ML 320 Mercedes Benz SUV, SIM cards and N340,000 were recovered from the suspects.

their lives in the explosion.

Sources said the suicide bombers, who disguised as commercial drivers, managed to join the long queue for security checks at the entrance of the town.

When they were asked to park for checks by men of the Civilian JTF, they alighted from the tricycle and detonated their explosives simultaneously.

A resident of Mbulamyel ward of Biu, Mallam Ali Usman said: “I saw a military vehicle conveying the dead and the injured to Biu General Hospital at about 1:30pm, but I cannot give you the exact figure of casualty as the vehicle was speeding, heading to town.”

Confirming the incident, the Senator representing the area, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, told journalists that 14 people, including the suicide bombers, were killed, while several others sustained injuries.

However, the Caretaker Chairman of Biu Local Government Area, Alhaji Kumar Kadafur, who visited the scene, insisted that nine people, including a female member of Civilian JTF, were killed in the explosions.

According to him, the injured are currently receiving treatment at Biu General Hospital.

Invading Askira Uba Meanwhile, the Askira Uba Local Government invasion left scores of people dead.

Askira Uba is south and about 220 kilometres from Maiduguri and also shares border with Sambisa Forest.

It had witnessed series of terrorists’ attacks since last year which led to displacement of thousands of residents, before some fleeing residents resettled back in the troubled town.

Sources said the terrorists, armed with AK-47 rifles, Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, and petrol bombs stormed the town on Toyota Hilux vehicles at about 7:35pm and wreaked havoc, without resistance as security operatives had all deserted the area.

The source added that the insurgents were suspected to have come from their camps in Sambisa Forest, following the ongoing military raid on their camps in the last one week.

Efforts to get confirmation from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Gideon Jubrin, proved abortive as his phone lines were all switched off at press time.

Last Thursday, a female suicide bomber hit a crowded market in Biu, killing eight people and injuring 15 others.

Police arrest 7 cross border robbery suspects in Lagos

By Evelyn Usman & Esther Onwuegbula

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HE Police in Lagos have arrested seven suspected members of a robbery gang, which specializes in snatching vehicles from unsuspecting motorists at gunpoints in Lagos and Ogun states and selling same at give away prices outside Nigeria.

Recovered from the suspects, among who were three graduates, were four stolen vehicles that were on the verge of being driven outside the country, two locally-made doublebarrelled guns and four live cartridges.

Among the recovered vehicles was a 2013 Model Honda CRV snatched from a staff of Channels Television at gunpoint, around Opic area, Lagos/ Ibadan expressway, Ogun State, two weeks ago.

The command’s boss, Kayode Aderanti, said when information on the journalist’s stolen vehicle reached the command, a massive manhunt was launched by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS. He said it led to the arrest of Manven Bali, Chiekube Emeka and Ejike Chukwuemeka at Ojodu and Ikorodu areas of Lagos.

He said: “The suspects confessed to have robbed the said CRV belonging to Channels Television, one Honda Crosstour belonging to one Adeola Adediran and many other cars within Lagos and Ogun states.

“Aside the recovered CRV SUV with number plate LSD 322 CK, three other cars (one Peugeot car with number plate AU 380 KWL; one Toyota Camry, GRZ 42 AA and one Honda Accord salon car, KSF 95 DB) including two double-barrelled guns and four live cartridges were also recovered from them.

“The suspects further confessed that one Nura Mohammed, a notorious receiver of stolen properties, who has been on Police wanted list for five years, bought all the stolen cars from them.”

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

We won't tolerate further shift in polls —APC

A

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

BUJA — THE All Progressives Congress, APC, declared yesterday that it will not tolerate any further shift in the general elections fixed for March 28 and April 11.

In a communique issued at the end of its First Leadership Meeting in Abuja, the party also resolved that “the use the card readers for March 28 and April 11 is non-negotiable, saying contrary to the misinformation being disseminated, the use of card readers is not synonymous with electronic voting.

The party also resolved that "mmediate and necessary disciplinary action for all individuals that were involved in the subversion of democracy in June 21 Ekiti governorship election as revealed by the videos released by Sahara Reporters.

"They include, Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh who should be immediately investigated by the military authorities; Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, who should immediately be relieved of his ministerial appointment; former Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Senator Musliu Obanikoro whose name has just been sent to the Senate for confirmation again as a minister of the Federal Republic must not be confirmed by the Senate and must be barred henceforth from holding any public office.

"That in line with the Court of Appeal decision of yesterday (Monday) that upheld an earlier judgment of the Sokoto Federal High Court that ruled as illegal the participation of the military in the electoral process, the military should be kept away from election duties henceforth.

"That the rescheduled election dates of March 28 and April 11 remain sacrosanct as the party will not tolerate any further shift "That the use of the card readers for March 28 and April 11 is non-negotiable, as contrary to the misinformation being disseminated, the use of card readers is not synonymous with electronic voting."

At the meeting, the party’s presidential candidate, General Buhari expressed gratitude to the members of the party for their support in the campaigns so far, submitting that their patience and resilience had been put to test with the postponement of the elections.

POLLS POSTPONEMENT: Jega to appear before Senate today zTo explain use of card readers for the polls

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — THE Senate, yesterday summoned Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to appear today at the plenary to explain circumstances behind the postponement of the general elections initially slated to hold on February 14, but had to be shifted to March 28.

The INEC boss is also expected to explain whether the commission was ready to introduce the use of card readers for the forthcoming elections.

Jega's invitation was occasioned by the motion moved by the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba, for the INEC Chairman to brief Senators on the issues concerning the postponement of elections and other issues relating to commission’s preparedness for the conduct of the general elections.

Ndoma-Egba further said that Jega should also demonstrate the workings of the card reader and its deployment before this Senate.

He recalled that the commission “had earlier fixed February 14, 2015 for the presidential election and February 28 for the gvernorship and state House of Assembly elections.

“That on Sunday, February 8, 2015, INEC announced a postponement and rescheduling of the elections to March 28, 2015 for the presidential elections and National Assembly elections and April 11, 2015 for the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections respectively.

“That apart from the security reports cited by the commission for the postponement of the elections, critical issues like the distribution of the Permanent Voter Cards and the palpable apprehension that considerable number of eligible voters maybe disenfranchised and that the proposed deployment of card readers by INEC for the conduct of the elections may amount to a contravention of Section 52 of the Electoral Act 2010.”

Ndoma-Egba said if the issues were not resolved before elections, the conduct of the elections may cause more complications.

But the Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, said the opposition in the Senate had no objection to the invitation to the INEC chairman on the postponement of elections which he said was a very sensitive issue.

He, however, added: “But, we also want to add that in inviting Jega, we should invite those who wrote, advising him that because of their inadequacy to provide security for the exercise, the

exercise should not hold.

“It is important because Jega had spoken before that he was ready to go ahead with the elections. Jega was ready until he was overruled. Mr. President, the National Security Adviser who first stated this issue of postponement in London raised a major issue that the distribution of PVCs was behind schedule and that so many people had not been availed the opportunity to collect the PVCs. “The issue of providing security cover was not the reason advanced for possible postponement. Eventually, this became an issue. I say it is sensitive because time is of the essence. We want to hear from

them why they cannot provide security for an exercise that will last for only a day or two.

“Let us remember that only 7,000 troops are required to handle the issue of Boko Haram and even then it took a regional contribution to get that 7,000. We have a military force that is over 100,000 and therefore, Mr. President we want to amend this by saying that Jega should come along with the service chiefs.”

The Senate President, David Mark, said he appreciated the points made by the Leader and Minority Leader and that it was appropriate for Jega to first appear before the Senate to give explanations on the issues raised.

The Senate President said: “If Jega says that these are the

reasons, then, we will invite the service chiefs.”

Advising that there was no need to pre-empt anything, he said: “Jega is going to appear before us here. When he comes tomorrow, if he shifts the blame in any direction, then we will invite the people involved.

“I think that is my candid opinion and it is a proper procedure to follow. Since the return of this country to participatory democracy in 1999, all Nigerians have been committed to the protection of our democracy. The role of the opposition in a democracy is clearly established in the constitution of our country and other relevant extant legislations. It is the responsibility of all of us to continue to support democracy in the land.”

RESUMPTION: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Leader of House of Representatives, Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola proceeding into the chamber as lawmakers resumed at the National Assembly, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

Nigeria loses N632m daily as oil theft translate to a loss of N4.43 drops to 60,000bpd billion in one week or N18.97

zFG laments rising incidence of vandalism

By Michael Eboh

A

BUJA — NIGERIA is currently losing $3.72 million, about N632.4 million daily, as the Federal Government yesterday, said crude oil theft had dropped to about 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) from a high of about 200,000bpd.

Speaking in an interview with CNBC Africa, Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, said the decline was due to efforts by security agencies and other government agencies in reducing the menace of crude oil theft.

She said: “Security agencies, along with other government agencies, have gone a long way

towards reducing the actual incidence of theft. We went to an all-time high of 200,000bpd or perhaps even more to what is currently estimated to be something in the region of 60,000bpd. So we have dropped.”

Crude oil price rose to $62 a barrel, yesterday, close to its 2015 high. Brent crude rose 60 cents to $62.00 a barrel midday on account of the crisis between North African countries, Egypt and Libya as well as supply threats from Iraq and Baghdad.

Therefore, using the current crude oil price, the inability of the country to export the stolen 60,000 bpd translates to a loss of $3.72 million, about N632.4 million per day in Nigeria’s crude oil earnings. If not addressed on time, this will

billion in one month.

FG laments rising incidence of vandalism

Alison-Madueke, however, stated that despite the major decline in crude theft, the country is currently recording an unprecedented incident of vandalism of gas pipelines.

She disclosed that the rising incidence of vandalism is an act of sabotage and terrorism, and blamed enemies of the country for sponsoring the sabotage.

She said: “While we were dropping in terms of oil theft, unfortunately, we are going up incredibly in the issue of vandalism and sabotage, which again is a major mystery to us, as to why anybody would want to come in, vandalise our crude and by the way, gas pipelines, not for the sake of stealing, but just to disrupt production."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—9

N10bn jet story against me mere fabrication —Alison-Madueke zSays vested interests responsible for PIB delay

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

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BUJA — MINISTER of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, yesterday, described as mere fabrication, allegations by her traducers that she spent N10 billion in leasing jets for her use.

The minister, who spoke in an interaction with some senior journalists in Abuja, said she was being framed by her accusers for merely rising up to change the Nigerian oil industry for the benefit of the country.

According to her, the lease of jets to run the highly technical and competitive oil industry is a common practice around the globe, since it is more costeffective than buying.

The minister said it would have been unwise for anyone to spend N10 billion in leasing jets, an amount which can conveniently buy three new jets depending on the type.

She, however, admitted that although the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had a jet that was meant for her use, she was advised by aviation experts to sell it off since it was bought and parked abroad for some years, thereby raising safety concerns.

The minister said the hiring of jets for official function was a normal practice which had been in existence since the inception of NNPC and that it was meant to enable the corporation carry out its oversight functions over players in the sector.

She said: “When I started work as minister, there was an oil aircraft but I was advised not to use it because of safety issues and we had to lease some planes for use. I was advised that it was more cost effective to lease planes for our operations.

“Based on what we were advised, and having added the figures, we felt satisfied it was better to be leasing plane for use. For the N10 billion, one can buy three planes. I don’t know how they came about that huge figure ascribed to me. It is unfortunate for some people to just sit down and accuse people without any fact or figure.

Describing the allegation of spending the huge amount on private jets as disappointing, Madueke said the NNPC, under her, had been most transparent since its inception, as she had tried to improve the system of corporate

governance in accordance with global best practice.

The minister, however, decried the tendency by some Nigerians

to bring her down, pointing out that she would not be distracted by such antics since she had a job to do for the

country.

On the non-passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, the minister blamed it on several factors, among them, key players in the oil industry and vested political interests in the country.

MEETING: From left: President and Chairman of Council, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Alhaji Garba Ibrahim; Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adeshina; Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Minister of Special Duties and Surpervising Minister of Labour, Mr. Tanimu Turaki; President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Dr. Frank Udemba Jacobs and Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Industrial Trainning Fund, ITF, Dr. Juliet Chukkas, during a press brefing on Presidential Jobs Board meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

Jonathan nominates Obanikoro, Akobundu, Akwashiki, five others as ministers zAPC Senators to oppose Obanikoro’s nomination—OJUDU

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, forwarded the names of the former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, SouthEast, Col. Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu (rtd), and Nicholas Akise Ada as ministerial nominees to the Senate for consideration and confirmation.

Also nominated for confirmation are Senator Patricia Akwashiki, Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, Mrs Hauwa’u Lawan, Mr. Kenneth Kobani and Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya.

The nominations followed vacancies created by the resignation of the former ministers in the Jonathan’s administration to contest elections in their various states.

Senator Akwashiki is to fill the slot for Nasarawa State after the resignation of the former Minister of Information and Orientation, Mr. Labaran Maku, who is now the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, governorship candidate

for Nasarawa State, while, Prof. Ada replaces the former Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Samuel Ortom, who is also the governorship candidate for the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in Benue State.

Akobundu from Abia State is filling the vacant position created by the exit of Chief Emeka Wogu, former Minister of Labour and Productivity; Nwankwo is taking over the Ebonyi ministerial position vacated by the former Minister of Health, Dr. Onyebuchi Chukwu who contested the governorship primaries while Mrs. Lawan from Jigawa State will fill the slot for former Minister for Education, Prof.

Ruquayyatu Rufai Ahmed.

Obanikoro was the only nominee that resigned to contest the governorship election in Lagos State but was re-nominated, while Kobani takes the Rivers State slot vacated by the former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, who is now the PDP governorship candidate for the state and Ikenya from Taraba State is to replace Mr. Barion Ishiaka, former Minister of State for Niger

Delta and now the PDP governorship candidate in Taraba State.

The screening and confirmation of the eight ministerial nominees have been slated for next week.

We’ll oppose Obanikoro’s ministerial nomination —Ojudu

Meanwhile, the APC Senators, yesterday, said they will oppose the nomination of Obanikoro for ministerial appointment following his alleged role during the Ekiti State governoship election in June 21 last year.

Spokesperson of APC Senators, Babafemi Ojudu, in a telephone interview wondered why such a character who allegedly used the name of the President to perpetuate election fraud during the election should be considered for such job.

Ojudu, who represents Ekiti Central Senatorial district, said in other climes, especially in the developed countries, Obanikoro should have been arrested over his alleged role in the Ekiti governorship polls.

He said it will not be the usual take a bow and go as a former senator.

Adefuye faults New York Times editorial

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AGOS— NIGERIA’S Ambassador to the United States of America, USA, Mr Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye, has faulted an editorial by the New York Times which berated the President Goodluck Jonathan administration of alleged corruption, insecurity and the ailing economy, saying it was driven by ignorance In a statement, Adefuye expressed disappointment in the editorial entitled: “Nigeria’s Miserable Choices” which slammed the Jonathan administration for postponing the general election, failing to address the growing level of insecurity and its inability to revive the ailing economy.

Adefuye said: “I was shocked to read the editorial of February 16, entitled “Nigeria’s Miserable Choices.”

First, it was the Independent National Electoral Commission, not President Goodluck Jonathan, who decided to postpone the election, a power it exclusively has under our constitution. INEC Chairman,Prof. Attahiru Jega said publicly 'nobody has coerced us . . . to take this decision'.

“Second, while Boko Haram is indeed a serious threat on which we’ve been making steady progress, especially in recent months, the editorial board failed to note Boko Haram’s presence in our country is limited to North-East, where only seven per cent of our population lives.

“And finally, according to CNN Money, Nigeria’s economy will be the third fastest growing economy in the world in 2015, approaching seven percent growth.

"When the New York Times endorsed President Obama for reelection in 2012, the US economy grew at 2.3 per cent. Clearly, the editorial board’s assessment of our 'miserable' choices are driven by ignorance or bias, both of which are inexcusable.”

10— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Fashola slams FG's economic policy zSays it's crippling private investment, other businesses

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Olasunkanmi Akoni & Monsur Olowoopejo

AGOS—GOVERNOR Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has condemned the Federal Government’s economic policy, saying it has crippled the activities of private investors and other businesses in the country.

Fashola made the remarks yesterday, at the official commissioning of 100 air-conditioned buses owned by Metro Buses, a franchise of LAGBUS Asset Management, a mass transit outfit, and Rosaline Omotosho Court House, at Oshodi and Ikeja respectively.

The ceremony had in attendance the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Funmilayo Atilade, and others.

The governor, while addressing the audience, lamented that the environment which the private investors started with a few years ago, had begun to change.

He said: “It is an environment we need to pay attention to if we must see economic growth.

“Lending by banks now is no longer commercial activity based on commercial viability. But the central government has started interfering in the process. They have instructed banks who they should lend money to.

“I don’t know what type of economic management policy that is.

This is because slowly and gradually, they are squeezing the life out of this economy. They are taking the independence away.

“Why should a bank need a minister before lending loan to a customer? If the customer's credit is

good, why should he not lend money?

“That is what is happening today. It is becoming difficult to get foreign exchange and transact legitimate deals.

“Right now we should have remitted the fund for our lightrail. There is no foreign exchange backing for it.

“The Naira has been there, the foreign exchange bill we use to take for granted seven years ago has become a wait-for-yourturn process; in order to pay legitimate international obligations and it may get to school

fees. That is the reality.

“Once that is not enough foreign exchange, everyone has to queue. It will aid the black market while the official market suffers.

“When people see aging buses that were not repaired, it was not that the Lagos State government is not efficient but because the private individuals who invested in the business were being incapacitated by financial regulation and economic policies that are not helping them to grow.”

The governor noted that pre-

viously, investors in the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT scheme borrowed at about $1 to N118, while the exchange rate was about 10 per cent, butadded that today, it is at N210 to $1 and at 25 per cent exchange rate.

He said the Federal Government had also announced plans to increase tariff for buses.

Frowning on the central government’s economic strategies, Fashola said “we expect them to buy buses and keep the old transport fare. What type of economics is that?”

AWARD: From left: Dr. Jide Idris, Commissioner for Health, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, receiving Best Governor on Health Sector award from Dr. Ore Falomo, Dr. Bola Olaosebikan, Founder/Publisher, Healthcare Communication Ltd, and Dr. Yewande Adesina, Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, at the ceremony in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bunmi Azeez.

3 killed as hoodlums attack residents of Idi-Oro, Mushin

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By Ifeanyi Okolie

AGOS—RESIDENTS of IdiOro area of Mushin, Lagos State, are currently living in fear, following the incessant attacks on their area by hoodlums from Akala, a notorious drug haven at Mushin.

Three persons were feared killed when some gun-toting hoodlums attacked residents of Railway Line, Ereko and Ogunjobi areas in IdiOro, Mushin, setting two buildings, vehicles and some shops ablaze.

Vanguard gathered that victims of the attacks were perceived enemies of the hoodlums who have been terrorising the area for a long time .

Akala is notorious for illicit drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine and heroin, attracting criminals from all parts of Lagos to the area.

Open sales of drugs had pitched residents of Idi-Oro against drug barons who regularly engaged the service of hoodlums to wreak havoc in the area.

Last Saturday’s attack was said to have been led by one Wasiu Oloriesho, who was armed with

AK47 rifles.

A resident, Ganiu Olawale, who spoke with Vanguard, said the hoodlums came in through Alhaji Lasisi Street when they attacked us.

“We are opposed to open sales of illicit drugs in our neighbourhood and these hoodlums from Akala perceive us as their enemies.

“They know we don’t want them around because hard drugs are harmful and they are doing all within their powers

to stay in business.

“They attacked us on Sunday because they felt we reported them to the NDLEA and they killed three people in our area and burnt houses and robbed some shops. “ These people came into our area through Alhaji Lasisi street and started shooting indiscriminately. They burnt a 20 rooms apartment at No. 49, Railway line and destroyed the building beside it. A Range Rover Sport and a car parked on the Railway Line

was also burnt.

“These attacks are happening continuously because government has refused to clean up this area of drugs.

“The area is filled with criminals and they won’t stop attacking us if we don’t support them.

Spokesman of Lagos State police command, Kenneth Nwosu, while reacting to the report, said normalcy had been restored in the area, adding that some of the hoodlums had been arrested.

Suicide bombers kill 14 in Borno

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI — NO fewer than 14 persons died yesterday while several others were injured when two suicide bombers riding on Keke Napep (tricycle) crashed into military checkpoint along MiringaBiu road, Borno state. Among those who died were two members of Civilian JTF including a female vigilante

member.

This was confirmed by a senator representing the area, Ali Ndume.

According to eye witnesses, the suicide bombers who disguised as commercial taxi drivers managed to enter the long queue as a result of strict security checks at the entrance of the town, and when they were asked to park for thorough check by men of the civilian JTF, they humbly

alighted from the tricycle before detonating their explosives.

A resident of Mbulamyel ward of Biu which is not far from the scene, Mallam Ali Usman said, “ I saw a military vehicles conveying the dead and the injured to Biu General Hospital at about 1:30pm, but I cannot give you the exact figure of casualty as the vehicles were moving at high speed heading towards the town.”

Lagos APC carpets Jonathan over Obanikoro's ministerial nomination

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AGOS—LAGOS State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has described as laughable the inclusion of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro in the ministerial nominees’ list sent to the National Assembly for consideration by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In a statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr Joe Igbokwe, the APC wondered what value the President was expecting from a minister who recently resigned from the Federal Executive Council, FEC, to add to the nation.

The party said the PDP government could not take Nigeria and Nigerians to loftier heights with the recycling of people.

The statement reads: “Is Musiliu Obanikoro the only Lagosians qualified to serve in the Federal Executive Council? As a minister, Obanikoro recently left the Jonathan cabinet to pursue a failed governorship ambition."

Jonathan committed to credible elections —Aguiyi

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ATIONAL Coordinator of Move on Nigeria, a civic action group supporting democracy, good governance and transformation agenda, Mr. Clem Aguiyi has frowned at the spate of attacks on President Goodluck Jonathan by former President Olusegun Obasanjo describing it as repugnant and absurd.

In a statement yesterday, Aguiyi said, “it is obvious from Chief Obasanjo’s vituperations against President Jonathan who is doing his best to positively transform Nigeria for the benefit of all of its people that Obasanjo’s singular reason is for selfish self-promotion.

“For reasons best known to him, Chief Obasanjo has set his mind on regime change by fair or foul means. It is on record that he has not only continued to incite the citizens against the government but also the military.

“Otherwise, it would be completely out of place for Chief Obasanjo to accuse President Jonathan of plotting to win the rescheduled presidential elections by ‘hook or crook’ and planning to plunge the nation into crisis if he loses."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —11

APC goes to Supreme Court over Fayose's victory A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO EKITI—THE All Progressives Congress, APC in Ekiti State, has said it will proceed to Supreme Court to challenge the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja that upheld Governor Ayodele Fayose’s election The Court of Appeal held that Governor Fayose of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, was the duly elected governor of Ekiti State.

But the APC in its reaction, stressed that there were other salient but fundamental issues that ought to have been addressed by the judgment.

The party in a statement in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, said that though the court ruled in Fayose’s favour, it was gratifying that judicial declaration was given to APC’s complaint on illegal deployment of troops to harass and intimidate the opposition during the election.

He added that the party also succeeded in proving that Fayose was legally impeached in 2006 as resolved by the Appeal Court in its judgment.

He stressed, however, that the party would appeal the

judgment to the Supreme Court, as there were other issues that should have been addressed by the judgment.

“The judgment has vindicated us on our complaint that it was illegal for the ruling party to deploy troops to intimidate the opponents during election to influence victory for its candidate because this is a clear infringement on the Constitution

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the use of the military.

“The recent audio leak about how the election was rigged by PDP chieftains, including the present beneficiary who used the army to terrorise innocent Ekiti citizens, has further lent credence to our petition that the election was neither free nor fair.

“We are also vindicated that Fayose was legally impeached in

2006. As observed in the judgment, it is now left for the National Assembly to look into the nation’s law whether it is right and lawful to allow a man that was impeached over gross misconduct , public funds embezzlement and violation of the constitution to re-contest the position he had earlier lost over such constitutional breaches,” Olatubosun said.

INAUGURATION: From left: Country Director, Empretec Foundation, Mrs. Onari Duke, MD, Shell Petroleum Development Company and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, and President, Nigerian Stock Exchange, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, at the inauguration of Aig-Imoukhuede as Chairman of the Interim Board of the Nigerian network of the Geneva-based World Business Council for Sustainable Development in Lagos.

....As PDP accuses justices of Appeal Court of compromise

By Gbenga Ariyibi

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DO EKITI—EKITI State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that it was not comfortable with the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the governorship election of June 21, 2014.

The party said though the court upheld the victory of its candidate, Mr Ayo Fayose but expressed reservation over the tribunal laying too much emphasis on the use of military during the election, adding that it would appeal that aspect of the judgment.

The party in a statement in Ado Ekiti, yesterday, by its Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko, said the appeal panel deliberately dissipated much energy on the use of military during the election in manner which has aroused the suspicion of compromise.

“We still find it difficult to understand why a court whose justices dismiss ed a petition for lack of merit should now go ahead to condemn those who made it impossible for Dr Kayode Fayemi and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC to rig the election. To us, they have unguarded interest in the area where the use of military to check abuse of the election was discarded by the lower tribunal.”

The PDP scribe noted that dur-

ing the governorship elections in Edo, Ondo, Anambra and Osun States, the same military was maximally used during and after the elections, while nobody raised any question because the states were won by other parties.

“The APC didn’t go to court then to challenge the use of military

because it favoured it and no judge either at the lower or upper tribunals ever raised eyebrows like the one being suspiciously raised by these Justices that ruled on the APC petition against Governor Fayose on Monday. “It has become very glaring that the APC as a party

is working out an unholy agenda with the judiciary again as we approach the forthcoming elections while some of these judges are believed to be working for them in a conspiracy not to make use of military in the future elections for their rigging plan to sail through."

Alake urges Jonathan not to postpone election

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IRECTORATE of Strategic Communications in All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation, has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to have the fear of God and resist the temptation of further shifting the dates of the general elections which has been re-scheduled for March 28 and April 11.

In a statement signed by its Director, Mr Dele Alake, the directorate argued that “at a time like this, it is the responsibility of the APC, as the nation’s most formidable opposition party and in fact, the clear and popular alternative to the PDP, to appeal once again, to the conscience of President Jonathan to have the fear of God. God has created our country as a collective enterprise where Nigerians can prosper and live in peace for

generations.

“This appeal is not out of cowardice but a fervent effort to ensure respect for popular sovereignty. Ultimately, the power over the future of Nigeria resides with the people.

The people should be allowed to speak with their votes. The place of President Jonathan, as the first man from the mi-

nority tribe to be Nigeria’s president, is already assured.

His efforts to “transform” Nigeria, even though unsuccessful, is noted.

“The only way to demonstrate to the Nigerian people that there is no hidden agenda is to ensure that no more excuse is advanced to justify another postponement.

Ogun PDP gov candidate begs kinsmen for vote

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By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U TA — T H E governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Ogun State, Prince Gboyega Isiaka has appealed to his kinsmen in the Ogun West senatorial district not to betray him during the April 11 governorship election.

Isiaka during a campaign rally, said the people of the zone should not throw away the opportunity afforded them by his candidature of the PDP to produce the governor of the state for the first time.

He expressed regret that Ogun West remained the only zone yet to produce the governor of the state in the past 35 years, assuring his kinsmen that since the zone now had the opportunity to produce the governor of the state, he would not disappoint them.

He said: “You have all vowed to vote for your kinsman in the coming elections and I hope you won’t betray us. I pray we don’t betray ourselves. I appeal to you to also extend your votes to President Goodluck Jonathan at the polls."

Lent begins today

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AGOS—LENT, the season of penance and prayer before Easter, starts today.

A statement by Senior Superintendent G.F. Akinadewo of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, charges all members of the 50-year-old church to observe the period with humility.

“According to laid down rules and regulations by the Founder, Prophet, Primate and Supreme Head, Archbishop I.M. Akinadewo (Omo Jesu), Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and prayer.

There will be no beating of drum, no clapping, no dancing and no shouting of Halleluyah, Iye and Hossanah in all our parishes."

Buhari masquerading as progressive—GROUP

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By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—YORUBA leaders under the aegis of Yoruba Progressives, have accused the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari of ‘masquerading’ as a progressive within the APC. The leaders in a statement by the Secretary General of the

Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Senator Femi Okurounmu, recalled how the former Head of State reportedly attacked progressive movement during his regime.

According to the group, Buhari insulted Chief Obafemi Awolowo, surrounded his house with troops and seized his international passport and shortened his life by denying him

a medical trip overseas.

“The APC presidential candidate incarcerated governors of Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN and also cancelled the Lagos Metroline Projects.

President Goodluck Jonathan deserves a second term considering his achievements in the areas of economy, democracy, human rights and rule of law in the face of politically promoted insurgency," he said.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

We've not endorsed any presidential candidate —ESAN ROYAL FATHERS

By Simon Ebegbulem

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E N I N — E S A N traditional rulers in Edo Central senatorial district, Edo State, yesterday, distanced themselves from the purported endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan

by Esan Elders Forum, saying: “You cannot endorse any presidential candidate without the involvement of Esan traditional rulers.”

The traditional rulers were reacting to the declaration by Chief Julius Akpede, chairman of Esan Elders Forum, that Esan people had backed the re-election of President Jonathan.

However, first Vice Chairman of Edo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chiefs, and the Onojie of Opoji, HRM Aidonojie Ehidiamen, described the purported endorsement as untrue and an attempt to disrespect Esan traditional rulers.

He said: “The so called Elders Forum is a committee

set up by the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolemenmen because of his governorship ambition and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, interest. They are an unknown group in Esanland. So, that committee is only fighting for the interest of Onolemenmen and not that of Esan people.

They cannot sit in one room and say they have endorsed Jonathan without the support of Esan traditional rulers and Esan elites.

“They do not represent the elders of Esanland. The Vice Chairman of that body is the brother of the minister. Where did they hold the meeting

without the Esan traditional rulers? We as Esan people have never sat down, to deliberate on who to support for the Presidency. President Jonathan is contesting, Gen Muhammadu Buhari is contesting and you cannot just go to press without carrying traditional rulers along.”

‘EPZ'll improve nation's revenue base'

By Onuzure Dania

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HAIRMAN of Ogidigben 21-member Export Processing Zone, EPZ Interface Committee, Delta State, Mr Austin Oboroegbeyi, has reiterated that the take-off of the multi-billion dollar gas project has great potential of improving the nation’s revenue base, adding that when fully operational, the project would not only galvanize economic growth but also translate to technological development of the country.

Oboroegbeyi in a chat with newsmen in Warri, yesterday,

noted that the gas project will impact positively on the socioeconomic well-being of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, culture or political differences when it comes on stream contrary to the speculation that it would only serve the interest of the ethnic group where it’s been sited.

He stressed that this was why the committee made it a point of duty to accommodate diverse views and interests in making certain recommendations concerning the project.

He noted that with the commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to set up the

gas project, the much awaited industrialization of the country had commenced, adding that with an effective gas project, the nation’s power generation will be boosted to a level where power outages would reduce drastically to allow for the growth of small scales businesses that will grow the economy.

Oboroegbeyi called on all and sundry to join hands with the Federal Government to make the gas project a success and enjoined those working against the project to have a rethink in the interest of the generality of Nigerians, who stand to gain from the project.

Abe Campaign Organisation blasts ex-Rivers commissioner

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BE Campaign Organisation has described the statement credited to Emma Okah of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former Commissioner for Information in Rivers State under Celestine Omehia linking Senator Magnus Abe, APC candidate for the Rivers South-East senatorial election to Belema Oil as mischievous and spurious.

The statement Port Harcourt, said “Ordinarily, we would have ignored such spurious allegations but for the misleading impact it could create on the public. It said that Sen. Abe on receiving the news of Belema Oil replacing Shell in Ogoniland remarked: “I heard there is a company sponsored by some highly placed individuals interested in exploiting Ogoni Oil, no such thing will happen."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—13

Policeman feared dead, 50 injured as explosions rock APC gov rally in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume & Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT—THE governorship campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State was again disrupted, yesterday, as several explosions rocked the Okrika National Field venue of the event.

Meanwhile, Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that a policeman lost his life in the shooting at the venue of APC governorship rally in Okrika, while three others sustained gunshot injuries.

A statement by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Ahmed Muhammad also confirmed that a journalist with Channels television, Charles Eruka, was stabbed by suspected political thugs, who shot sporadically and detonated explosives at the venue of the rally.

The Police said it was the timely action of its men that saved the situation from further degenerating.

The governorship candidate of the party, Dr Dakuku Peterside, told Vanguard on phone that about 50 members of his party sustained injuries from the attack.

Meanwhile, Governor Rotimi Amaechi has condemned the incident. He also blamed the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan for the attack on members and supporters of APC in Okrika.

Continuing, Peterside said a policeman and a journalist with Channels Television, Mr Charles Eruka, were also attacked by the suspected political thugs, noting that the journalist was allegedly stabbed.

He said: “We arrived my alma mater, Okrika Grammar School first, where I paid a courtesy visit on the principal. That was at 11a.m. From there we proceeded to pay a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Ogoloma. Before we got to the venue of the rally, we heard that three explosives had been detonated at the school field.

But things were normal when we arrived the venue. We started with praise and worship. Solidarity speeches were going on when suddenly shooting started.

“Fifty of our supporters were injured. A policeman was shot.

The whereabout of some of our members is still unknown. A journalist with Channels Television, Mr Charles Eruka was stabbed.”

He accused the factional Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Evans Bipi, of mobilising thugs to carry out the attack, an allegation Bipi

C M Y K

denied on phone, saying he was in Bayelsa State commiserating with families of female members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, who lost their lives, weekend, in an auto crash on the East-West Road.

This is the second time the governorship campaign rally of the party would be aborted in Okrika, hometown of the wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Patience Jonathan.

Meantime, the PDP in the state has dissociated itself from the development, urging the police to unmask those behind it.

PDP, in a statement by its Chairman, Media and Publicity, Mr Emma Okah, appealed for

a peaceful Rivers State before and after the elections.

He said: “The PDP, Rivers State, disassociates itself from the reported violence which took place during the APC governorship rally in Okrika and calls for peace in the state as we prepare for the forthcoming general elections.”

The party condemned the act, stressing that the PDP will never contemplate violence.

“The PDP is a peace loving party and believes that everybody should be given equal opportunity in all parts of the country to hold rallies and canvass for votes.

“Violence does not end well and it is for that reason that we

have continued to encourage our members to remain peaceful and law-abiding despite the recurring cases of provocation by the APC in Rivers State and many parts of the country,” he said.

A community source, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, alleged that some speakers at the rally provoked those who detonated explosives and fired gunshots.

“Some of them were saying unpalatable things against the First Lady. How can you come to her home town to say some unpalatable things? We expected that they would just come and do their rally peacefully and go."

VISIT: Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State (left) and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Okey Ezeani when the REC led his management team on a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar, yesterday.

PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Crisis in Benin Forum over Edebiri's comments on Jonathan

By Gabriel Enogholase

B

ENIN—CRISIS is rocking Benin Forum, the socio-political umbrella of the Benin nation over the statement credited to the Esogban of Benin, Chief David Edebiri, that the Binis would not vote for President Goodluck Jonathan in the March 28, presidential election as concerned members of the Forum have given him (Edebiri) a 12-hour ultimatum to resign as chairman of the forum.

The conveners of the emergency meeting, at which the decision was taken were Prince S. Ebuwa, Prince Francis Iyasere, Col. Edward Igbinidu (rtd) representing retired Benin Military Officers, Lawrence Igbinosun and Lucky Osahon (Patriot) member in the Diaspora, United Kingdom.

A statement in Benin, yesterday, by the Media Director of the Benin Forum, Mr. Osamwonyi

Osagiede, for the concerned members, insisted that Chief Esogban’s resignation became necessary to pave way for the proper management of the forum in accordance with the constitution of the forum.

According to the statement, “Chief Edebiri should be reminded that some months ago, the Oba of Benin, who appointed him and 23 other prominent Benin sons and daughters, who are members of different political parties to oversee the affairs of the forum sent the Crown Prince to President Jonathan to express his support for the re-election of Mr. President."

Amaechi's wife condoles with Bayelsa over loss of female politicians

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— WIFE of Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Mrs Judith Amaechi, has condoled with the families of female members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Bayelsa State, who died weekend in an auto crash along Ahoada end of the East-West Road.

Mrs Amaechi who spoke through her media aide, Mr.Dike Bekwele, described the death as unfortunate. She prayed God to grant the families the strength to bear the loss.

She said: “My heart bleeds that our mothers and sisters, who were devoted wives and companions could be cut in their prime. This is indeed a national tragedy. My heart goes to their families who are indeed pained and grieved over this loss. I pray that the Almighty God imbues them with the grace, meekness of heart and fortitude to bear the loss.”

14— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

ELECTIONS:

Nigeria under tension

—MARK

zDescribes call for ING as exercise in futility

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

A

B U JA — S E N AT E President, David Mark, yesterday said the country was in a trial moment as it was under tension occasioned by the forthcoming general elections and inflammatory comments by the political class.

Mark also said the call for Interim National Government, ING, in some quarters was a futile exercise that was alien to the nation’s constitution.

Speaking while welcoming senators from recess declared for them to prepare for the botched February 14 elections that had been shifted to March 28, Senator Mark appealed to senators to rise to the occasion and douse the tension in the polity.

He also implored them to refrain from statements that could aggravate the already charged atmosphere in the country.

He said: “Ordinarily, we would have commenced our legislative activities this morning without a welcome address but these are not ordinary times in our nation.

“There is palpable tension in the land and the comments and even the body language of the political class further exacerbates the tension.

“As statesmen and women we must rise to the occasion and help reduce tension. We must refrain from acts or statements that will

aggravate this already charged atmosphere across the country.

This is time for us to be true statesmen and women; both in words and deeds.

“I am alarmed that the issue of Interim National Government, ING, has been given undeserved prominence in our national discourse. This is imprecise, sordid and strange. Interim National Government is alien to the 1999

Constitution (as Amended).

“Therefore, those calling for ING are pushing for an exercise in futility. This senate is committed to the provisions of our constitution which we swore to protect and we will not do anything to sabotage the democratic process.”

Mark called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to continue to prepare to conduct

a free, fair, transparent and credible general election.

“We owe it a duty to our country men and women to give INEC all the support it needs to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election,” he added.

The senate president further said it was important to note that on May 29, 2015, a democratic government, elected through a free, fair, transparent and credible election, would be sworn in.

TOUR: Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate, Nyesom Wike, celebrating with women and youths during his tour of markets in Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

A

BUJA—DESPITE the agitation of some stakeholders against the use of card readers for the conduct of the 2015 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has given more explanations on why it has settled for the machine.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC, chairman, Kayode Idowu, told Vanguard in an exclusive chat that contrary to insinuations in certain quarters that the machine would not be able to guarantee the much desired free, fair and credible elections, the card readers have been tested and seen to be capable of making the much desired difference.

He further stated that with the way the card reader had been designed, it would only take the conspiracy of every stakeholder at a particular polling unit for the electoral system to be manipulated.

He said: “The way INEC has designed the card reader, it will only take a community conspiracy for the system to be manipulated and if that happens there is nothing anybody can do about it and it will not be the fault of INEC because it C M Y K

By Ben Agande •

A

BUJA—WITH the extension of the date for the general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Campaign is to begin another round of campaigning to sell the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan in at least ten more states of the federation.

Vanguard exclusively gathered that the campaigns, which had been dubbed “consultations”, will kick off in Lagos today and centre mostly in the South West zone which is seen as holding the ace in how the presidential election would turn out.

Though details of the itinerary of the new phase of the consultations has not been made public, Vanguard gathered that the consultations would also cover some states in the North West and North Central zones of the country.

Citizens must hold govt accountable —BBOG

Why we must use card readers, by INEC

By Jude Opara

PDP to continue campaign in 10 more states

is designed in such a way that it is unique.

“Number one, it has a voice prompt which will speak out loudly from the speaker if a voter is accredited or not the moment the finger print is placed on it.

“If the finger print of the person agrees with the finger print on the embedded chip and it will say verified and that means the person is free to go and vote and if it is not the same it says not verified and it says it

loud for everybody to hear.

“If it says that, party agents are there, observers are there, voters are there and an INEC staff says go and vote and everybody keep quiet, will that be a leadership trouble? So it will be the trouble of people there and it means there is a communal conspiracy."

“In any case there is always a back-end check because the card reader takes the number of everybody that comes in for authentication and verification.

“Those who pass the verification test, it lists them and those who did not pass it lists them also and sends the data to a central server and by the time the ballot papers are countered, the commission can check whether the ballot papers of those that are cast agree with the number of accredited voters because in the past, one area of manipulation of elections is that a compromised official can work from the answer to the question.

PDP aspirants seek refund of nomination, expression of interest fees

A

By Gbenga Oke

BUJA—A group, under the auspices of Peoples Democratic Party aspirants Forum, PAF, has urged President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the national leadership of the PDP to refund the nomination and expression of interest fees collected from aspirants in various states of the federation.

The group, which has

several aggrieved aspirants from all the PDP states across the federation, said the fee should be returned since there was no free and fair primaries.

Rising from a meeting in Abuja, the aspirants accused the PDP of collecting huge sums of money for expression of interest and nomination forms from members of the forum when the party leadership had already anointed candidates before the primaries.

According to a statement signed by the aggrieved aspirants, including, Godfrey Gaya, Tom Zakari, Hon Ganama Titsi, Babatunde Gbadamosi, Ndudi Elumelu, Chief Richard Lamai, Bethel Amadi and Chief Solomon Edoja, they said several steps taken by the party through the Adhoc party delegates points to the fact that primaries were specifically implemented and skewed to favour some anointed candidates.

By Laide Akinboade

A

B U J A — T H E

#BringBackOurGirls, BBOG, has said it was the duty of every citizen to hold his government accountable.

The group’s position was in response to the statement of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Communication, Dr. Doyin Okupe, condemning its sixweek countdown of possible rescue of 216 remaining Chibok girls kidnapped by Boko Haram.

BBOG in statement in Abuja and signed by Head of Media, Mr, Rotimi Olawale, decried the statement made by Dr. Okupe, explaining that the countdown was tied directly to the six-week timeline issued by the National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, to curtail and deal aggressively with Boko Haram terrorist in Northern Nigeria.

It would be recalled that Dr. Okupe said President Goodluck Jonathan in his recent media chat didn’t promise the girls would be freed within six weeks, noting that the countdown by BBOG was unnecessary.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 15

C M Y K

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

POLLS: Southern leaders ask Jega to quit ...Say he has been compromised

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—AHEAD of the Presidential and other elections slated for March 28 and April 11, Southern leaders on the aegis of Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA yesterday wrote the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, asking him to resign now saying the commission was not prepared for the elections.

According to the SNPA leaders from the South South, South West and South East geo- political zones of the country, Jega was not prepared for the elections as he was determined to throw the country into chaos, claiming that Nigerians had lost faith in him. They argued that resigning would help him retrieve

what was left of his integrity, alleging that indices had shown that the elections had already been rigged to favour the north as he was allegedly acting a script.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Co-ordinating Secretary of SNPA, Dr. Ifedi Okwenna, claimed Jega was hobnobbing with members of the Northern Elders Forum, perfecting moves to ensure that the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, won the election through the lopsided distribution of Permanent Voter Cards.

SNPA is led by former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; one time Federal Commissioner for Information and SouthSouth Leader, Chief Edwin Clark; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu as South East, South South and South West leaders leaders, with

others like former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Chief Walter Ofonagoro; Senator Femi Okurounmu, among others as members.

Flanked by the Secretary, South South of SNPA, Dr. Ayakeme Whiskey, Okwenna, accused Jega of promoting an ethnic agenda by favouring the North against the South, with what they described an unholy conspiracy between INEC and the Northern Elders to install a Northern President.

The Southern leaders said, “Our dear Professor, let us remind you that promise of credible election does not come by word of mouth alone, but by actions and plans put in place. So far your plans and activities show you and your Commission as unprepared and are determined to throw Nigeria into avoidable chaos.''

THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC JOINT LEADERSHIP MEETING, ABUJA

From left; APC National Leader, Senator Bola Tinubu; APC Presidential Candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd) and National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun at the meeting. Photos by Gbemiga Olamikan.

Plots to discredit NLC presidential candidate thicken However, a source told

By Victor AhiumaYoung

I

NDICATIONS have emerged of plots to discredit one of the candidates for the presidential election of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, by labeling him as a candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, before the Presidency.

Recall that the 11th National Delegates Congress, NDC, of NLC was Thursday aborted over alleged multiple voting, multiple ballot papers with

some candidates names appearing two or three times, while some candidates’ names did not appear in some of the ballot papers.

A leader of one of the unions in the transport sector has been contracted to use his influence in the Presidency to present a fake report about the candidate’s alleged membership of the opposition party.

Vanguard gathered that a formal petition had earlier been written against the candidate ahead of the botched election, but was dismissed for lack of merit.

APGA warns INEC against further postponement of polls

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—ALL Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA yesterday warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, against further postponement of the 2015 elections in the country.

APGA’s campaign Organization for Anambra State Elections, insisted that INEC should address all the grey areas that needed to be put in place for a credible, free and fair election, as well C M Y K

as smooth and peaceful transition from civilian to civilian on May 29.

Director-General of the Organization in Anambra State, Senator Alphonsus Ubanesse Igbeke, in a statement, said security challenges in some parts of the country and inadequacies on the part of INEC, as adduced could be enough reason to postpone the election from February to March and April but would no longer be enough reason for another postponement.

Vanguard that because of the desperation of certain individuals and groups to install their anointed candidate as president of NLC at all cost, the group decided to take its campaign of calumny to the Presidency, hoping that labeling the candidate an APC member would sway the Presidency to move against him.

Investigations revealed that even traditional rulers, NLC state chairmen from a particular region of the country are being summoned by traditional heads to vote on ethnic line.

One visibly worried labour leaders from the region told Vanguard that “NLC state chairmen from this region (names withheld) of the country are being summoned by traditional heads to vote on ethnic line. President of one of the unions in the transport sector has been recruited to present a fake report to implicate one of the candidates in the NLC elections as a member of APC.” At the time of this report, accommodation was yesterday night reserved for labour leaders at a hotel along Durumi District, by old secretariat, close to Dunamis Church, Area 1, Garki, Abuja, ahead of a scheduled nocturnal meeting on Arewa agenda for the election.

From left; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Oyo Sate Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Deputy Governor, Niger State,Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto; Borno State governor, Alhaji Musa Shettima Kashim; Senator Abu Ibraheem and Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

From left, Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko; Leadership Publisher, Sam Nda-Isaiah; Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Director,APC Presidential Campaign Organization and River State governor, Rotimi Amaechi having a laugh.

From left; Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; Governor Aregbesola; and their O y o counterpart, Senator A b i o l a Ajimobi

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 17

W

E need to talk about the Nigerian society: Let’s focus on bettering the pool from which our politicians and leaders are born. The study of politics (including, of course, public policy) and social commentary are tied to understanding human beings; that is, to analysing why we act the way we do, to discern how societal shifts and transformations occur, and most of all, we must understand the forces that impede said alterations. I came to the conclusion, long ago, that Nigeria is a series of constant humiliations for those who are bold, brave, honest and hard working. While in other climes such qualities are rewarded—America’s national ethos is built on these virtues and successful business people all tell stories of how these qualities lifted them out of poverty or turned their lives around—in Nigeria, one is very often side-lined or hurt if one does not possess the qualities of the perfect sycophant. In fact, anyone with a sense of self and an identity that goes beyond the shallow yearnings of crowd pleasers, or who is not overtly selfish and greedy is quite honestly doomed in today’s Nigeria. What a country: rather than celebrate, encourage and reward talent, we often ignore it and promote instead those whose primary interests are get-rich-quick schemes and the fraudulent acquisition of money. The ineptitude of some actually serves to impede the progress of the vast majority.

What is even more interesting is how every Nigerian, irrespective of his or her background and educational level, contributes to this problem.

Whether one works in an office, or whether one is selfemployed, one must resort to harassing, begging and cajoling aunties, uncles, a “big man” (if one has access) to do this or that because the system does not work for ordinary people. Everything in Nigeria is broken and I see no attempts made to fix this, either from us the people or from those in government.

Every time I see people being made to demean themselves because they need this or that favour without which neither they or their loved ones can move forward or live decent lives, I ask myself when, finally, will it be the turn of ordinary people to thrive? If one is not willing (or able which is perhaps even worse) to indulge in calculations and the “hustle” it takes to survive, one must accept to live without even the most basic comforts which in other nations citizens take for granted. Every Nigerian is a government unto himself: We provide our own security, our own electricity, our own water, our own education, as even the poorest Nigerian will scrimp and save to send his child to a so-called “private” school which might just be a one room edifice to which the C M Y K

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

The pursuit of happiness

What must or can they do to be happy?” “private” tag gives some sort of credence. Yet, despite the suffering we all endure to whatever degree, we persist in supporting this dysfunctional system with our apathy (many don’t vote) or with our greed (many support the people who are the root cause of these issues because they hope for crumbs) forgetting that this situation is untenable and is bound, at some point, to blow up in all our faces.

In today ’s Nigeria, it is almost a crime to want to be happy or to live and not just survive. The pursuit of happiness is enshrined in the American constitution and there is a reason for this: everyone deserves to wake up

Nigeria is a series of constant humiliations for those who are bold, brave, honest and hard working; in Nigeria, one is very often side-lined or hurt if one does not possess the qualities of the perfect sycophant

in the morning and feel good about themselves, to go to school or to work without fear and uncertainty knowing that if one does his or her best, things might not be perfect but they will work out somehow and that society is receptive, encouraging and understanding of not only one’s minimum expectations of food and shelter but of one’s desire for more. The audacity to dream of greater things, of a better life is not just allowed but encouraged, in other climes. Nigeria is quite the opposite: being true to oneself here quite often means being alone. To begin with, one can never admit one's true hopes or motives for fear that someone will “jinx” them. I don’t want to go into the Nigerian paranoia over “juju” and Black magic, or into the intolerance some religious institutions preach when they speak of the dangers of mixing with people from other faiths. So we live

in constant fear of each other, therefore allowing the powerful to manipulate these fears to cover up their own angst.

They are afraid of us, truth be told, and of those who can wake us from our slumber because, we, the good, decent and hard working people of Nigeria, outnumber them, parasites in all forms. So they cover up with pointless pontificating over certificates and lack thereof. Some people in this country cannot afford for there to be a level playing field and for everyone to work for what they have and legitimately earn what they gain.

They cannot afford true federalism or any sort of competition even at the micro-level because that would reveal their inefficiency. Yet, it is time, because the whole world cannot go one way while Nigeria persists to go the other, for each one of us to take responsibility for this society and make the changes we know we

Buhari’s bow tie

A

PPARENTLY, the sight of him in a bow tie has sparked a religious debate. Is a bow tie the mark of a fundamentalist? Let’s get serious. More issue based campaigns, less senseless divisiveness please.

Gen. Muhammadu Buhar

deserve. This is now not about political parties or politicians.

This is about each of us as Nigerians: Do we really want change? Will we support it?

There are so few opportunities to go around so we are in constant competition with each other and therefore sabotage all our chances at success. “If it won’t be me it can’t be you” is a very Nigerian thought process. Some would even say this is why the elections were postponed. Needless to say, going about one’s business in Nigeria, one must often accept and be comfortable with the fact that many will despise you for thinking differently and going against the grain. The cost of being yourself is dealing with other people’s fears and angst about it. We are afraid of those who tell us the truth, of those who are not compromised, that is, those we cannot control. So, we resort to bigotry and offensiveness because we would rather wade through shallow waters and mud than dig deep and look at the real reasons behind our fears and actions. Charles Tilly, a renowned American sociologist, political scientist and historian, wrote that every social interaction crystallises into an identity. So, everything we do and say to each other sets a precedent in society and dictates future social boundaries and behaviours. June 12 set a precedent that is being repeated today. The institutionalisation of corruption under the military changed social norms which we now adhere to, so common greetings and phrases like “enjoyment minister” or “chairman” show we only respect money, position and confuse this with legitimate authority. Things must change. Nigerians march on.

Different strokes for different folks

The governor of Oregon, in the United States is resigning over allegations that he used his position to benefit his girlfriend’s consultancy firm.

I am sure readers can think of many Nigerian politicians who have used their position to unduly influence the fates of their proxies. Why is this unacceptable in America but perfectly normal in Nigeria?

Social norms. We all wait our turn to be chosen and benefit from corruption, so we are all to blame. Governors and ministers can be caught on tape discussing rigging an election and nothing seemingly happens. This would signal the end of one’s political career anywhere else.

Food for thought.

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 POLITICIANS are suddenly awake. The smartest beings in existence think it is time they said a few words to the Nigerians. Power belongs to the people, it is time to wrest it from them democratically. The rituals of declarations, politicking and winning elections centre on politicians and their interests.

When would they be about the people? If it is not zoning, it is about the worthiness of individuals for positions because some groups think so. Nobody is talking about the people, millions of impoverished Nigerians with a painfilled past, a peripheral present and a fractured future.

They yearned for years for democracy. In its 16th year, democracy has been everything except that it has not met the expectations for jobs, health, food, education, transportation and vitally, spaces for Nigerians to express themselves about their country.

People know less about their country.

Politicians ensure issues are befuddled beyond debate. Politics are about power for individual interests that work against the common good.

The effort at shutting others out of the political

Our Future At Stake space is the quintessential definition of politics in these parts.

Promises are filling the air, but they are at best empty. Power is the air politicians breathe.

They breathe better when they know people are too burdened with pressures of daily existence to bother about politicians. Power is everything. It gives them opportunity to decide who have access to national resources. With power, they can determine everything, almost everything.

What have promises changed in 16 years? Are today’s promises not garnished versions of ones made in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011?

Statistics point to the depreciating quality of Nigerian life, with ordinary water-borne

illnesses ravaging our people.

Billions of Naira, acquired through whatever means, is being splashed on the contests for power, it is a good investment with profit in record time. Across the country the story is the same, of the nation’s unprecedented generous attention to projects that have failed to improve the quality of our lives. Projects mired in the past are in forecasts for our future.

Nigerians have to vote wisely. Candidates must be those who can liberate the country from the shackles of those waiting to finish her off. The same vicious clan, whose interests are against the people, are scheming to warehouse power and the attendant resources that they think are for their selfish uses.

Debates about the future of Nigeria are important for the advancement of the larger society. The debates would produce more ideas, improve on existing ones and build towers of ideas from which Nigerians would improve their country.

Those with fleeting interests in Nigeria are dangerous – their ceaseless pillaging of Nigeria tells their story.

OPINION

By Efosa Bello-Osagie

T

HE frenetic race to the aborted February 14 election, which has now been shifted to March 28, during which the choice of 109 senators will be made across the country had reached feverish pitch before the shift of date. Here, in Edo South, a brief survey reveals a straight fight between the current member of the House of Representatives, representing Orhionmwon/Uhumwuode LGSs, Hon. Samson Rapheal Osagie and the immediate past State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, in Edo State, Pharm. Mathew Aisgbonriodion Urhoghide. Going by the analogy that the Senate is an assemblage of wise and experienced men similar to the traditional Council of elders, a senator should be a high-minded and well-grounded fellow with a well measured sense of good judgment on issues of national importance.

Good education and versatility are necessary but to the ordinary man, what seem to count more are experience and a deep passion to lead the people’s developmental process.

Pharm. Urhoghide appear primed to be an exceptional Senator given his wide variegated experience, his sound educational background, his ability to connect and empathize with people and his sociocultural integration with ordinary folks of Edo South.

If politics is not enmeshed in mucky waters and confusion, mendacity and bedlam, Edo people would have had no difficulty electing Mathew Urhoghide, being unarguably the best foot in the present race in all ramifications. The voters have often

Challenge of choice for Edo ethnic nation been victims of dark conspiracies of deceit by their representatives. Yet, it must not be lost to the smoky confusion that the key leadership characteristics that drive representativeness are more liberally deposited in Pharm. Urhoghide than his opponents: They include intelligence that draws on the inner strength of the individual, sound ethical behavior which enables the individual to insist on doing what is right at all times, communicative skills which prepares the individual to take on issues offhand and ability to listen to the views and suggestions of constituents without ego, thereby sharing their sentiments and vulnerabilities.

Pharm. Mathew Urhoghide is a thorough bred professional. As a Fellow of the

At the heart of the challenge posed by the up-coming election is the dire need to upgrade the quality of representation

Pharmaceutical Institute of Nigeria (FPIN), he will provide guidance to the Senate on matters related to health. It should be noted that the legislature makes law on virtually all issues under the sun and requires expert membership and expert advice across board to tackle matters brought before it. To assist legislators, provision is made for each member to employ highly qualified legal and research aids. Therefore, it is sheer myth and naked lie for anyone to claim that a lawyer is preferred to any other profession in the legislature. Claims to legislative experience as an advantage for any candidate is unpersuasive as anyone who applies himself to his assignment would acquire experience on the job in no time. It is a ploy by self-serving incumbents to sittight in the legislature for ever and thereby, shut the doors against more matured, more empathic, well meaning and better motivated individuals who have the gungho to deliver effective representation. It has failed to fly everywhere in Nigeria, not even in Esanland, our immediate neighbours, where their present representatives at the National Assembly lost nominations thereby, putting paid to their possible return to Abuja in May 29, 2015.

Let the personal account of the ordinary man in the constituency pass judgment on the performance of representatives in the National Assembly. If their voices are not drowned by acts of self approval and glorification, one would discover that

tokenism is being celebrated by those who meteorically rose to national stage without real antecedents. Indeed, the triumphs of mediocre have created unedifying spectacles in a mosaic of political adventurism which preponderate these climes. Only the gullible zombies are still in the dark about the capacity of our representatives to negotiate, demand and commandeer bogus allowances for themselves and collect returns from constituency projects into their pockets, only to dole out miserable pittance to their victims of deceit at critical intervals. All that must stop!

At the heart of the challenge posed by the up-coming election is the dire need to upgrade the quality of representation. The insistence of the people on high quality representation will in future reflect on the recruitment procedure at the grassroots level. The emergence of Urhoghide will be the needed game-changer. He has the physical presence of a Senator. He has the intelligence that captivates, bolstered by innate ability to weather storms even in unfamiliar terrains. His gift at networking socially and politically was honed by years of experience. From street corner gossips, wild and riotous debates in beer parlours, stray comments at the vendors stand and the pulse of the enlightened, it is apparent that Mathew Uroghide is the preferred candidate to represent the Edo ethnic nationality at the Senate come May 2015.

•Mr. Bello-Osagie, a public affairs commentator,m wrote from benin City, Edo State.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—19 —19

Echoes of Chibok A FTER nearly a year from their homes and families, there were intimations a few days ago that the school girls of Chibok might after all be well and alive. This heart warming news which I initially took with cautious optimism first came to me via online media. While I was full of hope that these girls might somehow return home at some point, I was equally cautious of the authenticity of the report.

This should not be surprising to anyone familiar with what passes for news in the cyber space in these times of politics and election. Anyone could have put the report out there in order to score some obscure political point. But a day or two after the initial report, I finally saw an interview of a lady (not one of the girls) on CNN recounting her encounter with 24 of the girls.

A captive of the insurgents herself, she had escaped from one of the camps in which she had been held with the girls having walked for days to the nearest village and lost her new born baby in the process. Her account which was translated to English from Hausa, told of how terribly homesick the Chibok girls were.

This is only natural for young

girls who were wrenched from the familiarity of their school and homes into the strange ambience of a forest. The escapee also confirmed the long held opinion that the girls had been divided into smaller groups.

Which is to be expected if their abductors are to move them about conveniently.

But what this report does is to give hope anew after many Nigerians have despaired of the girls ever returning home again.

The report would also be most welcome by the families of the girls who cannot but hope for the best. Although the escapee lady saw only 24 of the girls, there is the probability that the others are well and in good health too.

Hope should therefore be kept alive. The only thing is that such hope will now be mixed with fear that nothing awful happens to the girls now that the Nigerian military with its regional allies are claiming to storm Sambisa forest in a bid to push the insurgents out from their hideouts. It was such fear of the collateral damage that could come from the military invading the forest that had made many Nigerians a bit wary of supporting such a move. But

having waited for nearly a year without things improving (indeed far more girls and women have been abducted in the wake of the Chibok abductions), it had become clear that something drastic had to be done.

Even at that, the best efforts of the Nigerian military amounted to mere excuses. Our soldiers were being roundly beaten by the insurgents where many of them were not actively sabotaging their own effort. A soldiery once famous for its discipline had become quite weak and in disarray. The soldiers were easily outgunned and chased off the battle field by better equipped insurgents determined to impose their will on a cowed population abandoned to their fate by a government whose attitude spoke of a shameful lack of will and indifference.

Indeed, indifference best describes the response of the Goodluck Jonathan administration to the fate of the Chibok girls. For nearly three months after the girls were first abducted last April, the

For the sake of the girls, Nigerians may be willing to forgive the selfserving shift in the date of the 2015 elections.

Bring them back now!

Battle for Oyo State

By Femi Omolola

B

Y March 28, Nigerians will go to the polls to elect the person that will govern the country for the next four years.

Although fifteen political parties are fielding candidates for the presidential election, the two parties to watch are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC and their candidates. However, some factors are emerging that may influence the outcome of the presidential election in different regions and states of the country.

Apart from Lagos, Oyo state has the largest voting population in the South West region, a region described as the swing zone or the beautiful pride in the forthcoming presidential election.

Analysts are of the views that whoever gets bloc votes from south west is most likely to win the election.

With Oyo state as the second largest voting state in the region, it will play a pivotal role in determining who or which party wins at the end of March 28. But the likely factors that may determine the eventual winner in a state as big as Oyo may include the following: Acceptance in 2011 election According to the records, Oyo state was one of the states in the South West region where President Goodluck Jonathan won massively in 2011, notwithstanding the emergence of Senator Abiola Ajimobi as the candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria,ACN. According to the statistics, the combination of the votes of the PDP and the Accord Party delivered the state to President Jonathan ahead of the candidate of the then defunct ACN, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

No doubt, a lot of things have changed since 2011. ACN had merged with All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) and

Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) to become the APC. To observers, PDP seems to have imploded in the state but in reality, the party is only strategically strengthened for the presidential election even with the break aways as those who decamped from PDP have not strengthened the opposition in the state and are willing and ready to work for the success of President Jonathan in the state.

Campaign committee members It will not be out of place to say that, the President's campaign team is made up of individuals who are vast and with deep understanding of the political situation in the state. What would have resulted in a major political catastrophe for the PDP in the state was turned into a team of thinktank of politicians, socialites ,grassroots mobilizers and technocrats now putting all in them for the success of the presidential bid of their principal.

The coordinator of the team, Oloye Jumoke Akinjde is no pushover or novice in the political terrain. With her top class campaign for the Senate in 2011, she has left nobody in doubt as to her profound capacity and strength to run serious campaigns. The campaign took off just three weeks ago has made great impact across the length and breadth of the state.

Jonathan’s impact during first term Another factor that may work in favour

The President promised the people of the state, the creation of a new state, if he wins the forthcoming election

government could not bring itself to accept that something that dreadful had happened.

Rather than see the matter for the calamity that it was, the Jonathan administration was content to read politics into it and dismiss it all as an attempt to paint it in a bad light. But when the rest of the world got interested in the matter and took up the campaign for the rescue of the girls, only then did the government thought it fit to respond rather half-heartedly to the situation. The military came up with the bare-faced lie that the girls had been rescued only to recant in the face of mounting evidence that no such thing had happened. Rather than take the front seat in the campaign to bring back the girls, President Jonathan spent his time at campaign grounds meant to return him to an office many doubt he is prepared for having failed to effectively discharge his remit.

It was only in the heat of the recent campaigns for the presidential election that the president would deem it fit to travel close to the north-east region where the insurgents have all but taken over complete control. He did this also for political reasons- in order to win votes. Although he commiserate with the government and people of France over the loss of a few of their citizens during the Charlie Hebdo attacks, President Jonathan did not see the terrorist attack in Kano as weighty enough to prevent him from going to a campaign rally. He had, as president, all but abandoned the Chibok girls to their fate. Nigerians can therefore imagine the irony when the very administration

of Jonathan in the state is his impact in the state during his first term. Oloye Akinjide believes the efforts of the President will speak for him at the polls. Speaking recently to management and staff of the University College Hospital, UCH Ibadan, Akinjide described the President as the best in the history of the country going by the levels of impact and transformation he had brought to the nation Creation of Ibadan state For decades now, creation of Ibadan state has been a long dream for the people of the state. With massive landmass and huge population, many people wonder why carving another state out from the 33 local governments in the present day Oyo state is taking time.

Indeed, relief came to many when the last National conference organized by the President Jonathan recommended the creation of Ibadan state among others. Not only that, as a way of listening to the yearnings of the people, the President promised the people of the state, the creation of a new state, if he wins the forthcoming election This point obviously, suits majority of the people and this seems the selling point of the Jonathan’s campaign team. The realization of this dream is already been celebrated by the people each time the campaign coordinator mentionsd it either during strategic meetings and consultations or open campaign. The fear of the people is that if they miss this opportunity with the re election of President Jonathan, they may never get the state again.

Ladoja/Accord Party Factor Senator Rashid Ladoja, former governor of the state is certainly the greatest mobilizer and crowd puller in the state today. He is just not popular, he is well loved by the masses. Curiously, he is vying for the governorship of the state on the platform of Accord Party, a party he nursed and nurtured to life in the state.

Observers believed his relationship with

that had failed to provide any meaningful answer to the question of how to bring back the school girls of Chibok or counter the activities of insurgents would cite security reasons for the postponement of an election the president seemed poised to lose.

The Nigerian military whose commanders appeared to have been in a long period of hibernation suddenly woke up from slumber and swore to do in six weeks what it had failed to do in six years. Whether this is something the government can accomplish remains to be seen but, head or tail, this government cannot escape the charge of playing politics with the misery of others. If it fails to smoke out the insurgents before March 28 nobody would be surprised as it had failed to do so in six years. If on the other hand it succeeds, then those who accuse it of indifference and lack of will to take on the insurgents before now would have been proven right. Either way the government loses.

The worst loss however is the heartbreak that the administration would be visiting on the families of the Chibok girls if, as a consequence of its ongoing operation in the north-east, the girls are not returned home safely. For having failed to act before now, some of the families of these girls have come to some closure about the fate of the girls. But the report that 24 of them have been sighted gives hope that many if not all of them might still be alive. For the sake of the girls, Nigerians may be willing to forgive the self-serving shift in the date of the 2015 elections.

Bring them back now!

President Jonathan since his days in the PDP is still cordial. The endorsement of President Jonathan by Accord as announced by the National Secretary of Accord, Hon. Nureni Oladipo Adisa was an icing on the cake.

With this, the structures, arsenals and all of Senator Rasheed Ladoja would be put behind the candidacy of President Jonathan.

To many, it is a big one for Jonathan.

Seyi Makinde, the ebullient, rich Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP is also interested in the candidacy of President Jonathan.

Apart from the fact that SDP at the national level has directed its members to vote for Jonathan, Makinde is said to be making the election of Jonathan a point in his campaigns.

The Elephant of Oyo politics Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala has a long standing relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan. They both served as Deputy Governors and got catapulted to the number one position through similar circumstances. Akala, a highly popular, sagacious, well loved and relationships friendly person would also want to give his all, to the man who personally gave him support with his presence at his 60th birthday, a development that strengthened his administration then.

Afenifere/OPC factor The recent endorsement of President Jonathan by Afenifere, the foremost Yoruba socio-cultural organisation is an added advantage to him and serve as a huge impetus to the handlers of the president campaign in the region.

But while there is still bickering about the Afenifere’s endorsement of the President, another Yoruba group, the Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, gave its full backing to the reelection bid of President Jonathan.

•Mr. Omolola, a public affairs analyst, wrote Ibadan, Oyo State.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

New improved rigging method

Barracks/Volks/Iyana-Iba traffic chaos:

By Ebele Orakpo

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No respite in sight •Commuters, residents blame police, touts

By Godfrey Bivbere

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ESIDENTS and commuters plying the Mile2 – Badagry expressway have once again cried out to the Lagos State government to come to their aid, even as they blame men of the Ojo and Barracks Commands of the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, for the intractable traffic jam at the Volks end of the expressway, alleging that it was a fall out of the desperation by some police men there to collect toll from commercial motorcyclists and bus operators, popularly called Okada riders and danfo drivers, respectively.

According to them, armed police men from the two commands are posted to that bus stop everyday from 6.30pm and they (police men) use the opportunity to extort money from Okada riders and danfo operators.

Illegal activities Helen Njuko, a commuter who spoke Vanguard Metro, VM, said that the police men usually position themselves along the Badagry-Mile2 end of Volks Bus-stop in order to stop and collect N200 each from Okada riders driving against the traffic. He explained that it was the confusion arising from this that usually lead to the road being blocked, thus making it difficult for vehicles heading for Mile2 from Badagry to drive through.

She pointed out that the illegal activities of the police men oftentime leads to traffic build up from Volks all the way to Alabarago. She pointed out that on a bad day, a distance of two kilometres will take between two and four hours to get through for vehicles caught in the traffic.

For a resident who simply gave her name as Mosurat, what is most frustrating is the traffic confusion on the opposite side of the bus-stop (the Mile2-Badagry end) that has become a daily affair.

*A typical traffic chaos at the Volks end of the Lagos/Badagry expresway She accused the everpresent police men there of being responsible for this by allowing the areaboys, popularly called “Agberos”, to harass commercial drivers for money; in the event, the danfo drivers end up having to use two lanes to load their buses, thereby impeding the flow of traffic on the road.

She noted that at the end of the day, the area-boys ‘settle’ the police men, and even brag about the protection this gives them to misbehave.

Apart from police men, there are some unidentified security usually dressed in military fatigue who also have been contributing to the traffic chaos. This they do by often directing motorists to turn where they are not supposed to. On any given day, the traffic jam which usually stretches to Agric Bus-stop and Barracks Bus-stop (a distance of about four kilometers).

Emeka Nwagbara, a commuter and trader at Auto-parts market, said the Lagos State government seems to have forgotten the area as it does not care about the suffering that people of the area pass through daily. Nwagbara informed that everyday, hundreds of passengers are compelled to disembark from commercial vehicles and trek like refugees from Barracks Busstop to Iyana-Iba Bus-

stop, a distance of about six to seven kilometers because of the traffic.

He stressed that even with the general elections around the corner, the state government is not bothered about the well being of people in the area. He added that the traffic situation was made worse when a campaign team of the ruling political party in the state stormed the area recently.

The auto-parts trader said another problem point is the turn leading to the Iba end of the Iyana-Iba Bus-stop. He noted that commercial drivers from Iba are encouraged by Agberos, after collection of

At the end of the day, the area boys ‘settle’ the policemen, and even brag about the protection this gives them to misbehave

sundry tolls, to park and load their vehicles at the road side leading to Iba, thereby causing obstruction of traffic.

This, he continued, often results in traffic build-up from that point up to Volks, a distance of less than two kilometers but which takes between an hour or two to drive through.

He said in the past, the intervention of army officers at critical moments helped to ease the traffic snarl, but regretfully observed that the situation has since taken a turn for the worse with soldiers now eagerly participating in the collection of illegal toll from motorists driving against the traffic from Barracks to Volks. He pointed out that when the traffic congestion becomes too bad, motorists in their bid to get home on time turn at the Barracks Bus-stop to drive against the traffic, preferring to pay the sundry tolls before getting to Volks.

In the event, motorists driving against traffic and the activity of police officers collecting toll from okada riders at the Volks end up blocking other vehicles coming from Okokomaiko.

He charged the state government to come to the aid of residents and commuters plying that route as the suffering that they are passing through on daily basis has become unbearable.

IGERIANS I hail una oo! Ha, we are always devising new methods of doing negative things and undermining our beloved nation,” said Joe, a commuter in an Obalende-bound bus, this Thursday afternoon.

“Of course! Are you just realising that? By the way, in what area have we done the innovation, definitely not in science and technology?” asked Akin.

Replied Joe: “The latest method of rigging in town is disenfranchisement. Thank God for the postponement, otherwise millions of registered voters would not have been able to vote.”

“So the disenfranchisement was deliberate?” asked Ify. “Yes, from what we are seeing now, it is deliberate. I have seen three people who went several times to get their Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, without success. Later, they were called on phone and asked who they would vote for and if it is the candidate they favour, they would ask them to come get their cards,” replied Joe. Said Helen: “Yes, in fact, a friend told me he went to pick his and he was asked who he would vote for.

He said the question annoyed him and he told them his candidate is not their business. When they insisted, he told them that if they don’t give him his card, he’d make trouble for them. That was how he got it.”

“Ah, he was lucky. My friend said a colleague of hers had told her that he saw her card so she went.

On getting there, they asked for her name and when she told them, they said her card was not there!

She said she wanted to really abuse them but held herself because they may gang up and beat How on earth her up,” reported Mary.

“Hmm, but that is stu- are they going to pidity. I may tell them what they want to hear ensure free and so as to get my card and fair polls? There on election day, I vote is need for for my choice,” said Ify. “Well, it may not work investigations that way. What I suspect into what is is that as you tell them what they want to hear going on with just to get your card, PVC distribution they will write down your particulars as having voted for their candidate so that even if you vote for another candidate on the election day, they would be counting it as a vote for their candidate. If their candidate loses, they will cry foul and before you know it, innocent people will lose their lives again,” said Jude.

“But who are those calling people and asking such questions? Are they INEC staff?” asked Helen.

Replied Akin: “I doubt it. What I suspect is that some INEC staff compromised by handing over the cards to one of the political parties to ensure only those who will vote for their candidate get the PVCs.” “That’s dangerous. So how on earth are they going to ensure free and fair polls? There is need for investigations into what is going on with PVC distribution,” said Mary.

“In some places, there were reports of people collecting people’s cards in exchange for money,” said Akin.

“The only way out is to allow the use of the temporary cards by those who could not get the PVCs,” said Joe. “Why is it that people can only vote where they registered even with the PVCs and card readers? Why must people go to where they registered to vote with all the so-called improvements?” asked Helen.

“I wonder. So many questions for INEC to answer. I hope the card readers will not pack up in the middle of elections; you know in Nigeria, anything is possible.

What about the fake ink? Has it been sorted out? I hope all these are sorted out before the March date,” said Ify.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 21

Lending rates hit 95% in interbank market

By Babajide Komolafe

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From left: Acting Director General, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, welcoming Deputy Commissioner of Insurance (Technical) NAICOM, Mr. Muhammad Kari in his office in Abuja.

ENDING rates in the interbank money market rose to 95 percent yesterday as scarcity of funds intensified.

According to data from Financial Marker Dealers Quote (FMDQ), lending rate for Overnight borrowing rose to 95 percent at the close of business yesterday from 92.58 percent on Monday indicating 2.6 percent increase. The Overnight rate had on Monday risen by 15.47 percent from 80.17 percent Friday last week.

Similarly lending rate for Secured borrowing rose to 88.33 percent from 76.67 percent last week Friday indicating 13.2 percent increase.

The sharp increase in lending rates,

Nigeria, main driver of regional integration — AfDB report A

FRICAN Development Bank (AfDB) said that Nigeria was the West African’s largest market with great potential to be a main driver of regional integration considering its population. This is contained in the West African Mid-Term Review and Regional Portfolio Performance Review Paper 2011 – 2015.

According to the report, with the GDP rebasing, Nigeria now has the largest economy in Africa and a great potential for its services and manufacturing sectors. It said the country also attracted half of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) coming into the region with about 45 per cent in 2012.

“Nevertheless, its intra-regional trade has been steadily decreasing, now constituting less than one per cent of the country’s total imports and three per cent of its export. Informal trade networks however are significantly larger, most notably for agricultural goods, petroleum products, and reexport trade.

“On the investment side, the role of Nigeria is certainly more prominent, with various Nigerian companies having significant impact in the regional market particularly banking services,” it said.

The report stated that goods such as cement, cassava flour and other goods from Nigerian companies served the needs of their client across West Africa.

It said that closer integration with the region would require Nigeria to open its markets to regional exports, adding there was need for a change of perspective on the neighboring countries.

According to the report, it is more crucial for the country to treat its regional neighbours more as partners rather than merely clients.

C M Y K

“Regional value chains have a real potential, particularly given the developments in regional transport and connectivity infrastructure.

Increasing trade volumes will require improvements in regional corridors reducing frictions related to non tariff barriers, as well as accountability and transparency in regulations, both on the national and on the regional level,” it said.

The report identified poor crossborder trade and infrastructure, as well as the weaknesses of human capacity and national and regional institutions as some of the challenges of regional integration. It added that

While the region is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, 90 per cent of the crop is exported raw or roasted, packaged and sent to the United States or Europe. This denies Africa of the most profitable part of the confectionery market value chain

fragmentation of the region’s market, multiplicity of integration architecture and insufficient involvement of private sector and civil society in integration effort were also part of the challenges.

According to the report, illegal checkpoints, long and nonharmonised customs procedures, smuggling and corruption are important obstacles to the free movement of goods and people.

“Improving trade facilitation in ECOWAS is vital to boosting the region’s trade performance, both with regards to intra-regional trade as well as exports globally.

“New waves of FDIs and the emergence of a middle class in the region are leading to the emergence of a vibrant private sector operating across countries.

“This can continue to serve as a natural catalyst for closer collaboration and integration towards the development of regional and global value chains,” it said.

The report said that building regional value chains in West Africa, in areas such as agro processing, would help support the efforts in better linking regional markets.

“While the region is the world’s largest producer of cocoa beans, 90 per cent of the crop is exported raw or roasted, packaged and sent to the United States or Europe. This denies Africa of the most profitable part of the confectionery market value chain – the processing of the cocoa into chocolate.

The first steps in undoing this disadvantage are to promote policies within the broader development framework, attracting FDI, building productive capacities in local firms and encouraging manufacturing,” it said.

which started on Friday, was triggered by huge outflows of cash from the interbank market causing severe scarcity of funds in the market.

Commenting on this development, the Ecobank Daily Market Update said, “The inter-bank rate rose by 6190 basis points on 13 February, reflecting interbank liquidity squeeze. Increased liquidity outflows driven by funding requirements for government securities, foreign exchange and statutory withdrawal for Cash Reserve ratio (CRR) weighed on the market.”

On the foreign exchange scene, the naira appreciated by 35 kobo against the dollar at the interbank foreign exchange market as the interbank exchange rate declined for the second time this week to N198.45 per dollar from N198.88 per dollar on Monday.

The naira had earlier on Monday appreciated by 22 kobo as the interbank exchange rate fell from N199.10 last week Friday. Thus the naira has appreciated by 57 kobo in the interbank market this week.

The appreciation, according to Mr. Kunle Ezun, currency analysts was prompted by the measures announced by the CBN on Friday to curb speculation in the interbank market and satisfy genuine foreign exchange demand.

In order to curb speculation, the CBN had requested that banks should first approach it for dollars to meet demands by customers before going to the interbank market to source for dollars to meet such demands. The apex bank said it would sell dollars to the bank to meet such demand at the ruling interbank rate, provided such demands are backed with documentary evidence, and provision of the naira required to fund the dollar purchase.

$163.00

-1.55

$2,921.00

-34.00

$14.87

-0.17

$61.42

-0.10

$52.77

-0.10

CURRENCY

BUYING

CENTRAL

DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

167 167.5 256.2629 257.7323 190.6305 191. 2013 179. 6472 180. 185 1.4047 1.4089 0.2698 0.2798 235.2813 235.9868 26. 7589 26. 8395 44.5072 44.6405 25.6033 25.7699 236.3885 237. 6963

168 258.5016 191.772 180.7229 1.4131 0.2898 236.6902 26.9201 44.7737 25.7566 237.804

CBN Exchange Rate as at 17/2/15

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

The National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, is out to ensure that genuine claims are not delayed unnecessarily

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NAICOM encourages companies to open branches nationwide

By Favour Nnabugwu

T

he National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, said it is encouraging insurance companies to open more branches nationwide as a form of unwritten policy.

To this end, NAICOM has mandated insurance companies seeking to open offshore branches to have a minimum of four functional offices in Nigeria before they can expand abroad.

Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel said the regulatory body is definite about protecting the interest of Nigerian insurance companies operating outside the shores of this country and it holds a duty to project the image of the nation, stating, “I have national interest to protect.”

Daniel stated, “If you look at the top four insurance companies in this country, how many branch network do they have? They are in Abuja for obvious reason, they are in Lagos and Kaduna and some of them in Kano but no insurance company in Mubi even before Boko Haram activities got there. Is there any insurance company in Okene, as big as Okene is?

How many of them are in Ogun State where you have Bangkok University? They are

not there”, he lamented.

He continued, “So, we are encouraging insurance companies to open more branches as a matter of unwritten policy, any insurance company that is desirous to open office abroad will not be denied but we will ensure that, that company has at least, four functional branches in Nigeria before NAICOM grants its approval to go ahead”.

Over 12 insurance companies in the country have offices spread across Ghana, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Liberia, Sao Tome & Principe, Rwanda, Cameroon and Uganda.

Daniel said, “Insurance industry like other components of the financial system is changing in response to a wide range of social and economic forces.

In particular, insurance and insurance-linked financial activities are increasingly crossing national and sectorial boundaries.

Consequently, insurance supervisory systems and practices must be continually upgraded to cope with those developments to mitigate possible financial and systemic stability concerns arising from the insurance sector as they emerged”.

Alternative reinsurance capital to hurt returns, fuel M& A— Fitch

A

s the reinsurance sector’s capitalisation continues to rise and pressure pricing, thanks to wellcapitalised traditional balancesheets along with growing alternative capital, it is likely to contribute to lower returns on equity for reinsurers and fuel the M&A trend, says Fitch.

Fitch Ratings says that the expansion of alternative capital sources is exacerbating the over-capitalisation of the sector, which while lowering returns on equity and sustaining the pressure to merge or acquire, the effects will be particularly felt by Bermudian reinsurers.

The timing is particularly bad, notes Fitch, as interest in accessing the returns of the insurance and reinsurance market among institutional investors has been rising C M Y K

INSURANC

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sharply at the same time as the market has faced low levels of catastrophe losses resulting in strong years of earnings.

This has enabled traditional reinsurers to become wellcapitalised right at the same time as alternative capital inflows have grown, exacerbating the pressures on reinsurers.

“Combined with low interest rates, the industry’s returns have the potential to trend meaningfully lower over the coming years,” Fitch explains.

In fact, Fitch already says that returns on equity have been falling, with the Bermuda reinsurance market as a whole seeing a combined 11.1% net return on average equity through the first nine months of 2014, down from 12.9% in 2013.

Is your insurer delaying your claims? Contact NAICOM Stories by Rosemary Onuoha

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an insurance consumer, if you suffer a loss and you send your claims demand to your insurance company, the company has a minimum of 90 days to settle your claims.

However, many insurers have capitalized on this regulation to unnecessary delay genuine claims of insurance consumers. To this end, the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, is out to ensure that genuine claims are not delayed unnecessarily.

With NAICOM’s dispute resolution unit which oversees the customer contact centre, companies are persuaded to settle claims within hours because some claims do not require complex investigation.

The insurance sector is regulated by NAICOM and although, the Commission admits that the issues of non settlement of claims continue to rear its ugly head now and again in the sector, NAICOM has reduced the trend significantly.

Commissioner for

Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel, said that the figure for non settlement of claims went down significantly in 2014 due to efforts of it contact centre in resolving disputes arising from non settlement of claims.

Daniel said that its contact centre was readily available to the public, as such it enabled consumers of insurance to directly phone in when they have issues with their insurers, hence the timely intervention of NAICOM compelled the drastic reduction in the reoccurring event of non settlement of claims.

The contact centre, NAICOM said has endeared

The contact centre, NAICOM said has endeared it to the general public and the Commission succeeded in resolving a lot of claims

itself to the general public and the Commission succeeded in resolving a lot of claims which before then had resulted in argument between the insured and the insurer.

Because the federal government wants to focus on insurance as the next growth area for the economy, NAICOM said it is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the insurance sector is rid of all negative perception.

Daniel said, “We cannot have a strong economy unless we have a virile insurance sector.”

NAICOM said it is set in building consumer trust and increase public awareness on insurance and it aims to achieve zero tolerance for non settlement of genuine claims because Nigerians truly desire to buy insurance but the persistent negative perception of the sector continues to scare them away.

The Commission therefore said that it intends to consolidate on the gains of the past years and is strategizing on moving the Nigerian insurance sector from third position to number one in Africa.

Fashola succeeds Olowude as IGI MD

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oard of Directors of Industrial & General Insurance Plc (IGI) has appointed Mr. Rotimi Fashola as the substantive Group Managing Director. He succeeds Mr. Remi Olowude, the company’s Executive Vice

Chairman/Founder, who passed on last year.

Fashola’s appointment, which takes immediate effect, was part of the decisions taken at a meeting of the board held in Lagos. The board also named the erstwhile

Executive Director, Special Risks, Mr. Sina Elusakin, Deputy Managing Director, while Mrs. Foluso Gbadamosi was appointed Executive Director, Human Resource, Administration and Information Communication

Alhaji Muneer Bankole, Managing Director, Medview Airline (3rd right) with some members of staff of the airline celebrating the arrival of a new Boeing 737 400 aircraft added to the fleet of the airline. Photo: Lamidi Bamidele.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015,

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CE & YOU

— 23

Commission admits that the issues of non settlement of claims continue to rear its ugly head now and again in the sector, NAICOM has reduced the trend significantly

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Experts seek better life for retirees

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From left: Managing Director, Custodian & Allied Insurance, Mr. Wole Oshin; Commissioner for Insurance, Mr. Fola Daniel; Deputy Managing Director of Africa Re, Ken Aghoghovbia and Chairman of NIA, Mr. Godwin Wiggle in Abuja.

Daniel therefore charged insurers to imbibe the spirit of paying claims because it is the most viable advertisement tool when compared to other forms of advertisement, coupled with the fact that the sector is entering a new phase in the transformation of the insurance industry.

Daniel further added that the ‘no premium, no cover’ policy is very successful as it is impacting positively on cash position of insurers, adding that insurers therefore have no excuse not to pay claims

promptly.

“The ‘no premium, no cover’ is reverberating all over the West African coast as year 2014 was a time to test its efficacy.

Francophone countries are copying it as a policy and it is working. So Nigerians should capitalize on the success of the policy to ensure that claims are settled promptly,” Daniel stated.

NAICOM said that low public trust and awareness are still the biggest challenges confronting the insurance industry.

According to him, “The biggest challenge of insurance industry still remains low public trust. If the public do not trust insurance companies, people will not buy insurance.

The other challenge is awareness. People are still not aware of insurance”.

Daniel said that the transformation of the sector is helping to build consumers trust and awareness while it has increased access to insurance, urging insurance companies to collectively create the needed awareness and build public trust.

Technology.

A statement from the company said the appointment was guided by proper corporate governance procedures and best practice, aimed at ensuring seamless business continuity, stability and growth in the interest of all stakeholders.

“With his over 20 years experience and a remarkable track record in the insurance and financial services industry, Fashola has earned a reputation as a truly accomplished and highly respected professional. The Board believes that he possesses the core values upon which IGI was founded and has the capacity to take the company to greater heights,” the statement added.

Prior to his new position, Fashola served as the Deputy Managing Director before he was later appointed acting managing director when the late Executive Vice Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer went on medical leave. He has pledged to uphold the lofty vision of the company and drive its growth and

transformation strategies to ensure its continued competitiveness in the industry.

A chartered insurer and a seasoned marketing expert, Fashola holds a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Before joining IGI in 1993, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Assurance Company Limited.

He is a Fellow of numerous institutions, including the National Institute of

Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Institute of Directors (IOD), Institute of Direct Marketing (IDM) and the West African Insurance Institute (WAII), The Gambia.

He is an Associate of Chartered Insurance Institute of London (ACII) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, (ACI Arb) (London). Fashola is an alumnus of both the West African College of Insurance and Risk Management in The Gambia and the Global Institute for Leadership Development (GILD), United States. He is a member of the

Losers for Equities

Nigerians should capitalize on the success of the policy to ensure that claims are settled promptly

ow to ensure a better life for retirees would be the focus in the 2014 Nigerian Insurance and Pension (Inspen) Award. A statement by the Chief Executive Office Inspen Media, Chuks Udo Okonta, said experts drawn from insurance and pension sectors would be on hand to seek solution to the plights of retirees and make contributions on how to improve retirement benefits operations. He noted that the Theme paper: Dimensioning Retirement Benefits’ will be delivered by the Managing Director Lancelot Ventures Limited, Mr. Adebayo Adeleke, Real Estate, Investments and Venture Capital expert, adding that the award presentation ceremony will hold on Thursday, February 26 2015 at the Lagos Chamber of

Commerce and Industry Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa Ikeja.

Okonta said discussants were drawn from the National Insurance Commission; Nigerian Insurers Association; National Pension Commission; Lagos State Pension Commission; Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers; Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate and Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria.

He said the yearly award was designed to celebrate excellent performances exhibited by individuals and organisations and by extension deepen insurance and pension awareness.

Okonta said insurance; pension companies and individuals that distinguished themselves in 2014, would be celebrated and presented awards in different categories.

Stak eholder takeholder eholderss decr decryy dela delayy in execution of projects

S

takeholders have decried the delay in the execution of the second Niger bridge, saying that the Governing Council of WAII and the West African Insurance Companies Association (WAICA). He currently serves on the Board of many companies both local and abroad, including WAICA Reinsurance Corporation Plc, Sierra Leone; National Insurance Corporation (NIC), Uganda; IGI Gamstar Insurance Limited, The Gambia; Global Trust Savings and Loans Limited; Investment Profiles Limited; IGI Pension Fund Managers Limited; Sonarwa Holdings, Rwanda; and Sonarwa Life Insurance Company, also in Rwanda.

long talked about awarded 2nd Niger bridge has just commenced with N10billion committed out of the required N135 billion.

This came about as more splinter groups have emerged from the Ohaneze Ndigbo youth wing after the youth body announced adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office in Abia state, when the president campaign train visited the state. The Coalition of the Igbo Youth Organisation (CIYO) which emerged to challenge the adoption recently met in Enugu where it resolved to dissociate itself from that unpopular decision.

In a statement, convener of the meeting comrade Bright Ezeocha declared that the Igbo Youths have not unanimously taken any decision on whom to give their bloc vote.

24 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —25

DIARY lARTEMIS &ITEA Co-summit Berlin Mar 10-11, 2015 zTelecoDays

Prague Marriott HotelPrague Czech Republic Mar 23-24 2015

Preview Hoverbike, the flying motorcycle

•Testing the ADAPTI insfrastructure...Tony Ojobo NCC public affair director (r) leads the way

•Catch them young...The DAP way!

DIGITAL INCLUSION, A MUST!

FG targets tertiary institutions to create more digital awareness I

NVENTORS say that they combined the simplicity of a motorbike and the freedom of a helicopter to create the world’s first flying motorcycle.

When compared with a helicopter, the Hoverbike is cheaper, more rugged and easier to use - and represents a whole new way to fly.

The Hoverbike flies like a quadcopter, and can be flown unmanned or manned, while being a safe - low level aerial workhorse with low ongoing maintenance.’

Although the current prototype is one-third of the futuristic one, inventors say they are almost ready to begin flight testing of the full sized version. The futuristic prototype has the potential to travel up to 92 miles or for about 45 minutes on one tank of fuel and is expected to come with a hefty price tag of more than £45,000.

So far the bike, which weighs 270kgs, has only been tested while tethered to the ground to prevent it flying too high. But plans to test it’s capabilities without any restrictions are set to go-ahead soon.

C M Y K

By Prince Osuagwu

F

EDERAL government is trying hard to prove that their desire to anchor the economy on Information and Communications Technology, ICT is not a fluke. This apparently has given rise to the introduction of numerous initiatives which tend to deepen digital awareness across all sectors of economy including governance.

However, in an attempt to take the project to a critical mass of the Nigerian society, the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission has identified secondary and tertiary institutions as effective vehicles.

The commission in a deliberate attempt to give digital freedom to more Nigerians and bridge digital divides across a broad spectrum of the society, had created a twin programme;

I N S I D E

the Advanced Digital Awareness Programme for Tertiary Institutions, ADAPTI and Digital Awareness Programme, DAP for

DAP Project alone has supported 229 secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria...

Financial Inclusion: FG kicks off rural connectivity drive with NigKaNet launch

secondary schools.

ADAPTI empowers several higher institutions with digital centres, computer laboratories fitted with laptops and internet connectivity and generating sets as part of the digital dividends.

Meanwhile, DAP ensures that teachers are empowered with digital knowledge which they would conveniently pass to the students. DAP promotes hands-on digital empowerment by creating an environment where students have direct knowledge of usage of computers and ICTs in support of their studies.

From available statistics from the commission, DAP Project alone has supported 229 secondary Schools across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with the provision of twenty one desktop computers, Local Area Network, printers, scanners,

There'll be boom in mobile web applications in Nigeria — Buitelaar, MD Smile

VSAT dish and deployment of one year bandwidth subscription for Internet access. These facilities are complemented with standby generators and a special accommodation built for that purpose; thus aggregating everything into a fully kitted Computer Laboratory.

However, the commission has noted that the most important aspect of the programmes was to ensure they continually oil the wheels of digital inclusion which government placed much priority on, to move the economy forward.

As a result, the commission is ensuring that digital presence is felt through ADAPTI and DAP across the six geo political zones of the country. Among the tertiary institutions that have benefitted from ADAPTI, included Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, The Polytechnic Ibadan, Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Ahmadu Bel-

Continues on page 28

Lumia 535 deepens penetration with dual SIM, large screen advantage

26—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —27

country with data services We will make our services available to Nigerians but cannot cover the entire country in a short period of time because Nigeria is a large country with huge population and vast landmark area.

What we will continue to do is a gradual rollout process, and ensure we consolidate well in any area we roll out our services. We will continue to offer high speed connectivity to Nigerians with high quality of service.

What we are doing in the four cities currently covered is to make them more dense in terms of coverage areas. We are putting in more cell sites and increasing the density.

Competition and price war in data communication business in Nigeria Competition is good, especially healthy competition that will bring about market growth, but price war is inimical to business development, because it will weaken market growth.

There'll be boom in mobile web applications in Nigeria — Buitelaar, MD Smile The new Managing Di rector, Smile Commu nications Nigeria Limited, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar, in this interview with Emeka Aginam spoke on the company’s new direction and strategies to educate the masses on the offerings of Smile Communications.

Excerpts:

Market growth

M

OBILE internet penetra tion in Nigeria Mobile internet penetration, no doubt, is still low in Nigeria at the moment but there is a conscious drive to deepen its penetration by Nigerians that have embraced this new wave of technology development. The rate at which smartphones sell in the country is an indication of the fact that there will soon be a boom in mobile web applications and usage in Nigeria.

Between voice and data Yes, there is a wide margin between voice and data communication in the country, but I see data communication coming up fast and Smile as a data service provider, will continue to roll out new products and services in the area of data communication for Nigerians to leverage on.

With the way data communication is growing in the country, Data connectivity will surpass voice in the near future. Today telecommunication operators are unbundling their services by offering data services, alongside the voice services, which they are known for.

Success story The biggest success story globally today, is with data connectivity, going by uploads and downloads on Google Apps Stores. With the way data is going, time will come when there will be enough data applications to address any kind of challenges you can think of, and all these are about data connectivity and penetration.

Lots of data application is changing the way people do things because data applications are already addressing basic human challenges and the future is expected to be great with data connectivity.

Strategies to sustain the growth of Smile Communications and

•Michiel Buitelaar quality of service When I resumed as the Managing Director, I met a structured system on ground and I will like to build on that system and further improve on it through further awareness creation about the brand and its service provision-

Based on what I have read in the newspapers, government meant well for fast broadband rollout in the country

POLLS:

T

HE third largest PC manufacturer, ASUS, has officially announced partnership with Etisalat Nigeria, where ASUS FonePad would be bundled with a free Etisalat SIM card for interested customers.

Product Manager of ASUS Nigeria, Mr Simplice Zaongo, said that the partnership was in line with ASUS positioning as one of the leading IT players in Nigeria.

He described the partnership as evidence that ASUS was ready to open the door for more possibilities and transformative products for the Nigerian.

The partnership allows customers enjoy 500mb free data, plus 100% bonus on 200mb6GB data plan for 1 year.

Another offer the partnership brings to customers is on education.

Customers on Cliqlite can have access to free education and learning content. With the ASUS FonePad and the cliqlite SIM card, customers can have access to 7 websites, some of which are Educational websites, Educational Game sites and Social networking sites.

FG facilitates training on tech reporting skills

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

ing. Education of the masses on the offerings of Smile will be my priority, among others.

There are enormous benefits in data communication and I will champion that through an awareness campaign that will educate the people of Nigeria about the benefits therein. I am convinced that Smile Communications can play a vital role in this direction.

We will continue to educate Nigerians about the internet, its benefits and how to manage early data depletion. We will also be advocates of eCommerce by telling Nigerians how they can make their businesses a lot better, while trading online, and how they can better their lives through connectivity. We are already operational in four cities, Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, and we plan to double that Roll-Roll out plan within a short period of time Strategies to cover the entire

What operators need is to invest in infrastructure and not engaging in price war with their competitors.

How smartphones can help drive mobile internet penetration in the country They will definitely help to a large extent in driving mobile web penetration. With smartphones at affordable cost and connectivity, Nigerians will experience data boom in no distant time. The growth of mobile application is another way through which mobile web could grow rapidly in the country. Nigerians are beginning to apply different software applications to address immediate needs.

Government regulation in the telecommunications industry From my calculation, based on what I have read in the newspapers, government meant well for fast broadband rollout in the country, which of course is targeted at deepening internet penetration in the country.

ASUS partners with Etisalat on phonepad

HE Ministry of Science and Technology, last week embarked on a capacity development conference for Nigerian youth on use of social media as citizens during the forthcoming 2015 general elections.

The training is expected to equip the participants with knowledge and skills on the application of technology in elections for voter education, citizen mobilization, spreading of peace messages and supporting the overall credibility of the 2015 electoral process.

The Minister, Dr. Abdu Bulama, while declaring the conference open said, the training was aimed at maximizing benefits of

the newly introduced card readers by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for voters’ accreditation, verification and reporting.

The conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology with support from the United Nations Development Programme, aimed at extending technology application training to youth of voting age across Nigeria.

The Ministry is charged with the mandate to create technology infrastructure and knowledge base that will facilitate its wide application for development.

Chief among them includes: strengthening the political framework for free , fair and transparent elections as well as

entrenchment of good governance and ensuring more dividends of democracy.

Bulama said, he had no doubt that the card readers being provided by INEC would reduce impersonation and voting by proxy during the general elections, in line with the efforts of the present administration, which is determined to ensure a free and fair election in the 2015 elections.

He said, globally, youth play crucial role in entrenching good governance and maintenance of peace and order during elections contrary to developing countries like Nigeria, where youth are mobilized by some politicians to perpetrate violence and other vices during elections.

“The essence of this training is to produce a new crop of youth that will serve as agents of change through utilization of innovative technological tools in promotion of non violence and spreading of messages of peace during elections.

“Nigerian youths are the fulcrum of the country’s developmental efforts and therefore indispensable in the bid to ensure free and fair elections in the country,” the Minister added.

According to the Minister, the second segment of the project involved contest by participants on the use of technology in enhancing peaceful and transparent elections in 2015.

28— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

How MTN promo supports enterprenuership

By Etop Ekanem

A

NOTHER winner in the on-going MTN Cash Quest consumer promotion has emerged. He is Chigozie Okoh, a native of Ebonyi State.

Chigozie had the dream of studying engineering in the tertiary institution as a young boy. That dream received a setback the day his parents told him they may not be able to fund his tertiary education. Of course, he wept.

According to him, “it was a sacrifice that I couldn’t escape because my parents needed to train my siblings who were still in primary school, and they couldn’t afford to bear the burden of sponsoring my university education.”Chigozie’s story has changed, as he won N10 million for participating in the MTN Cash Quest promo. He has since commenced processing his documents to proceed into a university overseas, to fulfil his dream of studying engineering. Like the young man from Ebonyi, Ekeaku Ikenna, who also won N10 million

in the promo had served an uncle who couldn’t come up with the necessary financial ‘reward for stewardship’ which he would have used to set-up his own little business venture.

Worst still, his attempt to escape the harsh economic landscape into Europe, led him into the hands of fraudsters, who swindled him and tactically dispossessed him of his hard earned money. He was in the village ruing his fate, when he received a call from MTN that he had won the millions that would transform his life. Iken-

Inadequate support systems for innovation amidst dearth of social security structure and viable alternatives are depressing

•From left: General Manager Consumer Marketing, MTN, Mr Richard Iweanoge, presents N10m cheque to the winner, Chigozie Okoh as popular actor Fred Amata and others watch

na is already in the process of setting up his importation business, barely one month after he smiled to the bank with MTN’s largesse.

Notwithstanding the socioeconomic reality in the country, it is good to know that help can still come from sources other than one’s family, friends and government. In fact, it is a common joke here that the family only arise to help a member during a crisis. It mustn’t always be so. Young people who have great dreams need to be supported to realise them.

The financial assistance scheme in Nigeria is nothing to write home about. Young entrepreneurs with laudable business ideas are daily confronted with ridiculous interest rates and short term refund tenure when they approach their financial institutions for assistance.

Inadequate support systems for innovation amidst dearth of social security structure and viable alternatives are depressing.

The micro-finance banks seem not to have woken-up to their responsibility, as many of them seem to have forgotten that they are meant to cater for the economically active poor. As the situation is now, succor seems to be getting farther and farther. Student Empowerment Fund (SEF) is necessary to encourage entrepreneurship right from schools. It is not just enough to introduce entrepreneurship studies in the secondary schools and universities, without putting in place, the right support structure to serve as springboard for aspiring entrepreneurs with the right ideas and initiatives.

Digital Inclusion, a must! FG targets tertiary institutions Continued from page 25 lo University, Zaria and University of Benin.

Also on DAP, Government Junior Secondary School, Jabi, Abuja, Katsina State College, Katsina, Government Secondary School Dan Musa, Katsina State, among others have all benefitted.

Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Dr. Eugene Juwah explained that this is one of the ways government can reach the unreached and serve the unserved and underserved members of the society.

According to him, many more institutions and schools will be covered especially now that the broadband revolution has begun.

Juwah added that the quest to implement programmes and plans that promote the development of the communications in-

dustry has seen the commission implementing several capacity building initiatives to enhance the knowledge base of the participants in the telecoms industry in Nigeria. Some of these initiatives include the establishment of the Digital Bridge Institute in 2004 in order to contribute to the creation of knowledge-based information society in Africa, through human resource capacity building in the Information and Communications Technology, ICT sector.

The EVC stated that the Commission has National Books Donation Initiative and in 2005 also established the NCC library for use by researchers and undergraduate students from various tertiary institutions across the country.

Although he noted that higher institutions in Ekiti State, which fall within South West geo-political zone, have not benefitted from the National Books Donation Initiative of the Commission since inception, he explained that it was why recently, the commission donated Eighty Seven ICT/Telecom Engineering books to the Ekiti State University.

The Commission has also taken the ADAPTI project to The Polytechnic, Ibadan Oyo State, where 110 laptops were commissioned. Juwah stated that the key objectives of these programmes are to prepare the nation for a digital tomorrow and equip the youth with the necessary skills to tap into the potentials of the digital age.

Lumia 535 deepens penetration with dual SIM, large screen advantage

By Emeka Aginam

B

ARELY three months after Microsoft Devices introduced Lumia 535 as its first flagship signaling the end of Nokia in the mobile phone ecosystem, the smart device has continued to gain market attention as a result of many exciting features especially dual SIM and large screen advantage.

Powered with 5-inch, 960 x 540 screen; Snapdragon 200 processor; 5MP cameras front and rear; 8GB of storage; microSD slot and many more, the new product runs on Windows Phone 8.1 operating system.

Available in bright green, bright orange, white and black, users can make memorable Skype video calls, access, edit and share Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents and many more.

Latest Windows Phone experience: The device comes with the latest version of Windows Phone.

And with regular over-the-air updates, users will always have the newest software.

Lumia experience With the device, users can get all the benefits of Lumia experiences including Skype, Cortana, Office and OneDrive

Design and features Packed with premium features, the Lumia 535 sports a coulourful design, easy readability in sunlight on a large five-inch display and a quad-core processor for a smooth smartphone experience.

It also has built-in 8 GB of internal storage and 15 GB of free OneDrive storage.

While using the phone, one is clear. The Gorilla Glass is protective ensuring the screen remains fairly sturdy and scratchfree. Although the Lumia ReFocus app is missing on this device, at first touch, the product feels slim at 8.8mm, which is an improvement on Lumia 530 Dual SIM. Screen: Although most middle range phones have smaller, 4-inch, the 5-inch Lumia 535 stands out in comparison. No wonder it does not look like a cheap phone as a result of its size which puts it in similar category to much more expensive rivals.

Interestingly, outdoor visibility of the product is very good, an area majority of phones in the same category often struggle with.

But despite Microsoft’s use of IPS display tech, the viewing angle of the product is quite shallow with a noticeable loss of detail when viewed slightly off-centre. One major criticism here is that the ambient sensor often sets the screen a little dimmer than expected Camera: The product can do more by taking stunning selfies and fit more friends into the picture with the wide-angle, 5 MP frontfacing camera aoto focus and ¼ inch.

And coming with the popular Lumia Selfie app installed for easy access to the front-facing camera, enhances your selfies with filters and easily share with friends from the app to OneDrive, Instagram, Twitter and many more. Even with its shortfalls, Lumia 535 Dual SIM is an interesting proposition for buyers who are looking for a Windows device at affordable price.

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Cultural display as businessman, wife bag Obosi titles VOL. 1 NO 22

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Enugu govt fighting fire without water ...only two fire fighting trucks functional

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—ENUGU State with a population of over five million persons and 17 local government areas is plagued with a moribund fire service which accounts for incessant loss of lives and property to fire related incidents.

South East Voice’s visit to the main office of the Enugu Fire Service along Ogui Junction showed an abandoned edifice as nothing was happening there. This was even as the people of the state witnessed over 100 fire incidents within the last three months.

South East Voice counted seven out of nine fire fighting trucks acquired by the administration of Governor Sullivan Chime which were grounded in the office.

Fighting fire without water

The Chief Fire Officer, Enugu State, Bernard Chukwuemezie, told the South East Voice that, “We only have one water tanker,’’ adding that ‘’about six out of nine of our trucks are being refurbished. The resources we have is what we work with.

We have outposts at Ninth Mile Corner; Ogbete, Timber Shed and Ido-River (all in Enugu) and Nsukka.

“We have received over 100 fire calls between December 2014 and now. Our major problem is water supply. The state Water Corporation has refused to open our main source of water channel. The water main is supposed to be open everyday but because of their refusal, we have water shortage. You can imagine fighting fire without water.

“I have been begging the manager, water board, to help us but to no avail. As you can see, there is no water in the Hydrant because no supply is

taking place.”

Source straightens the records

A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity over fear of victimisation, however, said that the only two out of the seven fire service trucks that were acquired about seven years ago were functional. “Seven years ago, nine trucks were acquired by Governor Chime’s administration but only two are functional. The rest are grounded.

“Government representatives are using this place (fire service) as a conduit pipe. They have been outsourcing all mechanical jobs to private mechanics. We have an in-house mechanic workshop here but they prefer outsiders who would help them to inflate the cost of repairs and will not do the job.

“Only two trucks are manageable now for fire fighting. Before now, our hazard allowance used to be N10. It was recently increased to N2,000. You can imagine what N2,000 can do in this risky job. We lost two of our men recently and with this

Only two trucks are manageable now for fire fighting. Before now, our hazard allowance used to be N10. It was recently increased to N2,000. You can imagine what N2,000 can do in this risky job

•Dry water hydrant at Enugu Fire Service Head Office.

Grounded fire fighting trucks at Enugu Fire Service. kind of situation, the workers moral are low.

You will have to eat before you find strength to work.

Before, we used to have a

standby diesel farm. Now, such practice is dead. If there is an emergency, we will start looking for money for the diesel first before going to fuel

stations to buy diesel. We have to go through those protocols before responding to the emergency and you know that Continues on page 3

ALSO IN THIS EDITION Electricity consumers lament epileptic supply, high tariff — PAGE 4 in Anambra

Don’t depend on white collar jobs, ex-NDE chief counsels youths, others — PAGE 6

2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

ABA: Motorists groan over broken down trucks

By FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA—MOTORISTS plying the Aba-Owerri, Aba-Ikot Ekpene and Port Harcourt roads in Aba, Abia State have cried out over the spate of broken down trucks on the three major roads in the commercial city.

They said that the situation has worsened the gridlock on the three roads which serve as the major routes into Aba town.

Worst hit are the Aba-Ikot Ekpene and Port Harcourt roads where motorists compete for right of way due to bad roads leading to gridlocks and accidents.

South East Voice visited the three roads, and discovered four broken down trucks on the Ogbor Hill Waterside Bridge section of the Aba - Ikot Ekpene road, five on Port Harcourt road while Aba –Owerri road had two.

At the time of the visit, South East Voice noticed that the trucks had been on the same position for several days without the owners removing or towing them away. It was particularly observed that the long truck

A truck carrying stones broke down yesterday on the junction leading to East Street; another truck was brought to transfer the stones and the road was blocked for hours

•Broken down truck on one of the major roads. which broke down on the slope at the Ogbor Hill waterside Bridge near Olazoil fuel station on the lane leading to Bata Junction had been on the same spot for several weeks.

Some shop owners in the area who spoke said that the truck the posed a lot of dangers as it broke down on the slope of the waterside bridge, adding that many motorists had run into it at night with lives and property lost.

Speaking to South East Voice, a driver with the Akwa Ibom Transport Company, AKTC, who gave his name as Samuel said it had become a nightmare plying the Aba-Uyo route because of gridlock

arising from the number of broken down trucks and bad spots on the road.

It was further observed that some of the broken down trucks do not have caution signs to warn motorists and other road users about the dangers ahead.

“Sometimes, the traffic gridlock on this waterside bridge can be frustrating. If you look now, you can count up to four broken down trucks from here to the end of the bridge. A truck carrying stones broke down yesterday on the junction leading to East Street; another truck was brought to transfer the stones and the

road was blocked for hours.

Two days ago, only one lane was used by motorists as another broken down truck blocked the lane leading to Bata. It was only removed yesterday. Some of these broken down trucks can be abandoned on the road by their owners for as long as two weeks or more. This had been a problem to us because whenever any truck breaks down, you can not push it out of the road. This leads to traffic build up on the bridge because of its narrow nature,” he said.

South East Voice gathered that most of the broken down trucks on the

Continues on page 8

Cultural display as businessman, wife bag Obosi titles

BY NWABUEZE OKONKWO

O

NITSHA—THE splendid display of culture by the Traditional Ruler of Obosi Community, in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, His Majesty, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, during the installation of an illustrious son of the area, Chief Hyacinth Nnodebe Udemba as Akamkposi Obosi, and his wife, Stella as Osodieme, would remain ever green in the lives of every native of the ancient Obosi kingdom.

The three-day event which commenced with the installation proper at the royal palace, followed by a thanksgiving service/Udemba’s 52th birthday the next day, was rounded off with the traditional Ije Eke (market outing) at the Eke-Obosi Market Square.

Eze Iweka III, Eze Obosi During the market outing ceremony, the newly installed Ichie Akamkposi and other Ichies dressed in their traditional regalia with their native caps decorated with feathers and speciallydesigned chieftaincy swords in

their hands, danced to the traditional Ikolo drum beat, one after the other.

At the ceremony marking the installation proper, Igwe Iweka, who is the Eze Obosi described ‘’Udemba as a worthy son of the soil who has contributed immensely towards the return and sustenance of peace and tranquility in the area, to the extent that he had organized their annual Ito Ogbo and Obiora Obosi cultural festivals.’’

Iweka who called on other

sons of the community to emulate the exemplary life style of Udemba, added that Obosi Kingdom would continue to recognize those who had at various times rendered selfless services to the community as an encouragement aimed at spuring others.

As the installation ceremony was rapped up with a royal blessing, Akamkposi and his wife, Osodieme left the palace on foot and trekked home to Akamkposi villa, James Udemba Lane, Hill View Estate,

•Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Eze Iweka III, Eze Obosi, installing Chief Hyacinth Nnodebe Udemba as Akamkposi Obosi

Ugamuma village, with his traditional dances and his friends, relations, associates and well-wishers for the rest of the ceremonies.

At the thanksgiving service held at St. John De Baptist, Obosi, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Madueke, admonished Christians to always live above board by serving God and humanity, adding that there was dignity and reward for public service.

Fr. Madueke urged other parishioners to emulate the exemplary services of Udemba to God and humanity which attracted attention of both the royal father and other indigenes of Obosi.

After the thanksgiving service, Udemba and his wife with other well-wishers retired to the Akamkposi Villa where they cut his 52th birthday cake sponsored by a family friend, Rev. Sister Lilian Opara of the Clarisan Missionary Sister of the Blessed Sacrament.

Sister Opara advised the family to remain together for others to emulate.

She therefore prayed God to assist the family to continue to grow from strength to strength and at the same time live in fear of God and respect for

humanity.

The ceremony was rounded off with a traditional outing at Eke Market Square, Obosi escorted by his fellow royal cabinet members where all the necessary customs were performed.

Speaking on the occasion, Udemba and his wife expressed gratitude to the royal father, the cabinet members and all those who stood by them throughout the events and promised to continue to assist in making Obosi a strong community.

Udemba, a renewable energy expert and managing director of Prostar Global Energy Group Limited, Lagos and Abuja as well as chairman of Ito Ogbo and Obiora Obosi annual cultural festivals, warned against dishonesty in the community, adding that he would not accept bribe from any body or group to pervert the course of justice.

With the coronation, Udemba has joined the prestigious Ndi Ichie Obosi (member of the royal cabinet), while his wife has also become a member of the prestigious Otu Enyi Nwayi Obosi.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —3

Anambra, Thai business groups sign pact

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE Anambra State government and leading businessmen in Thailand have signed a communiqué to explore the vast business potentials of the state aimed at putting the state in a commanding position in the nation’s economy.

The Thai delegation was drawn from different segments of the Thai economy. They include Rayong Purify Group which is interested in oil refining, bio-diesel production with palm oil, tank farms and ethanol by cassava. There is also the S.S Furn-Tech Group which is the oldest group of furniture, particle board and plywood production and wood processing factories in Thailand as well as the Electricity Generating Authority Thailand, EGAT, an equivalent of the Nigerian PHCN. Others include the DOS Dhammasorn Group which is interested in waste and water management, the Natawee Technology Group that manufactures agricultural equipment and machinery, the Aqua Product and Fish Supplier Group, the Waste Management and Garbage Factory, the Siam DUT KPN Mining Inter Trade Group, and the Production and Business Group which is the biggest group in the delegation.

Also on the list of the delegation are the Global Service Interlink Group, GSI, CYR Agro-Tech Centre, Knowledge Education Centre, Luvam Global Solutions Company, Sun Tech Seeds Company and finally the

Vegetable Group and Organic Fertilizer who represent the biggest group of herbal medicine in Thailand.

Among the places visited by the group include Onitsha Main Market, Ogbunike Cave and Couched Farm.

After five days of tours to various parts of the state, the business moguls agreed, among other things, to form a partnership with the Thai Investment Group to establish large scale rice and fish farms and go into the manufacturing and refurbishing of agricultural machinery.

Reading a communiqué issued at the end of the visit, the Anambra State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme said that the Thai group also resolved to partner with Anambra and other interested investors to explore the state’s gas and solid mineral sector and apply their technical expertise in waste management, recycling and waste energy projects.

The group would embark on its first ever medical mission to Nigeria and Africa in Anambra State during which time they would explore the possibility of bringing their expertise in the pharmaceutical industry which they hoped would make the state a major trading hub for medical supplies in Nigeria.

Similarly, they expressed interest in

•Governor Willie Obiano and leader of the Thai delegation, Dr. Ratana Porn, exchanging copies of the signed communique in Awka

the state power sector and initiated a Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement to compliment ongoing private power projects in the area of power generation and support for other electrical projects

The successful hosting of about 30 trade missioners for six days, involving extensive tours of the state, without an incident is a solid proof that Obiano has not only cleansed Anambra of hoodlums and brigands, but has also lifted a white flag to the global investment community

Enugu govt fighting fire without water continues from page 1 the raging fire would not be waiting for you. The timely element of our operations is no longer there.”

Outposts

The Source went on,”The outposts at the Timber Shed, Ido -River, 9th Mile and Nsukka are near extinction.

You can imagine what the outposts will be faced with

when the main station is in comatose.

“If there is fire outbreak in places like Adani or Igga in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area or Ette in Igbo-Eze North Council Area, which are about two hours from Nsukka, where the fire service outpost is located, for example, how can fire fighters respond promptly under such difficult situation?

“Before they get there if

they will ever get there, the fire would have wreaked all the havoc. Fire fighting is an essential service and should be provided for at all times.

Commonsense should tell them that decentralisation is key to efficiency in fire fighting. At least every council area should have a functional fire service outpost.”

across the state.

Both parties also agreed to collaborate in education with a focus on skills acquisition and training relevant to the needs of the economic blueprint of the Willie Obiano administration with a view to sending Anambra indigenes to Thailand for vocational training, while vocational schools in the state would serve as outlet and affiliates of prominent Thai vocational institutes.

On its part, Anambra State government agreed to provide an enabling environment consistent with international best practices necessary for investment and businesses from Thailand to enter and flourish, while the expected investments would focus on areas where the Thai economy has comparative advantage.

Governor Obiano signed the Communiqué for Anambra State, while the leader of delegation Dr. Ratana Porn signed for the Thai Investment Group. A joint investment would facilitate the objectives of the partnership within the next six to twelve months.

The visit of the Thai investors was significant in that it marked the first bold step of the Obiano administration to fulfill its vision and mission statements in its four enablers which are aimed at making Anambra the first choice investment destination and a hub for industrialization and commercial activities, as well as fulfilling the mission of creating a socially stable, business

friendly environment that will attract both indigenes and foreigners to seek wealth creating opportunities in the state.

As some business analysts observed, the visit has finally proved to the whole world that Anambra has overcome its once troubling security nightmare characterized by violent armed robbery, rampant kidnapping, brazen brigandage and utter lawlessness.

“The successful hosting of about 30 trade missioners for six days, involving extensive tours of the state, without an incident is a solid proof that Obiano has not only cleansed Anambra of hoodlums and brigands, but has also lifted a white flag to the global investment community, beckoning them to the New Anambra,” the commerce and industry commissioner, Onejeme noted.

Speaking at a colourful cultural night held to round off the trade mission, Governor Obiano called on other prospective investors to emulate the example of the Thai business delegation.

According him, this is the right time to come to Anambra and invest because the state has created enabling environment for genuine investors.

Expressing appreciation of the Thai group for a successful Anambra-Thailand investment summit, the leader of delegation, Dr. Ratana Porn said that they were impressed by the high level of opportunities that exist in various sectors of the state. She assured that the unfolding collaboration with the Thai investors would yield the desired goals for the mutual benefit of both parties.

4 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Electricity consumers lament epileptic supply, high tariff in Anambra

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—THE expectation of electricity consumers in Nigeria after the privatization of the Power Holden Company of Nigeria, PHCN, was that power supply would improve and the problem of estimated bills eliminated. But to the surprise of everybody, there appears to be more problems for the consumers under the new distribution companies, than during the era of the old PHCN. In the first few months of the operations of the distribution companies, the operators made promises that things would improve, with assurances that tariff would also reduce.

Having waited for so long, many consumers say their patience is running out, which is why they are complaining and protesting openly.

For the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, which is one of the distribution

companies that emerged after the privatization, consumers in all the districts still complain that the problems they encountered when PHCN held sway, have not been solved.

Recently, electricity consumers in Awka, Onitsha and Ogbaru, took to the streets to complain what they described as epileptic power supply and high tariff in their areas.

The protesters later besieged the company’s business offices in the Anambra State, expressing worry that their businesses were collapsing due to poor power supply and excessive tariff being demanded by the EEDC. Nze Ik Okafor, vice-chairman of traders whose businesses are located along the popular Zik’s Avenue in Awka, complained that they were tired of paying exorbitant estimated bills, even when they did not enjoy power supply.

“There was a period some parts of the area did not have

Some Industrialists protesting in Onitsha over hike in electricity bills

There was a period some parts of the area did not have electricity for about seven months, yet those operating businesses in the affected areas were issued with bills to pay for the period

electricity for about seven months, yet those operating businesses in the affected areas were issued with bills to pay for the period,” he said.

He said the traders decided to embark of the peaceful protest because some officials of the company have been threatening to massively disconnect electricity in the area, vowing that they would not allow them to do it, no matter the consequences.

He called on the management of the company to

Widow sends SOS to Gov Obiano ...needs N7 million to save son suffering kidney disease

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU

N

NEWI—EVER since her son graduated from the Department of Mass Communication, Anambra State University Uli, (Igbariam Campus), life for Mrs. Ngozi Arinze has been tortuous and threatening, as the health of her 24-year old son, Chukuebuka Arinze, has continued to deteriorate owing to the kidney disease he suffers from currently.

Mrs. Arinze, a native of Akabo Village, Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area, Anambra State, lost her husband, a native of Okija in Ihiala Local Government Area, some years ago. Since then, she has singlehandedly taken pains to give her only child, Chukwuebuka the best of education up to tertiary level.

As this sudden life-threatening ailment has kept Ngozi, who trades in Aba, Abia State, busy taking her son from one hospital to the other, she has appealed to well-meaning Nigerians, religious organisations, as well as Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State to come to her aid in providing the N7 million needed to carry-out a transplant in India, to save her son’s life.

Chukwuebuka, who had difficulty in speaking to South East Voice, narrated how the

strange illness befell him during his third year in the university.

With spots of blood clothing dripping from his mouth, instead of saliva, he said: “It all started like a normal sickness, like headache and feverish conditions. At the initial stage, I thought it was just normal, but when we started visiting the hospital, it was then I started discovering that I was experiencing weakness on my legs. I could not walk properly.

“The first hospital I went to was Urban Hospital, Abagana. When the doctors there applied physiotherapy on my leg, I was able to walk normally. By then, I was in the second semester of my third year, and I missed some of my examinations. When we resumed for the first semester of my final year, some of my lecturers insisted that I repeat the whole third year, but I said no, that I am strong and should at least be allowed to finish my final year.”

Chukuebuka who lamented that after finishing his final year examination, and travelled to Port-Harcourt to stay

with his uncle, the illness, started again, becoming very worrisome in November 2014.

His words,”When I arrived Abagana, Port-Harcourt, the whole thing was becoming worse;

•Ebuka

even urinating became very difficult. At the same time, I was just getting fatter by the day. I opted for constant exercises but I would not lose weight. It got to a point when my uncle said I was eating too much. He even had to tell my family back home that I was lazy and don’t want to help myself.

“It got to an extent that I decided to leave Port Harcourt for Anambra and later I was told I have to be on dialysis two or three times a week, that was when it was discovered that my kidneys had failed. I was told I had protein in my urine, (3+ positive). Since the hospital did not have provision for admission of patients, I travelled back to Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital before going to the Military Hospital, Port Harcourt and then to Maranatha Hospital in Aba Abia State. “‘Other hospitals we visited to get solution to my predicament were the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH, and Ifebi Hospital, Awka Anambra State. I am currently doing dialysis three times a week, because of loss of blood which I am experiencing from my body

provide them with pre-paid meters so that they would be paying only for the electricity they enjoyed.

Also last week at the famous Harbour-Head Bridge Industrial Layout in Onitsha owners of manufacturing companies left their comfortable offices to protest on the streets, the recent 95% increase in electricity charges for industries under their category, by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC. Their worry was that while Eko, Ikeja, Kaduna and most other distribution companies had their tariffs increased marginally, that of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, was almost doubled. Their leader, Chief Paul Okonkwor recalled that the industrial layout was adversely affected during the 2012 flood disaster that ravaged part of the country and argued that that disaster should have been enough reason to give them a special concession on the issue of tariff hike.

The protest letter the industrialists handed to the business manager of Ogbaru unit of EEDC, Mr. Ifeanyi Allison read: “We are surprised by the outrageous increase in electricity charges for industrial consumption. Our current electricity bill indicates a sudden rise in electricity charges from N23.97 to N46.66, which is choking to

Continues on page 8

and teeth and I also do blood transfusion to replace lost blood.

As I speak, the treatment costs N75,000 each time, it’s carried out.

“The doctor at the IMSUTH has advised me to go for Kidney transplant in India if there is money and that will cost N7 million and that is what my mother and uncles are shopping for to do the transplant in India or any other place where it will be done well.’’

Decrying the situation, Mrs. Arinze, who has since relocated from Aba where she trades to Akabo, Ojoto, with her helpless son, said with the help of her husband’s relatives, she had been footing the bills of her son’s medical expenses which had so far gulped over N2 million.

Appealing for assistance from good spirited members of the public, Mrs. Arinze said: “My son cannot die; he is the only thing I have. His father died long ago, and since then his brothers and mine have been helping us over his predicament. I am appealing to all the governors in Nigeria, especially Governor Obiano, all south east governors, governors of south south and Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos who has rendered similar help to other people to come to my aid.

“I have left my business in Aba to take care of him, so that he will not die. Likewise, his maternal uncles Chief Anenechukwu Okeke, Mr. Gabriel Okeke and Dr. Bejoe.

Any good spirited Nigerian who wants to help save my son’s life can reach us through 08063372359, 08036704383.

13 YEARS AFTER:

Jubilation as work resumes at Anambra int’l market, Oba

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU

O

BA—THIRTEEN years after the abandonment of Anambra State International Market, Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, the Oba Community went into jubilation as construction has resumed at the long abandoned project, with the signing of the contract for the completion of the project which was sealed at the market site last week.

Although work had already started for the completion of the market since the commencement of the administration of Chief Willie Obiano’s government in the state, the signing of the contract for restarting the market project was stalled by agitations by different groups of the community over compensation alleged neglect and other issues which have all been resolved. The market would take a large portion of Oba community land, The former Governor Chinweoke Mbadinuju’s administration started the construction of the market in 2002, and work was progressing in earnest until he failed to secure his second tenure ticket through his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. As a result of this, work on the market was abandoned by

•Nuel Ezenwa (the first son of Igwe Peter Ezenwa of Oba

•Henry Ezenwa, Chairman Idemili South LGA, Anambra State.

subsequent administrations in the state, until the coming in

of the present administration of Chief Obiano who listened to the yearnings of the community and brought investors to complete the market.

Speaking with South East Voice, Prince Nuel Ezenwa who represented his father, the traditional ruler of Oba, Igwe Peter Ezenwa, the Eze Okpoko of Oba, said a lot of people felt disappointed that the money they sunk in the project went down the drain, “but today, the market project has been restarted.

“First and foremost I want to say that the God of Oba is very much alive. This is a project that is located in a fast developing town called Oba,

The project which is on Build Operate and Transfer, BOT, is bound to succeed this time around, as most of the hiccups witnessed in the past have been cleared

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 5 The ground breaking and with a sense of humility, I will say that I thank God for the ceremony for the multi- billion blessings he has brought naira projects was disrupted because when the project is last year with protests by some completed; it will be a thing of sections of Oba Community joy, a thing of pride and who claimed that the company something that will afford most construction of us a better quality of life. It handling the project did not will cut down on unemploy- consult them.

The company, Bukham ment, and will further enhance the profile of Oba in this country Nigerian Limited said to be promoted by a former Vice called Nigeria.

“No doubt there has been a President was said to have lot of hiccups on the road to the secured about N1.5 billion from project, a lot of pot holes a bank to execute the project towards achieving the project, and was ready to deliver but like most Nigerian projects; but was not allowed to do the work today the project has been due to disagreements over restarted by one of the most compensations among others.

The agitating members of the ebullient governors we could ever wish to have, a governor three villages of Umuezegbe, who has brought down Umuezona and Ogwugwu said suffering in the state, he is to be the owners of the land repairing Anambra to reduce staged a protest, displaying several placards which among the suffering.

“The project which is on Build other things demanded that the Operate and Transfer, BOT, is company must come to discuss bound to succeed this time with them, as well as carry out Impact around, as most of the hiccups Environmental witnessed in the past have Assessment, EIA, and pay been cleared. The Anambra them compensation.

The spokesman of the State government is very much on the driving seat to aggrieved land owners, Dozie achieving this dream and I do Nweke, said then that “the not have any doubt in my mind company should follow due that the governor has done us process by calling us to a proud. He has not only meeting and entering into improved the economy of Oba agreement to pay us Community, but also Anambra compensation.”

State in general,” he said.

According to Eze Amana, as he is fondly called, “it is my fervent prayer that Governor Obiano will be here to commission it when completed, and we will have the access to a modern day market; the DO you have any market that will have ultra news of neglect or modern parking lot, cafeteria, cinema, and will provide all the abandoned projects or marketers the opportunity to your representative at sell their goods without the local, state or federal worrying about the excessively congested Onitsha Main governments are not Market”. representing you well?

Chairman of Idemili South Do you have unique Council Area, Prince Henry Ezenwa expressed satisfaction cultural activities coming that the restarting of the project up or any community was happening during his news to tell us? administration, adding that, “when we say that Willie is working, we mean it that Willie Emeka Mamah is actually working.”

REACH US

Abia Assemby Leader fetes rural women

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—THE leader of Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chidiebere Nwoke, last week feted some rural women, men and youths from his rural native home, Emede, for their support in the last 12 years of his sojourn to the House of Assembly.

Nwoke, who had earlier distributed empowerment equipment such as cars, for commercial purposes, sewing machines, driers, grinding machines, among other items, to the youths and women, expressed joy that the people had been steadfast in their support for him over the years.

The House Leader who represents Umuahia East Constituency in the assembly, also distributed mosquito nets to the rural women and urged

them to make maximum use of them to prevent mosquito and be free from malaria disease.

He recalled how remote their area was some years back and noted that a remarkable change has come to the rural area with roads and a modern market, assuring them of more amenities that would change the face of the rural community

and transform it to an urban status.

He told them that already visitors had started renting houses in the community because of the road that passed through the area as well as the market built by the government in the nearby Ubani community.

Nwoke told the people that

•Some of Nwoke’s kinsmen on the occasion.

though he was not contesting this time, they should continue to support the government to enable them get more dividends of democracy.

According to him, the support would make the party and the government to consider one of their sons for an appointment in future.

In their responses, various speakers drawn from the communities that make up the constituency commended Nwoke for the g o o d representation he gave them and pledged to continue to support him and the party for the good of the area.

(Editor) 08033218645 Francis Igata 08033387069 Vincent Ujumadu(Awka): 08035804090 Anayo Okoli(Umuahia): 08034046839 Chidi Nkwopara(Imo): 08033391108 Peter Okutu (Abakaliki): 08032680756 Chinenyeh Ozor (Nsukka): 08185664011 Nwabueze Okonkwo (Nnewi): 08037794782 Or: e-mail us at: easternvoice@yahoo.com

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Don’t depend on white collar jobs, ex-NDE chief counsels youths, others

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—IN the face of the rising unemployment situation in the country, the National President of Small and Medium Scale Industrialists in Nigeria, SMSIN, Chief Chukwu Nwachukwu has asked Nigerian youths not to depend on white collar jobs and work towards being job creators.

According to Nwachukwu, the youths, including graduates, skilled and unskilled, could do this by striving to be self-employed in different spheres of trade.

Nwachukwu, a former Director General, National Directorate of Employment, NDE, spoke in Umuahia, weekend, while addressing hundreds of people drawn from various rural communities in

Abia State, at a workshop on self-sustainance and wealth creation.

He said that in an emerging economy like Nigeria’s, the government would not provide jobs for everybody, hence the need for aggressive encouragement of small and medium scale industries.

Nwachukwu commended the organizers of the wealth creation forum, Izuwa Nwogu Rescue Foundation, for its interest in encouraging the youths to go into selfemployment ventures, pointing out that it was a good way of ensuring national development.

According to him, small and medium scale industries encourage self-sustainability, self reliance and job creation.

Using the Izuwa Nwogu, owners of Blue Sea Estate, as an example, Nwachukwu, noted that multiple jobs were

•Some participants at the job fair created in that sector as various people ranging from transporters, sand sellers, block moulders, masons to carpenters among others in various trades are involved in the chain.

While encouraging youths, especially the unemployed graduates to develop interest in self-employment and small scale businesses, the former NDE boss, however, told the gathering at the Kolpin Centre, that the first step was usually to articulate a business plan and the right mind set.

Nwachukwu said that it was

a misconceived idea for people to think that the first priority in setting up an enterprise was money, saying that the first priority was to develop a business strategy which he said required a lot of courage to do.

In his address, Izuwa Nwogu said he organized the workshop to encourage and teach Abia people, especially the youths on the need to be self-employed and create wealth without coming from a rich background.

Nwogu, said that between 2006 and 2010, he was involved

Firm trains 32 rural farmers from host communities

BY ANAYO OKOLI

U

MUAHIA—IN line with the new interest in agriculture following the drop in oil revenue, Addax Petroleum Development Company, has trained 32 rural farmers selected from its host communities in three states where it operates in the country, with the aim of making them big time farmers to contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

The 32 farmers, selected for Agricultural Entrepreneurial Training were from Izombe in Oguta Area of Imo State, Mbo and Effiat Communities in Akwa Ibom State as well as other communities from Rivers State. They were made up of 17 male farmers and 15 female farmers, who were unanimously nominated by the communities.

One of the criteria for nomination, according to Addax Petroleum Manger, Community Relations, Mr. Emeka Obi, was the ownership of a verifiable farm in their various communities, hence the decision to allow the various host communities

nominate the participants.

The two weeks training and workshop held at National Root Crops Research Institute, NRCRI, Umudike, Abia State, was generally on modern system of farming and agricultural equipment with particular interest on cassava production and how to use cassava to produce variety of

edibles. They were also given training on sweet potato farming and its potentials.

Specifically, the objective of the training, according to Addax Petroleum, was to train the farmers on improved methods of cassava production to increase yield; build the capacity of the farmers to start, manage and

•Farmers and officials of Addax, during the training.

own agro commercial business and to supply some improved, high-yielding diseaseresistant cassava stems.

The rural farmers were also exposed to site selection, land preparation, preparation of planting materials as well as cassava planting methods, management of cassava farm, weed control methods,

in menial businesses like commercial telephone operator and selling of CDs on Lagos traffics as a poor person, but said he, changed his life when he changed his mentality of thinking by attending business lectures and seminars.

He asked the youths to “desire a business interest and take corresponding action to realize it,” saying that money was not actually the most important thing in starting a business but “proper decision and proper planning.”

fertilizer application, management of soil erosion and improvement, processing of root crops [cassava and sweet potato], among others.

At the end of the two weeks training, the elated farmers said the “programme has opened new doors of progress and exposed us to various best practices in crop production and entrepreneurship that will facilitate the achievement of sustainable economic growth, food security and poverty alleviation.”

They also said that the training had, “added great value to our lives which will enable us be employers of labour instead of being seekers of employment.”

According to them, they had the opportunity to be trained on how to multiply cassava stems and sweet potatoes vines, how to produce high quality flour, starch, bread, salad cream, among other important products from root crops.

Commending the farmers for the training, Addax Petroleum, through Mr. Obi, said that the company would give them a tractor and five mini cassava craters and urged them to form cooperative societies through which these and other agro equipment would be made available to them.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —7

Death, accidents trail Enugu PDP campaigns

BY FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU—THE Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP, campaigns have come and gone amid gory tales of death and accidents.

The frenzy that had attended the campaigns could pass for the acceptance of the party.

But discerning minds abreast with the state of affairs in the state would easily trace such frenzy to the harsh socioeconomic situation in the country occasioned by paucity of infrastructure in the state.

Enugu, known for the extinction of agro-allied and industrial-based companies like AVOP Vegetable Oil at Nachi, Sunrise Flour Mills

and the Alumunion Industry at Ohebe Dim among others, has primed the youths being churned out from over six tertiary institutions in the state for political thuggery, praise singing and crumb collectors. There is virtually no government owned functional industry in Enugu, which is a one township state.

South East Voice investigations revealed that the campaign manager of the PDP candidate representing Uzo-Uwani/Igbo-Ekiti, Federal Consistency, Mrs. Stella Ngwu, whose name was given as Austin Ejili had died

•PDP’s white Toyota Hilux vehicle involved in the accident

Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, Enugu PDP governorship candidate

in a road mishap between Aku and Nkpologu while on a campaign in the area. Until his untimely death, Ejili was a senior lecturer at the

Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu.

Again, a Toyota Hilux van believed to be among the , PDP, campaign vehicles, suffered a brake failure and rammed into an industrial building along Akpugo and Amagunze road in NkanuEast Local Government Area of the state during the party’s campaign at Amagunze, headquarters of Nkanu-East.

Although no life was lost in the incident, an eyewitness

Obiano repositions Anambra schools to retain top spot in WAEC, NECO

BY IKENNA ASOMBA

A

WKA—IN its resolve to continuously initiate educational reforms that will see the state emerging the overall best in the national examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE, and the National Examination Council, NECO, the Anambra State government, has disbursed N420 million towards the development of sickbay and sports in 420 public and private schools.

Giving what he described as concerted efforts to provide world class education to the children of the state, Governor Willie Obiano, who presented the cheques to the schools at the Women’s Development Centre, Awka, also distributed white boards to all primary and secondary schools across the state and N200 million to 10 mission schools for renovation of their structures.

However, Mr. Emmanuel Obidiegwu from Ukpor, Nnewi South Local

Government Area was given N1 million to encourage him, having emerged as the best graduating student at the University of Ibadan last year.

Among the beneficiaries of the sickbay and sports development fund, were 166 private and mission secondary schools, as well as 244 public secondary schools.

Obiano who charged the benefiting schools to use the

funds for what they were meant for said: “I urge you all to put the fund to good use, as government has put measures in place to evaluate how the fund was expended.

“Last year, our administration renovated 570 schools. At the moment, we are targeting to complete the renovation of all schools in the state within one and a half years. It is therefore against this

Gov. Willie Obiano and others at the event

backdrop, that we are urging our school children to work hard to distinguish themselves and attain their full potentials in life.”

The Commissioner for Education, Professor Kate Omenugha, also spoke about government’s resolve to provide good education to the school children in the state, adding that another N730 million had earlier been

revealed that the vehicle lost control due to high speed even as he claimed that the driver made frantic efforts to control the vehicle but to no avail. The vehicle somersaulted and crashed.

The eyewitness said the occupants and other party members on transit quickly came to the victims’ rescue and removed the vehicle’s number plate to avoid being traced to the political aspirant.

disbursed to schools owned by the missionaries, even as the building of perimeter fences in 10 girls boarding secondary schools were in progress and would be extended to technical colleges and other schools.

She said: “The administration of Governor Obiano is not resting on its oars to develop education in the state. As we speak, capacity building programmes have been put in place to retrain teachers and school administrators, while some teachers would soon visit Singapore for more training programmes. Various incentives have been provided for teachers in the hinterland and those who teach core subjects.”

Meanwhile, Obiano has reiterated his administration’s commitment to immortalizing those who served the state diligently.

He spoke at the official dedication and handover of Benedict Nnadozie Chukwuogo Memorial Library, built in Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka, assured that his administration seeks to make the state the first choice investment destination and most preferred location to site new industries.

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

By PETER OKUTU

A

Izzi people honour Mrs. Elechi, Senator Nwankwo, 3 others

BAKALIKI—ISHI-Inyimegu Development Association in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, weekend honoured five of its illustrious sons and daughters over their outstanding contributions towards the development of the community. The community later renamed some of its communities.

The recipients who were honoured with different chieftaincy titles include the wife of the state governor, Mrs Josephine Elechi, Senator Chris Nwankwo, Hon. Boniface Nwofoke, Lady Ugoeze Roseline Aloh and Chief Ignatius Nwedu.

Performing the ceremony, the traditional ruler of the area and Udo I of Ndiechi Ishi Inyimegu, His Royal Highness Eze Hycinth Ijere Eze,

Senator Chris Nwankwo and Mrs. Elechi on the occasion.

ABA: Motorists groan over broken down trucks Continues from page 2 waterside bridge belong to an unnamed soft drink manufacturing company whose trucks spill their goods on the road while negotiating the bend connecting the bridge with Omoba road, often leading to traffic gridlocks.

At Uratta junction on Port Harcourt road, it was double wahala (serious problem) for motorists as a truck conveying stones broke down and blocked the motorable portions of the road leaving the other to navigate through the dilapidated spots. As at the time of filing this report, other areas with broken down trucks were the bad spots in front of Ohabiam Primary School and Hollywood bus stop.

“Truck drivers should not be allowed to cause more suffering for other road users. This truck had been here since morning. The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, should tow away any broken down vehicle or force the owner to tow them away; they should not be allowed to constitute hazards to other road users,” a tricycle driver told South East Voice.

The Aba Unit Commander FRSC, Mr. Akachukwu Chika said his unit had been doing its best in tackling the situation.

“Though there are challenges but we have been doing our best to tackle the situation to make our roads free from congestion. You can see that my men are present at every major junction in the city,” he said.

conferred on Senator Nwankwo the title of Egbe Evuru Igube Uzo; Mrs Elechi-Ada di ora mma I; Mrs. Aloh as O di uko mba I; Mr. Boniface Nwofoke as Enyi wara uzo I and Mr. Ignatus Nwedu as Chimere Eze I. The areas renamed included EzzaInyimagu now known as Ishi Inyimegu community; Okpanga Oza now known as Okpanga village; Aghara Oza now known as OrokeUgbala village; Ezzaofu village is now Izi Ophu village; Ezzaegu is now called Ishi-egu village; Ugboenyim Oza village became Ugbo Enyim village, Ochobu Oza village was also changed to Ndiawoke-Okeye village among others.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion and state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Chukwuma had commended the recipients for their numerous contributions towards the improvement of the lives of the Izzi people and beyond and asked other stakeholders in the area to emulate the lifestyles of the those honoured.

In their separate remarks, the President General of the town union, Mr Ezagu, National Secretary of the union, Comrade John Nwiboko, state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sunday Nwangele, as well as the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Izzi Local Government Area, Mr. Godwin Nwogbaga had urged the recipients not to relent in their numerous contributions to the people of the area even as they stressed that peace and unity was pivotal to the development of any society.

Responding on behalf of the other recipients, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Elechi and her elder brother, Senator Chris Nwankwo thanked the organizers and indeed the Izzi people for the awards and promised to strive harder towards improving the lot of the people of the community.

The event witnessed presentation of insignia of office to the recipients as well as cultural displays by different groups within and outside the community.

Electricity consumers lament epileptic supply, high tariff in Anambra Continues from page 4 us.We categorically object to this scandalous increase in energy charges for EEDC by NERC because it is unfair, unaffordable and beyond our cost absorption capabilities.

“We are currently disputing the energy charges and retention of fixed charges as currently approved by NERC and we plead that as long as negotiation for the review of the 2015 charges of the Multiple Year Tariff Order is ongoing, your office should halt plans to disconnect electricity supply to our members, pending the resolution of the disputed charges.

“We are yet to recover from the losses we incurred during the 2012 flood disaster in which we lost critical infrastructure, like transformers, poles, and cables. Apart from bearing the cost of the replacement of the damaged infrastructure, we also paid for electricity not consumed for three months that the flood disaster lasted, even when electricity was cut off from the industrial estate for safety reasons.

“Our businesses can no longer survive more natural disasters or manmade shocks as exemplified by this new increase in energy tariff, coupled with the fact that the services of EEDC are yet to improve.”

Okonkwor recalled that members of his group had to lay off about 6000 workers after the 2012 flood disaster, adding that if the electricity tariff was

not reduced drastically, “there is the likelihood that most of the industries in the area would close down completely.”

He said that even as the electricity tariff was hiked, most of the industries still spend so much daily on diesel to power their factories, adding that forcing them to pay the new tariff and the fixed charge, was an indirect way of asking them to sack all their workers and close shop.

Okonkwor said further that their expectation was that electricity supply would increase when the old PHCN was privatized, regretting that the situation had even become worse.

Aware that its customers were becoming apprehensive following the epileptic power supply, the management of EEDC has promised that the problem of estimated electricity bills in all the territories under its operation would soon come to an end. At its consumers’ consultative forum in Nnewi, the company promised that it would install smart prepaid meters for all consumers this year.

Managing director and chief executive officer of EEDC, Mr. Robert Dickerman told electricity consumers during the forum that enumeration aimed at capturing all consumers in the five states being covered by EEDC has begun, adding that once the

exercise was completed, the installation of the meters would begin and would be completed in the first quarter of this year.

He pleaded with the consumers to avoid issues that undermine the activities of the company, such as engaging in illegal connection, bypassing of meters and vandalizing transformers and regretted a situation whereby only 36 per cent of electricity consumers were captured in the company’s network.

He said: “For anybody to enjoy electricity, he must register with the company. The only way to guarantee constant electricity supply is for consumers to pay their bills fully. Our advice is that if any consumer discovers any anomaly on his bills and supply chain, he should notify EEDC and the problem would be resolved immediately we receive the complaint.”

Chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor has, however, admitted that there were teething problems being experienced by the company, but promised that things would soon normalize.

He appealed to the consumers to take ownership of the company, regretting a situation whereby only about 36 per cent of electricity consumers in the zone paid their bill, while the rest were enjoying illegal power supply.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 —

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34 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 35

C M Y K

36—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

By Bashir Adefaka

I

T was the first outing for the group of pro-democracy activists and there was no better place to hang out than the Gani Fawehinmi Park which is so named in honour of one of Nigeria’s fiercest canvassers of democracy and liberty.

The crowd that came was motivated by events earlier in the preceding week when the election management body postponed the scheduled presidential elections. Many of the activists felt that the postponement was done to actualise the goals of some perceived interests.

That message was passed across by many of the activists who were led by human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) for the event styled as ‘Sit Out:’ Citizen Expression of Love for Democracy rally. The event was organised by Nigerians United for Democracy.

Falana, who pointed out that it was not only unconstitutional for outside forces to meddle with election matters. For Falana even the president’s use of a military officer as his aide-de-camp, ADC, as has been the tradition with all past civilian presidents was out of order and that it should be stopped forthwith.

“If they dare to postpone the election again, we are going to fight them,” Falana said. “The President said he put Jega there as INEC chairman and that he put the national commissioners of INEC. No. You did not put Jega there, neither did you put the national commissioners of INEC but the Constitution put them there.

Pro-democracy activist "No person, not even the President, can remove Jega. If you want to remove Jega, you have to go to the National Assembly with an address itemising the reasons you want him to be removed. And there is no such reason.”

Pro-democracy activist Lanre Suraj who was also present on his part said the rally was meant, “To express our love for democracy and clearly tell the ruling class why they must allow Jega to conduct the 2015 elections as constitutionally stipulated. I mean, you cannot have a baby without pregnancy and so Jega must be allowed to undertake his constitutional responsibility.

“It is also important to state here that the PDP-led Federal Government is already calling for drop of card reader in this electoral conduct and we say no to drop of card reader. It is unacceptable to us and the INEC must go ahead with it in order for us to a credible election, In his own address, another

•From left: Com. Malachy Ugwummadu, Com Lanre Suraju, Coordinator of Nigerians United for Democracy, Mr. Femi Falana, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, Mr. Onyekachi Ubani, former Chairman, Nigeria Bar association[NBA] Ikeja branch, Com. Sina Odugbemi, member of National coalition for democracy, at the rally. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

Val Day: Democrats also love!

Democracy activists in Lagos set aside spousal considerations last Saturday, a day globally celebrated as lovers' day, to canvass the consolidation of the country's democracy. It was a unique of Valentine Day. constitutional lawyer and human rights activist, Mr. Ijiti Ogunye, said, “If you are part of the process that led to the arrival of democracy in 1999, you cannot but be disappointed today that the beneficiaries of the process, who took over in 1999, have consistently failed to make any

The peak of the addresses was the speech delivered at the rally by Falana, who was at the event addressed as the ‘Baba of today

change. At a critical moment, the politicians came to reap where they did not sow, which is to say that they are now in trouble and we cannot fold our arms and watch them. That is why we are out here to express our love for democracy.

“This gathering is not about any party but about ensuring that dictatorship is not restored in our country any longer,” he said.

In his own address, former Secretary General of Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu, who said he was not just from the Niger Delta but also from the creeks, hinted that the truth was, “Nothing has changed in the country but the change must come and it must be said that people who make peaceful change impossible will make violent change inevitable,” Malachy spoke just as former Chairman, Ikeja Branch of Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Onyekachi Ubani said he would never take anything for granted concerning the survival of democracy in the country.

The peak of the addresses was the speech delivered at the rally

by Falana, who was at the event addressed as the ‘Baba of today’.

After dancing to the podium, he opened up: “This is just a service of notice to anti-

democratic forces in our country that never again we will accept impunity and military-based manipulation of our elector process. Today is the first outing of this new organisation, ‘Nigerians United for Democracy.’ Today is a day of love for democracy. By now they should be counting votes but for the postponement of the election.

Constitutional breaches “But they have merely postponed the election to certain dates but if they dare postpone it again, we are going to fight them,” Falana spat.

The rally got more interesting, from the looks of people and security men on the watch, when the former Chairman of the Campaign for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) entered into the mainstream of his address by first attacking President Goodluck Jonathan for having committed many constitutional breaches including the use of soldier as his Aide-deCamp (ADC), which he said was against the section 419 of the Police Act stipulating that, ‘The President shall have as his Aidede-Camp a police officer not below the rank of a

Superintendent of Police.’ Not a soldier.”

“So, we are asking the president to comply with the Police Act by having as his Aidede-Camp a police officer.”

He continued: “In the Second Republic when we had a civilian regime, the President then, Alhaji Shehu Shagari had a police officer as his Aide-deCamp for four years. Today, all the governors in Nigeria have police officers as their ADCs pursuant to the same Section 419 of the Police Act that I have just quoted. The President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, when he was Vice President, had a police officer as his Aide-de-Camp. We therefore ask our President to comply with the Police Act by withdrawing the soldiers without any further delay.”

Falana then moved to another point he said was vital information for the Nigerian people. He spoke to the minds of the Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by any politician or party as thugs.

He added that it was irrational for anybody to make himself a thug to another person whose own children were either in schools abroad or in special schools in Nigeria. “The children of any politician will not be used as thugs. So, why do you want to be used then as thugs?” He asked.

Most crucial about the Falana’s

Continues on page 37

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—37

ILORIN: When Buhari came to town THOUGH the campaign rally of the presidential campaign team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to Kwara State has come and gone, memories of the visit continue to linger in the minds of stakeholders

By Demola Akinyemi

T

HE crowd that witnessed the rally of the party’s presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari at the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Ilorin may not have been matched since the campaign season opened three months ago.

The supporters started trooping in by 9 a.m. and by 11 a.m. the entire space had been filled up.

Mobilization across the sixteen local governments in the state was massive as supporters dressed in different colourful attires filled every seat in the square.

The supporters of the different candidates for various elective offices were not left out as they paraded the square and outside with posters of their principals.

DJs treated the crowd to exciting renditions of the latest Nigerian hip hop songs until 1.05 p.m. when King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal KWAM 1 arrived to further electrify the already charged environment with his scintillating songs.

The crowd danced away the time seemingly waiving the reason that brought them together.

Trademark symbol Some popular Nollywood stars such as Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo and his father, Adebayo Salami other wise known as “Oga Bello”, “Sanyeri” Tope Adebayo, Yinka Quadri among others were also around and on parade to grace the occasion.

Many of them paraded the podium with the trademark symbol of the APC, brooms.

The brooms had been chartered in some big bags which were brought to the venue and distributed to supporters.

Business was a boon for food and drinks sellers who were neatly arranged in the venue.

Kwara First Lady, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed proved a good hostess as her staff in LEAH Foundation were seen distributing branded bottled water to party members.

Earlier, Buhari and his campaign team had been received at the Ilorin International Airport by what could best be described as an intimidating crowd. The Airport Road was blocked by supporters who were eager to catch a glimpse of General Muhammadu Buhari, his running mate and other top officials of the party. The crowd

overflowed to the streets so that the vehicles could not move easily forcing Buhari and his entourage to disembark and make the final journey to the palace of the emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sule Gambari on foot.

In Buhari’s team were Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, the Director General of Buhari Campaign Organisation, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Senator Bukola Saraki, the APC leader in the state and the host governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and other party chieftains.

Direct impact From the emir’s palace, the team finally arrived the campaign venue at 1.55 pm.

Saraki, who openly expressed excitement at the turnout was the cynosure of all eyes, as Tinubu commended him for keeping the political flag of his late father, Dr Olusola Saraki flying.

Buhari in his speech to the crowd told them that the party would focus on those issues that would directly impact upon them such as agriculture.

“APC is aware of the high expectations of Nigerians and assure that its government has identified the fundamental problems of corruption, unemployment and insecurity.

Buhari in his speech to the crowd told them that the party would focus on those issues that would directly impact upon them such as agriculture

•Maj-Gen Muhammudu Buhari during his campaign rally in Ilorin, kwara State

And with the naira being devalued almost by the day, this means entrepreneurs cannot grow, so we will ensure that the machineries are working, to employ people, to buy essential raw materials and produce goods and services.’’

“The cycle of corruption has done a great damage to the security and economy of this country. The APC is determined to break the vicious cycle of insecurity, unemployment and corruption.’’

Also, the National Leader of the party, Tinubu who got the attention of the crowd with his political razzmatazz in Yoruba dialect reminded Nigerians of the promise President Goodluck Jonathan made to provide jobs for unemployed youths. On the contrary, he said the Interior Minister, Abba Moro decided to exploit money from poor Nigerians and instead of jobs provided death and nothing was done about it.

instead of them to address the real issues, they are attacking the personality of our candidate, the issues on ground is not about certificate or what happened in 1999.They cannot manage our economy properly, they have depleted our resources.”

“It is my joy to tell you that our candidate has the capacity and competence to fix these problems.

We are ready for a new Nigeria.

With what you have seen here today kwarans have spoken,” he stressed.

The Director General of the presidential campaign, Governor Amaechi on his part castigated the administration of President Jonathan for mismanaging Nigeria’s economy and looting the nation’s treasury stressing that February 14, 2015 is the last opportunity for Nigerians to change the destiny of Nigeria from bad to good and that they must not miss it.

“This is a golden opportunity

for the Nigerian elites, we must not allow it to pass us by, it is either we allow this change or the change will force itself on us,” he said.

The Vice presidential candidate Professor Yemi Osibajo in his speech also said, “Whenever change of destiny is about to happen, some won’t allow it, that was why they wanted to postpone the dates of election, our destiny won’t be postponed” he stressed.

Osibajo added that, ”The reason Nigeria is poor is that some people are stealing our money, there is too much corruption, too much stealing. We will stop corruption so that we can begin to march again if elected into office. Nigeria won’t be the same again”.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state also castigated President Jonathan for taking the nation backward since he assumed office.

Desired change

Valentine's Day democracy outing

Tinubu said the election is a golden opportunity for all Nigerians to change the destiny of this country once and for all by voting for General Buhari and his running mate Professor Yemi Osibajo and indeed all the party’s candidates in order to effect the much desired change.

The APC leader in Kwara State, Dr Bukola Saraki said that going by the unprecedented crowd of party supporters, Kwarans have spoken that they are going to vote for General Buhari and all the APC candidates.

"We are ready for new Nigeria,

Continues from page 36 address, which became the most celebrated address on the rally day, was where he gave his words on the Ekiti State election rigging leaked tape. He said, “A serving captain who took part in the criminal manipulation of the Ekiti State governorship election has come out through Sahara Reporters to reveal the details of how they rigged the Ekiti election.

“Now that the authenticity is no longer in doubt, we should make our demands that all those implicated in that illegal

conversation must be brought to book! They must all be prosecuted! Another election must take place in Ekiti State!

“Let me tell you why that election was postponed last week. It was because of that revelation that they postponed the election because that was the plan they have for the entire country. So they now want to go back to the drawing table to plan their new strategy. We want you to remain vigilant. We want you to be very watchful. The next two weeks will be very decisive in the history of our country.

38 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

NFA urges Eaglets, clubs to sustain continental exploits

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has charged the Golden Eaglets to build on the 2-0 victory recorded against host Niger Republic at the ongoing CAF Under-17 Championship.

The Eaglets will today play Guinea in their second group match.

Secretary-General of the NFF, Musa Amadu urged the Eaglets to show the stuff they were made of to guarantee Nigeria’s Under-17 World Cup ticket.

“For the Golden Eaglets, those two quick goals unsettled the Nigeriens; before they knew it, we were two goals up.

“It was a good start for our team and I know they watched the second game between Guinea and Zambia which Guinea won 1-0.

“They will take their next game against Guinea on Wednesday (today) seriously; once they win that, we should look forward to a semi-final outing and also qualification to Chile 2015 in October.

“It’s a good start but we should not be carried away. We should work harder to achieve the ultimate objective which is winning the African Cadet Championship.

“This will enable us to go to Chile as African champions”, Amadu said.

The NFA scribe also charged the Nigerian clubs representing the country in the CAF Champions league and Confederations Cup to target the group stage of the competitions following their first match victories.

“The wins by Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves and Enyimba were quite impressive.

Real’s upcoming Kroos talked about ampions League, opponents in the Ch owledged that Schalke 04, and ackn well-organised “they are a team who are ”. ely and very solid defensiv ing success in “Schalke are experienc th their new coach the Bundesliga and wi y are very solid - Roberto Di Matteo - the pl ay er s ou t ve de fe ns iv el y. We ha tough challenge, a be ll wi it so , ed ur inj ress to the next but our goal is to prog an interview with round”, said Kroos in UEFA. er is not going The German midfield underestimating to make the mistake of ed to put in two his opponents. “We ne s an d re ma in go od pe rfo rm an ce to re sp ec t ou r ve fo cu ss ed . We ha o good games if opponents and play tw ug h to th e ne xt we wa nt to go th ro round”, he remarked. pi on s Le ag ue “W in ni ng th e Ch am e of the greatest with Bayern was on r and I’m going to moments of my caree th Madrid. Every try and do it again wi ns League is at pio game in the Cham level against the the top international pe. Battles like best players in Euro experience and these help you gain . red develop”, he assu d a very fluid Kroos has always ha lotti and it shows relationship with Ance d me from the ste in his game. “He’s tru hadn’t played in start in a position I there. We get on much. I enjoy playing icate a lot before very well. We commun out how I should every game. We talk ab the opponents on sed approach things ba ti is one of the we’re facing. Ancelot th is te am ”, he re as on s I jo in ed remarked

It will be toug Schalke – Kro

By Solomon Nwoke

F Iheanacho resumes training with Man City

N

igeria starlet Kelechi Iheanacho has resumed training with his English Premier League club Manchester City after an ankle injury.

“Kelechi has said he is back training after he has recovered from an ankle injury which kept him out for several weeks,” Flying Eagles team administrator Aliyu Ibrahim Awal disclosed.

Manchester City blocked Iheanacho from next month’s African Youth Championship in Senegal, saying he would not have recovered in time for the tournament.

However, Ibrahim Awal said no decision has been considered to try and get Iheanacho feature at Senegal 2015 based on the latest developments.

ormer Flying Eagles (U-20) coach, John Obuh, has task the Golden Eaglets (U-17) to brace up for tougher challenges in the on-going African U-17 championship in Niger Republic.

Reacting to the team performance in the opening match in which the national U-17 team, beat host Niger Republic, 2-0 in Niamey last Sunday, Obuh said the Eaglets opening match win was encouraging and would give them an edge in their group.

Obuh, who coached the U-17 team in 2009, urged the Eaglets not be complacent, but should get ready for more difficult matches. ‘’Thank God the Eaglets won their first game, but it is not yet uhuru, they should try as much as possible to win other matches.

According to Obuh, the remaining games would not be easy because the opponents would prove difficult to beat. ‘’ The more you win, the more tougher teams that you are going

Obuh tasks Eaglets to brace up for hard games

to meet. They should do better than they did in the first game. They should remain focused and take the games as they come,” he said.

Obuh said he was privileged to watch the team during their preparations for the African championship and knew that they would do well

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 39

‘We need to get the desire back’ T

gh against oos

here is no other objective more pressing and urgent at Real Madrid than regaining their spirit and rediscovering the team that was left behind in the deserts of Morocco and Dubai.

Recent performances from Ancelotti’s team point to no other conclusion. At least that’s what they are thinking in the boardrooms of the Bernabéu, whilst at the same time keeping their fingers crossed for the upcoming run of matches; with Real Madrid’s season in the balance against Schalke and then teams like Elche, Villareal, Athletic and Levante, each of whom will test a team that has looked fainthearted since 2015 began.

The aim is to keep going and ride out the storm as best they possibly can whilst waiting for key players to recover from injury, and as they rediscover the spirit and hunger they mislaid on African and Asian soil.

There’s no other way. Like any other team, if Real Madrid doesn’t have any fight, they become very ordinary.

The Whites have certainly been affected. The desire and ambition shown in the last few months of 2014 have disappeared without

Gov Yuguda pledges support for Nigeria Unity Cup

G

overnor of Bauchi State Isa Yuguda has pledged his commitment and support for the been presented Organising Committee of Nigerian Unity football tournament tagged Youth for Peace and Unity Cup. Speaking during a courtesy call by the committee to his office, the governor pledged to ensure the smooth organisation of the second edition of the tournament in the state by providing the necessary facilities and logistics for the success of the tournament.

The visit by the organising committee was to thank the governor for gracing the final of the Bauchi State leg of the tournament.

Highlight of the visit by the delegation which was led by National Project Director, Comrade Moses Ebahor and the Bauchi State co-ordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim was the presentation of National Patron Award of Excellence to the Governor on youth, sports development, good

governance and quality leadership.

In the Bauchi State final, Bauchi Local Government defeated Misau Local Government 5-3 on penalties to cart home a giant trophy and thus became the first state champions of the Nigeria Unity Cup.

a trace. Good football, determination and a winning mentality have migrated to a different set of players.

Pepe’s recovery to face the German team could begin building the foundations for the return of that team which managed a 22 game winning run, but which right now is finding it tough against anyone.

Pacquiao push for $5M drug fine against Mayweather

T

he long-awaited superfight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. may finally be happening.

Until an official announcement is made to confirm, news of minute details will continue trickling out. Such was the case on Monday, as Pacquiao has pushed for a $5 million fine for a positive drug test to be incorporated into the bout’s contract.

PhilStar.com’s Paolo Romero reported the news, along with what Pac -Man had to say about the penalty clause. Pacquiao reportedly said, “I’ve no problem with drug testing. In fact, in the contract, I was the one who suggested the $5-million fine if one is tested positive for drugs. I was the one who inserted that because that’s needed. The Telegraph’s Gareth A. Davies has reported that an agreement was in place for Pacquiao and Mayweather to square off in the ring for a whopping $250 million.

Powell set for 60m showdown

J

amaican Asafa Powell is one of the top names scheduled for the 2nd AIT International Indoor meet in Athlone, Ireland today Powell is down to face the starter in the men’s 60m.

In women 60m, two members of USA’s Olympic gold medal 4x100m relay team - Tianna Bartoletta

and Carmelita Jeter – will faceoff.

Top British 400m runners (Levine, Bowie, Lennon-Ford, Dunn) are entered against US Manteo Mitchell.

Eric Sowinski of USA is the 800m favorite while Qatari high jump World indoor champion Mutaz Essa Barshim is the top star in that event.

Sousa up against former suitors Porto

B

asel coach Paulo Sousa hopes his side will make a significant stride towards reaching the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time when they face twotime title winners Porto in their last-16 first-leg clash in Switzerland today.

Sousa, who spent four seasons as a player at Benfica and picked up 52

caps for Portugal during a glittering career as a defensive midfielder, needs to overturn a Basel record against Portuguese sides that stands at just two wins in ten matches at home.

He also admitted he was close to joining Porto during his playing career before a potential deal fell through.

“I was close to signing for FC Porto, it’s true,” he said.

“There was that possibility before and after Espanyol but, in the latter case, I was even closer to returning to Benfica,” said Sousa, who has also had coaching spells at Queens Park Rangers, Swansea and Leicester City.

40

— V ANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, FEBRU ARY 18, 2015 VANGU ANGUARD, WEDNESDA FEBRUARY

Could he prefer me to his girl?

Dear Bunmi,

I

I want my wife back!

Dear Bunmi,

I

was married for close to twenty years to my childhood sweetheart and we have children between us.

She has always worked in the civil service and is well placed.

I used to be a chronic womnaniser but a lot of us men womanise. My wife was

always at my back to change and I tried to until I burnt my fingers when a casual lover got pregnant. She almost left me then but relatives stepped in.

A couple of years later the girl tricked me to have sex with her when I went to see our daughter and she got pregnant again. When my wife found out, she said

There must be life after retirement Dear Bunmi,

U

NTIL recently, I was a top management staff in a manufacturing company, earning good salary with good perks. I attained the mandatory retirement age of 60 last year and retired from my job.

I had no serious thought of retirement and had hoped I would get on to do other fulfilling things. But at 61, still alert and full of bright ideas, I discovered that private employers want young staff who could grow with the firms. I’m 61 for goodness sake, not some tottering old woman! I would have tried a bit of trading but found it humiliating.

My pension is good so I don’t really need that much money. I just don’t want to resign myself to the rocking arm-chair yet.

Labisi By e-mail

Dear Labisi, lot of people, male and female, view retirement as a distant prospect they might never face, until they retire voluntarily or compulsorily. Unfortunately, the employment prospect in the country is bleak, even for young citizens.

With your background, you are better off retraining yourself to run a small business of your own. Business centres are doing fine. So are small secretarial schools. Trading too is fine so long as you are dealing in high profile goods that give you satisfaction.

Running a small restaurant is good too if you find a decent location.

So give yourself time to think on what you would really like to do before rushing into a trade. Retirement could be both rewarding and relaxing if it is well planned.

A

nothing until I got home one day and found her things gone.

Now the officials of her ministry are threatening me with eviction as the house we live in was allocated to her.

At first, I was angry but I miss my kids and miss all the things my wife used to do for me. She has refused to come back, insisting I should move in with my lover for a change, I have been advised to wait until her resentment thaws.

Do you think she’ll ever come back?

Damilola By e-mail Dear Damilola, t is obvious you have pushed your wife to a point where she wouldn’t take your philandering any more. One accidental pregnancy could be condoned, but a second one is certainly asking too much of your long suffering wife.

Are you sorry she’s out of your life or sorry that the house and her services are gone? Why don’t you give yourself time to re-evaluate your priorities? Admitting to being a chronic womaniser will not help until you try changing that.

Your wife might want to observe you for a while and could come back if she notices encouraging changes. No woman wants to throw away twenty years of marriage if she could salvage something out of it.

I

My career comes before a serious relationship Dear Bunmi,

I

have made huge progress in my career and, at just approaching 30, I’m happy with my success. For now, I’m not interested in a full-time relationship because I don’t have the time to commit to it because of my work-load, and I don’t think it would be fair on the other person if I’m working at all time. For me, it has to be my career first and relationship later.

Only, I’m well aware of the saying that “body no be wood”. I am human and need sex and companionship from time to time. My question is – do I tell my potential lovers that I’m only interested in a short-term thing?

I don’t want to lead anyone on or hurt them.

Jola By e-mail Dear Jola, ou should be commended for your desire to be completely honest and for your unique approach to love. Theoretically, you’ve

Y

got your life sorted out without giving serious thoughts to emotions. Some of the men you will meet during your self-imposed relationship hiatus will fall into your plan to have a fling as long as it lasts. With them, all you need do is let them know that your work comes first but you’re not aversed to having fun. You don’t hit them with this fact as soon as you meet them. First slip in the fact you’re not the marrying kind, for now, then proceed from there.

Only, you’re bound to meet other men you could have a future with; simply talk to such men about how ambitious you are. Then it would be up to them, if they could put up with being second place and working around your schedule until you feel ready to commit. But be ready for the possibility of meeting someone you fall in love with.

In which case, you might find time to commit to both man and job. It’s great that you’re ambitious and worried about people, but try not to be so rigid that you miss out on something wonderful.

’VE fallen in love with older undergraduate in my university. We meet from time to time, but always in the midst of people and he is friendly. He hasn’t really said he loves me or asked me out.

A girlfriend said he’s confided in her that he fancies me but couldn’t do anything about it as he has a steady girlfriend. Should I make a play for him and try to steal him from his girl? After all, all is fair in love and war!

Franka, By e-mail

Dear Franka, re you sure you’re not confusing love with infatuation? You don’t really know this man or the depth of his commitment to his steady.

If he really wants you that badly, he would have thrown caution to the wind.

Stay friendly with him by all means but go out with other men. Who knows, he might become available with time.

Then and only then can you find out if you could be really compatible. Trying to steal him may be embarrassing in the end if he doesn’t fall into your scheme.

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Should I put my mother-in-law in her place?

Dear Bunmi,

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OR over 15 years, I’ve been trying to get into the good books of my mother-in-law, but I’ve come to the end of my fetchers. She’s never liked me and has never bothered to hide the fact.

In her opinion, I’m not good enough for her son, neither am I good enough to be the mother of her grand children.

I’ve tried ignoring her, buttering her up on keeping out of her way. Nothing works. My husband says she doesn’t mean any harm but I know she does. How do you think I could put her in her place?

Franka By e-mail Dear Franka, f I were to be honest with you, I would tell you that your chances of changing your mother-in-law were slim, but you could change your attitude towards her, which should help.

See her for the pathetic, insecure person she is, and recognise that she is no threat to the happy family you and your husband have built.

At the moment, you’re a little bit afraid of her, but what don’t realise is that you hold all the aces. No matter what she does, be nice to her because you are a happy person who can’t be bothered to hold a grudge. There may be a miracle and she may change. If she doesn’t you’ll still be a winner.

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How can I cope with being a friend boss?

Dear Yinka, Dear Bunmi,

F

ELIX and I started at the manufacturing company as trainee managers years ago.

While I re-trained myself privately, he rose through the ranks . I did too.

Recently, the post of Assistant General Manager came up and about four of us were interviewed for the job. My training came in handy and I got the job. Now Felix reports directly to me as my assistant.

I value our friendship and I just need pointers on how to relate to him in my new position.

Yinka By e-mail

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ongratulations on your new responsibilities. Your new promotion might bring you money and recognition, but it also brings subordinates that could be your friends. The biggest mistake new managers make is telling their friends that nothing is going to change. Of course things will change and saying something different might make you to be a lair.

A management consultant says that managers who tell you, “I don’t want to be liked, I just want to be respected,” are usually neither. Criticising a friend can be tough, so be specific over beer at the pepper-soup joint. It needs to be semi-formal so that he takes your criticism more seriously.

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 41

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Cindy Crawford

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n unretouched photo of Cindy Crawford in lingerie is going viral, but not for the reasons you might expect. What’s causing the stir isn’t the 48-year old supermodel’s sexy pose, but the surprise of seeing what an un-Photoshopped body looks like. The photo, leaked on Twitter from a 2013 Marie Claire Mexico and Latin America cover story, shows the mother-of-two looking gorgeous, but not flawless.

And unfortunately, for many people that’s a shock.

Josephine Agwu

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y far the most trendy woman on the Nigerian blogosphere this week is a leaner with one of the cleaning concessionaires at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos, who returned the sum of N12m found at the terminal.

The cleaner, Miss Josephine Agwu, is said to be on a monthly salary of N7,800.

"If I had taken what doesn’t belong to me, God will punish me. I am content with my N7,800 monthly salary. It was not my money. I believe when it pleases God, He will bless the work of my hands and will make me rich.

"This is not the first time I am doing this", she says. This is the third time in this airport. The first was in the departure area. It belonged to a Nigerian. The second was at the screening point; it belonged to a white man. Of all, only the white man rewarded me with $50, which I rejected until my colleagues prevailed on me to collect it".

Agwu holds an Ordinary National Diploma, OND, in accounting.

The Airport Manager, MMIA, Lagos, Mr. Nathaniel Auta, confirmed the report.

He said management of the airport and possibly that of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, would do everything possible to celebrate her honesty at the airport.

Hopefully.

Aisha Falode

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t’s been one year since Toba, son of beautiful TV sports personality was cruelly murdered in far away Dubai, and she has written a heart wrenching letter to the killers of her child- and it is circulating in cyberspace.

Can the world help me? Can you help me ask the murderer of Toba Tyler Fray FAISAL ALDAKMARY AL NASSER and his coconspirator OLIVIA MELANIE RICHARDS EVANS why they killed Toba so cruelly?

Faisal and Olivia, why did you take away the soul of Toba? What did he do to you?

How could you kill and yet

Viola Davis & Uzo Aduba

V walk the streets free? Do you see his blood on your hands?

I am sure your minds are twisted, yet you must see the monsters you have become…pushing a young man in his prime to his death from the 17th floor of a building that night in Dubai.

It’s just so heartbreakingly sad.

iola Davis and Uzo Aduba made blogosphere go round as they made history at the last Screen Actors’ Guild awards by clinching both lead actress titles, making it the first time two black women would be clinching the title at the same time.

Viola had won the outstanding lead drama actress prize for her role in How to Get Away with Murder; while Nigerian American performer won her first ever SAG award for her work on Orange is the New Black.

SAG Awards suggest that Hollywood is moving in the right direction — especially after not one actor of color was nominated for the Academy Awards — but Davis says there is still much progress to be made.

It starts with the casting. It starts with the narratives. The narratives have got to be inclusive, Davis says. We’re in the 21st century now. People are multicultural now. We know more now about the world and what the world looks like, and it’s got to be reflected in the scripts.

Aisha Buhari

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nother politician relative, Aisha Buhari, has reacted to her husband’s promise to scrap the office of the first lady because it is unconstitutional and allegedly being used to steal public funds.

When my husband is elected as the president of this country, he will rule the country within the rule of law based on the constitution of the country.

If the office of the first lady is constitutionally recognized, he will not tamper with it, but if it is not that’s okay.

For me, I will perform my duties and role as the wife of the President of Nigeria traditionally.

Wives of presidents have some traditional roles, like receiving guests, visiting orphanages, helping the less privileged people.

They also lead in the fight for the right of women and malnourished children, infant mortality rate, kidnapping and girlchild trafficking, she said.

According to her, more than 55 percent of registered voters are women.

Iyabo Obasanjo

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y now, there should be a series published titled The Iyabo Letters, as another supposed letter by daughter of PDP evictee and former head of state Olusegun Obasanjo hit the blogosphere to the delight of many Baba Iyabo frenemies.

Iyabo, first child of the general, started the letter

titled, Open Letter to my Father with a 4th century Chinese proverb by Mencius which states: The great man is he who does not lose his child’s heart. She also berates her father ’s manipulative tactics, apparently telling him: you do not own Nigeria.

Obasanjo has definitely provided the much needed comic relief for this electoral season, and Iyabo has contributed to it.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 43

NAFDAC registration was our highest moment — MD, Ranks W/Africa

By Esther Onyegbula

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NONYE Chioma is the Managing Director, Ranks West Africa Limited, a food processing company she established ten years ago from the covers of her one room apartment. Today the company has grown in leaps and bounds with over seven products to its name and large staff strength, the brand is gradually but steadily creating a niche for itself in the highly competitive sector.

In this chat with Women in Business, the graduate of applied micro-biology, shares how her journey into the world of food processing all began, her dreams, aspirations and challenges in running the business. Enjoy!!!!!

Genesis I started searching for jobs like most graduate in Nigeria, after I graduated in 2002. Later I was employed in a food processing company as the quality control manager, or so I thought.

Unknown to me that the company in question needed me to be part of their organization because of my qualification to enable them obtain their NAFDAC registration number after which they started acting funny so I had no choice but to move on.

Processing business I continued my search in the labour market till God inspired me to go into food production and processing business which I started from one of my rooms.

Officially we took off in 2004.

We started with the production and processing of whole wheat flour and rice flour.

By the end of 2005 we moved the company to a bigger apartment and then invited NAFDAC for inspection and registration. After NAFDAC registration we started producing more products like the unripe plantain flour which was also registered.

How many products have you added since the company was established in 2005 and how are they doing in the market?

Presently, we have added six products since we started and these products are borne out of quality research. Most of our products are borne out of the desire to meet specific needs,

which was why we began to research on grains to meet particular health needs. Some of these products are the beans flour, plantain flour, soya meal, Ofada rice, breadfruit and local wheat.

Presently the local wheat is no longer in the market because the price of the local wheat is very high compared to the imported one, so its production and processing could not strive competitively in the market. Most of our products are tailored to meet

Most of our products are tailored to meet the needs of different people in the society, for instance our bean flour is convenient for women especially working class women

the needs of different people in the society, for instance our bean flour is convenient for women especially working class women. In a moment you can prepare beans cake or moimoi. It also serves as a soup thickener; as they don’t have to go through the process of washing and removing the peels.

What are the challenges of running the business?

Lack of adequate funds to expand, and the situation of the country is not helping issues.

We go into research but after the research we can’t turn the research into products because of lack of funds and machineries.

Another major challenge is finding technicians to fix our production machines when they break down or become faulty. The larger brand can afford to have resident technicians but for now we can’t.

Most times when we call the few technicians who are relatively scarce it takes them between two to four weeks to respond.

T h e government needs

O n o n y e Chioma

to team up with our technical schools and train more youths in technical and machine repairs. Getting competent hands are some of the challenges because most Nigerians want to make it fast.

How would you describe the growth curve of the company?

In spite of the numerous challenges we have grown in leaps and bounds, we have more consumers who depend on our products especially the plantain, soya and beans flour.

These growths came with experiences and expansion.

Presently we have presence in the eastern states, western states, some part of the north and in Lagos which is the commercial hub of activities.

We have not been able to cover some parts of the north because of security challenges in some north eastern states.

We have got some good market share.

We have grown both in product line, market segmentation and value added service. In terms of market representation we have grown, with quality products which are present in most Nigeria markets. We invest a lot on research and development.

Do you have intention to export your products to other Africa countries?

It is part of our developmental expansion plan to export our products to other parts of the world but we want to cover Nigeria very well so that the Deluxe brand would be a house hold name in

Nigeria, then we can export the spill over to other African countries. They say charity begins at home. Government should create special funds for manufacturers with low interest rate and also make it accessible, because before we export, we equally need funds.

This is part of the reason we have begun processing getting International Standard Organization ISO certification.

How has it been competing with major brand in the sector?

The competition is huge because every business in Nigeria is being run like a cartel or a mafia. Big brands want to get 100% of the market share, they don’t want other brands to survive, whether their product has quality or not, they force it down the throat of consumers because they don’t have any choice.

The big companies have the funds to do public relations, place billboards at strategic places. We believe that the quality of our products speaks volumes and by the grace of God we will get there.

As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, how do you balance family life and career?

I find a way to balance my family and work time in order not to sacrifice the family front on the altar of the business. As a married woman with children I understand that I have a lot of responsibility and roles to play.

Capacity building So in other to do that I plan my schedule ahead of time, the time I should be in the office and the time I should be at home. I also try to delegate duties in the office. We have invested in capacity building of staffs which is why most of them can work with little supervision.

I don’t have public holidays because those are days that I have to attend to other issues.

It juggles itself. Thank God for my husband who understands the nature of my business.

What has been your low and high moments running the business?

Unnecessary rivalry from larger brands who try to suppress us out of business.

Our high moment was when we got the first product registered

by NAFDAC, I was very excited also from time to time we have received calls from consumers who call to say thank you for a particular product.

Once in a while, when I walk into a super store and find someone attempting to purchase one of our products, it is always a high moment.

In your opinion would you suggest that the government invest in the food processing sector?

The government needs to invest in this sector because without the in growth of the economy, the economy will never grow.

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—45

Urhobo youths give Osinbajo 7-day ultimatum

By Emma Amaize

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ARRI—A COALITION of Urhobo Nation Youth Leaders and Stakeholders, CUNYLS, in Delta State, has handed the All Progressives Congress, APC, presidential running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, a seven-day ultimatum to explain why Urhobo youths should not declare him and his party persona non-grata in Urhoboland.

The group, in a statement by its convener, Mr. Rex Anighoro, alleged that Osinbajo and APC not only endorsed anarchy, but declared war on the entire Urhobo ethnic nationality with his recent visit to a factional executive of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, led by Prof. Tuesday Onoge.

“We request Professor Osinbajo to, within the next seven days, respond to Urhobo youths by dissociating himself and his party from the fraud and coup perpetrated against the Urhobo nation or else Urhobo youths may well be uncontrollable as they are

UPU accusus Delta APC of trying to destabilise Urhobo nation

By Godwing Oghre

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OSOGAR—THE Urhobo nation has accused the Delta State chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC and its governorship candidate, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, of working hard to destabilise the voting strength of the Urhobo and cause disunity in its ruling body, the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, with a view to securing by force his adoption for the governorship election.

Addressing newsmen, yesterday, its 10-man executive members, led by its President-General, Chief Joseph Omene, UPU, said: “We are not unmindful of the role being played by Emerhor, who from all indications, is the sponsor and brain behind the illegal plot to cow and intimidate the Urhobo people to adopt him for the governorship election.

“The Urhobo nation will not forgive him for deliberately trying to destabilise the strength of the Urhobo nation by his inordinate ambition.”

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determined to declare APC persona non-grata in Urhoboland.

“Professor Osinbajo, acting the script of the presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Rotimi Ameachi, the Director-General of his campaign organisation, came down to the heart of Urhobo

nation to endorse a failed coup de’ tat to subvert and overthrow, through unconstitutional means, the legitimate and legal leadership of UPU, led by Chief Joseph Omene.”

“This failed coup de’ tat and conspiracy by a certain Pa Tuesday Onoge and given muscle by the APC

governorship candidate of Delta State, O'tega Emerhor, was hatched in order to divide the Urhobo people and its over 1,000,000 votes since Urhobo nation has totally rejected Buhari for president, having overwhelmingly endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan,” the coalition added.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: From left: Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House Zion Centre; Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Women Arise, during a memorial service in honour of Aishat Falode's son, Toba, who was killed in Dubai one year ago, at Trinity House Zion Centre, Lagos.

PRESIDENTIAL POLL: Bini chiefs, EYO divided over Esogban’s statement on Jonathan

By Simon Ebegbulem & Gabriel Enogholase

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ENIN—EDO Youths Organisation, EYO, an umbrella body of youths in Edo State, yesterday, warned that those criticising the Esogban of Benin Kingdom, Chief David Edebiri, over his declaration that the Binis will not vote for President Goodluck Jonathan face the risk of being banished from Benin Kingdom.

Meanwhile, another Palace Chief, Chief Amos Osunbor, the Eson of Benin Kingdom, has insisted that the Esogban was not the highest ranking chief who should speak for the Binis.

Chief Edebiri, who also is the Chairman of Benin Forum, the mouthpiece of the Oba of Benin, had said that rather than site projects in Benin land, President Jonathan removed the only Bini man in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, administration, Engr.

Chris Ogiemwonyi, who was Minister of State (Works), and replaced him with his ex-wife, Princess Stella Oduah.

But Chief Osunbor, who is the third in the hierarchy of Palace Chiefs in Benin Kingdom, while addressing journalists in Benin, said: “My first reaction was to ignore him and the vexatious remarks he made, but I thought otherwise because of the inherent

danger that such unguarded statement portends for our people. So, I decided to call him to order in my capacity as the Eson of Benin Kingdom (3rd in hierarchy of chiefs in Benin Kingdom). I wish to stress the fact that Esogban is not the highest ranking chief, rather, it is the Iyase of Benin Kingdom who is the Prime Minister."On its part, EYO in a statement by its President, Derick Uhunmwagho, described the criticisms as unconstructive,

challenging the critics to dispute whether the issues raised by Chief Edebiri were true or false.

“Chief Edebiri is one of our respected Royal Fathers in Benin Kingdom and that is why we pity those criticising his comments because they don’t know the consequences of being banished.

How can they say Jonathan will get vote in Edo land when even recently, the wife of one of our brothers, Prof. Omorogbe who was Permanent Secretary/Legal Adviser to NNPC was sacked."

Turner Group woos S-West for Jonathan

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GROUP of professionals, market women and youths resident in the South-West has described President Goodluck Jonathan's presidency as the best option for Nigeria in the next four years.

In a statement by its Coordinator, Mrs Torubelefa Isaiah, the group urged the South-West in particular to vote for the President to enable him to complete his ongoing development projects across the country.

The group said: ”No president was bold enough to take on the Lagos-Ibadan

Express road project until President Jonathan started the construction. Today, it is very clear that Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states have become emerging mega-city states because of the new face of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.”

They urged the South-West to “use the opportunity of its voting strength to record in history that as one of the highest voting blocs, it has also used its capacity as a geopolitical zone to decide the winner of the 2015 election in favour of President Jonathan to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and progress.”

Oarhe battles to stay alive

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R Dickson Oarhe of the Social Democratic Party, SDP, who is Director General, Dickson Oarhe Campaign Network, DO-CAN, is critically ill and receiving treatment at an undisclosed health care centre, Vanguard has gathered.

Close family sources said his hospitalisation may not be unconnected with a recent physical attack on him and members of his network, when they were assaulted by suspected thugs on the instruction of a known politician.

“Our brother (Dickson) returned home this weekend from Edo North after joining in his campaign train, canvassing votes from the electorate on the need to vote across board all candidates of SDP in the coming National and State Houses of Assembly elections.

“To our surprise that midnight, our brother complained of internal pain within his head region, and we immediately rushed him to a nearby health care provider.

“We pray that nothing serious happens to our son and brother as we know those to be held accountable,” Mr Bright Oarhe, who spoke for the family said.

Delta SUBEB to arrest falling education standard

By Festus Ahon

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S A B A — CHAIRMAN, Delta State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Mr Elijah Ologe, has restated the state government’s commitment towards addressing the falling standards of education in the state.

Declaring a five-day training workshop for officers of the Quality Assurance Department of SUBEB in the 25 local government areas of the state in Asaba, Ologe, said: “Emphasis placed on quality assurance by the board is understandable in view of falling standards in educational institutions.”

He noted that the board has the responsibility to ensure that the prescribed standards aimed at achieving the required quality of products in schools in the state were not only met, but surpassed.

46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Enugu DISCO tarrif review threatens 600 firms, 1m jobs—MAN

FUTA reads riot act to new students

By Vincent Ujumadu

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By Oboh Agbonkhese

W K A — MANUFACTURERS Association of Nigeria, MAN, has raised alarm that no fewer than 600 companies in Enugu and Ebonyi states may fold up if Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, implements the recent 94 percent hike in electricity tariff for companies in the SouthEast geo-political zone.

Rising from a meeting at the premises of Innoson Manufacturing Company, Nnewi, yesterday, MAN warned that should the companies close down, over one million workers stood the risk of losing their jobs directly and indirectly.

The body argued that there was no basis for the discriminatory tariff for companies across the country, if the authorities meant well for the nation’s industrial and economic growth.

N

EWLY admitted students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, have been admonished to abide by laid down rules and regulations as the institution has zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, gave the advice during the 32nd matriculation for the 2014/ 2015 academic session.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the students to c o m p l e m e n t management’s effort by being peace loving, law abiding and distancing themselves from cultism and other behaviour that could terminate their academic pursuits prematurely.

Daramola, who commended the efforts and contributions of FUTA’s Admissions Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Professor Emmanuel Fasakin, said the university had continued to be the envy of other schools.

He said over 10,000 students applied to the university, but 4,039 got admissions into its six schools, “because FUTA keeps going the extra mile to ensure that students compete favourably with their counterparts in other universities across the globe.”

the zone. It is impossible for any of our members to cope with the increase.

Effect on competition

“We are competing with other parts of the country and if we are to pay the new rate, it shows that somebody somewhere is trying to close down industries in this part of

the country.

“We know we have a listening government, which would not want employed Nigerians to lose their jobs in the face of the growing unemployment and that is why this increase must be reversed.”

The body also frowned at the continued payment of

fixed charge, which it said was akin to “payment for inefficiency because all the companies run on generators more than on electricity.”

He urged EEDC to allow its members to continue to pay the old tariff, warning that any attempt to disconnect them over the new tariff would do more harm than good.

Death of Bayelsa women leaders, huge loss— EVAH

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AGOS—THE Coordinator of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Mr. Joseph Evah, has described the death of Bayelsa women leaders in a motor accident as a huge loss to the Ijaw nation in particular and Niger Delta in general.

In a condolence message, the Niger Delta activist said: “Untimely death has snatched some of the best brains in

Ijawland. It is a monumental loss and deep pain.”

The former Publicity Secretary of Ijaw National Congress, INC, challenged the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, to expose their personnel to more training on rescue operations and strengthen their capacity to check lawless motorists violating speed limits.

Evah said: “There is no

doubt that most of the accidents on our highways are due to reckless driving.

“FRSC deserves good equipment and training to secure our roads and it is time Nigeria upgraded laws against overspeeding from mere fines to years of imprisonment. This will check the madness on our roads.”

He urged families of the late women leaders to bear the loss with fortitude and put their trust in God.

Between EEDC and Eko DC

In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting, MAN wondered why EEDC should increase tariff by 94.6 percent when that of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, for instance, was increased by only 22 percent.

Chairman of MAN in the zone, Chief Azubuike Okafor, said: “The rate should be the same across the federation. If this increase is allowed, it will discourage investment in the South-East as investors will prefer other areas where the tariff is very low.

“If the rate is not reversed, companies in the South-East geo-political zone will shut down or relocate to other areas, with its attendant consequences of job losses in

NB, Fertilizer Centre take cassava project to small scale farmers quality cassava roots to supports the progress the

N

IGERIAN Breweries Plc, Psaltry International Company Ltd, a Nigerian cassava processing company, and the International Fertilizer Development Centre, IFDC, through its Towards Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness Through Learning in Entrepreneurship project, 2SCALE, have signed a partnership agreement to optimize the cassava value chain and improve agribusiness for Nigerian smallholder farmers.

The partnership will enhance farmers' productivity and increase supply of high-

Psaltry that will provide industrial quality cassava starch for Nigerian Breweries to extract maltose syrup for use in the brewing process.

It succeeds the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed by the partners in June 2014, which formed part of the 2SCALE programme, a Dutch-funded initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods and food security in Africa.

The partnership also enhances Nigerian Breweries socio-economic contribution via the agricultural sector and

company is making towards the achievement of HEINEKEN’s ambition to source 60 percent of its raw materials locally by 2020.

Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries, said: “As an operating company of HEINEKEN, we have a long standing commitment to support local economic development and promote inclusive growth by sourcing agricultural raw materials from entrepreneurial local SMEs and utilizing it in our operations.

“Through this partnership, we are taking a big step towards further realizing this ambition with cassava.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK On postponement of elections

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IGERIANS are most thankful to Jega for having the courage to say no to early elections. The polity has cooled down since his announcement.

To anybody that loves Nigeria, the best thing was the postponment.— Mrs Constance Anwulika, NYSC member.

A

S it stands today, if you inquire from the ad hoc staff that attended the INEC trainings, you get to know the low level of preparedness for these elections. So postponing it was good for Nigeria and Nigerians.—Mrs Maggie Unuane, Graduate.

T

O be sincere, the elec tions would have ended in shambles leaving Nigeria more fractured.

INEC needs to go back to the drawing board and prepare well for the elections in terms of logistics and training and PVC distribution.—Miss Anasithesia Ezeka, Worker.

I

am grateful to Jega for taking this bold step of postponing the elections so that things can run smoothly. Please, do not mind silly comments by negligent Nigerians who know nothing and the others who have ulterior motives.—Mr. Dunamics Maazi, Businessman.

I

T is an opportunity for the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remedy its apparent lack of preparedness to conduct a credible presidential election.

So, honestly, INEC did well to postpone the elections.— Mr Daniel Okoji, Student.

A

NY little deviation by INEC will throw Nigeria into chaos. So the six-week break is an opportunity to correct any deficits in the system. It will go a long way in aiding the commission conduct credible polls.— Mrs Mgbemena Mabel, SelfEmployed.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 47

PDP group wants immediate audit of PVCs' distribution

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—AHEAD of the general elections slated to commence on March 28, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Integrity Vanguard yesterday called for an immediate audit of the distribution of the Permanent Voters Cards, PVCs, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. The PDP supporters said that ‘’INEC has failed miserably in the distribution of PVCs to Nigerians,’’ adding that auditing the activities of the commission had become imperative.

Addressing reporters in Abuja, Coordinator of PDP Integrity Vanguard and pioneer National Publicity Secretary of the party, Senator Aniete Okon wondered how the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, could hinge the postponement of the election on security challenges despite what he described as huge irregularities that characterised the distribution of the PVCs.

Boko Haram vows to attack Niger, Chad ...As 10 African nations plan to contribute $100m to combat deadly sect

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HE Nigeria-based extremist group Boko Haram Monday threatened neighbouring countries Niger and Chad, warning the fighters were prepared to carry out suicide bombings in the countries sending troops to help fight the militants.

The warning came as leaders from Niger and other countries in the region gathered in Cameroon’s capital to finalize plans for a joint offensive

against the militants who have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks.

In a translation published by the SITE Intelligence Group, Boko Haram sharply criticized Niger for joining the effort and said the country was being dragged into a “swamp of darkness.” Over the last 10 days, Boko Haram fighters have repeatedly struck the town of Diffa but not the capital.

“If you insist on continuing the

aggression and the coalition with the government of Chad, then we give you glad tidings that the land of Niger is easier than the land of Nigeria and moving the war to the depth of your cities will be the first reaction toward any aggression that occurs after this statement,” it said, according to SITE’s transcript.

A multinational force to fight Boko Haram is expected to be formally launched in coming weeks. Chad, Cameroon, Niger

INAUGURAL FLIGHT : Mrs. Ifeoma J. Akabogu-Chinwuba, Nigeria Ambassador to Cote D'ivoire (3rd left) with the pilot and cabin crew of Arik Air during the inaugural flight of Arik Air to Abidjan, Cote d'ivoire.

APO SIX: Court sets June deadline for hearing of defences

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BUJA— THE FCT i g h Court Maitama, Abuja, yesterday fixed June 2015 as the deadline to hear all defences in the Apo Six suit.

The judge, Justice Ishaq H

Bello, said the deadline was to avoid unnecessary adjournment of the case.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, recalls that the Attorney-General of the Federation in 2005 charged

six police officers before the court for allegedly killing six Apo traders.

At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, Bello gave all accused persons who desired to submit applications on no

Ndi-Ezi Igbo, leaders of thought in North back Jonathan

By Innocent Anaba

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HEAD of the March 28, presidential elections in the country, Ndi-Ezi Igbo and leaders of thought in the 19 northern states of the federation have thrown their weight behind the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

They also called for adequate protection for all Nigerians, especially those living outside their states of origin during and after the 2015 general elections.

In a communiqué in Abuja by Eze Ibe Nwosu, the President of the Association of NdiezeIgbo N’Uzoije in Nigeria and Diaspora,Eze Pampas Ngozi Coordinator, Ogbako NdiezeIgbo of the 19 Northern states

and Abuja and Eze Boniface Ibekwe Eze Ndigbo Kano, the group re-affirmed their support on the decision of the Igbo apex body OhanezeNdigbo to endorse President Jonathan for re-election on March 28.

According to them, “Ndi Eze Igbo and Igbo leaders of thought in the 19 Northern states and Abuja, after exhaustive deliberations on the state of our dear nation, Nigeria and other matters, re-affirmed their support on the decision of Ohaneze Ndigbo worldwide to endorse Goodluck Jonathan for reelection on March 28, presidential election.

“We appeal to the President Federal Republic of Nigeria

to, as a matter of necessity, provide effective security for all Nigerians, especially those living outside their states of origin, before, during and after the 2015 general elections.

case submission three days to do it.

The judge urged lawyers in the matter to reply all filed applications within seven days of receipt of such applications.

He adjourned the case till March 17 for adoption of no case submission.

The police officers standing trial are: Danjuma Ibrahim, Othman Abdulsalami , Nicholas Zakaria, Ezekiel Acheneje, Baba Emmanuel and Sadiq Salami.

The were accused of killing Ifeanyi Ozo, Chinedu Meniru, Isaac Ekene, Paulinus Ogbonna, Anthony

NIS nabs 280 illegal aliens in Adamawa

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OLA—THE Adamawa Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has arrested 280 illegal aliens in the state.

The Comptroller of the service in the state, Mr Ubi Ikpi, told newsmen in Yola that the arrest was part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal aliens and enhance

maximum security.

“It is pertinent that we rid Adamawa of miscreants because it is very possible they can compound the security situation in the country since they don’t have valid papers and identifiable places of abode,” Ikpi said.

The Comptroller said those arrested were from neighbouring African countries.

and Benin initially pledged to help Nigeria. On Monday, Burundi and Central African Republic also agreed to contribute troops to fight the militant group.

The Islamic extremist group has fought a five-year insurgency against Nigeria’s government, leaving 10,000 people dead last year alone. The violence has forced some 157,000 people to seek refuge in Niger, while 40,000 others have gone to Cameroon and 17,000 are in Chad, the U.N. said. Almost 1 million Nigerians are internally displaced, according to the country’s own statistics.

On Monday, leaders in Central Africa said that 10 member states had agreed to contribute most of the $100 million needed to combat Boko Haram. They did not state how much had been raised nor how much is remaining despite calling for the creation of an emergency fund to bridge the difference.

South-South Farmers’ forum pledges support for Okowa South-South Apex Farmers’ Association, SSAFA, Delta State chapter, has said more than 500,000 of its members with Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, in the three Senatorial Districts in the state, will vote for the People’s Democratic Party, PDP’s, presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the state PDP governorship candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for the presidential election on February 14 and the governorship election on February 28, 2015 respectively.

In a statement signed by the chairman of the association, Mr. Josiah Okunbor, and secretary, Chief Ewere Eluebo, on behalf of the farmers after a well-attended meeting at Asaba, the farmers have also thrown their support for Senator James Manager of South Senatorial District and Chief Ighoyota Amori of Central Senatorial District, with the assurance of giving them 100 per cent votes in the senatorial election.

Meanwhile, the duo of Okunbor and Eluebo, on behalf of the association, urged the citizens to come massively to vote for Jonathan, Okowa and other PDP candidates for various positions in the polity.

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MSME reviews conditions for accessing loan

By Ben Agande

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BUJA—THE National Council on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, MSMEs, has simplified access to small scale loans and urged Nigerians to use the opportunity to access the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN’s N220 billion MSME fund.

Vice President Namadi Sambo, who chaired the meeting, directed relevant government agencies, particularly the CBN and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, to immediately commence

sensitization of campaigns on the availability and accessibility of the fund.

The council also directed the National Planning Commission, NPC, to lead the Ministries of Industry, Trade and Investment, Finance, Women Affairs, CBN and SMEDAN, among other relevant agencies, to prepare a comprehensive disbursement plan of the funds for effective monitoring and evaluation on monthly bases, with a bi-monthly report on the level of disbursement.

The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, told journalist that

the council decided that the 75 collateral, which initially formed 75 percentý of the requirements that made it difficult for some commercial banks to access the funds, was reduced to 50 percent, while the all-inclusive interest rate must not exceed nine percent.

He said: ‘’That has always been the position of CBN and we have stuck to that.

However, CBN is disbursing to these banks and the financial institutions and others at two percent from the original interest rate of three percent.

“The second area of deliberations was about

sustainable funding. Aside from the CBN fund, there has to be sustainable funding across the board for micro finance institutions.

“The council’s focus today was not just on MSMEsý, but on the micro-businesses at the grassroots.

“These are the ones that constitute 99 percent of the total MSMEsý sector and those are the ones that require the support of the Federal Government.

“We also agreed that all government programmes should be better coordinated.

As a result, we are looking at all the funds available for

which we will be making information available on the website and made public to all Nigerians on how each one of them can be accessed by the average Nigerian.”

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, stressed that the apex bank remained committed to the disbursement of the facility to all the economic sectors, saying disbursement of the fund was ongoing and very encouraging.

On his part the President of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Adeboye Abioye, praised President Jonathan for recognizing their importance to the economic growth of the country and setting aside two percent of the funds for access by persons with disabilities.

Petroleum College to renovate NTI Centre

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OLLEGE of Petroleum Studies Kaduna, CPSK, is to renovate the International Conference Centre of the National Teachers’ Institute, NTI, Kaduna.

This is in line with a renewed deal between the two institutions on their determination to strengthen their preparedness to collaborate towards greater service delivery.

The acting General Manager of CPSK, Mrs. Olufunmilola Ale, who led other top managers of the college to NTI to rebrand the existing interaction between the two organizations and set new standards, noted that they had a lot to benefit from each other.

She informed NTI management that according to contents of the agreement, she would rigorously pursue the actualization of renovating the NTI conference centre.

Responding, DirectorGeneral and Chief Executive of NTI, Dr. Aminu Sharehu, thanked the team for the visit and the new GM for her zeal at seeing that the two reputable organizations remain mutual partners.

The DG said the issue of the debt owed NTI had lingered for long, but he was glad that the new GM was able to take it upon her office to resolve and settle part of the outstanding bills.

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Iraq to US: Islamic State committed genocide

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RAQ, Tuesday told the United Nations Security Council that Islamic State militants have committed genocide.

“These terrorist groups have desecrated all human values. They have committed the most heinous criminal terrorist acts against the Iraqi people whether Shi’ite, Sunni, Christians, Turkmen, Shabak or Yazidis,” Iraq’s U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Ali Alhakim said.

“These are in fact crimes of genocide committed against humanity that must be held accountable before international justice,” he told the U.N. Se-

Ukraine crisis: Battle rages for Debaltseve despite truce P RO-RUSSIAN rebels and government forces fought street-to-street in a strategic town in east Ukraine on Tuesday and refused to pull back their heavy guns, all but scuppering hopes that a European-brokered peace deal will end months of conflict.

Two days after a truce went into effect, the agreement reached at all-night talks in the Belarussian capital Minsk last Thursday was unraveling rapidly.

The Moscow-backed rebels say the ceasefire does not apply to the main battle front at the town of Debaltseve, astride a railway hub, where they have a Ukrainian military garrison surrounded. They have continued an all-out assault.

Kiev acknowledged that rebels had fought their way into the town and captured some of its troops defending it.

Both sides had been due to being withdrawing heavy guns on Tuesday, but

curity Council.

The country’s Shi’ite-led government, backed by U.S.-led air strikes, has been trying to push back Islamic State since it swept through mainly Sunni Muslim provinces of northern Iraq in June. At the time, the militants met virtually no resistance.

Alhakim said Iraq needed more help to liberate all areas under Islamic State control. U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for human rights Ivan Simonovic said in October that the campaign of Islamic State militants against Iraq’s Yazidi minority may be attempted genocide.

Carnival float accident kills 16 in Haiti au-Prince, setting off a Members of the Ukrainian armed forces ride on a military vehicle near Debaltseve, eastern Ukraine on Monday.

Kiev says it cannot do so as long as the rebels show no sign of halting their advance.

Reuters journalists near the snowbound front line said artillery rounds rocked

Debaltseve every five seconds and black smoke rose skywards as Grad rockets pounded the town.

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T least 16 people were killed and 78 injured early yesterday when a carnival float hit a power line in Haiti’s capital Port-

Argentina urges U.S. to include 1994 bombing in Iran nuclear talks

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RGENTINA wants the United States to help it get to the bottom of a deadly 1994 bombing at the heart of a current political scandal by including the crime in the U.S. nu-

clear talks with Iran, its foreign minister said yesterday.

Argentine courts have accused a group of Iranians of planning the attack

on the AMIA Jewish community center that killed 85 people.

The unresolved crime was the backdrop for the Jan. 18 death of the prose-

cutor who headed the AMIA investigation, a mystery that has damaged confidence in Argentina’s justice system and thrown the government into turmoil.

stampede by bystanders, officials said.

Amateur video of the incident posted on YouTube showed the electric cable catching a popular singer known as Fantom on the float as it passed near the presidential stand packed with spectators.

Most of the victims were trampled to death in the stampede after the float struck the high-voltage overhead power cable, witnesses said.

Ebola outbreak: Liberia schools reopen six months after M

ANY schools in Liberia have reopened, six months after they were closed to try to curb the spread of Ebola.

Pupils welcomed the move, but some raised fears that the deadly disease had not yet been totally eradicated.

Staff at school gates were equipped with thermometers to take pupils’ temperatures and buckets of chlorinated water for them to wash their hands.

Liberia was one of three West African states worst affected by the Ebola outbreak, identified in March 2013.

More than 9,000 people have been killed by the virus, but there has been a general decline in the number of cases in recent weeks.

Only three new confirmed cases were reported in Liberia in the week leading to 8 February, according to the World Health Organization

(WHO).

The leaders of the three states - Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Guinea’s Alpha Conde and Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma - pledged at a meeting in Guinea’s capital

Conakry on Sunday to achieve “zero Ebola infections within 60 days”.

Guinea reopened its schools a month ago and Sierra Leone plans to do so at the end of March.

The number of Ebola cases in Liberia has fallen sharply

army to provide Egypt seeks UN mandate for Libya IS U.S. equipment, intelligence to intervention fight Boko Haram ised government, which

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GYPT’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has called for a United Nations resolution allowing international forces to intervene in Libya.

There was no other choice, he told French radio. “We will not allow them to cut off the heads of our children.”

Egyptian jets bombed IS targets on Monday in response to a militant video of the apparent beheadings of 21 Egyptian Christians.Rival militias have been battling for control in Lib-

•Ban Ki Moon ya since 2011.

The country has two rival governments - one based in Tripoli, the other in Tobruk.

Mr Sisi called for weapons to be made available to Libya’s internationally recogn-

fled to Tobruk after rival militias seized power in the capital.

In another development, the UN Security Council is to hold an emergency session on Wednesday to discuss the crisis.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry will also hold bilateral meetings in New York with Security Council members and representatives of Arab states, according to AFP news agency.

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HE United States mil itary will provide communications equipment and intelligence to help African nations in the fight against Nigerian Islamist group Boko Haram, the commander of U.S. Special Forces operations in Africa said.

West African military commanders have long complained that crossborder operations against Islamist groups, from al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Mali to Boko Haram

in Nigeria, have been obstructed by lack of compatible communications equipment, making it hard to swap information and coordinate.

Major General James Linder said that, as part of the annual U.S.backed ‘Flintlock’ counter-terrorism exercises this year in Chad, the United States would provide technology allowing African partners to communicate between cellphones, radios and computers.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 57

58—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Thinking aloud before a nation unravels

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By Pat Utomi

HE hate speech is everywhere. They are coming from people you expect to be more responsible. The so called campaign adverts do more damage than the young people, on social media, who seem not to realize how Rwanda happened, even though one of them has generously been circulating a warning from the Sierra Leone experience authored by one Omar Bangura.

Then there is Obasanjo in the broth. Quo Vadis Nigeria?

A quarter of a century ago I wrote a weekly column in this newspaper, The Vanguard. Its title was Thinking Aloud. And it appeared every Tuesday. That I find myself thinking aloud today shows, to use the title of a book by another Vanguard columnist of old, the late Pini Jason, that we are travelling A familiar Road.

Sadly, this familiar road is looking like it is getting so much more dangerous we can reap more damage than the recursive economy we have erected from moving close to the brink ever so often and retreating from the edge of the cliff.

The bottom line in this effort at thinking aloud is to remind political actors of their duty to campaign and not stoke conflagaration and to remember accountability for the consequence of their conduct.

The Campaigns of 2015 have been more animated because the

PROF. PAT UTOMI stakes are higher. For the first time in a long time there are equally matched Political Parties contesting the Presidency. Here tribute has to go to the Lion of Bourdillion, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu.

The building of a strong opposition has been central to my own engagement in partisan political life. After eight years of fairly intense engagement on the matter, I literally threw up my hands in frustration before Sen. Bola Tinubu. The former Lagos State Governor who had been in the process, decided it was time to get things done and he met with success. Instead of celebrating this success the 2015 seems to have moved elections into the new moral equivalence of war. Insensitivity to what makes competitive electoral politics work for countries is now

in danger of making this good thing of a two party dominant system a threat rather than opportunity for the well being of the Nigerian people. Blood is beginning not to seem to matter.

But those of a certain faith know how Abel’s blood mattered.

When I spoke at the Leadership Newspapers annual lectures a few years ago on the subject of Political Opposition and Political Parties I made the point that the raising of contending perspectives on the issues in governing, with the benefit of the education of voters, was one of the great benefits of multi party democracy. Surely the people cannot learn and vote right, better, with the hauling of insults and digging up of old wounds, as they will if policies on diversification of the economy, job creation to deal with the scourge of unemployment; Corruption, which has clearly become a weapon of mass destruction, and how to better insure security of lives and property, are not more important than personal insults, religious and ethnic sentiments.

Spectres of violence As frightening as the poisoning of the atmosphere in a way that raises spectres of violence, before, during and after the elections there is the question of how people think they can govern if there is so much bitterness between the actors. No one can govern effectively without the other, so democracies need to have a culture of moving on after elections with less sharp divisions between government and opposition, even when the useful tool of a shadow government exists. When the quarrels become personal and deeply bitter, as the kind of contention we are witnessing, has potential for, that cooperative engagement for nation building is denied society. Surely, the Nigerian people do not deserve such.

How come politicians, who have reached heights they may never have aspired to, but for opportunities that Nigeria provided, do not reflect enough on how these expressions of aggression and desperation can bring the whole house come tumbling down. How do not feel possible outcomes from such desperate games.

Casting my mind to how we managed to get to this stage I can see enough blame to parcel around. From the nature of political recruitment process, the material benefits to be made from politics, the poor education in

history of politicians; a media not as alive as it should be to its social responsibility Map of Nigeria role; weak civil society and elders that have failed to be elders, all have blame as I do.

The costs are already manifesting in economic decline, tense environment, escalating violence with amazing levels of loss of lives and lowered standing in the world, for Nigeria, if we read the foreign press on these elections.

How do you justify the vicious attack on the character of opponents. While both sides of the two leading parties could tone down on those kinds of personal broadsides, that amount to petrol and matchsticks in the minds of supporters, I must say that General Buhari has been the greater victim. In his media chat President Jonathan suggested he may not be in the know of hate messages flowing from people who act in his interest. He should make effort to find out.

One civil servant in fact said to me that the awkwardness of desperation flowing from incumbents was because the fear of a clean audit of the system by a cleansing new government frightened many civil servants and politicians indulged in an orgy of corruption and impunity.

In the old wisdom of Machiavelli, in The Prince: those who profit from an older order will do everything to prevent a new order from coming about; while those who could profit from the new order do not do enough to bring it about because man is incredulous in his nature, not wanting to try new things until they have witnessed experience of it.

I often dare to add that those who could profit from the new

Democracies need to have a culture of moving on after elections with less sharp divisions between government and opposition

order are usually in the majority and do not act in their interest.

However, on this occasion I would point to the fact that where profit from the old order is criminal, as with the current pervasive corruption and impunity in the system, those who profit from the old order are more likely to be most desperate. The problem with such desperation is that it is enormously short sighted to let personal desperation bring a country to ruin, because in the end even if they temporally uphold the old order, the people ultimately get desperate enough from the weight of injustice that the House falls, in their uprising for justice.

Like in Liberia and Somalia or Rwanda, they trade their private jets and fancy cars for refugee camps or police cells, awaiting transfer to the internal criminal court, whereas only a few could have been used as example if the new order had been allowed to arrive.

Sacred trust But it is telling of how much rot we have all allowed the system to degenerate into that people who have the sacred trust of agents superintending the Commonwealth are so scared that a cleansing new order might come about. This is why a premium part of my prescription is that no matter the outcome of the elections, a primary duty would have to involve a reform of the rewards of public life, recruitment into political parties and positions in public office and citizen monitoring of public management.

The rewards of power in Nigeria are quite unhealthy for good governance. We must push for a political culture that emphasizes the simple life for people in power. Beside humanizing power, which is important for democracy, as different from the current distance and disconnect of the public office holder in Nigeria, it makes having office so alluring that pursuit of it, becomes the favourite chase of scoundrels, rather than people who can give service. We need to get rid of motorcades, dramatically reduce or get rid of the presidential fleet, or government jets, prosecute public officers who avoid commercial flights, except in attenuating circumstances, and charter jet aircraft for local travel.

We should also bring security

votes under some oversight, and limit discretion in deployment of public resources.

Presently political parties across the board disappoint on how they recruit and select candidates. If character were a premium we will have limits to the swings in loyalty. In the main it remains about cash, not competence, commitment, credibility and a passion for service, with only occasional exceptions from the rule.

Unfortunately, as I feared, the postponement of the elections, no matter the truth of the motivation for such a shift, has only intensified this sense of desperation. The emotions boiling in people for and against one candidate or the other has converted the radio phone in show into a stream of venomous outpouring of hate talk. If they only knew it was how the chant ‘cut down the tall trees’ took hold in Rwanda and exposed man’s bestiality in the golden glow of sad sunshine.

Cautioning moderation We must, as we say in Nigeria, exclaim: it is not our portion. But ejaculatory prayer is not enough.

We must work and pray. And to work here begins with politicians speaking prudently; elders acting wisely, and cautioning moderation, and the media and civil society getting politicians to focus on the issues while INEC forces a pulling off of messages that smear others. Then there is Obasanjo.

May God give General Obasanjo temperance of nature and as an elder wisdom to make what point he thinks is useful, with learning from the Clintons on Bushes who seldom speak on the extant order and are, therefore, not subjected to rain of insults I hear pouring down in torrents on a father of the nation, from people as young as not to have been born when Abacha held him in the Nigerian Gulag.

As we act and pray, I trust that Nigeria will rise up again, like the phoenix from this low point it has fallen, because the cost is high. The Business class seats on major commercial airlines into Lagos had dropped so low a friend on a well known flight from London had only three others sharing the cabin, the stock market fell eight percent in the week following the postponement of the elections and was ranking with Ukraine as among the most challenged in the world. Desperate politicians hardly think economic costs to the people.

In many democracies in the world that I know many office holders and Leader Wannabes would rather bow out with grace than let their country suffer such for the sake of their ambition. For some reason love for country in Nigeria is still at such low stock that many who lead us would rather our stock crash than their fortunes.

We must keep hope alive but the truth is that the polity is sick, the economy is unwell and I am

Continues on page 59

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015—59

Thinking aloud before a nation unravels Continues from page 58 not feeling quite so good myself.

So let the deliverance ministry go to work. We need dry bones to rise and walk.

P.S The forgoing lines were written before General Olusegun Obasanjo’s dramatic tearing up of his PDP membership card.

While that is within the rights of the individual in freedom of expression I hasten to plead that elders have a duty to calm tempers and not pour kerosene on troubled waters.

Troubled waters For some time I have been ‘harassing’ the elders I am friendly with, General Gowon, Gen TY Danjuma, General Ibrahim Babangida, General Aliyu Gusau and others that they must speak caution and peace to the land so history not treat us as some have unfortunately had to be treated as I look at the Middle East, Somalia, Libya, and elsewhere, even as the world looks to an age of progress.

I have done it so often that some of these elders jokingly or seriously begin to warn me as I come towards them. February 16 was a cause of great fright for me.

I hope now that people who failed to understand why I once suggested the incumbent should gracefully step away to save the country these kinds of moments will understand. Add to the events of Abeokuta the frenzy of support for General Buhari in Maiduguri that was of such a pitch he could not even stay on at the rally as a change desperate people poured out

their hearts. Our country is polarized we need the calming balm of statesmen.

Listening to radio call-in shows and hearing the passions for and against I begin to fear that the politicians need to read the Omar Bangura piece and begin to educate all that the key to the future is for all to be inside the house pissing out, than for some to be outside the house pissing in. Veritable words from Lyndon Baines Johnson, the former US president, which the Malaysians adopted as Mantra for their vision 2020 process.

Again I like to recall comments I made at lecture to mark the 60th birthday of Pastor Wale Adefarasin, a few years ago.

Ironically the speakers were the now APC V-P nominee, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and myself. I gave examples from Liberia and Somalia of elite of Somalia and Liberia and what they, were reduced to in refugee camps and Osinbajo who served on an assignment in Somalia cited an example he witnessed.

The key is for all to remember that Nigeria, and the future of our children come bigger than all our egos. So let them arm themselves with Olive branches and know that to allow a country like this become a version of Dante’s inferno, the hottest part of hell will be like deep freeze, compared to what they reap as against the path of immortality, in erecting peace but encouraged violence.

•Pat Utomi, Political Economist and Professor of Entrepreneurship and founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership was a Vanguard columnist in the 1980’s.

Nigeria's miserable choice Nigeria responds to New York Times editorial To the Editor, New York Times WAS shocked to read the editorial of February 16, entitled “Nigeria’s Miserable Choices.” First, it was the Independent National Electoral Commission, not President Goodluck Jonathan, who decided to postpone the election, a power it exclusively has under our constitution. INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, said publicly “nobody has coerced us... to take this decision.”

Second, while Boko Haram is indeed a serious threat on which we’ve been making steady progress especially in recent months, the editorial board failed to note Boko Haram’s presence in our country is limited to Northeast Nigeria, where only seven percent of our population lives.

And finally, according to CNN Money, Nigeria’s economy will be the third-fastest growing economy in the world in 2015, approaching seven percent growth. When the New York Times endorsed President Obama for reelection in 2012, the U.S. economy grew at 2.3 percent. Clearly, the editorial board’s assessment of our “miserable” choices are driven by ignorance or bias, both of which are inexcusable.

•Adebowale Ibidapo Adefuye Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Washington, D.C.

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BRIEFING: From left; Hon Dakuku Peterside, Rivers State All Progressives Congress, APC governorship candidate, his runing mate, Hon Asita O. Asita and Chief Victor Giadom, Chairman Greater Together Campaign Organisation yesterday at the Braithwaite memorial Hospital Old G.R.A Port Harcourt addressing pressmen after visiting some of his injured supporters from the Okrika Rally Explosions in the hospital. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

Don’t tear UPU apart, group warns Ogboru

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GHELLI—AN Urhoobo socio-cultural group, Urhobo Women for Electoral Reform has advised Labour Party gubernatorial hopeful for Delta State, Chief Great Ogboru to tread carefully when it comes to Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, affairs. Adressing newsmen in Sapele, yesterday, the group, through its president, Mrs. Felicia Ogodovame, said that no particular person’s ambition can

be elevated above the overall interest of Urhoboland and that Ogboru is by no means the only Urhobo man fit to be a Governor.

She said: “It is not a must for Ogboru to be the next Governor of Delta State. Any other qualified person from any part of Delta can do the job and of all the candidates on ground, we feel Chief O’tega Emerhor of APC is the best person to defeat the PDP. The group claimed that certain

recent developments in UPU call for concern as it appears the organization is being deliberately factionalised to pave way for Urhobo votes to be split so that Okowa can win.

According to Ogodovame, “We know our true leaders and as far as we are concerned, Chief Tuesday Onoge is our PresidentGeneral of UPU and O’tega is our candidate for Governor. No one can sell UPU to PDP.”

SECURITY: Seme Customs boss seeks collaboration with Benin counterpart import transit process, which has benefits of the ECOWAS Trade

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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GAINST the backdrop of increasing global security challenges, the Seme Command of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has reached out to the Benin Customs Administration, in Krake, Benin Republic, even as the collaboration is aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties between both countries.

Speaking through an interpreter during a maiden visit to the Customs Administration of Benin Republic, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Seme Command, Comptroller Ndalati Mohammed, who acknowledged the existing international and inter agency tie between both countries, said the laudable examples set by Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (CGC) and Director General (DG) of Benin Customs at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and regional levels are worthy of emulation.

Ndalati, who reiterated the need for both customs administrations to work in synergy, stated that the visit was intended to cement a mutual relationship that is ongoing, not minding the geographical demarcation and to align with the cultural and economic ties that bind both countries together.

Commending the Benin Customs Administration on behalf of the CGC for the ongoing bilateral relationship in vehicle

reduced smuggling of vehicles and boosted revenue collection in the command, the Seme Customs boss, however said: ‘’With adequate intelligence gathering and sharing we can work to foster trade within our sub region in pursuant of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) treaties and protocols.

“We should also insist on compliance by our various stakeholders on the rules of trade within the sub region. Our nationals are tapping into the

Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and the Joint Committee on Commerce (JCC).This must be encouraged with efforts to detect and prevent its abuses’’ Meanwhile, Colonel Afoudah Idowu who held brief for the DG of Benin Customs described Nigeria Customs as a dependable ally in the global customs community, adding that Ndalati is welcomed and should be free to reach out to them any time the need arises for operational issues and intelligence sharing.

Phase3 unveils affordable telecom solutions reach of the company’s network

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EST Africa’s largest independent fibre optic infrastructure and telecommunications services provider, Phase3 Telecom has begun connecting several cities, including Ibadan and Kaduna to its IP/MPLS point-of-access to provide affordable and robust broadband with enterprise solutions offering.

The company stated that this development means people and businesses in these cities will enjoy network access to several cities worldwide via our Global IP and MPLS services, leveraging on our long term collaborations and partnerships, such as with PCCW Global.

According to Mr. Stanley Jegede, Phase3 Telecom’s Chief Executive Officer, expanding the

through enterprise solutions and broadband services reinstates the company’s dedication to value creation and solid commitment to provide exceptional customer experience and best in class technological solutions.

He maintains that the uniqueness of aerial fiber optics technology is that it provides the best and most reliable transmission medium connecting cities in Nigeria and across West Africa.

The CEO noted that Phase3 is offering the reliability of aerial fiber optics platform to connect multiple business locations, residential, institution and MDAs with diverse needs locally and across the region in the fastest and most resourceful manner that will broaden full business and internet potentials.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 61

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015 — 63

Siasia picks 21 for Gabon E

XPERIENCED former junior international Gero Abdullahi was the surprise exclusion from the 21 man list released by the national U-23 men’s football team, Dream Team VI chief coach Samson Siasia for this weekend’s crucial All Africa Games qualifying first leg game against Gabon in Libraville on the 21st of February.

Others who did not make the team are Aminu Umar who arrived late to camp and Warri Wolves forward Freedom Omofonma who also arrived camp late after his club’s CAF Confed Cup game in Burkina Faso.

The Dream Team VI made up of 16 home and 5 foreign based professional players are expected to depart the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on Wednesday evening for Gabon via an Ethiopia Airline flight.

Sacchi: ‘I’m not racist

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ORMER Italy manager Arrigo Sacchi has denied being racist after he was quoted as saying there are “too many black players” at youth level in Italy – evidence that the nation is now “ without dignity or pride”.

Sacchi, speaking at an awards ceremony, was quoted by Italian media as having said: “I’m certainly not racist and my history as a coach demonstrates that … But look at the Viareggio [youth] tournament I would say that there are too many black players.

Italy has no dignity, no pride. It should not be possible that our teams should have 15 foreign players in the squad.”

•Iwobi

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HE death of Chief Molade Okoya – Thomas is still sending shock waves within Nigeria’s sporting fraternity.

The latest body to react to the sudden death of the extraordinary sports philanthropist is the Association of Sports Veterans Nigeria (ASVN) led by Chief Jonathan Ogufere.

The former President of the West African Football Union( WAFU) and board member of the Nigeria Football Association said in a press release yesterday that his association is still in shock “…..over the death of our patron.

I will be lying to you if I say we have come to terms with the reality of his death. No we have not” He said.

“At the last Asoju Oba Cup, the 47th in the series, the Veterans as usual were given a pride of place and we did not for a second have any inkling that that was the last we will see of him.

He was a unique Nigerian, detribalised, selfless and a born philanthropist who used God’s blessing to enrich mankind.

“At the youthful age of 32 he established the Asoju Oba Annual Table

Pinnick meets Akpom, Iwobi’s parents in London N

FF President Amaju Pinnick has met with parents of some ravemaking Nigerian youngsters across the top rank in England.

On his way to an official meeting with FIFA President, Mr. Sepp Blatter at the Home of FIFA on Wednesday morning, the NFF boss stopped over in the England capital and watched Sunday’s FA Cup fifth round match between Arsenal and Middlesbrough at the Emirates.

“I was able to see Kenneth Omeruo and Chuba Akpom at the match. I am meeting the parents of a number of these youngsters this time

Kanu Continues from BP fans of Arsenal on the club’s website, Kanu emerged in the top 50 greatest players to have represented the club, garnering a lot of votes that saw him finish in 13 position.

French legend Thierry Henry was voted the best player ever in the history of the club, being the highest goalscorer ever for the Gunners.

Dennis Bergkamp

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came in second, with Tony Adams, Ian Wright and Patrick Viera finishing third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Kanu spent five years with Arsenal and will be best remembered for his hat-trick heroics in the game against Chelsea, scoring three times in a space of 17 minutes.

He won the league title with them and also the FA cup competition during his time there.

and have plans to meet all of them and also their parents in due course.

“You see, some of them might have represented England at junior level, but they are willing to represent Nigeria at senior level, and that is what we are looking at. We are looking at strengthening our teams at all levels and these players are willing, once we can convince them that there is a new set-up in Nigeria football.”

Pinnick’s diary has 18 – year old attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi of Arsenal, who

The top-of-the-table clash at the Stade General Seyni Kountche starts at 3pm and the winner will automatically become the first African flag bearers at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals in Chile later in the year.

NFF director of competitions, Mohammed Sanusi, who is in Niamey with the team, said a victory is non-negotiable as Nigeria look to book an early ticket to the finals

•Late Okoya-Thomas Tennis Tournament, as the sole financier and sponsor, one that ran uninterrupted for 47 years as his own contribution “ ….to

creatively engage the youth”. Today the competition is the longest running in Africa and one of its kind in the world.

CAF picks Congolese referee

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HE Golden Eaglets would for the second time at the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger have the benefit of wearing the country ’s home gear against Guinea on Wednesday.

The Eaglets began their campaign at Niger 2015 on Sunday against Niger in the traditional green jerseys and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has again approved same for the

match against Guinea while the goalkeepers would wear complete blue colours. On the other hand, Guinean players would spot red shirt, yellow short and white socks.

The match which will kick off at 3:00pm Nigerian time at the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) would be handled by Ndala JeanJacques Ngambo from the Congo Democratic Republic.

Garba: We gave the game away

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•Pinnick has joined up with the country’s Olympic Team ahead of their departure for an 11th All-Africa Games qualifying match against Gabon in Libreville on Saturday.

World Cup ticket Continues from BP

Sports veterans mourn Okoya-Thomas

in Chile to go and defend the world title.

“We are the champions of the world, and that we must underscore boldly here. The Eaglets did well to win their first match against the host nation despite all the odds against them.

There is no way Guinea will stand up to our boys on Wednesday.

“The NFF have provided everything the team need to succeed and we expect nothing but victory against the Guineans.”

LYING Eagles coach, Manu Garba is hoping for a better outing from his players today when they face their Ghanaian counterparts in the second game of their two-legged friendly.

The Nigerians drew 22 in the first game at the Ohene Djan Stadium, with the Flying Eagles taking the lead on two occasions, but allowed the Black Satellites back on both cases, and

Manu claims that they gave the game away.

“We gave away the game through some silly schoolboy errors,” the Flying Eagles boss said.

But despite the s e e m i n g disappointment at how his team fared, the former Golden Eaglets coach acknowledged that it was a good test of their preparations for the Africa Youth Championship in Senegal.

CRS FA election: Ene-Ita, Etta Egbe disqualified

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HE Cross River State Football Association Electoral Committee has screened out leading contenders for the posts of the chairman and vice chairman, Ekpenyong Ene-Itta and Etta Egbe on the premise that they brought tax clearance certificates from outside of Cross River State.

Ene-Ita, former Team Manager of defunct Nitel Football Club of Lagos

submitted a Tax Clearance certificate from Lagos, his state of residence while Etta Egbe submitted his from the Federal Capital Territory.

The screening committee saw this as a violation of the requirements for those contesting as they insisted aspirants must get their tax clearance from the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2015

Kanu voted 13th greatest Arsenal player

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ORMER Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo has been named as the 13th greatest player of Arsenal football club.

In a poll conducted by Continues on Page 63

Champions League Schalke v Real Madrid 8:45pm Basel v FC Porto 8:45pm

— P. 63

Siasia picks 21 for Gabon — P. 63

Sacchi: 'I'm not Veterans mourn Okoya-Thomas racist — P. 63

African Under-17 Nigeria v Guinea 3pm Zambia V Niger 6pm

Pinnick meets Akpom, Iwobi’s parents — P.63

•Kanu

World Cup ticket: Eaglets go for Guinea jugular Kick off: 3pm

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IGERIA’S Golden Eaglets will be gunning for their second win at the African U17 Championship in Niger on Wednesday when they face their Guinean counterparts.

It is a straight battle for one of the semifinal tickets in Group A after both teams won their opening games Nigeria beat hosts Niger 2-0, while Guinea beat Zambia 1-0 in what was considered a much better display than what

Continues on Page 63

QUICK CROSSWORD

•Amuneke

TODAY'S

the Eaglets showed.

Both teams have met twice in this competition in 1995 when Nigeria won 2-1 in a group game and drew 2-2 in another group game in 2001.

They were billed to clash in the final in 2001, but Guinea were disqualified due to a FIFA ban on them for government interference in football running and replaced by Burkina Faso, who Nigeria •Nwakali thrashed 3-0.

Guineans best shot in this competition was reaching the 2001 final and winning bronze medal in 1995 edition.

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN: ACROSS: 1 Tyrant (6) 1 Run off (6) 3 Refrain (6) 5 Shortage (6) 3 Engage (4) 9 Senior (5) 4 Beg (5) 10 Partner (6) 5 God (5) 11 Establish (6) 6 Sea-eagle (4) 12 Hurry (5) 14 Responsibility (4) 7 Keep (6) 8 Assistant (6) 17 Age (3) 13 Tried (7) 18 Ceremony (4) 15 Nude (5) 20 Flavour (5) 16 Vapour (5) 22 Collier (5) 18 Jockey (5) 23 Exploded (7) 19 Principle (5) 24 Exclude (5) 21 Stray (3) 26 Fresher (5) 22 Males (3) 29 Cheese (4) 24 Notched (6) 30 Damp (3) 25 Sterile (6) 32 Speed (4) 27 Roam (6) 33 Paled (5) 28 Niche (6) 35 Sluggish (6) 30 Paddled (5) 36 Oar (6) 31 Lukewarm (5) 37 Send (5) 33 Blaze (4) 38 Negated (6) 34 Fruit (4) 39 Wreckage (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Peace 7, Orator 9, Per 10, Tie 12, Route 13, Mail 15, Solid 17, Serene 19, Eros 20, Scene 22, Ten 24, Debased 27, Lac 28, Witch 31, Diva 33, Stitch 35, Greed 37, Erse 38, Store 39, Don 41, Eat 42, Locate Enter

DOWN: 1, Cosmos 2, Vallise 3, Tot 4, Peri 5, Erode 6, Catholic 8, Rise 11, Contacted 14, Lend 16, Lees 18, Reel 21, Christen 23, Newt 25, Base 26, Dice 29, Threat 30, Heeded 32, Agree 34, Idol 36, Rear 40, Nod.

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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